At his incarnation, wise men gifted in astronomy came from the East, all the way to Bethlehem, in the south of Jerusalem, to worship Jesus Christ. They are today known as the Magi, who gave the newborn gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. There is a lot to say on the significance of each gift item, but that is not the purpose of the writing today. Maybe, another day, as the need arises. What we need from that nativity story is that the wise men came all the way from the East, following a star that led them to Bethlehem. In our country Nigeria, we have the geo-political zone called the South-east, and wise men still come from there. In plenty numbers. This week, it was brought out in bold relief. President Muhammadu Buhari was in two states of the South-east on Tuesday and Wednesday, and what a delightsome, myth-shattering visit it has become. It is one visit that has torpedoed the negative narrative deliberately conjured by some mischief makers over the years, that President Buhari does not like people from the East, and neither do the people like him. Now, that assertion is fiction, pure apocryphal, conjured and concocted by some people to serve narrow political ends. In his first shot at the presidency in 2003, who was Buhari’s running mate? Dr Chuba Okadigbo. Where did he come from? Ogbunike, town of the famous cave, in the South-east. And in 2007, candidate Buhari looked towards the East again. He picked Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic, as running mate. And in 2011, I remember very clearly. Buhari was on the march again, and needed a running mate. Socio-political leadership of the South-east forbade any of its sons from being running mate to anyone. Their candidate, they said, was Goodluck Jonathan, who then was completing the term of Umaru Yar’Adua. So, Buhari looked westward, and picked the cleric, Tunde Bakare. But did he demonstrate any animus towards the East? Not at all. In 2015, the man, easily the most colourful politician, greatest crowd puller of this season in Nigeria, threw his hat into the ring again. The East was still in bed with Jonathan, completely besotted, vowing to swim or sink with their brother, Ebele Azikiwe. Buhari looked westward again, picked Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as running mate. A large part of the East was dug in, not minding to play what may be called ‘poor politics’ in the process. When the dust of the elections settled, Jonathan was holding the shorter end of the stick. Buhari coasted to the presidency, but the entire East had given him just about 180,000 votes, less than what some local councils gave in other parts of the country. To make matters worse, the East had refused to re-elect its own son, Dr Chris Ngige, as senator. If Ngige had been given a mandate, he would have effortlessly emerged Senate President, and see what the region would have benefitted. But the large number opted for self-immolation, voted Ngige out, and later began to scream marginalization. But if you ask me, it was a self-inflicted wound. Result of poor politics. That was the background that some people twisted, and used to paint the scenario that President Buhari does not like the South-east. But happily, there had been voices of reason from the region, pre-2015 presidential election. The Ralph Obiohas, Chris Ngiges, Festus Odimegwus, Fr. Ejike Mbakas, Orji Uzor Kalus, Osita Okechukwus, J.C Ojukwus, and many others, had warned their people not to put their eggs in one basket. And they have turned out to be wise men, being joined today by thousands of other wise people. You know what the mistakes of 2015 did to Ndigbo? It consigned them to perpetual opposition politics, playing in the periphery. For such an illustrious and enterprising people, that was unfortunate, if not tragic. If they continued that way, there was no silver lining in the sky for the future. Nigeria is configured in a way that the person who builds the largest coalition is the one who can emerge President. The Igbo should naturally produce the President one day, that is what fairness demands. But how would that ever happen, if they continued to play poor politics? If you continue to swim in small pools, you stand the risk of being submerged in bigger waters. But now, things are changing. The wise men are making a difference. Back to Ebonyi, the famed Salt of the Nation, where we arrived last Tuesday. Governor Dave Umahi is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and he is also Igbo. If he were to play narrow politics, he should have nothing to do with President Buhari. But the Ebonyi State helmsman has proven himself a wise man from the East. He has cultivated a good relationship with the President, and achieved the feat of being the first state in the South-east to host the President on a State Visit. President Buhari consented to the visit, thus showing him to be a pan-Nigerian leader, true father of the nation. If overriding sentiments had prevailed, then the President would not have chosen a state controlled by the opposition PDP for his visit, and definitely, not a state in a ‘hostile region.’ But not President Buhari, who has always maintained that no part of the country would be treated unfairly under his watch. Landing at Enugu airport, before proceeding to Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, by chopper, was the first breath of fresh air. The airport was gaily decorated, with banners, billboards and posters of the President and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, who was also on hand to receive the President. He is also of the PDP, but a wise man from the East. You don’t play the politics that shuts you out of the national grid, lest you get sentenced to perpetual half current, or no current at all. The reception at Enugu airport, and , indeed, in all the places we visited, Abakaliki and Awka, would make you relish and savour the aroma of brotherhood and national cohesion. Before the visit, there had been attempt by those behind negative narratives, to frighten the President away. They forgot he was a General, and such people don’t scare easily. However, the reception and applause all round gave a true picture of what subsists in the country. This is a President widely and massively loved-in the North, the South, East and West. Not only is Gov Dave Umahi a wise man from the East, the royal fathers in his state are of the same mind. They gave President Buhari the traditional title of Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi, meaning Trustworthy Friend of Ebonyis. Commendable. Also joining the train of wisdom, are the traditional rulers of South-east, as a body. They gave the President the title Ochioha Ndigbo, meaning Leader of Igbo People. I tell you, this is the way to build a cohesive nation, promote brotherliness, and guarantee fairness and equity, rather than the poor politics of the past. More than at any other time, the wise men from the East have given a handshake across the Niger, and only the future will show the positive impact of that initiative. Former Ebonyi State governor, Sam Egwu, immediate past governor, Martin Elechi, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Culture Minister, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, former senator, Julius Ucha, and many others, were part of the healing process in the East. Ogbuewu said President Buhari, by the visit, had proven that he was not truly for some people, but for all Nigerians. Egwu, on his part, disclosed that Gov Umahi had charged those of them currently in the National Assembly from Ebonyi, to always give support to policies of the Federal Government, despite belonging to different political parties. That’s the way to go. The traditional rulers of the South-east, through their leader, Eze Eberechi Dick, commended the President for fighting insecurity, for fighting corruption, promoting agriculture, and generally bringing hope of a better future. “You are a great leader. We love you so much. We are solidly behind you,” the monarch said. Trust the President to throw in a wisecrack. After being decorated with the paraphernalia of chieftaincy, he said:”I will tell my personal photographer to frame the picture, and I will put it in my sitting room in Daura, where I will eventually end up.” That’s a man who knows the transience of power and official positions. East or West, home is the best. Daura would always be home. When the President entered the township stadium in Abakaliki, the applause was inspiring. One was tempted to ask, is this not in the South-east, where they say they don’t like Buhari? The same thing was to repeat itself in Awka, when the President entered the Alex Ekwueme Square, where the campaign for Anambra governorship holding this Saturday was being concluded. It was applause all the way, signposting the fact that the East was ready to jettison poor politics, and return to the mainstream. It was a roll call of who is who in Nigerian politics from the South-east, who have now teamed up with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Emeka Ojukwu junior, son of Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who used the occasion to publicly join the APC, summed it all up, by pointing out that when his father came back from exile in the early 1980s, he did not join a regional party, but opted for a national one. He concluded: “It is time to stop operating in the periphery. It is time to leave the shadows for light.” Home truth for all Nigerians, and for Ndigbo particularly, if you ask me. There is no way you can tell the Igbos not to aspire for presidency of Nigeria at a time in future. It will be contrary to fairness and justice. But then, the region must start playing astute politics. It must leave the shadows for light. It must sustain the hand of fellowship it has extended to the rest of the country, as shown in the warm reception for the President in Ebonyi and Anambra states. Wise men abound in that region, I say again. During the reception in Ebonyi, Gov Umahi announced a gift of 2,000 bags of rice, 2,000 tubers of yam, and a white horse for the President. I saw the Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi open his mouth in amazement. While thanking his host for the gift, he promised to send the cargo to Daura, his hometown, for the people to share. Trust me, I told Mohammed Sarki Abba, the President’s senior aide, seated beside me: “I’ll ask Mr President for 50 of those bags of rice, before you send them to Daura. I’ll then distribute them to my own friends in the name of Ochioha Ndigbo.” And that’s exactly what I’ll do. The Enyioma 1 would surely oblige. Lol.
.Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari[myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his sympathy to the leaders and people of Iran over the devastating earthquake which struck the western province of Kermanshah recently, causing the death of hundreds and injury to thousands. The President also sympathised with the people of Iraq over human and material losses suffered in the wake of the earthquake on the border with Iran. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that Buhari addressed the message to President Hassan Rouhani and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Nigerian leader said that the disasters and fallout were very unfortunate, sad and massive, adding: “thoughts and hearts of Nigerians are with the people of Iran and Iraq at this trying period.” He prayed that God will console the grieving families and wished the injured speedy recovery. President Buhari’s sympathy to the two countries on the disasters had earlier been conveyed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, when he addressed the 6th D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Industrial Cooperation with Member Countries in Abuja on November 14, this year.[myad]
The Acting Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategy Study (NIPS) in Kuru Jos, Plateau state, Jonathan Mela Juma, has lamented that the Institute is facing a lot of legal challenges from many of those it is owing money. The Director General, who led participants of the Course 39 of the Institute to have a parley with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, today, Friday, emphasised that the Institute has been operating below its envisaged capacity due to funding challenges. “In spite of the facts that we have looked inwards and appealed to corporate organizations, we are still living with constant threats of litigations from our creditors for services offered to the Institute.” He said that NIPSS was conceived by the founding fathers to serve as a think tank and a center of excellence for executive training. According to him, the Institute is expected to develop a top class technocrats of high intellectual capacity who will conceptualize and ensure the implementation of innovative and dynamic policy initiatives and strategies critical for the realization of our national development aspirations. “Since 1979, the Institute has produced a total of 1,914 top level policy strategy experts whose positive contributions in various aspects of our national lives cannot be easily quantified. “In 2017, a total of 66 participants were carefully selected after a rigorous screening process. “The participants undertook study tours of 12 states in Nigeria, 6 countries within Africa and 6 outside Africa, to understand of the roles of STIs in developing agriculture and Argo allied industries.” Jonathan Mela expressed gratitude to President Buhari for his support, which he said, is a clear manifestation of his zeal to ensure that Nigeria is at per with most developed nations of the world. “We are encouraged by this support and are determined to improve on our vigour in stimulating and training visionary leaders and change agents who will be the vanguard in the drive for a new era in Nigeria: a new era of self reliance, sustainable peace and prosperity.”[myad]
“In the first two decades of this century, we have seen significant shifts across the globe. Whether it is in security, trade, technology, global warming or population demographics, the world has truly changed.” President Muhammadu Buhari, who made these observations when he parley with participants of Course 39 from the National Institute for Policy and Strategy Study (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos, Plateau State, said that Nigeria should not be isolated from these trends. “We are doing our best to respond to these changes. But we cannot be comfortable with just being a passive nation. We must be proactive.” The President recalled that a year ago, during his interaction with the Participants of the Senior Executive Course No.38, he tasked the Management of the National Institute with the responsibility of looking at Science, Technology and Innovation for the Development of Agriculture and Agro-Allied Industries.” He expressed satisfaction that the proposal he made then had been adopted as the theme for Senior Executive Course 39. “The National Institute was created as a policy formation center where senior Nigerians from all segments of society work together with the common goal of making Nigeria better. “I am pleased that the Participants of Course 39 focused on how Nigeria can address its Food Security Challenges leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation. “I have listened attentively to the presentation by the Course Participants and I am glad that the findings and policy recommendations are apt and implementable. “As I mentioned in my budget speech just 2 weeks ago, “only tailored Nigerian solutions can fix Nigeria’s unique problems”. I am proud to say your report is in agreement with that.” President Buhari said that Nigeria is currently recording significant successes in Agriculture and food security, adding: “however, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must develop strategies to sustain this momentum.” He assured them that the economic management team of his government would carefully study the report which the guests submitted to him with a view to working towards implementing its recommendations. He said that his government will also continue to address the challenges of the National Institute in both infrastructure and manpower for improved performance.[myad]
