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Opinion: In Defence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Published

6 years ago

May 9, 2018

Eric

By Wale Adedayo

Despite serial efforts to destroy the nation-building legacies of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his adversaries have only succeeded in exposing themselves as shallow in thinking and interested in selfish pursuits packaged as national interest. For the avoidance of doubt, son of man is not a fan of Obasanjo. He has his many failings, as a human being. But in the Nigerian project, this country is yet to produce a leader – military or civilian – that could be compared with Obasanjo in terms of his commitment to The Nigerian Dream.

A visit to Osogbo by son of man without exchanging ideas with former President, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Students’ Union Government, Comrade Wole Aluta, is like tea without sugar. Wole is not just an activist. He is as cerebral as they come. Like son of man, Wole is not an Obasanjo acolyte. But he detests with every fibre of his being attempts to denigrate the Ota Chicken Farmer by persons, who for parochial political reasons continue to bury their heads in the sand in a vain attempt at justifying the ineptitude of the current managers of our national affairs.

While discussing the sorry state of Nigeria’s security yesterday, Wole became angry that there was a juvenile post on the social media recently alleging that one of the reasons Obasanjo is angry with the current administration was Buhari’s order to stop payment of salaries to the staff of the old man’s farm, who were on The Presidency’s payroll. Of course, it turned out to be a lie.

In his words, “They claimed he had less than N20,000 when he was released from prison shortly after Gen. Sani Abacha’s death in 1998. Virtually all those recycling this rubbish are graduates with a number of them having high profile names. Obasanjo left office as military Head of State with entitlements to pension and the like. He has properties and businesses. As a prisoner, he does not need money. So, how come these societal misfits believe the propaganda that the man was poor when he left prison?” And I agree 120% with Wole.

What is currently going on under President Muhammadu Buhari is similar to what obtained under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Propaganda is being taken to a new level. Obscene spin is being circulated as facts by agents of a Government that came on board to correct past anomalies, but has failed. Buhari was not prepared for office. He only wanted to be president, again. For a politician in an executive capacity to continue blaming his predecessor for his serial failure in office is not only ungodly, but a grievous betrayal of trust. He has lost his integrity.

It is not enough to have a plan. An aspiring political office holder seeking votes as President, Governor or Local Government Chairman must have sure details of mistakes made by the incumbent. Once in office, he/she hits the ground running, which was what Obasanjo did in 1999 after the monumental looting of our commonwealth by Abacha. And, it was not just Abacha alone. IBB and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar had similarly rendered the Nigerian economy prostrate. Abacha only took us to the brink of a civil war in addition to his unbridled pilfering of Nigeria’s resources.

Yet, an Obasanjo arrived the scene, and instead of whining as Buhari and his handlers are carrying on about former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he got down to work. Obasanjo met a worse economy. And he turned things around, very positively. Of course, education and continual self-development matters a lot. Shortly after leaving office in 1979 as military Head of State, Obasanjo returned to school. Buhari since 1985 is yet to write a book. Son of man is yet to read about Buhari going for education or self-improvement anywhere.

Obasanjo introduced mechanized farming in his private agricultural practice as far back as 1979. This should definitely be as result of his learning new ways of doing things. Yet, in the Year of Our Lord, 2018, Buhari, who is also a farmer, continue to engage in open grazing by cattles. He regularly shows off his 16th century mode of farming, thus the continued argument that herdsmen should be allowed to be moving from one part of the country to another, not minding the fact that modern system of animal husbandry does not allow such. He did not develop himself. And he wants Nigeria to continue with Stone Age ideas. No kain!

But the Ebora Owu never passed off opportunities to attend seminars and conferences on development, especially on Africa and global issues. He wrote books. The man repeated the same process after leaving office, thus his recent acquisition of a PhD in Theology from the National Open University, which he founded while in office. He is always thirsty for knowledge and modern ways of doing things.

As military Head of State, way back in 1976, Obasanjo made Education free and compulsory from Primary 1 to Primary 6 throughout Nigeria under the Universal Primary Education Scheme he pioneered. Students of Teachers’ Training Colleges were paid stipends to attend such schools, thus encouraging a healthy population of primary school teachers all over the country. Upon assumption of office in 1999, one of Obasanjo’s first policies was the introduction of Universal Basic Education (UBE), which made education free and compulsory from Primary 1 to JSS3 through the introduction of UBEC (known in states as SUBEB).

