2019: Please, President Buhari Needs More Letters

February 7, 2018

The unending furore generated by Baba Obasanjo and IBB letters in the Nigerian political firmament is understandable. First, the messengers are not ordinary Nigerians and we have seen havocs that such phacelia letters had done in the past and it is capable of even doing at this strategic time, if Nigerians should decide to act on them sheepishly.

Anyway, the letters were an advanced form of what has been trending forcefully in the social media and canvassed by many political stakeholders including sophisticated, emergency and elementary political analysts.

The contents of the letters are spewed with venom, thick enough to cause political heatwave more than the ones that causes meningitis. The letters have a melting point and with a commanding tone, one message for PMB: Don’t contest 2019 election. If they have both signed off without a ‘stop order’ to PMB it would have served more altruistic meaning but that part of the message is giving their motive away as misanthropy.

Honestly, without quit notice the letters were strong enough to impact on the Presidency and let people make or change their mind. Such would have earned them more respect as elder statesmen they are supposed to be.

The quit notice is going beyond the boundary of well-intentioned advice and undemocratic. It is simply bullying PMB. Who could have advised Baba OBJ not to go for his ‘well-deserved’ second term then and even an attempted third term? We all knew how IBB manipulated us maradonically before he enriched our political lexicon with ‘step aside’ stigma. People should not give what they don’t have or try to play God in the affairs of men. Now, if PMB decides to run and won in 2019, they should both bury their head in shame.

However, despite the fanciful bold face the presidency may be presenting, I believe the sea is not as calm as before and a lot of thinking is going on right now in some quarters with a view to doing things differently and make ameliorative adjustments.

The Presidency score first by taking a professional approach in responding to the OBJ’s letter with list of verifiable and facts-laced achievements of PMB without recourse to the use of foul or abusive language. That was excellence from brother Lai, who has been demarketed as Mr. LIE. Without the letters, that part of FG’s record would not have been made public. That is why PMB needs more letters really. Election is still one year away now and such letters may challenge PMB and his team to do more critical thinking.

Nigerians need to write more letters to PMB. It is part of their civic duty to remind him of his electoral promises but they can as well proffer solutions and not just critics.

No doubt, PMB has performed below expectations on many fronts and tactless on some critical issues. No credit too to his quality of advisers. But he has many things to his credit as well. I also believe that definitely, PMB cannot be the only option to rescue Nigeria.

2019 offers another opportunity for Nigerians to make a choice. A rational and wise one indeed.

But so far, 12 months to the election, we have only seen a scant few personalities (mostly with unattractive credentials) and amorphous coalition before Nigerians. I was thinking many Nigerians, including the Phanariot, would by this time be warming up sternly to the muddy, exciting and, at times murderous, political field. Perhaps like mushrooms, much effort is going on underground in the nation’s political sphere waiting to sprout suddenly one convenient day. But time is ticking.

I think Nigeria indeed needs a leader for the digital age and not just a ‘digital leader’ as IBB advanced.

And when they eventually come forth, Nigerians should judge rightly with their voter’s card. But a change will only make sense only when it is replaced with a better choice. That is the common sense.

Until then, we are still waiting.

You’ve Stamped Your Feet On Sand Of Time, De Club 10 Venerates Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland @89

Greenbarge Reporters

February 7, 2018

One of the oldest socio-cultural group De Club 10 Nigeria has venerated the paramount King of Ebira land in the Kogi Central District, Dr. Ado Ibrahim Onoruoiza as he marks his 89^th birthday today, Wednesday, February 7.

In a statement by the President, Alhaji Shaidu Yusuf and Secretary General, Alhaji Yusuf Ozi Usman, De Club 10 said that Dr. Ado Ibrahim has successful stamped his feet on the sand of time since ascending the throne of his ancestor.

De Club 10 recalled that during his over two decades of reign, a lot of physical and structural development have taken place around his wide domain, adding that his magnanimity and free-mindedness had led to the creation of more kingdoms that had brought a lot of advancement in all socio-economic fronts.