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters has indicated that a special Presidential panel has been set up to look into the circumstances that led to the death of 26 teenage Nigerian migrant girls in the Mediterranean early this month, November. A Presidency source told our reporter today, Friday, that the insinuation in some quarters that the government of Muhammadu Buhari had refused to reacted to the death of the girls, believed to have drowned at sea is not true. The source said that the panel, headed by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the federation, Abubakar Malami, has as its members, ministers of Women Affairs, Youths, Foreign Affairs; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora. It was learnt that the ministry of Foreign Affairs has been closely following the development and has been briefing the Presidency on a regular basis since the tragic incident came to limelight. The source said that the government panel would also examine the reports of incidents of the sale of Nigerian citizens through slavery and report to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) within a week. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, has since confirmed the setting up of what he called ‘Cabinet Committee’ on the matter.[myad]
How time flies. Only a few months ago, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose was so sure that President Muhammadu Buhari would die in London where he spent weeks receiving medical attention for health challenges. Fayose bubbled and babbled that Buhari was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a London hospital which he did not name. But he posted a picture and video of himself standing on the corridor of the purported hospital, claiming that Buhari was inside there in ICU. He was short of saying that Nigerians should start mourning him. However, strangely, today, yesterday to be specific, the same Fayose is singing a different song, since it became obvious that his wish, for Buhari to die had been over-turned by God, Who gives life when He will and takes it when He will. As a matter of fact, a seemingly confused Fayose now grieved openly that President Buhari, who returned to Nigeria over a month ago, looking more agile, robust and ready to do any Presidential duty, did not send him a birthday greeting, as he clocked 57. Yours sincerely is 58 in December. Hear Governor Fayose: “my wishes on my 57th birthday as Ayo Fayose are many, but one of them which will interest you is that I wish President Buhari’s congratulatory call would have woken me up today (November 15), as one of the governors in the country and as a leading opposition figure in the country: a fearless young man who believes that things should be done rightly. “I expect the president to show himself as a father of all, preaching that we must extend love to everybody – not only those in his political party. “The president would have made a difference if he had extended such gesture to others beyond his political party. Such a congratulatory message should have been conveyed through his Minister of Information (Lai Muhammad). I would have loved to either wake up receiving a congratulatory call from him or read it in the papers. But since it is not coming, it is not a big deal to me and I take no offence on it. “I am not Buhari’s enemy. Opposition is the strength of democracy, it ensures that the electorate get value for their votes. Those who criticise your government are not your enemies, they are catalysts to your growth as a government.” The Ekiti governor is just trying to play some kind of smart game, by eating his cake and wants to have it. Indeed, I don’t see anything about him being a fearless young man: what I have been able to piece together about Fayose, is that he is a careless middle-age man who had lost any form of respect to power, in which he is well drenched. It is good to know that even the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo once said that you are either his friend or his enemy; that he didn’t recognise a man in the middle. Yes, Buhari, being a Muslim whose belief in destiny, as enshrined in the Islamic Holy Book, is very strong, might have, as it were, ignored all the infantile negative imputations on him by Fayose, but, wouldn’t it have been a joke carried too far for the President to be congratulating every governor on his birthday? If the President had embarked on that trivial pastime, surely, Fayose and his fellow travellers, would have come up with accusation that he, the President has no serious thing doing to cleanse the Augean stables that have ruined this country for a very long time. And, for Fayose, every insult he threw at Buhari and the people who are unfortunate to come from the North, was pinned to the concept of opposition and opposition politics. In any case, what has birthday got to do with good governance for which the President would be congratulating governor Fayose, and perhaps, all other governors every now and then? And, in the side of the country where Fayose hold sway, does ghost congratulate the living? [myad]
