The Atiku Challenge-ilovepdf-compressed

INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP: 20 DYNAMIC LEADERS IN PUBLIC SECTOR INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP: 20 MOST OUTSTANDING NIGERIANS ... Series

Barr Julie Okah-Donli: Akinwunmi Lawal:
A Visionary Amazon Banker Par Excellence
He is unarguably a
Industrious and performance oriented, she is an outstanding role self-made man, a
model, a true pride of womanhood who has made integrity her courageous and
watchword sagacious man whose
Dame Julie Okah-Donli is a highly motivated and result oriented personality encompasses
management and legal expert with over 25 years of invaluable dexterity and can-do spirit at
experience with top-notched managerial and leadership skills, and all times. His success is not
excellent analytical and communication skills. achieved by sheer accident
but dint of hardwork, good
Born on December 30, 1966; an indigene of Bayelsa State, planning and providence
Dame Julie Okah-Donli has a Degree in Law from the Ahmadu Bello Mr. Mohammed
University, Zaria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992. Akinwunmi Lawal -
CEO, Nigeria Police Force,
She has held many positions in government and in the private Microfinance Bank, (NPF,
sector. Those positions include: Manager: Securities & Exchange MFB) holds the Higher
Commission (SEC); Company Secretary / Legal Adviser: National Diploma (Business
Nigerian Capital Market Institute, Head, Abuja Regional Office: Administration) from Yaba
UBA TRUSTEES PLC, Deputy Head of Chambers: Legal College of Technology (1996).
Resources Alliances, Executive Assistant to the Governor of A fellow of the Chartered
Bayelsa State: 2007-2012, Before her present appointment, she was Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
the Principal Partner: Julie Okah & Co (Legal Practitioners)

She is also a philanthropist and engaged in a number of charity
work. She is the Founder:
Julie Donli Kidney as well as a Microfinance
Foundation. Banker, he has 23 years
She is the Author of the banking experience having
book: Parenting in the 21st Akinwunmi Lawal previously worked with FSB

Century. International Bank Plc (1987-1993) and United Commercial Bank
A woman of many parts, (1993-1994). He joined NPF Microfinance Bank 18 years ago and
she is a fellow, Institute of has served the bank in various capacities such as Head of Accounts;
Chartered Secretaries And Head, Abuja Liaison Office; Head Treasury and Financial Control
Administrators International and Head, Enterprise Risk Management.
(FCIS), an Associate,
Chartered Arbitrators of NPF Micro-finance at a Glance
Nigeria (AcArb), a Fellow, NPF Microfinance Bank Plc (Formerly NPF Community Bank Ltd)
Certified Institute of was incorporated on 19th May, 1993 as a Limited Liability Company
Auctioneers (FCIA). under the provision of the Companies and Allied Matters Act cap
She is also a member of the C20 LFN 2004.The bank provides banking services to both serving
following bodies Nigerian Bar and retired Officers and men of Nigeria Police Force, its ancillary
Association, International Bar institutions and the general banking public.
Association, Nigeria Institute The bank commenced business on 20th August, 1993 at 1
of Management, Institute of Ikoyi Road Obalende, Lagos having obtained a provisional license
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THE REPORT By NOSA IGIEBOR

Dog Days for APC

One of our most instructive received wisdoms admonishes Back to the present: PDP is recharged by the huge bounce
us never to gloat over the misfortune of our enemy. This from its successful presidential primary in Port Harcourt, with a
is because you may sooner or later find yourself in the clear sense of purpose and a laser focus on its mission of regaining
same situation of your enemy. If only the All Progressives power. As for the ruling party, it’s exactly where PDP was four
Congress, APC, remembered this before it contrived to inflict years ago – riven by crises, disorganised and burdened by very low
some seemingly terminal wounds on itself. public approval. Putting it charitably, APC is gasping for breath
Four years ago, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, exhausted with no end in sight to its multiplicity of battles and convulsive
by its hubris and self-inflicted wounds, was in disarray. Inevitably, civil war. If he wasn’t a good party man, John Odigie-Oyegun,
it suffered a humbling defeat in the 2015 general elections. The the amiable national chairman who was forced out, would be
victorious APC was on top of the world, mocking its defeated chuckling with delight.
enemy and carrying on like its own day of reckoning would never The reconvening of the National Assembly about two weeks
come. And then it proceeded on the same path of infamy that led ago was a clear indication of the enormous challenge the
the PDP into a near-death spiral. party is facing. Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of
After its illusion of ruling for 60 years came crashing down in Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara took their seats as PDP
2015, a desperate and disorganised PDP recruited the former members without a whimper from the APC aisles. All the noisy
Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, as its new national threats that both of them would be impeached once the National
chairman. Notorious for his double-dealing and predilection for Assembly was back to business evaporated. Senate leader, Ahmed
self-promotion, Sheriff had joined the party months before the Lawan, who was one of the most vocal opponents of Saraki,
election after he fell out with the APC leadership. Some influential was at pain explaining to reporters while nothing happened. He
governors from the south effected his made a bland statement to the effect that the
recruitment against the advice and protest National Assembly should be focused more
of many of the party’s northern leaders, who ‘Putting on how to work with the executive branch to
had warned that he might end up burying move the country forward.
the party by putting his personal interests it charitably, APC is
over and above those of the party. gasping for breath with But it was just a numbers game. Lawan
no end in sight to its and his cohorts saw the handwriting clearly
Sheriff turned out, not surprisingly, to be multiplicity of battles on the wall. The current alignment of
nothing but a typical politician, totally amoral, political forces in the National Assembly
with a gift for talking a convincingly good doesn’t favour their party. Besides, many of
game. Out of sympathy for the sheer folly of ‘ their legislators were in no mood for a fight
the PDP engaging Sheriff to help it commit after losing out (unfairly, they complain) in
political suicide, one APC governor from the the primaries. As a matter of fact, a head
north tried to also warn the PDP governors and convulsive count now would embarrass the APC as
promoting him that they had made a costly civil war PDP could end up with solid majorities in
mistake. He was ignored. They preferred to both chambers.
believe Sheriff, who had told them that he As the party is embroiled in crises, which
had a deep pocket and the reach, particularly could impact its chances in the general
in the north, to turn the party around. elections, the impotence of President
PDP’s costly mistake was APC’s gain. The ruling party promptly Muhammadu Buhari, its de jure national leader, has become even
engaged Sheriff as a mole. His business with the APC was allegedly more graphic. A constant parade of aggrieved governors, federal
managed and financed through the office of the former secretary legislators and other party faithful in and out of Aso Rock, in a
to the federal government, David Babachir Lawal. Alarmed by desperate bid to get his intervention, has failed miserably. He has
his party’s plan to completely wreck the PDP by using Sheriff, the his ticket supposedly affirmed by a phantom number of 15 million
same APC governor, who had warned his PDP counterparts of party members across the country.
Sheriff’s treachery, met with Lawal a few times, telling him that Now it’s everybody for himself/herself. Hence Bola Ahmed
their party was playing an ultimately self-defeating game. His Tinubu, the party’s foremost potentate, would not brook any
message was that, killing or weakening the PDP would create interference from any quarters in how he ran the Lagos primaries
a dangerous vacuum. And with the opposition defanged, if not and pole-axed Governor Akinwumi Ambode. The party’s
dead, the APC would inevitably turn on itself and suffer severe primary-elections rules didn’t apply to Lagos. That was why
consequences thereafter. Lawal’s response was that PDP should many of the governors were demanding an explanation for the
be enabled more to stew in its own suffocating juices. double standard from the party’s National Working Committee,
Dogged by his grass-cutting contract scandal, Lawal was and Buhari’s intervention to get a fair treatment. Even First Lady
eventually sacked, although most reluctantly, by the Presidency. Aisha Buhari couldn’t take it anymore. As irrepressible as ever,
His inglorious exit coincided with the retrieval of the PDP from she lambasted Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and his NWC
Sheriff’s death grip through the Supreme Court verdict that for bungling the primaries and promoting impunity in a “party
declared his chairmanship illegal. of change”. She was a witness as her brother, Mahmud Halilu

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 4

THE REPORT

sought his endorsement of their candidate, which they got, and
drenched him in effusive praises. In an earlier visit December 21,
2013, Tinubu, who led the group and had, hitherto, had a large axe
to grind with Obasanjo, conferred on him the rather grandiloquent
Ahmed, a governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, was a victim title of “Chief Navigator” of the APC ‘change agenda.’
of the chaotic primaries the party conducted everywhere. And she A great master of such dramatic occasions, Obasanjo then
had reportedly been besieged by many other aggrieved top party brought up the embarrassing report on Buhari’s tenure as
members, who pleaded with her to get the President to intervene executive chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund. The report of the
on their behalf. Administrative Panel, which Obasanjo had set up after he became
When Oshiomhole replaced Odigie-Oyegun as national president in 1999, indicted the PTF’s executive management of
chairman with the qualified support of the governors, he gross dereliction of their responsibilities and mismanagement of
had promised to end division and enthrone discipline in N25 billion. Looking directly at Buhari, he said when he asked
the party. But as events have proved, he has been long him if he personally benefited from the mismanaged funds, Buhari
told him he did not. He added for good measure that, he didn’t
on rhetoric and very short on delivery. Under his leadership, the take any action because he was satisfied with his denial.
party’s trajectory has been zooming along a negative arch. The In spite of Obasanjo’s not too subtle reminder to everyone
party has lost two governors and a significant number of federal present that their candidate was not a saint and had a dodgy
and state legislators mainly to PDP. The gale of defection from it record of competence – a reminder that obviously discomfited
is certainly not over. More embarrassing is that the control of the Buhari – they were happy that they had the former president in
National Assembly≠≠≠ is now firmly in the hands of the leading their corner. And after Buhari became president, Obasanjo was a
opposition party. frequent visitor to Aso Rock. But their romance was always edgy
Reeling under the barrage of accusations, against the NWC, and didn’t last long.
of double-dealing, acting with impunity and running a bazaar for Even before Buhari became president, Obasanjo had serious
the highest bidders over the primaries, Oshiomhole has lost his doubts about his competence for the job, especially his poor
groove, with many beginning to question understanding of the economy and almost
his competence. Most of those who feel ‘Reeling under the complete lack of knowledge of global
short-changed by what they see as a barrage of accusations, affairs. He had hoped that he would
deliberate manipulation of the primaries, against the NWC, of appoint competent and experienced
place the blame squarely on the chairman double-dealing, acting people into his cabinet to compensate for
and the NWC. Automatic tickets were his flaws in these critical areas. And as he
awarded to special aspirants even after had admitted, he wanted anybody but
many others had bought the election forms Goodluck Jonathan, whom he had fallen
and spent more to campaign. How the out with, to be president in 2015.
party will wriggle out of the crises without with impunity and running Later to his chagrin, he realised he had
some lasting damage remains to be seen. a bazaar for the highest backed the wrong horse. He had watched
painfully as the economy, already in
Compounding the party’s challenge
over the primaries is the emergence of trouble before Buhari assumed the office,
Atiku Abubakar as the PDP’s presidential bidders over the primaries, raced into recession as the president
candidate. The former vice president Oshiomhole has lost wasted six months before getting his
was the last person the Presidency and his groove, with many ‘ cabinet in place. There was nobody in
APC hierarchy wanted as Buhari’s main charge of the economy and no plan to
opponent. They had hoped that any of the stabilise it and stave off the recession. On
other 11 aspirants would clinch the ticket beginning to question top of that, Obasanjo started getting very
and the Port Harcourt primary would end his competence embarrassing feedbacks from his network
in crisis. They didn’t get their wish, as of global contacts, expressing concern
PDP leaders, prodded by outside forces, about Buhari’s poor judgement about the
acted quickly and decisively to close any economy. Which in turn cast doubts about
potentially damaging fault line. Obasanjo’s judgement. This was what compelled him to go to Aso
And then APC’s nightmare worsened. Former President Rock many times during Buhari’s first 18 months, passing these
Olusegun Obasanjo not only reconciled with Abubakar, he publicly same concerns to him and urging him to appoint experts to take
endorsed him, pronouncing him far better prepared for the office charge of the economy.
of president than the incumbent. For Obasanjo to have turned full But all his entreaties fell on deaf ears. Buhari was unmovable,
circle and thrown his considerable weight behind a man he had a prisoner of his long-evolved insularity. Obasanjo finally gave up
persistently criticised shows the degree of disenchantment with, on him, removing himself from Buhari’s orbit. It has been about
and his antipathy towards Buhari. He acknowledged Abubakar as two years since the last time he went solo to Aso Rock. And just at
a bridge builder, saying he was more nationalistic in outlook and the beginning of this year, he publicly vented his frustration with
has a better understanding of the country’s political dynamics. It a damning open letter, telling his former protégé that he had no
was a cold-blooded putdown of the man in Aso Rock. business contemplating a second term in office.
The reaction of the Presidency and APC was predictable. They Indeed, these are dog days for Buhari and his party. The
lampooned Obasanjo’s endorsement of Abubakar as “corruption tremendous goodwill that he and APC rode to power has long
fighting back”. Which means that the former president is now the been dissipated. With Atiku Abubakar as his main challenger and
Buhari administration’s number-one public enemy and qualified a rejuvenated PDP prowling in the wings, the glib claim of “there’s
to be tarred with the corruption brush. Apparently, they had no alternative to Buhari”, seems more and more ludicrous. Hence
suffered a memory loss. the general elections, whether free and fair or stolen, are going to
During their campaign in 2015, a large retinue of APC’s top be very pivotal in resolving one fundamental question – perpetual
brass, including the party’s newly elected presidential candidate, stagnation or a truly dynamic change for the country.
Buhari, visited Obasanjo in his hilltop mansion in Abeokuta. They
* [email protected] 0807-629-0485 (SMS only)

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 5

Contents TELL No. 43
November 5, 2018
Nigeria’s Independent Weekly

The Atiku 16Cover
Challenge
Story:
The choice of Atiku
Abubakar, former
vice president as the
candidate of opposition
Peoples Democratic
Party, PDP for the
2019 presidential
election raises dust
even within the ruling
All Progressives
Congress, APC that
initially claimed that no
politician could match
President Muhammadu
Buhari

28 Special Interview:

How Abacha and Yar’Adua Died
– Felix Oviemo Ovadje,

a medical doctor and retired four-star general in the Nigerian Army

31 Special Report:

2019: Huddles Against Credible Polls
Ahead of the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, there are indications that vote-buying underage
voting and other malpractices may constitute major challenges to credible elections

35 Business:

Edo Set For Agric Revolution
The recent harvest launch of fresh tomatoes, the first yield from the multi-million dollars Wells
Hosa Green House Farm in a village in the outskirts of Benin-City, Edo State, gives a ray of hope
for food security in the country and a boost in foreign exchange earnings from agriculture

44 Health:

Health and the Herbs
Herbal mixtures are fast gaining ground among Nigerians for self medication with telling effects,
but the alternative medicine industry is yet to get official recognitions

4 The Report 10 Milestones 14 Flashback 43 Charity 46 Globally Frank

TELL (ISSN:1115-7615) is published weekly for N400.00 by TELL Communications TELL OFFICES IBADAN OFFICE
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* Front Cover design by XSTRATA CONSULTING * Printed by ODUFUWA MODERN DESIGN

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 6

TELL From the Editor

Nigeria’s Independent Weekly Last week, the political arena was replete with stories
of activities ahead of the general elections in 2019.
Founding Editors: There was the frenzy in the ruling All Progressives
Dare BABARINSA, Nosa IGIEBOR, Kolawole ILORI, Congress, APC where governors and party leaders
at the state levels are up in arms against the national
Dele OMOTUNDE, Onome OSIFO-WHISKEY chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. Governors like Ibikunle
Amosun of Ogun State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo
President: Nosa Igiebor State are insistent that their choice of candidates must
Vice Presidents: Dele Omotunde, Onome Osifo-Whiskey be the official candidates of the party in the forthcoming
Editor-in-Chief: Ayodele Akinkuotu elections. The crisis threatens the chances of the party at
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Ademola Oyinlola the election, both at the state and the federal levels. It,
Chief Operating Officer: Dejo Oyawale however, appears that while the APC is struggling with
Executive Editor, Publications: Wola Adeyemo the contending forces within it, the opposition Peoples
Executive Editor, Corporate & Business Development: Democratic Party, PDP appears to have learnt from its
Adekunbi Ero past mistakes and it is moving into the elections with
General Editor: Anayochukwu Agbo (Abuja) a united front. Waiting in the wings are the political
Senior Associate Editor: Tony Manuaka groups that represent the third force, but probably
Associate Editors: Anthony Akaeze, uncoordinated.  Rather than look at these issues, we
Emmanuel Obe (Port-Harcourt) decided to look forward, of course using the facts of the
Assistant Editors: Fidel Bam, James Orode, present. 
Juliana Uche-Okobi
Staff Writer: Olusegun Adeosun So what is the future? A fact of the future is that the
Reporter: Wilson Ibharayi (Benin) presidential election will be a two-horse race, despite the
Special Correspondent: Tundun Adeyemo (UK) fact there are many candidates in this level. But what we
Senior IT Officer: Shola Akinyele are looking at is the challenge that the choice of Atiku
Director, Library Services: Idowu Awoyinfa Abubakar as flag bearer of the PDP poses to the second
Library Officer: Murtala Aleem term ambition of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Director, Production: Emmanuel Bodemeh
Manager, Production: Folorunso Sanni The story was reported by Anayochukwu Agbo,
Deputy Manager, Production: Godwin Alozie general editor and head of Abuja Bureau and Tajudeen
Senior Photo Editor: Sunday Adedeji Suleiman, who until recently was on sabbatical [We will
Photo Journalist: Paul Kuyoro talk about that at a later date]. In the process of reporting
Deputy Manager, Admin. & Human Resources: they met with brick walls here and there. But as veterans
Olalekan Akinruli on the job they surmounted the obstacles and the result
Senior Officer, Special Duties: John Inyang is the lead story in this edition, The Atiku Challenge,
Transport Officer: Rufus Kayode (Despatch) which in the tradition of TELL is analytical and revealing.
Technical Officers: Dare Olaito, Oluyemi Rotimi
AGM, Accounts: Yusuf Isiaka The special report is on the hurdles ahead of
Senior Accountant: James Oguntoye the election. The story, Hurdles Ahead of 2019
Assistant Accountant: Akinola Afeez Election, is written by Juliana Uche-Okobi, assistant
Principal Accounts Officer: Nkeiruka Nwokocha editor.
Accounts Officer: Shakiru Adesomi
AGM, Audit: Oludele Oyewole From the realm of politics we move to health, of the
Deputy Manager, Audit: Olusegun Ibrahim citizens and the leaders. This time it is an interview with
Manager, Adverts: Olukayode Olofin retired brigadier general Oviemo Ovadje. He also tells us
Deputy Manager, Adverts: John Omoogun (Abuja) how two Nigerian leaders died in office. It is the special
Senior Advert Executives: Omoregbe Igiebor (Benin City), interview in this edition.
Ebunoluwa Oladitan
Manager, Sales & Marketing: Titilayo Jeta We bring in a new section known as Flashback. In it
Deputy Manager, Sales: Uzunma Nwangwu (Enugu) we will bring back stories of yester-years that speak to the
Assistant Manager, Sales: Oluniyi Shobowale (West) current situation. We are starting with a story written in
Senior Sales Executives: Emmanuel Amadi (Akure), 1998. It borders on restructuring to show that the topic
Stanley Madu (Abuja), Sunday Otokunrin did not just start today, and perhaps give us an insight
Sales Executive: Onyema Arubalueze (Awka) into where people stood then and now.

Do have a blessed week ahead!

[email protected]
SMS only: 08054728297

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 7

KANO STATE RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION AGENCY [RUWASSA]

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Has
Radically Improved Water Supply and

Sanitation in Kano State –

Honourable Yahaya Adamu, managing director, Kano
State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency

However, today, the story has changed,
positively so! The agency has come to life
after the rehabilitation of the office and
the premises courtesy of His Excellency,
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, through
Honourable Yahaya Adamu.

Honourable Yahaya Adamu was
one time the chairman of Garko local
government as well as a member of the
Kano state house of assembly. Also, he
had once served as a federal commissioner
at the federal road safety commission and
was also appointed a special adviser to the
governor on rural development.

In this interview, Honourable Yahaya
Adamu highlights his achievement so far:
excerpts:

T Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje What was the situation of things
he Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation at the agency when you assumed
Agency existed only in name before the advent of the office?
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje administration and the
coming of Honourable Yahaya Adamu. Then, the First of all let me begin by thanking
office of the agency was devoid of any activities. And, the role, God who, in His infinite mercy, gave me
which it was supposed to play – to provide water and a clean this great opportunity. I also thank his
environment for the citizens – was mainly on papers. Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
for appointing me as the M.D of Ruwassa.
When I came in as the M.D, I found the
office deserted. I came up with a proposal
to the governor that we needed a total
rehabilitation of the agency. I was obliged.
So, I sank a lot of money [about N24
million was allocated then to rehabilitate
the office and the office equipment].
This is the first time I found myself in
the water sector but thank God for the
experiences I have had in other public
assignments which greatly assisted me.
Thus, with the confidence reposed in me
by the governor, the Kano state executive council approved
the construction of 462 hand pump boreholes to be drilled in
the 44 local government councils of the state. Having carried
out that assignments diligently, the governor subsequently
approved the rehabilitation of 500 hand pump boreholes
across the state. Later a lot of requests came up from various
communities where we constructed 789 hand boreholes and

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 40

KANO STATE RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION AGENCY [RUWASSA]

we are constructing 600 hand pump boreholes
and 40 solar power boreholes in six selected local
government councils in the state. They are Garko,
Sumaila, Wudil, Dawakin Tofa, Danbatta, and
Doguwa local government councils and 40 solar
power boreholes in these 6 local government
councils. Also 100 water facilities and VIP latrines
are being constructed by DIFID alone. So, these
are some of his excellency’s achievements in the
area of water supply and sanitation since my
assumption as the Managing Director of Ruwassa.