The statement said that Ohinoyi Ado Ibrahim deserves credits for the strides that have been made in the area of peace, unity and progressives of Ebira land, adding that it is also to his credit that Ebiraland was able to produce the governor of Kogi state, the the person of Alhajai Yahaya Bello since that state was created.

De Club 10 prayed to Almight Allah to continue to grant the royal majesty long life, good health and strength to continue to lead Ebira land to the promised land where every Ebira man will treat his fellow Ebira people with respect, and where Ebira land will become a haven of peace, progress and tranquility.

Dr. Ado Ibrahim was born on February 7 1929. He assumed the office of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on June 2nd 1997, after the passing away of the former Ohinoyi, Alhaji Sani Omolori who ruled for 40 years and 40 days as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Dr. Ado Ibrahim attended a Nursery and Quranic School and later finished his primary education from NA School in Okene, Kogi State in 1940. He later went to Ondo Boys high School and Oduduwa College and rounding up his secondary education in 1949.
He obtained a B.Sc in Economics from London School in 1954 and an MBA from Harvard business School, 1959.
His enthronement as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was a grand occasion, attended by thousands of Ebira people and international diplomats and was broadcast on major Nigerian Television stations for days.

He rules Ebiraland from his magnificent pavillion, AZAD Palace named after his son. The palace is rated as one of the most beautiful palaces in west Africa.

Buhari Signs Agreement For Improved Air Services With 5 Countries

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2018

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari — Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed an agreement for the improved air services with five countries of the world.
The countries are the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; the Republic of Congo; the People’s Republic of China; the State of Qatar and the Republic of Singapore.
A statement today, Monday. by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the Instruments of Ratification of the Bilateral Air Services Agreements between Nigeria, and the five countries were signed today by President Buhari.
According to the statement, the signing followed the recent approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“With the execution of these Instruments, it is expected that Nigeria’s aviation links with the respective countries will improve significantly.”

Cameroonian Army Formally Join Nigeria’s Operation Lafiya Dole

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2018

Cameroonian Defence Forces have formally joined Nigeria’s Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-eastern Nigeria and the borders between Nigeria and Cameroon.
The Theatre commander of the operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Rogers Nicholas was said to have received and inducted Cameroonian troops who arrived Gwoza yesterday, Sunday 4th February.
A statement from the Nigerian Army said that the Theatre Commander charged the new entrants into the operation to exhibit discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their assigned tasks and duties.
He advised them to be courageous and display aggression towards the insurgents during operations. Major General Nicholas also admonished the troops to be obedient to instructions from their commander, adding that their compliance with these instructions will facilitate the decisive defeat of the insurgents sooner than expected.
The Theatre Commander was accompanied by the leader of the Cameroonian Defence Forces delegation Brigadier General Djonkeb Frederick, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Major General Ibrahim Yusuf, the Chief of Staff Headquarters, Theatre Command, Brigadier General IL Akinlawon and other senior military officers from both countries.
The Theatre Commander along with the senior officers also inspected the equipment of the newly inducted Cameroonian troops. The troops and their equipment were subsequently handed over to the General Officer Commanding 7 Division who is also the Commander Sector 1 of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. [myad]

