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OPINION: Nigeria Can – And Must – Climb Out of The Hole Made By Corruption

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The Source
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Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede

By Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede

I was 13 years old in 1979, when Nigeria began to slip into a dark, frightening hole that seemed to have appeared overnight, and from which it has yet to emerge: corruption.

Until that point, I had walked with a particular adolescent swagger – that of a young citizen of a newly independent nation that really mattered on the world stage; of a country whose voice carried loud and clear in the community of nations. To me, Nigeria was a country that produced wonderful writers, excellent athletes and brilliant leaders. It was the most populous African nation, one where English was spoken well and whose national IQ was one of the highest in the world. Life in Nigeria, while of course not perfect, was in so many respects really good. And it was getting better.

My secondary school, looking back, provided a reflection of what was happening in Nigeria. In 1977 I was fortunate to attend an elite state-run secondary school, where by any African standard I had access to first-class teachers, academic resources and sporting facilities. Then that hole emerged seemingly from nowhere, and into its bowels vanished so much of what was good about Nigeria.

Suddenly, my school was no longer a centre of excellence, but an underfunded, overcrowded relic of past glory where standards had plummeted overnight. It was a microcosm of the insidious power of the corruption gripping Nigeria, where good was sucked into that forbidding hole and turned into bad. A nation that had up to that point embraced merit in most things, at least those things my childish mind grasped, had done an abrupt about-turn and chosen instead to pursue mediocrity.

At that time, in 1979, Nigeria had just emerged from military rule, the only system of governance I had known since birth in 1966. Power was again handed to civilian authority – but it was not to last long before the military once again seized power in 1983 (and effectively held it again until the turn of the millennium). In 1982, a year before the military seized power from our civilian government for the second time, I began my four years of university studies. Not much changed; certainly, things weren’t getting any better.

Indeed, if I thought that it was the civilians who couldn’t manage our country properly, what followed when we returned to military rule proved that any civilian government is better than a military one. Dictatorship was not only badsocially and economically, but from a global point of view Nigeria was a pariah nation unable to get its act together, and on its way to joining the club of failed African states.

Our military administrations from 1983 on are reckoned by some to have been the most corrupt of all, but perhaps Nigeria was so corrupted already that no one really noticed. Perhaps the hole was now so deep already that it no longer really mattered if it got deeper.

Then the miraculous happened, and in 1999 Nigeria returned again to civilian rule. For the next eight years, because we had once again embraced meritocracy, our country experienced a renaissance. Nigeria made more progress in that short period than it had in the preceding 25 years. We began to climb out of that terrible hole, the one we had dug for ourselves. But then,just as we got our heads above the ground,we lost our footing and we started slipping back down again. Today, I believe, we are almost in the same position we found ourselves in 1999; we have wasted many of the opportunities and outcomes our eight-year renaissance had afforded us.

By now our country should be flying!

Consequently, I have found myself asking: does our apparent inability to climb out of the hole we are in mean that we Nigerians have accepted that we cannot do any better? That our lot in life, despite the fact that we can compete intellectually with any nation on Earth, is much worse than we had dreamed it would be? That our children are consigned to being third-class citizens of the world (unless they emigrate and find opportunity elsewhere)?

Here’s another question to ponder. When I was a small boy, our nation was 60-million strong. When that hole yawned open when I was 13, we stood at around 80-million. Today, we have more than 200-million people mired down there, and in 30 years’ time there will be over 400-million in number. Would that not be the very definition of Hell?

These are the things I dwell upon, the fears that I have for my beloved Nigeria. But then, I look to the examples of other countries that have climbed out of their own holes of poor performance and, instead of basket cases, have become success stories: countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and China.Surely, if they can, we can, too?

That is the story that I want for my nation. I certainly don’t presume to have all the answers – indeed, I might not have many – but I have resolved to employ the resources I have (financial and otherwise) to do my utmost to change Nigeria’s sad narrative. It’s an investment in a brighter future for my country and all who live in it – and it’s certainly well worth making.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is a banker, investor and philanthropist, and the founder of The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.It aims to transform the performance of African public servants,eliminating inefficiency and corruption, so thatAfrican countries are not left stranded on the third world tarmac

Insecurity; Uzodimma To Imo People: Govt. Risen To It, God Has Taken Control

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma in Church

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has told Imo people that his Government has not only risen to the security challenges in the State, but that God has taken control over it.