Honourable Yahaya Adamu From the breakdown of your performance,
rehabilitated 200 others. Thus, between 2015 and 2016, it appears a lot has been achieved by the
we were able to rehabilitate 700 hand pump boreholes and state government through your office. In
constructed 462 and 789 respectively. what areas, however, do you think more still
need be done?
In the same year, the Kano state government, under the
dynamic leadership of his Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar One of the chief priorities of Dr. Abdullahi
Ganduje, directed us to construct motorized boreholes. We Umar Ganduje is in the area of water provision.
constructed 34 number motorized boreholes and also we The demand for water in Kano is very high. So,
constructed 7 solar powered boreholes in the police dormitories even with all we have done, we still have a lot to
in the state. Also, we constructed 7 solar boreholes in the do. But, I want you to know that, since the creation
communities making a total of 14 solar boreholes. We also of Kano state, we have never had any government
constructed 5 solar boreholes in some special places - one in who has so much concentrated on the provision
Government Arabic Secondary School, Goron Dutse, one of boreholes as Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s
in Konar Majia, a village in Ungogo local government, one in administration has done. He deserves a lot of
Islamiyya Boarding Primary School in Dala local government credit for this and, I am sure the good people of
and also one in Bebeji hospital. We also constructed 2 solar the state appreciate this marked improvement in
powered boreholes in the NYSC orientation camp. We then water supply. No past administration contributed
went into partnership with some development partners - this much towards the provision of portable water
UNICEF in particular. Via this partnership, we were able to supply to the inhabitants of Kano Stat
construct 220 hand pump boreholes in two local government On a last note, we would like you to comment on
councils, Takai and Madobi and 14 solar power boreholes the general performance of his Excellency Governor
with the compliment of water facilities and VIP latrines in Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
some schools in these 2 local government councils. We also One must commend and appreciate the governor Dr.
constructed another set of 220 hand pump boreholes in Gaya Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for impacting so much on governance
and Kabo local government councils and 14 solar boreholes in Kano state on a general level. Part of the problems in
with 60 VIP latrines and water facilities in some of the primary governance in Nigeria today is continuity. Dr. Abdullahi Umar
schools, health centres and market places. Ganduje has concentrated in the continuity of the project of
his predecessors. We have a number of project in the state
Now, the state government, is also partnering with the abandoned – some 20 years; some 15 years; some 3 years.
Department for International Development, DIFID, in which But now, we have completed some while some are in progress.
So, in this regard, he deserves commendation. I can remember
when President Muhammadu Buhari visited Kano, he publicly
commended Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and enjoined other
governors to emulate him for continuity of the projects left
behind by his predecessors. So whatever your party or religion
lining, you will appreciate this attitude in him – continuity. Dr.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will do what some people will usually
not expect leaders to do; for instance, visiting the sick in the
hospital, sending condolences to the bereaved families and
attending wedding ceremonies – regardless of social status.
Indeed, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a governor whose love
for his people is unsurpassable. We thank Allah for giving us a
leader who cares about the people and always thinking ahead
for them. With his vision and enduring determination, he will
surely take Kano state to higher heights. We appreciate his
efforts and commitment. We pray that God continues to give
him good health to sustain the tempo he has built and carry
out his mission for the state to the fullest.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 41

Milestones

BURIED: Thanking the
members for reposing
Justice Idris Kutigi, on Thursday, October 24, 2018, at the their trust in him, Ahmed
national cemetery Abuja. Kutigi died on Sunday October 2, at a
London hospital. He was 78. promised to  improve
the association’s
 Justice Kutigi served as the Attorney General and Commissioner collaboration with the
for Justice in Niger State until 1976 when he was appointed a high
court judge.  He served in that position for more than a decade federal government
towards boosting the
before his appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court in 1992 competitiveness of the
after 10 years at the Supreme Court based on the recommendation
of the National nation’s manufacturing
sector. He also pledged
Judicial Council. that the association
Former president,
Olusegun Obasanjo would strengthen its
level of collaboration
appointed him to and interaction with
the position of Chief
Justice in 2007 to government to ensure
that the Executive
succeed Justice Order 003 was fully
Salihu Alfa Belgore.
Kutigi retired implemented to boost
local patronage of made
on 30 December, in Nigeria products.
2009. He served
as the Chief Justice Ahmed Ahmed further
explained that the association had kick-started the partnership
of Nigeria between by presenting a compendium of its members to the government
2007 and 2009 and
after retirement, toward showcasing all the locally produced goods.

he was made the By IFIDON JANET
chairman of the
National Conference DIED:
set up by former Hamman Tukur, an engineer and former chairman of the
president, Goodluck Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC,
Jonathan in 2014. on the 7th of October 2018, in Kaduna and was buried according
Born on 31 to Islamic rites.
Kutigi December, 1939 in Tukur served under former president, Olusegun Obasanjo
Kutigi, Lavun local government of Niger State, Kutigi attended government as the chairman of the RMAFC, which was introduced
the Barewa College in Zaria. He graduated from Ahmadu Bello under the same government. The commission recommended and
University, ABU, Zaria after which he left for England where he implemented the monetization policy of remuneration packages
studied at the School of Oriental and Africa Studies, University of for political office holders in all tiers and arms of government.
London and Gibson and Weldon College of Law he also attend Tukur was born on the 24th of January 1942, in Adamawa
the Nigeria law school in Lagos. State, and had a BSc. in Physics, and MSc. in Engineering,
from schools in and outside
By TIMILEYIN OKUNUGA Nigeria. He also worked at the

ELECTED: Consolidated Tin Mines in Jos
and as a lecturer at the Kaduna
Mansur Ahmed, executive director, Dangote Polytechnic, where he later
Industries Ltd, as the 10th president of the Manufacturers became the Rector.
Association of Nigeria, MAN. At different times, Ahmed He was also a recipient of
served as diretor-general of the Nigeria Economic the Officer of the Order of the
Summit Group, NESG; and director-general of the Federal Republic (OFR) honour.
Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, He was appointed as the Director
ICRC. Announcing his election at the 46th annual General, Federal Ministry of
general meeting, AGM, Segun  Kadir, director-general, Mines, Power and Steel, and
MAN said Ahmed has managed quite a number of later became managing director
manufacturing companies effectively. of the National Electric Power
Authority (NEPA). Tukur was
“He was part of the National Economic also a member of the Institute
Management Team that conceptualized, developed, of Strategic Studies, Kuru;
and implemented policies and strategies to attract Fellow Nigerian Society of
long- term financing for infrastructural development Engineers; Fellow, Yaba College
in Nigeria. Earlier in his career, he has managed quite of Technology and a member
a number of manufacturing companies, including of the Institute of Electrical
Bagauda Textiles Mills in Kano and Kaduna Textiles in Engineers (England).
Kaduna. He has also served on the boards of notable
and diverse business concerns, including Union Bank Tukur By ABIMBOLA
of Nigeria, GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Savannah Sugar ADEDOLAPO
Company Limited.”

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 10

Milestones Panorama

Celebrating 25 Years Short and Sharp
of Kingship

Dressed in blue Ankara fabrics of diverse designs, residents, Abubakar Ibrahim Otti
indigenes, friends and other wells-wishers  proudly marched
to the expansive Ajiran  Recreation Centre, Eti-Osa, Lekki on Buhari Nwogwugwu Sharibu
Tuesday, October 24, to celebrate the 25th coronation anniversary
of their beloved king, Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, Sateru Tell me one political leader who has been consistent on a political
II, the Ojomu of Ajiranland, Eti-Osa, Lagos State. platform.
— Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, Federal Republic
Oba Akinloye who clocked 78 last month, was crowned the of Nigeria on the allegation that he has been moving from one
14th Ojomu of Ajiranland on October 23, 1993 and has since political platform to the other.
been working tirelessly for the growth of the community. Some of
his areas of interest are education and youth development. Whether we are prepared for it or not… another recession is
coming but it is going to happen before the end of December.
The king has also made efforts to improve the health condition — Jimoh Ibrahim, chairman and chief executive officer, Global
of his subjects through the Ajiran Community Based Health Fleet Group, while predicting another distress economic
Insurance programme. During his pre-anniversary meeting situation for Nigeria and Nigerians.
with the media, Oba Akinloye stressed that the present time
calls for more active roles by traditional rulers to improve their The baboons are still having a field day at the expense of the
communities. labouring monkeys it would seem.
— Alex Otti, former managing director, Diamond Bank,
Born to Prince Lasisi and Awawu Akinloye on September 6, while discussing the issue of fuel subsidies in Nigerian economy
1940; and was brought up at the family house at Idumagbo on
the Lagos Island. He began his primary education at the Saint I was called Baba go-slow. Those who were going fast, where did
Matthias Primary School, Lafiaji, Lagos, in 1948 and completed they get to?
same in 1956.  He proceeded to the Hussey College in Warri in — Muhammadu Buhari, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria,
1957 for his secondary education and passed out in 1962, after chiding Nigerian elites while meeting Nigerian Community at the
which he left for Abeokuta Grammar School in 1963 for the 73rd United Nations General Assembly held in New York.
Higher School Certificate.
There was a PDP before Wike and there will be a PDP after Wike.
He later gained admission into the University of Ife, now — Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, an editor and group executive director
known as Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, where he with ThisDay newspapers on Governor Nyesome Wike and his
studied Agricultural Science, graduating in 1974. On completion political antics
of his mandatory National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme
in Kano, he was offered appointment as a training officer at the I do not know what their demands are but whatever they are the
Danbatta Farm Training Centre, Kano but he turned down the federal government should please meet them so that our daughter
offer and returned to Lagos where he secured a teaching job at will be free.
Zumratul Islamiyah Secondary School, Yaba and later at Igbogbo, — Nathan Sharibu, the father Leah Sharibu, who was among
Ikorodu. His diligence, professionalism and focus later earned him the 110 girls kidnapped at Dapchi Secondary School, pleading
the position of a principal at Community High School, Ilado in with the federal government to arrange for her release from Boko
1983.  Akinloye was later appointed as the executive secretary of Haram enclave.
Eti-Osa Local Government Education Authority. Years later, he
was chosen by the Sateru Ruling House for the revered stool of I have gone too far to withdraw and didn’t come this far, to just
Ojomu and crowned in 1993. step down.
— Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos State in verbal
By OLUSEGUN ADEOSUN encounter with his godfather.

Oba Akinloye with wives cutting the anniversary cake When some people are playing low, we will continue to play high
and maintain focus to take Lagos State to a higher level.
— Jide Sanwo-Olu, All Progressives Congress Governorship
aspirant in Lagos State in spar with the incumbent governor,
Akinwunmi Ambode.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 11

Panorama
FotoTELL
The Rains, like A Woman Scorned
Warnings were given ahead
of the rainy season. The This is Lekki, an exclusive
authorities merely advised area of Lagos, Nigeria’s
residents of flood-prone areas megacity. Didn’t they say
in about 12 states in the country to the rich also cry?
relocate. No options were given in most
places, and hardly do those in authority
attempt a review of the condition of the
people in areas under threat.

So unable to relocate, or probably
unwilling to believe the predictions, the
residents- rich and poor (largely the
latter)- simply prayed. If God heard the
supplications, He perhaps decided to
grant the will of the element of nature.
The rain poured in its glory, sending
flood to visit the cosy neighbourhoods
like Lekki in the emerging smart city
of Lagos, as well as the not-so-rich
neighbourhood of Katsina. There
were casualties, the last being about
200 in September alone. That was
aside from the damages to private and
public properties, a development that
rendered about 3,000 people homeless.
Didn’t the Bible draw a parallel
between the fury of the rain and that
of a contentious woman in the book of
Proverbs Chapter 27 verse 15?

In Koton Karfe,
Kogi State when
flood took over
houses and
worship places.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 12

Panorama

On sympathy
“cruise” to
flooded areas
in Anambra
State. Vice
President Yemi
Osinbajo,
Governor Willie
Obiano and
Chris Ngige,
Minister of
Labour and
Employment.

Denro, Ogun State,
a community at the
border with Lagos.
When people get cut
off and accessing
their homes
becomes an act of
desperation, make-
shift bridges can be
a luxury. And for
"okoda" riders the
road can now serve
another purpose.

Man seeks comfort in his canoe in Zungeru, Niger Katsina: In a total submerge, the damage to life and
State when the September rain sacked people from property can only be imagined.
their houses.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 13

FlashKCAB

A Spanner in the Works
For all his professed good intention, General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s transition
programme is buried in hail of brickbats, emanating Southwards, from compatriots
demanding a restructuring of the republic via a sovereign national conference

By IMA NIBORO after the criminal execution
Senator Francis Okpozo, a chieftain of of Ken Saro-Wiwa, writer,
the National Democratic Coalition, environmental activist and one
NADECO, is a man whose unusual of Nigeria’s best mind.
middle name; Spanner, is threatening
to snarl up the works of the head of state, Today, there is a growing
General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s recently unity of purpose, not only
unfurled transition to civil rule programme. among the Southern minorities,
As the leader of the recently formed All Delta but indeed within the entire
State Conference, ADSC, which prospectively Nigeria regarding the way
plans to link up with the mainstream Yoruba forward . The minority position
Afenifere and other like-minded groups is more or less identical with that
nationwide to form a political party. of the Yoruba, South-West, a
Okpozo is definitely NADECO, but with a region which contributes, over
distinct South-south zone hue. Two weekends one quarter of the country’s
ago, he hosted the inaugural meeting of total population, and lately
the ADSC, attended by the leading lights of that of the Igbo South-East
political thought in the area, including Gamaliel of only a slightly lower
Onosode, the industrialist, former Delta Steel population figure. In a position
boss, Fred T. Brisibe, among 120 others. paper, released just before the
To demand an urgent restructuring of the 1995 constitutional conference
federation, and immediate end to the Northern that was eventually fraudulently
domination of power in Nigeria. manipulated by the late dictator
The communiqué issued at the end of Abubakar General Sani Abacha, the
the meeting decried extreme maginalisation of Southern Minorities Forum,
Southern minorities of the country in spite of the fact that the led by former army chief,
area produces over 80 per cent of its wealth in the form of crude General · David Ejoor (rtd)
oil, and bears the terrible brunt of the environmental fall-outs former petroleum minister, Mofia Akobo; and an Ogoni leader,
of oil mining activity. Specifically, it demanded that the country . Garrick Leton, among others, made a set of demands. The
should, as part of the transition programme, be restructured first was a sovereign national conference whose representatives
into regions, with the Southern minorities falling into the South- must be elected on the basis of ethnic nationalities. They
south region, which should produce the president of the next also demanded a regionalisation of the country across six
republic. “We demand a restructuring so that we can practice a federations made up of the North-Western Federation, North-
true federal constitution. This would mean that each state would Eastern Federation, the Middle Belt Federation, the Western
possess whatever it has whether it is mineral or agricultural Federation, the Eastern Federation and ‘the Southern federation
resources, and pay royalties to the central government. You comprising the southern minorities. The forum also, demanded
cannot bring a man from Kano to man the oil industry in that the federating governments should exercise control over all
the South, neither can a Southerner go to Kano to man the resources found on the surface, beneath it and in the airspace
groundnut production of the place. When we say restructuring, it of their federation and contribute to the operating costs of the
entails that each zone or region must have its own police, armed central government in accordance with the formula, which
forces and public service. Each state would have to determine shall be agreed upon by these federations. And with a central
what number of policemen and soldiers it needs, and wants government whose ‘functions are limited to currency, external
to contribute to the centre. To continue to allow the centre to affairs and customs, with concurrent competence (in a
provide these would be to continue the unbearable injustice, working relationship with the federations) over the armed forces,
which have been visited on those not privileged to control the immigration, navigation and aviation, contributions .to the
administration of this country.” It was with these words that federation need not be overly taxing on them.
Okpozo drew the battleline between the Southern minorities Instructively, this is exactly the position of the Yoruba South-
and the General Abubakar junta, which appears merely West. The Yoruba, whose Basorun Moshood Abiola won the
intent on pursuing a transition to civil rule in a business-as- June 12, 1993 election, which was inexplicably annulled, have
usual atmosphere. The ringing demands of the Southern since that event insisted ·on a renegotiation of the national
minorities today under the fairly free atmosphere of free speech articles of association in such a way as to ensure justice and
engendered by Abubakar’s regime so far, may well replace the fairplay in the country. And rising from a pan-Yoruba summit
boom of gunfire which, has for some time rifled. through the held in Ibadan last week, leaders of the South­West made it
creeks and rivulets of the area. There, youths -have been up in quite clear that the only way the country would survive as one
arms against the oil companies mining their oil, especially indivisible whole is for it to be restructured into six zones as also
demanded by the Southern minorities, and the establishment of
a sovereign conference to negotiate the way forward. In its far-

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 14

FlashKCAB

reaching demands, the conference insisted that the true federal third is restructuring.
system the Yoruba sought was merely “a compromise designed He explained that
to ensure a level playing field for all.” where there are six
zones. there should
Said the recently anointed Yoruba leader, Senator Abraham consequently be six
Adesanya, the deputy chairman of NADECO: “The Yorubas divisions of the army,
have no wish or intention to dominate any other ethnic group all responsible to the
in Nigeria. But it cannot reasonably be expected to accept ministry of defence
its domination by others. There must be commitment on all and the commander-
sides to a balanced federation based on equality, fairness in-chief. Insisting that
and social justice. Without these the federation stands in this would not lead
great danger of imminent disintegration.” Former justice to a break-up. He
minister, Richard Akinjide, who could not attend the meeting said: “If things are
because of engagement abroad, however, set its tone by a letter fashioned well, and
he wrote to co-convener, Bola lge, former governor of old Zone A says I secede,
Oyo State. Akinjide, long regarded as an ally and collaborator of the commander-in-
the oligarchic North, had in his short, but thought-provoking chief will order the
letter, noted that Nigeria is now “at a defining moment” in five zones to go and
which an agonising reappraisal of the whole constitutional quell the rebellion.
arrangement of the country is “urgent and imperative.” And you then
discover that though
And the Igbo, east of the Niger, who form the third tripod of our tongues may
the Nigerian project could not agree more. In a marked differ, there is unity Ekwueme
departure from their immediate past, when some leaders
of the region had been. merely content to play the spoilers in diversity, because what unites us is more thant that which
or force a perpetuation of the general anarchy in the country, separates us.”
there has been a recrudescence of true Igbo nationalism in the The Modotel Delcaration, it now seems, was only a warning
last few months. Through the activism of the Arthur Nwankwo- shot. The groundswell of agitation for the restructuring of Nigeria
led Eastern Mandate Union. EMU, and robust leadership of such into a true federation has spread thoughout the Eastern frontier.
groups as the Ohaneze Ndigbo. there has been a reawakening A Special Delegates’ Congress of Eastern Progressives was
of the repressed Igbo spirit, which now demands a hearing in the held at Dannie Hotels, Enugu on Saturday. August 1, 1998.
market place of Nigerian politics. After a flurry of consultations, The congress was attended by over 300 delegates from the
the Igbo nation on July 4, made what is now known as the nine states of Eastern Nigeria- Abia, Anambra, Akwa. lbom,
ModoteI Declaration, when at the hotel owned by the G-34 Cross River, Enugu, Imo Ebonyi, Bayelsa, with delegates from
leader and Second Republic vice president Alex Ekwueme, the Delta State as observers, who were ejected from within the ranks
people served notice that enough is enough. The meeting was of over 30 progressives and mass democratic structures and
attended by every Igbo leader of note, with the exception only organisations. The congress, under the chairmanship of Onoh,
of latter-day Pro-Abacha campaigners, Sam Mbakwe, former deliberated on the political economic and social state of the
governor of old Imo State and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the nation; on the transition programme announced by the head
multi millionaire publisher. At the high table were Ikemba Nnewi, of state, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on July 20, 1998; and
Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Alex Ekwueme who were on the special plight of Eastern Nigeria which has suffered and
joint organisers along with Arthur Nzeribe, Christian Onoh and is still suffering from institutional marginalisation, structural
Uzodimma Nwala, conference secretary. disempowerment and neglect since 1970. At end of its over four
hours of debate on the Nigerian condition as it relates to Eastern
At the end of the meeting, the Igbo nation declared, via Nigeria, the congress, in .a communique, stated - that it
a communiqué, that the only way any Igbo-speaking Nigerian is overwhelmingly persuaded that the only way the peoples
would participate in t he Abubakar transition programme and nationalities of Eastern Nigeria can achieve their highest
was if Nigeria restructured into a true federation. The Igbo collective individual expectations and contribute to the overall
said they would, also no longer accept the unitary system of social, political and economic development of the nation is
government foisted on the country through long years of military through unity of purpose and concerted action. The congress
rule. resolved that all progressive organisations in the East must unite
and speak with one voice in matters affecting the region and the
In agreement with Yoruba and South Minorities position, the nation in general.
conference recommended a restructuring of the country into six The delegates later met an Afenifere delegation the following
geo-political zones, and that accordingly, the Nigeria Police, day. The pan­Yoruba group was represented by Jide Akinbiyi
the Nigerian armed ‘forces and all security agencies should and Albert Soetan. They agreed on Southern presidency,
‘be restructured to reflect the six regional arrangement. The There was, however, no agreement on whether the shot should
communiqué stated that the new Nigeria of their dream was a be for Igbo or Yoruba. But unlike the Modotel Declaration of
country where citizenship, residency and minority rights shall not conservative and moderate Igbo politicians which is not specific
only be upheld but practically guaranteed. The Igbo people also on how and when they want restructuring effected, EMU,
demanded a revenue formula with emphasis on derivation which is a militant wing of Eastern politics, was very clear in
and in which the revenue due to the regions is on the principle anchoring the proposal on a Sovereign National Conference,
of equality and not land mass as is currently the case. Declaring Arthur Nwankwo, NADECO vice-chairman, told TELL that “an
that enough is enough in the marginalisation of their people, SNC for restructuring will become a campaign issue in the
Igbo leadership resolved to stretch out hands of fellowship and forthcoming electioneering so that we’ can pull it through in
goodwill to all men of like-mind, to form a national political party the next democratic dispensation.” Nwankwo said it has now
that will provide ‘sincere leadership of the Nigerian people. become clear that the military cannot restructure Nigeria,
being themselves, part of the problem.
In a separate interview, Onoh, who was a civilian governor of First published on August 17, 1998.
the old Anambra State and a major political leader of the Igbos,
noted that there were three key issues that needed resolution in
the country – the first is June 12, the second is the army and the

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 15

Cover Story The choice of
Atiku Abubakar,
former vice
president as the
candidate of
opposition Peoples
Democratic Party,
PDP for the 2019
presidential
election raises
dust even within
the ruling All
Progressives
Congress, APC
that initially
claimed that no
politician could
match President
Muhammadu
Buhari

Abubakar:
Holds the aces?

