The leadership and members of the Forum of Ex-Agitators of the Presidential Amnesty Phase II, have declared support for the Senatorial ambition of former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.
The Chairman of the forum, comprising 6,166 ex-agitators, Mr Aso Tambo, said while speaking with journalists on Thursday in Toru Orua, Sagbama, that the ex-militants who were granted Amnesty by the Yar’Adua Administration decided to back Chief Dickson because of his antecedents as a strong and committed believer in the Ijaw cause.
He said, “We are supporting Chief Dickson because he believes in the defence òf the Ijaw interest. He is a Nationalist who is keen on protecting the Ijaw interest. He is one person that is committed to the desire to move the Ijaw Nation forward.”
Tambou called on all ex- agitators and the youths of Bayelsa West and Bayelsa Central where the Senatorial bye- elections will hold, to work towards the conduct of a peaceful credible, free and fair election.
Tambou, who advised the ex-agitators to ensure that they vote and defend the votes, also, urged them to resist being used by unscrupulous political actors to subvert the democratic process.
He said that the ex-agitators, under his leadership, were concerned that elections in Bayelsa from 2015 to date have been very turbulent because of the use of the youths to cause electoral crisis and violence which, according to him, should stop.
Tambou called on the Federal Government and the Security Agencies to collaborate with the ex- agitators and, indeed, the youth populace to work towards the conduct of peaceful and credible election in the state.
“As ex agitators and freedoms fighters who fought for the emancipation òf our people, we have realized that we are the same people that they are still using against one another to disrupt elections.
“So this time, we have come out to support a candidate of our interest.
We are also working as a team to ensure that there is peace in the election. Wherever election is taking place in Bayelsa West Senatorial District and also Bayelsa Central, we are working to ensure that the votes count. They should vote their interest, and the right to vote and the votes must be protected.
“We are also using this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government and security agencies to work with us, and we will also work with them to ensure that there is peaceful and credible election come October 31, 2020.
“My message to the youths across party lines is to vote and protect your votes. Ensure that your votes are protected. Every youth should adhere strictly to the stipulations of the electoral act, to ensure that the votes counts,” he added.
The Coalition of Yoruba Self Determination Groups is demanding for a referendum for an Oduduwa Republic.
The Group said that Nigeria, as a nation is no more habitable for the Yoruba people, stressing that Nigeria is still crawling and has many ailments threatening its survival.
It, also, added that the afflictions Nigeria is suffering from may end its lifespan, unless a surgical operation is done to remove its festering tumor.
The Group comprising over 24 self-determination Groups said that Nigeria has continued to record stunted growths with its economic fortunes nose-diving into the abyss, unlike its contemporaries like Singapore, Brazil, Ghana, India, South Africa and others.
A statement by the Group, signed by Rasaq Olokooba, on behalf of the other Groups, said that the Yoruba People are indigenous to 10 States in Nigeria being Delta (Itshekiri), Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti and Edo State (Akoko).
It added that the Yoruba people have continued to experience and endure different forms of hardship and repression beginning from the political upheavals in 1962, during the Civil War, where many Yoruba were forced to fight a war that had no meaning to them, to the dotted landscapes of military coups and the imposition of repressives regime over Yoruba territories, to the annulment of June 12, 1993 elections won by a Yoruba Man, Late Moshood Abiola.
“In the past few months, a new and fervent moment of Yoruba Self Determination Groups has been reinvigorated, and it is spreading like wildfire. In six continents, various Yoruba Groups of which we are involved will be holding rallies, all calling for an Independent Yoruba Nation
“This demand is a popular struggle, as the product of spinless leadership over the years has characterised Nigeria and has accentuated vicious attacks on Yoruba Values and Civilization. This agitation for Oduduwa Republic is fueled by certain unfortunate developments.
“The primary and secondary causes of these are Political and economic exclusion, lack of electoral credibility, Corruption, Yoruba people are not allowed to choose their leaders, Nepotism, primitive acquisition of public wealth by public Officials, disdain for human rights and the dignity of Man.
“The secondary factors are the invasion of Yorubaland by armed alien forced; the audacity by alien people invading, kidnapping, maiming and killing Yoruba people; the mass migration of economic, cultural and extremists refugees to Yorubaland; destruction of Forest resources by armed Fulani Invaders and militias”.
The Group added that the right of people to self determination is a fundamental principle in modern international law, and binds all members of United Nation together, in which Nigeria is member.