Alex Ekwueme: Exit Of Rare Gem, By Emmanuel Yawe

Yawe Emmanuel

February 5, 2018

On 31st December 1983, President Shehu Shagari delivered a budget speech to a joint session of the National Assembly then left Lagos for a short new year holiday in Abuja. He left the Federal Government in the hands of his trusted Vice President, Alex Ekwueme.
Dr. Joseph Wayas the Senate President who presided over the Joint session also took a flight the same day for a holiday overseas. He left the National Assembly in the hands of Hon Benjamin Chaha, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
At night, officers of the Nigerian Army who had been conspiring to overthrow the government swung into action. They went to NITEL and disconnected all telephone lines. After that they invaded the residence of the Vice President and abducted him. With the President marooned in Abuja and all telephone lines cut off, the executive branch of the Government was effectively decapitated.
Could the legislative arm rise to the challenge and save the day? The military squad that abducted the Vice President took him to the house of Speaker Benjamin Chaha.
“It was a hectic day for me. After the budget session, I played a game of lawn tennis and retired to bed. Then I suddenly heard loud and rude banging on my door. When I opened it I saw a man I later came to know as Major Jokolo standing there in full military uniform. He took me downstairs and to the courtyard where I saw my Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme squeezed in a small car,” Speaker Chaha recounted to this reporter.
The significance of the meeting of these two captured leaders of the second republic was that the legislative arm of the government like the executive was also decapitated and the collapse of the Second Republic was now a forgone story.
Back in 1978 after Shehu Shagari emerged as the Presidential candidate of the NPN, there were many political heavy weights of the First Republic from the Ibo ethnic group to whom the party had zoned the slot of the Vice President. Shehu Shagari sent shock waves to all when he ignored them and nominated a little known Alex Ekwueme to run with him in the 1979 elections.
Ekwueme may not have been a household political name at the time but his profile advertised him as a man who groomed himself for the great task of providing leadership for Nigeria. He started primary school at the St John’s Anglican Central School at Ekwulobia from where he proceeded to King’s College Lagos.
As an awardee of the Fulbright Scholarship in the United States of America (being one of the first Nigerians to gain the award), he attended the University of Washington where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and city planning. He also obtained his master’s degree in urban planning proceeding from there to bag degrees in sociology, history, philosophy and law from the University of London. He later went ahead to obtain a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Strathclyde, before gaining the BL (honours) degree from the Nigerian Law School.
He started his professional career as an Assistant Architect with a Seattle-based firm, Leo A. Daly and Associates, and also with the London based firm, Nickson and Partners. On his return to Nigeria, he joined ESSO West Africa Lagos, overseeing the Construction and Maintenance department.
He then went on to create a successful private business with his firm – Ekwueme Associates, Architects and Town Planners, the first indigenous architectural firm in Nigeria. His practice flourished with 16 offices spread all over Nigeria. Dr. Ekwueme had presided over the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.
Before he gained national and international limelight as the Vice President of Nigeria in 1979, he was actively involved in the socio-economic development of his community. Dr. Ekwueme started an active Educational Trust Fund that was responsible for sponsoring the education of several hundred youths to universities in Nigeria and abroad. He was a member of the housing sub-committee of the Adebo Salaries and Wages Review Commission. He also served for many years on the board of the Anambra State Housing Development Authority.
The events of December 31 1983 leading to a long spell of detention at the Kiriki Maximum security prison in Lagos were definitely traumatic for him. But Dr Ekwueme never lost hope in Nigeria. He participated actively in the National Constitutional Conference of the Abacha government. It was there that his famous proposals for a just and equitable power sharing formula in Nigeria based on the six geopolitical zones has now come to be accepted as necessary for maintaining a stable Nigerian polity.
When he noticed that Abacha was trying to make himself a perpetual president, he mobilized the group of 34 eminent Nigerians who risked their lives to stand up against the plot. This group eventually became the nucleus of the People’s Democratic Party with him as founding Chairman. He was also the first Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees.
On the international front, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Canada-based Forum of Federations. He was also a member of the (ECOWAS) Council of Elders. Dr. Ekwueme was leader of the team assembled by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for pre-election monitoring for the parliamentary election in Zimbabwe in 2000. He was the leader of the (OAU) observer team to the Tanzanian Presidential and Parliamentary election in 2000. Dr. Ekwueme co-led the 28 member NDI/Carter Centre sponsored Observer Team to the Liberian Presidential run-off election in 2005. Most recently he was called upon by the PDP to head the Reconciliation Committee in the wake of intra-party discord. He was honoured with the Order of the Republic of Liberia and second highest national honours of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
The immediate family of Alex will miss him, his community, Nigeria, Africa and the world will miss him. I will certainly miss him too.
In the last few months of his life, I mounted a massive manhunt for him because of a project I have been working on in the past few years. It is a book on the life and politics of Benjamin Chaha. It is a difficult task because all the relevant documents that would have helped my research work were destroyed by the military.
After the overthrow of the Second Republic, Benjamin Chaha relocated to the town founded by his grandfather – Zaki Biam Alla. In 2001, the town was invaded by Nigerian soldiers in revenge of some soldiers killed there. They unleashed a reign of terror on civilians in the town killing hundreds of unarmed and harmless civilians.
Benjamin Chaha’s modest bungalow was a special target. It was bombed and reduced to rubles. All documents from his career as a teacher to his venture into politics and his eventual emergence as the number four man in Nigeria’s power architecture were destroyed in that senseless attack on his house.
My research work has relied in the main on his oral evidence. Speaker Chaha in recounting the terrible experiences of the night of that coup remembers the courageous comportment of Dr Alex Ekwueme.
“I was shocked and confused that night as the two of us were led away to an unknown destination and uncertain fate. You remember when the military struck in 1966, the civilian leaders they took from their homes in Lagos were never found alive. It was Dr Ekwueme, a great leader and a rare gem who stabilized me mentally that night,” he told me.
It was on the prompting of Speaker Chaha that I was on the trail of Alex Ekwueme. Tragically, death robed me of an opportunity to meet the great man. [myad]

