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Opinion: Soliloquy: Lessons From The APC Convention-Michael Effiong

Published

3 years ago

March 27, 2022

Editor

By Michael Effiong

The whole nation was literarily holding its breath as our ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its convention. The event raised so much dust because of the circumstances of the last few weeks and the usual drama associated with politics and politicking.

At the end of the day, it ended in a diminuendo as it turned out, the best man for the job in the APC is a dye-in-the-wool founding member of the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

In case you do not know, PDP was the party under whose umbrella Adamu became a two term governor of Nassarawa State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The same also goes for the position of National Secretary, which has gone to the popular Osun politician, Senator Iyiola Omisore, another former PDP Man.

This is a telling development and it is an indication that there is no ideology or philosophy in Nigerian politics-and the earlier we realise this fact the better.

There is no way for example that Adamu and Omisore will mount the rostrum and run down the PDP, people will laugh them out of the park, is it possible that the APC has unwittingly shot itself in the foot?

Well, time will tell, but what unfolded at the Eagle Square is a confirmation that there is hardly any difference between the two top political parties in Nigeria.

Just yesterday, at Crest FC, the club where we play every Saturday 6-aside football in Lagos, there was an argument about the difference between APC and PDP.

I argued that in many states there are clear differences because of the personalities, and they can never mix but at the centre, they are virtually Siamese twins

Some of my friends countered that the difference is clear because APC has not been as corrupt as PDP, the response to that was that we don’t know that for sure until we see the books, and they were reminded about the fuel subsidy payments that had reached unimaginable heights even during a lock down, we were told that we were consuming 50 million litres of PMS daily, and that if President Buhari was so concerned about corruption and the negative effect, he would not personally endorse Senator Adamu, who like his Secretary, Senator Omisore had been special guests at the offices of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

That was as far as that argument went but to be clear, I do not believe any third force can wrest power at the centre, it has to be either APC or PDP.

Therefore, the big lesson that the APC Convention has brought to fore is one thing that has remained ever constant in the political arena: Interest.

In fact, Ambrose Bierce, an America Writer, describes politics as “A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles”. This is so apt and it should dawn on Nigerians that it is not about anyone else but you!

Yes, what concerns you and benefits you should guide your decision. In the last six years, how have you fared? Has your standard of living worsened or brightened?

For example, in the last six years, we now have trains taking us from Lagos to Ibadan. Kudos! We can now see progress on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, we can see the Second Niger Bridge standing tall and proud nearing completion.

Juxtapose this with a brother who has a multi-million naira farm in Taraba State and lost everything because not only can he not access the farm, it has been taken over by bandits, what of the fact that fuel has gone from N87 to N165, food items, bus fare etc has reached an all time high.

Furthermore, if you live around Apapa (where the traffic has defied solution), Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi or Zamfara (where banditry and kidnapping have not ceased) has life been jolly, what of the IDP camps have they increased or reduced?

What am I saying? The election at all levels in 2023 should not be about party but people.

Who is that individual in your local government that has been hands on, that has been involved in community development, why not encourage that person to get involved.

We are told of local government chairmen that do not live in their LGAs, they dash there a few days during the week and dash out. That sort of individual has no business being there, no matter the party he or she represents.

What of State Assembly members who also abandon their people and relocate to the state capital or other parts of the state for personal comfort, no engagement except during election circles. This is the time to call their bluff and vote them out.

Let us be clear, I may not be physically present in a community but will impact the community through my resources, my investment and more. That is not the same as taking up an assignment and abandoning it for flimsy excuses.

Some people have this sense of entitlement, that I have been living in this area for long and so I should be this or that, capital No. What has been your contribution, what have you done for the people and how have you helped the youths grow?

Though it is said that all politics is local, it does not mean that your only claim to fame is that you grew up in an area, it must be about impact. You must have been able to succeed in your private capacity first before thinking you can inspire others to succeed.

Personally, I believe one of the biggest problems hampering our growth as a country is the penchant of putting round pegs in square holes. What do I mean, even if it is position of Councilor, make sure the person is fit for purpose and has the right capacity for the assignment?

