The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Walid Jibrin, on Tuesday in Abuja, dismissed alleged merger talks with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and others.

The BoT chair of the main opposition party insisted that the party did not contact the former governor of Lagos State or any member of the APC with the hope of luring them to the PDP.
He said the camp of Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP was busy repositioning the party and had yet to contact anyone in the APC with the aim of luring them to defect to the main opposition party.

Jibrin said such reports suggesting alliance talks by the Makarfi camp with Tinubu and some disgruntled members of the APC emanated from those he described as mischief makers.

There were reports that apart from Tinubu, the PDP was also luring a former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Senator Aliyu Wamakko among others.

Jibrin in a statement said the PDP had never contemplated teaming up with Tinubu and the other APC members with the purpose of either forming a new political party or strengthening the PDP.

Jibrin said, “I salute Tinubu’s courage for coming out to speak frankly about his position regarding this unfounded rumour and for setting the record straight.

“In Tinubu’s own reaction denouncing the report, he condemned the PDP and I can’t understand why anybody would think that we are going to form a new party with somebody who is condemning us.

“The PDP is a golden name, a party formed by respectable and dignified Nigerians dead and alive, like Alex Ekwueme, Jerry Gana, Solomon Lar, Adamu Ciroma, Aminu Wali, Sule Lamido and many others.

“It is therefore ridiculous to think that anyone would abandon a well organised party like the PDP and join another party. There is nothing wrong with the PDP, except for some characters within the party.”

Jibrin said that the current crisis rocking the PDP was as a result of impunity and indiscipline among some of its members, but he added that the PDP would overcome the challenges sooner than expected.

The BoT chairman said that he was happy that issues arising from anarchy, self-centredness, self aggrandisement, poor leadership and indiscipline that he said had plagued the PDP were already being resolved.

He said, “We are ready to make corrections by doing away with impunity, indiscipline and pride among some people in our midst.”

Jibrin commended the efforts by the Senator Ike Ekweremadu committee and another committee led by Gana to find lasting solutions to the various conflicts within the PDP.

Jibrin said he had the confidence that many of those who left the PDP before and after the 2015 general elections as a result of ill-treatment would soon rejoin the party before the 2019 general elections.

He said, “We are ready to look into their cases whenever they decide to come back. We can never abandon the PDP for some people who have just joined us simply because they have the capacity to cause trouble.”
He also dismissed the reports suggesting that the PDP was planning to change its name.

NCC/TELCOS- INCREASE IN DATA TARIFF – WHY NOT NOW, IF NOT NOW?
 
Blessing Olaifa, Abuja
 
For those who have set their alarm clock on the proposed increase of tariff on data usage by telecommunications operators, especially the big players, namely MTN,GLO, Etisalat and Airtel: a temporary victory has been won. The planned hike has been suspended.
 
However, in the days ahead all stakeholders in the industry would face the grim reality over the sustainability of the status quo. Reverting to the old price regime means a lot to the industry, except of course things have to remain as they are.
 
But experts have agreed that things cannot remain the same in an industry considered as “ dynamic, capital intensive and competitive.” As everyone awaits “the finalization of the study on the determination of cost-based pricing for retail broadband and data services in Nigeria,” it is important to put the issues in their proper perspective once more.
 
The Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC,  via a letter had directed the big telecommunication companies to increase their data tariff beginning from December 1, 2016. The letter to that effect was signed jointly by the Policy/Competition and Economic Analysis Director, Miss Josephine Amuwo and the Legal Regulatory Services Head, Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye.
 
They signed on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the regulatory body, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta. Professor Danbatta had on assumption of office in August 2015 unfolded an 8-point agenda to drive the vision of the NCC. Among others, his agenda was to facilitate broadband penetration, improve quality of service, protect and empower consumers and promote fair competition and inclusive growth.
 
The NCC’s, proposed hike in data tariff was to check the emergence of dominant operators in the data service segment and ultimately enhance broadband penetration into the rural area. It’s a journey that must start now.
 
The document further explain that the measure would provide a level playing ground for all players and protect the industry from massive predatory pricing and safeguard investment, ensure growth, and development and sustainability of the industry.
 
In the said letter, the NCC put the interim price floor for data services at N0.90k/megabyte (MB) for the big operators. The big carriers before this new development have been charging as follows: MTN 45k/MB, Globacom 21k/MB, Etisalat94k/MB and Airtel 52k/MB, putting the average at 53k/MB.
 
The smaller operators and new entrants price per megabyte shows that Smile was charging 84k/MB, Spectranet 58k/MB and Natcom was charging 72k/MB. The average charge of this category was 71k/MB. The small operator were described by NCC as “one that has less than 7.5 percent of market share and a new entrant is an operator that has operated less than three years in the market”.
 
 
Reactions to the new price regime were spontaneous from across the country, forcing the NCC to suspend the hike. The regulatory body through its Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo cited a general outcry from Nigerians as reason for the suspension. He said the NCC new position was taken after due consultation with industry stakeholders.
 
Among critical stakeholders that kicked against the hike were members of the National Assembly, Trade Union Congress and the National Association of Telecom Consumers (NATCOM). Nigerians also took to the social media to express their opposition to the hike.
 
While the Senate ordered a halt to the increase and set up a committee to further look into the matter, it however maintained that it would involve all the agencies connected to the matter in its investigation.
 
 
 
However, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, ALTON,  expressed disappointment over the decision of the NCC to suspend the proposed price hike. ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo said NCC’s action would be unhelpful to the industry, as data prices had already fallen to unreasonably low and unprofitable levels. He said the public sentiments expressed across the country against the hike were understandable, but that NCC’s intervention as a regulatory body should not be driven by sentiments.
 
Ekanga Attah, a Nigerian who resides in Ghana, in a publication by The Cable reacted thus: “inasmuch as I don’t support the increase in tariffs, but we have to understand that data (and goods in general) is still relatively cheaper than in most other countries. 
 
“I bought 6gb on Vodafone Ghana for 90 cedis (N9000) and petrol cost 3.69 cedis (N369) per litre while a bottle of star which is manufactured here in Ghana costs the equivalent of N500 while every other commodity cost twice or thrice as much as in Nigeria while the salary scale is equivalent to that of Nigeria as I learnt due to heavy government taxing which makes me want to run back home.
 
“So I know that the government is making some kind of miracle because bigger economies exposed to our type of shock eg Venezuela and to some extent Saudi Arabia are actually experiencing total upheavals.
 
“And to think they still have to do all this with North East in total ruins while catering for about 2 million IDPs so I would say at this point in time we should shoulder the shocks and ride it out because it could have been so much worse”, he asserted.
 
Again the planned increase in data tariff brought into the front burner the issues of infrastructures development and expansion in the industry and the imperative of quality of service. Would Nigerians prefer poor quality of service such as slow networks to improved quality and fast network service? 
 
Would a reasonably justified hike at a period of recession not be an incentive to industry operators who are also facing the challenge of sourcing foreign exchange in the face of depreciating naira value? Industrial operators also face the challenge of equipment shut down and vandalism, yet the base stations are powered with diesel in the face of electricity supply gap.
 
The NCC had rightly argued in a document obtained by The Nation that chief among the reasons for the reintroduction of the price floor was that” some service providers were actually pricing their services below cost, a situation which could spell doom for the industry “.
 
ALTON President had warned about the unsustainability of the old price regime. His loud outcry might be seen as a cry to protect his members. But his warnings that “if the matter is not urgently addressed, it could lead to deterioration in the quality of data services across all networks and attendant poor quality of experience of users,” should not be ignored. 
 
A top official of NCC was of the opinion that “it is also in the interest of consumers who have stake their hard-earned income on data purchase to get quality service in return. Or of what benefit is a data purchased at cheaper rate, yet to download a 2hour movie takes as long as a day, leaving consumers frustrated.”
 
Similarly, he said attaching a 10-page Curriculum Vitae in a Cyber Café could be as slow and time consuming, the pains and frustration of not getting it done at all haven purchased a 1.30minutes airtime could force a nightmare. The hike in data tariff, he further argued should be a win-win situation for all stakeholders in the industry. Whether it is now or later, the choice is before all the stakeholders, the official who would not want his name in print added. 
 
According to a top industrial player “ for those who do business with data, service quality is imperative and irreplaceable.  This could be a different ball game all together for other consumes, however, the NCC is better placed in the long run to chart a course that would be more beneficial to all. Good that NCC had developed a culture of consultation and openness to ensure justice, and fair-play by putting all the cards on the table, its regulatory functions to ensure the growth and development of the industry remain sacrosanct in the days ahead”.

President Buhari has high regard for Tinubu – Femi Adesina

Femi Adesina

Mr. Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to President Muhammadu Buhari in this interview with Vanguard Newspaper navigates through and sometimes around some knotty issues that have recently bestirred the polity. He spoke on among others, the alleged intraparty wrangling between the President and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the role of the President in the All Progressives Congress, APC’s victory in the Ondo State governorship election, and the criticism raised against his boss by President Olusegun Obasanjo among others. Excerpts: By Bashir Adefaka

How would you assess the government you serve in after more than one and a half years in office?

Well, Nigeria is not where it was when he entered office. When you want to assess his government, assess it based on the promises he made. You know the tripod promises of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of security, reviving the economy and fighting corruption.

In terms of security the country, as heaven is as far from hell, that is where we are now, which is far from where we were on May 29, 2015.

We know that by 2015 the entire country was almost overrun and nobody was sure what would happen the next day, the next week, the next month. But we know where we are today that the insurgency is virtually defeated, completely under control. What we are passing through is a mopping up process and the worst we can see is over by the grace of God.