PHOTO: 2 Brothers, Dangote, Samad, Quarrelling In Edo, Meet In Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2018

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his brother, Alhaji Samad Rabiu who is the chairman BUA Group, met today at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, away from the quarrel they engaged in on mining right at Okpella in Edo State. Dangote explaining a point to Samad. — President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his brother, Alhaji Samad Rabiu who is the chairman BUA Group, met today at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, away from the quarrel they engaged in on mining right at Okpella in Edo State.
Dangote explaining a point to Samad.

Sosoliso Plane Crash Survivor, Kechi To Shell: Thank You For Saving My Life

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2018

Survivor of the 2005 Sosoliso plane crash that claimed many lives, Miss Kechi Okwuchi, has expressed gratitude to The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) for the medical and financial assistance the company rendered to her after the tragic incident.
Kechi, who visited the company along with her father’s friend, Mazi Victor Okoronkwo and her aunty, Mrs. Uloma Umeano was received by the Managing Director of the SPDC, Osagie Okunbor, and Country Chair of the Shell Companies in Nigeria.
Miss Kechi recalled during the thank-you visit to Shell that on December 10, 2005, Shell intervened, “notwithstanding the medical uncertainty to save life regardless of cost; intervention propelled by a corporate policy that puts life above else. We thank and applaud you for it.
“I am incredibly grateful and I walk through every day of my life knowing that I am here today because of the amount of effort SPDC put into making sure that I stayed alive…you came when all looked dark and you shone a light of hope into my life.”
She said that her family would remain grateful to SPDC for ensuring that she received the best medical care available.
“I have never seen this kind of kindness from a corporation before.”
Kechi also presented a certificate of recognition from the Shriners Hospitals for Children (Galveston, Texas) to SPDC for its thoughtful and generous contribution to the hospital.
Responding, Mr. Okunbor said: “it was instinctive for us as an organisation to react the way we did as the most important thing for us then was to save and preserve lives. Even though we were not directly involved, the leadership decided that we had to intervene and do all we could as a company to help and today, I am happy we did.”
Miss Kechi, who was returning from school in Abuja to Port Harcourt, survived the crash but suffered third-degree burns. When her plight came to the notice of SPDC, the company promptly stepped in and ensured that she was air-lifted to South Africa for immediate medical attention and treatment.
She later moved to the United States where she has undergone several surgeries with SPDC’s continued financial support.