A councilor is supposed to be the closest member of the legislative arm to the people, if you give the position rabble rouser, who has no visible means of income, he is bound to imbibe the wrong ethics and will be on the road to failure.

A Councilor should be a local organizer, bright, young, a small business owner or an employee who has some experience in managing people and resources.

Why are these skills necessary, that Councilor is soon to be supervising Works, Roads, Revenue Generation, Health, Public Enlightenment etc. Believe it or not, at that micro level, he will be taking decision that can affect your life! That is why we should not be dismissive of LG elections or any election for that matter.

If you have a Councilor, LG Chairman, State Assembly or Ward Executives that you do not know or cannot knock his or her door to discuss matters such as solving of community development problems, then it is time for action.

In your state, don’t be carried away with fine oratory, look at the content, look at the capacity, look at the track record. If a man comes to tell you he will create jobs, what job has he created before?

If he is a career politician and has spent years being an ex-this and ex that, scrutinize him or her, check and verify their often exaggerated achievements.

I have gone through this pain to break down the process from the top to the bottom, to show you that politics matters and like it was displayed at Eagle Square, a consensus can be reached without your input.

Therefore, in Nigeria today, everybody should be an apostle of good governance, it is time for us to leave the fence, and join active politics in any shape or form, you can support anyone or any party but make a move, contribute and rally all those within your sphere of influence, because 2023 is too critical to be left in the hands of career politicians alone.

Effiong, A journalist and Editor, Ovation International magazine writes from Lagos

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‘Osun is Proud of You’, Gov Adeleke Hails Davido at 32

Published

13 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Eric

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated his nephew and global music icon, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a superstar Osun State is proud of.

In a statement by his Spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor added that Davido’s consistency, energy and passion is evident in the result he has recorded not only in his music career but also in his life as a person.

Governor Adeleke furthered prayed for progress, more success and achievement for him while commending his continuous outreach to the orphanages and less privileged stating that it is a noble act every blessed hand in Nigeria must emulate.

He said, ” I want to rejoice with my nephew, David Adeleke Davido, on the occasion of his 32nd birthday, I am very happy we are all alive to witness it.

“Davido is a global super star that Osun state is very proud of. The consistency, energy and passion he has inserted into building his music career is evident in the result he has recorded not only in his career but also in his life as a person.

“I pray for him for progress, more success and achievement in long life, prosperity, sound health and mind.

“I equally want to commend his continuous outreach to the orphanages and less privileged. I must say that this is a noble act every blessed hand in Nigeria must emulate.

“Once again Happy Birthday to Davido”.

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Glo Festival of Joy Promo: Security Trust Boss Wins Toyota Prado in Warri

Published

2 days ago

November 23, 2024

Eric

Warri was agog with excitement on Thursday as the Board Chairman of Delta State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Daniel Mayuku, became the first winner of the much coveted Toyota Prado in Globacom’s Festival of Joy promotion.

Mr Mayuku was presented the keys to the prized asset at a ceremony held by the company on Thursday, November 21, at Gloworld, Delta Mall, Warri, by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Chief Anthony Ofoni. Friends, admirers and other Glo subscribers joined in the celebration which turned into a carnival in the city with electrifying performances by Ema Dance Troupe.

An overjoyed Mayuku declared: “When I received the first call that I won a Prado in Glo Festival of Joy promo, I believed it was a scam and I immediately told the caller not to call me again. However, after few minutes, I started receiving calls from friends and I decided to call my friends in Glo and they confirmed it. I was in disbelief; I thought it was a scam. I jokingly asked for the car immediately and I was told to come to Glo office for verification and today the jeep has just been presented to me. Globacom is truly Nigerian, a network that delights its subscribers every year. They are still the best.

Other lucky winners also went home with tricycles (Keke), power generating sets, sewing machines and grinding machines. Ovueve Efejiro, a native of Ughelli, who won Keke, said, ”I just won Keke through Festival of Joy promo, I am very grateful to Glo. This Keke will help my family. My brother will use it for commercial purpose immediately”, while a generator winner Felix Gabriel thanked Globacom for always remembering Nigerians every year in its annual promos.