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page

THE ATIKU
CHALLENGE

By ANAYOCHUKWU AGBO

A visit to Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation’s Buhari: No easy task
expansive secretariat at highbrow Wuse 2,
Abuja, leaves one in no doubt that this is a
mother of all battles. The expansive three-story
building is like a subway and free-trade zone in
the boundary of six countries. Men, women and youths of
various tribes and persuasions jostle for entrance through
the narrow scanners. The teeming volunteers converge
to market the candidate whose brand identity is his first
name, Atiku. They blend into any of the three floors.
The corridors, offices and meeting rooms are bristling
with this human energy, young men and women, eager
to log on to the Atiku project as volunteers. They all say
they have a say, a proposal or a part and somehow they
are being absorbed to express themselves. You leave
this beehive wondering if they can pull it off.

That is the Atiku mix. And it is catching on and
gathering critical mass by the day. Campaign will officially
tee off three months to the election and for 90 days the
aspirants will slug it off in the field. But ahead of that, so
much is happening under the scene to make sure he hits
the road running. Having tried unsuccessfully in 2007,
2011 and 2015, Atiku Abubakar, 71, appears to know
that 2019 may be his last chance to be the president of
Nigeria. And he wants to give it his best shot.

President Muhammadu Buhari, being the incumbent,
ordinarily should be the favoured candidate, but the
choice of Abubakar by the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, as flag bearer at the Port Harcourt convention
raised the stakes in ways not envisaged by many. Every
presidential election has its peculiarities but the 2019
edition appears most spectacular. One of the factors that
may work for Abubakar, a former vice president is that
in this contest the incumbent does not appear favoured
to win.

President Buhari, candidate of the ruling All
Progressives Congress, APC rode to power in 2015
on the populist slogan of ‘Change’. Nearly four years
later, the promise of change has not materialised and
opponents now urge the electorate to “change the
change.” Disunity, nepotism, bad management of the
economy, collapse of basic infrastructure, mass poverty,
unemployment, increased insecurity and selective war
on corruption, among others, have dented Buhari’s
scorecard and claim to change, making the same masses
who clamoured for change in 2015 to clamour for
another change as the country approaches 2019.

The initial concern was whether the PDP would
rise up to the challenge. Having known the spoils and

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2019 Election Cannot be Rigged!

Godsday Orubebe, former minister of the North. He is accepted; giving the caliber of people that came
the Niger Delta ministry and member of to celebrate him from Northeast, Northwest and Northcentral.

the Atiku Campaign Organisation Where do you think APC went wrong?
I think in so many areas. In every country, even as provided
by the constitution, the key thing
is security. Today, we have
By ANAYOCHUKWU AGBO never had it this bad. With the
number of people that we have
Now that PDP has lost in this country, we have
produced Atiku never had it this way before. We
Abubakar, why do you are already in the fourth year
think he is the right of APC and we have seen that
candidate for the party? there is no hope of Nigerians
I think that all the aspirants that having a relief. Nigerians feel that
took part in the primary had at one APC is incapable of providing
time had contacts with him. They the needed security in this
are all good people, qualified and Orubebe country. You go to every family,
credible people, people with vision. everybody is crying; people
But Atiku has massive experience can’t pay house rent; people
in politics, private sector and public can’t pay school fees; people
life. Being a former vice president can’t eat three square meals.
and a successful businessman, he So many things are in jeopardy
has made friends all over Nigeria. and I know a lot of people whose
He is a very accommodating man, children are not going to school.
one that is open to discussion, open So Nigerians are united that
to criticisms, and he accepts your we cannot continue with APC
input in areas where he thinks you government. We need a change
have a superior argument. Atiku is so that people can have a good
a good man. He has a heart for the life. Go round Abuja; so many
needy, the poor, the orphans, the businesses have folded up.
less privileged… He has created Secondly, Nigerians want the
a lot of jobs for thousands of economy fixed. And APC has
Nigerians; created opportunities. failed. Atiku has done that in
People felt that we need a bridge private life and Nigerians want
builder. And we saw that in Atiku. him to do it for the country.
According to NBS, about 12 million
youths are unemployed! We need APC argues that PDP did
somebody who understands the 16 years and they are just
dynamics of creating jobs for into the fourth year.
people. And Atiku fits into that. We
also see somebody who is free at heart and very accommodating Some people are not looking
so that even if you see somebody that is not of your faith you at the things PDP brought to bear. Communication, PDP
will accommodate that person. We saw that also in Atiku. He is brought GSM and it has revolutionised how we live, work and
not a religious fundamentalist; he is open to all. He has friends all have our leisure. Do you know the economic value of GSM?
over the country. We want that kind of bridge builder, one that The trickle down effects? Direct and indirect jobs it has created?
can unite this country, to move forward. The delegates saw that How it has made money exchange easier. Everything working in
in Atiku and that was why all of them massively voted for him. Nigeria was brought by PDP? Today they are talking about TSA
(Treasury Single Account); that is PDP programme. They are
There is doubt if Atiku is acceptable to the North; talking about EFCC and ICPC; these are institutions that were
some say he is too elitist and pro-south. So how sellable established by PDP for good governance. The new airports that
is Atiku in the North? are going on in the country it’s PDP. All we need in this country
is for PDP to come and complete everything that it has started.
I don’t think I buy that argument. I know a lot of northern By the time PDP is through with all these programs we will see
leaders that worked for Atiku to become the candidate of PDP. A the Nigeria of our dream.
lot of youths; a lot of middle class people. Some people were able
to look at it like that over the years because he was not able to PDP has lost all the gubernatorial elections conducted
pick the ticket but now he has picked the ticket, the northerners by the APC government despite appearing to be headed
know what he has done in the north; his services to the masses of for victory; what gives you the confidence the presidential
the north, to the elite, the traditional institution, the middle class, election will be any different?
the ordinary people. He is the Waziri of Adamawa. They see him
as a good man. I don’t think there’s any problem selling Atiku in Everybody knows what happened at Ekiti; it was a stolen
victory. And so it is in some other areas. We have been talking

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to our people to have patience. arrogance of power, the acclaimed “largest Daniel: Nigerians can trust Atiku
What have been happening party in Africa” has since May 29, 2015, the people. So I think in Atiku [Abubakar]
in those elections can’t take endured the consequences of their fall from they’ve found somebody who is cosmopolitan,
place in February 2019. It can’t power as the sound of sirens faded to the wails somebody who is at home in every part of
happen. And it won’t happen! of persecution. Godsday Orubebe, the then the country by virtue of his work experience.
Nigerians will go to the polls minister of the Niger Delta ministry who made Nigerians feel they need somebody they can
and decide who would be a spectacle of Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in trust, and virtually everybody from different
their president and nobody will the presidential election, said in an interview parts of the country feel they can trust him.”
stand in the way of the people. with TELL that PDP has learnt its lessons and
is wiser today. Those lessons served the now Again, he says the army of over 12
And what if the election major opposition party well during its national million unemployed youths feel that an Atiku
is rigged? convention in Port Harcourt on October 6, to presidency can create more jobs because he
choose its presidential flag bearer. He said that is a successful businessman. “During our tour,
It cannot be rigged! The “the issue of imposition; the issue of impunity everywhere we went, we were met with a large
election cannot be rigged and all the vices that made it difficult for us horde of youths, apparently unemployed. And
because there will be dire to have popularity were put aside” at the
consequences for rigging the convention. it was the same in all the 36 states and
election. 2015 elections were the FCT. Something has happened to
rigged but 2019 election will Everybody waited for PDP to pick its our country that requires a surgical
not be rigged! I will talk about it candidate before its seriousness would be operation- youth unemployment. The
another day. You know I have ascertained. About 12 eminent aspirants main thrust of what Atiku wants to do
not been talking. contested the position and Abubakar won is to create opportunities to eradicate
clearly. By the next day, hope had returned to unemployment.” He also feels that
But PDP was in power the streets. People were talking about dusting Atiku Abubakar will run the economy
in 2015; how can anybody up their voters’ cards and voting. They felt better with his business experience.
rig election against the PDP had chosen a strong candidate that could More importantly, Daniel believes
government in power? challenge Buhari for the Aso Villa. that Abubakar’s stand on restructuring
of the country stands him out. “He
You are pushing me to talk! Why is Abubakar seen as a is an apostle of restructuring. And I
I’m going to grant an interview formidable challenger? Gbenga have no doubt that he will deliver,”
soon on what happened in Daniel, a former governor of affirms Daniel.
2015. Ogun and director general of
Atiku Campaign Organization, Orubebe says of him: “Atiku
What challenges do you explains: “If you look at the history of our has massive experience in politics,
foresee ahead of the 2019 country and the challenges we’ve faced and private sector and public life. Being
elections? we’re facing today, Three things stand out. a former vice president and a
First, for the first time in recent history, our successful businessman, he has made
I don’t see any challenges. people have become divided, and there is a friends all over Nigeria. He is a very
It’s not a walkover; APC will complete lack of confidence in the ability of the accommodating man, one that is
do their bit and PDP will do current leadership of the country to re-unite open to discussion, open to criticisms,
their bit. We expect that every and he accepts your input in areas
institution will play by the rule Paul Ibe: where he thinks you have a superior
and do their job diligently and It is Atiku’s argument. Atiku is a good man. He
transparently. I am confident time to shine has a heart for the needy, the poor,
that PDP will produce the next the orphans, the less privileged.”
president of Nigeria.

Suppose the presidential
election is stalemated?

How can it be stalemated
now? The election dates are
fixed and INEC says they are
ready! If what they need is given
to them who will stalemate it?
The elections will be completed
successfully.

And you don’t foresee
another June 12?

No! There can’t be June 12
in Nigeria again! The whole
security chiefs are all Nigerians;
we go to the same markets,
the same schools, same house
rents; so they know what we are
talking about. They will allow
transparency to take place so
that Nigerians can produce a
president that will come and
give comfort to everybody.

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We Need a Coalition to Defeat Buhari
Dr Junaid Muhammed is a fiery frontline norther politician and the Vice Presidential
Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP. He spoke to TAJUDEEN SULEIMAN

You have been one of the strongest critics of the that could make him a better president or give him an
Buhari administration, and one of those who edge above the incumbent?
say the country does not deserve a second term
of Buhari. Are you satisfied with the quality of One, he listens. And where the chips are down, Atiku can be
candidates jostling to take over from him? overruled by the people around him. In the case of Buhari it is
a purely feudal arrangement. If he says so, so and so, even if it
The two major parties are virtually the two sides of the coin, is eminently senseless and stupid, you must do it. For instance,
and that to me is a major disaster. Because if the two major the way he took the decision to establish a national carrier
parties are virtually the same, now the prospect of the country given the disastrous history of the Nigerian Airways; given the
being taken away from this dangerous culture of corruption, fact that he has not commissioned any study on the viability of
nepotism, prebendalism and so on will remain with us for a long the project and so on. He did no such study, he just made the
time. You can see how effortlessly those who had moved from announcement. It was a disaster, and I wouldn’t have minded if
PDP to APC and now have moved back. It has become easy it was a personal disaster to him. But it was a disaster to Nigeria
because essentially, they operate on the same cultural paradigm. because we lost over one and half billion naira over that joke.

Let us forget the ideal for a moment We have about nine parties that
and look at what we have at hand. Who have fielded presidential candidates,
among the presidential candidates we but Nigerians are only talking about
have now do you think is in a better Atiku and Buhari. Are you surprised?
position to unseat the incumbent
in 2019 and probably do better in Nigerians are being reasonably realistic
government? by narrowing it down to these two. But that
Well, we can only do some guess work. does not mean they have foreclosed the
I don’t want to second-guess anybody. chances of others. For instance, in the South
But the feeling I have is that we’re playing West, people are surprised that a party
not classical politics. We’re playing what is called the SDP is now effectively the third
called ‘machine politics’- how many people party in that region, and may actually be the
can you gather and how many can you pay third party in the country. In the previous
for them how many people among the elite elections, third parties used to hover around
can you negotiate with and negotiate a deal, APGA, Labour Party and what have you.
and how many people are going to deliver Now Labour Party has become a party of
and so on. As far as I’m concerned, the mercenaries. They are too scared to come
chances of anybody giving Buhari a good and stand by the principles by which the
fight can only rest with the PDP candidate. labour parties in Europe were born. For
He has the money, the experience and he example, the Social Democratic Party in
specialised in this kind of machine politics. Germany, essentially it was the first party
It has always been his career; it’s always Muhammed voted by workers to defend the interest of
workers. Subsequently the Labour Party
being his life and he’s never pretended to was also floated by the British Trade Union
be anything else and I respect him for that. Congress and financed by it. The Labour
Because unlike Buhari, he’s not hypocritical, party in Nigeria is a vehicle for extorting
and he doesn’t talk about corruption, he doesn’t pretend he’s a money and fraudulent activities of the labour bureaucrats. I tried
messiah or that he’s coming to do something important. Buhari my best to persuade them over the last 20 years but it never
is all pretense, all lies. And on top of it he has a record of having worked. They have become mercenaries.
managed something well. He’s a successful businessman who I want you to look at the chances of the major
has made tons of money, and he’s going to put those tons of opposition party, the PDP, against the ruling APC in
money into good use. Buhari’s money could only have come 2019. Do you think Atiku has 50 percent chances against
from corruption, either by him or by his relations or his cronies. Buhari in the election?
Its too early to say whether Atiku has 50 percent chance
Are there other distinctions you can draw between the against Buhari, its too early. But I believe if he continues the way
two men? he has started, and he’s prepared to redeem himself in other
areas and he’s also going to resolve the issue between him and
Yea, because Buhari has benefitted from his so-called the Americans, then he may attend that 50 percent. But let me
reputation of being incorruptible. But this time around, that has tell you, most people who will end up voting for Atiku, especially
vanished. It has disappeared, nothing like integrity. Anytime in the north, will vote not for him, but against Buhari. And that
they ask him he says I have not been found to be corrupt, that’s is a formidable challenge to Buhari. Because Buhari has nothing
rubbish. Every person he’s appointed into government has to offer, lets be honest with ourselves.
been found to be corrupt. Some less than one month of their You said he could have some chance if he redeemed
appointment as minister.

Are there other qualities you think Atiku possesses

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himself. What do you mean by that? Peter
Generally, I think people see him as irredeemably corrupt person, Obi: Will
complement
that he’s in politics for money, he doesn’t have any high values. And his boss
he has not been able to indicate that he’s otherwise. And he has
shown to be enthusiastically courting parties and individuals with Paul Ibe, Abubakar’s spokesman, sees 2019 in prophetic
unsavory reputation to come to him. To him being a thief or a crook dimension. He traced the candidate’s trajectory from the
or a violent person is not something to be decried. days of G34 that metamorphosed into PDP through his
odyssey in and out of power, three previous attempts to be
If Buhari wins the 2019 election, what do you think could president, and concluded that it’s former vice president’s
be the reason? time to shine.

If he wins, it is just because human beings have inertia, sometimes TELL learnt that before he emerged candidate he had
they’re afraid of change for the case of change. But in the case of gathered a panel of home and foreign-based experts and
Buhari I think he has been so profoundly and comprehensively they advised him on the blue print for the way forward
offensive and incompetent that I can’t see how any rational person for Nigeria. So he is prepared for governance. That is not
will go into a polling booth and say I am going to vote for Buhari either what the electorate think of Buhari. As a matter of fact they
for my good, the good of my family or the good of the country. If he believe that he did not plan for governance. A number of
has failed to keep any of his campaign promises. He has alienated people believe that aside from the president not having a
every single political or economic constituency and only pleased his blue print, he also does not seem to give any regard to the
relations, friends and cronies. letters of his party manifesto. He is not a fan of restructuring,
and so when the party raised the El-Rufai committee that
Let’s look at your party, the SDP. It is fielding the former recommended restructuring, his government safely put
governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke. Does he stand away the report.
any chance?
Now, Abubakar has a record of being prepared for
I believe, given the uncertainties out there, given the fact that any responsibility he seeks. Last Friday, he announced
Nigerians are eminently unhappy, and they are being asked to make in a tweet that he was concluding a review of his blue
a choice between evil and lesser evil-depending on who among the print for release to the public. In 2007, there were people
two is evil or lesser evil. People do not have a generalised positive who claimed that he already had a government in waiting
opinion about those two. Now in such period of uncertainties, there but Umar Yar’Adua was preferred over him by his then
may come a time when the youths in this country will say look, principal, Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo’s feud with
enough is enough, we want to take a stand. If they have to take Abubakar denied him the critical mass he needed to win
a stand, at least they will not have any excuse that there is no one the presidency from 2007 to 2015.
out there. At least there is somebody called Donald Duke and there
is a party called the SDP, and that party is not controlled by any However, the tides have now turned in Abubakar’s
individual. Those of us who worked to bring the present SDP did so favour. Four days after his victory at the Port
not just because we want to float a party. We brought into the mix Harcourt convention, Obasanjo publicly endorsed
our old parties. Abubakar for the job and stated that his former vice
president will run the country better than President
We’re doing that because we believe Nigerians deserved an Buhari. The change of gear is credited to a powerful group
alternative to both Atiku and APC. There are about 31 parties out of eminent Nigerians, majority of who are not in partisan
there who may be willing to come and join us, or if we have to cut a politics. Obasanjo, who had earlier sworn never to support
deal with some people, we’ll do so knowing full well that when we’re Abubakar’s ambition to rule Nigeria, addressed his former
independent we can be the arrow-head. And there is the possibility deputy as “President-to-be”, forgiving him of whatever
that the party may emerge the third political force in this country. were the issues between them. Obasanjo has been a critical
That will be an exciting opportunity. The idea that the only option factor in who became president since 2007. He endorsed
we have is either PDP or APC is not sustainable. Both parties are Yar’adua, Jonathan and Buhari. They all became president,
thoroughly compromised parties with the same philosophy. but Jonathan and Buhari disappointed him so much he
withdrew his support from them. Now he has endorsed
Some international groups have suggested that the only Abubakar. Will he be four times a king maker or can Buhari
way the opposition can defeat Buhari in 2019 is for them to
come together. Is it possible that your party would ally with
the PDP?

It is possible if we do a careful cost-benefit analysis to our party
and Nigerians of coming together to defeat Buhari. Buhari is such a
dangerous phenomenon that it would need this kind of coalition to
defeat him.

Will you and your party be willing to work to get the other
parties to team up with the PDP candidate?

I think it is up to the PDP itself, particularly its presidential candidate
to work to convince other parties out there, who are against Buhari
but are not comfortable with the leading candidate of the PDP. And
I hope Atiku does not take it that the deal is done, it is not. He has to
work like hell in other to convince people that he is not going to pose
the kind of danger, or other equally waiting dangers to Nigeria, to the
political system and to our democracy. And most importantly he’s
going to have to deal with the international community, particularly
our major trading partners-the United States, Western Europe and
now the Chinese. He has a hell lot of hard work ahead.

