Imam Imam
The leader of the Niger Delta People Volunteer Force (NDPVF) Alhaji Mujahid
Dokubo Asari yesterday said security agents failed to heed his warning on the
likely bombing of strategic targets by Henry Okah and members of his group,
alleging that Okah has been stockpiling more weapons in an effort to destablise
the country.
Dokubo said the attack in Abuja on October 1 was meant to destablise the
Goodluck Jonathan presidency, in continuation of the deep-seated hatred Okah has
for the president.
In a statement issued on his facebook page, Dokubo said Nigerians should not
take Okah serious for alleging that he was asked to implicate the Northerners,
saying when fully subjected to facts test, the statement would not hold water.
He said: "15 days before now, the intelligence unit of NDPVF had a stunning
revelation and uncovered a plot by Henry Okah to re-arm militants - to re-arm
his criminal gangs in the region. We intercepted large parches of arms that were
being sent to his new recruits around the Bonny, New Calabar, Sombreiro and St.
Bartholomew rivers.
"This information was promptly forwarded to the security agencies that Henry
Okah was up to something. These persons in government and its agencies dismissed
it! That, I was a rabid hater of Henry Okah. And this information was passed by
some unscrupulous top government officers to Henry Okah, that 'Asari' had
informed them that he, Henry Okah, was planning something.
"What a shame! I was still worried and sent warnings to them that Henry Okah was
still up to something. A close associate of the President just dismissed it by
saying which time you and Henry Okah quarrel go end? he added.
On the call by some Northern leaders on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign or
face impeachment, Dokubo said the remark is like sounding the drums of war.
"The drums of war have been sounded by the Adamu Ciroma's, the Tanko Yakassai's,
the Ali Mungonu's. We are not afraid of war! Let them come with their war."
He said attempts were made in the past by some rogue elements in the Niger Delta
region to pin the attacks on him, but by God's grace, such moves have failed.
"First they made an attempt to hang it (the bombings) on me - Alhamdullahi -
they failed! Today, it is Goodluck Jonathan - Insha Allahu - they will also
fail," he said.
Friday, October 8, 2010
ANAMBRA REPRESENTS AFRICA IN CHINA
Anambra State will in faraway Shanghai, China represent African continent in the on-going expo (4-10 of October).
The letter to the Government of Anambra State by the UN Habitat signed by its Programme Manager for Nigeria, Prof. Johnson Falade reads: The UN-HABITAT will present the results of our Emerging Cities photographic project at the Shanghai World Expo, during week 4-10 October. As you know, Onitsha is one of the five selected world cities, and our photographic work took place there in July. The presentation itself will occur on the morning of Wednesday 6 October in the UN Pavillon at the Expo. Images from each of the five cities will be showcased in a two-and Half-hour event.
Prof. Falade said that the choice of Onitsha was informed by its great economic potentials to provide for better living urban environment and the fact that the town was one of the three cities that benefitted from the UN-HABITAT technical assistance in the preparation of its structure plan. He noted that the UN-HABITAT was so happy about the commitment of Gov. Obi to the cities in Anambra State and called on other Governors in Nigeria to show the same level of commitment.
The EXPO with the theme of Better City, Better Life, according to the Anambra State Commissioner for Lands, Afuba Peter, esq. would mark another phase in the relationship between the UN-HABITAT and Anambra state. He commended the Governor for fertilizing that relationship and assured that there was no going back by Anambra state in her commitment to urban planning and renewal.
The Commissioner who is already in China disclosed that the Governor would join his team today for the EXPO and that he would take the opportunity to discuss the implementation of the structure plan for Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi with the officials of the UN HABITAT and explore further contacts and collaboration.
The letter to the Government of Anambra State by the UN Habitat signed by its Programme Manager for Nigeria, Prof. Johnson Falade reads: The UN-HABITAT will present the results of our Emerging Cities photographic project at the Shanghai World Expo, during week 4-10 October. As you know, Onitsha is one of the five selected world cities, and our photographic work took place there in July. The presentation itself will occur on the morning of Wednesday 6 October in the UN Pavillon at the Expo. Images from each of the five cities will be showcased in a two-and Half-hour event.
Prof. Falade said that the choice of Onitsha was informed by its great economic potentials to provide for better living urban environment and the fact that the town was one of the three cities that benefitted from the UN-HABITAT technical assistance in the preparation of its structure plan. He noted that the UN-HABITAT was so happy about the commitment of Gov. Obi to the cities in Anambra State and called on other Governors in Nigeria to show the same level of commitment.
The EXPO with the theme of Better City, Better Life, according to the Anambra State Commissioner for Lands, Afuba Peter, esq. would mark another phase in the relationship between the UN-HABITAT and Anambra state. He commended the Governor for fertilizing that relationship and assured that there was no going back by Anambra state in her commitment to urban planning and renewal.
