As the crisis between stakeholders in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana remains unabated, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, has vowed that Niger Delta Stakeholders would resist any interference in the administration of the NDDC.
The Bayelsa State Governor made this remarks Tuesday at the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa, while receiving NDDC Management Team to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a prototype building by the Commission.
Governor Diri stressed that NDDC is independent of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and cannot be under the Umana Okon led Ministry.
The statement by the Bayelsa State Governor is coming on the heels of the controversies over purported directive by the Niger Delta Ministry for Personnel Audit at the Commission.
Governor Diri urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently inaugurate a substantive Governing Board for the interventionist agency in line with extant Law.
He added that the NDDC urgently needs a substantive Governing Board in order to meet the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region in tandem with the mandate of the Commission.
In a Press statement, the Governor said: “Someone from Kano State can be appointed to head the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs but that cannot be done in the case of NDDC.”
According to the Governor, the Act setting up NDDC makes reference to only indigenes from the Niger Delta region. It is for this reason that an interim administration cannot really take tough decisions for fear of the security of his appointment.”
The Governor, therefore, called on President Buhari “to resolve this overlap between the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC by constituting a governing board to run the affairs of the NDDC”.
Until his redeployment recently, Chief Bayo Lawal was the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the Pace Setters state, Oyo. He’s now the Commissioner, Ministry of Trades, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives.
Not long after he was moved from his former position, rumour was agog, among naysayers that the governor was trying to cut down the influence of the amiable politician in his government.
The celebration of those that thought the duo was feuding was however short-lived after they came to the shocking revelation that they have allowed themselves to be misled by their own evil, selfish imaginations; the very amiable Lawal still enjoys the confidence of the governor, and his redeployment was to enable him to focus more on the important task of getting Makinde re-elected as his Campaign Director General, DG for next year’s governorship election.
An old political war horse, Lawal has no knack for failures in battles. His trajectory speaks volumes and convincingly for him that he will not fail in this onerous task of building bridges among the PDP family in the state, and projecting Makinde to the electorate, as their preferred governor in next year’s election to continue the good work the governor started three years ago.
As a politician of note who easily connects with all strata of the Oyo public, Lawal’s uncommon tenacity and fervor in building bridges among the young, old, rich, affluent, and influential politicians is a plus for Governor Makinde who many say is already on his way to trumping past PDP governors in the state, who failed in their quest to be re-elected for a second term in office.
In 2014 when some doubting Thomas’s wrongly projected that Makinde, then, fresh from his emergence as PDP governorship candidate would find it difficult to win the election, the Engineer tactfully plotted a winning strategy with Lawal-who was initially billed to contest for a senatorial seat -and the Makinde Ticket shockingly defeated Adebayo Adelabu, the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, who was reeling with cash from the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN at the time, apart from the full backing of the incumbent, late Governor Abiola Ajimobi strongly behind him.
“How Makinde won that election still remained a shock to us in the PDP, judging that we threw everything into that election, with the incumbency power behind us. We are still reeling in the pains of that defeat,” an APC stalwart said.
After Makinde’s epochal election victory in 2015, the governor initially posted Lawal to the Ministry of Special Duties, where he served meritoriously and to the satisfaction of the state chief executive. But the governor, being a man of the people, himself knew that government is about the people and that his future election victory will depend more on the good people of the state.
The governor quickly devised a means to connect further with the grassroots, by strategically moving Lawal to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs because of his experience and God-given endowment of connecting easily with people.
That singular action, intentionally taken by the governor, according to some members of his inner circle, has turned out a masterstroke that’s now working for him because the grassroots is now solidly behind him ahead of next year’s election.
That Governor Makinde has got the people behind him is no longer in doubt. But for the opposition, the thespian chicken has now come home to roost for them because they failed to see through the governor’s needle eye “Grassroots strategy’, which has made his popularity soar ahead 2023 election.
Two things happened while Lawal superintended the Ministry of Local Government; the Omituntun Campaign DG conducted the ministry’s affairs with Makinde’s Public Service Integrity, MPSI mantra. Unlike some in his enviable position, Lawal refused to be bossy and distant from the people, rather he brought himself to their level, whether small, big, young, or old.
Doing otherwise would have made the governor lose his people’s support, counterproductive and costly for the PDP and Makinde who needs to win again, to set a new record as the only PDP governor that won re-election in the state.