Succession Crisis Tears Transmission Company Of Nigeria Apart

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2018

Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters indicates that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is currently neck-deep in a succession crisis, tearing it apart.
It was learnt that the crisis stemmed from the expiration of the one year “special” tenure of Usman Gur Mohammed, as interim Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the agency.
It was gathered that even though Mohammed is not an engineer, but seconded from the African Development Bank (AfDB) where he was the Principal Power Utility Transformation Specialist in the Nigeria Country Office.
Mohammed whose tenure is believed have expired on February 1, 2018, had handed over to one Lawal Maman Jimoh, who is said to be a junior officer, thereby neglecting hierarchy, contrary to a directive by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and the extant laws of succession in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). It was gathered that from the TCN’s hierarchy, Jimoh is number 15 in the ladder.
Information has it that the present hierarchy of the agency, the first three are Engineer Tonack Ayuba Job, followed by Isah-Dutse Ahmed and Engineer Ciroma, Almajiri Joseph. Job, a 1984 graduate also top in the promotion cadre having achieved that in 2011.
It was learnt that the TCN staff members are worried that the next senior officer that should have taken over the leadership is neglected which is contrary to the SGF’s directives and the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.
It is in record that the SGF, Boss Mustapha had, in a circular of November 23, 2017, directed that the extant laws of succession be followed to the letter.
In the circular, he noted: “it has been observed that some Ministries have continued to process appointments of Chief Executives and Executive Directors of Agencies without following the clearly defined extant Guidelines and the provisions of the enabling laws of such Agencies.”
According to him, many agencies disregard the succession process “in spite of the age long practice established since the return of democracy as articulated in Circular No. SGF.0P/1/S.3/T/1 of 14th August 2009” pointing out that by way of reminder, the Circular directed all ministries to operate within the law establishing the Parastatals and Government Agencies under their supervision.
Mustapha added: “in view of the foregoing and in accordance with this Administration’s policy which prescribes the entrenchment of rule of law, transparency and accountability in the conduct of Government business, it has become necessary for all ministries to adhere strictly with the extant guidelines for appointing Chief Executives and Heads of Parastatals, Government Agencies and Institutions.”
The circular reminded supervising Ministers and other Principal Officers of MDAs are reminded that such appointments which should be without prejudice to eligible serving officers competing for these positions must be based on strict adherence to the principle of justice, equity and fair play.
In another circular of 4th December 2017 with reference No.SGF.50/S.II/C268, titled “End of tenure processes for Heads of Extra-Ministerial departments, Directors General, Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions and Government-owned Companies and succession guidelines,” the SGF emphasized the succession procedure.
He said that pending the appointment of a substantive Head of extra-ministerial department/Director General/Chief Executive Officer of Parastatals, Agency, Commission and Government-owned Company, “the out-going Chief Executive must handover to the next most senior officer of the establishment as long as the officer does not have any pending disciplinary matter.”
The circular pointed out that “Outgoing heads of extra-ministerial departments, Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions and Government-owned companies are not allowed the discretion of choosing the officer to whom they would handover.”
Besides, in a letter dated 8th January 2018 referenced FMP/5468/TII signed by Audu-Nunghe, R.M. (Mrs) for Minister of Power, Works and Housing and copied to the TCN, it emphasized the SGF’s directive.
The letter stated that “I am directed to draw your attention to the attached self-explanatory circular ref.no. SGF.50/S.II/C.2/268 dated 4th Dec., 2017, from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on the above subject matter for your information and strict compliance.”
When our roving reporter visited thet head office of the TCN yesterday, Monday, staff members were seen loitering and murmuring, even as their morale appeared to have gone down to the lowest as a result of the leadership crisis.
Neither the outgoing boss of the agnecy nor the incoming one was ready to speak on the matter when approached.