So, in terms of securing the country, the President has kept to his promise. Roads that had been closed for three years have reopened. Emirs and traditional rulers that had fled their palaces have returned and are using the same palaces. Gombe had not had NYSC orientation for two years.

They had orientation in Gombe this year. So, you just need to talk to the people in the North East and they would tell you that it is a new dawn. They couldn’t farm for almost five seasons. They are back in their farms. Those who fled their villages are back into their villages. We know that there are still skirmishes here and there. There are cowardly suicide bombers here and there but it will be over. So, the President has kept to his promise of securing the country. Other fronts of insurgency like Niger Delta will be settled. Issues like kidnapping, armed robbery, the government is attending to them. This government has a capacity to secure the country and is putting that capacity to work.

And on anti-corruption, no matter what they say, “Oh, it is one-sided and all that,” what we all know is that the anti-corruption war is well and alive and it is a war that will be fought to a logical conclusion. Nigeria will never be the same again because the cleansing process is real and that cleansing will permeate every nook and cranny of the country.

The third area is the economy. It is still sticky but it is work in progress. I tell you, as clear as night follows the day, the government will put the economy of this country on a fresh foundation.

(Cuts in)So you mean there is light at the end of the tunnel?

Oh, definitely. Even now a new foundation of a diversified economy is being laid for the country. We had had promises of diversification of the economy for five decades. This is the first time real practical steps are being taken to diversify the economy. Do you know what is happening with agriculture now? So much so that in two years time Nigeria will not import rice again and we will be able to even export.

How do you mean?

I mean we spend about two billion dollars annually importing rice. In about two years we will not import rice and we will be able to export. So, that is part of the new foundation for the economy. The solid minerals sector is another foundation that is being laid for the economy of the country. The gestation period for solid minerals is long; in fact, the minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said it is up to 20 years, but that foundation is being made. And by the time Nigeria enters into the boom of solid minerals, people will remember the Buhari administration and give it kudos. So, it is promise made, promise kept and promise still being kept.

So, people crying over hard life should be patient with the government?

That is just it.

Loyalists of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are saying the President has betrayed their leader? Why?

No. Don’t forget that I don’t speak for APC. I speak for the President. That question probably will be taken by the APC spokesman. But what I can say on my own end is that the President whom I speak has utmost respect for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

From what I have seen so far, the President has high regard for Asiwaju Tinubu.

tinubu (1)

Asiwaju’s loyalists are saying that after helping to install Buhari as President that he has been betrayed?

You are a journalist and a political watcher. You can say whether somebody installed another person. I am sure as a political watcher you know it. You know that getting to political office is usually a combination of factors. Each person has a role he plays and so, I don’t think anybody can come out to say, “I installed this person.” No, it is a wrong word. That person would then be playing God. Asiwaju Tinubu is a political force to reckon with. He played his own part in the emergence of President Buhari and that is why the President has high respect for him.

What was the magic wand the President applied that gave the APC victory in Ondo?

As a political watcher because I am a political watcher, it could be that the people knew that APC was still the way to go. That shows that they still believe in the party and they still trust the President. You know a lot of people said, “If Buhari is involved, then, we trust the President, we trust that it will be right, it will be fair, it will be transparent and there will be integrity in it.” So, it is something that also worked for APC in Ondo State.

So for you the Ondo victory means the people have not deserted Buhari?

Those saying that President Buhari’s popularity has waned are not being scientific. I wish they can back it up with scientific proof. You will be amazed if you carry out a scientific exercise, the vote of confidence in the President will be overwhelming because, despite the tough time people know that serious work is going on and that with a bit of patience, better days will come for the country. And the number of people who are willing to wait for things to turn round are more than people who are not willing to wait. I have said that before.

Do you think the admonition by former President Obasanjo to President Buhari to focus on his job indicates a withdrawal of support by the former president for your boss?

It is only former President Obasanjo that can emphatically say if he has withdrawn support for President Buhari. He didn’t say he withdrew support. He just gave an advice and President Buhari respects Chief Olusegun Obasanjo very highly. And if he gives an advice, President Buhari would look at that advice very critically.

But did the advice go down well with the President?

I have not discussed that with the President. I speak for him and I can only say what he has told me. He and I have not discussed what former President Obasanjo said but I know that with the kind of respect that President Buhari has for the former President, he would look at what he said very critically.

In an escalation of the crisis currently rocking the APC in Ondo State, the National

Vice-Chairman of the APC (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure has reacted to his

National Working Committee (NWC) colleague and South-south counterpart, Hilliad

Eta’s claim that the party’s NWC never voted on the submission of the party’s

governorship candidate to INEC prior to the 22 nd September INEC deadline. Eta had

accused Akinyelure of giving a wrong account of the events that transpired at the

NWC meetings of 19 th , 20 th and 22 nd September.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday, Akinyelure denied ever voting in support of the Election

Appeal Committee report being ‘thrown out’. He described Eta’s vituperations as a

red herring, largely intended to distract from the democratic aberration that

occurred at the party’s last NWC meeting of 22 nd September, where the will of the

minority was allowed to ride roughshod over that of the majority. Akinyelure

clarified that contrary to Eta’s claim, the decision taken at the NWC was that the

appeal committee’s recommendations be temporarily set aside in favour of a

political resolution to the impasse. Akinyelure stated that when it became evident

that this political resolution was not forthcoming, a majority of NWC members

agreed that the name of an interim candidate be submitted to INEC to meet the

impending deadline.

Chief Akinyelure reiterated that the party’s NWC never voted to reject the appeal

committee’s report, as that, in its self, would be ultra vires and beyond the authority

of the NWC. He averred that the decision taken at the party’s NWC meeting of the

19 th September was to merely temporarily set aside the appeal committee’s

recommendations, not ‘throw out’ the appeal committee’s report as Eta claimed.

According to Akinyelure, the appeal committee’s report contains very weighty

allegations bordering on criminal falsification and distortion of the Delegates’ List. He

added, ‘’any sensible person knows that the moment a register of voters is falsified,

the credibility of an election based on such a register becomes questionable,

regardless of any outer façade of transparency’’. According to Akinyelure, the NWC’s

remit, vis-à- vis the appeal committee report, was either to accept or reject the

recommendations of the appeal committee report. He described as ‘arbitrary and

unilateral’ Chief John Oyegun, the party National Chairman’s decision to forward the

name of Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) to INEC. He made it clear that since Hilliad Eta was

not the appointed spokesperson of the NWC, his comments should not be construed

by the media and general public as representative of the NWC as a body.

Akinyelure said ‘’If, as Eta accepts, the NWC is the recognised appellate body under

the party’s constitution, how then does it sit comfortably with him when that body’s

head makes unilateral decisions that don’t reflect the majority view? It simply defies

logic to be honest’’. He made it clear that since Hilliad Eta was not the appointed

spokesperson of the NWC, his comments should not be construed by the media and

general public as representative of the NWC as a body.

Chief Akinyelure threw down the gauntlet to Eta to make public the names of the

members at the last NWC meeting of 22 nd September who were against the

submission of an ‘interim’ candidate to INEC. He insisted that six (6) NWC members

expressed their support for the submission of an interim candidate to INEC at the

22 nd September meeting as against the five (5) who were opposed.

PROF. PADEN GOT IT WRONG.

Tinubu sent chose Osinbajo for Buhari as VP – General Ibrahim replies Prof. Paden

A retired general, Iliyasu Ibrahim, has discredited claims that a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ahmed Bola Tinubu was against the emergence of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo as running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.
Ibrahim spoke on Tuesday in reaction to a portion of the recently-launched book by Professor John Paden on Buhari, titled: “Muhammadu Buhari: Challenges of Leadership,” which claimed that Osinbajo emerged as Vice President despite pressure against it by Tinubu.

Paden, in the book had stated that the former Lagos State governor had wanted the Vice President’s role for himself and not Osinbajo.
Ibrahim, in a statement issued yesterday, said, “I became disturbed about this falsification of recent history. Why would the author say this and have it published when many of us know the truth? The truth is that Tinubu singlehandedly chose Yemi Osinbajo and sent the name to President Buhari. There was no pressure. Tinubu is Osinbajo’s political mentor. The latter was his attorney-general and commissioner for Justice in Lagos and both have a close relationship.

“My worry stretched further when I recall the recent piece by Femi Fani Kayode on Tinubu and his huge contributions to the APC and how he is now being short-changed. Though I do not agree with all the claims made by Femi Fani-Kayode, I am convinced he made some reasonable arguments and his summation about Tinubu’s role in the current political dispensation can hardly be faulted. In some areas, he went overboard and you could see him gloating, the PDP apologist that he is. Also, the mention of Governor Ajimobi as one of the governors working against Tinubu is a fallacy and here he got his facts wrong. Ajimobi has remained consistently behind Tinubu and that is easily verifiable.

“But back to the emergence of Osinbajo as Vice Presidential candidate. I was there the night before the final decision and subsequent announcement. I was there at the Lagos Lodge Annex in Asokoro, Abuja at Tinubu’s place. On the night in reference, Asiwaju insisted that three names would not be sent for the VP slot. He maintained that only one name would be sent. Eventually, the name of Osinbajo was sent to President Buhari. There was no issue of pressure.

“Osinbajo was Tinubu’s man and that was the only person Tinubu was willing to accept to cede the VP slot. Shortly after Governor Amosun came around to the Lagos lodge. He came in and we greeted. Now, it seems clear that some fifth columnists are trying to distort recent history and we should not let them. This history is too recent to be mutilated.”

How Oyegun, Buni, Izunaso Rigged Ondo APC Primary

The National Vice Chairman (South West) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure has revealed how the party’s governorship primary was manipulated culminating in the submission of Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the party’s candidate.

