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Make or Mar: Nigerians Elect New President

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By Eric Elezuo

Finally, February 25, 2023 is here with us, and it marks a watershed in the annals of election in Nigeria. As 18 candidates from diverse political parties file out to present themselves for the goodwill of the over 87 million shortlisted voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the stage remained turbocharged, and favour is likely to smile on any of the three major and leading candidates vis a vis Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The other candidates, studies have shown, are make up of number. This is because the five months window of intensive campaigns did not see the candidates present themselves for electoral scrutiny across the states, and it is obvious that majority of the Nigerian electorate do not know who they are, or they parties they represent.

The coming of February 25 brings a sudden end to the exoteric banters that have been exchanged among party spokespersons and faithful in both public spaces and from their various private corners. The salvos from the likes of Dele Momodu, Dino Melaye, Timi Frank, Phrank Shauibu, and Reno Omokri of the PDP and the counterparts, Bayo Onanuga, Dele Alake, Festus Keyamo from the APC and Kenneth Okonkwo and his team from LP will surely take a backseat till after the elections when a new set of salvos will originate. It will also mark the beginning of the end of President Muhammadu Tinubu’s eight years grip on Nigerians, filled with murmurings.

As millions of Nigerians troop out from their various comfort zones across the nation to vote the candidate, three measures will be considered including if the eight years hegemony of the ruling APC will continue in Tinubu, or if the PDP will bounce back after an eight years hiatus, having lost the presidency in 2015, or if there will a distinct change from the norms, a major paradigm shift from what was used to with a Labour Party victory. The stage is set, and the whole of today is the battle field. The victor definitely will come out with lots of scars as none of the candidates is a pushover. The victory however, lies with the candidate, whose charisma and sagacity have resonated positively with the voting public, and who has proposed tact, finesse and verifiable measures to take Nigeria to a whole new positive level and height.

Basking on the euphoria of INEC promise of a free and fair election with the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a facial and fingerprints technology that is thought to improve transparency by making it harder for politicians to rig the process and the Electoral Act, which has just been signed into law, as well as the massive deployment of security agencies across board, it is obvious that Nigerians are set to enjoy a calm election, the first time after a very long time, if not ever. This is not forgetting that money politics has to a limited extent been removed. The preparations, electoral laws on ground and the high use of technology is likely to reduce the usual three days it take to announce presidential election results. Nigerians may likely know who the next president is by late Sunday, everything being equal, and if BVAS also uploads vote results directly to the INEC website direct from polling stations as proposed.

For any of Peter Obi, Tinubu or Atiku to emerge winner today, he needs to have the most votes and 25% of ballots cast in two-thirds of the 36 states of the federation and Abuja, and that is a herculean task. And if no-one achieves that, a new trend in electoral history will be added as there will be a run-off within 21 days.

As at today, Nigerians have made up their minds based on the candidate who they will cast their votes based on many variables including sound economic and social policies, monetary inducement, unwavering loyalty, ethnic or religious affiliation and godfatherism irrespective of incapacitation or lost of touch with reality. As a result, there is no possibility of swerving anyone at this last minute. The candidates will only sit in their situation rooms and watch with breath held, heart panting, and hope for the best. But only one candidate will shout ‘eureka’ at the end of the day. It is also worthy of note that elections for 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members will be held today, except for Enugu East senatorial zone, comprising six local governments where senatorial election has been postponed till March 11 following the murder of Labour Party candidate, Oyibo Chukwu, on Wednesday.

But what are the candidates’ strength and weaknesses as the face the electorate today:

PETER OBI (LABOUR PARTY)

With endorsements from great Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ayo Adebanjo, Samuel Ortom and many others, Peter Obi, 61, is hoping to break up Nigeria’s two-party system after joining the Labour Party last May.

Although he was in the PDP before then, he is seen as a relatively fresh face and enjoys fervent support among some sections of Nigeria’s youth, especially in the south.

The wealthy businessman served as governor of the south-eastern Anambra State from 2006 to 2014. His backers, known as the “OBIdients” say he is the only candidate with integrity, but his critics argue that a vote for Obi is wasted as he is unlikely to win.

When asked about how he would respond to insecurity, Obi had said, “I’m going to be commander in chief, I will deal with it decisively. I can’t tell you how I’m going to deal with it because if I tell you, it won’t work.

“My first responsibility in this country is to secure lives and property. It is a critical thing because unless you do it, nobody will invest. The farmers can’t go back, so there is no food production, there is nothing that can happen without food production.

“Not even America…all the time they were going to Baghdad, they just said, they will attack massively, decisively, they never gave us how they were going to do it that night. How can I tell you? I will be in charge, I will be commander in chief and with security, we will be responsive and responsible. That means, whatever happened we will deal with it decisively and someone will have to be responsible for it. If you are not doing it, you are out. We are not going to wait.”