The Commissioner who is already in China disclosed that the Governor would join his team today for the EXPO and that he would take the opportunity to discuss the implementation of the structure plan for Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi with the officials of the UN HABITAT and explore further contacts and collaboration.
IBB: Why I was not at Eagle Square
Ayegba Israel Ebije
Former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida said yesterday that he did not attend the ill-fated Nigeria@50 celebrations at Eagle Square, Abuja last Friday because he did not believe in spending so much money for an event that should instead have elicited sober reflection on the heroes and heroines that laid down their lives for the country. He spoke to reporters at his Hill Top residence in Minna. He said the amount of money spent on the event was outrageous and unnecessary. The event, he also said, was driven by an agenda that lost focus and direction as it forgot to give due honour to Nigerians who laid down their lives for the country and to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
Babangida said, People have been talking about my absence at the celebration of independence and Nigeria at 50 anniversaries and I have this to say, that I don't believe in the flamboyance attached to an event that would have focused more on what an average Nigerian should benefit in terms of developmental projects.
Babangida's absence from the event has been quietly pointed at by government officials to support the allegation in official circles that he was linked to the bomb blasts. Tackling that charge yesterday, Babangida said claims by some people that he could have been behind last Friday's twin bomb blasts in Abuja during celebration of the Nigeria@50 were idiotic.
He said many people have inferred that he may have an idea of the impending bomb blast, which was why he did not attend the parade at the Eagle Square. He however expressed amazement that some Nigerians would link him with issues that he is far removed from.
He said it would be idiotic for anyone to think that he was involved in the car bomb episode. He said he has fought for the unity of the country and will have nothing to gain causing any form of disaffection in the country.
He said, It will be idiotic for anybody to think that I who fought for the unity of Nigeria and still carries about the shrapnel from the war will have knowledge of the car bomb blast which took the lives of many Nigerians. I and many Nigerians who fought the war to unite this country will never want Nigeria to go through what some of us went through during the civil war as we fought very hard to keep Nigeria as one nation.
General Babangida also said the arrest of his campaign chairman Dr. Raymond Alegho Dokpesi by the State Security Service [SSS] for suspected complicity in the bomb blasts was done based on the imagination of some people. He said, When things like this happen Nigerians will cast their imaginative and fertile minds and this is the price we have to pay as politicians. Anyone who knows my High Chief (Dokpesi) will not associate him with such act as he is a patriotic Nigerian who will not do anything that will undermine the security of the country.
The former military ruler also accused the Federal Government of security lapse for the October 1 bomb blast that claimed many lives. He said the federal government had no less than five days notice that a bomb will be planted at the square. He said the unfortunate loss of lives would have been avoided if government's security operatives had moved in quickly to arrest the situation.
The federal government was given at least a period of five days before the bomb went off near the Eagle Square but failed to act in time to check the bloodbath. In my own opinion, and I speak as a retired General, that there are lapses in our security network and somebody must be held responsible for that. Given the period of time the government was notified on the impending disaster, it could have responded swiftly to check it within the period of less than 24 hours to put down the attempt.
He described as unfortunate a situation where the federal government cannot ward off an attack that has been duly made public by the perpetrators and intelligence operatives outside the country, adding that it was a show of incompetence on the side of government.
General Babangida who also expressed concern over the level of armament in the hands of members of the MEND group filmed from their enclave in the creeks by a foreign media organisation. He said the government is not doing enough in the area of protecting the country from armed insurrection.
I saw a young lady Yvonne Ndege taking footage of armed members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in their den. And I saw the militants wielding weapons of different calibration. I speak as a General that has witnessed war and I know that such armament with the MEND group despite the amnesty program of the federal government which I thought has cleared off all weapons from the militants shows serious security lapse in the country.
He said the federal government failed to locate and suppress such armed groups, saying once again the issue of security has been compromised by those vested with the responsibility to maintain it.
He warned that it was time for the government of Nigeria to put an end to the free movement of arms and ammunitions as he described as unfortunate a situation whereby weapons of such magnitude come into Nigeria undetected.
Former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida said yesterday that he did not attend the ill-fated Nigeria@50 celebrations at Eagle Square, Abuja last Friday because he did not believe in spending so much money for an event that should instead have elicited sober reflection on the heroes and heroines that laid down their lives for the country. He spoke to reporters at his Hill Top residence in Minna. He said the amount of money spent on the event was outrageous and unnecessary. The event, he also said, was driven by an agenda that lost focus and direction as it forgot to give due honour to Nigerians who laid down their lives for the country and to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
Babangida said, People have been talking about my absence at the celebration of independence and Nigeria at 50 anniversaries and I have this to say, that I don't believe in the flamboyance attached to an event that would have focused more on what an average Nigerian should benefit in terms of developmental projects.
