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Requiem For President Yar’Adua …Sad Exit Of A Servant Leader
Nigeria had lost leaders while on National duty, but none since the brutal assassination of General Murtala Mohammed Feb 3, 1976, has the death of a Nigerian President evoked so much grief, inconsolable mourning, passion and above all unity, as did the death, last week Wednesday of the Servant-Leader, Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. (Allah Bless his soul).
Yar’Adua’s was indeed one death that is worth grieving over, not only by family and friends but even by those whose vigorous pursuit of their constitutionally allowed protests, tended, inadvertently though, to diminish the amount of pain, helplessness and a grueling battle a good man was waging against a fatal medical condition and by extension death.
At about 9pm that Wednesday, in his sick bed at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, an ailing Yar’Adua eventually lost the battle to death, after Soul-lifting assurances by Moslem clerics that the president was fast recuperating and would return soon to the work Nigerians entrusted to him, that of superintending the presidency of Africa’s biggest and most populous democracy. But Yar’Adua couldn’t, afterall and instead surrendered to death, apparently as a token of his usual selflessness, so that Nigeria that he had laboured to keep united, would not be divided by the politicking and avoidable grandstanding that evoked comments and actions over his protracted illness.
Earlier, he had been flown-out of the country to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia Nov 23, last year, where Yar’Adua had been battling acute pericarditis, a medical term explaining inflammation of the outer coverings of the human heart. According to informed medical opinion, the President might have died of cardiac complications arising from the ailment.
Ordinarily, those were moments Nigerians would have willingly shared and empathised with their President, knowing that ill-health is neither an example of gross misdemeanor nor should it be seen as a criminal offence.
But the poor and phoney information management by handlers of Yar’Adua’s health rather than unite Nigerians behind a goodman, helped to heat-up the system and contributed to the diminishing of the import that ought to have been attached to his condition, the pains, the trials, and the tribulations before his eventual death.
For instance, the medical team made a secret of the president’s health condition, forgetting that Nigerians had as much right to such information as it did, even if, granted that Yar’Adua was first of all a husband, father and a Moslem.
These are not times for the blame game, but man must note the mistakes of the past, learn from the present and avoid any repeat in the future, for, without such retrospection, it would be easy to willfully vilify or even demonise civil society groups and indeed all other progressive Nigerians who insisted and rightly too that the Nigerian constitution must be adhered to, no matter the circumstances.
For the records, at the time Yar’Adua was flown to Saudi Arabia, none could tell his medical condition and could not have been expected to follow all the requirements of section 145 of the constitution, that of handing over to his Vice President, since he was to be on a medical vacation.
Sadly, handlers of the President’s health and indeed his information managers chose instead, to hoodwink an already agitated citizenry with less than acceptable hints of their President’s medical condition. As if that was not damaging enough, the same clique, using Saudi security support denied all, especially key national officers, the desired access to see the ailing President. The list included cabinet ministers, then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan and indeed leadership of the National Assembly. The only valuable information concerning the president’s health was sourced from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News, where-in Yar’Adua was early this year, quoted as saying he was recuperating from a major heart problem.
And because Yar’Adua was a goodman, who could not be blamed for the poor management of information, concerning his health, the Senate sought a soft-landing, and eventually agreed to imploring the Doctrine of Necessity to empower Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to assume Presidential powers as Acting President, instead of declaring the substantive president incapacitated.
Strangely, the ailing President was flown back into the country at night, amidst tight military security without the knowledge of the Acting President, and Commander –in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, an event which the President’s health-handlers and close political associates intended to implore to diminish the legality of Jonathan’s new identity.
In fact, Yar’Adua’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Segun Adeniyi, in pursuit of same agendum made a veiled reference to Jonathan as Vice President and went further to assure that the ailing president would return to his duties, the following week, after worshiping at the Abuja Central Mosque that Friday. The President never did.
Even so, Nigerians were hopeful that since he could as much as thank “Vice President” Jonathan for managing the presidency in his absence, he could as well address the nation or at least meet with both the Acting President and indeed leadership of the National Assembly. The ailing President never did.
Instead, some Moslem clerics and later Christian leaders were obliged audience with the ailing President, where they offered prayers for his quick recovery. Thereafter, leader of the Moslem clerics and Chief Iman of the Abuja Central Mosque confidently told Nigerians that Yar’Adua had handsake with them, joined them in prayers and even assured them of his quick recovery and timely return to presidential duties, the following week.
The timing of that statement almost truncated Jonathan’s attempt to infuse fresh blood into the Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF), having dissolved the original cabinet, put in place by Yar’Adua
It was only days later that Nigerians came to terms with the fact that Yar’Adua required prayers from all and not merely those who had seen, prayed with him and later dazed the citizenry with half-truths, if not total lies.
Ordinarily, as former US secretary of state, Candolessa Rice rightly observed, the presidency is bigger than any one man and should therefore never be left stagnant, but because of the tremendous goodwill, love and compassion, Yar’Adua had earned in his dealings with others, virtually every attempt by civil society groups to insist on the invocation of section 144 of the constitution, required to declare the ailing President, permanently incapacitated were rebuffed. And rightly too because he was a Goodman, and not because the so-called cabal, who hoped to capitalise on Yar’Adua’s condition to govern Nigeria by proxy were more powerful but because of Yar’Adua’s lasting power of love, humility, selfless services, true statesmanship and indeed accommodating spirit that endeared him to many Nigerians, devoid of ethnic leanings, religion, political diversities and indeed cultures.
These are why, try as they could, to reduce Yar’Adua’s national appeal to a small ethno-religious tin-god, providence ended up exalting a good man and used his death to unite a people nearly torn-apart by human greed, political misadventurism and insatiable appetites.
As Nigerians together mourn Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, we must do so, always remembering his ever forgiving spirit which he often demonstrated during key national challenges, such as the pronouncement of amnesty to Niger Delta militants who had carried arms against the Nigerian state.
We should also learn from his preference for fairness, equity and justice as exemplified by his bold step of establishing the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry to address some of the issues that informed the rebels’ armed confrontation by standing behind his successor in trying to actualise Yar’Adua’s ideals.
My Agony is that once Jonathan starts pursuing these pro-active policies, grounded in the same virtues of fairness, equity and the need to give the Niger Delta the much desired sense of belonging, the same cabal, will see him as pursuing a Niger Delta agendum.
Methinks such vain talks, if they do come, should be jettisoned by President Goodluck Jonathan, because doing so will be the only way of living-out dreams of servant-leader Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to assuaging the pains of that group of Nigerians who have been giving far more to the centre than they can point to as dividends of their own sacrifices.
For a people’s true leader, I say, Fare-The-Well, Yar’Adua and to a worthy successor Jonathan, I say NYSC-Now Your Suffering Commences, so that Nigerians, all Nigerians may breathe a little easier in the future.
That’s what Yar’Adua wanted.
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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