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Atiku Abubakar and
Whispers of Corruption

His political adversaries have cited a US Senate report allegedly implicating him in a
bribery and money-laundering case as basis for his unsuitability to run for president

By TAJUDEEN SULEIMAN

Is Atiku Abubakar barred from entering the United
States? Is there a warrant for his arrest in the U.S?
No one appears yet to have a definitive answer
in the absence of any official statement from the
United States government. But what is known is that a
committee of the United States Senate implicated him
in a report on money laundering and bribery in the U.S.
The U.S Senate Permanent Subcommittee on
investigations chaired by Senator Carl Levin found
that between 2000 and 2008, Jennifer Douglas, a U.S.
citizen and the fourth wife of Atiku Abubakar, helped
her husband bring over $40 million in suspect funds into
the United States through wire transfers sent by offshore
corporations to U.S. bank accounts.
Of the $40 million in suspect funds, $25 million was
wire transferred by offshore corporations into more than
30 U.S. bank accounts opened by Ms. Douglas, primarily
by Guernsey Trust Company Nigeria Ltd., LetsGo Ltd.
Inc., and Sima Holding Ltd.
Also, in a 2008 civil complaint, the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission alleged that Ms. Douglas
received over $2 million in bribe payments in 2001 and
2002, from Siemens AG, a major German corporation.
These may have been proceeds from a broadband Jennifer and Atiku Abubakar
contract award to iGate, an American Patriot Act which made the acceptance
company which Williams Jefferson, of foreign corruption proceeds a U.S.
then U.S. federal lawmaker from money laundering offense for the
Louisiana, had interest in. Jefferson first time and required banks to apply
was said to have leveraged on his enhanced scrutiny to private banking
friendship with Abubakar to ensure that accounts opened for senior foreign
the contract went smoothly in Nigeria political figures, their relatives, and close
with intentions to pay some kickbacks associates. In 2004, President Bush
to Nigerian officials, including the issued Presidential Proclamation 7750
former vice president. denying U.S. visas to foreign officials
It was revealed in a secretly involved with corruption, and Congress
recorded conversation with the FBI later enacted supporting legislation.
that Abubakar stood to benefit up This is why the former vice president
to $500,000 for helping influence has been taunted by political adversaries
the broadband deal in Nigeria at the to travel to the U.S if he believes he’s
time. Jefferson consequently lost his not been indicted in that country. There
representative seat and served jail term have been concerns that Abubakar was
in America for the deal. avoiding a trip to America because he
While Douglas denies the fears a warrant was out for his arrest
accusations, Siemens pleaded guilty to there.
U.S. criminal charges and settled civil But Abubakar had downplayed any
charges related to bribery and told the suggestion that he has not visited the
Subcommittee that it sent the payments U.S. because of an indictment or warrant
to one of her U.S. accounts. for his arrest. In an interview published
In 2001, the U.S. Senate enacted the Senator Carl Levin

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by The Boss newspaper recently, the Turaki
Adamawa revealed that he had tried to visit
the U.S. but was denied on administrative
grounds.
“I applied but wasn’t issued a visa.
However, they did not decline me
categorically either. They’ve only said my
application is going through administrative
process,” Abubakar told the paper.
“It is the sole prerogative of America to
determine who they want in their country or
not. I’m not running away from America,” he
added. However, if truly the United States
wants him arrested, would the officials not
have simply granted him visa so he can walk
into their net?
While his explanation has not exonerated
him from the alleged indictment, it did little
to douse speculations that he may not be
welcomed in the U.S.
But lawyers who spoke to the magazine
did not see any legal landmine on Abubakar’s
road to the presidency based solely on the
Senate indictment in the U.S.
According to Johnson Usman, an Abuja-
based legal practitioner, indictment by a panel
is no longer a ground for disqualification
of a candidate standing for election in
Nigeria. “Before the amendment of the 1999
constitution, indictment was a crime and a
basis for disqualification of a candidate. If Obasanjo reminds Abubakar: “There are still areas you have to make amends”
you’re indicted by a panel and a white paper
is issued, you stand disqualified. But that provision has been Group, argued that the senate investigation being referred to
deleted when the constitution was amended, and indictment is was not a conclusive hearing where every side was allowed fair
no longer a ground for disqualification,” he explained. hearing.
He stated that under the provision of sections 131,137 of He said: “To the best of our knowledge, Atiku Abubakar was
the amended constitution, the ground for disqualification is an not a witness neither was he summoned to that congressional
indictment by a competent court of law, and not an investigative hearing. What they did was to refer it to the EFCC to undertake
panel. further investigation. And if after several years, EFCC has not
His view is supported by Ohazurike Tochukwu, Director, Legal found anything to charge him with, it means either he is not
and Documentation, Independent Service Delivery Monitoring corrupt, or he is the smartest of all corrupt people.”

Tochukwu: Abubakar But if the indictment has no legal implications, many would
was not summoned think it places a moral burden on Abubakar’s candidacy,
to the congressional especially considering that his major opponent in the 2019
hearing presidential election uses the fight against corruption as a
campaign issue. Again, Tochukwu argued that since there is no
legal indictment or legal process against him in any court of law,
he suffers no moral burden going into the election.

“There is this fundamental right that everyone has. You are
innocent until proven guilty. So, if he has not been found guilty
of any crime, the question is: moral burden of what? So for me
it is not a moral issue, it’s more of political allegation and not
moral. For it to be a moral issue, there has to be compelling
evidence; may be the case is in court and things like that. If all
our prosecutorial agencies have not found anything to charge
him with, then there is no moral burden anywhere.”

Yet, even some of his supporters believe there is a moral issue
with the indictment. And no one expressed this more forcefully
than Abubakar’s former boss, former President Olusegun
Obasanjo.

In a speech he delivered in his Abeokuta residence after
resolving his differences with Abubakar on October 11,
Obasanjo reminded him: “There are still areas, nationally and
internationally, where you have to mend fences and make
amends.  You will know how to handle what is already out and
what may yet be put out by the opposition.”

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break the record? not seek power to enrich
The former president gave an insight themselves.
However, the choice
into the power dynamics since 2007. of Obi caused uproar in
“Yes, when it started, it was meant the Southeast because
for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo.  In the of poor communication.
presence of these distinguished leaders of Part stakeholders, were
goodwill today, let me say it openly that not briefed before the
we have reviewed what went wrong on announcement was made.
the side of Atiku.  And in all honesty, my Ike Ekweremadu, deputy
former Vice-President has re-discovered Senate President and PDP’s
and re-positioned himself. As I have highest ranking officer in
repeatedly said, it is not so much what government until Saraki
you did against me that was the issue decamped back to PDP,
but what you did against the Party, the and other southeast bigwigs
Government and the country. I took the heard the choice of Obi
stand I had taken based on the character in the news. Obi does not
and attributes you exhibited in the position distribute patronage so this
you found yourself.  I strongly believe that would be a problem in a
I was right. It was in the overall interest of country where not much
everyone and everything to take such a gets done without money.
position.” It might also present a
Ekweremadu: Not consulted on choice of Obi reverse of the Obasanjo-
In different times, Nigerians should
have wanted details of what Atiku Atiku case in the presidency, where Atiku
did against party and country that was generous and Obasanjo was ‘stingy.’
incurred the wrath of Obasanjo for Consequently, governors gravitated
over 10 years. But nobody really towards Atiku, leading to the 2003 party
cares because most people feel that in the re-nomination scenario where Obasanjo
face of more threatening national problem had to allegedly beg Atiku for support
these pale significantly. Obasanjo appears to avoid being disgraced at the party
to feel this way too. He admonished him: primary. The Atiku-Obi combination
“I forgive and I sincerely advise you to appears a perfect match. And the
learn from the past and do what is right magazine gathered that frayed nerves are
and it will be well with you.” being appeased across the southeast.
It is not an easy way to Aso Villa for
He hinted at unresolved time bombs: Atiku. The Yoruba are grumbling too.
“There are still areas, nationally and They wonder, “What’s in the mix for us?”
internationally, where you have to Currently, the VP is a Yoruba under APC;
mend fences and make amends.  You while in PDP, chairman, presidential and
will know how to handle what is already vice presidential candidates are from
out and what may yet be put out by the the South south, north and southeast
opposition.  But, I am convinced that if respectively. However, Daniel says the
you continue with the attitude that brought Yoruba are looking at the bigger picture.
you here with these distinguished leaders “The thing that has kept us steady and
of goodwill, with remorse and contrite why the south west will still stand with
heart, the rest of the coast within and Atiku is his position on restructuring.
outside the country can be cleared.  And And if you appreciate the sentiments in
if there is anything I can do and you want the south west today, the feeling is that
me to do in that respect, I will do.” Babangida: In the group opposed to Buhari the concept of what we need to do is
far more important. The people believe
Obasanjo’s final words appeared structure, which might be more efficient that in a restructured federation, they
apocalyptic: “With Nigerians voting for than the party setup. can compete and stand on their own in
you, it will mean that you secure their Prior to this he had to choose a running all ramifications. In that case, if Atiku is
forgiveness and regain their confidence. mate. He published a shortlist of five the main man talking about restructuring,
It will be with the hope or assurance of a names from southwest and Southeast. the south west may be unhappy about
Paul on the road to Damascus Conversion. The lot fell on Peter Obi, former governor personality placement, but they will stand
After all, change and conversion are of of Anambra State. Obi appeared a on principle to support Atiku.” This is
man. I believe that with a contrite heart, natural complement to Atiku. Both are indeed the big picture.
change is possible in everybody’s life and wealthy and successful businessmen. Obi Can the north also see this big picture?
situation.” was governor of Anambra for eight years Restructuring is an uphill climb, a hard sell,
and from World Bank indicators, he ran in the north where many states have zero
After Obasanjo, Abubakar faced his the best state government in the period internally generated revenue, IGR. They
fellow contestants in the party primary and left a surplus of N75 billion in cash feel insecure that restructuring may make
and from among them he appointed and bond for his successor, where others some states super rich and some super
Bukola Saraki, president of the Senate, left debts. He is austere and his very small poor. Restructuring is one of Atiku’s key
as the director general of the presidential family size contrasts with Atiku’s large policies, which he has been canvassing
campaign. Saraki had offered to work one. He is one of few Nigerians who do since 2004. How does he convince the
for him if his input is needed. This was
considered a good move though his
campaign organisation has an efficient

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Cover Story

north to buy in? Tambuwal: Expected to deliver Sokoto rocked by internal party crisis. There are
Daniel says the north is not against for PDP discordant tune from the Independent
their calculation, if this number votes National Electoral Commission, INEC,
restructuring and that the problem is for him he is already coasting to victory. after the Commission informed the
communication. “I think the challenge we However, the opposition believes that this ruling party it cannot present candidates
have is to quickly explain it. Some people is a phantom figure. for gubernatorial, national and state
think that if they restructure and give all assembly elections in Zamfara because it
the powers to the state, then the only Buhari’s strongest support has no proof that the party held primaries
states that would be able to survive are base are in the northeast and to choose candidates within the stipulated
the states in the South-south who have northwest where he comes from. time allowed by INEC guidelines. This will
oil. Those apprehensive are looking at it Abubakar is from northeast and affect voting even in presidential election.
from that angle.” Orubebe says the north he is well grounded in Buhari’s
is with Atiku: “I know a lot of northern northwest, including Katsina, Buhari’s Kano State gave Buhari the largest
leaders that worked for Atiku to become home state. Apart from that, he has vote in 2015. The resident electoral
the candidate of PDP, a lot of youths, associates, including fellow aspirants from commissioner and his family were later
a lot middle class people. Some people the zone. He is also closer to the traditional wiped out in a suspicious fire incident
were able to look at it like that over the institutions in the north than Buhari. The in his house. In 2019, the Kano votes
years because he was not able to pick the thinking is that he will give the President are not guaranteed for Buhari. Rabiu
ticket but now he has picked the ticket, a decent run for his popularity, which has Kwakwanso, former governor of the state
the northerners know what he has done drastically waned in the past three years. who gave him the votes in 2015, has
in the north; his services to the masses decamped to PDP and is now supporting
of the north, to the elite, the traditional In addition, APC has lost Sokoto, where Atiku Abubakar. Though governor
institution, the middle class, the ordinary Governor Aminu Tambuwal decamped Umar Ganduje is solidly behind Buhari,
people. He is the Waziri of Adamawa. to PDP. Zamfara, a strong APC state, is Kwankwaso is his godfather and seen as a
They see him as a good man. I don’t think stronger political force.
there’s any problem selling Atiku in the
North. I don’t foresee a challenge from Kaduna used to be the ‘liberal state’
the North.” but under Nasir el Rufai, it has become
an acrimonious state. The APC just hangs
That notwithstanding, the battle of by the power of incumbency. Shehu Sani,
the 2019 significant support from the fiery social critic and senator representing
presidential election will be fierce in the Kaduna Central in the Senate, was
north. Buhari got block votes from the denied a return ticket to the Red Chamber
north and south west in 2015. In 2019 because of his principled engagement of
the pattern may change. Already the Governor El Rufai on his contentious
loyalty of that voting population appears policies. He has decamped to the Peoples
shaking and there may be further fission Redemption Party, PRP, which has
as the campaign gather momentum. The adopted him as consensus candidate.
factors that played out in 2015 in Buhari’s This has further whittled down Buhari’s
favour are no longer there. Then it was voting bloc. Again, chances are that
north versus south; in 2019 it will be Buhari may not get votes from Kaduna
north versus north. Buhari’s camp claims South, which has not known peace since
that about 15 million APC members he became president due to incessant
nominated him for a second term. In forays by unchallenged Fulani herdsmen.

El-Rufai: Conflict with Sani polarised APC in Kaduna In that state, Buhari’s biggest albatross
is the Zaria debacle with El Zakzaky,
influential Muslim leader whose over
400 members were reportedly killed by
the army in a conflict that followed the
obstruction of the chief of army staff’s
convoy. Zakzaky has been held by the
government for over two years without
trial despite several court orders to free
him. This may count among the issues
that Buhari campaigners will face in
the months ahead. The handling of the
incessant bloody communal conflicts in
El-Zamfara State by the security angered
Governor Abdulaziz Yari to announce that
he was stepping down as chief security
officer of the state last June. It was an
open indictment of the federal authorities
under President Buhari also of the APC
as Yari. Issues like this create advantage
for Abubakar.

That leaves north central. Here, APC
has lost two states – Kwara and Benue
– whose governors have decamped to
PDP. In Kogi State, the turbulent reign

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Cover Story

Oshiomhole:

of Governor Bello has not enlarged the politician crosses to the APC, Party leaders
coast of APC, and will translate to more it appears his sins are forgiven criticise his
votes for PDP. The Saraki factor in the him or the tempo of prosecution leadership style

neighbouring Kwara may be too difficult drops to an all time low.” He
for a Lai Mohammed, obviously the new said the northerners believe that
party leader in the state, to run over. the actions of the government
There are indications that Niger State reinforce the assumption that
may vote PDP. Though former head of the north wanted power just for
state, Ibrahim Babangida, has not voiced the sake of power. They said
support for either Buhari or Abubakar, his appointees of the president from
sympathy weighs in for the candidate of the north in particular are not the
his party, the PDP. Obasanjo is now seen best materials from the region. So
as the voice of the retired generals and the northern leaders are taking up
military heads of state. So Obasanjo’s the responsibility of preventing a
endorsement of Abubakar may well be situation where the north, as a
IBB’s. result of the actions of the Buhari
administration, is blamed for
The magazine confirmed reports the collapse of the country. The
that a powerful interest group general was therefore given an
is behind efforts to work against assignment to work with PDP
the president in the forthcoming aspirants, party leaders and
election. A source said the delegates to ensure that the party
opposition was not as a result of fears produced a candidate with tact
that he might come after them during his and mien to face the incumbent.
second term in office, rather it was to arrest According to reports, the general held Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State
the declining fortune of the country under a meeting with all aspirants when he got who was the chairman of the Convention
his watch. The group is said to comprise to the Rivers State capital, admonishing Committee.
retired generals like IBB, Obasanjo and them to put the interest of the country Now, coming to the Southeast and
General Theophilus Y. Danjuma, who was above all interests. Our source said the south south, the projection is that
believed to have given financial backing general told the aspirants a story of how Abubakar holds the aces. A leader from the
to the president in 2015 and who has Shehu Shagari emerged as the candidate area said this would be in consideration
voiced his discontent against the Buhari of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, of their afflictions under Buhari in the
administration’s handling of insecurity NPN for the 1979 election. He told them past years. Yes, infrastructural projects
situation in the country, as well as scores that delegates voted all right, but the are being prosecuted there, but official
of traditional and political leaders who exercise was managed from behind the handling of the Independent Peoples of
prefer to maintain a low profile. The scene by respected statesmen through Biafra, IPOB protest has not gone down
group reportedly detailed IBB to send a one of the leaders to ensure that there well with the people. Abubakar who has
retired general to the PDP convention was no rancour and the best candidate a wife from the southeast – though some
in Port Harcourt. The general so sent, a from the preferred zone emerged. That doubted how that would garner support
known name in military intelligence, had intervention did the magic in Port for him – may be trusted for being more
the mandate to ensure that a popular and Harcourt, coupled with the firmness of engaging than Buhari. Above that, the
respected candidate emerges from choice of Obi, his running mate, looks
the convention. good to get support for him from the
So what is the objective of this southeast. To further boost his chances
group? Our source said the group, down south are the influence of PDP
having made consultations across chairman, Uche Secondus who is from
the country, discovered that the south south. All these weigh in heavily
country has become more divided against Buhari and APC.
in the last three and a half years of The southwest is a toss-up. Abubakar’s
Buhari’s presidency; the economy first wife, Titi, is from the southwest and
has retrogressed precariously, Daniel says the Yoruba will stick with their
while insecurity believed to be the son-in-law.
turf of a retired general like Buhari Lagos and Kano have the largest voter
has become dangerously more populations in the country. In 2015, APC
widespread. A source claimed and PDP ran neck and neck. Currently,
that the group discovered that there is a crack in the amour of the ruling
while the poor complain of hunger party in Lagos. For the first time since
and neglect, the elite in the north 1999, a governor of Lagos State was
are feeling embarrassed by the denied a second term by his party for
performance of Buhari and the non- undisclosed reasons. Governor Akinwumi
inclusive government that he has run Ambode, like others before him, has
so far. In the words of our source, performed in terms of governance but
“they feel that the war against his godfather is not happy with him.
corruption could have been better So, unless APC leaders campaign very
fought, so as to prevent insinuations rigorously, the sophisticated voters in
that only the opposition habours the Lagos may cast protest votes against APC
corrupt and once an alleged corrupt Okowa: Commended for successful convention to PDP’s advantage.

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Cover Story

Within the ruling party, things are in the past three years.
falling apart, and the centre is no longer More people, 14.5 million,
holding under new party chairman, especially frustrated youths,
Adams Oshiomhole, whose abrasive have registered to vote in 2019
leadership style has precipitated conflict elections raising the number
in the party. APC may not present of registered voters to 84.2
candidates for the elections in six states million, up from 69,720,350 in
due to poor management and lack of 2015. And their major interest
internal party democracy. Aggrieved is the presidential election.
party stakeholders have called on the Even then, in this crowd are
party chairman to resign. If APC fails to the impressionistic youth who
quell this crisis, it may pay dearly for it in take decisions on the basis of
the coming elections. what is handed down to them.
Junaid Mohammed, social
That leaves Buhari with only the critic and vice presidential
obnoxious power of incumbency to win candidate of the Social
the 2019 presidential election, which Democratic Party, SDP,
some insiders say informs the arrogance regrets that Nigerians are
in the narrative coming from the Aso only talking about APC and
Villa. But Nigeria has changed so rapidly PDP. He says both of them
are rotten and cannot redeem
Keyamo: PDP candidate’s credibility Nigeria. “The prospect of the
will be an issue country being taken away
from this dangerous culture
Secondus: Expected to boost Atiku’s of corruption, nepotism, Ambode: Will his fate affect APC in Lagos?
chance
prebendalism and so on will remain with TELL due to his tight schedule issued a
us for a long time. You can see how statement where he raised issues about
effortlessly those who had moved from Abubakar’s credibility:
PDP to APC and now have moved back. “It is therefore clear that going into
It has become easy because essentially, this election the issues that will agitate
they operate on the same cultural the minds of Nigerians most would be
paradigm.” centered around the credibility of the
candidate of the opposition and the kind
On Buhari and Abubakar, he of values he brings into our politics.
says the latter is a ‘lesser evil.’ “Nigerians would ask themselves
According to him, “Nigerians are
eminently unhappy, and they whether he can be trusted with our
are being asked to make a choice national resources with this proclivity for
“dollarising” the political arena, thereby
between evil and lesser evil-depending on taking us back to the warped values
who among the two is evil or lesser evil. from which President Buhari is trying to
People do not have a generalised positive extricate the nation. One wonders what
opinion about those two.” such a candidate would do with public
However, he favours Abubakar to get funds.
the job, even though he believes that the “Nigerians would also note with interest
path of victory would only have been laid the verdict of Atiku’s former boss when he
for him by Buhari. Hear Mohammed: was Vice President on his credibility and
“Most people who will end up voting for integrity, calling him unprintable names
Atiku, especially in the north, will vote at different occasions.”
not for him, but against Buhari. And Junaid Mohammed thinks otherwise:
that is a formidable challenge to Buhari. “Atiku has a record of having managed
Because Buhari has nothing to offer, let’s something well. He’s a successful
be honest with ourselves…I think he has businessman who has made tons of
been so profoundly and comprehensively money, and he’s going to put those tons
offensive and incompetent that I can’t see of money into good use. Buhari’s money
how any rational person will go into a could only have come from corruption,
polling booth and say I am going to vote either by him or by his relations or his
for Buhari either for my good, the good cronies.” There is yet another parallel he
of my family or the good of the country.” draws between the two candidates: “Atiku
What that means is that the tides listens. And when the chips are down,
are in favour of Abubakar, but he has Atiku can be overruled by the people
a war in his hands to win before he around him. In the case of Buhari it is a
could be president of Nigeria. He has to purely feudal arrangement. If he says so,
convince Nigerians and the international so and so, even if it is eminently senseless
community that he can fight corruption. and stupid, you must do it.” That says
Festus Keyamo, senior advocate of something about democratic credentials,
Nigeria, SAN and spokesman for Buhari which will also come up in the debates
Campaign Organisation, unable to talk to ahead of the elections.