“Chief Lawal has an uncommon, non-monetary relationship with many people, outside and inside the government to the extent that his home is always thrown open, day and night to everybody no matter the demography and social status. You can conveniently describe him as the government’s bridge with the grassroots,’ a local government chairman said, adding that “Oga doesn’t like publicity, and would not take anything from you before solving your problems.”
The local government boss who spoke in anonymity said “Oga doesn’t want to draw unnecessary publicity to himself. He’s focused on the task given to him by Governor Makinde, and would not want to be distracted.”
After the PDP swept to power in 2015 and Lawal’s appointment, initially as Commissioner for Special Duties and later Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, he had stuck to the assignment of helping the governor build structures at the local levels, he did not rock the boat, as many in his shoes would have done considering the power, gratification, and paraphernalia that come with that office.
Rather, Lawal has helped the governor build strong relationships within the party, apart from “poaching’ key opposition leaders into the PDP fold in line with the governor’s all-inclusiveness policy.
This uncommon, selfless approach to politics, watchers of the state’s politics insist has really endeared Lawal to the performing Governor Makinde, himself a good product, therefore it will not be difficult for Lawal to sell the performing governor to the good people of the state as his 2023 Campaign Director General.
Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has disclosed that his administration has recruited Professional Builders into the State Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing after 10 years.
The Governor also revealed that the building department in the Ministry was created by his administration in a bid to promote professionalism in the building profession.
Governor Akeredolu spoke in his office while receiving the National Officers of Nigerian Institute of Buildings led by the President, Prof. Yohana Izam.
The National Officers are in the State for the 52nd Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting which holds on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.
Governor Akeredolu hailed the commitment of the building profession to the development of the nation, adding that the importance of builders in the society can not be over-emphasized.
The Governor, who said his administration has changed Akure into a blossoming State capital
added ”Akure as you know is the capital of Ondo State. Yes, when we came into office in 2017, a number of people felt Akure was a very rural capital, but Akure is no longer a rural capital. Today, we have three airlines flying to Akure.
“Now, more people come to Akure for good reasons and I am sure if you move around, you will see many buildings springing up. People are improving old buildings and properties because we now have good access roads.
“Today, there are hotels. When we got here, we had maybe three standard hotels and everyone had to be there. But today, to our surprise, so many hotels are coming up that I am even afraid.
“And I asked them, are you even sure you will have enough patronage. But they come back to me that they have done their survey.
“We have one big one in Ijapo. Another bigger one where we use to have Owena Motel. So, everybody is coming up. We know it is for the advantage of the State.
“Akure is no longer a rural city, Akure is now blossoming and we are sure your coming will add to the importance of Sunshine State.
“Now you have mentioned the building code that you wish to be domesticated. I will ask the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing to ensure that he takes it up immediately. We will domesticate the code.
“I find your suggestion apt. The issue of having Department of building department in Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology in Okitipupa, we will look into it and act accordingly.
“There are many builders,but we can afford to have more. As we continue to build, we need builders whether we like it or not in Ondo State.
“Before I came in over 10 years, no builder had been appointed. I had to give approval that they appoint builders and they have now been appointed.10 years none till now.
“To me, builders are as important as any other person. I believe our building department would do well if responsibilities are well given to them, they should move round and see all the buildings, and see where there are problems.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Buildings, Prof. Yohana Izam hailed Governor Akeredolu for transforming the State capital.
The Institute also commended the Governor for professionalising the building department in the State Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.
Zamfara State Government has ordered shoot at sight of motor cycle riders that are found between the hours of 8.00pm to 6.00 am.
In a state wide broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Bello Mattawale explained that the order is part of measures being put in place to curtail insecurity in the state.
He disclosed that Government has provided the newly launched Community Protection Guards (CPG) with 1,500 specially equipped motorcycles and 20 specially treated vans, all equipped with lawfully allowed weapons for their take-off.
According to him, the state Government will continue to improve on the newly established Community Protection Guards to complement other law enforcement agents.
Governor Matawalle noted the relative peace recorded in some of the Local Government areas in the state and announced that an emergency number (112) has now been provided to call during emergency situations free of charge.
In response to increasing criminal activities of bandits in the outskirts of Gusau City, the Governor announced a ban on operation of motorcycles in affected areas from 8pm to 6am.
Another measure announced is a directive to hotels in the state to seek proper identification of their customers with any valid card such as National ID, driver’s licence, voters card saying “Any defaulting hotel in the state will be severely penalised. This is in line with an executive order recently signed by the Governor.”