Babangida's absence from the event has been quietly pointed at by government officials to support the allegation in official circles that he was linked to the bomb blasts. Tackling that charge yesterday, Babangida said claims by some people that he could have been behind last Friday's twin bomb blasts in Abuja during celebration of the Nigeria@50 were idiotic.
He said many people have inferred that he may have an idea of the impending bomb blast, which was why he did not attend the parade at the Eagle Square. He however expressed amazement that some Nigerians would link him with issues that he is far removed from.
He said it would be idiotic for anyone to think that he was involved in the car bomb episode. He said he has fought for the unity of the country and will have nothing to gain causing any form of disaffection in the country.
He said, It will be idiotic for anybody to think that I who fought for the unity of Nigeria and still carries about the shrapnel from the war will have knowledge of the car bomb blast which took the lives of many Nigerians. I and many Nigerians who fought the war to unite this country will never want Nigeria to go through what some of us went through during the civil war as we fought very hard to keep Nigeria as one nation.
General Babangida also said the arrest of his campaign chairman Dr. Raymond Alegho Dokpesi by the State Security Service [SSS] for suspected complicity in the bomb blasts was done based on the imagination of some people. He said, When things like this happen Nigerians will cast their imaginative and fertile minds and this is the price we have to pay as politicians. Anyone who knows my High Chief (Dokpesi) will not associate him with such act as he is a patriotic Nigerian who will not do anything that will undermine the security of the country.
The former military ruler also accused the Federal Government of security lapse for the October 1 bomb blast that claimed many lives. He said the federal government had no less than five days notice that a bomb will be planted at the square. He said the unfortunate loss of lives would have been avoided if government's security operatives had moved in quickly to arrest the situation.
The federal government was given at least a period of five days before the bomb went off near the Eagle Square but failed to act in time to check the bloodbath. In my own opinion, and I speak as a retired General, that there are lapses in our security network and somebody must be held responsible for that. Given the period of time the government was notified on the impending disaster, it could have responded swiftly to check it within the period of less than 24 hours to put down the attempt.
He described as unfortunate a situation where the federal government cannot ward off an attack that has been duly made public by the perpetrators and intelligence operatives outside the country, adding that it was a show of incompetence on the side of government.
General Babangida who also expressed concern over the level of armament in the hands of members of the MEND group filmed from their enclave in the creeks by a foreign media organisation. He said the government is not doing enough in the area of protecting the country from armed insurrection.
I saw a young lady Yvonne Ndege taking footage of armed members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in their den. And I saw the militants wielding weapons of different calibration. I speak as a General that has witnessed war and I know that such armament with the MEND group despite the amnesty program of the federal government which I thought has cleared off all weapons from the militants shows serious security lapse in the country.
He said the federal government failed to locate and suppress such armed groups, saying once again the issue of security has been compromised by those vested with the responsibility to maintain it.
He warned that it was time for the government of Nigeria to put an end to the free movement of arms and ammunitions as he described as unfortunate a situation whereby weapons of such magnitude come into Nigeria undetected.
Governor Peter Obi Grants Amnesty To 23 Prisoners
Ifeoma Akachukwu
In exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to mark the country's 50thIndependence Anniversary, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi has granted amnesty to 23 prisoners.
A memo issued by the Honourable Attorney-General/Chairman of Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuma Esq., dated September 30, 2010, says a total of twenty three persons benefited from this gesture.
The beneficiaries, according to the release, are drawn from Onitsha, Awka, Aguata and Enugu Prisons. Those from Onitsha Prison are: Omo Eme, Chibuzor Obi, Lotanna Okooma, Sunday Umezulike and Izunna Okonkwo. Others from the same prison are Chimezie Offorzor, Nduka Enuma, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Ogochukwu Okafor and Emeka Arinze.
From Awka Prison, the following people were released: Onyinye Nwankwo, Paul Nwaokpatu, Emika Okafor, Alloy Udoji, Innocent Ejiofor, Chijioke Ude and Samuel Chukwudozie.
Ikechukwu Ezeonwumere, Onyeka Uzoigwe, Celestine Aniefo and Ikechukwu Okafor are the lucky ones from Aguata Prison while Izuchukwu Obidike and Simus Ani were freed from Enugu Prison.
In exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to mark the country's 50thIndependence Anniversary, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi has granted amnesty to 23 prisoners.
A memo issued by the Honourable Attorney-General/Chairman of Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuma Esq., dated September 30, 2010, says a total of twenty three persons benefited from this gesture.
The beneficiaries, according to the release, are drawn from Onitsha, Awka, Aguata and Enugu Prisons. Those from Onitsha Prison are: Omo Eme, Chibuzor Obi, Lotanna Okooma, Sunday Umezulike and Izunna Okonkwo. Others from the same prison are Chimezie Offorzor, Nduka Enuma, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Ogochukwu Okafor and Emeka Arinze.