It, however, warned the Federal Government, Police and all Security Operatives to respect the rights of the Yoruba people to self determination and any attempt to attack, arrest, kill or kidnap main advocates of this cause will only strengthen and embolden the Group in line with global best practices.
The Group, also, warned opposing self determination Groups to desist from provoking the people who are ready to key into an idea that has been in the offing for decades.
It called on the United Nations to organise a self determination referendum for ethnic nationalities in Nigeria before the 2023 elections.
However, a number of other Yoruba Groups, and stakeholders, are against a secession, and have asked the Federal Government to ignore the calls.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, appears to have given up on the capacity of Nigerian armed forces to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents, after the terrorists, attacked his convoy twice in Baga, a major town in the badly ravaged state, and almost killed him.
The state’s helmsman, bent on ridding his state of the militants has now appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to invite Chadian soldiers to join the battle against the bloodthirsty Islamists.
Recall that Chadian troops launched an offensive against Boko Haram in the Sambisa forest few months ago, capturing a large cache of arms.
Many Chadian soldiers alongside Nigerian soldiers also fought the insurgents early this year before the joint mission was disbanded.
At least 10 soldiers and many policemen were killed in the two ambushes, the third within a year as the governor said he’s poised to resettle thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDP that have been displaced from the town since the insurgents lay siege on it.
The frequency of the attacks has forced some Nigerians to warn Governor Zulum to tone down his rhetoric and visit to some flashpoints of the state as the insurgents intensify their attacks.
Zulum, tacitly invited the armed forces of the Idris Deby-led Republic of Chad during a meeting with some state governors who paid him a visit after the attack on his convoy, last week, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, spokesman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, said in a statement.
The governor, who said he will not be deterred from ending insurgency in the state, said President Buhari should invite soldiers from neighbouring Chad so that meaningful success can be recorded in the fight against Boko Haram.
Zulum said “no single army anywhere in the world has ever succeeded in quelling insurgency and requested that the government looked into ways of complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Army with the Chadian soldiers, emphasising it is not to undermine the Nigerian soldiers but to help them in finishing the job within a realistic deadline.
“The situation in our State has become very dire because, everything calls for endurance, commitment and dedication if our people were to be drawn out of the woods.
“Chad Basin used to employ about 10 million people while the Sambisa Grazing Reserve and the Mandara Mountains used to employ about 3 million people but the insurgents have made these places inaccessible to the people.”
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has promised to reduce his visit to some dangerous parts of the state in order not to make him a target of the insurgents.
Ten days away from the Ondo state Governorship election, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has boasted that he would emerge victorious in a free and open contest.
Akeredolu also reminded his opponents that with the majority of the people of the state behind him, he has nothing to fear.
Addressing supporters at Isua-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko South-east Local Government, in continuation of his campaign, he declared that “The grace of God that I am enjoying will disgrace all my political enemies”.
The Governor , who is seeking a re-election for a second term maintained that he neither relies on rigging nor any form of manipulation, but hopes to win the electoral contest through the votes of the people.
According to him, he is the man to beat, and the power of the people heavily standing behind him, will fight his battle for him against his political adversaries.
“My opponents have deployed all weapons of destruction against me and my family for political exigency, but the grace of God that I am enjoying will disgrace them without an exception.
“They said I did not do anything in Akoko, but they drive through Oke Alabojuto every day. Our Water Scheme is in their towns. We renovated their schools and hospitals. Yet, they said we did nothing in Akoko.
“By the grace of God, my administration constructed the first dual carriage road in Akoko Land since this state was created in 1976. I funded AAUA. Arigidi to Oke Agbe road is under construction through the support of NDDC.
“There are over 1,000 Akoko Sons and Daughters working in the Companies at Ore Industrial Park facilitated by our government. By the grace of God, the road from Isua to Ugbe will be completely tarred within two years of my second term.
“I am happy that you, the common people, have stood your ground against the locusts of yesterday. I thank you all. I am a believer in the power of the people. The power of the people is mightier than bullets in a democracy.
“The power of the people is mightier than the bullets of my political adversaries. With the people standing gallantly behind me, I have nothing to worry about. I am going to win free and square on October the 10th. My victory is certain.”
There was pandemonium in the Maryland Area of Lagos State as the #RevolutionNow Group staged a peaceful protest on the State of the Nation.
As the Group was rounding up, after almost an hour of protest, Police Hilux arrived in numbers, carrying Policemen, forcing the protesters to take to their heels.