Obasanjo made his mark in Healthcare delivery. The old man built Healthcentres in all of Nigeria’s 774 local governments. Each healthcentre has a generating set, well-fenced with a comprehensive laboratory. Drugs were provided. The current insecurity across the country was well contained during Obasanjo’s administration. He tamed the monster.

No doubt, Obasanjo is not a saint. But he made conscious and serious efforts to stamp out corruption from our national life. Obasanjo commissioned an investigation involving ALL the security agencies in Nigeria into all Federal Government contracts between 1976 and 1999. A comprehensive report was submitted to the Federal Executive Council with quality white paper in two volumes coming out of that report. A current Governor in Southern Nigeria was banned by the White Paper from holding public office for the rest of his life, as he was involved in a contract scam. It was Obasanjo that gave Nigeria the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC.

Obasanjo deregulated the Telecomms sector, giving us MTN, Globacom and others in place of NITEL. Nobody dared talk down on Nigeria when Obasanjo was President. He marketed Nigeria well abroad. He did not demarket Nigeria. It was Obasanjo who got us debt relief. A barrel of crude oil sold less than what it is today when Obasanjo stepped on the scene in 1999. Nigeria’s foreign reserve was almost zero. Yet, the old man left more than 60 billion dollars in the coffers when he left office.

It is not as if we hate Buhari. We believed he’ll get into office and hit the ground running. His entry into Aso Rock Villa was built on three issues: Integrity, Security and Anti-corruption. As at today, he has failed on all three issues. And, we owe it a duty to burst the propaganda balloon of his praise singers that leaders like Obasanjo are bad people. Obasanjo remains an example for Buhari to copy, not disparage as it is being done currently.

The fact remains that, from happenings in Nigeria so far, Buhari never had a plan on how to govern. His was just an ambition to rule, thus the current mess we have found ourselves in.
By WALE ADEDAYO

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I’ll Continue to Take Difficult Decisions Tough times Notwithstanding – Tinubu

Published

8 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, told the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at The Hague that his administration is committed to taking difficult decisions for the benefit of the Nigerian people, despite the short-term challenges.

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria has weathered the worst of storms and that his administration’s actions are guided by a long-term vision for the country’s prosperity.

The president highlighted the vast trade opportunities between Nigeria and the Netherlands, spanning multiple sectors. He also underscored his government’s efforts to enhance the investment climate through ongoing reforms.

Notably, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s potential to drive the global clean energy transition with its high-grade lithium deposits, positioning the country as a key player in Europe’s energy future.

Tinubu stressed the importance of balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in solid minerals, to create value-added opportunities.

He expressed confidence in the Nigerian people, citing their resilience and determination.

This confidence, he said, empowers him to make tough decisions on their behalf, knowing that these choices will provide Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in the long term.

The president stated: “I am a determined leader of my people. I have and will continue to take the difficult decisions that will benefit our people, even if there is short-term pain.

“We have gone through the worst of the storms. I am unafraid of the consequences once I know that my actions are in the best long-term interests of all Nigerians.

“Taking a holistic view of the world order, there is a tremendous opportunity between us across trade spheres, but especially in solid minerals, where we have high-grade lithium deposits that we know can power the clean energy future of the world.“There is excellent value-additive opportunity in Nigeria. The world knows us for oil. They will soon know us for greater innovative exploits in other areas.”

The meeting with Prime Minister Rutte at The Catshuis, the official residence in The Hague, underscores the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

Tinubu’s remarks reaffirm his administration’s commitment to bold leadership and strategic decision-making, even in the face of challenges, to secure a brighter future for Nigeria.

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Rivers: Wike’s Men Reject Reployment, Resign from Fubara’s Govt

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Eric

Two Rivers State commissioners have resigned their appointments shortly after they were redeployed in a cabinet reshuffle by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They are the Attorney General and commissioners for Justice, and Finance; Zacchaeus Adangor and Isaac Kamalu respectively.

The duo were affected by a minor cabinet reshuffle made by the governor on April 23.

Kamalu and Adangor are loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the immediate former governor of Rivers and incumbent minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Last year, the commissioners resigned from their positions following the political feud between Wike and Fubara.