From Awka Prison, the following people were released: Onyinye Nwankwo, Paul Nwaokpatu, Emika Okafor, Alloy Udoji, Innocent Ejiofor, Chijioke Ude and Samuel Chukwudozie.
Ikechukwu Ezeonwumere, Onyeka Uzoigwe, Celestine Aniefo and Ikechukwu Okafor are the lucky ones from Aguata Prison while Izuchukwu Obidike and Simus Ani were freed from Enugu Prison.
ANAMBRA CELEBRATES FADAMA DAY
Ifeoma Akachukwu
Governor Peter Obi has flagged off the distribution of cheques totaling over eight million naira to FADAMA Community Associations; Governor Obi kick started the programme at the ADP Complex Awka at the weekend.
Governor Obi also commissioned eight motorcycles for project community facilities, three pick up vans and one eighteen seater coaster bus for monitoring of FADAMA activities, twenty five desktop computers and accessories for capacity building of FADAMA officers.
Performing the function, Governor Obi restated the commitment of his administration to reposition the Agriculture sector and promote small and medium scale enterprise to create employment, empower the people and strengthen the economy.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to ensure that the money is used for the purpose it was released and warned that Government would use all necessary measures to sanction those who misappropriate the fund.
The Governor regretted that the State could not participate in FADAMA ONE and TWO because of the inability of previous administrations to pay the counter-part funds but expressed satisfaction that the state is now leading in the FADAMA Three project.
He assured that his government will do everything possible to achieve food security and eliminate abject poverty across the State.
The National Project Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Buka Tijiani represented by the Head of Unit, National Food Reserve Agency South East Region, Enugu, Mr. Charles Ugwuona said the State is first in the FADAMA Programme in Nigeria and has remained vibrant and forward looking because of empowerment of Governor Obi and support of the people. Mr. Tijiani said the National office of FADAMA and the World Bank are impressed with the commitment demonstrated by Governor Obi administration to project the programme as a viable vehicle to fight poverty and empower rural farmers.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Godson Ezenagu said with this disbursement the State sub projects have increased to four hundred and three out of which sixty five have been completed which have impacted positively on the lives of over three thousand, two hundred and fifty families of farmers.
Governor Peter Obi has flagged off the distribution of cheques totaling over eight million naira to FADAMA Community Associations; Governor Obi kick started the programme at the ADP Complex Awka at the weekend.
Governor Obi also commissioned eight motorcycles for project community facilities, three pick up vans and one eighteen seater coaster bus for monitoring of FADAMA activities, twenty five desktop computers and accessories for capacity building of FADAMA officers.
Performing the function, Governor Obi restated the commitment of his administration to reposition the Agriculture sector and promote small and medium scale enterprise to create employment, empower the people and strengthen the economy.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to ensure that the money is used for the purpose it was released and warned that Government would use all necessary measures to sanction those who misappropriate the fund.
The Governor regretted that the State could not participate in FADAMA ONE and TWO because of the inability of previous administrations to pay the counter-part funds but expressed satisfaction that the state is now leading in the FADAMA Three project.
He assured that his government will do everything possible to achieve food security and eliminate abject poverty across the State.
The National Project Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Buka Tijiani represented by the Head of Unit, National Food Reserve Agency South East Region, Enugu, Mr. Charles Ugwuona said the State is first in the FADAMA Programme in Nigeria and has remained vibrant and forward looking because of empowerment of Governor Obi and support of the people. Mr. Tijiani said the National office of FADAMA and the World Bank are impressed with the commitment demonstrated by Governor Obi administration to project the programme as a viable vehicle to fight poverty and empower rural farmers.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Godson Ezenagu said with this disbursement the State sub projects have increased to four hundred and three out of which sixty five have been completed which have impacted positively on the lives of over three thousand, two hundred and fifty families of farmers.
Mile 12 Flood Victims Blame Ogun Govt
Bennett Oghifo
Residents of Owode-Ajegunle stretch of Ikorodu road have blamed the Ogun state government which , according to them , suddenly released water from the Adiyan dam without consideration for their safety.
The Ogun dam holds more than its capacity of water during rainy seasons and water is released to prevent it from bursting and creating more havoc, officials explained.
Families devastated by the flood water built their homes on the flood planes bordering Ogun and Owutu rivers in Ogun and Lagos states.
The ugly development was anticipated by the Lagos state government which asked residents of Owode-Ajegunle and Agiliti among others, to vacate these areas.
A resident, Mr. Sam Okoh, whose home was in knee deep water as at yesterday, said he would not leave because he spent his life savings to build his house, adding that he was retired.
Other families seen trying to salvage their furniture and suite cases, said their homes would not have been flooded if the dam water had been released gradually.
In 2008, residents of these areas took refuge in primary schools and were provided food and medicine by the Lagos state government and the Red Cross. However, it is still uncertain what the Lagos state government intends to do to assist these victims.