Unfortunately, The Punch Newspaper Photojournalist, Olukayode Jaiyeola, who was at the scene capturing the events was pounced on by the Police. He was manhandled and hit with weapons.
He was, also dragged on the ground, during which he sustained injuries, and his Camera damaged.
The Police dragged him into their Van, as his colleagues protested his arrest, and drove off with him, as a captive
As the pandemonium continued, the Police shot into the air to disperse his colleagues who took to their heels.
Just as the Journalists were challenging the Police, asking the reason for the brutalisation and arrest of Jaiyeolu, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu; arrived at the scene.
The Journalists went to him and explained what happened. He promised to get to the root of the matter.
At the scene, a Television Continental, TVC, Reporter, Miyen Akiri and other Journalists had a live interview with the CP, during which he apologized for the conduct of his personnel.
Jaiyeola has been rushed to the Police Clinic in Ikeja, at the time of filing this report.
Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly, Biodun Olujinmi, has dispelled rumours that her victory was negotiated at the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal by Governor Kayode Fayemi.
While announcing the suspension of Governor Fayemi from the All Progressives Congress, (APC) last week, a group of aggrieved members had accused him of anti- party activities.
He was alleged to have backed Olujinmi, a People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) member, at the Tribunal against the APC candidate, Prince Dayo Adeyeye.
Adeyeye was first declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in 2018, before the victory was upturned by the Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
Olujinmi, in a statement, described as slanderous, mischievous and malicious, on the part of anybody, to impute that judgement was purchased at the Ekiti Senatorial Tribunal and Appeal.
“My initial reaction was to say I am not a member of their party and to allow them steam in their sauces.
“At no time before, during and after the trial have I met with, or discussed the case with the Governor of Ekiti state, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
“As a committed party person, I saw the allusion to the fact that Fayemi negotiated the judiciary on my behalf as an insult, not only to my integrity, but that of the noble Judges who I never met, but who were fearless in the discharge of justice despite the odds and of course, on the Governor whose preoccupation is only about his party.
“My case against Prince Adeyeye was straight forward. It was on the issue of my stolen mandate bordering on voodoo votes that were added to give him victory.
“It was an issue of sorting real ballots from ‘the rest’, and counting them in the presence of INEC officials, Police, DSS and Lawyers of both parties. In fact, after the recounting of the real votes of two local governments, it was clear that the game was up.
“Prince Adeyeye had a competent team of lawyers who tried all they could but who, in their minds, knew we were proactive and scrutinized every move. He must point out where judgement was purchased because he lost unanimously at the Tribunal and at Appeal.
“It smacks of bad faith, incompetence and ridicule of the judiciary and legal profession. It is a great pity, and I hope the NJC takes note and acts accordingly.
“Prince Adeyeye was riddled with controversy in the PDP. He left and joined the APC, got a waiver and a ticket, immediately; from the Governor to contest the Senatorial seat, only to turn to an adversary within a year. That speaks volume of his person.
“I am not a member of the APC, and will never seek refuge from my enemies. Dr Fayemi is the governor of Ekiti state, and I will accord him his due respect as I had done for others before him. It doesn’t make me a member of his party but a properly raised adult.”
In the Ekiti APC crisis, the anti Fayemi group, had among other alleged anti-party activities, accused Governor Fayemi of backing Senator Olujimi in the Tribunal and Court of Appeal, against Senator Adeyeye, and hosting former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, a PDP chieftain, at the Ekiti Government House.
The APC National body has set up a reconciliation Committee, headed by Kaduna State Governor, Maam Nasir El-Rufai to reconcile both factions.
It is 4.00am, October 1, 2020, Nigeria’s 60th anniversary. And I am wide awake. My heart is heavy. And I am tossing about in bed.
I am in Owerri, with no plans for the day. In town, the tension is high. There is palpable fear. The Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, had ordered a sit-at- home order. And in response, soldiers, policemen, and other security agents have taken over most streets in a show of force.
My mind wandered, lazily, at what was, what is, what could have been. I wish I could get some more sleep. But I am uncomfortable. I am sweating. There is no public power supply. There has been none from the previous day. I hate dark rooms. So the two rechargeable torches in my room are on, and add to the heat.
The gen-set was put on on by 6.45.00pm. By midnight, I ordered it off. Diesel is expensive. And we are all managing. I would need it on again by 6.45am in order to listen to the President’s annniversary speech.