They were later reinstated after Wike and Fubara signed a peace accord facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.

While Adangor was moved to the ministry of special duties (governor’s office), Kamalu was moved to the ministry of employment generation and economic empowerment.

Kamalu’s resignation came hours after Zacchaeus Adangor, tendered his resignation.

In a letter addressed to Tammy Danagogo, secretary to the state government (SSG), Kamalu said the governor’s “inability to maintain peace” in the state was the reason he quit the cabinet.

The former commissioner said he could not give his best in an atmosphere of rancour.

“Your Excellency would recall that I served under the Administration of His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (now Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) originally as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning (2015-2019) and subsequently as Commissioner for Finance with oversight responsibility for the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (2019 – 2023),” the letter reads.

“The mandates of the respective Ministries were to the best of our abilities (as Ministries) duly carried out and at all times material relevant reforms were embarked upon for improved performance and effective and sustainable service delivery.

“Among several others, we successfully carried out the following; “Initiating and (supporting existing) policy frameworks for enhanced internal revenue generation.

“This with (necessary adjustments made on some of the programs) led to the increase in the internal revenue receipts. This steady rise has presently generated though not the figures erroneously claimed in the media.

“Aggressive improvement in Federation receipts by securing recovery by the state of oilfields that were also the subject of the successful claim against International Oll Companies (IOCs) on production sharing contracts; the recoveries arising from 13% derivation and the demand by the state for adherence to the fiscal provisions in the constitution in support of states by successfully removing from Federation receipts institutions of Government whether state or federal not so recognized by the constitution such as the Police Trust Fund and others thus widening the available receipts for States and the last but not the least our success on the subject of Value Added Tax.

“The reason behind these painstaking efforts was to make available a basket of receipts sufficient to enable the state to deliver good governance through the provision of goods and services.

“It was this idea that informed the continuity and consolidation mantra that was the theme of your election campaign and government thereafter.

“You will respectfully recall that when the climate of discord became unbearable I and other like-minded members of the Executive Council that were appointed by you resigned.

“You thereafter engaged His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as Father of the Nation to intervene in the matter.

“In deference to the directive of Mr. President, I and the others were recalled and we all accepted and joined the cabinet again. I expected Sir that with the opportunity provided by Mr.President, every effort will be made to sustain peace.

“Regrettably Your Excellency the peace in Government and governance that we all – citizens and residents of the state desire has remained out of reach despite our consistent efforts and demand for same.

“This has affected our ability to protect and defend the gains that we made these past years.

“In the course of official engagements, I have reiterated the need for this peace and the fact we all are willing and determined to work for this.

“It is very difficult to deliver good governance where there is acrimony and discord. It is not the point of service that is important but the climate. Our present circumstance makes service delivery extremely challenging. I still hold the belief that it is never too late for peace.

“In view of the above, I find it difficult to accept the redeployment. I do not accept it. I reject it and convey to you my immediate resignation as Commissioner and member of the Rivers State Executive Council with effect from the date of this letter.

“While praying that the Good Lord grants us Peace, I thank you for the opportunity and assure you the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

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Tinubu Approves Credit Scheme Takeoff to Facilitate Purchase of Cars, Houses

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme to facilitate the purchase of houses and cars by working Nigerians.

In a statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said the Consumer Credit Scheme will enhance the quality of life citizens by allowing them to “access goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time”.

“It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations,” the statement added.

“Through responsible repayment, individuals build credit histories, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation.

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.”

In line with the President’s directive to expand consumer credit access to Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched a portal for Nigerians to express interest in receiving consumer credit.

“This initiative, in collaboration with financial institutions and cooperatives nationwide, aims to broaden consumer credit availability,” the statement noted, adding that working Nigerians interested in receiving consumer credit can visit CREDICORP’s website to express interest before the deadline date of May 15, 2024.

“The scheme will be rolled out in phases, starting with members of the civil service and cascading to members of the public.”

The CREDICORP’s objectives include: “(1) Strengthening Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a dependable credit score. This score becomes personal equity they build, facilitating access to consumer credit.

“(2) Offering credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions dedicated to broadening consumer credit access today.

“(3) Promoting responsible consumer credit as a pathway to an improved quality of life, fostering a cultural shift towards growth and financial responsibility.”