Akinyelure, in a statement detailing how the primary election was rigged, named the National Chairman Chief John Odigie Oyegun, National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni and the National Organizing Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso as the persons behind the act.

The statement, which the National Vice Chairman said enjoys the support of six National Working Committee (NWC) members, accused the trio of using NWC meetings to usurp powers and unilaterally take decisions that their offices did not give them the power to take.

It emerged that as many as three delegates’ lists for the election were in circulation at some point after the first list was tampered with.

Izunaso, according to the account, single handedly removed, added or substituted names on the initial list circulated to the party’s 24 aspirants leading to the emergence of a second list that was altered in favour of Akeredolu. His action enjoyed the support of Oyegun and Buni even when other members of the NWC opposed it because it conflicted with the party’s rules.

Akinyelure wrote that “The National Organising Secretary confirmed to the National Working Committee meeting of Monday 19th September 2016 that he actually received objections from some of the aspirants as to the delegates list. Then he unilaterally made the adjustments as he deemed fit.

“It is emphasised that the National Organising Secretary performed these adjustments without recourse or reference to the National Working Committee. The National Working Committee was not appraised of his actions before the primary. The National Organising Secretary then issued this altered list to the Primary Election Committee for use in the conduct of the election.

“This altered list became available to some of the aspirants in the early hours of the Election Day (3rd September 2016) when the election process was about to commence. Chief OluwarotimiAkeredolu,and three other aspirants protested and raised objections as to the delegate list to the Election Committee. However, “Committee members could not address as it was not within their competence to do so. They went ahead with the conduct the election. After the declaration of the results of the election by the Election Committee, three aspirants petitioned the Election Appeal Committee alleging discrepancies and the alteration of the delegates list provided to them by the Election Committee and other irregularities.

“Consequent on the above, the National Working Committee (NWC)of the party received both the Election Committee and the Election Appeal Committee’s reports which were tabled at the NWC meeting of Monday 19th September 2016,” the statement read.

A decision by the NWC to submit the name of an interim substitute to INEC as place holder until a fresh primary was conducted suffered a setback after Oyegun, Buni and Izunaso blindsided the other members to submit Akeredolu’s name in spite of a six to five vote in favour of presenting the substitute name.

The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie Oyegun has again lost his unit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the ongoing Edo election.

APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun acknowledging the crowd just before casting his vote.
Oyegun, who voted at Oredo Ward 2, Unit 1 has not won an election for his party in the unit since joining the APC.

The returning officer of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the APC scored 69 votes, while the PDP scored 78 votes.

FG Fires PDP For Telling President Buhari To Resign. https:///vXCuW1dtSC https:///KYA1WI8xB7

I just read an article by an unknown author asking the Binis not to vote for Godwin Obaseki on account of his grandfather's attitude against Oba Ovoramwen. Though the author tried to appear intelligent, I can't help but state that the author appears to be myopic in his thought pattern because he simply forgot that we have passed the era of primordial sentiments when it comes to picking a candidate that will best represent the diverse interests of the Edo people.

If not for anything, Ize Iyamu and his cronies have shown much direspect to the Oba's palace. Some of these are:

1. He, as SSG to Lucky, assisted in cheating the Oba Erediawa of his monthly entitlement. The then Oba was being paid 2 million naira instead of 10 million thus short changing the Oba to the tune of 8 million monthly. This happened for 8 years. Mathematically, what they stole from the Oba was 8,000,000.00 x 12 months = 96,000,000.00. Multiply this figure by 8 years and you get 96,000,000.00 x 8 = 768,000,000.00. What a mind boggling amount.

When Osunbor became the Governor, he increased it to 4 million every month. However, when Oshiomhole became the Governor, he discovered this fraud and drew the palace attention to it. He not only increased it to 10 million naira, he paid the Oba the arrears spanning from Lucky's era to Osunbor era.

2. The benefactors of Ize Iyamu especially Osawaru Igbinedion consistently showed arrogant disrespect to Oba Erediawa. First, he went to Germany and claimed to be the Paramount ruler of Bini Kingdom.

Second, he gave the late Ooni a royal bead which only the Oba has the sole authority to give. This action reveals that he saw himself as bigger or equal to the Oba.

Third, when Lucky lost his bid to be governor of the State during the era of NRC and SDP, Lucky and his father took Oba Erediawa to Court claiming that the purported statement made by the then Isekhure of Bini that the Binis should vote for somebody that would respect the palace was the order of Oba Erediawa.

It is on record that Oba Erediawa wore red regalia to the Court and he trekked there. When Osawaru Igbinedion saw that the Oba wore red, he left the Court, went home and came back adorned in red attire, an indication that he was poised for war with the Oba. This incidence made Osayomore Joseph to sing a song titled "ododo".

3. When Lucky became the Governor under the umbrella of the PDP, his father reminded him of the purported role the palace played when he tried to be the governor in his first attempt and asked his son to disgrace Oba Erediawa. To keep to his father's promise, Lucky tried to elevate the status of the Elawure of Usen (his mother's village) to the status of an Oba. He would have succeeded if not for the fierce resistant of some Bini Chiefs and elders.

4. Oba Erediawa had a quarrel with Osawaru Igbinedion (his subject) on account of his meademenour as explained in my second paragraph under item 2. Instead of Osawaru Igbinedion to apologise for his gross direspect to the Oba, he constituted himself into a demi-god and expected that the Oba should accord him respect. On the day the Oba was to celebrate his Igue festival, Igninedion also fixed his on same day; a taboo in Bini Kingdom. He not only did this, he invited some Bini Chiefs to come celebrate with him when he knew that these Chiefs ought to be with the Oba. Unfortunately, 4 Bini Chiefs honoured his invitation. This action of his was meant to send a signal to Oba Erediawa that he, too, is an Oba in his own foolish right. Not done with his arrogant direspect to Oba Erediawa, he paid some Bini women to go to the palace with a mandate that the Oba should settle his quarrel with his subject. Instead of asking these women to beg for forgiveness on his behalf, he asked them to tell the Oba to settle the quarrel they had. What an insult. Can a subject claim to be bigger than his master?

5. Ize Iyamu is known to have confisticated the land of the Oba claiming that he wanted to use it to set up a farm. Can you beat that. None done with stealing the Oba's money, he still had the effrontery to take his land. Can any disrespect be bigger than this?

6. When Ize Iyamu flagged off his campaign, one would have expected him to first visit the Oba, in this case the Crown Prince, as is customary but he refused because of the disrespect he and the Igbinedion family have consistently shown to the palace. However, when it became a trending news, he visited the Crown Prince, apologised and formally informed him of his intention to become the governor. If he could do this as a candidate, just imagine what he would do ad governor if elected! God forbid.

Now to the issues contained therein in the post that the Binis should not vote for Godwin Obaseki because of what transpired between his grand father and Oba Ovoramwen, I want to state here that the Binis are more enlightened and would gladly give their votes to a man that would respect the Palace the same way Oshiomhole has demonstrated because the Binis are learned and very proactive. They are not dumb as some misguided miscreants would want to portray them. Godwin Obaseki will get the Bini votes because he has never shown disrespect to the palace, and he will never contemplate such.

Please, mention one sin of Godwin Obaseki against the Bini palace; the answer is none but we can can mention several sins Ize Iyamu and his cronies have committed against Bini palace.

Instead, of addressing issues of State affairs, a group of biased and self centred elements have decided to throw up primodial sentiments by referring to the sins, as it were, Godwin's grand father committed against Oba Ovoramwen forgetting that such as been thrown into the dustbin of history!

To show to you that the palace bear no grudge against the Obaseki family, there has since been inter marriages between the Oba's family and the Obaseki family. Infact, it is a tradition that one of the Oba's daughters must marry a man from the Obaseki family. This move is to further cement the beautiful friendship between both families. The decitful ambition of Ize Iyamu will not spoil such.

It is also on record that Oba Erediawa gave chieftaincy titles to two of Godwin brothers - Owen ( a renowned medical doctor in Germany) and Gaius (former GMD of NNPC). If there was a feud between the Oba's family and Obaseki family, the much respected Oba Erediawa would not have done so.

It is also on record that Oba Erediawa elevated the Obaseki family from Eghaevbo N'Ogbe title holders to Eghaevbo N'ore title holders on 26th of February, 1990. The former being lower than the latter in terms of recognition and importance. If Oba Erediawa had any form of acrimony against the Obaseki family, would he had done so?
My question is this: Do the Binis know more than the Oba?

The present Benin Crown Prince, Prince Eheneden Erediawa, has welcomed Godwin Obaseki into his palace on several occasions. Infact, he described Godwin Obaseki as a worthy son of Bini Kingdom. Do the Binis know more than our respected Crown Prince; the next Oba of the great Bini Kingdom?

The paramount interest of the Edo people is to select a candidate that would move the State to the next level. The candidates that have been offered to the people to pick from shoud be assessed on the following points which ofcourse is not limited to such:

1. Trust and Responsibility

2. Integrity and Pedigree

3. Service Delivery

4. Empowerment of the populace

5. Servant-Leader relationship between the elected and the people and,

6. Fiscal Managerial Ability.

It becomes imperative to Xray the various candidates because one of them, if elected, will determine the fate of the electorates and non electorates in Edo State for the next 4 years or so. Our dwidling resources should be entrusted in the hands of a governor that would use small measures to make big impact. The preferred candidate should and must continue the developmental strides of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Though we have our preferences based on informed reasons, we should be mindful of the fact that what we want is a better Edo State which invariably translates to a better Country. This must, as liberated individuals, be our sole interest. Anything less is simply unacceptable.

Having Xray the candidates, only Godwin Obaseki fit the bill as he has what it takes to move this dear State to the next level. Without mincing words, Ize Iyamu should not be trusted because of his antecedents in the past.