Uzodimma  reassured  them: “The State  is safe and well protected from any form of violence, incursions and unwarranted molestations and harassment of residents because God has taken control.”

The State has been for weeks, the centre of insecurity with the attack and torching of both official and residential homes, including Police facilities, Correctional Centre, Owerri, the Governor’s Country home, as well as the killings of scores of people, including security personnel and civilians.

But the Governor says all is well.

He gave the reassurance Friday while addressing the people of Imo State and others from all other parts of the world who came to be part of the funeral service of late Madam Selina Ozioma Ndukuba, mother of the Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Church), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, at St. Peters Anglican Church, Ogberuru, Orlu Local Government Area in Imo State.

The Ndukuba is the first Igbo from the South-east to be appointed to the high profile office of the Anglican Primate.

Governor Uzodimma condoled the Archbishop and members of his family for the loss of their dear mother and thanked the Anglican community for coming from all parts of the world to be with the Ndukubas in Ogberuru.

Delving into the security situation in Imo State, the Governor  told them to “have confidence” not only because “Government has risen to the occasion,” but that “God had taken control.”

He urged them to disregard some of the stories and rumours flying around that tend to put fears in the people, assuring that “the Egyptians we saw yesterday we shall see no more today.”

However, Governor Uzodimma pleaded with the leadership of the Church to join hands with government in letting our people know the benefits that accrue from standing on moral rectitude, noting that crime does not pay.

Uzodinma drew the people’s attention to the fact that there could be no successful crime in any community, village, town or State without somebody who knows the terrain well aiding the crime.

He, therefore, urged the Church, traditional rulers and leaders of communities to play their role in the fight against crime and criminality by assisting to flush out criminals from their midst and other hideouts.

He reminded the congregation that by virtue of his princely background, he is Igbo in flesh and blood, and so would not wish that the experience of the Nigerian Civil war repeats itself again.

He urged Imo people to apply their consciences as Christians and refrain from shading innocent blood through wanton destruction of lives and property in Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

In his appreciation of those who came for his mother’s burial, Most Rev. Ndukuba expressed his profound gratitude to God Almighty for the lives and times of their mother, Selina and thanked all who honoured the family with their prayers, goodwill messages and physical presence.

He specifically thanked Governor Uzodimma for finding time to attend the burial, in addition to numerous assistance, which included assurance of adequate security that encouraged the family to go on with the burial ceremony. “You have encouraged us, you have stood with us, we are grateful,” he told the governor.

The Primate commended the security agencies for their concerted efforts in ensuring that Nigerians are safe wherever they are.

Most Rev Ndukauba remarked: “To every Nigerian, there is hope for Nigeria. God will deliver us from the challenges bedeviling this country.”

OPINION: Dave Umahi’s Thesis: Ebonyi Gov. On IPOB Security Challenges In S’East 2023 Presidency Others

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The Source
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By Femi Adesina

Engineer Dave Umahi again! Yes, the Governor of Ebonyi State pulls no punches whenever he decides to speak. No tongue-in-cheek, he just fires from all cylinders.

That was what he did when he was special guest at the State House Press Briefing in Abuja last week. There were many issues of concern in his part of the country, and the Governor did not shy away from any.

In recent times, police stations, offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other Federal assets have come under attack in the South East. They have been incinerated, and scores of policemen killed. Who dunnit? Leaders of the region have opted for ‘unknown gunmen,’ perhaps out of fear of being objects of attack themselves. But Umahi was deadpan:

“We are the ones killing ourselves, not foreigners. We have to tell ourselves the truth, if we want the problem solved.”

The Governor said he may not agree with the formation of the militant wing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), known as ESN (Eastern Security Network), “but we know why it was formed.”

Gov. Dave Umahi
Gov. Dave Umahi

He said it was a direct reaction to the invasion of the region by both local and foreign herdsmen, who attack farmers particularly, destroy their crops, rape their wives, and kill people.

