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Fatal Appetence For Power …Northern Leaders’ Threats, Unrests
One African proverb, I have been reluctant to agree with since my adulthood, is that which goes: ‘If the Owl cried at night and the baby dies in the morning, who killed the baby?’, meaning, there’s no use looking elsewhere for reasons for cause of the baby’s death beyond the Owl’s cry.
Ironically, as a little boy, my headmaster, Late Mark Ajebu had also warned us repeatedly against jumping into hasty conclusions, in the words, ‘Believe half of what you hear and none of what you see”. That too I have come to perceive as reasonably extremist, even atheistic, because it tends to undermine the very essence of all religions – Faith, the belief in something not seen, which infact is the beauty of the reverence, love and devotion to a Supreme Being, known to Christians as God, to Moslems as Allah, and to traditional African religionists of Ijaw extraction, particularly Okrikans as Chinboboroma.
My quarrel with both lines of thought also affects my every day business of minding others’ business – Journalism, which naturally demands of me, sound judgment, thorough analysis and unbiased conclusion.
Of both the thought that offers the more appeal to my profession is that which discourages premature conclusion of guilt, based on assumptions and precedents. For, instance, if a youngman is found on his friend’s wife, mouth-in-mouth, days after rumours of a questionable liason-between both, would any no jury absolve such unlucky youngman from blame?.
Who would ever accept as the truth that the accused might well be engaged in reviving a fainting woman, using the mouth-to-mouth respiration tactic?
That is why I often add little or no value to coincidences. But the not long ago, threat by some Northern Political Elders to make Nigeria ungovernable, should President Goodluck Jonathan go ahead to contest the Presidency on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP), and wins the ticket, and recent happenings in the once relatively peaceful Nigeria, strike a very dangerous co-incidence.
Writing on, The zoning Debate and its Fall-out”, on ThisDay newspaper of Friday, October 15, 2010, Yusuph Alaniyou (The Polity), urged Mallam Adamu Ciroma “… to ensure that the debate over who gets the PDP ticket does not degenerate to a North-South crisis,” and went further to admonish the one-time Editor and later Managing Director of New Nigerian Publication, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Minister in charge of Finance and Agriculture at various times, “…to avoid being part of a sponsorship of a group which issues incendiary statements or makes comments which underline only the faultlines of our society, no matter the provocation by the other group”.
What the columnist should have added was, if only one man in a country of about 140 million, (some 100 million at that time) could occupy such choice positions, without zoning some to others, what moral justification does the Pan-Northerner nay, Nigerian have to be too religious about zoning and rotation?
By the way, “if the PDP included a provision in its constitution that all elective offices and party positions shall rotate between the various zones and areas which make up the constituency to achieve a sense of equity and balance”, as the writer averred, how has the South-South geo-political zone, where Jonathan hails from, disobeyed the rule, by his singular appetence to contest the 2011 Presidential elections?
But which geo-political zones are we talking about in Nigerians today? Are they North Versus South? Or North-East, South-East, North-Central, South-West, North West and South-South? The first option, methinks died or should die. with the 1914 forced Amalgamation, which subsequently produced three major regions – Northern, Western and Eastern before adding a third, the Mid-Western region.
Was if not after that arrangement that one-time Head of State General Yakubu Gowon created 12 States, before the steady increase to 36 that Nigeria today knows?
If therefore, for administrative convenience and regional cohesion, six geo-political zones were created, and today in use if even for mere reference purposes, why should the election of a President send us back to the Pre – 1914 days when, it was either the North or the South?, Or as appurtenant to that, insist that unless power returned to the North, aggrieved Northern political tin-gods under the aegis of the Northern Political Forum, would make sure Nigeria is made ungovernable for Jonathan to lead?
Even with those threats, I was one of very few Nigerians that refused to tie the October 1, twin bombings in Abuja to political savagery, which careless public speeches earlier made by the Northern group, should naturally attract, because as I said earlier, I do not subscribe to the suggestion, that since the baby died in the morning immediately after the Owl’s cry that eve, it must be blamed for the child’s death.