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Special Interview

How Abacha,
Yar’Adua Died
Ovadje

There is the maxim that a gold fish has no hiding place. Such was the
case with Felix Oviemo Ovadje, a medical doctor and retired four-
star general in the Nigerian Army, who was fished out for this no holds
barred interview in far away Winnipeg in the province of Manitoba,
Canada where he had visited to witness the call to bar of his last daughter,
Felicita Oghenetega. Ovadje, a renowned scientist and chief consultant
anesthesiologist, brought glory to his fatherland when in 1995, he invented
the Emergency Auto Transfusion Set, Eatset, a device designed to salvage
blood in patients with internal bleeding arising from accidents or other
medical conditions. The invention was widely acclaimed and has earned
him global recognition and awards. This celebrated Nigerian fielded
questions from Adekunbi Ero, executive editor, going down memory
lane on the challenges he faced in actualising the project, the attendant
honour, glory and fame, as well as his frustrations in the commercialisation
of the invention. Giving his informed opinion on the state of Nigeria’s
healthcare system, Ovadje returned a damning verdict that “it is nothing
to write home about… It has totally collapsed.” Excerpts:

In 1995, you gained global recognition and fame when at that time, and WHO would release the money to me. So,
you invented the Eatset, a medical device to salvage they sponsored the clinical trials, the experimental model, and
blood from patients with internal bleeding. How did they sponsored the manufacturing. After the manufacturing, they
that invention change your life? sponsored the Alpha clinical trials. They now sponsored the Beta
It changed my life because it made me a focused human clinical trials. The Beta clinical trial was done at the University
being. Whether I liked it or not, I needed, at the stage where this of Geneva. The Alpha was in Lagos and we did it as a multi-
thing came to the limelight, to be focused to make sure that it centre – at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, Ayinke
was justified; instead of doing it halfway, and people will laugh House which is now Lagos State University Teaching Hospital,
at me and say nothing came out of what he was doing. So, each LASUTH, and then the two military hospitals. Now, the cost was
level of recognition gave me a higher spur to work harder. And, borne by the UN too through the WHO. Then after that, they
well, it was all an act of God. And it helped me to lean on God sponsored the seminar where over 400 people participated from
more because it was not easy. Even people who were close to me different countries – Ghana, Benin Republic, United Kingdom,
were working against me. Within the army, they were working Switzerland, South Korea, United States of America - and lectures
against me and things like that. But because I was close to God were given. I had to demonstrate the use. And that was it.
and I was prayerful over this project, God was helping me. I was
to give a talk one time at a seminar. General (Oladipo) Diya was That was it; Are you saying after that you were on your
then the number two man in government. So, I invited (Gen. own?
Sani) Abacha to attend my seminar for the launch of the product
because the United Nations was involved, the World Health Yes, because the next stage was commercialisation, and the
Organisation was involved; there was so much of international WHO or the UN organs don’t have that mandate to go beyond
interest in the matter. Even though I was not supported by home, product development. It was expected that if they had been
they provided a lot of funds for me. able to give such a support to Nigeria, because the product was
christened “Nigeria’s Contribution to Global Blood Safety”;
How was the funding done; Were you given the cash that’s how it was classified at the UN and WHO, we should be
based on your proposal to them? able to take it beyond that. But here is Nigeria, if you don’t come
from a particular section of the country, nothing would be done
No, I was not just handed the cash. These organisations for you. But while all these were even going on, they were trying
don’t operate that way. I started with about $169,000 from the to project one Dr. Abalaka over me for his purported cure for
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) at that time HIV/AIDS. I was in the army, Abalaka was a civilian; the army
to do the studies. It was a United Nations sponsored project was buying his drugs – three million, each time they wanted to
and the WHO was made to be the executing body. The money buy – to treat soldiers, according to them. But most of the soldiers
was never given to me directly. My account was in WHO; they were dying. They wouldn’t do anything for me. But we all know
would give it to the WHO. WHO would ask me what do you what eventually happened to Abalaka. He died with his drug
want? I would tell them, give a break-down of what I needed after injecting himself with it. Even the only thing I asked for was

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 24

Special Interview

permission to travel abroad to go and do my same dream, I answered ‘to save lives.’ He said why are you
work, permission to travel abroad to go and angry? This was revealed to you in Nigeria; Nigeria did not take
give talks, give lectures at international fora, advantage of it. Won’t you be happy if some other group takes
particularly at the world congress. General advantage of it and you see more lives being saved? The first set
(Abdulsalam) Abubakar who was then the of 200 you manufactured, you used them free and people got
Chief of Defence Staff, nominated me, and I well and you were happy, and the thing was being promoted.
became the chief of delegation to the world Immediately I woke from that dream, I just knew that I would no
military medical congress and I stayed in that longer pursue what I was pursuing in America.
position for like 10 years, and I had to travel.
After some time, the army became tired So, what type of exposure did you get as a result of
particularly when southerners got to office. the invention?
That was when I started losing goodwill. I was all over the world. I was honoured in all continents of
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I left the this world except in Australia. In 1995, that was when General
army. I put in my voluntary retirement. Abdusalam appointed me to go and represent Nigeria in the
World Congress of Medicine and I was there in Augsburg,
Does that mean you were frustrated Germany; I gave a lecture of the Eatset for the first time in an
out of the army? international forum, apart from the one I gave in Ghana earlier.
Well, not really frustrated out; they Then in that same meeting in Augsburg, I was elected chairman of
couldn’t frustrate me because they knew that the Special Scientific Committee for the Deployment of Soldiers
as they were doing what they were doing on Foreign Missions. You know we do peace-keeping; so, I was
against me, I was doing better than many of the chairman. Subsequently, like I told you, for 10 years, every
them. Anyway, I left. And it was good I left year, I attended the world body congress, and I represented
because immediately I left, I became free. I Nigeria. In 1995, after my seminar at the Sheraton, the army was
won’t tell this story yet until my book comes saying that I was political in that meeting for inviting Abacha so I
out because I just want to delay a little bit. should be charged. That was the plan of officers who were above
me then. Immediately after the seminar, the following day, we
Does it mean your Eatset device was woke up; it was Concord, Vanguard, Guardian newspapers that
never commercialised? carried the news. “Army Doctor wins WIPO Gold Award”; WIPO
My Eatset was commercialised; we were means World Intellectual Property Organisation which was an
producing it in India and bringing it into the organ of the United Nations. And of course, I was asked to first
country. We now got to the point where we of all come to Geneva. While that was on, the OAU meeting was
said it was cheaper if we could manufacture going to take place and I was called to receive another African
it at home. If you go to Calabar at the free Gold medal for the Best African Scientist. In 1996, I was invited
trade zone, we have a company which was to China where I was elected, the only African, into the Technical
set up for Eatset. That is First Medical and Sterile Product. They Working Committee of the World Congress of Military Surgeons.
have the biggest medical facility in the West African region; I’m In 1998, after giving a lecture in Vienna, Austria, at the world
afraid not to say in the whole of Africa because let it not be that congress, I was elected a member of the Association of Military
there is one like that in South Africa. When we got the idea to set Surgeons of the Federal Republic of Austria. The following year,
it up, I had an investor; and of course he was enthusiastic, nice 1999, I was elected a life member of the Association of Military
man... (Unfortunately) the production stopped. We still have Surgeons of the United States. Then in 2005, that was when
about 3,000 units of the equipment the military of defence woke up and
at the Calabar Free Trade Zone. ‘The health sector has totally I was given the Army medal. But the
They feel that if they frustrate it, I can government was doing theirs; they
no longer make progress with it. But collapsed. If you watch out, private did their own very well. I told you
Eatset is being copied and used in sector, though too expensive for the governments were not against
different parts of the world. the ordinary man, yet they are me; it was elements within the
governments that were against me.
Are you saying that people In 1995, Abacha was Head of State
have started copying what you then. He was supposed to come to
laboured for? the only ones coming to the aid Addis Abbaba to receive me but
of the people. If we have medical he sent Tom Ikimi, then minister
Yes, the thing is, after 20 years, ‘ of foreign affairs. He took me to
they are allowed to. My patent lapsed Nigerian House and Nigerians in
after 20 years and thereafter, they can insurance, even the poor man can Ethiopia celebrated me. They had
join me in the manufacture because be captured at his own level, and a party for me which lasted till one
the UN is a world body and they o’clock in the morning. Indeed, one
did not do it for Nigeria alone. They he will benefit

see it as something that was meant got a lot of international recognitions.
to benefit the world. I was in my
house in Windsor (Canada) with two of my daughters when we Definitely those awards and recognitions must have
discovered that some Americans in Baltimore had copied it and come with monetary rewards. Didn’t they?
were trying to promote the idea as original to them. I was angry; Oh yes. That was what sustained me. That is why when they
we sat throughout the night, wrote a petition to the American were gossiping me at the defence ministry that doctors don’t
patent office and all that. But as I was fighting them, I said when make money in the army; how did he build that estate in Ikoyi.
I got to Nigeria, I would get more materials and I would deal with So, it was one of them who said forget about that. He didn’t take
them. But one night, I was in like a trance or dream and the spirit our money. They educated themselves. All the presidents, even
asked me when you started Eatset, why do you think you started Jonathan who I would not say helped me; because he did not
it? Was it for affluence, to make money, or to save lives? In that approve the things I asked him to do. And if he had done that,

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 25

Special Interview

that would have been very wonderful for Nigeria. treatment or management of their presidents? They will never tell
us how much it cost to put air ambulance at the airport in Abuja.
What did you ask him to do? We will never know. How much did it cost – there was a ground
I wanted him to set up in the health sector, the office of a ambulance at the villa believing that immediately if anything
Surgeon-General and I told him I was ready to start it and that happens, they would just fly him out. And of course when he
if he so wished, I don’t want him to pay me salaries for the first had his problem, who was the Nigerian expert that they called to
year. But you know he was pro-North. If I was a northerner, he come and attend to him? I want to believe that the doctor who
would have done it to please them. was by his side would be from his part of the country because
they were the trusted ones. They moved this man with the ground
What value would that have added to the health ambulance to the airport, entered the air ambulance that was
sector? ready to take him to Saudi Arabia. Let them tell Nigerians who
It’s a very big thing. The ministry of health is highly politicised; were the doctors that followed him. Everything was in secrecy.
it’s like any other ministry. They don’t want to offend the When he leaves, nobody knows; when he comes in, nobody
government of the day. I know this because I represented Nigeria knows. For six hours, I want to tell you that the then president
for 10 years at the World Congress of Medicine. This country we was under-ventilating; that is he wasn’t breathing properly. And
are in now (Canada), they have a surgeon-general. Germany, of course the doctor who followed him, whoever followed him,
Russia, all these big countries, they did not know how to apply oxygen
have surgeon-generals. They also ‘Our leaders have refused to to that man. That is why by the
have secretaries of health who are build the health system of this time he got to Saudi Arabia, he was
like ministers of health. Those ones country. With the experiences brain dead. So, they kept him there
are political. The surgeon-general they had with other presidents, we thinking that the beautiful intensive
will not be involved in political thought by now, others would have care unit would reverse his adverse
issues; he will face the act of creating brain condition. You remember he
a healthy Medicare. Like you see in was there for a long time before they
America, they talk of medicare all the ‘ ever agreed to bring him home.
time. The ministry will not do it well.
The surgeon-general will assemble been wiser to do something about But during his campaign,
medical technocrats to work with. the country’s health care system. Buhari said he would not go
When Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti But here we are abroad for medical treatment.
was the minister of health, he played So why the volte face?
the role of the surgeon-general; if Buhari never thought he would fall
you watched, he was not political. so sick; he thought it was something
That was the time he brought in the that he can manage. But when the
primary health care, PHC. That would have been my major thing got beyond him, of course at that point in time, he would
focus because I was very close to him. I saw it as an opportunity take advise from those around him and the easiest thing they
to help this country and I told him (Jonathan). would tell him is to take him out. But talking about Yar’Adua that
was what happened. Abacha was very good because he never
You retired from the army in 2007. How would you went abroad for treatment. He refused to go for known reasons.
compare the health sector then and now? Now, he was fighting the western world; he didn’t compromise
It is terrible; the health sector is nothing to write home about with them. So, what happened? They now imported doctors from
now. It has crashed; that’s the truth. What they are doing now the Philippines, of all countries. They didn’t bring doctors from
is a celebration of their positions as ministers and all that. The Germany, UK, US because Abacha told America off at that time.
good days ended after the death of Ransome-Kuti. And I have Phillippino doctors are one of the poorest paid in the world. And
always stressed on this. When General Obasanjo came to power, they were treating General Abacha; they were injecting him with
I had a privilege of giving lectures to him and his ministers at steroid drugs to strengthen his body but it has its side effects. The
the Villa on this health sector. Because in one of my lectures I side effect is that the body will begin to retain fluid and when you
mentioned the issue of how government handles professionals in look at the patient, you would think he’s improving because he’s
Nigeria, where I used as example the issue of the 44 University bloated. You will think he’s fat. The story that made the rounds
of Ilorin professors that were sacked and their salaries seized, it then was that he was given poisoned apples by some women
was one of the southern ministers who said that I had an acid of easy virtue from India. Why do people keep talking about
tongue; that I was actually referring to Obasanjo. I was able to being given poisoned apples? There was nothing like that. The
give this talk two or three times before they stopped me. The Philippino doctors injected him with steroids. But I had warned
health sector has totally collapsed, I can tell you that. What we that our president would snap.
are promoting now is the private sector. If you watch out, private
sector, though too expensive for the ordinary man, yet they are Who did you warn?
the only ones coming to the aid of the people. If we have medical Oh, those who were close to him. I remember using the
insurance, even the poor man can be captured at his own level, word ‘snap’. I won’t be calling people’s names anyhow. Those
and he will benefit. All these things I have spoken before, using who were close to him; I’m still friendly with some of them
the models of Aravind where the poor and the rich attend that so I cannot just be calling their names. So, until the day he
hospital. Aravind Eye Hospitals is one of the biggest hospitals in collapsed, of course to tell you that it was the effect of steroids,
the world; it is in Madurai, India. I have tried. immediately he died, within hours, Abacha was smelling. So,
When Yar’Adua was president, he was sick before he came that is it. Why? Because our leaders have refused to build the
into power, but he was worse after he got to power. With the health system of this country. With the experiences they had
stress of that office, there was no way he could have survived. with other presidents, we thought by now, others would have
When his condition became escalated, what did they do? The been wiser to do something about the country’s health care
cost of his health; because Nigeria is not accountable to the system. But here we are.
people, if not, why is it that Nigerians don’t know the cost of « Read the full interview on www.tell.ng

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 26

Special Report

2019: Huddles

Against Credible Polls

Photo: TELL election in Ekiti State, but it failed to
do so. Neither did it do it in Osun.
Nigerians voting during election The expectation is that the method
will erase the practice of tampering
Ahead of the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, there are with election result, while being
indications that vote-buying underage voting and other manually transmitted to the collation
malpractices may constitute major challenges to credible centre. The opposition Peoples
elections Democratic Party, PDP, frowned at
that self-reversal by INEC.
By JULIANA UCHE-OKOBI rid of vote-buying and underage voting,
two notable obstacles that may rubbish However, there is a major
From all indications, Nigerians are its efforts to conduct credible elections. challenge that is outside the control
earnestly waiting for the arrival The electoral umpire will also have to of the electoral commission. It is
of 2019, when they will troop to contend with growing distrust of it among the use of the security agencies to
the polling units again to exercise the voting population. The stand of the do the biddings of the ruling party.
their franchise. While some are waiting commission in declaring inconclusive the Dennis Amachree, a former director
to vote out sitting governments, others governorship election in Osun State and of State Security Service, SSS, said
would be going to the polls to ensure the conduct of the rerun election there this happens because by law the
that the status quo remains. On their was a subject of controversy. That exercise SSS personnel have allegiance
part, the Independent National Electoral stained the hitherto good report by election to the president, instead of the
Commission, INEC, has many burdens as observers on the election proper. Not only country. Amachree said this during
the year draws near, and this is not just the that, INEC had promised to use electronic his presentation at the Nigerian
conduct of the elections. The commission transmission of result from the voting unit Guild of Editors’ Conference held in
is bothered about the best means of getting to the collation centre starting with the Asaba, Delta State. The theme of the
conference was credible elections,
sustainable democracy and the
Nigerian Media. The former SSS
boss spoke on “Ensuring Violence
Free Election in 2019”. He believes
that to make the SSS have allegiance
to the nation, it must be placed under
the National Assembly.
That leaves the electorate with the
troubling issues of vote buying, under-
aged voting, which could be solved by the
card reader, and the declining confidence
in INEC. Vote-buying, the latest of the
challenges that INEC is contending with,
has become a major source of worry
to well-meaning Nigerians, who fear
that moneybag politicians who do not
deserve to occupy public office might buy
up the people’s votes and edge out less
financially-endowed candidates who really
have the interest of the people at heart.
Though it has been there in various forms
before now, vote-buying has become more
pronounced in recent years, as allegations
of the anomaly trailed elections held in
Anambra, Edo, Ondo and, most recently,
Ekiti and Osun states.
During the last governorship election
in Anambra State, for instance, agents of
frontline political parties were alleged to
have bought the people’s votes with money,
food items and clothing materials right at

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 31

Special Report

the polling units without being challenged the move became necessary to discourage Photo: TELL

by agents. Worried by the development, picture-taking and vote-buying during the
the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, election.
a non-governmental organisation, which With the ban of smartphones at polling
expressed surprise that such a misnomer booths, many had expected an election
could take place in the presence of security devoid of vote-buying in Osun. But the
agents, called for immediate action against two frontline parties, the All Progressives
the perpetrators to ensure that such a Congress, APC, and the Peoples
travesty does not repeat itself in the 2019 Democratic Party, PDP, traded accusations
elections. But the recurrence of the trend of inducing voters with money to secure
in subsequent elections seems to suggest their votes. The allegations, though not as
that no tangible steps were taken to punish blatant as the Ekiti case, suggested that it
the offenders. Instead, the trend, which was not yet uhuru for the INEC.
the TMG said became prominent with the As the commission has pointed out,
“stomach infrastructure” phenomenon in there are many reasons for the increasing
EKiti State, allegedly worsened during the cases of vote-buying in recent times.
gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo Speaking at the public presentation of Amachree: SSS owe allegiance to President
states respectively. the 2018 Ekiti governorship election The electoral body has tried to exonerate
Whereas the Anambra vote-buying observation report in Abuja by Election itself from the mess by arguing that it was
saga attracted attention, Nigerians appear Monitors, a civil society organisation, not the national body of the commission,
to be more disturbed at the ‘institutional’ Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, who which sees to the conduct of the general
dimension the trend assumed during was represented at the occasion by May election, but the electoral commission in
the July governorship election in Ekiti Agbamuche Mbu, national commissioner the state, Kano State Independent Electoral
State. During the election, there were and head of service of INEC, said it was Commission, KANSIEC, that conducted
allegations that political parties paid as because the commission “has continued the contentious council polls. That was
high as N10,000 for a vote, while the to perfect its process and has closed all the defence put forward by Oluwole Uzzi,
least-paid voter collected about N3,000. loopholes ... Vote buying, therefore, is INEC’s spokesman, who insisted that the
This implies that issues were relegated to the only way to subvert the integrity of an commission should not be held responsible
the background. Some voters were said to election.” for an offence it did not commit. But, to
have received SMS alerts on their phones Notwithstanding the confidence some Nigerians, the argument lacked
after the agreed sum was paid into their of Yakubu that his commission substance, especially as some have also
accounts. But for an individual voter to be has done a lot for credible polls, argued that the national commission’s
paid, he or she must provide evidence that some Nigerians believe that INEC voters’ register was used for the exercise
he voted for the preferred candidate, and and the alleged underage voters were
to do this, he had to take a picture of the has not done enough to ensure free and accredited to vote using the register. Even
ballot paper, which he showed to the party fair elections in the country. The feeling INEC admitted that it gave the Kano State
agent in charge. The arrangement was is that INEC has not taken a decisive Electoral Commission its voters’ register
termed “see and buy.” step towards discouraging the anomaly. for the exercise. So, to establish the level
The wide condemnation that trailed the Obviously alarmed at the increasing rate of its culpability in the election saga,
Ekiti election, especially INEC, which was of vote-buying, the Socio-Economic INEC set up an eight-man committee to
pilloried for its inability to check the trend, Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, investigate the allegations. Interestingly,
compelled the electoral umpire to re- has dragged the electoral commission to at the end of the probe, INEC exonerated
strategise in readiness for the Osun State court over its failure to try those accused KANSIEC from any wrongdoing, saying
governorship election on September 22. of vote-buying in Ekiti. Quoting Section there was no underage voting in the state.
For one, it banned the use of mobile phones 153 (1) (f) of the Third Schedule to the Abubakar Nahuce, chairman of the special
inside polling booths. Olusegun Agbaje, 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic investigation panel, said there was no
state resident electoral commissioner, said of Nigeria, as amended, and Section 150 evidence to back up the allegations.
of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended,
which they said obliges the INEC to Nahuce, who said nobody in the
prosecute persons involved in electoral
malpractices, SERAP said the election Agbaje: Explains ban of mobile phones
Photo: TELL umpire has failed in its duty to carry
out this task. In its defence, INEC said,
though it had the power to prosecute
alleged vote buyers, it lacked the power
to arrest and investigate suspects. That
role was left for security agents who
would apprehend culprits before INEC
steps in.
Another issue likely to thwart the
credibility of the 2019 general election,
if unchecked, is underage voting. The
allegations of underage voting during
the February local council elections
in Kano State are a big headache for
the INEC, especially as they bring to
question the commission’s capability to
Yakubu: INEC continues to block loopholes conduct credible elections in the future.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 32

Special Report

media or the civil societies that the panel Photo: TELL in accordance with the law, they should
interacted with admitted to seeing any resign from office as doing otherwise
underaged person at the polling stations, Amaechina: Blames INEC for would be incurring the wrath of the law.
said instead that some of the pictures of underage voting
underaged voters that went viral on the of what was provided and which was used But even if registration officers are
internet were actually from the presidential in the 2015 general elections. allowed to determine the age of a voter,
election conducted in Kenya. This report, it may also be an uphill task because, as
which was a U-turn from INEC’s earlier In an interview he granted a local Attahiru Jega, former INEC chairman,
argument that the pictures were taken station after the 2015 elections, Rabiu reportedly said, weeding out underage
during the Kano local council elections, Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano voters from the INEC register would be
generated reactions from Nigerians, who State, now a senator, suggested that difficult as Nigeria does not have accurate
wondered whether the INEC panel did any they used the underaged to vote out the records of its citizens. Now, the use of card
probe at all, let alone a thorough job. government of former President Goodluck reader as a necessary condition for voting
Jonathan. has been inscribed in the new electoral
There was also no evidence to backup act that has been a subject of contention
the claim that the pictures were taken in “Some people have said that the North between the National Assembly and office
Kenya and not Kano as alleged. Johnson was engaged in the promotion of Almajiris, of the president. It is believed that this may
Ibe, a civil servant in Abuja, said the and now we have used the Almajiri help in tackling underaged voting and the
anomaly is more glaring now because of population to kick them out,” Kwankwaso use of permanent voters’ cards PVCs that
the preeminence of the social media, which said, alluding to the ubiquitous street kids were cloned by desperate politicians or
brings everything to the public domain. in the North. bought off their original owners by parties.