Residents of Owode-Ajegunle stretch of Ikorodu road have blamed the Ogun state government which , according to them , suddenly released water from the Adiyan dam without consideration for their safety.
The Ogun dam holds more than its capacity of water during rainy seasons and water is released to prevent it from bursting and creating more havoc, officials explained.
Families devastated by the flood water built their homes on the flood planes bordering Ogun and Owutu rivers in Ogun and Lagos states.
The ugly development was anticipated by the Lagos state government which asked residents of Owode-Ajegunle and Agiliti among others, to vacate these areas.
A resident, Mr. Sam Okoh, whose home was in knee deep water as at yesterday, said he would not leave because he spent his life savings to build his house, adding that he was retired.
Other families seen trying to salvage their furniture and suite cases, said their homes would not have been flooded if the dam water had been released gradually.
In 2008, residents of these areas took refuge in primary schools and were provided food and medicine by the Lagos state government and the Red Cross. However, it is still uncertain what the Lagos state government intends to do to assist these victims.
50th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, Gov. Obi spoke to selected Journalists
Ifeoma Akachukwu
As part of the activities marking the 50th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, Gov. Obi spoke to selected journalist. The interview has been carried by Champion, Compass and Nation. The full text
Good afternoon Your Excellency.
Ans: Thank you my brothers.
Q: Sir I want to wish you happy 50th Independence anniversary.
General Laughter.
A: I wish you the same and may the Independence celebration awaken in Nigeria and among Nigerians the resolve to start real nation Building.
Q. How do you mean, Your Excellency?
A: All I am trying to say is that amidst this pomp and ceremony that characterize this Independence celebration, may we Nigerians understand that we have not done so well in terms of overall development, bearing in mind the expectations of our founding fathers, both dead and alive.
Q But some people are of the opinion that we have done well and could do better.
A: You know as well as I do that in any circumstance, people must have different opinions, some rational, some fair enough and some even verging on the lunatic fringe. But I will want us to tell ourselves the truth. If Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, or Chief Obafemi Awolowo or Sir Ahumadu Bello and our other founding fathers were to come back to life, how would they feel? Would they say that the country has moved on according to their expectations? Would they pat us on the back and say: My children, we are proud of you and your accomplishments? Would they feel better under us or would they feel nostalgic about the time they were with the colonialist? Would they be pleased with sectoral developments: water resources, agriculture, industry, urban planning, Housing? Would they express satisfaction with the quality of social services available today? What is the state of the groundnut pyramids; the palm plantations; the cocoa farms today? Again, what about the unity of the nation they struggled for? These are necessary questions that should occupy our minds as we celebrate the independence.
A: Your Excellency, you sound as if you are not satisfied with the level of Nigeria's development so far?
A: Let me tell you the truth, no patriotic Nigerian should be. In fact, if you ask me, I am even of the opinion that we are devoting too much time to this celebration. That is one of the unnecessary pastimes we acquired over the years. People are more concerned with ceremonies, celebration and parties than with productivity. You know the obsession with sharing of the national cake rather with the business of baking it. If anybody that does not know Nigeria were asked to evaluate the independence celebration, he would probably conclude that we are celebrating the eight wonder of the world or some other roaring success, when in truth we have lived below expectations.
On the first of October, 1960, when we gained Independence, though some of us are post-independence children, the people rightly saw it as the birth of political freedom. They generally believed that with that new birth the country was unfettered to develop her boundless opportunities, but a few years later, our troubles started and till today we are still tottering, trying to lay those foundations we ought to have laid many many years ago.
You have been in Anambra State and you know that every year people celebrate the creation of the State. Some people always want it to be big occasions, but my opinion is that one cannot celebrate a failed State. If you recall, I have consistently used the occasion to call for reflection, for the people of Anambra State to resolve to start doing it well. I make the same call on Nigerians. The mood of the nation does not call for Epicurean indulgence; it rather calls for the strong will to succeed and for us to tell ourselves the basic truth, one of which is that a lot still needs to be done.
Q Sir the way you are talking, it would appear that you will not join in the celebration.
A: Not at all. Recently I was in the USA as a panelist on a symposium to mark our Independence anniversary. I contributed my quota. I have already taken part in many Independence activities and will continue to do so, but all I am saying is that the commemoration should be an opportunity for us to tell ourselves the truth. It will be of no benefit to us to continue deceiving ourselves. We did so in the past and many of our contemporary countries overtook us. They had been quietly working hard.
Many countries that used to have lower GDP and natural resources than us are today ahead of us. We have been more concerned with ceremonies and other past times that have not contributed to our overall development. This was how Malaysia came here and took our palm seeds and today we are importing vegetable oil from her. Countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are all ahead of us in all the indices of development. Even in Africa, some African countries are today becoming exemplary to us. We are now beginning to realise our failure that some of us have started questioning the rationale for holding ourselves out as the giant of Africa. We cannot afford to remain the Shakespearean giant walking with the limb of mosquito.