Though he may claim to have changed as he now address himself as a "Pastor", he should still not be trusted with Edo State resources given the fact that he had decided to surround himself with well known treasury looters.

Ordinary speaking, Ize Iyamu should apologise to the people of Edo State for the ignoble role he played in the looting era of Lucky Igbinedion instead of asking Edo people for votes. When confronted on many fronts to explain how Lucky succeeded in looting the State resources he will quickly tell you that he was a mere appointee. An appointee indeed yet it on record that he co-signed many contracts that were never executed but monies were paid out. By distancing himself from Lucky indicates one fact; he was part and parcel of those that converted the State resources to their personal funds. His CV says so; Manager; Skanger (owed by Lucky), PA to Lucky when he was Oredo Local Govt. Chairman, Chief of Staff to Lucky and SSG to Lucky. The only work experience he has came from working for Lucky; his Principal that was convicted of corruption. This same Lucky is the person that boasted openly that he would aniont Ize Iyamu as the next governor of the State. What nonsense! Do they think Edo people are foolish.

Still on the post, Prince Edun Akenzua stated his personal opinion and such should not be used to score cheap political points. However, if you read the post carefully, you will realise that the Prince has stated in clear terms that Obaseki will be the next governor. The respected Prince is not the only person that shares this thought but it is apt to state that every party has its mechanism to throw up its candidates.

The PDP,'in all honesty, imposed Ize Iyamu on the good people of Bini. If it weren't credible candidates like Solomon Edebiri and Onaiwu would not have left the party. Another credible candidate, Matthew, would be seen joining forces with Ize Iyamu. As I said earlier, it is the internal workings of every political party to decide how to pick its candidates but such should be done in a free and fair atmosphere.

I want to reiterate that the main issue on ground is to pick a candidate that would represent our diverse interests, take Edo State to the next level of developmental strides, and Godwin Obaseki is the preferred candidate in my opinion. As far as I am concerned, Edo people would not have wished for a better person. The foregoing is apt because those circulating articles of hate has not been able to pin a negative thing on him hence; they are attacking his forebears. Can such be said of Ize Iyamu!

To end this piece, I want to state that the said article is spurious, myopic and meant to elicit negative reactions from the Binis; a people endowned with enlightened and proactive individuals.

Lastly, I sincerely believe that the hallowed institution of the Bini Monarch viz a viz the Palace of our respected Oba should not be dragged into the murky waters of politics in whatever disguise. Anybody doing so should be regarded as showing disrespect to that sancrosanct institution.

Tinubu Media Office
Eid-el-Kabir Statement

During this Season of Eid-el-Kabir, I wish to felicitate with the Muslim brotherhood. We must give thanks to almighty Allah for keeping us alive to celebrate this Eid.

This spirit of sacrifice and unselfish giving that defines this celebration must guide us all in the way we relate to others and in our quest for a better society. Through sacrifice and a heart and hand of charity we can lift up many who will in turn become better tools for the socio-economic rejenevation we so desire.

We must see our current economic situation as a passing phase. We shall overcome. Our faith summons us to have faith but also to work so that things can get better.
This economic predicament is not of our making or choosing. It came not by invitation. The economic downturn represents a tough challenge not lightly overcome. No one wished that such an impediment would confront us. Now, we must rise to the occasion. Our economic situation presents an opportunity for us to do something we have avoided too long.
The present circumstance demands that we engage in a discourse concerning the type of “post-oil era” economy we truly want and what are the ideological underpinnings and policy thrusts needed to erect this new architecture. This architecture must be inward looking and homegrown starting with the boosting of the agricultural economy leading to a diversification we have all longed for. As the government re-tools and re-fines different policies, we as citizens must locate our role and responsibility and join hands with this government until the clouds of recession receeds. A new horizon beckons for Nigeria sooner rather than later as we pass through a necessary phase often experienced in the life of virtually all nations.
Nigerians deserve a better country, more empowerment, job opportunities and an overall strong economy. The current government is committed to achieving this.

Once again I wish you all a happy Eid-el-Kabir.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu is the root cause of all the problems facing this nation.
APC is set out to achieve one objective- to decimate Tinubu and whittle down his influence but the party, unfortunately will end up destroying self in an attempt to destroy Tinubu.
It was in an attempt to reduce the influence of Tinubu at the national assembly that got them elected Saraki who conspired with opposition PDP to create instability at the red chamber till date. It was attempt to reduce Tinubu that made the house of Representatives engulfed in chaos we are witnessing today.
It was an attempt to cut Tinubu to size that made Buhari blind to select a good team as ministers. He failed to defer to Tinubu for an inputs in who he made ministers so that Tinubu will not hijack his government and that led us to where we are now.
The last APC gubernatorial primary in Ondo state was more about fighting Tinubu than for aspirants to fight for vote. It was an orchestrated plan to discredit Segun Abraham should he emegerd. All other aspirants became so united to fight their common enemy- Tinubu.
They went for the kill. They dung a pit for Tinubu and ended up destroyed one another with their own sword.
Today, APC, the celebrated bride is on a sick bed diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Every war waged against Tinubu ended up a problem for the nation. Tinubu is the problem.

Edo Governorship Election : Gov.Wike "Write your wills "

When on tuesday Rivers governor stormed Benin city to campaign for Iyamu of PDP . Gov. Wike boasted that if any APC person stands in the way of their victory in saturday elections , they should write their wills. He told his audience they should get the Rivers treatment ( Kilings ,snashing of INEC sensitive material , massive disenfranchisement, etc . we all know what happened in Rivers during the last elections. Wike is believed to have pumped in close to 1 billion naira into the Edo PDP campaign. PDP needs the Edo victory to dimistify APC and PDP is desperate to win.
Wike leads the onsluaght to intimidate Edo electorates .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is still under investigation for his alleged role in the disbursement of N23bn campaign funds, which emanated from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The N23bn was alleged to have been part of stolen crude oil funds and kickbacks from contractors.
Part of the money was allegedly used in bribing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission during the 2015 general elections.
Ize-Iyamu had told journalists that as the campaign director for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in Edo State during the 2015 presidential election, he handled N700m for the party.
He was quizzed by the EFCC in May 2016, whn he was asked to return some money to the commission but was not detained, thereby fuelling speculations that he had been cleared by the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, however, told our correspondent on Monday that the PDP candidate was still under investigation.
“I can confirm to you that he (Ize-Iyamu) is still under investigation,” Wilson said.
Ize-Iyamu had told reporters that he indeed handled N700m for the PDP during the last presidential election but added that the party still owed him some money.
He had said, “I told them (EFCC) who got what: that we needed money for transportation; mobilisation of our people; some of them that had to leave Benin to their polling units in the rural areas, and that the state chairman of the party worked out a realistic budget.
“And that by the time we looked at what they brought and what we had in mind, it became clear that the N700m would not be enough. Our leader volunteered to make up the difference, which he brought from his house.”
The EFCC has grilled about 16 former governors and ministers over the alleged N23bn Diezani scam.
Some of them included the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakin Garin; former Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State; former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State; former Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State; a former Governor of Zamfara State, Mamuda Shinkafi; a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; and a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.
During the election, each state was said to have received at least N450m from the fund, which was handled by ministers or governors who were members of the PDP.
Some states, however, received more than N450m.
Meanwhile, the EFCC on Monday arraigned one Jules Suinner before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and fraudulent impersonation.
Also arraigned separately on the same alleged offences before the same court were one Idorenyin Okon, Usen Akpan and Ukpai Onyike.
Suinner, who was arraigned on three counts, was accused of conspiring with one ICT AID Foundation Cooperative Society and others still at large to withdraw N20m from an Access Bank account belonging to one Greenview Development Nigeria Limited.
The accused persons were said to have allegedly accessed the account by fraudulently impersonating officials of Greenview Development Nigeria Limited.
Suinner was said to have allegedly forged a funds transfer mandate of Greenview Development Nigeria Limited, dated July 13, 2015, to perpetrate the alleged fraud.
The EFCC prosecutor, E. Iheanacho, told the court that Suinner acted contrary to sections 22(2)(b) and 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
Suinner, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Okon, Akpan and Onyike were accused of conspiring with one Timothy Akpan, still at large, to obtain Union Bank Automated Teller Machine cards in the names of one Esto Funmi Emmanuel and Emmanuel Okonkwo Ede to gain access to the victims’ bank accounts.
The accused persons were said to have allegedly perpetrated the frauds between February and April, 2016 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Iheanacho told the court that Okon, Akpan and Onyike also violated sections 22(2)(b) and 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
But the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the four counts pressed against them.
In view of the plea of not guilty by the accused, the prosecutor urged the court to make an order remanding them in prison custody while he also sought a date for the commencement of trial.
The trial judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, ordered that the four accused persons should be remanded in the prison while he adjourned till September 14, 2016 for the commencement of trial.

Governor Godwin Obaseki: Our debt to future generations in Edo State

Osaze Osawe looks at the forthcoming electoral battle ahead of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, technocrat banker and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC , for Edo State in the forthcoming guber elections, scheduled for September the 10th, 2016.

Godwin, perhaps, is a name that many mothers will want to name their wards after, for, all things being equal, this is the name of the man who will be the next governor of Edo State. This is the verdict of the people of Edo who have tasted the difference between light and darkness and have vowed never to return to the past where governance was ran by buccaneer-like people, who want to return to perpetuate the evils of our forgotten past.