I don’t know why, but I remembered Adams Oshiomhole, the newly politically-orphaned former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Where would he be this day? Edo, Lagos, or Abuja? On October 1, 2019, it was easy to know his whereabouts. Abuja, definitely, and on his way to the Villa, to be in the company of the powers-that be, for the celebration of Nigeria’s independence.
No longer. Life and its twists and turns.
I had made up my mind not to comment on the outcome of the Edo State Governorship Election which outcome has quarantined Oshiomhole. But, as I remembered him, I punched my phone, to, again, watch and listen to Oshiomhole, in a video, after he lost Edo. As he spoke on the loss, he was struggling to contain his emotion, unsure of himself, babbling nonstop, and restless.
As I watched Oshiomhole, waxing philosophical, trying, unsuccessfully, to be brave, my heart went out to him. He cut a pitiable figure. And I thought I should send him a condolence message on our Independence Day. For, I could imagine what was going through his mind as he granted that undignifying interview.
Adams Oshiohmole:
Regrets. Anger. Shame. Fear of a once beautiful political future shattered, just like that. Then questions, to nobody in particular – ”If I had known? Why did I? How am I going to face Godwin Obaseki? Or Philip Shaibu, my younger Comrade, who, always, publicly, call me father? Or even Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the man, who I, in 2016, used my mouth to finish as a man? Why did I kneel down before those Chiefs to beg for forgiveness? Why, why, and more whys?”
Ize-Iyamu would be justified to sue Oshiomhole for everything he has. He should think along that line of action.
I now don’t remember if I had said this here before, but I have always had a soft spot for Oshiomhole.
I like his grass to grace story. From being a tailor, where his talent helped earn him the Best Tailor Award, to his exploits as a Unionist, where he ended up as a two-time President of the NLC, to his foray into politics, where he surprised, even, himself by becoming a two-term Governor of Edo State, to landing on the National scene, to occupy the powerful seat of the National Chairman of the ruling party at the centre, it was like a fairy tale for him – much like a Cinderella-kind of story, the one many of us yearned for while growing up.
The former lowly Tailor began to dine and wine with the high and mighty. He was making front page news. He was fearless, talkative, and abused, at will, former Presidents, even those who had helped him on his tortuous road to success in life. He had, many times, called for the probe and prosecution of both former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
He had power and influence in abundance.
He could call any APC Governor to order. He could keep them, or sack them. See how he forced power out of the hands of former Governor Rochas Okorocha. It is, mostly, because of the role he played in Imo State that Okorocha’s dashing son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, is not Imo Governor today.
Oshiomhole was complicit in the denial, of a second term in office, for former Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State.
One can also talk about the role he played in the APC crisis and misfortunes in Zamfara, Rivers, and Bayelsa. As the National Chairman of the party, the buck stopped on his table. Power, and influence, and money gushed from every pore in him.
And, Oshiomhole made good for himself.
He was able to build a mansion, some say a Palace, for himself, in his village. He probably has same in both Abuja and Lagos, and perhaps in Kaduna, where he began life.
For him, life couldn’t be sweeter than it was. He had it all. Power. Influence. Money. Well read children. A young, beautiful Oyinbo wife at home, or wherever.
And, as an icing on the cake, Oshiomhole was able to install his successor in office as Governor.
So, how did Oshiomhole fall from these Olympian heights to the bare floor? How did he lose all the influence and power? How did he reduce himself to the lowly level where he had to, publicly, kneel down before his people in Edo State, to beg for forgiveness? How did he reduce himself to a caricature of his old self? How did he allow himself to be so humiliated?
I saw it coming.
In an earlier write-up, I had asked Oshiomhole to lie low. That was when he was sacked as the Party’s National Chairman, same period he stopped Governor Godwin Obaseki from taking part in the Edo Governorship Primary, and forced him out of the party.
I asked him to lie low because I was embarrassed for him that his name was among the APC National Governorship Campaign Committee for Edo. I had suggested to him to nicely, and politely, reject his membership of that Committee, so as to keep whatever self-esteem he had remaining.
Here are why.
Oshiomhole’s party had just given him a red card by sacking him as its National boss. He should have known that his name was added to that Campaign Committee list for the fun of it. It was added, as my mother of the blessed memory would have said, to fulfill all righteousness.
I felt somebody was out to ridicule Oshiomhole more than he had already been ridiculed. How could anybody have genuinely wanted him to campaign for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a man, whose character, he had, in 2016, completely destroyed.