Q Sir would you point at specific evidence to buttress that all is not well with the country?
A: There are a number of them. We have the teething problem of power, employment, lack of good roads and general infrastructure. The greatest employer of labour today is the Small and Medium Enterprises, which is dead in Nigeria because of precarious state of power supply. While we generate about 4000 megawatts of power, South Africa, a country with far less population than us generates over 40000 megawatts.
While our Asian counterparts spent their 70s and 80s educating themselves, we spent ours in celebration, in owambeying. The consequence is that today their industries are far ahead of ours. Our education is not getting better. In the past, primary and secondary school people wrote good letters. Not anymore! It is not getting better as buttressed by the just released NECO results.
Again, if we have succeeded as a country, you cannot have some people perennially pining for the return of the colonialist. They believe life was better under them.
Q: What would you recommend as a solution to all these problems?
A: What we need today is visionary and good leadership. Once this is in place, everything will fall in line. We need a Government that consults and listens to ideas. I must commend the Yarâ Adua/Jonathan administration. I recall that as a Governor, whenever I went to see President Yara Adua he listened attentively to one's ideas, took notes and when one got back to his State, he could see the results. The same thing goes for president Goodluck Jonathan.
Q Sir that reminds us that the South east Governors have pledged support for President Jonathan, What informed that?
A: Well even before the present fever of declaration, we the Governors of the South East made it clear that we were going to support an aspirant with the best programme for the South East. We have weighed all options. Remember that recently the former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme led Igbo delegation, among whom were myself and my brother Governors of the South East with Mr. President. At that meeting we made appeal on issues affecting the South East. Among the issues raised are the creation of additional State for the South East,, the construction of the second Niger Bridge, the upgrade of Enugu Airport to international airport, the tackling of erosion problems, the issue of water supply and reconstruction of the South East roads. He told us he would support the creation of more State for the region, which he noted was primarily a National Assembly matter. The major issues we raised with him are being addressed as we speak. Enugu has been upgraded to an international status, some of the roads are awarded, erosion is receiving attention and many more.
Q: As an APGA Governor, some people are suspicious of the support you give to Mr. President
A: I am APGA governor and will remain so. I have said it for the umpteenth time that I will be the last person to leave APGA and will only work for other parties that are officially on strategic partnership with APGA.
As to working with Mr. President, I do not know who else I should work with. Do I work with the President of Ghana or Belize? Kindly educate me.
Q: Sir, what we are saying is that you appear too close to Jonathan?
A: Yes like every other Governor. Governors are close to their presidents in all the climes. Chief executives are close to their directors, otherwise there will be a disconnect and the company will crumble. If you know the history of Anambra State very well you will know that we had Governors of the State that fought the central Government unnecessarily causing so much pain to the State to the point of all the patrimony of the State being burnt down. I do not wish that for any State in the country.
Q: Let us focus a bit on your State, would you tell us your greatest Challenge as the Governor.
A. There are many challenges, ranging from the challenge of infrastructure through the challenge of lack of basic foundation in all sectors to the challenge of values. By far, the most critical is the challenge of values. I often tell people that in as much as we are obliged as a government to provide needed infrastructure and to develop all sectors; Agriculture, Health, education, Environment, etc that what we need most is to change the psyche of our people. In all honesty, some of us do not think as they should.
Q: How do you mean?
A: I mean that we should be more committed to the State. A State or nation where you find those that would rather steal the State dry than allow those that govern to use the resources of the State for the good of the people is sick. A state that will allow its property to be razed down all in the name of politics is hurting herself. A state that will cook up impeachment or brazenly steal people's mandate without qualm cannot be trusted to save itself. A place where people habitually engage in all sort of crimes that defy reason is in grave trouble.
A: As the Governor, how do you tackle these many problems?
That boils down to what I was telling you. It is not the building of infrastructure that our people greatly need. It is the right attitude to public service or civic duty. Much as we try to provide these infrastructure, you find me, at the risk of sounding immodest, trying to lead by example. I do this bearing in mind that example is the best teacher. Let me give you an example, we collapsed the cost of running Government businesses. Example, at one time we had over 15 assistants, but I have cut it down by over 50%. We used to have our Ministries scattered all over Anambra State, which was not cost-effective. We have brought all of them under one roof with the completion of the first and second phases of the State Secretariat.
Q: In terms of physical development of Anambra State, how would you rate yourself?
A: This is a question that challenges objectivity. How can I judge myself objectively? I would prefer you ask that question to the grassroots in Anambra State. Or perhaps, they already answered that question in the February election. Inasmuch as I do not want to blow my trumpet, there is no community in our State that has not benefitted from our desire to provide infrastructure to the State.
Q: What is your number one goal as a Governor?