Ex Nigerian Senate President, Ebute, Describes Obasanjo’s Letter To Buhari As Mischief

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2018

Former Nigerian Senate President, Ameh Ebute, has described the letter written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Muhammadu Buhari advising him against contesting the 2019 election for a second term, as mischief.
Senator Ebute said that Obasanjo has been imposing himself unnecessarily on Nigeria, even though he could not tackle Boko Haram which started during his regime.
The former Senate President in a letter addressed to Chief Obasanjo title, “Re: The Way Out: A Clarion Call For Coalition For Nigeria Movement,” accused Obasanjo of resorting to letter writing to his predecessors rather than seeking audience with them, addiing that such action was smack of mischief.
He stressed that Obasanjo should be retrospective in his view adding that no other person would have done better what President Buhari has done considering the state he inherited the nation.
The former Senator who briefed journalists in Abuja on the content of his letter said he had cautioned Obasanjo when he wrote former President Jonathan in a similar letter that it was not in the interest of the unity and peace of the nation as it is an affront on decency and decorous behaviour by publicly attempting to ridicule, malign and assault the seat of power with a repeat letter to President Buhari.
He stated: “In the current instance too, you have reeled out a torrent of subsisting problems and perceived deficiencies of the Buhari Presidency very hypocritically and in utmost contempt for the office and personality of President Buhari. It is all in veiled pursuit of your secret agenda for the absolute ruination and destruction of Nigeria, a foundation faultily laid by you between 1999 and 2007, when you served as President of the country”.
“The issues of poverty, insecurity, poor economic management as trumpeted in your letter have existed with Nigeria and aggravated under your reign as President. Precisely, poverty, hunger and disease are cardinal components of the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs), which you claim to be spearheading efforts in the guise of “Zero Hunger” initiative; but gave no attention to it when you wielded power at Aso Rock. This is the pretense and deception that have become your trademark and uprooted or alienated you from Nigerians.
“No one is surprised that you disparaged President Buhari’s efforts in curbing the monster of corruption and insurgency, which flourished under your administration and became untamable, with the reserved commendation by declaring that “it is not yet uhuru!” You display the lack of capacity to wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts of other leaders. Rather, you preferred to flaunt the African spread of your Presidential Library, which Nigerians have severally and collectively accused you of corruptly funding it.
“It is quite funny the failure to acknowledge that the EFCC under Buhari has unprecedentedly recovered looted public funds in assets and cash, trillions of naira never before known to the history of Nigeria’s anti-graft war. Today, you frequently accuse your former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as very corrupt, but could not recover and publish any kobo you recovered from him back to national treasury. The foundation for the dubious sale of national public assets like NITEL, PHCN etc was laid by you”.
“The seeds of Boko Haram insurgency was sown under your administration in Borno and exploded, soon after you were forced to relinquish power after the failure of the infamous third term bid. The subsequent leaders you imposed on Nigeria could not handle the problem, until President Buhari came on board. As clever and astute as you claim in leadership, you had no solution to the puzzle of militancy in the Niger Delta or the communal clashes that plagued most communities in Nigeria”.
“No former President of Nigeria who knows the poor state of the economy President Buhari inherited in May 2015, would not appreciate the efforts and measures adopted in revamping the economy”.
Ebute maintained that the new found love of the former President was rather exacerbating series of national problems which he failed to tackle in his 8 years reign. [myad]

Morocco Beats Nigeria Silly, Lifts African Nations Champion Trophy

Greenbarge Reporters

February 4, 2018

Moroccan national team beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles today, Sunday, four un-replied goals to lift the maiden African Nations Championship trophy.

The final of the match was played in Casablanca city, Morocco.

Zakaria Hadraf put Morocco ahead in the 45th minute while Walid El Karti doubled Morocco’s lead in 61 minutes before Zakaria Hadraf scored his second of the game three minutes later.

Tournament top scorer, Ayoub El Kaabi iced the victory for the hosts with his 9th goal of the competition in the 73rd minute sealing a maiden title for the hosts.

The Super Eagles played the majority of the second half with 10 men after peter Eneji was sent off for a second bookable offence three minutes after the restart. [myad]

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