While campaigning for Obaseki, Oshiomhole had, publicly, called Ize-Iyamu a thief, a character in whose hands one couldn’t trust a kobo, a cultist who threw acid at a fellow student while at the University of Benin, a fake Pastor, a fake lawyer, since, according to Oshiimhole, he did not go to Law school.
So, I advised Oshiomhole to keep off. That he would be bad news for the campaign, especially, after the terrible things he had said about Ize-Iyamu, and his disgrace out of the National office. I couldn’t imagine him standing by Ize-Iyamu’s side campaigning for him. Surely he would be uncomfortable.
But Oshiomhole thought otherwise. He saw himself as a superstar. Some people are like that. They are what we called, in our secondary school days, ”notice-me-or-I-die.” Indeed, power corrupts
When he got to Benin, he hijacked the campaign. He became the face of the campaign. He overshadowed the candidate. It was like he was the one on the ballot. He overshadowed everybody. As I write, I hardly remember the name of Ize-Iyamu’s running mate. It was Oshiomhole all the way.
Truth is, like many others, I gave Oshiomhole more intelligence than he exhibited. Oshiomhole should have known that he was fighting a lost battle in Edo. There were pointers to that. They were glaring.
President Muhammadu Buhari, a man of few words, was, from my reading, tired of Oshiomhole. Under him, the APC lost States and clout. Nobody, with conscience, would be happy over the treatment given to Obaseki. How could anybody stop a sitting Governor from taking part in the Governorship Primary?
The President, surely, took note. He waited to hit when it would hurt most. That was why, without a blink of the eye, he sacked Oshiomhole as the APC National Chairman. And more.
Buhari knew a good number of APC Governors and stakeholders were not interested in Ize-Iyamu’s campaign. But he never called them to order.
Unlike the PDP, the APC did not have a final mega rally. The President looked the other way.
When Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, out of nowhere, put out a brazen, unnecessary, advisory on the Edo Election, introducing himself as the Leader of all Democrats in Nigeria, in addition to his order “office”, the Leader of the APC, the President had had enough. He needed to do something.
And he did.
He decided, even if it was with a push from the International Community, to ask INEC and Security Agencies to play strictly by the rules.No mago-mago. They obeyed. Oshiomhole’s candidate lost.
To rob it in, President Buhari was the first to congratulate Obaseki on his victory. This other day, when he stamped his role in Edo with a Presidential seal, he was happy to flaunt his impartial, fatherly role. He told the story of his instruction to Security Agencies to keep off when he received a grateful Obaseki and his entourage in audience.
It was one of Buhari’s day in the sun as a President.
By his shocking greed for power; his desperation to be Edo’s political godfather; his obscene foul-mouthedness, Oshiomhole, all by himself, committed a political suicide. He dug his own grave. And buried himself. He, on his own, downed an otherwise fairy tale political ascent. He also went down with his candidate.
After destroying Ize-Iyamu’s character in 2016, he may have dragged the man, along with him, to a premature political grave. Ize-Iyamu shares in his failure.
Here is why?
He did not show self-esteem. Otherwise, he should have asked Oshiomhole out of his campaign train. He did not need him. How could he, after 2016? He swallowed the insult heaped on him by his fellow man because he was desperate to be Governor. How could he? Where was his beautiful wife, a Professor of Medicine?
On October 1, 2020, Nigeria’s 60th anniversary, Oshiomhole would, otherwise, have made the front row, same row with the President.
See what he cost himself. See what he lost. Both at the State and National level, he takes a back seat. His chapter is no longer attractive to read. The fairy tale has ended.
But back to where I started. When I watched Oshiomhole addressing Journalists in that restless manner, not making much sense, as he spoke on his loss of Edo, from his private gym, instead of his former posh office, or his equally posh private office, or Edo APC office, I knew it was time to send him my condolences on the death of his Political influence.
My deep condolences dear Comrade. I wish you would be in a frame of mind to, now, rest. You have been too restless for a long time.
I speak to you today as your President and fellow citizen on this epoch occasion of our country’s 60th independence Anniversary.
As President, I wish to renew my appreciation to Nigerians for entrusting me with your hopes and aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria.
Today, it is my unique privilege to re-commit myself to the service of this great country of great people with profound diversities and opportunities. We are bound by destiny to be the largest and greatest black nation on earth.
At this stage in our nationhood it is important that we reflect how we got here to enable us work TOGETHER to get to where we aspire to be as a strong indivisible nation, united in hope and equal in opportunity.