“This thing called underage voting has As some political observers have noted, Moreover, apart from the lack of security
been there, especially in the northern part underage voting in Kano and other places for registration officers, analysts aver that
of the country, and politicians, too, are is a clear and present danger to the nation’s another factor responsible for underage
aware of it but keep quiet because it is democracy. While some wonder why voting is the power given to states to
favouring them. But there is also another such an ugly trend is gaining momentum conduct local council elections. With state
reason why people were not talking about without sanctions, others have pointed at electoral commissioners handpicked by
it. There was the fear that exposing such some factors promoting the trend. One of governors, the tendency is for them to
might cause political rancour, especially such factors, as explained by Uzzi, is the do the bidding of the governors, who,
between the North and the South, and lack of protection for registration officers. according to observers, use all within their
so the best way to maintain peace was The INEC director of publicity and voter means, including underage voters, vote-
to turn a blind eye to it and pretend that education explained that, in some parts buying and other forms of malpractices,
it never existed. But with the era of the of the country, a registration officer who to secure victory for themselves and their
social media, such things can no longer be resisted registering an underaged person parties. They determine the outcome of
hidden because people video and share risked being killed. Therefore, he said the votes in their states even before elections
them just as they are happening,” Ibe said. wisest thing to do in such a circumstance are conducted.
was to register anybody that presented
Underage voting has become a himself. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State
necessary evil, part of Nigeria’s electoral does not believe that governors or ruling
process, that politicians and the electoral However, Nnaemeka Amaechina, a parties in the states should be blamed for
commissions at the federal and state levels legal practitioner, has faulted any defence the outcome of local council polls. He said,
are aware of. During the 2015 general put forward by any individual for registering ruling parties in the state end up taking
election, for instance, there were reports of underage voters. In an interview with the all council seats in the elections because
underaged voters thronging polling units magazine, he maintained that anybody opposition parties decline to participate,
to cast votes in the full glare of electoral below the age of 18 is ineligible to vote on the assumption that there would be no
officers in some northern states. In fact, in its and should not be allowed to do so for fairness. He said in Delta his government
efforts to absolve itself of any wrongdoing whatever reason. have been very accommodating.
in the alleged underaged voting during the
recent local council polls in Kano State, the Whereas some individuals have cited The power of governors to determine
state government unwittingly confirmed it insecurity of registration officers and election results is another cankerworm
by arguing that the footage of underaged threat to life as a reason for registering destroying the nation’s electoral process.
voters that caused national uproar was kids, Amaechina said that it behooves on While the public outcry caused by the
actually recorded during the March 2015 the INEC and the federal government to Kano local government elections was yet
presidential and National Assembly provide security for the officers who are in to die down, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje
elections. the field on national assignment. He said had told the crowd during the swearing in
that, if the chairman and other directors of the APC chairmen and councillors who
Even though INEC, before its of the commission could not do their work swept the elections that the state would
investigations on the allegations, insisted give President Muhammadu Buhari five
that it was during the local council elections, million votes, if he would contest in the
which it did not conduct, that the incident 2019 election. He noted that the votes
happened, arguing that its voters’ register polled by the APC candidates during the
that should have been used for the Kano touted council elections were more than
council elections did not have underage the overall votes scored by the President in
voters, the allegations have refused to go the 2015 election.
away.
“The overall number of votes scored
Describing the Kano saga as “deeply by the APC candidates is more than what
disturbing,” Yakubu, INEC chairman, at a President Buhari scored in 2015 general
workshop in Lagos, while confirming that election, that is to say, if eventually he
the INEC gave KANSIEC a soft copy of the agrees to contest the 2019 general election,
INEC voters’ register on request, wondered I assure you, we will give him five million
whether the commission actually made use votes,” Ganduje said.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 33

The Nation

A Fierce Family Feud leaders, supporters and interest groups
Even as the cotending parties strive to manage it the exit of that have been urging him to remain in
former Delta State governor Emmanuel Uduaghan from the the PDP. Giving an indication that his
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stokes fire between him defection would open the flood gate to
and the political group led by James Ibori, his former boss other defections in the state, Uduaghan
and cousin said: “I am happy that after explaining
some of the deeper issues to you, some
By ADEKUNBI ERO Uduaghan: Frustrated out of PDP of you that are politicians have agreed to
APC held at the presidential villa, thus join the APC in the near future. So I am
Between the ruling People’s finally laying to rest months of speculation going into APC as “John the Baptist” to
Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta and vacillation over exactly what he had the numerous Deltans that are coming in,
State and the All Progressives up his sleeves. He followed up the next soon - very soon.”
Congress, APC, the main opposition day, Wednesday August 29 with a press Reactions to Uduaghan’s defection by his
party, the battle line is drawn ahead of the statement, explaining reasons for his former associates had been prompt. While
2019 general elections. The contestation decision to bid his former party good the state chapter of the PDP was cautious
for the soul of the oil-rich state would be a bye. Careful not to add insult to injury, in its reaction, the state governor was not so
fierce and decisive one between forces that Uduaghan’s statement was guarded and charitable. Speaking to Punch newspaper
are determined to maintain the status quo measured. But not quite so for the reaction through his chief press secretary, Charles
on the one hand, and the ones that are that followed from the state government. Aniagwu, the governor said the defection
desperate to upset the political applecart In his personally signed statement entitled of his predecessor in office to the APC
as represented by the APC. Against all “Moving on to the Bigger Playing Field,” would not affect his re-election bid in
entreaties to him to have a change of Uduaghan simply explained that he had 2019. Okowa said the defection would
heart in his decision to leave the PDP, decided to jump ship in the larger interest equally not dim the chances of the PDP
a party on which platform he served as of the people of Delta State, and the Niger from retaining power in the state and at
commissioner for health, secretary to the Delta region. The medical doctor turned the national level, adding that the party
state government, SSG, and two terms of politician said given the key role he played was solidly rooted in the state. Taking
eight years as governor, the immediate in cessation of hostilities in the once restive a swipe at the former governor, Okowa
past governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Niger Delta region, in the course of which noted that the APC was now a “safe haven
Uduaghan finally ditched the party. he had put his life on the line visiting the for politicians of questionable character,”
For Uduaghan, the PDP had become creeks in the night without security when adding that his performance in the past
rather suffocating and it became he served as governor, he would support three years would be the basis for his
commonsensical to seek a breath of fresh any government doing its best to solve campaign in 2019 as his administration
air elsewhere. Though there was no formal the myriads of problems confronting the had built confidence and brought peace to
announcement of his defection, Uduaghan region. Uduaghan noted that in spite of all parts of the state.
caused a quite stir with his dramatic not scoring the required 25 percent in the While noting that it was the right of the
appearance in the night of Tuesday 2015 election in the region, the president, former governor to join any party of
August 28 at the caucus meeting of the Muhammadu Buhari, had given direct his choice, Okowa wished that he had
Okowa: Wish Uduaghan remained in PDP focus to the development of the region. remained with the PDP which brought
While dropping the bombshell, the former him to the limelight. On the other hand,
governor who is now contesting for a the PDP in the state in its terse statement,
seat in the senate on the platform of the with an underlining sense of loss, signed
APC, said: “I have, therefore, after series by its state secretary, Ifeanyi Michael
of consultations and prayers, taken the Osuoza, said the party wished “to express
decision to leave the PDP and join the its warm and sincere felicitations to
APC”. Uduaghan thanked the numerous His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta
Uduaghan, the immediate past Governor
of Delta State, who until recently, was
a well-respected leader of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP family in Delta
State.” The party said: “Although it is sad
that he has decided to join a new political
family, we appreciate the fact that he has
his right to freedom of association, but we
believe that in no distant future, he will do
some soul-searching and come back to his
original political family. We do not claim
to possess any knowledge of the factors or
circumstances that may have influenced
or inspired his decision to join another
political family, but it is only to be expected
that a family will surely feel a sense of loss
under the current circumstance.” The party
assured its teeming members in the state
in particular, and Nigeria in general, “that
Delta State PDP Political family remains
strong, indivisible and we shall continue
to forge ahead in our preparation for the
forthcoming general elections.”

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 34

AGRICULTURE BUTSEINLELSS

Idahosa dedicating first fruits

Edo Set For
Agric Revolution Tomatoes from the Wells Hosa

Green House Farm
The recent harvest launch of fresh tomatoes, the first yield player in agribusiness. It is also a big boost
from the multi-million dollars Wells Hosa Green House Farm to the economic diversification policy of
in a village in the outskirts of Benin-City, Edo State, gives a the federal government. Speaking at the
ray of hope for food security in the country and a boost in event, chairman of Wells Hosa Green
foreign exchange earnings from agriculture House Farms, Idahosa Wells Okunbo,
a pilot turned business man, (fondly
By ADEKUNBI ERO bountiful harvest of tomatoes at an called Captain Hosa or simply Captain),
epochal ceremony witnessed by top stressed the need for Nigeria to adopt new
The bulk of tomatoes consumed in officials of the federal government, other technologies that would allow it to increase
southern Nigeria come from the stakeholders in the agricultural sector, food production, obtain better quality
North. But for Edo State in the and the business community. Beyond products, achieve self-sufficiency and have
South-south geopolitical zone, the prospect of breaking the cycle of access to international markets with better
this narrative is about to change. The dependence on supplies from outside the prices.
harbinger of hope is the Wells Hosa state, the new reality is also a response
Green House Farms located in Edo to the desirability in the change in the Explaining how the green house farm
State which recently welcomed its first civil service status of the state to a major works, Okunbo said “this development
is based on hydroponic technology, a
method of growing plants in controlled
environments using mineral nutrients in
water and no soil” adding that “the green

TELL (www.bsjournal.com) November 5, 2018 Page 35

Business

house project stands on 27 hectares of Area, had already taken off with an
land and has the housing capacity for initial investment of $11 million on a
28 Hydroponic Greenhouses with 5440 20-hectare Green House vegetable
square meters each.” According to him, farm. Making his presentation, Okunbo
it also has an estimated production value said: “I want to present to you what I
of 4,200 tons yearly with projected call my vision, my legacy, something
revenue of six million dollars annually that I have been nurturing in the
and 500 direct employments. last four to five years. Why this is
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of very important to me is, as a pilot, I
state for agriculture, said the federal conquered my profession at the age of
government had endorsed greenhouse 30 and I left. I went into shipping. With
farming to boost food production. over 60 vessels, I have conquered the
Lokpobiri recalled that in the years gone sea. Now, I want to conquer the land
by, agriculture was seen as a government before the land takes me.”
programme, but that with Wells Hosa Okunbo said the farm was expected
Green House Farms initiative, Nigerians to produce cash and arable crops such
were seeing it as a business and Oba Ewuare II: Prays for the success of the farm as cocoa, pineapples, pawpaw and
investment. banana, adding that he would also be
Segun Awolowo, chief executive produce to the Benin monarch, Omo engaged in livestock like cattle, piggery, as
officer, CEO, of the Nigeria Export N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Ewuare 11, in his well as poultry and fish-farming, especially
Promotion Council, NEPC, noted palace, the Oba prayed for the success tilapia – all targeted at export and meeting
that “Captain has gone into using of the farm. He also prayed his ancestors local protein and milk requirements.
to bless Okunbo’s efforts and whichever Okunbo’s vision and plans for the farm
technology and innovation and that is why endeavours he would want to delve into. are quite robust and ambitious. Notable
we have green house technology. So, all The Wells Hosa Green House Farm is among his dreams are the establishment
year round, we are going to be growing flowing with the tide in global trends. of an Agro Industrial Park and Airstrip to
tomatoes there. And it’s also good because The North American country of Canada, evacuate produce to Europe and other
it’s at the very standard of which we can for example, has become the world’s parts of the world. This, no doubt explains
also export.”  superpower in green house farming with the presence of Awolowo, the CEO of
Managing Director of the Wells Hosa Canadian farmers now earning more NEPC at the produce harvest launch. 
Green House Farm, Bright Okunbo noted from greenhouse vegetables than from Oshiomhole was visibly excited by the
that not just tomatoes were possible in eggs or potatoes. The value of Canada’s multi-million dollars investment and was
green houses “but every other type of greenhouse produce crop, according to quite generous in his commendations and
crop depending on the location and the the country’s Financial Post, more than accolades for Okunbo especially in the
area and the part of Nigeria that we are doubled to $1.3 billion in 2016 from $600 light of its economic potentials not just for
in. So, who knows maybe very soon, million in 2001, and now eclipses eggs, the state but the entire country. He posited
tomatoes will be possible, exotic flowers potatoes or Durum wheat. From Ontario that “one way to help our communities
will be possible in the Mambilla plateaus alone, every day, about 200 refrigerated is to create jobs.” While noting that the
and Jos plateaus where you have a transport trucks loaded with greenhouse objective of Wells Farm complemented
cooler temperature. So, this is possible, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers cross the federal government’s policy on food
and it can be done; and this is what we the border, headed for New York, security and jobs creation, Oshiomole
have started.” At the presentation of the Boston and as far away as Florida in stated that he was on the right path.
the United States of America.  Expressing his excitement that Okunbo
This is a feat Okunbo may hails from the state, Oshiomole assured
be aiming to achieve with his that “our government is committed to
foray into technology-driven supporting you. Captain, you can take
agriculture. The journey to this that for granted. I am also happy to
important milestone began note from your presentation that it is a
March 2016 when Okunbo diversified farm.” He said to encourage
unveiled in Benin City, his local investors; Edo State was planning to
vision of a $750 million create a one-stop desk on issues relating to
farm project with an initial agriculture. Oshiomhole also informed the
investment of $300 million Mexican partners that despite the country’s
targeted at creating 25,000 challenges, returns on investment in
direct and 60,000 indirect Nigeria were higher than elsewhere.
jobs. In a presentation to the Okunbo foresees a brighter future for
then governor of Edo State, the green house farm initiative. Beyond the
Adams Oshiomhole, the harvest launch, the big picture for Okunbo
investor explained that it had is “I’m seeing more than tomatoes; I’m
been his dream to go into such seeing jobs for the youths. I’m seeing
a project. Okunbo, who also empowerment of our people; I’m seeing
at the event introduced his food security. I’m seeing exports and
technical and financial partners, foreign exchange to support our GDP.” A
the San Carlos Group from business mogul, Okunbo has investments
Mexico, hinted the governor in oil and gas, shipping, power, and
that the farm, located at recently agriculture, amongst others. He is
Odighi and Odiguetue in Ovia a big employer of labour with no less than
Awolowo: Praises Okunbo Northeast Local Government 30, 000 Nigerians on his pay roll.

TELL (www.bsjournal.com) November 5, 2018 Page 36

Business

COMMERCE

Projects that Milked Niger Delta

Four states in the South-south geopolitical zone are heavily indebted after embarking on
ambitious projects that have been abandoned

By EMMANUEL OBE Tinapa Business Resort Customs and Excise moved in swiftly after
have given them Dubai standard Cineplex. the commissioning. Yet that was a project the
About 10 to 15 years ago, the future So, you walk in there to watch films and you state government undertook complementary
looked bright for the economies of think you are sitting down in Dubai.” At least infrastructure to ensure participation of
four Nigerian states in the South-south if that was expected to discourage Nigerians visitors and locals expected to engage in
region - Cross River, Akwa Ibom, from taking money that could boost that businesses there. To complement the Tinapa
Rivers and Bayelsa. The respective state economy at home to places like Duba for project, which itself was to cost over N100
governments had inaugurated ambitious reason on of tourism. billion, the state government built the Marina
economic projects and programmes that Resort and started a monorail that was to
promised to stand the states out and make Apart from embarking on gigantic road run from the Calabar airport to the resort for
them the Nigerian replica of the Asian Tigers. infrastructure, the state governments invested international visitors. While Duke was doing
With ample access to the sea, deep sea much in human capital. They invested that Victor Attah, governor of neighbouring
ports, international airports, enlightened in education and other social services to Akwa Ibom decided to build Ibom Resort, a
populations and availability of raw materials supposedly, prepare the local population for hotel that is close to an 18-hold Gulf Course.
for export, the dreams looked good and the avalanche of business that would flow in Attah’s intention was to make his state tap
achievable. And what was more? The states at the maturation of the economic projects. from the opportunities that Tinapa and
could draw richly from the benefits from the Obubu promised to offer. He saw a possible
neighbouring states of Abia, Imo, Enugu Cross River started much earlier when influx of tourists from outside Nigeria for
and Anambra with vibrant markets and Donald Duke was the governor from 1999. whom the seaside location of the listed and
entrepreneurs. Funding was not expected to At the time when other state governors were the Gulf Course would be an attraction.
be a problem; the four states are oil producing preoccupied with building political structures,
and could pay for the huge investments Duke had kicked off the tourism revolution In-between Calabar in the south and
from the rich revenue they receive from the with the reactivation of the Obudu Cattle Obudu in the far north the Cross River State
federation account. Ranch, which he rebranded Obudu Mountain government developed several tourist stops
Resort in the northern part of the state.   where people could visit while in the state.
The people had good reason to They include Agbokim Water Falls, Kwa
believe their governments that within He went ahead to start the Tinapa Business Falls, Nkarasi Monoliths, and Buanchor,
a short time their economies would be Resort in Calabar, which at completion, which has the Canopy Walk Way and the
transformed and become destination Duke said, would generate N100 billion Pandrilus Drill Rehabilitation Centre, Mary
points for international investments, yearly to the state. Good as the projections Slessor Caravan at Odukpani and other
trades, tourism and other social activities. were, former governor Donald Duke did iconic sites like the Biafran-Nigerian War
“My vision is to produce a small Dubai not envisage that agencies of the federal Bunker.
within the Niger Delta,” boasted Governor government would be waiting in the wings to
Godswill Akpabio when the Ibom Tropicana frustrate the project that had the buy in of the It also invested in agriculture with the aim
project was about to take off. And when the administration of then President, Olusegun
cinema complex was completed, he said, “I Obasanjo. Sadly enough, the Nigeria
Duke: Built Tinapa Resort