Obasanjo has this to say about him: “I have come to realise a number of factors in character, attributes and attitude that are necessary in the job of directing the affairs of Nigeria successfully and at a time like this. These characteristics or attributes are many but let us be mindful of some key ones together.

“From interaction and experience, and as mentees as most of them claim, I will, without prejudice, fear or ill-will, make bold to say that there are four major factors to watch out for in a leader you will consider to hoist on yourself and on the rest of Nigerians in the coming election and they are what I call TVCP: Track record of ability and performance; Vision that is authentic, honest and realistic; Character and attributes of a lady and a gentleman who are children of God and obedient to God; and Physical and mental capability with soundness of mind as it is a very taxing and tasking assignment at the best of times and more so, it is at the most difficult time that we are.”

“Let me say straight away that ‘Emi Lokan’ (My turn) and ‘I have paid my dues’ are one and the same thing and are wrong attitude and mentality for the leadership of Nigeria now. They cannot form the new pedestal to reinvent and to invest in a new Nigeria based on an All-Nigeria Government for the liberation and restoration of Nigeria. Such a government must have representation from all sectors of our national life – public, private, civil society, professional, labour, employers, and the diaspora.

“The solution should be in ‘we’ and ‘us’ and not in ‘me’ and ‘I’.

“Mind you, I reiterate that no human being is an angel let alone a Messiah, but there are elements of these attributes and on comparative basis and by measure of what we know of, and what some of us have experienced from the front-runners, we must assess judiciously and choose wisely.

“If anybody claims he or she has anything to the contrary, it will be up to him or her to prove to us.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR (PDP)

The PDP, which ruled until 2015, wants Nigerians to vote for Atiku Abubakar, 76 – the only major candidate from the country’s mainly Muslim north.

He has run for the presidency five times before – all of which he has lost. He has been dogged by accusations of corruption and cronyism, which he denies.

Most of his career has been spent in the corridors of power, having worked as a top civil servant, vice-president and a prominent businessman.

Atiku has made many promises. On job creation and the security, Atiku who said he would send a bill on restructuring to the National Assembly from his first day in office, noted that with devolution of powers will come devolution of the security architecture which will lead to more people being employed to the police and armed forces at the state and local government levels.
He said this will lead to more boots on the ground, more training and more employment opportunities.
Speaking on the inclusion of women in his government, Atiku said that his government will not have less than 30 per cent women representation.
Speaking on the manifesto which is tagged” “Covenant With Nigeria” He stated that it has a 5 points agenda: Economy, National Security, Restructuring, Anti-corruption and job creation.
The former Vice President, said the document will build a strong and prosperous economy, creating jobs and wealth as well as lifting millions out of poverty
He said he intends to break government monopoly in all infrastructure sectors, including refineries, rail transportation and power transmission and get private sector involvement.
According to him: “If you look at the thriving economy in the world, they allow the private sector to run the economy. If you see the amount of work the government has to do in terms of constructing and decongesting our ports, railway, and you have to borrow, I will rather concession most of these projects to the private sector and give them tax incentives. This will bring progress, prosperity and peace”. Atiku also vowed to uphold press freedom if he wins the 2023 presidential election.
BOLA TINUBU (APC)

Most people consider the election a referendum on the APC, which has overseen a period of economic hardship and worsening insecurity. Its candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 70, is credited with building Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos, during his two terms as governor until 2007.

He is known as a political godfather in the south-west region, where he wields huge influence, but like Atiku, has also been dogged by allegations of corruption over the years and poor health, both of which he denies.

In giving back to the society, Asiwaju Tinubu has established industries, and employed thousands of Nigerians. His investments cut across the media, aviation, finance and many more.

His Bourdillon Ikoyi home is home to many individuals who throng there on a daily basis for one directive or assistance or another.

Asides giving employment to thousands of Nigerians, Asiwaju has uncountable unrepentant political godsons, who would support him not minding his purported ill-health and alleged corruption ridden background .

Tinubu acceptance by his people and loyalists is showcased wherever he goes.

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KFC Reacts As FAAN Shuts Down Its Operations in Lagos Airport

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The Management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has reacted to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s move to shut down its branch at the Muritala Muhammed Airport, for violating laws protecting the rights of people with special needs.

The action was confirmed through a statement released on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

The official statement, titled ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ highlighted that the closure was in response to the outlet’s breach of the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically referencing Part C, Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.

Responding to the development, KFC posted on its official X account that it opposes bias and discrimination, stressing that the incident did not reflect its standards.

The organisation disclosed that it had embarked on efforts to address the situation and urgently implemented sensitivity training for all its employees.

The statement read, “KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.

“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.

“In response, we are urgently implementing sensitivity training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.

“We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”

KFC had during the week, denied Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, access to their facility at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport  because of his disability.

Daniel had recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel.

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Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

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By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

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Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

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