On October 1st 1960 when Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa received the constitutional instruments symbolizing Nigeria’s independence, he expressed his wish that having acquired our rightful status as an independent sovereign nation, history would record that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace.
This optimism was anchored on the peaceful planning, full and open consultation and harmonious cooperation with the different groups which culminated in Nigeria emerging as a country without bitterness and bloodshed.
Our founding fathers understood the imperative of structuring a National identity using the power of the state and worked towards unification of Nigerians in a politically stable and viable entity.
That philosophy guided the foundation that was laid for our young nation of 45 million people with an urban population of approximately 7million occupying an area of 910,768 square km. These demographics led to development challenges for which major efforts were made to overcome.
Today, we grapple with multiple challenges with a population exceeding 200million occupying the same land mass but 52% residing in urban areas.
Sixty years of nationhood provides an opportunity to ask ourselves questions on the extent to which we have sustained the aspirations of our founding fathers. Where did we do the right things?Are we on course? If not where did we stray and how can we remedy and retrace our steps?
Upon attaining independence, Nigeria’s growth trajectory was anchored on policies and programmes that positively impacted on all sectors of the economy. However, this journey was cut short by the 30-months of civil war.
We came out of the civil war with a focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation that enabled the country to put in place world class development structures and a strengthened public service that well served the government.
This positive trajectory continued with a return to democratic government which was truncated by another round of military rule.
For a cumulative 29 of our 60 years existence as a nation, we have been under military rule.
My summary of our journey so far as a nation is necessary to appropriately chart where we need to go and how to get there TOGETHER.
Today, I am aware that our economy along with every single economy in the world is in crisis. We still face security challenges in parts of the country, while our society suffers from a high loss of moral rectitude which is driven by unbridled craving for political control.
An underlying cause of most of the problems we have faced as a nation is our consistent harping on artificially contrived fault-lines that we have harboured and allowed unnecessarily to fester.
In addition, institutions such as civil service, police, the judiciary, the military all suffered from a general decline.
We need to begin a sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunity to eliminate old and outworn perceptions that are always put to test in the lie they always are.
The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nation’s evolution and integration.
To start this healing process, we are already blessed with the most important asset any nation requires for such – OUR PEOPLE – and this has manifested globally in the exploits of Nigerians in many fields.
It has been demonstrated time and time again that Nigerians in the diaspora frequently excel in science, technology, medicine, sports, arts and many other fields.
Similarly, the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nigerian at home has resulted in globally recognized endeavours.
I am convinced that if we pursue our aspirations TOGETHER we would be able to achieve whatever we desire. That informed our adopting the theme TOGETHER to mark this epochal event.
Together we can change our condition for the better and more importantly together we can do much more for ourselves and for our country.
I chose the path of self-reflection because this is what I do on a daily basis and I must confess that at most times, I always felt the need for a collective reflection as I know that the foundation for a solid future which this administration is laying can only be sustainable if there is a collective commitment by Nigerians.
Nigeria is not a country for Mr. President, any ruling or opposition party but a country for all of us and we must play our part, irrespective of challenges we face, to make this country what we desire.
To achieve this, we must focus our minds, TOGETHER as a people, on ways of resolving the identified critical challenges that underlie our present state.
These include:
a. Evolving and sustaining a democratic culture that leaves power in the hands of the people;
b. Supporting the enthronement of the rule of law, demanding accountability of elected representatives and contributing to good governance;
c. Increasing our commitment to peaceful co-existence in a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria;
d. Harnessing and Optimizing our tremendous human and natural resources to attain our goal of being in the top twenty economies of the world and in the process;
e. Lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years
f. Strengthening institutions to make them stronger in protecting National Interests; and
g. Imbibing tolerance in diversity.
I am a firm believer in transparent, free, fair and credible elections as has been demonstrated during my period as a democratically elected President.
The recent build-up and eventual outcome of the Edo State elections should encourage Nigerians that it is my commitment to bequeath to this country processes and procedures that would guarantee that the people’s votes count.
The problems with our electoral process are mainly human induced as desperate desire for power leads to desperate attempts to gain power and office.
Democracy, the world over and as I am pursuing in Nigeria, recognizes the power of the people. However, if some constituencies choose to bargain off their power, they should be prepared for denial of their rights.
This call is made more urgent if we realise that even after a transparent, free, fair and credible election, desperation leads to compromising the judiciary to upturn legitimate decisions of the people.