“We don’t want herders killed, but neither should they violate our cultural values. That was why we formed Ebube Agu, which is a kind of regional security group. It has been signed into law to protect our people. If you cause problems in any part of the South East, Ebube Agu will deal with you, no matter who you are.”

Ask Umahi what the South East really wants. A country of their own, as is being championed from some quarters? He demurs:

“We are Nigerians. We want to belong to a fair, just, equitable Nigeria. We want a country of fairness, equity, justice, and freedom. I want a Biafra of equity and justice, not one of killing policemen and burning of INEC offices.

There’s no region that does not have issues in the country, but grievances should be looked at through dialogue, and not by taking the laws into your hands. Killing is not the character and culture of our people. It is sheer criminality.”

The Governor laments that 99% of security agents killed so far in the region “are from the South East. They are our brothers and sisters. It is not good for us. We shed tears. Our people should be wise, and deploy wisdom at this critical time.”

He said the agitators should give leadership of the region their demands, “ and we will address them within six months. But we are not with them in insulting the President of the country. It is foolishness.”

One way to combat poverty, insecurity and restiveness is through development. Gov Umahi spoke on giant strides in Ebonyi, a State he said he met in massive poverty, but which he is trying strenuously to turn around.

“We inherited poverty, and have demolished it, though there are still some traces. Even Jesus says the poor will always be around. But we do our best, and wish we can do more.”

Talking further on development as means of combating poverty, Gov Umahi spoke of keeping the people gainfully busy through agriculture, industry, rice mills, cassava flour processing, ultramodern shopping malls with over 50,000 stalls, road networks, a medical university being constructed, colleges of nursing, of technology, and human development generally.

“About 95% of our projects are done through direct labour. This ensures that there’s no capital flight from the State.

“We are doing everything to increase value for education. When you are educated, you won’t carry guns at the instigation of juju men, who promise invincibility. It doesn’t happen. You can’t be brainwashed into believing in a shrine that gets destroyed, and the shrine can’t respond.”

Gov Umahi loves President Buhari, and had always done so before he moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC). And the President returns the gesture duly. I recall that it was Ebonyi that the President first visited in his first term, and stayed the night. He was even invested with two chieftaincy titles by the royal fathers.

“President Buhari is doing a lot for the country,“ Gov Umahi says.

“He started early on agriculture, otherwise, there would have been severe hunger in the country today. Lots of opportunities have been provided by the Federal Government, but our people don’t want to work again. Government has come with great empowerment opportunities, and they need to embrace and utilize these things.”

Now, to perhaps the biggest issue in the country. Presidency in 2023. Which region should get it? Was that the reason Umahi decamped to the APC? And would he stay, if he didn’t get the party’s ticket? The man is as frank as ever:

“I’m in APC, but it’s not conditional. It is not predicated on the party zoning its presidential ticket to the South East. If we are talking of justice, it is the turn of the South East. No good person from the region will preach seceding. We’re better off in South East under a fair Federal Government. We used to be houseboys and house girls before Ebonyi State was created. But not anymore. All we are asking for is a fair Nigeria. But I’m not in APC just because of presidential ticket.”

A parting shot from the Governor?

“We can do with more patriotism in Nigeria. Fake news is a big problem fueling insecurity. We need patriotism to fight both insecurity and poverty.”

Very well said.

Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

Graveyard: “I Buried 30 Members During My Tenure As ASUU National President” – Prof Biodun Ogunyemi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Biodun Ogunyemi

By Ayodele Oni

President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, on Friday, bowed out as the National President of the Union, having served out his three years tenure.

The Valedictory Conference was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

In his farewell speech, Prof Ogunyemi disclosed that 30 ASUU members died of COVID-19 and other issues during the period under review.

“In line with the provisions of our constitution, we are here to review our activities in the last three years with a view to charting a new course at this critical juncture of our national life.

“As a point of departure, we must place on record that COVID-19 did not spare our campuses.

“Many of our infected members had to combat the COVID attack with resources from colleagues and other people of goodwill, because their salaries and emoluments, as well as the union’s check-off deductions, were either withheld by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation over the rejection of the discredited Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System,(IPPIS).

“Our other comrades suffered the same fate in the hands of overzealous State University Vice-Chancellors and Visitors. As a matter of fact, we lost at least 30.