A: My priority is to bring sanity and value change to governance. Once this is achieved, it will bring political stability, which will in turn help to guarantee safety of lives and property, reduce crime and other vices. Though we cannot guarantee 100% success but we must continue to put in 100 efforts.
Q: Finally, what will be your last message to the people of Anambra State and Nigerians State as Nigeria turns 50?
A: Let us reflect on our lives and concentrate on the progress of our country. Let us resolve to make Nigeria great and realize that we have no other country. Let us stop the abuse of Nigeria because the Nigeria we abuse today will take her revenge on our children tomorrow.
As part of the activities marking the 50th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, Gov. Obi spoke to selected journalist. The interview has been carried by Champion, Compass and Nation. The full text
Good afternoon Your Excellency.
Ans: Thank you my brothers.
Q: Sir I want to wish you happy 50th Independence anniversary.
General Laughter.
A: I wish you the same and may the Independence celebration awaken in Nigeria and among Nigerians the resolve to start real nation Building.
Q. How do you mean, Your Excellency?
A: All I am trying to say is that amidst this pomp and ceremony that characterize this Independence celebration, may we Nigerians understand that we have not done so well in terms of overall development, bearing in mind the expectations of our founding fathers, both dead and alive.
Q But some people are of the opinion that we have done well and could do better.
A: You know as well as I do that in any circumstance, people must have different opinions, some rational, some fair enough and some even verging on the lunatic fringe. But I will want us to tell ourselves the truth. If Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, or Chief Obafemi Awolowo or Sir Ahumadu Bello and our other founding fathers were to come back to life, how would they feel? Would they say that the country has moved on according to their expectations? Would they pat us on the back and say: My children, we are proud of you and your accomplishments? Would they feel better under us or would they feel nostalgic about the time they were with the colonialist? Would they be pleased with sectoral developments: water resources, agriculture, industry, urban planning, Housing? Would they express satisfaction with the quality of social services available today? What is the state of the groundnut pyramids; the palm plantations; the cocoa farms today? Again, what about the unity of the nation they struggled for? These are necessary questions that should occupy our minds as we celebrate the independence.
A: Your Excellency, you sound as if you are not satisfied with the level of Nigeria's development so far?
A: Let me tell you the truth, no patriotic Nigerian should be. In fact, if you ask me, I am even of the opinion that we are devoting too much time to this celebration. That is one of the unnecessary pastimes we acquired over the years. People are more concerned with ceremonies, celebration and parties than with productivity. You know the obsession with sharing of the national cake rather with the business of baking it. If anybody that does not know Nigeria were asked to evaluate the independence celebration, he would probably conclude that we are celebrating the eight wonder of the world or some other roaring success, when in truth we have lived below expectations.
On the first of October, 1960, when we gained Independence, though some of us are post-independence children, the people rightly saw it as the birth of political freedom. They generally believed that with that new birth the country was unfettered to develop her boundless opportunities, but a few years later, our troubles started and till today we are still tottering, trying to lay those foundations we ought to have laid many many years ago.
You have been in Anambra State and you know that every year people celebrate the creation of the State. Some people always want it to be big occasions, but my opinion is that one cannot celebrate a failed State. If you recall, I have consistently used the occasion to call for reflection, for the people of Anambra State to resolve to start doing it well. I make the same call on Nigerians. The mood of the nation does not call for Epicurean indulgence; it rather calls for the strong will to succeed and for us to tell ourselves the basic truth, one of which is that a lot still needs to be done.
Q Sir the way you are talking, it would appear that you will not join in the celebration.
A: Not at all. Recently I was in the USA as a panelist on a symposium to mark our Independence anniversary. I contributed my quota. I have already taken part in many Independence activities and will continue to do so, but all I am saying is that the commemoration should be an opportunity for us to tell ourselves the truth. It will be of no benefit to us to continue deceiving ourselves. We did so in the past and many of our contemporary countries overtook us. They had been quietly working hard.
Many countries that used to have lower GDP and natural resources than us are today ahead of us. We have been more concerned with ceremonies and other past times that have not contributed to our overall development. This was how Malaysia came here and took our palm seeds and today we are importing vegetable oil from her. Countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are all ahead of us in all the indices of development. Even in Africa, some African countries are today becoming exemplary to us. We are now beginning to realise our failure that some of us have started questioning the rationale for holding ourselves out as the giant of Africa. We cannot afford to remain the Shakespearean giant walking with the limb of mosquito.
Q Sir would you point at specific evidence to buttress that all is not well with the country?
A: There are a number of them. We have the teething problem of power, employment, lack of good roads and general infrastructure. The greatest employer of labour today is the Small and Medium Enterprises, which is dead in Nigeria because of precarious state of power supply. While we generate about 4000 megawatts of power, South Africa, a country with far less population than us generates over 40000 megawatts.