It is necessary to, therefore support the enthronement of the rule of law by avoiding actions which compromise the judiciary.
Fellow Nigerians, our history has shown that we are a people that have the capacity to live peacefully with one another.
As a government, we remain committed to our constitutional oath of securing the lives and properties of the citizenry. I, however, call on the citizenry to also support government by providing the necessary community level intelligence in addressing these challenges.
In moving forward together, it is important to strengthen our economy to provide sustainable means of livelihood for as many Nigerians as possible so as to eradicate absolute poverty from our midst.
I want to re-emphasize my dedication and commitment, a dedication and commitment that propelled my public service career and informed my quest to continually seek for an opportunity to improve the lives of Nigerians, set the country on the path of prosperity and lead the country to a better future.
This administration has been focused on rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable Nigeria.
Of course, we have met and are still meeting the challenges inherent in any rebuilding initiative – more so that of a nation like Nigeria that has undergone avoidable levels of deprivation – but can be surmounted if we all work together.
I wish to re-iterate that our people and our spirit of excellence remains our most important asset.
In this wise, the need to return to our age-old ethical and high moral values would be necessary and this informed my launching of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy on Monday 28th September, 2020.
The policy would not implement itself and the first contact of the visibility of its implementation is the Public Service whose on-going reforms would be expected to be sustainable and give a radical re-direction in providing services to all Nigerians.
Fellow Nigerians, in addition to public health challenges of working to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, we have suffered a significant drop in our foreign exchange earnings and internal revenues due to 40 per cent drop in oil prices and steep drop in economic activities, leading to a 60 per cent drop in government revenue.
Our government is grappling with the dual challenge of saving lives and livelihoods in face of drastically reduced resources.
In this regard, sustaining the level of petroleum prices is no longer possible.
The government, since coming into office has recognized the economic argument for adjusting the price of petroleum. But the social argument about the knock-on effect of any adjustment weighed heavily with the government.
Accordingly, in the last 3 years,we have introduced unprecedented measures in support of the economy and to the weakest members of our society in the shape of;
a. Tradermoni
b. Farmermoni
c. School Feeding Programme
d. Job creation efforts
e. Agricultural intervention programmes
No government in the past did what we are doing with such scarce resources. We have managed to keep things going inspite of the disproportionate spending on security.
Those in the previous Governments from 1999 – 2015 who presided over the near destruction of the country have now the impudence to attempt to criticize our efforts.
In the circumstances, a responsible government must face realities and take tough decisions.
Petroleum prices in Nigeria are to be adjusted. We sell now at N161 per litre.
A comparison with our neighbours will illustrate the point;
a.Chad which is an oil producing country charges N362 per litre
b.Niger, also an oil producing country sells 1 litre at N346.
c. In Ghana, another oil producing country, petroleum pump price is N326 per litre.
Further afield, Egypt charges N211 per litre. Saudi Arabia charges N168 per litre. It makes no sense for oil to be cheaper in Nigeria than in Saudi Arabia.
Fellow Nigerians, to achieve the great country we desire, we need to solidify our strength, increase our commitment and encourage ourselves to do that which is right and proper even when no one is watching.
Fellow Nigerians, let us collectively resolve to continue our journey beyond the sixty years on the clear understanding that as a nation we are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities.
By the special grace of God we shall come through any transient challenges.
It is my sincere hope that by the end of this anniversary on September 30th 2021, we will all be proud of taking this individual and collective self-assessment for the progress of our great Nation.
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has told Nigerians not to lose hope in their Nation, even as he charged them to be purposeful in playing their own role towards making the country great.
The former President stated this in a goodwill message to Nigerians as the nation marks its 60th Independence Day on Thursday.
He noted that the journey of Nigeria has been that of mixed fortunes, adding that it requires the commitment of all citizens to build a strong and prosperous Nation.
He said: “Like many other great nations, our journey has been that of mixed fortunes. Our Nation has been through periods of progress and times of setbacks. We have experienced eras of strength, unity and faith as well as seasons of weakness, trials and despair. Despite these challenges, we have remained as one, and nurtured our democracy to 21 unbroken years.
“I, therefore urge us to make investments that will shore up the democratic gains and work towards building strong and virile institutions. We need to harness the greatness that lies within our diversity and the strength of our population, to recreate and build the Nigeria we desire. We must de-emphasize our fault lines and concentrate on the silver lining within our lands.