For Obaseki, this journey has been kind of tortuous, as I can imagine drafting a known technocrat from the comfort zone where he has to craft solutions facing the people of Edo to the alleged murky world of politics, where logic and reason do not seem to prevail as they should in the technocrat’s world. Surprisingly, from the word go, the technocrat in Obaseki showed that he could also be dogged in his pursuit and determination to consolidate on the good works of the current governor, Adams Oshiomole. Such doggedness ought to be commended as others may have chickened out and fled for that illusionary safety they believe is outside politics, but forgetting that at the end of it all, they will still be swamped in by the failures of the so-called politicians. No, Obaseki trudged on, one can imagine his fears then but at least he braved it.

And so the journey began, with a number of concerned citizens broaching his name to Governor Oshiomole, who must have had some form of headache in getting a befitting successor for the people of Edo State, this is despite the fact that certain political hoodlums now in the opposition party had long left their pretence to be democrats and resumed their old behaviours. It still did not put Obaseki as the sole person worthy of carrying the development agenda of Oshiomole into the next four years. Truth be told, the man Obaseki had paid his dues, having put the state on a positive financial and economic footing as the Chairman of the Edo State Government’s Economic and Strategy Team (EST), a position he has held since March 17, 2009 Pro bono public, achieving wonders in a number of sectors of Edo State such as the Azura power project in Uhunowode, the rubber plantation in Sakponba, the cement factory in Okpella and the urbanization of a number of towns in Edo State in order to attract investments.

Obaseki still had to deal with many obstacles, compete for the ticket and win the heart of party faithful for many saw him as an Oshiomole lackey. Scores of petitions were written against a man who had served his state for free for the past seven years without blemish all in the name of stopping him, party bigwigs not comfortable with his performance and credentials wanted to pull a string or two. The battle for the ticket paraded known big wigs, men of timber and caliber, men who had been in politics for years now. The race to the primaries even threatened to destroy the APC at the state level, the campaign of calumny against Obaseki did not help matters, the war of attrition like a storm blew then blew over leaving the party structures rather strengthened.

A look at Obaseki’s manifesto will show that the man is the most prepared to govern Edo State. In it one can see his level of experience manifesting. It is issues-based and is quite in tandem with present day reality. It talks job creation, industrialization, governance, youth empowerment, women empowerment, infrastructure and security. No doubt one will agree that the ripple effect of his agenda will massively impact on the people of Edo. Also, a survey amongst the people of Edo will show that the electorate are ready to buy into the Obaseki agenda.

Obaseki also has campaigned in a manner that is devoid of our ugly past. Naturally, one would have expected that his party, the APC would muscle the opposition like they the PDP often did in the time past. No, the APC has campaigned on issues and achievements of the party in the state. Even the language of the aspirant in the state has been laced with civility.

When he talks, he shows that although the people of Edo have been able to make some gains in the past seven years, yet the people cannot afford to go back to an age where workers were owed salaries, and hospitals were places where you went to contract diseases rather than get cured; where Schools had no roof or quality furniture, and the infrastructure of the state appearing to be like a war zone. He preaches the need for the gains to be consolidated, he speaks the language that the gains of the common people should not be aborted, he speaks truth!

Godwin Obaseki, come September 10th, 2016 will be elected as Governor of Edo State. This is what we owe our future generations, the very bedrock of development built on the gains of democracy.

Osawe writes from Isihor, Benin City

1. To say that i was imposed on Edo people is unfair. I have been part of the renewal process since 2009.


2. I and my colleagues working with the Governor designed the blueprint for comrade Adams Oshiomhole administration.

3. Knowing full well that youth employment is a major remedy to security breaches, we will link our security approach to industrialization, youth training, skills acquisition, civil construction and our robust public works programme which is aimed at generating over 20,000 direct employment in the first three years.


4. All I have done in my life is creating jobs. Edo needs someone who can pull resources together. We will attract investments

5.If you have not financed or built anything you cannot start now. APC govt has met its obligations. APC has built infrastructure across the state.


6. In the past 8years, we've built about a thousand Kilometres of roads, and investors can now access some remote parts of the state

7.We restored order,accountability and responsibility in Edo state after 8 years of PDP plundering


8. Through the provision of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Loans at single digit interest rates, we will encourage micro and small businesses to grow, medium enterprises will become large companies on the long run. This will create over 50,000 jobs as we intend to support over 20,000 MSMEs in the next 4 years.

9.Currently the electricity demand in Edo State is over 450 mega watts. We want to generate 20% of Nigeria’s electricity from plants sited in Edo State. We will attract more investments in large and small scale through electricity generation and working with the BEDC, we will ensure that more power is available for domestic and industrial use. We will also ensure that areas not previously connected will be linked with the electricity grid.

10.We will provide the enabling environment for women to achieve their highest potential by taking our women empowerment initiative beyond the phase of empowering women. We will empower society as a whole through the women because when we strengthen women we are empowering our domestic economy. We will advance government services when women occupy leadership positions.

11.In addition to providing access to Medium and Small Scale Enterprises financing for our young entrepreneurs, we will focus on the development of our youth through investments in sports, arts and crafts. Our key target will be to link these talents with resources to become globally competitive and access to markets to unlock their inherent potentials.

12. My Government will invest in training and capacity building of the civil service within a broad plan of refocusing the service to meet the 21st century governance demand.

Tinubu Media Office
> Statement on Ondo
> Lagos. August 31st, 2016
>
>
>
> ONDO, APC AND THE REST OF US
>
>
> By Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
>
> After years of misgovernance and suppression of their state's immense potential, the people of Ondo have a chance to break these shackles and to move themselves toward the progress, justice and prosperity, which is their due.

> Ondo will not miss this opportunity to place itself on the correct path. For this to happen, governance of the state must must move from the mean and awful hand that now holds it and come into the hands of those who want to govern the state in a good way and who want to serve the people not have the people serve them. For this great change to take place, governance must move from where it now is held captive and into the hands of the APC.
>
> However, we cannot accomplish this great deed through petty bickering or by allowing our very opponents to sow discord among us. Our mission is too important and too humane to allow ourselves to be divided or sidetracked. We must remember what is truly at stake. Ondo will either renew the way of progress or it will continue to be oppressed. The APC is the way of progress. Thus, let us make this progress hand in hand, united in our belief that we can make Ondo better.
>
>
> The APC must win the coming election and restore democracy and the virtues of public service to the seat of governance in the state. This is what the people desire and deserve. They have waited patiently. Now is the time to answer their call. This is our duty as a party and as people who care about their fellow man.
>
> The APC must go into the governorship as united in focus and purpose. All else is secondary to this objective. The journey to reestablishing governance for the people and for posterity begins with the primaries this Saturday.
>
> The process leading up to the primaries has been robust and energetic. We have the good fortune of having numerous renown and able party members seek the nomination. This has lead to keen competition. During such tight competition, tensions always mount and often-harsh things are spoken. But this back and forth, this committed dialogue, is an integral part of the democratic process. And it is this process that we have enshrined and shall cherish in this party.
>
> Party members have the right to speak their mind. They can levy criticism where they believe it is warranted yet also give commendation where it is due. They can comment on the quality of the process as well as endorse or oppose any candidate as they see fit. This process may not be neat and tidy because it is not choreographed or scripted in advance. What it is important is that it is fair to all who come into it. All those who have entered the contested primaries have a chance to win.
>
> In the end, as with any political contest, only one person will be chosen. Yet, that process would have been fair and open, all party members would have won. Democracy would have won and most importantly the people of Ondo will stand to win come the general election.
>
> These primaries will be enriched by the participation of all. At the end of a fair and transparent process, our champion in the state will be selected from among this excellent field. I take great solace in the fact no matter which of the contestants will win the primary I know that any one of them is a better and more qualified candidate of the party that is soon to be ousted because of its poor stewardship of Ondo.
>
> No matter who that person shall be, it will be incumbent on us as a party and as individuals who want better for the people of Ondo to put aside our minor differences in order to rally around the candidate. Brothers and friends squabble and argue. That is human nature, but in the face of opposition that is determined to do injustice, brothers and friends reunite in common cause. This, the APC in Ondo must do.
>
> You all know what is at stake. You all know what your conscience is telling you. There can be no excuses or failure this time.
>
> In Ondo we must close ranks to achieve victory. The future of the state and of the party in the state should never be held ransom to insignificant personal animosities and perceived slights. We all must focus on what is more precious than our personal ambitions and more durable than our individual wishes. We must dedicate ourselves to uplifting this state and the very lives of the people of this state and nation. All is minor and a distraction in comparison to this sound goal.
>
> Victory is within your grasp. Don't let it fall away because you were deceived into reaching for something less valuable and more base.
>
> The key to the victory resides in how well you conduct yourselves after the primary. Joined in unified and fraternal purpose, there is no gathering or alignment of forces in the state that can best you. You must choose the history you seek. This cannot and will not be done in Abuja or anywhere else for that matter.
>
> Your walk toward destiny takes a momentous step with a successful primary. After that, all of the party, including its leaders will join the campaign trail in full support and commitment to the candidate you select that we may achieve victory over a spent and undesirable PDP.
> August 31st, 2016

Edo doesn't owe banks a Kobo - Obaseki[email][/email]
Contrary to claims being made by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that the All Progressives Congress (APC) ran Edo state into debt, the latter’s governorship candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki has clarified that the state is not owing any bank and that its negligible outstanding loans are not different from what other states have.
The PDP governorship campaign had focused on Obaseki’s role as the Chairman of the Edo State Economic Management Team in criticizing the state’s loan exposure even as it overlooked the reforms that were successfully implemented under the watch of the APC candidate.
Obaseki clarified the loans taken by the state as he declared they can be paid off within the shortest time especially with the increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He stressed that “Edo is not one of the most indebted states in this country. If you go to the website of the Debt Management Office and check the loans of states, Edo’s total loans outstanding is less than 50 billion naira.
“Our total tax every year is about 24 billion naira. In fact this year, our total revenues from IGR alone is about 25 billion naira. So even if we didn’t do anything, two years of our IGR will pay off our total debts outstanding. Today. So when people talk about debt I imagine where are they coming from? The interesting thing is that we are not owing a bank one dime.
“The type of debt we have is a type of debt states and governments should have. These are long dated debts. By next year we’ll finish paying the first bond we took. The rest we’ve taken from multilateral agencies like the World Bank facilities, which is almost like a dash, a grant with 10 to 20 years moratorium and less than 2% interest.
“So we don’t have that debt burden. We’ve thought about it very carefully and we have demonstrated to lenders that we are responsible borrowers. And that is why we’ve gotten the short of term loan we now have,” Obaseki stated.