Governor Matawalle called on the people to remain vigilant and report activities of informants whom he said are so far, being arrested in numbers.
He said Government has recently ordered for the census of houses in the state to fish out the bad eggs who reside among the people with sole intent to perpetrate criminality by aiding the activities of bandits.
He also charged security operatives to re-double efforts in dealing with the bandits and their collaborators in the state.
Leading financial institution Union Bank of Nigeria, UBN has rewarded the first set of winners in the second edition of its Save & Win Palli promo.
The first live draw of this season, which took place at Union Bank’s Head office in Lagos, saw 50 customers win cash prizes of ₦105,000 each. The winners were selected randomly through a transparent, and electronically generated draw supervised by relevant regulatory bodies.
Save & Win Palli Promo is a nationwide campaign aimed at rewarding customers with cash prices and other exciting gifts worth over N55,000,000. The goal is to encourage and promote a healthy savings culture. The promo is open to new and existing customers who save a minimum amount of N10,000 monthly.
Savers who qualify to participate in the monthly draws stand a chance to win N105,000 each, while 5 winners will go home with N500,000 each in two of the quarterly draws. One lucky customer will snag the star price of N5,000,000 during the grand finale set to hold in December alongside other consolation prices.
Speaking concerning the draw, the Head of Retail Deposits at Union Bank, John Obichie, said: “Union Bank is pleased to reward our customers through initiatives like this that encourage them to save. This promo was introduced to support our customers during these trying times and to reward them for being consistent with their saving habits.
The savings promo which kicked off in July will run until the end of the year and will see more winners emerge during the monthly, quarterly and end-of-year draws so there’s still a chance to participate and win!
If you are an existing Union Bank customer you can continue to top up your savings in multiples of N10,000 monthly to increase your chances of winning.
Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their mobile phones to open an account or they can simply walk into any Union Bank branch. To reactivate existing accounts, returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or also visit any of Union Bank’s branches across the country.
Nigeria’s inflation rate has risen to 19.64 percent, according to the National Bureau of Intelligence, NBS. The Bureau in a report released on Monday, said the consumer price index, CPI which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services, has surged to 19.64 percent in July from 18.60 in June. The rate the NBS said is the highest in more than 17 years, noting that increases were recorded in all classifications of individual consumption, NBS said “On a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in July 2022 was 1.817 %, which was 0.001% higher than the rate recorded in June 2022 (1.816 %),” the report reads. “The percentage change in the average CPI for the twelve months period ending July 2022 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 16.75%, showing a 0.46% increase compared to 16.30% recorded in July 2021.” It said there is a significant increase in the prices of essential food items such as bread, potatoes, yam, meat, and fish. “On a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in July was 2.04%, this was a 0.01% insignificant decline compared to the rate recorded in June 2022 (2.05%),” the report adds.
“This decline is attributed to a reduction in the prices of some food items like tubers, maize, garri, and vegetables,” the Bureau said.
Indigenous People of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, have demanded from President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly a legal framework that will lead to the recognition and integration of its people.
They have, therefore, initiated a plan to engage the various Presidential aspirants and ask them what they have in stock for them.
Nine indigenous peoples who own the ancestral land speaking under the coalition, FCT Original Inhabitants, said since 1976 when the Federal Capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja, the indigenous peoples have been subjected to cultural, economic and political exclusion.
The representatives of Bassa, Koro, Ebira, Gbwari, Ganagana, Nupe and other indigenous peoples who spoke at the event marking the United Nations World Indigenous Peoples organised by Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civil Education, (CHRICED), Original Inhabitants With Disabilities Multipurpose Cooperative Society, (FCT), other civil society groups with the support of MacArthur Foundation said there was need for them to be recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The event was attended by experts from across Nigeria and abroad.
The Indigenous People of Abuja in a communique signed by Executive Director, CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, called on President Buhari, the National Assembly and the Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCT) to listen to their cries.
“We have been neglected by various Governments. It is time to pay attention to the needs of the Indigenous peoples in Abuja”, the participants stated in the communiqué issued at the three-day event.
The conference was convened to keep stakeholders abreast of the socio-economic and cultural issues affecting the Original Peoples of the FCT. Over 100 people, traditional rulers, Government Officials, the media, labour, peasants, several representatives of indigenous peoples, Diplomats including, but not limited to association of Original Inhabitants, Environmental Rights Action, (ERA), Green Peoples Environmental Network, (GREPNET), FCT Original Inhabitant and Secretary, Garki Chiefdom among others attended.