“In the last three years, ASUU has enjoyed tremendous goodwill from quarters too numerous to mention.

“Despite being a government official, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund has never denied his training in ASUU and the role played by the Union in midwifing the intervention agency.

“The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission is also another rare breed who projects his clear understanding of ASUU’s mission at every meeting with the government. May their race multiply!

“We equally appreciate the intervention efforts of the Hon. Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu as well as his Labour and Employment counterpart, Sen (Dr) Chris Ngige when it mattered.

“We cannot thank them enough. Our profound appreciation equally goes to the Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who has continued to play significant roles in getting our matters resolved in the last one year.

“The NLC President and Global President of the International Trade Union Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has stood by us all the way.

“His strategic intervention, on behalf of the Congress to which we are an affiliate, always made the difference. Comrade Global President, may your shadow never grow less.

“For us, the ASUU struggle has become a lifetime project. We therefore appreciate the privilege to serve you and pledge our continued loyalty and support for this great union of intellectuals. So, as we say, the struggle continues.”

Ogunyemi’s successor is expected to emerge on Sunday at the Awka conference.

The Conference’s lecture titled: “State Terrorism and Nigeria’s Development” which was delivered by Prof Akin Oyeboye of Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, said that Nigeria was at a crossroads, caught in the vortex of verible contradictions, hopelessness and self-doubt.

Finally, Obaseki Buries Legal Challenges, As Supreme Court Reaffirms Him Edo Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Finally, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, can have a sigh of relief. He can now relax comfortably on his Governorship seat, and face the job for which he was elected into office.

A five- man Panel of the Supreme Court, Friday, unanimously affirmed him the Governor of the State. In affirming him, the Apex court, diminished as rubbish, the case instituted against the Governor, alleging forgery in his educational certificate.

Hailing the judgement, his Deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu,  described the country’s Judiciary as the referee of democracy through enforcement of the rule of law, to protect the minorities from the power of the majority.

According to him, “the ruling of the Supreme Court today has shown that the Judiciary does not lack teeth.

“The rule of law is the strong pillar and rock on which Nigeria’s democracy stands.

“Every other foundation is made of sinking sand because the judiciary is no longer bound by artificial limitations.”

Mr Shaibu said the Supreme Court displayed decisional and institutional independence which underscores the ability of the Judiciary to make decisions free from Political influence.

“The Judiciary constitutes the most important vessel in the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. The Supreme Court is not a systematic instrument for the acquisition of political power.

“The final judgement today has demonstrated to the World that the Nigerian Judiciary is not a pawn in the hands of desperate politicians to realized their ambition.

“The rule of law has prevailed and this has demonstrated further that no one can sit above the law.

“Justice is the greatest interest of man and the ligament which binds civilized people together. Today’s judgement has reinforced this saying due to the celebration all over Edo State and other parts of the World.

“The extent to which the Nigeria Judiciary is free to perform its roles and efficiently too, will determine how developed and how deep rooted our Democracy will be.”

He commended the Judiciary for bailing the nation out of the woods and for waging unrelenting war against arbitrariness, highhandedness, wickedness and injustice.

The Deputy Governor cautioned politicians that Nigeria is operating the rule of law and not rule by law where unjust and oppressive laws are enacted with hyperpoliticized Courts to oppressed others.

“This is a democracy, for full protection of minority rights within majority rule” he added.

Both the Federal and Courts of Appeal had earlier dismissed the allegations against Obaseki.

Fmr APC Scribe,Timi Frank Faults Appointment Of New COAS, Says Military Reduced To Armed Guards

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Mr Timi Frank, on Friday, condemned the appointment of Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff. It is unconstitutional, he said.

He said Nigerians and the international community should hold President Buhari responsible for bastardising the military and reducing its officers and men to armed guards, rather than a well-trained and disciplined fighting force.

Mr Frank in a statement in Abuja, condemned the act, saying it represents a gross violation of the Constitution, Federal Character Principle and a total negation of long cherished military traditions and values.

According to him, elevating  Major Gen Yahaya above his seniors is a direct hit against the military, which will see senior, capable officers being purged through compulsory retirement as in the past and situation that would further weaken the nation’s security architecture.