The APC governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has averred that Edo State is not owing any bank a kobo. He made this declaration today in an interview while fielding questions posed to him on how he intends to bring development to Edo state.
Mr. Obaseki answered various questions bothering on his various contributions to the current administration and now he hopes to build on the achievements and carry on the positive legacies of the outgoing government headed by the comrade governor Adams Oshimhole.
"Edo is not one of the most indebted state states in the country, if you go to the website of the debt management office and check the loans of state, Edo total outstanding is less than N50bn. Our total annual IGR is about N25bn, so even if we didn't do anything at all, two years of our IGR will pay off our total outstanding. And the interesting thing is, we are not owing any bank a dime. The type of debt we have is the type states government should have, these are long dated debts.
Most of these debts are 15years, 20 years tenured with moratorium and with less than 2percent interests."

Edo 2016: I am My Own Man - Obaseki
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki has declared that he is own man as he dismissed insinuation that he is a puppet of incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole noting that those who have lived off the state’s resources are the ones behind such claims.
Obaseki, who spoke in an interview in Benin City, the Edo state capital, explained that his vision is to build on what the APC government has done in the state for the past eight years.
The APC Governorship candidate explained that he was part of the main architects for the design of the current administration and that he has always had a voice in deciding the affairs of the state.
He ruled out doing anything radically different from what Oshiomole is doing as governor.
According to him, “There is nothing that has been done that I have not been part of. But sit back and think about it, what have we not done in the last eight years which we need to change? So when I hear people talk about remote control, yes, if I am going to be remote controlled to build more roads is that not good remote control?
“If I am going to be remote controlled to build more schools, to create jobs (is that not good remote controlled?) But I cannot be remote controlled to take public funds and distribute to people who are not adding value.
“So the noise you are hearing today is (from) people who want us to change that model of the last eight years where we have come in and effectively managed the resources of the state to try and put in place pro people policies.
“So the narrative you are hearing about Obaseki not being his own man...I don’t see myself doing anything radically different, in fact my goal is to progress on what we have started in the last eight years, which is essentially to try and get our people out of poverty and try getting the limited resources we have to more of our people and not just the few who have lived off the state.
“That’s the challenge. That’s the politics. That’s the argument. I am my own man,” he stressed.

EDO POLL : APC Obaseki dominates social media, engages the Edo youth.
Byline: Alfred Asemota

Coming out of a successful weekend of social media interaction with Edo Youth and voters which gave opportunity to answer questions directly, APC candidate Obaseki hits the upswing in social Media interaction among Edo voters. Over 7,000 tweets were recorded. But there is more data to show how Obaseki trounces his opponent Eze Iyamu in the race to Edo government house.

Indeed as the race for the Edo governorship election hots up, gladiators in the battle to succeed the comrade governor have taken the battle to the cyberspace ostensibly to woo younger and internet savvy voters most of who, like their counterparts in the other more developed democracies usually do, want to be able to interact directly with candidates, ask real questions and generally task the candidates to explicitly divulge their plans and programs and action plans to enable the potential voters make informed choices.
You would recall that current President of the United States of America, Barack Obama was the first globally acclaimed politician to win a major election by using the power of the internet I.e. Twitter and Facebook. He was able to galvanize the younger voters to buy into his plans and vision for America.
You would also recall that the current Nigerian leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, came into power on the back of a powerful online movement backed by a horde of volunteers and young Nigerians who wanted to see their country on the path to greatness, away for the slimy cesspool of corruption that was the immediate past administration.
The incoming Edo election is therefore one that would be won or lost based on the credibility and potential of the candidate that can successfully galvanize the youths and the online community based on sellable ideas, clear attributes and panache as perceived by the potential voters.
Currently the PDP candidate, Ize Iyamu has about 2,818 followers on twitter, 4,919 on Facebook and 450 likes on his Facebook page.
On the other hand, the APC candidate Godwin Obaseki has a combined total of 63,243 followers on his official twitter handles and those of his volunteers, 75,000 followers on Facebook page, 35,000 likes with an average view of 3,373 daily.
Obaseki also trended massively recently when he sponsored a question and answer hashtag named #talk2Obaseki which attracted over 7,000 tweets giving potential voters a rare one on one opportunity to ask serious questions concerning his plans for the citizens and dwellers of Edo state.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the social media has come to stay and with the mindset of the current generation who want to be as involved in the day to day affairs of who governs them, it would be foolhardy for any serious aspirant for a political position to neglect the social media, otherwise known as new or digital media.
The beauty of the Obaseki online interaction is that most of his followers and those engaging with him online are either based in Edo state or are indigenes of the state in other major Nigerian

Tinubu Media Office
Freedom House
Lagos
August 14th,2016


My Dear Tunji Abayomi,

It is said that to err is human. By your letter to me, it seems that you seek to remind me that I am human. Of this I am constantly reminded. I know I have made my share of mistakes. But my progressive inclination remains firmly rooted. However, by your pained and inaccurate letter, you have proven that you are human too.

You have been a friend and will continue to be. Thus, I can dispense with needless formality so that we can get to the crux of the issue. Your career is that of a lawyer and activist. I appreciate all that you have done in the pursuit of a more just and democratic Nigeria. However, your letter to me is an impetuous display unbecoming a man of your status and a man seeking the highest leadership position in his state. And as a lawyer you well know that one cannot seek equity without having done equity.

In writing the letter, you appear to have been bitten by a bug that often blinds the objectivity of a man. You have been bitten by an ambition that you fear you shall not be able to realize. In your pursuit of office, you have sought my support and influence. When you sought that support, you thought it proper and democratic to do so. If I had signalled my support for you, I am sure that you would never have written this letter alleging that I was undermining the democratic will of the people. You would have been pleased with me, I suppose.

However, because that support has not been forthcoming, you fear that the support you wanted may now go to a rival candidate. In your judgment, my support for you would have been democratic. Should I support another, then that same support is now to be considered dictatorial and unfair. Frankly, dear friend, I do not see the objectivity in your analysis or the merit in what you claim as your injury. If you seek a person's support, you cannot in good conscience turn around and object that such support should never be given to another person. Your position is more undemocratic and unfair than what you accuse me of. Your words attack me for being undemocratic when in reality your heart attacks me for not giving you what you want.

I have participated in elections for decades for myself and others. Some have been won. Some lost. Never, however, have I asked a friend for support than condemn for giving the very support I sought of them to another person. To do so is not to stand on principle but on bruised pride.

You said I seek to deny your democratic right. It is you who seeks to grab mine. If not mistaken, I believe I am a member of the APC. I have a right and duty to support the candidate who I believe will best represent the party. What your letter is really saying is that if I don’t support you I should keep my mouth shut. You complain of a purported meeting I had to discuss the coming primary in Ondo. Do you deny me and other APC members now the right to assembly and talk. Had you heard that the meeting had anointed you, I doubt you would have written the first word of the letter you sent to me.

But here I want to give you and others a clear assurance that you may rest more at ease. I reserve the right to support any candidate I wish because no one has the right to take this away from me. However, I will also do everything in my power to ensure the primaries are free and fair and that there will be no undue influence on the process. The candidate who can garner the most support and votes will win. Since its inception, the APC has run the cleanest and most transparent primaries in the history of this nation. The just concluded primary in Edo is further evidence of this. My dear friend I leave you free to run and win the primary. If you do, I shall congratulate you and support you in the general election. However, you must respect my rights as well and leave me to my own conscience to support who I will support. And to show interest in whom I wish.

I also need to correct what appears to be a mistaken impression on your part about the 2015 election. Your letter seems to indicate that it was on your advice that I backed President Buhari. You assume too much credit and should be more guarded in your assertions. As a veteran in the political arena, I do not make important decisions lightly. I make final political decisions and calculations on my own after deep reflections and consultation with many people from many perspectives. I can assure you dear friend that I trust my own political counsel more than yours and that I have numerous other advisors whose advice I weigh more than yours. After all, had you so much influence over me in the presidential election, it would mean you surely should have greater influence over me when it comes to the primary in your state.

I do appreciate your passion and concern for the welfare of the people. Yet, you are not the only one who feels this. The love of the people is not exclusive to you, Tunji. My entire life has been devoted to the betterment of the people and of this nation. Lagos is a much better place because of what we have tried to do and I pray that it will be better still. Many worked hard and long and sacrificed much, even more than you, to bring in the new federal government. We did not do this as sport but to improve the lives of the people. You need not lecture me about the plight of the people. Their right to a better life is what motivates me. I do not doubt your love for the people and this nation. Yet, you have no right to doubt mine for you do not love this people and this place more than I do. Of that, I can assure you.

I am a democrat. I am ready to for the chips to fall where they may after and open and fair primary in Ondo. Instead of welcoming this, it appears you are afraid of it. Instead of fighting me who is but one man with no vote, you should be fighting for votes and support. Your letter to me was woefully misplaced and inappropriate. Still, I wish you the best and may democracy and the people's will prevail above all else.