Zikirullahi, Dr Lazarus Nyalolo of the FCT Original Inhabitants, Journalists for Democratic Rights, (JODER) and many other leaders of rights groups said indigenous peoples are distinguished by their ancestral land, their distinct language, culture and time honoured values which are treasured and have been preserved for centuries.
“Aware that the Original Peoples of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) are indigenous to their territories, their ancestral land which they have lived for centuries. That they own the land; the land is their livelihood, their dignity and pride. They have cultivated the land which is their greatest material and spiritual assets”, the participants said.
They observed that in 1976, the history of Original People of FCT was deconstructed with the movement of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja by the military government. The movement led to dramatic changes in the sociology, the land ownership, control and management effected through the military Decree 6, all of which affect the past, present and future of FCT indigenous peoples’ they said. They noted further that the indigenous peoples in the FCT are nine ethnic groups with their own culture and civilisations that continue to face existential threats from various dimensions.
Some of the recommendations at the end of the event sent to stakeholders including the National Assembly are that the rights of indigenous people in the FCT should be viewed in the context of the National Question which demands immediate resolution;
“The original peoples of the FCT should be integrated into local and National framework of economic, political and social development. Participants resolved to develop a National Network of Indigenous Peoples with a plan of action driven by peaceful demands for the resolution of grew areas that undermine the rights of indigenous peoples in the FCT and in Nigeria”.
The indigenous peoples stated that they want integration and not resettlement and call for corporate responsibility on the part of the Government and other economic stakeholders on indigenous territories.
It also called on the Nigerian Government to return all occupied Spiritual cites or pay compensation where necessary.
To remove the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is not going to be as easy as it was for him to remove the immediate past Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.
The reconciliatory meetings between Camp Atiku and Camp Wike – ongoing and planned – may have already hit the rocks over the fate of Ayu.
Internal Party wrangling has been the lot of the PDP, since the victory of Atiku Abubakar over Nyesom Wike to emerge the Presidential candidate. It worsened when Atiku picked the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate instead of Wike who not only took the second place at the Presidential Primary, but was the preferred choice of a committee set up by Atiku and the Party to select a running mate for Atiku.
Waving the flag of betrayal and injustice, Wike and his Camp have given the PDP a wide berth. Instead, Wike has been publicly romancing APC high profile members while ignoring all appeals to let go and allow peace to reign in the PDP.
With time running out, especially, as campaign would soon begin in full swing, a14-man Committee has been set up by both men to look into the crisis and sort out grey areas.
The Committee is in addition to the resolve of PDD Governors to wade into the crisis.
However, the efforts may have hit the rock already even before starting seriously.
It stems from the complete rejection of one of the alkeged requests placed on the table by the Wike Camp. According to reports, Wike had requested that the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, must step down from office. His request, it is said, is premised on equity and justice – that the Presidential candidate of the Party and the National Chairman should never come from sane region.
Atiku is from the Northern region, and so is Ayu.
Indeed, when Ayu was elected the Chairman, most people took it for granted that the Presidential candidate would come from the South. But the PDP reneged on the zoning arrangement and threw the ticket open.
Party sources insist Ayu had said he would step down from office if a Northern candidate emerged. But since the emergence of Atiku, Ayu has sat tight.
In a recent interview with Arise Television, Atiku had said Ayu would step down as soon as he, Atiku, wins the Presidential seat in 2023. Meaning: if he does not win, Ayu remains the Chairman.
On Monday, August 15, the Social Media was awash with the news that Ayu had stepped down from office to assuage the Wike Camp, and so, make way for peace.
The story said Ayu had handed his resignation letter to former Senate President, David Mark. But it turns out to be fake.
In a statement released same Monday, Ayu said: never. He said he did not resign, and will never resign.
He has not only reneged on his promise to quit in the event of the emergence of a Northern candidate, he has also faulted Atiku who promised Ayu would quit if he, Atiku, wins the Presidential seat in 2023.
Ayu is now talking of tenure. He is defending his tenure. In the statement, he let it be known that he was elected to office for a four-year tenure and would serve it out.
Not a few people had thought that the Party could consider Wike as the Chairman in the event of an Atiku victory. In fact, on Sunday, a PDP stalwart, Senator Okon, had suggested Wike as the National Chairman in 2023.
