Issues

Alone In The Middle Of Nowhere …The Plight Of A Senate President

Published

9 years ago

November 9, 2015

For a Nigerian of his clout, pedigree, position and popularity, not many imagined that Senate President, Bukola Saraki would be an object of Judicial ping-pong played by men and women who naturally should sing to him, ‘Kabiyesi’ on daily basis. As head of the Nigerian Senate, the Upper Chamber of the Legislative arm, Saraki is presumed to be the Number three citizen.
In that capacity, should the President and his vice, either on account of a court judgment, ill-health or incapacitation, vacate offices, Saraki will emerge as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Such is the man’s measure of influence in Nigeria’s political equation today. But is it?
Interestingly, since he emerged as Senate President, albeit as an unanoninted one by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signs that his would be a caretakerous reign has been obvious.
Senior members of his party have at various times described his emergence as a political coup. Some others described it as betrayal and unholy connivance with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the APC’s political offices zoning formula.
Saraki was indeed of a PDP background. He was a two-term governor of Kwara State under the PDP and proceeded to the Senate as a PDP Senator four years ago. He was not of the heritage parties that originally formed the APC, namely, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Conference of Progressive Change (CPC). The splinter group of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and defectors from PDP are presumed to be second class citizens, unless one has the required financial muscle and politicial clout to bulldoze one’s way into political relevance, as did Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
In the case of Saraki, who under this dispensation that ushered Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as President, was a Senator, could pride himself as one of the forces that delivered Kwara, a PDP State to APC. Also, being a former governor in the Senate, he believed and still believes that he is eminently qualified to become President of the Senate.
So, while the APC’s hierarchy was busy savouring the emphoria of victory over a ruling party, Saraki and a few members of the APC ganged-up and elected officers of the Senate with Saraki emerging as President, to the anger of the party leadership.
There are today 60 APC Senators and 49 PDP Senators. This means with only 6 APC Senators supporting Saraki together with the PDP Crop, no amount of election can unseat Saraki because, in the case of removal by vote, APC would require two/thirds majority which can never happen.
The APC leadership knew this but repeatedly threatened to unseat him, although they kept the process of such removal close to their chest. They merely left the opposition party and indeed the press guessing how Saraki’s fall would be actualised.
That was why, when the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) found faults with Saraki’s assets declaration, while as Governor of Kwara, and was ordered to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) many Nigerians believed that it was indeed one of the processes designed by the APC leadership, to teach Saraki a lesion. Saraki thought so too, and ran to the High Court to stop the trial before the CCT.
One of his arguments before the court was that only the Attorney General of the Federation could authorise such prosecution, and since at the time, President Buhari was yet to appoint Ministers, his arraignment was unlawful. But the court saw it otherwise, forcing Saraki to appeal the judgment of the lower court at the Court of Appeal.
Prior to the screening of ministerial nominees, some Senators flew the kite that the confirmation hearings would not be business as usual. That position many thought was going to be Saraki’s bargaining chip and force the Presidency to at least play ball, by calling the CCB to order, while the Senate allows the President’s men easy passage to confirmation.
Infact, when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Saraki met with Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, prior to the ministerial screening, Nigerians concluded that Saraki’s problems might well be over.
The easy passage of most of the President’s men, was also attributed to an imaginary truce reached between Buhari and leaders of the Legislative arm. That public mindset also placed so much hope on the Appeal Court to upturn the lower court’s decision in Saraki’s favour, and put to permanent rest the embarrassment of the country’s No. 3 citizen. But when the Appeal Court finally gave its judgment, it went against Saraki and indeed all expectations.
With that victory, the CCT quickly dusted its files and ordered Saraki back to the tribunal, this time, not even Saraki’s lawyers’ information that the matter was before the Supreme Court, could stop the CCT from doing its work.
From the confidence exuded by the CCT, the force of character demonstrated all through the process and the doggedness of the prosecution, it is most unlikely that the tribunal does not enjoy the total approval of the Commander-In-Chief.
This is because, most Nigerian institutions, be they anti-crime or anti-corruption, work according to the body language of the leadership. Non-interference means approval and that could make such structures do the unimaginable.
That is indeed why Special Adviser to the President on Media, Femi Adesina’s initial explanation, that President Buhari could not interfere with the operations of the CCB as a stereotype and not a convincing piece of denial. If Buhari wanted to save Saraki, it is simple. Order them to withdraw charges of false declaration of assets against the Senate President.
But the CCT last week confirmed that it meant business when, it insisted on trial of the Senate President, whether or not that matter was before the Supreme Court, whether or not Saraki’s lawyers withdrew from defending him. Instead, the tribunal gave Saraki about a week to look for other legal representatives, meaning, the trial must go on.
By now, it should dawn on Saraki that he is alone in the wilderness; that has clandestine support for easy passage of the President’s nominees is no guarantee against the CCT and that the plot to remove him as Senate President by hook or crook, is as real as daylight.
The question now, without sounding prejudicial, is, what if, like the lower court and the Appeal Court, the Supreme Court rejects Saraki’s request to halt the trial before the CCT? What happens to the Senate President in the hands of a CCT that would surely be better emboldened by such judgement? Then, could the presence of the Senators who usually accompanied him to the tribunal stop the CCT members from ordering their Senate President into the accused box?
What happens in the event of a conviction? These are mere questions picturing a worse case scenario and not necessarily predicting the legal outcome of Saraki’s judicial travails.
Truth is, Saraki is alone and should know so early enough. He must not depend on the assurances of any one but pursue his defence as purposefully as possible.
For, it would amount to living in a fool’s paradise, an illusion of grandeur if Saraki believes that he would come out of this turbulent judicial voyage unruffled. The only way to get out of it is to secure assurance from his silent, even faceless persecutors, if his resignation as Senate President could be his Visa to peace. Without that, there are valid fears that in the end of the CCT trials Nigerians would witness the fall of a Senate President.
A worse case scenario is conviction with or without an option of fine. That means a Senate President, an ex-convict who cannot be a Senator unless pardoned by the same President who already has registered his reluctance to interfere with the work of the CCT.
Where would such a scenario leave the nation’s Senate? Would not there arise another Saraki with at least 6 APC Senators to combine with the 49 of the PDP and still defy the APC leadership? In such circumstance, and should such an actor be without sins, how can we have a united Senate, required to address the nation’s many challenges, in law-making and exercise of over-sight on the executive arm?
My Agony is that Saraki still believes, and strongly too that, the regular courts could help avert the impending CCT trial and all will be well. That means he really does not appreciate the forces he is up against. Now is the time to explore political solution to his travails because the judicial option may not be fool-proof and or pleasant in the end. In the United States, may be, but not here in Nigeria.

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

4 months ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

4 months ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

5 months ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.