“We had believed that Buhari, as a retired General, would leverage his experience and tactical know-how to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. But he has failed woefully.

“Under Buhari’s administration, Nigeria has witnessed the weakest and most horrendous security situation largely due to his incompetence and his penchant to elevate incompetent and inexperienced Hausa/Fulani/Muslim junior officers to lord it over competent and experienced senior officers.

“We have seen this repeated over and over in the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigerian Navy, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Customs Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to mention but a few.

“This, no doubt, has bred widespread distrust, discontent, disloyalty, low morale and lack of motivation among the Officer Corps of the military and other security agencies in the country

“This untoward and dangerous adventure of Buhari as Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, has concomitantly culminated in the deterioration of military discipline and willingness of the security forces to wholeheartedly confront insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements that daily make life unbearable for the average citizen.

“For instance, the recent appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya of Course 37 as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), invariably means that over 68 Majors-General of Course 35 and 36 in the Nigerian Army who are Yahaya’s seniors and still in service would either be retired compulsorily or stay and be bossed by a junior officer.

“Besides, General Yahaya, a junior officer, is now going to be rubbing shoulders with the present Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Auwal Zubairu Gambo – all of Course 35.”

The former APC scribe pointed out further that President Buhari has shown utter disdain for long held military tradition of subordination, discipline, obedience, decorum and regimental service.

“By his actions, Buhari has consistently breached the Nigerian constitution, the Armed Forces Act and the much cherished seniority in military service, no thanks to the rubber-stamp members of 9th National Assembly that have reneged on their oaths of office which they swore to.

“Little wonder that in, almost, six years of Buhari’s administration, the insecurity in the country has continued to oscillate from frying-pan to fire.”

World Bank: FG Gets $700m Loan for Water, Sanitation

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The World Bank has approved a $700 million dollar for the Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, URWASH.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that the $700 million loan is from the bank’s International Development Association, IDA.

It is a body which helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic.

According to the details provided by the Bretton Wood body, the fund is expected to be used to provide 6 million people with basic drinking water services and 1.4 million people access to improved sanitation services.

The bank made the announcement in a statement on its website in Washington D. C. on Thursday, where it said the programme will also deliver improved Water Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH services to 2,000 schools and Health Care Facilities and assist 500 communities to achieve open defecation-free status.

The progamme, it said would be implemented as part of the Federal Government’s National Action Plan (NAP) for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s water supply, sanitation, and hygiene sector.

According to the bank “In 2019, approximately 60 million Nigerians were living without access to basic drinking water services, 80 million without access to improved sanitation facilities and 167 million without access to a basic handwashing facility.

“In rural areas, 39 per cent of households lack access to at least, basic water supply services, while only half have access to improved sanitation and almost a third (29 per cent) practice open defecation, a fraction that has marginally changed since 1990.”

The bank, however, said in recent years, the Federal Government had strengthened its commitment toward improving access to WASH services, spurred on by the need for Nigeria’s WASH sector to catch up with its regional counterparts.

This, it said, led to the government declaring a state of emergency in 2018 and launching NAP aimed at ensuring universal access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services by 2030, commensurate with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

It also said the programme would support NAP which was a 13-year strategy prioritising action within three phases.

They are Emergency Plan, Recovery Plan and Revitalisation Strategy and also the Clean Nigeria; Use the Toilet Campaign which aims to have Nigeria free of open defecation by 2025.

Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said the programme’s centrality to the human capital agenda and its potential to influence key human capital outcomes could not be over-emphasised.

He said this was because access to WASH was an important determinant of human capital outcomes, including early childhood survival, nutrition, health, learning and women’s empowerment, all of which in turn affected labour productivity and efficiency.

“This will help to keep more girls in school, create employment and reduce open defecation, while developing greater resilience to the impact of climate change and conflicts between different land and water users,” he said.

The SURWASH programme is performance-based and participation is open to all states in Nigeria based on their commitment to specific reforms in the sector.

Falana Says Nigeria On The Verge Of Collapse, As 2023 Election Looks Unrealistic

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Femi Falana

By Akinwale Kasali

Legal Luminary and Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana, has lamented the State of the nation, saying that the nation is on the verge of collapse.