But recent security breaches in parts of the North, particularly Borno and Bauchi States appear to me very dangerous coincidence to ignore.
Last Thursday, for instance, there was pandemonium and tension in Bauchi as residents scampered for safety following information that men suspected to be members of the fundamentaitst Sect, Boko Haram, had shot and killed a Mobile Policeman attached to the private residence of the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Musa Mua’zu Badara.
That incident came barely a month after the Bauchi jail-break by members of the dreaded group which had led to the escape of 157 inmattes, mainly its members, awaiting trial, only for some returnee members, to set on fire, parts of the prison. On Tuesday, the group had bombed a Police Station in Maiduguri. Sadly, it is on record that since the Abuja bomb-blasts, up to the daily reported instances of mayhem being unleashed on society by the Boko Haram Sect, not a word of condemnation or condolence has been heard of the Mallam Ciroma-led Northern Political Leaders Forum. Is it in tacit confirmation of pre-election steps earlier harshed to make Nigeria ungovernable for a Jonathan victory?.
Why is that? Is Nigeria’s Presidency an exclusive Northern heritage which a few must choose to give-out temporarily at will and insist on its early return? When will the so called apostles of zoning sit-back, retrospect a while and take a thorough tenure census of the Presidency from 1960-date?
If they did, they would realize that in the spirit of rotation which they appear to be championing eagerly, the result will end in favour of the South-South and South-East geo-political zones, since the latter has enjoyed only about five or so months through Late General Aguyi-Ironsi as head of State, and the former, barely living out late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s Presidential tenure, through President Jonathan
Why then should anyone from the other four geo-political zones, lay stronger claim to the Presidency if indeed it is a Nigerian Commonweqalth and not just a Northern Play thing?
In his book, Nigeria: The Way Forward Erefagha Ezekiel-Hart attempted a cursory tenure Census on Inter-Zonal Rotation of the Nigeria Presidency from Independence to May 29, 2011, in hope Yar’Adua would live to that day. In that attempt, Ezekiel-Hart writes, “During the period the county has been ruled as follows.
i. Middle Belt-Zone (North Central) Gowon + Babangida + Abubaka = 17 years, 11 months, 20 days.
ii. North East Zone Balewa + Abacha (Akanun) = 9 years 10 months 6 days
iii. North West Zone: Murtala + Shagari + Buhari + Yar’Adua = 10 years, 5 months, 13 days
iv. South-East Zone Aguyi-Ironsi = 6 months 14 days (Azikiwe was a ceremonial President with Executive Powers)
v. South-South Zone No ruler = 0
vi. South-West Zone Obasanjo + Shoneikan + Obasanjo = 11 years, 9months 6 days.
Added together as whole between North and South, as apologists of zoning insist, the outcome will even be more annoyingly in favour of the South, than the North.
For instance, the three geo-political zones in the Northern area according Ezekiel Hart’s account have produced Headship of the Federation a whooping nine times spanning 38 years, three months and nine days as against the South’s four, spanning 12 years, 3 months and 20 days, that is, if it is understood that Jonathan is serving Yar’Adua’s tenure which should terminate, May 29, 2011.
Going by these facts, how could any Northern Political element accuse President Jonathan of breaking the same structures that made him President? Or could it be those that attempted to stall his Acting Presidency, they meant, before Nigerians found God’s Hands in the Nation’s Political affairs.
This is why, even if I chose not to take seriously, their threats to destabilize Nigeria in the event of a Jonathan electoral victory, many Nigerians, particularly older ones who had suffered years of the similar greed would prefer otherwise and by extension the name-calling that surrounded the Abuja blasts.
My Agony is that try as I have to discountenance the parable of the Owl and the dead baby, events unfolding daily, and which border on insecurity now force me to have a re-think because the occurrences are indeed very felonious even in their assumed co incidence.
Let’s pray order Nigerians are wrong.
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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