While our Asian counterparts spent their 70s and 80s educating themselves, we spent ours in celebration, in owambeying. The consequence is that today their industries are far ahead of ours. Our education is not getting better. In the past, primary and secondary school people wrote good letters. Not anymore! It is not getting better as buttressed by the just released NECO results.
Again, if we have succeeded as a country, you cannot have some people perennially pining for the return of the colonialist. They believe life was better under them.
Q: What would you recommend as a solution to all these problems?
A: What we need today is visionary and good leadership. Once this is in place, everything will fall in line. We need a Government that consults and listens to ideas. I must commend the Yarâ Adua/Jonathan administration. I recall that as a Governor, whenever I went to see President Yara Adua he listened attentively to one's ideas, took notes and when one got back to his State, he could see the results. The same thing goes for president Goodluck Jonathan.
Q Sir that reminds us that the South east Governors have pledged support for President Jonathan, What informed that?
A: Well even before the present fever of declaration, we the Governors of the South East made it clear that we were going to support an aspirant with the best programme for the South East. We have weighed all options. Remember that recently the former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme led Igbo delegation, among whom were myself and my brother Governors of the South East with Mr. President. At that meeting we made appeal on issues affecting the South East. Among the issues raised are the creation of additional State for the South East,, the construction of the second Niger Bridge, the upgrade of Enugu Airport to international airport, the tackling of erosion problems, the issue of water supply and reconstruction of the South East roads. He told us he would support the creation of more State for the region, which he noted was primarily a National Assembly matter. The major issues we raised with him are being addressed as we speak. Enugu has been upgraded to an international status, some of the roads are awarded, erosion is receiving attention and many more.
Q: As an APGA Governor, some people are suspicious of the support you give to Mr. President
A: I am APGA governor and will remain so. I have said it for the umpteenth time that I will be the last person to leave APGA and will only work for other parties that are officially on strategic partnership with APGA.
As to working with Mr. President, I do not know who else I should work with. Do I work with the President of Ghana or Belize? Kindly educate me.
Q: Sir, what we are saying is that you appear too close to Jonathan?
A: Yes like every other Governor. Governors are close to their presidents in all the climes. Chief executives are close to their directors, otherwise there will be a disconnect and the company will crumble. If you know the history of Anambra State very well you will know that we had Governors of the State that fought the central Government unnecessarily causing so much pain to the State to the point of all the patrimony of the State being burnt down. I do not wish that for any State in the country.
Q: Let us focus a bit on your State, would you tell us your greatest Challenge as the Governor.
A. There are many challenges, ranging from the challenge of infrastructure through the challenge of lack of basic foundation in all sectors to the challenge of values. By far, the most critical is the challenge of values. I often tell people that in as much as we are obliged as a government to provide needed infrastructure and to develop all sectors; Agriculture, Health, education, Environment, etc that what we need most is to change the psyche of our people. In all honesty, some of us do not think as they should.
Q: How do you mean?
A: I mean that we should be more committed to the State. A State or nation where you find those that would rather steal the State dry than allow those that govern to use the resources of the State for the good of the people is sick. A state that will allow its property to be razed down all in the name of politics is hurting herself. A state that will cook up impeachment or brazenly steal people's mandate without qualm cannot be trusted to save itself. A place where people habitually engage in all sort of crimes that defy reason is in grave trouble.
A: As the Governor, how do you tackle these many problems?
That boils down to what I was telling you. It is not the building of infrastructure that our people greatly need. It is the right attitude to public service or civic duty. Much as we try to provide these infrastructure, you find me, at the risk of sounding immodest, trying to lead by example. I do this bearing in mind that example is the best teacher. Let me give you an example, we collapsed the cost of running Government businesses. Example, at one time we had over 15 assistants, but I have cut it down by over 50%. We used to have our Ministries scattered all over Anambra State, which was not cost-effective. We have brought all of them under one roof with the completion of the first and second phases of the State Secretariat.
Q: In terms of physical development of Anambra State, how would you rate yourself?
A: This is a question that challenges objectivity. How can I judge myself objectively? I would prefer you ask that question to the grassroots in Anambra State. Or perhaps, they already answered that question in the February election. Inasmuch as I do not want to blow my trumpet, there is no community in our State that has not benefitted from our desire to provide infrastructure to the State.
Q: What is your number one goal as a Governor?
A: My priority is to bring sanity and value change to governance. Once this is achieved, it will bring political stability, which will in turn help to guarantee safety of lives and property, reduce crime and other vices. Though we cannot guarantee 100% success but we must continue to put in 100 efforts.
Q: Finally, what will be your last message to the people of Anambra State and Nigerians State as Nigeria turns 50?
A: Let us reflect on our lives and concentrate on the progress of our country. Let us resolve to make Nigeria great and realize that we have no other country. Let us stop the abuse of Nigeria because the Nigeria we abuse today will take her revenge on our children tomorrow.
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