Falana made this statement following the incessant attack on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, threatening the 2023 general election.

Speaking at the final sitting of the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, South West, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Zonal Public Hearing, Lagos Center, held in Ikeja, under the chairmanship of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central,  Falana said Nigeria is ruled by rule of the rulers and not rule of law, lamenting that people commit all manner of crime and got away with it because there are no sanctions.

“This must change. The Social Security Bill must also work so that jobless people can get stipends pending when they will get full employment. What can we do very quickly to save this country which is on the verge of collapse? If you don’t want people to break away from Nigeria, we must give them confidence and sense of belonging, don’t declare a war,” he said.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that for the constitutional amendment to be fruitful and for Nigeria to have genuine outputs from this meeting, peace must reign.

He stated that Nigeria’s problem must be addressed frontally, as well as give people the confidence of peace and inclusion if the government must kill the cries for secession.

“In fact, in some parts of the country, the 2023 elections are already threatened. “INEC offices are being burnt, police stations are being burnt. In that kind of atmosphere, we cannot pretend that there is political stability in our country.

“Essentially, I am making a case for the poor, the masses of our people who are generally not represented in fora of this nature which are most times for the elites and privileged among our people,” he added.

He explained that Chapter Two of the constitution guaranteed the right to education, health, living minimum wage, good adequate housing, unemployment benefits, among others, but that members of the ruling class conspired and agreed, regardless of political affiliation, that these provisions shall not be enforceable or made justiciable.

“But unless we are prepared to make these provisions justiciable and enforceable, this country will know no peace. Whatever constitution will come forth after now must make justiciable the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state without which there will be no political stability in Nigeria,” he said.

Falana also submitted that the Child Rights Act enacted in 2003 be made applicable throughout Nigeria, adding that as of today, only 25 states have adopted the law, “but even then, not fully implemented. Unfortunately, it is states where banditry, kidnapping and terrorism thrive that have refused to adopt or domesticate the law, and that is where banditry, terrorism, and kidnappers recruit daily.

“We also advocate a 50/50 representation for men and women in government. We should emulate other African countries where women even take a larger percentage in government affairs”, he said.

Restructuring: Changing Only The Driver Of Knocked Engine Is Not A Solution – Peter Obi

By
The Source
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The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Pe oples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 General Election, Mr. Peter Obi,  on Tuesday thrilled the Academic Community of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN with his analysis of restructuring and why it must happen for Nigeria to develop.

Obi, who was the Guest lecturer  at the 4th Adada Lecture organized by the Association of Nsukka Professors, ANP, at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium and Unity Hall of the University, said that the clamour to change the Presidency without restructuring amounts to changing the driver of a vehicle without brain box, and expect it to move.

A statement from the Media Office of the former Anambra state Governor, signed by Media Director, Valentine Obienyem, said he spoke on ‘Restructuring, Security Challenges and Development’ and noted that without restructuring the system fundamentally, no effort can come out of the struggle for Presidency in 2023.

“All over the place people have been urging me to go for President in 2023, we will vote for you but I say to them, the vehicle called Nigeria has no brain box but people are talking of changing driver only”

“What can a driver of a knocked engine or car with a faulty or no brain box do? Absolutely nothing until the vehicle goes for complete overhaul.”

“Those clamouring for restructuring are saying fix the car first, then look for a driver”

Obi said that those opposed to fixing the car are exploiting the owner on the day to day repairs and thought it would pay them better than having a good working car that can serve everybody.

He said that those opposed to restructuring are ignorant of the benefits therein, and would do everything to enable the unworkable status quo to remain.

To the excitement of the students and lecturers that had the magnificent hall filled to capacity, Obi listed the numerous gains of a restructured Nigeria which includes paying the lecturers their worth and making the students study in a conducive environment.

“Professors are house helps to politicians. How can such society grow? Professor advising Local Government Chairman and running after political thugs when it should be the other way round”

Obi said that Nigerian students are among the best in the World, given the terrible condition of study they operate.

He regretted that Nigerian politicians see thugs who cluster around and praising them as a measure of popularity instead of seeing them as wasted production hands who should be in factories.