“Every great nation is built on the patriotic sacrifices of its citizens. We should show love, unity and understanding in times of trials and never lose hope in the presence of despair. This is the spirit that is required to build our nation, to enable us live in the land of our collective dreams.”
Dr. Jonathan also paid tribute to those patriots who had paid the supreme price towards advancing the course of our nationhood, stressing that they will continue to be Nigeria’s heroes.
Following is the full text of the Goodwill Message:
NIGERIA AT 60: WE SHOULD NOT DESPAIR
I congratulate all Nigerians as we celebrate our 60th Independence Anniversary. Today is another unique day in our nation’s history. It marks six decades of the anniversary of our self-rule. It is an occasion that commemorates our political freedom.
Sixty years ago, we made a procession of victory, as we bade farewell to colonialism and emancipated our lands from the clutches of servitude. It was a day of hope, promises and great expectations amplified by the reality of freedom and the vista of vast opportunities.
We may not have met all the expectations and fulfilled all the promises that came with our independence. It may seem that we are punching below our weight in terms of the rate of development and economic growth but we have recorded some progress, triumphed over challenges and excelled in many spheres. In sports, entertainment, arts, education and even in politics; The Green – White – Green has flown with pride, honour and dignity in the comity of nations, in the last 60 years.
Like many other great nations, our journey has been that of mixed fortunes. Our nation has been through periods of progress and times of setbacks. We have experienced eras of strength, unity and faith as well as seasons of weakness, trials and despair. Despite these challenges, we have remained as one, and nurtured our democracy to 21 unbroken years.
Nation building is a journey and everyone has a role to play for us to arrive safely in our desired destination. Today, we are confronted with numerous challenges and we require the commitment of all citizens to stabilize this nation. As a democrat, I believe that democracy remains the best platform for nation building, as it affords every citizen the opportunity to have a say on how our country should be governed.
I therefore urge us to make investments that will shore up the democratic gains and work towards building strong and virile institutions. We need to harness the greatness that lies within our diversity and the strength of our population, to recreate and build the Nigeria we desire. We must de-emphasize our fault lines and concentrate on the silver lining within our lands.
Every great nation is built on the patriotic sacrifices of its citizens. We should show love, unity and understanding in times of trials and never lose hope in the presence of despair. This is the spirit that is required to build our nation, to enable us live in the land of our collective dreams.
Today Nigeria and the rest of the world are going through a major health crisis, that has continued to threaten the stability of states and their institutions as well as the lives and livelihoods of citizens. We must never give up, no matter the challenges we face today. We should not live in despair of opportunities lost or dreams deferred.
Let us seize the opportunities that this pandemic presents to recreate and build a stronger nation. Our success as a nation lies in the fervency of our faith, the strength of our unity and commitment to our national creed: unity and faith, peace and progress. Let us work in solidarity to ensure that this national creed does not become a mere slogan but a lived experience for all.
Dear Compatriots, as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our independence, we should recognize that not many are privileged to witness this moment as some have paid the supreme price defending and upholding our nation’s unity and advancing the course of our nationhood. I wish to pay a special tribute to these patriots who will continue to be our heroes.
And to all other Nigerians, this is not a time to lose faith in our nation. We should be steadfast in service; promoting peace, unity and hope. Let us sustain the national conversations in search of equity, justice and unity and progress.
Persons with disabilities in Ondo state have rallied support for the second term bid of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Their spokesperson, Folasade Arise told Journalists in Akure, on Tuesday, that the present administration of Governor Akeredolu has done more for the disabled persons in the state than any previous governments.
Arise, who is a Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Persons, explained that this is the first time in the history of the state that persons living with disabilities would be accorded recognition.
According to the Governor’s aide, “Appointment of Special Assistant to his Cabinet,
construction of elevator to ensuring persons with disabilities have easy access to governor’s office without any assistance and increment in subventions, are some of the administration’s largese to disabled persons.
She pointed out that through the logistic support of the Governor, the office of the Special Assistant was able to successfully fix artificial limbs worth N200,000 to 20 Amputees free of charge in the State.
A board whose members were drawn from disabled persons to see to their welfare was constituted by the administration as well as given jobs to 35 unemployed graduates.
“Series of empowerment programmes have been organized for our people, during which Grinding Machines, Generators and Clippers for our Barbers, Magnifying Eye glasses and body cream for the Albino were distributed.”
The Ondo election is scheduled for October 10, and the candidates are scrambling for the needed endorsements.