Tunji Abayomi's attack on Tinubu shows he needs political education because he lacks it. Endorsement is democratic as any individual can endorse anyone. Imposition is different. Tunji talks about imposition is just insane, with the current structure of the party (APC) , no one can impose a candidate . Tinubu is not imposing and not willing to . In a situation where primaries will still take place any talk of imposition is rubbish and should not be taken serious, delegates from different local governments across ondo state will decide who the flag bearer of the party is in the state in an open primary election . endorsement is common place in america
.Tunji should stop crying and face the primaries.

Hello peeps, one of our colleague as been selected for best ideas in youth citizens entrepreneurship competition , which is a global competition , but will be needing ur help to move to nxt stage by following dis link https://www.entrepreneurship-campus.org/ideas/4/1934 pls vote and re bc. #supportAliu.

FIVE THINGS SENATOR DINO MELAYE NEEDS TO DO

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi

 

Dear Senator Dino Melaye,

I hope all is well with you. I trust you had a safe trip back to Abuja after your ‘Show of Strength’ walk on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. It seems your walk was not properly advertised in advance, otherwise you would have been very warmly received by Lagos boys. I am sure no harm would have come to you, it is only your pockets that would have suffered.

I am writing in connection with the very exciting week you have had, specifically on the floor of the Senate where you got into a serious altercation with a female colleague of yours, Senator Remi Tinubu. In light of this development, I would like to offer you some unsolicited advice, which I hope you will accept in good faith. I would like to suggest the following:

1. You have to apologise to all Nigerian women

 According to media reports, the exchange between you and Senator Tinubu was a very heated one. It is claimed that you threatened to beat her, ‘f……...K’ her up and ‘impregnate’ her. Oh dear! Considering the fact that it is not possible to impregnate a woman without intercourse (unless it is IVF, but we know you were not thinking of that method) it means that you were actually threatening Senator Remi Tinubu with rape on the floor of the Senate. This is not only totally unacceptable, it is criminal. Two days later, you emerged with your own side of the story. You claimed she called you a ‘Dog’. I know Senator Remi Tinubu is no slouch when it comes to verbal warfare, but she did not threaten you with castration. You could have called her names in response, and you would have been even. You did call her ‘Bonga Fish’ but apparently that was not enough, you had to go further, to show her that you are ‘the man’.  Let us set aside ‘she said’, ‘he said’ for a moment. Let us look at what you said. According to you, even if you were so inclined, you could not impregnate Senator Tinubu because she has reached menopause! So now, menopause is a crime? an affliction? How is the gynecological status of your colleague any of your business?

There have been calls for you to apologise to Senator Remi Tinubu. I believe you need to do that. However, she is not the only person you need to apologise to. You have to apologise to all Nigerian women for such a vicious and obscene attack on a female colleague. By bringing threats of sexual assault and mockery of her menopausal status into play, you have offended millions of wives, mothers and daughters. The husbands, fathers and sons who are reticent about the women in their lives playing a role in politics will find themselves vindicated through these actions of yours.  What transpired on the floor of the Senate last week was not just a bad day at the office for the elected Senators, it was a terrible thing for Nigerians, especially women. Senator Dino, we will be expecting that unreserved apology.

 

2. You need to rebrand yourself.

Every political space should be broad enough to accommodate the brazen, the eccentric and the colourful. Politicians with your skills set who can do and say things others cannot, are necessary when unconventional strategies are required. I am not saying you are crying more than the bereaved, but if you take a look at your political leader, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, not even his many political foes would describe him as a thug or brute. It is therefore understandable that you feel the need to play the foil to your polished boss.

When people think of the name Dino Melaye in Nigerian politics today, the name is synonymous with negative controversy, brawling, sex scandals, reckless statements, allegations of domestic violence, distasteful flamboyance – an all-round bad boy image. You have all kinds of nicknames, ranging from ‘Shakiti Bobo, to Rofo Rofo Senator to Dino the Dinosaur. Senator Dino, are you sure you want these characterisations of you to become set in stone? Is this the brand you are comfortable with? We have many branding experts in Nigeria. I strongly suggest that you invest in them, perhaps they can help project you as an articulate, charismatic leader and social justice advocate who speaks truth to power but is mindful of his age, status, words and audience.  That is the brand that will take you to the next level. The brand you are stuck with now is one that brings diminishing returns.

3. You should re-position  yourself as a positive male role model

Senator Dino, I am sure you will agree with me that our youth in Nigeria need positive role models. It is important for young people to be able to look up to both men and women for guidance, but it is even more powerful when young people can see themselves in role models of the same gender. We need our young men to have manners, and be polite, responsible citizens. We do not want to see our sons fighting over paternity scandals with their Baby Mamas, accused of beating their wives, or threatening their colleagues with sexual violence. The next time you feel like whacking one of your colleagues, please remember that young people might model themselves after you.

4. Show us your own ‘local product’.

Remember when you took Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State to task for using scarce foreign exchange to marry and import a ‘foreign product’? We know you have had a couple of misadventures when it comes to matters of the heart. I wish you better luck in that department. You are entitled to privacy, however, you take an unseemly interest in the spouses of others. If they are not ‘foreign’, they are too ‘Bonga Fish’ for your liking or horror of horrors – menopausal! Senator, please show us your own local, curvy, far from menopausal product. And be sure to let us know when she hits menopause so that we can all help you inform her that she is no longer useful. At least we know that Governor Oshiomole did not waste his dollars on his own ‘import’!

 

 

5. You might not need the blessings of your elders, but you should avoid  their curses

Regardless of where we stand on the ideological spectrum or the company we keep politically, our starting point is our humanity, and the imperatives that it comes with. We might not always see eye to eye with our elders. It is alright to disagree on matters of principle or strategy. It is not alright to dehumanize each other. Even if you cannot find it within yourself to respect Senator Remi Tinubu as a colleague, you can at least think about the fact that her husband Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an elder statesman, a formidable leader well respected within and beyond the country. We are brought up to respect our elders, and even when they upset us, we learn to reign in our tongues and tempers. We were also taught that one of the most coveted things in life is the blessing and prayers of elders. This means one of the worst things is the curses of an elder. The most garrulous soldier is not the bravest man in the garrison.  A word is enough for the wise.

So my dear brother Senator Dino, I hope you will do what is necessary and focus on your primary task of being a lawmaker in the Senate. Battles are commonplace in the political arena, and all kinds of weapons are deployed. The dignity of women should not be one of such weapons. I wish you all the best.

PS: Senator, we Nigerian women will forgive everything if you can deploy your unique skills in our defence when the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill is re-presented at the Senate. We need to see you in action – anyone who opposes the Bill should incur your wrath. Spare no one! If you can do that, we will wipe the slate clean and your rebranding would be well on the way.

 

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Gender Specialist, Social Entrepreneur and Writer. She is the Founder of Abovewhispers.com, an online community for women. She can be reached at BAF@abovewhispers.com

I Did Not Collect N75 Million From Senator Tinubu For Anti-Melaye Rally
-Kemi Nelson

Foremost politician and Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson has denied receiving N75 Million from Senator Oluremi Tinubu to organise a rally against Senator Dino Melaye for reportedly assaulting Tinubu at the senate chamber recently.

Reacting to a report by a civil rights movement, Committee for the Defence of Women’s Rights that Senator Oluremi Tinubu released N75 million to her through one of her sisters simply identified as Funlola, to organise a protest against Melaye, Nelson said that the report was a figment of the imagination of the committee.

The National President of CDWR, Prof. Taibat Majekodunmi, had made the allegation against Nelson in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

"Already, the protesters have stormed Abuja and have booked for 300 rooms in many Hotels in hotels in Abuja," the statement said.

Nelson said in a statement she personally signed and which was made available to the press that she didn't need to collect money from Senator Remi Tinubu or her husband, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to organise such a rally, adding that they were her mentors, who she was ready to support without any pecuniary gain.

She said further in the statement that she would actually participate fully in a rally that would be staged by a women group on Wednesday July 20 in Abuja to protest the alleged assault on Senator Tinubu by Senator Dino Melaye during a closed door meeting of the senate last week.

"We are moving to Abuja in full force to be part of this protest against Melaye for harassing a woman of substance like Senator Tinubu, whose family paid a huge price for our democracy. Our democracy is still nascent and we must do everything within our power to protect it.
"We should not allow people like Melaye to rubbish what took years and cost us several lives to achieve. What Melaye did was not just against Senator Tinubu, but against all women and against our democracy. We will not behave like Nero, who sleeps, while Rome burns.

"All right thinking members of the society must rise against this oppression and an open insult against women by a man that has done little or nothing for our democracy. We cannot pretend that nothing is happening, when such a sacrilege is being committed in our country," the statement read.

Nelson stressed in the terse statement that she would be leading several women from Lagos to Abuja to protest against a system that she said allows someone like Melaye to debase a woman that, according to her, should be celebrated by the people.

She emphasised that this is the best time to 'put people like Melaye, where they belong,' adding that posterity would judge Melaye for trying to trivialise the hallowed chamber of the senate.

"With what Melaye has done, then he has been demystified and he should be recalled by his people without any delay. We cannot keep quiet at this material time. As Professor Wole Soyinka would say; 'the man dies, who keeps silent in the face of tyranny," she said.

Nelson then emphasised that it was totally untrue for anybody to think that she would collect money from Senator Oluremi Tinubu for such a venture, adding that she is committed to supporting 'right thinking people and great achievers such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his darling wife, Oluremi.'