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 37

Business

of growing cash crops for export. One of such Akpabio: Built small Dubai in Akwa Ibom a project because if we add five billion naira
investments was in pineapple production, he styled “the Uncommon Transformation” variation to an already expensive project
where a processing plant was built in Otok built roads, hospitals, hospitality institutions of eight billion naira initial contract value,
in Akamkpa Local Government Area. There and mobilised the teeming young population that will amount to N13 billion and we
was also investment in banana production. of the state to enrol in schools where some haven’t included the furnishing of the hotel
And all that was in addition to oil palm and form of subsidy was paid.  The airport project yet. And an 18-storey five-star hotel is not
rubber, two cash crops that have survived the may have been completed by Akpabio and is going to be easy to furnish. So by the time
oil boom that dealt a blow on international in use, but the major objective of making out we put all these things together, it would
trade in cash crops in Nigeria.     of it an hanger where aircraft will be serviced probably have cost us about N20 billion
is yet to be achieved. Attah wanted to have to build one hotel in Bayelsa. I thought it
To crown it all, the state government an aviation workshop that will service the was really not a viable project and that’s
upgraded the Calabar Christmas carnival West African sub-region, such that airlines why I withdrew from that project,” he said.
which comes up at the end of the year and would no longer have to go to Western In Cross River, Duke and his successor,
made it a 30-day street party during which Liyel Imoke disagreed over the abandoned
public offices were closed and residents Tnations to get certification for their aircraft. Tinapa and Obudu Resorts projects. While
as well as visiting tourists encouraged to he Tropicana Complex project Duke has accused Imoke of abandoning
join carnival groups for the jamboree. alone was said to have cost the projects which by now should have
These have not yielded much for the state. Akwa Ibom State government been attracting revenue to the government,
Similarly, Rivers State embarked on power more than N120 billion and yet Imoke in his reaction declared that the
generation. Being hosts to the multi-billion it has not been completed for full use. projects were white elephants, which were
dollar petroleum industry, the Rivers State In Bayelsa, the 18-storey five-star hotel not only unrealistic but had cost the state
government under Peter Odili started the started by the Dieyepriye Alameiyeseigha government huge resources in servicing
power projects in Omoku, Eleme and administration has remained stagnant the debts that they have been attracting.
Trans-Amadi to boost the local economy after gulping more than N13 billion. The Imoke said, “Tinapa failed before he (Duke)
and even sell to business concerns. Odili’s 500-bed Melford Okilo Hospital located in left office. It was poorly conceptualised
administration had spent over N60 billion the heart of Yenagoa the state capital has and became a burden on the state in the
on the projects before they were inherited also been allowed to rot away. The state course of its execution. There were several
by Rotimi Amaechi’s administration, government only in the past months returned policy and regulatory issues that should
which continued with the projects until it to the airport project site at Amassoma have been addressed either before or in the
ran into frustrations with the policy that after a long period of abandonment. course of project implementation, as Cross
made power distribution as at that time Many years after, most of the ambitious River State did not have the capacity and
the exclusive area of the defunct Power projects have been abandoned. And resources to carry the burden of sustaining
Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. instead of boosting the state’s economies a going concern of that magnitude.
Power was just one of the areas the state for which they were initiated, they have “All in all it was at best a project not based on
government invested in to boost the state’s become huge drains on their resources. any economic or fiscal realities and can best
economy. The investment in the Port The projects themselves have become be described as a fantasy of the imagination.”
Harcourt monorail had cost N33 billion huge liabilities on the states and have In neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, the failure
after covering a distance of 2.6 kilometres been fuelling major political crises between of Governor Udom Emmanuel to continue the
of the estimated 12 kilometres when it was former governors and their successors. gigantic ‘transformation’ projects started by
abandoned. The Amaechi administration In Bayelsa, former Governor Timipre his predecessor, Senator Godswill Akpabio,
believed that on completion, the projects Sylva claims that his decision to abandon is said to be the reason for the rift between
would have been one of its kind in the the 18-storey five-star hotel project he the two men. Akpabio was once reported to
world and would have solved a lot of the inherited from the government of Goodluck have chided Emmanuel for worrying himself
traffic and commuting issues of the oil city. Jonathan who he said was committed to about a banana factory instead of facing the
The government also invested heavily in the project was the reason why Jonathan huge projects that he left for him to complete.
education, where it built 24 high class model who later became the President of Nigeria Government sources said the state
secondary schools spread across all the local blocked him from seeking re-election as government may not have started receiving
government areas. It also rebuilt 500 public governor of Bayelsa State. He said the revenue from Silverbird, operators of the
primary schools, upgraded the College of project had become a bottomless pit after Cineplex and the bar at the Ibom Tropicana.
Education to a university, employed 13,000 more than N13 billion had been spent on it. In fact, there are fears that the state
teaching and non-teaching staff and sent “I told the contractor it will be too expensive government may shut down the complex.
several students abroad on scholarship. In Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike
Agriculture was also made a priority for abandoned the monorail project started by
the Rivers State Government as it built the his predecessor, Amaechi. Instead, he set
Songhai Farms in Tai, which was not only up a judicial commission of inquiry, which
going to serve as breeding and training indicted the former governor on the sale
ground for agriculture but served as a of the power plants and recommended
farm resort that could host international that the former governor and those that
conferences. With the new administration were involved in the sale of the plants be
in Rivers State, the tempo of activities have prosecuted. While the dogfight between
gone down at the Songhai farm. There political leaders continues, the victims are
were also the expansive banana plantations the people of Niger Delta who for acts of
and fish farms in riverine communities. omission of commission have not got the
Akwa Ibom State Government under Victor much talked about dreamland painted for
Attah set out to prepare grounds for an them by the leaders. What they see is that
industrial leapfrog and tried to invest in the projects into which huge sums of public
private refineries. But the industrialisation funds were sunk have become some objects
effort did not quite pay off before he left office. of grief when that will be lifted, they do not
That left the job for his successor, Godswill know.
Akpabio, who through a programme that

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 38

INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP: 20 MOST OUTSTANDING NIGERIANS ... Series

Honourable Yusuf Abdullahi Ata:
A Proactive Pathfinder For Change

Honour is not bestowed, it is earned Assembly in 2011 under the People’s
through hardwork, professionalism Democratic Party (PDP), where he served
and ardent commitment to as Chairman of the House Committee on
excellence in all endeavoiurs. These are Finance as well as member of various
some of the virtues that have earned other Committees (2011-2015).
Honurable Yusuf Abdullahi Ata A number of political parties merged
representing Fagge Constituency, the to form a mega political party for 2015
enviable recognition as one of the most election bids, this move gave birth to
respected legislator in Nigeria and indeed the All Progressive Congress (APC), and
a role model in the political history of Rt. Hon. Ata was not left behind to join.
Nigeria This can be attributed to his passion
Ata was born on the 22nd June, 1962 on standing for justice, equity and
at Fagge Local Government of Kano commitment to the cause of common-
State. He started his Quranic education man which he shares same with President
at the age of three and later began his Muhammadu Buhari. This common
western education in 1968 at Fagge vision and aspirations guided him to join
Primary School and upon completion in APC since its formation to date. It is on
1975, he proceeded to Kano Community this cause, he led the House Members of
Commercial College which is now called APC in 2014-15 to canvass for the then
Aminu Kano Commercial College for Deputy Governor, His Excellency Dr.
his secondary education, wherein 1980 Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to contest for
he obtained the General Certificate of Governorship in 2015. Rt. Hon. Ata was
Education (GCE ‘O’ Level). Thereafter also the only House Member of APC who,
he proceeded to Bayero University, against all odds, came out to campaign
Kano in 1984 where he obtained a B.Sc. and voted for Muhammadu Buhari at
(Hons.) Degree in Economics. He did his the APC primary convention where he
National Youth Service (NYSC) in 1985 emerged as the flag bearer for 2015
in Sokoto State where he started his Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata Presidential election. This was despite the

teaching career. His passion and quest for knowledge motivated fact that the incumbent Gov. Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso was
him to undertake a Master of Development Studies in 2001 from contesting too.
Bayero University, Kano. Rt. Hon. Ata contested in 2015 election and got and re-
Upon completion of NYSC, he returned back to Kano and took elected for the 3rdtime into the House of Assembly, with the
up a full time teaching employment with the Ministry of Education APC sweeping all the 40 seats. He was appointed by the ruling
in 1985, where he taught, economics and business education in APC and its House caucus to be the Majority Leader. Rt. Hon.
various secondary schools and rose to the rank of Inspector of Ata stands to be a strong advocate for the independence of the
Education. Later, in 1994 he transferred his service to the Kano legislature and he garners state and national acclaim for his
State Housing Corporation as Principal Planning Officer and in innovative approaches to educational and health sector reforms;
1997,he voluntarily retired from the civil service career. public finance management systems; public participation in
After retirement from Civil Service, Rt. Hon. Ata used his governance; infrastructural, economic growth and development.
acquired experience in the civil service to translate them into Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has also served on panels of many
vision for the progress and development of his constituents. He Ad-hoc and House Standing Committees like: Committees on
first of all translated his experience of construction and real estate Judiciary, Health, Land and Physical Planning, Works, Housing
development acquired from Housing Corporation to develop his and Transport, Pilgrim Welfare, etc. He has contributed immensely
business enterprise where he privately engaged in construction during debates on motions and during bills passages throughout,
and real estate. as a floor member and House Leader.
His political career started with the aborted 4th Republic during With his predecessor’s (Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alasan Rurum
General Sani Abacha in 1997 where he joined the Center Party. from Rano Constituency) resignation, Rt. Hon Ata’s spirit of
While in 1999 his constituents, called upon him to contest for the team work as a House Leader coupled with his acknowledged
position of member representing Fagge Constituency in the State moral uprightness endeared him to his colleagues, where they
House of Assembly, This bid proved successful where he became unanimously casted their votes for his election as the Speaker
among the only 5 candidates elected into the House under the on the 3rd July, 2017,. As a Presiding Officer, he steers the
defunct All Peoples Party (APP). His pedigree in economics and legislative proceedings and holds grips of the House. He is a well
financial management made him to be appointed the Chairman committed democrat in the State, who has been committed to
of the House Committee on Appropriations. Rule of Law, Equity and Justice to protect the weak, nurture the
In between 2003-2007, Rt. Hon Ata was appointed Special poor and provide peace and stability to the minds of people Kano
Adviser to Governor on Assembly Matters and later was appointed State. He is a man who earns respect of the people, because he
as Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs where he does not distance himself from them which are the essence of
contributed immensely by establishing relationship between representation and leadership.
tiers of Government in Kano and across the country. Rt. Hon Rt. Hon Ata was a celebrated midfielder and a top scorer
resigned his political appointment and continued empowering his for Zumunta Football of kano in the 1980s which playedin the
constituents from the corpus of his real estate and construction Premier’ League of Kano State,Rt. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has
businesses. traveled widely to countries like: US. UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia etc.
Rt. Hon. Ata was re-elected into the Kano State House of He lives with his mother, four wives, children and relatives.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 34

INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP: 20 DYNAMIC LEADERS IN PUBLIC SECTOR

OLUTISE ISAAC ADENIPEKUN:
An Accomplished Professional

His character speaks integrity, his professional and management courses
expertise defines efficiency and both in Nigeria and overseas. He is
his life has become a roadmap presently the Vice President of the
for few Nigerian professionals Association for Educational Assessment
who still believe that hardwork, good in Africa (AEAA).
morals and playing according to the He currently represents WAEC on
professional ethics is the only recipe for the Boards of Joint Admissions and
career satisfaction. Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Nigerian
As one of the few Nigerians who Educational Research and Development
have fulfilled their mission in life Council (NERDC). He is also a Member
through transparency, commitment of the Governing Council of Ladoke
and truthfulness, Olutise Isaac Akintola University of Technology
Adenipekun, Head of the Nigeria (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
National Office of the West Africa Mr. Adenipekun is a Christian and he
Examination Council (WAEC) has carved is married to Mrs. Christiana and their
a niche for him self in Nigeria and outside marriage is blessed with children.
the country as a seasoned technocrat with
academic, professiuonal, and leadership Highlights of WACE's Performance
reference points. Under Adenipekun's Leadership:
He was born on March 5, 1960 at Ere-
Ijesa, Ilesa in the present day Osun State. January 2016 - Certificate Jacket for
He attended St. Stephen Primary School, safe-keeping of certificates by candidates
Ere-Ijesa and Ijebu-Jesa Grammar introduced by the Council.
School, Ijebu-Jesa. Olutise Isaac Adenipekun February 2016 - Deployment of

He graduated from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Computer Based Test (CBT) in the conduct of Aptitude Test.
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) in 1983 with a B.Sc (Hons) Degree in March 2016 - WAEC National Office issued first Attestation of
Political Science. He also obtained an M.Sc Degree in International Results Certificates to Candidates.
Relations from the same University in 1987 and in 2012 he got April 2016 - Deployment of the Coordination Offline Module for
a Masters in Public Administration (M.P.A) in Management of Examiners Sub-System.
Educational Institutions from the Lagos State University, Ojo. July 2016 - The Council successfully developed a web-based
He joined the services of the West African Examinations e-Testing Application.
Council (WAEC), on October 3, 1989 as an Assistant Registrar II. August 2016 - Constraining of Test Papers, the first of its kind by
He rose through the ranks to become Senior Assistant Registrar the Council in the Sub-region commenced with the WASSCE for
in 2000 and a Principal Assistant Registrar in 2005. He was Private Candidates, 2016.
promoted to the rank of a Deputy Registrar in 2011. August 2016 - Attendance Record and Time Management
Mr. Adenipekun has held several positions of accountability in Device introduced.
the Council and has distinguished himself as a primus inter pares August 2016 - Introduction of self-Seal/Tamper-Proof
(a first among equals). For example, he was Head, Meetings Cellophane Security Envelopes for parceling of objectives and
and General Services Department, WAEC, Yaba (February essay scripts.
1996-January, 2001); Head, Examinations Security, WAEC September 2016 - Construction of WAEC Testing and Training
Branch Office, Umuahia, Abia State (February 2001-January Centre, Ogba, Ikeja completed.
2006); Head, Aptitude Tests Administration Section, Test October 2016 - Construction of Security Blocks at Kano and
Development Division, Ogba (February 2006-January 2008); Calabar Offices completed.
Pioneer Officer-in-Charge, WAEC Satellite Office, Ikorodu, Lagos January 2017 - Official Hand Over of the Jalingo Office Building
State (February 2008-September 2009); Branch Controller, to WAEC.
WAEC Branch Office, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (October 2009-May February 2017 - Converged System was launched by the Head
2011; Pioneer Zonal Coordinator, WAEC Zonal Office, Uyo, Akwa of National Office, Mr. Olu I. Adenipekun.
Ibom State (June 2011-December 2011); Zonal Coordinator, March 2017 - Hosting of the 65th Annual Council Meeting,
WAEC Zonal Office, Kaduna (December 2011-May 2015). Abuja.
He assumed office as the Head of the Nigeria National Office of August 2017 - Deployment of Candidates Interactive Portal
the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), on Wednesday, (WAEC KONNECT).
December 9, 2015. Until his appointment as Head of National October 2017 - Launching of the E-documentation Project.
Office, he was the Zonal Coordinator, WAEC Zonal Office, Ibadan. January 2018 - Commencement of the conduct of a second diet
Mr. Adenipekun is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate of the WASSCE for Private Candidates.
Administration of Nigeria (FCAI) and a Member of the Nigerian August 2018 - Made the Vice President of Association for
Institute of Management (MNIM). He has also attended several Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA).

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 35

INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP: 20 MOST OUTSTANDING NIGERIANS ... Series

Engr. Prof. A.A.A Atayero:
A World Class Academic
His achievements are too rare to
be ignored and his professional Civil Aviation (MSTUCA) in 2000. Atayero is
competence and productivity have a Fellow of the Science Association of Nigeria,
becomes a testament to what a patriotic the Institute of Management Consultants, and
a Senior Research Fellow of the International
Nigerian professional could achieve when Association of Research Scholars and
given the opportunity. Administrators.
Engineer A.A.A. Atayero is a multi- Engineer Atayero is a COREN Registered
disciplinary professional of international Engineer, member of the Institute of Electrical
repute who has continually made hardwork, and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and. As an
diligence, integrity and patriotism his avid researcher, having published over in
weapons. International peer-reviewed journals and
That is why his professional proceedings, Professor Atayero is the Team
accomplishments have never come as a Lead, Covenant University Smart City
surprise to those who know him. (SmartCU) Project, as well as the Head,
AAA. Atayero, Ph.D., the Covenant Covenant University IoT-Enabled Smart &
University Professor of Communication Connected Communities Research Cluster.
Engineering, is the current and 4th He is on the editorial board of several
Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the international scientific and engineering
University. He served as the pioneer Journals and is a recipient of various awards
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and scholarships including the ‘2009 Ford
Coordinator School of Engineering, and Foundation Teaching Innovation Award’,
twice as HoD of Electrical and Information as well as the 2017 African Entrepreneurs
Engineering of the University. Professor Merit ‘Award for Excellence & Leadership’.
Atayero has a Bachelor of Science Degree Engr. A.A.A Atayero His current research interests are in various
in Radio Engineering, and a Master of Science Degree in Satellite aspects of Communication Engineering, including (but not limited
Communication Systems in 1992 and 1994 respectively. He to): Wireless Sensor Networks, Wireless (Mobile) Communications,
earned his Ph.D. from the Moscow State Technical University of Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Cities, and Cyber Physical Systems.

Prof. Esther Ore Omosewo:
A Woman Of Substance
Hardwork may be painful for
those whose lives are devoid of Esther Ore Omosewo Primary School Ijan Otun, Queen
purpose, but for this patriotic Elizabeth Secondary School,
woman of substance whose inspiring TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 37 Kwara State College of Education,
reputation was built on service to Ilorin and the University of Ilorin
humanity, hard work remains a for First Degree, Master and PhD.
vehicle through which her passion She is married to Sir, Engineer,
and determination are being driven Chief Jacob Omosewo.The union
into global reckoning. is blessed with four children and
many grand children. Prof Esther
Equipped with the right attitude Omosewo was a secondary school
and education, she has continued to physics teacher until she joined
raise bars of productivity everywhere the University of Ilorin in 1991.
she goes, this explains why the She has held many positions in
achievements she is recording at the the University. She is presently
University of Ilorin have not come the Director of Joint Universities
unexpected by those who know about Preliminary Examinations Board
her antecedents. (JUPEB), University of Ilorin.
She is a member of a number
Esther Ore Omosewo is the first of Professional Associations.
female Professor of Physics Education She is the Chairperson, Science
in Nigeria. She was born at Ijan Teachers' Association of Nigeria,
Otun in Irepodun L.G.A of Kwara Kwara State Chapter.
State. She attended Christ Anglican

INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP: 20 MOST OUTSTANDING NIGERIANS ... Series

Prince Dapo Abiodun:
An Epitome of Hardwork Spiced with Integrity
His peers in the nation's Oil and Gas sector
are few. His reputation has become a include: Crestar Hydrocarbons Ltd, Oms-
reference statement of competence and Heyden Exploration and Production Ltd and
resourcefulness. While his accomplishments are First Power Limited. Because of his wealth of
experience on boardroom activities, corporate
ringing endorsements of value and productivity governance and finance, Prince Abiodun is
of vision. regular face at different blue-chip companies
Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun was board meetings. At present, he is the Chief
born on Sunday, 29th May, 1960 into the family Executive of Heyden Petroleum Limited,
of Dr Emmanuel and Mrs Victoria Abiodun First Power Ltd, Alarmnet and Innovative
of Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Ventures Limited.
of Ogun State. He attended amongst others He has served as a member of various
Christ’s School Ado Ekiti,1972, St. Joseph’s presidential committees like, appointed
College, Ondo, in 1977, and later Ondo High member, Presidential Think Tank, 2001,
School, in 1978. Dapo Abiodun proceeded to appointed Chairman, Oil and Gas Committee,
the prestigious University of Ife, Ile-Ife Osun Ogun State, 2009, appointed Chairman of
State (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers
where he studied Civil Engineering but ended Association (DAPPMA), 2012. In 2014, he
graduating with a BBA in Accounting in 1986 was honoured by President Goodluck Ebele
from the Kennesaw State University in Atlanta Jonathan with the meritorious national award
Georgia. of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic
Dapo began his career with Glock Inc. Prince Adedapo O. Abiodun of Nigeria (MFR). Prince Abiodun in 2018 was

USA as Cost Accountant and worked between 1989-1991. He later appointed Chairman of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). He is
rose to become chairman of several reputable companies which married and the union is blessed with wonderful children.