Speaking at the presentation, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Emomotimi Guwor who was the special guest, said “Globacom is a network that is known for giving. Over the years, many Nigerians have been empowered by Glo. The people of my constituency in Warri South West and entire Delta people are grateful to Glo. We will continue to use Glo and I also want to be part of the winners one day soon. So, I will ensure that my line is always on and ready. Kudos to Glo and our own Dr. Mike Adenuga. Please keep on empowering Nigerians.

Similarly, the Head of licensing and operation, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Delta State office, Mrs Anwuli Efejuku, commended Globacom for the transparent nature of the promo. She said, “We witnessed the raffle draw few days ago here in Warri where it was conducted in the presence of everyone and today the winners that emerged have been presented their prizes. Congratulations to all the winners.

To participate in the Festival of Joy promo, new and existing subscribers should dial *611# to opt into the promo and to keep recharging. He added that new subscribers can participate immediately by purchasing a new SIM, registering it and dialing *611#.

“Customers are required to recharge up to N100, 000 cumulatively during the promo period to qualify for the draw for the Prado Jeep, N50, 000 cumulative recharge for Kia Picanto, N10, 000 in a month for tricycle and N5, 000 total recharge in a month to win a generator. For the sewing machine, a total recharge of N2, 500 in a month is required, while for grinding machine, a recharge of N500 in a day will be eligible for the draw. New subscribers can participate immediately by purchasing a new SIM, registering it and dialing *611#, Globacom explained.

Guests at the event included representative of Urhobo community in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Hon. Karo Goru Jonathan; Chairman Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Anthony Ofoni; representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Delta State office, Mrs Anwuli Efejuku; representatives of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Chief Okieneni and Chief Emmanuel Eyela; President of of Igbudu Market Association, Warri, Chief Rume Kugberu and Nollywood actors, Ese Eriata and comedians Gordons and M.C. Forever.

The next prize-presentation exercise comes up in Lagos, where another set of Nigerians will go home with different prizes including another brand new Toyota Prado, Kia Picanto car, Keke and others.

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Ozekhome Hails Goodluck Jonathan on 67th Birthday

Published

4 days ago

November 20, 2024

Eric

Leading human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Prof Mike Ozekhome, has celebrated former President Goodluck Jonathan as he turns 67 today.

In a heroic-worded eulogy, the renowned author, who recently launched 50 books at once, praised the former president for his gigantic strides during his tenure, and for putting the nation above his personal interest in the aftermath of the 2015 general election.

Below is Ozekhome’s full statement:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR BROTHER AND GOOD FRIEND,DR GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

BY PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, CON, OFR.

GEJ, you are a true democrat in the truest sense of the word.More than 8 years after you left office, many Nigerians are still yearning for your kind of humane and purposeful leadership that shunned discrimination, tribalism, sectionalism, prebendalism and cronyism.

Nigeria surely prospered under you, overtaking South Africa as the biggest rebased economy in Africa and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. For the common man,life was good. You certainly made your mistakes, like us all humans and mortals. But your gargantuan pluses far outweigh your few minuses. God has indeed been very kind to you, raising you from a bootstrap state of nadir to the zenith of power as president of the biggest democracy in the black world. But you never allowed power to intoxicate or overwhelm you as an aphrodisiac.

You showed uncommon humility and selfless leadership- a servant leader. As a living icon phenomenon, you have exemplified the quintessence of the highest virtues and nobility of a good man. At a time Nigeria was on the precipice of collapsing under a looming electoral inferno in 2015, you placed the national interest above your personal interest by conceding defeat to then candidate Muhammadu Buhari, even when votes were still being counted. Your immortal words before that historic occasion to the effect that “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian” easily placed you in the pantheon of rare heroes. The words rekindled the genre of Abraham Lincoln’s imperishable words during his 18th November, 1863 Gettysburg declaration, that “Democracy is government of the people, for the people and by the people”. Your continuous shuttle diplomacy across the world with which you illuminate dark electoral crevices has proven you to be a world leader of respected pedigree.

Through you, Nigeria exports Democracy.

Happy birthday to an iconic and uncommon democrat.