With Ayu’s stand, hope is fast running out that an amicable solution would be arrived at in the next couple of days. The questions are:
Is Wike capable of holding the PDP to ransom? Will the Party cave in to his demands and pressurise on Ayu to give way? Will the party call his bluff? Can the party afford to lose Wike, one of its main financiers, and so, possibly lose Rivers State to another Party in the Presidential election? What will be Wike’s fate if the party calls his bluff as most people think could be the case if all appeals to him fail?
The consensus is that Wike is better off remaining in PDP as a tree does not make a forest.
Ex Niger Delta Agitator and leader Bibopere Ajube has decried total neglect of the coastal area of Ondo state by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Coastal area of Ondo state has four local governments of Irele, Okitipupa, Ese Odo and Ilaje, that qualifies Ondo to be part of NDDC.
Ajube said rather than concentrating on development of these areas, funds are being diverted to Akoko area of he state, which is out of mandate area of NDDC.
He accused the management of the NDDC and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, Bunmi Tunji Ojo who is an indigene of Akoko, of diverting amenities meant for the Ondo state mandate areas to please his people.
In a statement in Akure on Monday, Ajube described as disturbing, a situation whereby benefits that should acrue to the people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas are enjoyed by those in the northern senatorial district, especially Akoko.
Ajube, who was Commander of the Western fringe of the defunct Movement for the Emnacipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), emphasized the need for stakeholders to work hand in hand and call the NDDC management and Reps member to order.
Ajube’s allegation came barely 24 hours after Ojo was said to have given about 1,000 Akoko students the sum of N50m as scholarship even as the NDDC disclosed that it had approved the resumption of bursary payment to student in the oil rich region.
“We suspect that someone is trying to play on the intelligence of the good people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo that fall within the mandate areas of the NDDC. Over time, we have watched how benefits that should be extended to the people of the mandate areas are diverted to Akoko.
“Without any grudge against anyone, we are however amazed that this development has relegated our people to the background as they are now like beggars who have to prostrate to derive benefits.
“The most recent ugly development is the noise about the scholarship reportedly approved by Hon. Ojo to Akoko students.
“There is more to this because as the report came without any of our students from Ilaje and Ese-Odo, the NDDC came out to announce that it had approved the resumption of bursary payment. So who is fooling who, we ask?
“I therefore call on the NDDC management as well Hon. Ojo to reconsider their anti people stance against the good people of Ilaje/Ese-Odo by including them in their programmes rather than alienating the riverine areas of Ondo State.”
The NDDC had on Friday said it had resumed the suspended scholarship scheme as part of efforts to eradicate poverty in the Niger Delta region.
Mr Udengs Eradiri, Special Adviser on Youths to the Interim Administrator, NDDC, Dr Effiong Akwa, who announced the development, said that it was part of NDDC’s commemoration of the International Youth Day and ongoing Niger Delta Talent Hunt to discover and empower talented youths in the region.
But the Special Adviser Ojo, Babatunde Alao, described the allegation as spurious and unfounded lies, saying it was a personal empowerment programme to empower his people.
Alao recounted that the lawmaker’s scholarship initiatives are amongst numerous programmes sponsored by the BTO Foundation for the people of Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency.
According to him, it was part of the recent empowerment programmes that was done recently to include free UTME forms and free medical/surgical outreach.
“How can the form for NDDC Scholarship be placed for download on BTO’s personal website?”
He explained further that Federal lawmakers only get constituency projects, adding that “Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s role as the Chairman, House Committee on NDDC is oversight, nothing more. “He does not execute projects.”
Chief V. Ulasi is a known name in Anambra State. I will not call any particular Ulasi, but “ogba oto awu ahu mara onwe ya”. As the Igbos would say, what is the Ulasi of our description known for? Is he a conservative, a liberal or a radical? Who is he and how do we give an appropriate estimate of him? Why Ulasi now?
We would have spoken about him years back, but out of respect for his age. We are doing so today on the Igbo understanding that a time comes when we speak to the king even if through a veil.
A few days ago, I was called on phone by a respected Abuja-based SAN to listen to Chief Ulasi. The SAN’s reaction could be interpreted thus: “Who knows who has given him money? Who knows what he is going to say?” This is a clear image of a man whose character cannot be predicted.
I have listened to Chief Ulasi speak during his appearances in the village square and I think I understand him very well. He can argue a point today and its opposite tomorrow, depending on how his palms have been clandestinely lubricated.
Indeed, Ulasi has the capacity to dress any person as a saint as well as a sinner.
One thing we cannot take away from Ulasi is his eloquence. Whenever one sees him speak in the village square, one observes him seated calmly, bubbling with vitality and wit even when he looks serious and a times quizzical. You will also observe something like languid and aristocratic air about him and in his speeches.