“All these youths who go about shouting and hailing political leaders are supposed to be factory workers. If they were in their firms producing, they won’t have time to come hailing anybody”

Obi charged the Academics to strive to belong, instead of leaving the political space for those who should not be there in the first place.

The former Governor said that security is everything, that’s why the Constitution said it’s the primary function of Government. “We are here because it’s secure”

On development, Obi said that the basis for its measurement is on human capital because a developed person catalyzes every other forms of development.

The well attended lecture was chaired by a former  Federal Permanent Secretary, Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa, and attended by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, Senator Chuka Utazi of Enugu North Senatorial zone and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Igwe.

COAS Appointment: Tension In Army, Top Generals To Go

By
Bayo Bernard
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Farouk Yahaya - Major General - New COAS

By James Orji

The appointment of Major Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff, COAS, shattered all predictions as he was not among top favourites.  His choice as Army Chief by President Muhammadu Buhari, following the death, last week of Lt. General Ibarhim Attahiru, in a plane crash in Kaduna has also created tension in the Army because of the looming sack of top Generals that are his seniors.

Most importantly, President Muhamamdu Buhari’s choice of Yahaya broke the heart of not a few Nigerians who had expected the new COAS to be from the South east, in line with clamour by Igbo that one of their own be picked as a member of the elite class of Service Chiefs.

With his appointment, therefore, analyst insist that heads will roll among serving Generals, in line with the military tradition where it is expected that senior officers will resign when their junior is appointed to a very sensitive post.

Since the former Army boss died in an ill-fated military aircraft on Friday 21, top Army Generals had lobbied the Presidency for the post, with different officers positioning themselves to take over from the late Attahiru, who himself was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari earlier in January.

Among those favoured to become COAS are Majors General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf, a former Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, MI Aliyu of the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, Benjamin Ahanotu, Danjuma Ali-Kefi, amongst others.

Attahiru - Lt General - COAS
Attahiru: Died In a Plane Crash

These Generals will be forced to leave the military now that a junior officer has been appointed to take over command of the Army.

A statement, on Thursday by Brig. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, the Acting Director, Defense Information, announced Yahaya’s appointment by President Buhari.

Onyema said “The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari has appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.

“Prior to his appointment, Major General Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East, code named Operation HADIN KAI.”

A tweet from the Presidential Aide, Social Media, Bashir Ahmad, had earlier announced Yahaya’s appointment.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff,” Ahmad said.

Before Buhari finally appoint Yahaya, presidential sources had told the magazine that none of the Generals favoured by public opinion will get the job. This, they say was in line with the president’s tradition to surprising pundits.

One source had informed the magazine when asked if the president was planning to appoint any of the four Generals mentioned above, that the decision ”is left to the president to decide. Yes, they are all qualified but you know Mr President, he may as usual come up with another surprise. All I can tell you is that a new COAS will be appointed soon because nature abhors vacuum.”

That decision, according to those with the knowledge of the military, has now put at least 30 Generals in a quagmire as they are expected to retire voluntarily or be fired from their posts by the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, due to the fact that many of them are senior to the new COAS who is of Regular Course 37 in the Nigeria Defence Academy, NDA. Yahaya was commissioned an officer in 1990.

“Only Generals from Course 35 and few others from Course 36 who are favoured by the new COAS will be allowed to remain in the force. At least, he is expected to make over 30 appointments, with the president’s approval that will assist him in his new role as the Commander of the Army,” a top military source said.

“In total, over 30 Generals from both Courses 35 and 36 will be sacked to pave room for the new appointees by the COAS.  This may be painful considering the huge resources that the country has spent to train these officers, but that is the tradition, because it is the COAS that will choose those he feels he can work with,” he stated further.

Other sources told the magazine that General Yahaya is very popular among the officers. Citing the jubilation among both officers and men following his appointment, analyst insist that President Buhari must have considered many factors, including his pedigree as an Artillery officer and his track records as the Theatre Commander, Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East, code named Operation HADIN KAI.”

“General Yahaya was appointed by the former COAS, Tukur Burutai into that position, and when General Attahiru came on board, he retained him even when other Commanders where redeployed. That should tell you something, that President Buhari must have spotted what many people are not seeing, before appointing him COAS,” another source who crave anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter said on Friday.

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