ILIYA EZEKIEL:
A Distinguished Financial Expert
He has perfected the art of working silently
and allowing his accomplishments speak for honest, transparent and hardworking. Mr. Iliya
him. The increasing number of people who Ezekiel is also a fellow of Istitute of Corporate
have benefited from his professional competence administration of Nigeria. He is honest, candid
and well experienced on corporate management
and exemplary living have continued to place Mr. Iliya Ezekiel is also a Fellow of the
him among personalities whose contributions Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria.
cannot be ignored in the public sector in Nigeria. He is honest, candid and well experienced in
He was born in Donga on the 6th day of Corporate Management.
January, 1966 to the family of Pa Ezekiel Datsen Taraba Investment and Properties Limited
and Madam Esther Kande Datsen. (TRIP) was incorporated in 1991 as a private
Mr. Iliya Ezekiel is a Banker by Profession; limited liability company wholly owned by
and he is an Economist by discipline. He has Taraba State Government. The mission of the
worked in Federal Inland Revenue Service, company is to be a diversified and innovative
Universal Trust Bank Plc, NUB International Iliya Ezekiel development financial institution engaged

Bank Limited, First Inland Bank Plc and First City in the efficient and effective identification, articulation,
Monument Bank Plc before joining Taraba Investment and promotion as well as management of both public and
Properties Limited in October 2016. private investments in a bid to hasten the industrial
Mr. Iliya Ezekiel has bagged many prominent awards development of Taraba State in particular and Nigeria in
among them are: Award of Excellence for year 2012 by FCMB general. Taraba Investment and Properties Limited seek
Plc, Award of Excellence by CBN/Bankers Committee, Kogi business partners and Investors who are interested in
State, Award of Best Professional Manager by FCMB Plc. joining her to promote developments in some identified
Others are award of Excellence by Taraba Chamber of sectors of Agriculture, Minerals etc. TRIP is associated
Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (TACCIMA), with National and International Finance Institution such
Best Managing Director of State Investment Houses in as NNDC, NIDB, NIPC and CBN. Taraba Investment and
Nigeria by Independent Newspaper, Award of Excellence Properties Limited are owners and managers of several
by Taraba Youth Forum and Award of Excellence and revived moribund companies such as Mambila Beverages
Outstanding Performance in Public Service by Pan-African: Nigeria Limited (Makers of Highland Tea), Taraba Oil Mills
Centre for Transparency and Peoples Initiative. Limited (Producers of High Quality Palm Oil), TRIP Poly
He has served iRnetshceuBe aTneakmingofsTecatroarbfaoSr toavteerG2o1/ve2 rdnemcaednets. Products Limited (Manufacturers of High Quality Polythene
before joining the Products) and Taraba Gas Limited. Others are Viva Feedmill
Mr. Iliya Ezekiel has been assisted by His Excellency, Limited, Taraba Vegetables Limited, Taraba Savings and
Executive Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku and has Loans Limited , Taraba Microfinance Bank Nigeria Limited;
revived seven Moribund Companies in tThEeLgLro(uwpw. wH.eteilsl.nvegr)yNovoenmlybteor 5m,e2n0t1io8n Pbaugtea few.

Charity

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Plotting to Make Kings of the Poor

Sunlight City Foundation, a Non-Governmental
Organisation with international backing, seeks poverty
alleviation in Nigeria with uncommon ambition

By SUNDAY ADEDEJI of people living in extreme poverty and Onobhume: SCF aims to transform lives
those furthest behind is a driving force of the foundation, Sunday Onobhume,
For many organisations worldwide, in all efforts made to overcome poverty, an academic doctor and reverend,
October 17 this year, the 70 including the design and implementation emphasized that fighting poverty begins by
anniversary of the proclamation of of programmes and policies which affect economic empowerment of the poor and
the United Nations’ Universal Declaration them. Only by creating and nurturing a average Nigerian, more so as the nation’s
of Human Rights and World Poverty genuine partnership with people living oil wealth has not been able to bring about
Eradication Day, was a day to accord with poverty will it be possible to build much economic freedom for all. He says
more than a passing interest. In Nigeria, an inclusive world where all people can that in a country with zero capital for
Sunlight City Foundation, SCF, a non enjoy their full human rights and lead lives the common man, a grant is required to
Government Organisation, NGO, with dignity.” He enjoined both homes to economically empower Nigerians to fulfill
demonstrated its commitment to the ideals accept “the little token”, promising that their daily obligations and responsibilities,
of this global convention. The foundation, more would follow in the NGO’s future stressing that “our present classical
led by its executives, chose Lagos State to corporate social responsibility activities. microfinance or commercial banks have
sign post their contributions to the relief shifted focus and become irrelevant to
of the poor by visiting Bola Mofo Zion Sunlight City Foundation’s poverty the economic development of mankind,”
Shelter, an orphanage home, as well as alleviation programmes go beyond particularly in regard to the deliberate
Tunji Adebayo Foundation, Motherless & celebrating the World Poverty Alleviation establishment of cottage industries and
Abandoned Babies Home. At the homes, Day. The foundation, in the main, seeks special banks for the common man.
all in the Ogba district of the city, they gave to transform rural and urban communities
out deep freezers, electrical appliances, through capacity building, human capital He is critical of the operation of today’s
food stuff, baby goods and other relief development and training (through conventional commercial banks because,
items. In addition, at the Bola Mofo Zion seminars, conferences, etc), local and according to him, they “serve the interest of
Orphanage Home, a generator house was international partnership discovering and moneybags and bigwigs” as these financial
rebuilt by the NGO. harnessing talents for sustainable projects, houses place emphasis on “unimaginable
growth and development. Thus, the NGO, interest rates and very high collateral
In his speech at both presentations, the at once, is into serious corporate social security,” the investor’s good feasibility
Lagos State director of SCF, Gbenga Sofela, responsibility programmes, economic studies and plans not withstanding.
a pastor, aligned his organization with the empowerment, equitable resource
UN stance that government policies alone distribution platforms, multi-purpose Onobhume’s foundation also aims
cannot create the social inclusion that is cooperative societies, etc. A remarkable to transform life in rural and urban
fundamental to reaching those left furthest difference for SCF from similar bodies, communities through the empowerment
behind by poverty. He justified his NGO’s is its serious religious undertones, seeing of citizens in production, manufacturing,
pro-poor move: “The International Day itself as God’s tool for a socio-economic modern industrial techniques and
for the Eradication of Poverty can strongly transformation for the attainment of a agribusiness. And also within its purview
complement such initiatives because it poverty-free society. are plans to boost educational development
aims to ensure that the active participation and scholarships. So far, his SCF has
The chairman and chief executive officer awarded a total of 30 scholarships to
indigent Nigerians in primary, secondary
Sunlight City Foundation present gifts to Motherless Babies Home and tertiary institutions.

To achieve all these objectives, Sunlight
City Foundation promotes micro-finance
outfits/cooperatives through the “bottom-
up project strategy” of the World Bank in
order to ensure that every available grant
reaches the target audience.

The challenges, for the foundation,
surely are daunting but with what its
management sees as its enormous
groundwork, its overseas collaborations
with global bodies, its support from the
Social Exchange Market in grants and
expertise, the ambition to make kings of
the poor may look more serious than mere
grandstanding.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 43

Health

Health and the Herbs
Herbal mixtures are fast gaining ground among Nigerians for self medication with telling
effects, but the alternative medicine industry is yet to get official recognitions

By SEGUN ADEOSUN Iyana-Ipaja, Oshodi and Meiran. today because I make sure they take herbs
Some of the common brands in which have helped to flush out anything
They come in various forms, sizes, bad in their system. What attracted me to
colors, names, and most importantly the markets include Dee Best Herbal giving herbs to my children was when one
indications. Until now, herbal Cleanser, Ruzu Herbal Bitters, Goko of my daughters had pile. We treated her
medicines did not appear popular Herbal Cleanser, Ghana Swagger, Super with orthodox medicine. It did not go, but
or well patronized in the cities. They were Cure Moringa, Commando Herbal Drink, when a friend of mine introduced herbal
usually sold as concoction in large pots or among others with ‘promoted’ ability to medicine to me I tried it and within one
wrapped in paper or nylons. cure multiple ailments such as malaria, week the pile was gone. Since then, I have
typhoid, fibroid, sexually transmitted preferred herbal medicine to orthodox
People with medical conditions who infections, diabetes, arthritis, rheumatism, medicine,” Bayo added.
could not pay their medical bills or cost of pile, indigestion, constipation, eye-related
orthodox medicines were forced to look for conditions, menstrual pains or cramps, Wahab Ijaduola, a herbal mixture
‘recommended’ roots, stems, leaves like irregular menstruation, impotence, weak vendor told the magazine that he
dongoyaro, mooring, lemon grass among erection, removal of excess sugar, fat and decided to be selling the mixture after he
others which they boild, soaked or blended cholesterol among many other claims. experienced its efficacy. “I was so much
for treatment. Some also visit herbs sellers It is common to hear that a single herbal amazed at the speed of recovery from that
in native markets for prescriptions. mixture has the potency to cure several chronic typhoid. It also cured me of an
ailments. But how true can this be? STD. So I traced the distributor’s address
Today, the narrative has changed. The and expressed my interest in selling the
herbal mixtures or concoction are being A number of people have testified products. Now, I am making good sales,
packaged with modern technologies, to the efficacy of these herbal mixtures. because of the integrity of the product,” he
branded and sold on the streets, bus-stops, “Yes, they work,” said Toyin Fashina, a said.
markets and some other places. Peddlers student at a fashion school in Lagos. She
of these herbal mixtures adopt different continued: “At least I can speak for (a But how profitable is the herbal mixtures
gimmicks to attract potential buyers among brand of bitters, packaged in Nigeria but trade? Ijaduola said, “on the average I sell
passers-by. Some play recorded voices brought in from a neighbouring country) about eleven bottles per day and each
and jingles from public address systems, It has helped me a lot, especially during bottle costs N500.00,” he said. No doubt,
some shout, some use bells or drums, my periods. I have recommended it to the preference for alternative medicines
while some display fresh leaves of different friends,” she said. like herbal mixtures grow by the day.
plants telling people their functions and
number of ailments they can cure. The Alice Bayo, a regular herbal mixture James Udoh, another consumer said
latter is becoming a common sight in consumer said the herbal mixtures have orthodox medicine have side effects, even
Lagos, especially in areas like Agege, Ikeja, helped her family a lot. “My children don’t though they are meant to fight diseases
Herbal mixtures seller suffer dysentery like most children do in the body. “I’m not buying herbal

medicine because I don’t
have money to go to the
hospital, but I buy herbals
because they work for me.
Before now I was spending
a lot on orthodox medicine
but I wasn’t getting results,”
he told the magazine.

While some people
have only good things to
say about herbal mixtures,
others believe they are
poisonous. One of them
is Helen Adejo, a business
woman. For her, herbal
drinks are dangerous to
health “because most
of them do not undergo
proper testing to satify that
they are good for the body.
I have never taken herbal
medicine and I don’t intend
to take them. I am okay with
the orthodox medicine;
they work perfectly for me,”
Adejo said.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 44

Health

In the same vein, Nnamdi Opara, These products if consumed could
a medical consultant in Lagos said the cause serious damage to the liver and
government should discourage the use of kidneys.
herbal medicine by individuals, as they This is fueled by the fact that most
contain chemicals that could be harmful people diagnosed to have certain
to the liver and kidneys. Recently, Roger diseases like hepatitis B resort to over-
Byard, a professor and forensic pathologist the-counter medicines, self-made
at the University of Adelaide, Australia, herbal preparations or preparations
warned about the potential lethal dangers made by other people without
of herbal medicines if taken in large talking to their healthcare providers
quantities, injected, or combined with or visiting a herbal facility first for
prescription drugs. He stressed that there’s medical intervention.
a false perception that herbal remedies are Among health workers, there
safer than manufactured medicines, when is grave concern that such people
in fact many contain potentially lethal eventually end up in the hospitals
concentrations of arsenic, mercury and when their condition must have
lead.” moved from bad to worse. Most of
He cited the case of a five-year-old the time, they are reluctant to tell the
boy who had ingested 63 grams doctors about the herbal medicines Moji Adeyeye, NAFDAC DG
of Tibetan herbal vitamins over
a period of four years and was they have been on.
Odukoya Sarafa, secretary, Herbal of the requirement for registration and
Medicine Advertisers Association of advertisement permit,” said Olugbenga
diagnosed with lead poisoning. Nigeria, HMAAN, insisted that the Aina, assistant director, Advertisement
There was another case that involved a products being advertised by members Control, Registration and Regulatory
young boy with cancer of the retina whose of his association are very reliable and Affairs Directorate, NAFDAC.
parents resorted to a traditional Indian safe for consumption, because they are NAFDAC has tried to sanitise the
remedy that caused arsenic poisoning. endorsed by the National Agency for Food practice of herbal medicine in Nigeria.
It was a “herbal medicine known and Drug Administration and Control, For instance, it has shut down and seized
as Chan su, used to treat sore throats, NAFDAC. That, however, may not imply many herbal medicine facilities operating
boils and heart palpitations, contains the that NAFDAC is convinced that the herbal illegally in various parts of the country.
venomous secretions of Chinese toads, preparations are capable of meeting the She stated that the agency had sactioned
which can cause cardiac arrests or even claims of the proprietors. no fewer than 100 practitioners and affected
lead to coma,” Byard said. According to Many of these herbal drinks are labeled companies for illegal manufacturing, sales,
him other side effects of herbal medicines with NAFDAC registration numbers but, hawking and unapproved advertisements
can include liver, renal and cardiac failure, the numbers according to NAFDAC, do of herbal mixtures.
stroke, movement disorder, muscle not guarantee the efficacy of the products, Christiana Ezenwa, a deputy director at
weakness and seizures. but only proves that the substance is NAFDAC, explained that, “We had earlier
But for Emmanuel Asare, a herbal safe for human consumption. “This is sensitised the herbal medicine practitioners
medicine consultant, based in Ghana, why the phrase: ‘These claims have not on the need to have their companies and
herbal medicines remain reliable. He noted been evaluated by NAFDAC" must be products registered as well as avoid illegal
that there are so many misconceptions boldly labeld on the products as part advertisements of their products. But they
about herbal medicines. Explaining chose to ignore the warnings of the
why a single herbal product can agency and have developed a habit
take care of many ailments, Asare of going back to business even after
said unlike pharmaceuticals where sanctioning them.”
an active ingredient or compound From all indications, the herbal
is isolated from plant, animal or medicine industry is yet to gain
mineral sources and made into prominence in Nigeria even
finished products with a particular though Africa is home to herbs and
strength for a particular disease roots. Maurice Iwu, a professor of
condition like Nifedipine 20mg pharmacology, affirmed this when
and 30mg for hypertension, herbal he said herbal medicine is a sector
medicines are made from plant parts which many countries have properly
that contain a lot of compounds in harnessed, but Nigeria is yet to
their inactive state. exploit the sector to a significant level.
Corroborating Byard’s “We know what happens in China. A
submission that liver, renal, cardiac lot of people in Nigeria buy products
failure and the likes could result from them and also India where
from side effects of herbal medicines, people buy a lot of food supplements.
Asare said well prepared herbal We are hoping that one day, herbal
medicines just like pharmaceuticals medicine practitioners will be able to
have side effects and their abuse look at the global trend and key into
may affect the liver and kidneys. He scientific traditional trend. We are
however, emphasized that poorly convinced that traditional medicine
produced herbal medicines may is the key into the future of Nigerian
contain banned substances such as health system,” he said.
heavy metals, microbial products, For full details of this story visit our
pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Herbal concortion website: www.tell.ng.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 45

By BEN LAWRENCE

Don’t Underrate Any Foe

The battle line is drawn for 2019 presidential race with the nomination man in information failed woefully to do that at home because he has
of Atiku Abubakar as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s standard not what it takes to reach the people. And one wonders whether this was
bearer. not the country that produced Anthony Enahoro, Tony Momoh, Uche
Only an unreasonable person will underrate any opponent, however Chukwumeije, Emeka Omeruah?
light the rating of the weight. The military believes that one needs thrice Buhari has done immeasurably well in many sectors not conveyed
the strength of an enemy to attack its position. It is also true in politics and to Nigeria. Atiku has agents in the media who stoke the embers of hate.
one hopes that President Muhammadu BuhTaELrLi,Sepatembgere3,n20e12rPaagle61of no mean They invent “bad governance” that does not exist. Have they proofs?
order, understands this maxim. Nicollo Machavelli also agrees. In any case my grouse today is more with those of my faith and
It is unfortunate that since Olusegun Obasanjo cheapened the political denomination. I would not bother about prophets of prosperity gospel
space by imposing ill-prepared and unambitious men on us in 1979, who misuse the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to extort the people like
every half-wit with stolen money now aspires to lead a people whose the banks and the DISCOs. But I am pained that the Roman Catholic
political, social and economic sensibilities have been dulled and blunted Church has been dragged into the fray by some so-called anointed who
by the intervening Olu Falae’s SAP. have fallen for the filthy lucre. Never in the history of the Catholic mission
The real political leaders who vied for the throne in 1979 were has its name been so soiled by men in cassock who have gone the way
properly prepared and equipped to continue with the battle of saving the of the Pentecostal preachers.
face of the Blackman. Bishop Matthew Kukah has never hidden his colours of a biased priest,
The thoughts of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Aminu since he became a member of Olusegun Obasanjo’s kitchen cabinet. In
Kano could have moved any nation on earth towards social, political 2006, I exposed how he perverted the doctrine of the Catholic Church
and economic salvation. But Obasanjo posited that the best man must without following the procedure to wed Obasanjo with Stella. He remains
never win the Nigerian race. a stain on the white robe of the church. I am writing as a man whose
What have we seen since the June 12, 1993 calamity? Humphrey family has been with the Catholic Church for about a century and-a-half.
Nwosu showed the world that Nigerians are enlightened enough to My father left the seminary about 1911 to eventually train in
make informed choices with their franchise. But entrenched interests administration, serving in the police and the army in the First World War.
forced Ibrahim B. Babangida to rule otherwise. He remained a catholic until he died in 1942.
And the interests were really not regional as they Masses in the Catholic Church were so solemn
were mistaken by elements in my South-western ‘Buhari has done and peaceful, the priests backing the worshippers.
Nigeria. They exposed themselves later, most of The church was blissful like heaven. It has now
the same kin as Moshood Abiola, who won that immeasurably well in many been turned to a market place, the priests singing
race. sectors not conveyed to Nigeria. and clapping at the altar. And of course, like
‘ Pentecostal preachers who interpret the gospel
So Buhari must heed the warning about upside down to fleece the people, demanding
possibilities of fifth columnists as it were with
Abiola. that they “sow seed” to obtain American visa,
How organised is Buhari’s house as we Atiku has agents in the media promotion at work, et al. Our doctrine is being
approach the day of decision? The Buhari team who stoke the embers of hate. adulterated.
of 2003 to 2015 was more devoted and clear- They invent “bad governance” We did not clap at masses. Catholics don’t
headed than that of today. We sold Buhari as
a moralising force to rescue Nigeria from the clap. Now they dance even when singing “the
shackles of the sharks that chained her to poverty. that does not exist Gloria”, “Credo” and “Our Father”. The church
is now very noisy and rowdy. Some of the priests
Most Nigerians believed our story because we have thrown caution to the wind, misleading
were sincere. Though there was a mixture of pure parishioners. One said Catholics were tight-fisted.
and filth in 2015 to win the race, Buhari s profile He said he prayed at an office led by a catholic.
remained undented. It is still so but for the facts that some elements are The boss, a Catholic, gave him N9, 000, but the deputy, a Pentecostal,
making enemies for our leader. gave him N30, 000.
Also, Buhari has not been firm enough to break the trap set by the These priests are messing the faith in the quest for the “rolling dollar”.
administration he took over from. This has affected his performance in Unfortunately, they are mostly from the Southeast. Small wonder we
the areas of power supply and petroleum resources. We cannot sell these now hear of a Catholic bishop involved in confidence tricks and priests
areas as departure from the past because there has been no scratching shooting each other over money. Last time, Archbishop John Onaiyekan
the surface in our handling of these sectors. was reported of celebrating the baptism of a Raymond Dokpesi’s
He left them in the hands of unresourceful elements, some, perhaps, grandson. That is even the job of a deacon.
with vested interests. The DISCOs in the power sector have been I was to take the communion reluctantly after listening to the garbage
Buhari’s Achilles’ heel. Babatunde Fashola has not seen the evil DISCOs a priest delivered as liturgy in my church. But I heard him depart from
represent because he cannot see beyond his nose. They exploit the people our doctrine after the profession of faith by singing, “Winner oh oh”. I
unchecked, openly stealing from them by imposing levies on power they retreated to my seat. “Bishop” David Oyedepo has won. So Padre Mike
did not consume. Ibe Kachikwu in petroleum could not bring anything Umoh and Bishop Felix Ajakaye are labouring in vain? A reverend sister,
new, though we knew less endowed nations conquered those problems later amused, said, “They didn’t teach them this in the seminary”. These
with rudimentary science. Buhari should stop Fashola and Kachikwu priests mislead people at liturgy, preaching “hate” gospel. Buhari, tell
from misleading him. Worse still, the information apparatus of Buhari’s those who joined us recently not to depart from our ideological stand
administration has been very limited in ideas on how to communicate the which has always tied us to the masses. I warned Akin Ambode and he
many achievements of the man at such a short period. didn’t heed my advice. As they say, the rest is now history.
Nigeria collapsed before Buhari took over the reins. That there is Those, who accuse Buhari of religious bias, have been proved
stability today is because of the integrity a lot of people have seen in the wrong. Sheikh Gumi (late) once put “Fatwa” on Buhari for being “anti-
person of the President. The goodwill still exists and thanks to Godfrey Islam”. Gumi’s son still grudges Buhari of not being part of rabid Islamic
Onyeama who has been able to sell it to the world. This country has fundamentalism. So the new Gumi is with Atiku. Buhari is to the left like
become the cynosure of the enlightened principals of global politics. The me.

TELL (www.tell.ng) November 5, 2018 Page 46