It is no longer a news , as an average citizen now knows what transpired at the senate exclusive session last tuesday dated 12th july 2016 at the floor of the senate . senator Dino Malaye threatening Mrs Remi Tinubu saying " I WILL Bleep YOU UP" "I WILL BEAT YOU UP ON THIS FLOOR " is something to be taken serious as Nigeria is still encouraging women in politics.

The threat of a male senator beating up a female senator is something Nigeria women and a nation at large should be worried about , Especially in country where women are given free forms to run for political offices should be looked into . knowing Senator Dino for who he is " women beater" a threat from him should be taken seriously as his antecedence speaks volume of his possibilities of putting such threats into actions. it is no doubt that senator Remi Tinubu's life is in danger as the senator representing Kogi west senatorial district did not just say he would beat her up but flu from Abuja to her residence in search for her and to put his words in action .

In a sane and well developed country , letter of protection should be written to the national security agencies for protection and a close monitoring of Dino malaye's activities as her life might be in danger , especially a woman holding public offices.

Therefore , Senator Oluremi Tinubu may have commenced the process of applying to the national security agencies for protection as it should not just be seen as an empty threat.
With the senate leadership keeping mute and Dino having a field day nothing can be left to chance

Dino stalks Remi Tinubu in Lagos..
start: Dino Malaye is wasting no time in making good his threat to attack Sen. Tinubu. He flew into Lagos today and drove to bourdillon road where Tinubu’s house is located around 6pm today. He was seen dressed in white and in a black range rover Plate number JJJ 550 CW.
He had a video and still camera in the car. they filmed as they drove past Tinubu’s house. He stopped by the fence of Aremo Osoba"s house to take a picture by the bourdillon signboard. In a most childish display Dino tweeted the picture.
Dino is beginning to show he has intentions to harm Mrs. Tinubu if he gets the chance and to stir up a riot in Lagos if the youth are provoked by his actions. Dino' actions are provocative. will the senate leadership. .will APC ? will someone call Dino to order

KOGI WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT ELECTED A LOUSE !

When you elect a boor, a louse and a con man, there will be no respite and there will be no recourse. Dino Melaye since graduating from Ahmadu Bello, has made a career out of thuggery and egotism. No one should be surprised that he has no center of gravity. Dino is what we get when we play politics of patronage. He has held no other job before politics other than being a body guard to Mohammed Buba Marwa when he was governor. He got to positions of power by acquiring sufficient polish in brawling and blustery and by developing and grooming his mean-spirited public persona.

Money does a lot to humans. Dino is a grateful man. All this is in recognition of the N50million Saraki contributed to his campaign and many more after that. Dino is following the money. In Nigerian politics money is everything, especially at these times when you can no longer "collect". His lord and master is the one pulling the strings.

Is Dino alone? No! There are many Dinos around us. The Senate has become a chamber of men and women with boldness without restraint. The Nigerian Senate is filled with empty and threatened men and women who are supremely afraid of their past deeds and consequences of their past actions. It is the Senate of low lives and populated mostly by men and women without emotional and political maturity required for public office. Money elected them instead of men. What we have is a Senate of thieves, drug barons, terror sponsors, transnational pedophiles, wife beaters, thugs etc,. Dino's life is a compendium of emotional failures and immaturity bordering on personality disorder. He ought not be a council chairman but a village idiot somewhere in Kogi. Soon, this will blow away and Dino will continue but I suspect he is playing his last set of cards because we will hound him out of the Senate. This driven crook is an explosive, know-nothing demagogue and a bad example. The fundamental portents of his disastrous presence in the political space is contaminating to the millennial.
We will get him out.

What Borno man saw in Remi Tinubu four days ago
by Isa Gusau
While in Lagos four days ago, I saw and monitored something really strange in Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
But before going into that Wednesday, November 25, 2015 experience, let me share that I hail from Zamfara State even though passionately working in Borno State. Im a young journalist by education and profession, have practiced in the north and the southern parts of Nigeria for a major Newspaper. I’m so proud of my profession.
Given my kind of job, I have met different categories of persons from those at the bottom to those at the top whether as news makers, news sources, witnesses or for social and other human interactions.
For the purpose of this small piece, I want to make reference to my interactions with VIPs, the ‘Ogas at the top’. Some times, VIPs or important personalities as one may choose to call them, invite journalists to their homes to grant interviews or hold press briefings while in not too often cases, the journalists themselves request for interviews at homes of VIPs or to source information that can make or add up to major news items. These mostly happen during weekends, outside working hours or when VIPs want to avoid office interferences. Now, in the course of meeting these VIPs, I had at different times come across their wives too.
One common feature in the wives of many VIPs is their display of authority. One minute contact with them tells you they own the house because as they step out, everyone around feels uneasy. Some, if not many wives of VIPs represent fear and danger. They are regarded as angels of death by domestic helps i.e drivers, cooks, gardeners, cleaners and aides to the boss himself. Visitors tend to avoid wives of VIPs except certain class of visitors that are very well known to the VIPs’ wives. Many times, wives of VIPs as I have seen them, are emperors.
They harass aides and house helps with commands that are designed to make
aides develop running stomach. They are feared so much that house helps celebrate when they travel or stay out for long. However, I have also come across some very humble and hospitable wives of VIPs. One of them is the wife of former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri. That woman is completely humble and kind from my point of view. I met her three times: in 2006, 2007 and 2010. But three days ago, I saw something entirely different in another VIP’s wife.
On return to Lagos last Wednesday, after traveling to Ikenne for the funeral of H.I.D Awolowo earlier in the day, six Governors, Kashim Shettima of Borno, Yari of Zamfara, Tambuwal of Sokoto and their colleagues from Jigawa,
Kebbi and Cross River followed national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to his residence at Bourdillon road in Ikoyi. I was there as an aide to Governor Shettima without knowing I would be compelled to write this piece.
Soon after the bus conveying the dignitaries arrived Asiwaju’s residence, I saw Senator Oluremi Tinubu rushing out of the bus, walking fast almost with so much focus, it was clear she had something in mind. She walked ahead of her husband and all the Governors. She was wearing a light blue wrapper with pictures of the late H.I.D Awolowo which was worn by majority of sympathizers at the funeral. It was ‘Ashiobi’ (ceremonial uniform, usually for one occasion).
Asiwaju followed up and stepped into the house alongside the six Governors. While the Governors went into an inner parlor beyond the main and bigger
living room, I saw Mrs Oluremi Tinubu went straight to the dining area located by the left side on entering the main living room. Without even changing into normal dress, away from the ‘Ashiobi’, the first thing she did was to
start cleaning dishes, I watched her cleaned over ten dishes without any ‘ajebota-like-attitude’.
Then, she started rearranging food items set by aides on the dining table. I took exceptional notice of how she was working with house helps, I saw so much willingness, freedom and excitement on the faces of those helps. I noticed that whenever she wanted to ask them to do anything at all, she would start by saying, ‘jowo’ -the Yoruba way of saying ‘please’ and after they did anything she asked them to do, she repeatedly and naturally said, ‘O se’ meaning ‘thank you’. She effectively combined humility, politeness and efficiency in managing her home. In less than five minutes of her arrival, Oluremi had set the table.
One Governor I wouldn’t mention, sneaked onto the dining table very quickly. Asiwaju sighted him and jokingly said, “Your Excellencies, one Governor is cheating all of us on the dining table”. The Governors happily and I say, so freely, walked to the dining area onto the waiting cheerfulness of Mrs Tinubu who practically left no one in doubt that she was very excited to serve. She coordinated the lunch with so much passion like you would think of a typical and very dedicated and polite Nigerian woman that manages her own restaurant and doing everything to satisfy customers.
My initial thought was that Mrs Tinubu was being dutiful to her husband’s special guests but then I saw her carry about four used glasses. Do you know who used those glasses she picked? She actually picked them from the visitors’ waiting parlour which was by the right after a security scanner and those glasses were used by security aides to Governors. She insisted on picking the glasses even when the security aides were hesitant. Importantly, one could see that she was not faking her actions, she was unconsciously being herself.
For almost two hours, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu walked around doing things herself and cheerfully directing her aides to meet the needs of guests. Oluremi was everywhere including outside asking if food was served drivers and police escorts.
I saw her around 2:55pm carrying a tray with tea cups and saucers. She went into an inner parlour with the tray. She must have gone to serve the Governors and her husband. I noticed also that she took special interest in serving and interacting with a Senator from Borno State who was there with the Governor. Oluremi was obviously passionate about her colleague in the Senate.
After she had served tea, I spotted her talking to one of her house helps asking him to serve everyone another round of drinks. As she gave them tasks, I could see that the workers were happy with her. Some of them were even teasing her. She was behaving like a mother in the midst of her loving adult children on a happy day. The interaction between Oluremi and her aides was something so uniquely interesting. While still admiring Oluremi’s hospitality that Wednesday, a senior aide to Governor Shettima told me about his previous encounter with the former Lagos first lady and wife to one of Nigeria’s most
influential politicians, on Saturday, February 8, 2014.
“If you remember, we came here with Oga (Governor Shettima) in 2014, in the build up to the 2015 elections when Asiwaju invited Oga here for a meeting. We (aides to the Governor) were sitted here at the parlor and to our surprise, she (Oluremi Tinubu) came and personally served each of us with refreshments. We were shocked given the fact that her husband was actually the bigger boss as leader of the APC which is the party of our boss who was going for second term election. That day we came, her messengers were playing with her and she was so free with them. The woman is just down to earth,” he said to me.
As I ran through the qualities in Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, I concluded that Asiwaju’s great sense of judgment transcends politics because it takes so much wisdom for a man not only to marry a good woman but for the same man to be rich and powerful, yet have his wife retain her humility and Africanness even in the midst of wealth, power and influence that is known to have ruined many.
Isa Gusau is Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and he wrote from Abuja.