Front Pix
Groans Of Gushing Greed …That Northern Reps’ Threat To Jonathan
Since penultimate Tuesday, when, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office as Acting President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the hitherto edgy citizenry, that eventually heaved a sigh of relief over the nation-saving resolution of the National Assembly, have had to endure countless repulsive vituperations, in the name of legal, even illegal interpretations of the law makers’ action.
Frankly, an issue like the replacement of an ailing President, who left his presidential duties, since November, last year, for a medical vacation in Saudi Arabia is a public issue deserving public discourse. It is even more so, when, the process for the change of guides was slightly different from what the 1999 constitution clearly states in both sections 144 and 145 of the same body of laws.
Instinctively, were the constitution to be followed strictly as contained in either sections, what obtains now would not be so much different, but even worse for apologists of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who had repeatedly insisted that the Presidential seat be left vacant, exercise of exclusive presidential powers stay stagnant and pressing national needs wait for as long as his medical vacation lasts.
Instead, constitutionally speaking, an outright impeachment was canvassed by many well-informed Nigerians, since not even members of the Federal Cabinet had been allowed to see Yar’Adua, and state for sure, the true level of incapacitation, whether temporary or permanent.
In the midst of those arguments, what the National Assembly eventually resolved, and which they hinged on the rule of necessity, was, by all standards, a soft-landing for the ailing President and a bold attempt to save Nigeria from another protracted constitutional crisis and political impasse.
Issues of these kind, quite frankly, should naturally ignite public debates, afterall as the sages often held, society owes its knowledge not to those who have agreed but to those who have differed, for, in such, do inventions and hidden wisdom come to light.
But in exercising that right to free speech and hold an opinion, some Nigerians under the aegis of the Northern caucus of the House of Representatives, Methinks crossed the line, when they threatened to fight Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, if he ventured to dissolve the Executive Council of the Federation, (EXOF), often also called the Federal Executive Council (FEC) a body of ministers assembled by the ailing President, shortly after he assumed office in May 2007.
Rising from a meeting in the abode of a Northern member of the House of Representatives, in Abuja, last week Wednesday, the law makers, who, themselves, were part of the National Assembly that endorsed the resolution to have Dr Jonathan assume office as Acting President turned around place strange limits, beyond which Jonathan must not thread, if he is not to incur their wrath. One of such is an ‘order’ to Jonathan to retain all ministers appointed by his boss, whether they are doing well or not.
Their view came after several others, particularly, one by a set of politicians, also of the Northern extraction insisted that the North must be allowed to complete its eight-year-term as President, since Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a southerner, from the South-Western geo-political zone had had the South’s turn of eight years.
Annoying, as these public comments are to many well-meaning Nigerians, I also have condoned them because, it has, for ages, remained my sacred vow to see others’ views, no matter how unpalatable, as an exercise of an individual’s right to hold and voice an opinion, as the constitution entitles such individual to do.
But when, in exercise of such a right or rights, an individual or individuals wear the toga of political ambulance – chasers, willingly buoyed by amentia, play God, and seek to impose their views on a nation, in such a manner depicting apparent amblyopia, reason dictates that such fellow citizen or citizens be saved from themselves and from the criminal folly of brewing inter-tribal altercations, not healthy for the sustenance of the nation’s fragile unity.
For this reason alone, will I ask the following questions? Which section of the Nigerian constitution forbids a sitting president to sack Ministers that he either appointed or inherited? If none, why then, should anyone write a fresh constitution without the notice of all Nigerians? By the way, which section of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria divides the country into North and South? Where do they place the Niger Delta, an area where salaries and other freebies to the Ministers, now being dressed as untouchables, will be sourced?
I ask because it is gradually being considered acceptable for some Northern elements to wake-up from the wrong side of their large beds, crafted with Niger Delta resources, to dictate where and how Nigeria must go and simply have all others fall in line.
Perhaps, now is the time to tell those who care to listen that an incunabulum of the kind now being employed to test the political waters, sounds like broken record to the ear because not only has it been said repeatedly, it smacks of political evection that should be ignored. But should I?
When the National Assembly reasoned that even if there a was serving Vice President, that there still existed, a huge gulf in the exercise of exclusive Presidential powers which only an Acting President or a Substantive President could exercise, and accordingly resolved, unanimously that Vice President Goodluck Jonathan filled the void, where were the members of the Northern caucus of the House? Why did they not, there and then, spell out the ‘do’s and don’t’ of an Acting President as contained in their ‘new’ constitution as different from ours?
Their seeming ambivalence presents, in my view, features of amanuenses, not merely taking dictations from an unseen voice but also playing-out a script authored by a masquerade or more. That is not what Nigeria needs at this trying time.
For the avoidance of doubt, it was not a plot by the Acting President that his Boss be ill, so that he could act. He instead, did everything to defend Yar’Adua’s absence, up to a point that even protesting civil society groups, led by Nobel Laurete, Prof. Wole Soyinka threatened to attack the loyal Vice President, and reluctant President in waiting.
Not only that, even when, it became too obvious that his studied defence of his boss was not assuaging the pains of disappointed Nigerians, Jonathan was persuasive in preaching patience, unity and peace, as he led countless prayer sessions for Yar’Adua’s quick recovery.
Jonathan’s ascendancy to the presidential seat was reluctant, but ultimately powered by patriotism, unwavering nationalism and the need to ensure the success of his Boss’s Seven-Point Agenda, a development plan into which the Acting President has put virtually everything, his soul, body and time. And still willing to do more.
That is why it must be said that if in defence of that same agenda, Acting President Jonathan finds a clog in the wheel of progress, be it a Northern or Southern cabinet Minister or any other for that matter, he should not hesitate to remove, for the interest of all and the well-being of the nation. Enough is indeed enough.
Happily, that Jonathan has, thus far, carried out the functions of his new position of thrust indubitably is for all to see and so, nothing should restrain him from living out the dreams of the joint Yar’Adua/Jonathan Presidential ticket by which both Yar’Adua and Jonathan earned majority votes of Nigerians. Infact, the impression needs not be created that Jonathan was appointed by Yar’Adua, along with all other ministers after, the elections that brought them to power. Instead, Jonathan is a joint heir to the throne sorry presidency and for which singular reason, many Nigerians, particularly those of the deprived Niger Delta region and the South/South geo-political zone lined-up behind the Yar’Adua/Jonathan joint ticket to achieve eventual victory.
That is why such inflammatory statements, aimed at everything except unity and progress of the country must be discouraged.
But I have a worry. Who will tell the so-called Northern elements, who are, today, counting presidential years, that should Nigerians join in such tenure census, Jonathan or any other Niger Deltan, should, infact, enjoy another four years, in addition to the “Acting one and half-or-so,” in case Yar’Adua stays far longer than their joint tenure, in Saudi Arabia?
My Agony is that very few will willingly voice such truths because in Nigerian politics, most are moved to action not so much by their intellect or reason, but by their desires and appetites, and so, have been sufficiently cowed into believing that the North alone has those freebies to give.
That being so, let us, even in our silence, demonstrate our support, loyalty and respect for the office of President, as the Chief Executive, on whose table the buck stops. That, without doubt includes non-performing ministers. Or doesn’t it? And since we are agreed that it is the prerogative of a President and Commander-In-Chief, whether substantive or acting, to decide the composition of his team, to question Acting President Jonathan’s authority in that direction, Methinks is to stretch the individual’s right to free speech, a little too far. And should be checked. That is the truth.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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