He can rouse one to hatred of any person he discusses by his flaming eloquence and believable mien. Have you seen him appear in the village square without discussing people? Not at all! He is usually procured for demolition work on persons! While on this undignified and unedifying assignment and questions are thrown at him, he would bare his ego with unusual abandon.
During the governorship election in Anambra State at which Mr. Peter Obi supported Mr. Oseloka Obaze, Ulasi was at his best propitiating the masters that procured him.
Val Obienyem
He usually does not have qualms using religion, politics, towns, to any purpose, including poisoning the minds of Anambra people and other Nigerians about Mr. Peter Obi. His indictment of Obi was sweeping and cruelly indiscriminate. I kept asking myself if he meant, from what he said, that Obi had no virtues at all to put in the scale against his vices. At such a time, one would be asking: “kedu mgbe osewelu?” (“When did this quarrel start?”) His criticisms always pass beyond reasonable and healthy dissent to disgraceful excesses of vituperation.
He is a clear case of abuse of God’s grace. Gifted with eloquence and courage he is using them negatively. Rather than use his eloquence to crusade for good governance, he has indeed become a purveyor of doom, often effusive, with maximum of lies and minimum of character.
Each time he finished speaking in the square, the followers of rival political parties that procured him, elevated the cacophony of his unobjective voice, as could have only come from an unspoiled barbarian, to the music of the spheres.
After all they did to kill Obi, they did not succeed, a task for which Anambra State Government, under Chief Willie Obiano, committed billions of Naira.
A good man is always a good man. Nigerians who have watched Obi over the years even when they disagreed with him, know that he remains one of the best politicians in Nigerian whenever politics is measured in the sense of being service to the people and to humanity.
Today, Nigerians, including you and I, are tired about the slip of the country. We are all united in our belief that it is about time we took back Nigeria. Unlucky for Ulasi, Obi has been identified, by an inexplicable irony of history, as better placed to lead the unfolding peaceful revolution.
I may not share the position of Charly Boy, but many Nigerians believe he captured it succinctly when he said that the election without Obi would have been presenting the choice of “Sniper” and “otapiapia” for Nigerians.
Prior to the primaries, Ulasi danced vigorously that we again suspected that somebody who paid him was actually calling the tunes. He dismissed Mr. Peter Obi flatly. He even went on to say that he was positioning himself to become the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It was a good judgement that Obi left the PDP when it became clear to him that dollars would become a deciding factor, because it attracts the elite as honey attracts bees.
In private, we discussed how the elite is part of the problems of this country. “Val,” he said, “Nigeria is bleeding and Nigerians know that, but rather than seek ways to get it right they are angling to make money during the primaries. I pity the common masses.
I know that they seriously desire to take back their country, but at the level of the primaries they are incapacitated.” Thank God everything has turned out the way it is now.
Immediately after the primaries and considering the heroic move of Obi, the love for him hit the roofs. For once, Nigerians have come face to face with a man of substance and a man with the requisite character to change the country.
As we watch him rising like some spectacular rocket capsule among the luminaries of his time, those who have vowed to remain perpetually against the rise of Nigeria are at it again. It is on this supposition that we should understand the recent appearance of Chief Ulasi in the village square.
Mindful of the capacity of Obi’s followership, he tried to soften his indictment with apparent expression of Obi’s qualification and suitability for the job.
Those words of mercy were themselves so shallow that they did not soften the blow from his usually rude fist.
As a way of dismissing Obi and the aspiration, I learnt he even joined another reckless fringe in suggesting that Obi should call South-East Governors and discuss his aspiration.
Would he tell us how other contestants from other region have called their own governors over the same issue? Obi’s movement is pan-Nigerian and it will be offensive for any move delineating it to a particular people – which is not the case.
As we were trying to understand him, one former governor from a neighbouring state, whom we all thought had been sobered by age and circumstance, spoke against Obi. We grant him the freedom to do so but we are shocked at the way and manner some Igbo politicians manifest themselves as repositories of political nonsense. What prompted that speech? What did the speech add to him? Could it be out of solidarity for a man who appropriated his state as much as himself before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) “gbowaa ya aka, nara ya otutu ihe osutere na ohi?” (Arrested him and recovered many things he stole.)
Obi is a Nigerian phenomenon. He is known for having distinguished himself in administration and good governance. He houses the discipline and temperament our country needs today to start anew.