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has made it clear that at no time he ordered the withdrawal of security aides to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state. He said that instead, he had ensured that the governor is well protected by giving him and his government a total of 221 police personnel. A statement by the spokesman of the Force, Jimoh Moshood, said that the true position of the matter is that the Aide-De-Camp or any other Police Officer attached to governor Obiano was not withdrawn. The statement said that the governor’s ADC and CSO (Chief Security Officer) were on November 14, called to the Police Command Headquarters in Awka to attend IGP’s lecture with all other Police Personnel deployed for the Election, which was also attended by the Heads of other Security and Safety Agencies participating in the security arrangement for the election under the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). It said that the governor’s ADC and CSO returned few hours later after the lecture on the same date, to their duty posts in Government House, Awka, Anambra State. “Though, the Anambra State Police Command had issued a Press Statement to clarify the reasons why the ADC and CSO to the Governor were called to the command headquarters in Awka for the lecture and that they were not withdrawn, it is also pertinent to set the record straight and inform the Public and re-emphasize the fact that the ADC and CSO to the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano were not withdrawn from their duty posts. “For avoidance of doubt, a total number of Two Hundred and Twenty One (221) Police Officers and Men including the ADC and CSO are currently attached to the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano for his personal and office protection. “The breakdown is as follows: i. One (1) ADC (SPO) ii One (1) CSO (SPO) iii. One (1) Unit Commander (SPO) from 45 PMF iv. One (1) Admin Officer (SPO) to administer the Police Personnel v. 43 Personnel of Police Mobile Force (PMF) – from 29PMF & 54PMF vi. 62 Personnel of Police Mobile Force (PMF) – from 45PMF vii. 46 Personnel of Special Protection Unit (SPU) viii. 66 Personnel of Conventional Police Men Total: 221 “Obviously, the total number of Two Hundred and Twenty One (221) Police Personnel attached to His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State is more than the strength of some Police Area Commands in some States of the Country. This is done to ensure optimum safety and protection of the Executive Governor of Anambra State. “Consequently, members of the Public and the good people of Anambra State are implored to disregard the media report that the Aide-De –Camp to the Governor of Anambra State was withdrawn.” The statement said that the security arrangement currently being implemented by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a conducive atmosphere for a credible, free and fair Gubernatorial Election scheduled for. November 18 will not be compromised and will cover the protection of all the flag bearers of the 37 Political parties participating in the election. The police vowed that it will ensure adequate protection of the electorates, INEC Officials, election observers/Monitors, electoral materials and the general populace before, during and after the election.[myad]
Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi T. Umar has announced the state government is currently reviewing the cases of those who have been in detention for the past 13 years without having their sentences of mostly stoning to death and amputation of limbs under the sharia legal system executed. The Chief Judge, who received in audience, the Controller of Prisons, Bauchi State Command, CP Sulaiman T Sulaiman, said that a team of lawyers are already studying their cases with a view to fashioning out appropriate legal avenues that will bring to an end their prolonged incarceration. The Chief Judge said that she is aware of the increasing number of such cases in the state Prisons, adding that some of them have already spent over 13 years without having their sentences executed. Justice Rabi Umar said that she will soon meet the State Governor on the matter even as she expressed satisfaction for the good working relationship between the Nigerian Prisons Service and the State judiciary. She said that before the end of 2017, she will visit the Prisons in the state as her third quarter jail delivery exercise. Earlier, the Controller had said that there are ten inmates with cases of amputation and six others on death row by stoning languishing in the Prisons for more than a decade. He said that he has since written to the Bauchi State Governor, drawing his attention to the plight of the affected inmates, hoping that their cases will soon be determined. The Controller of Prisons applauded the State Chief Judge for her frequent visits to Prisons in the state through the administration of Criminal Justice committee. He said that the committee is helping the prisons towards inmates decongestion.[myad]
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has graduated four young fighter pilots from its 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS) Kano, as part of the build up to eliminate Boko Haram insurgents and other security challenges in the country. The young pilots had earlier completed Basic Flying Course in the United Kingdom and are prepared fully to join in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, cattle rustling in the North West and other forms of criminalities. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented at the graduation ceremony by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Christopher Okoye, said that today, most of the pilots flying NAF platforms, including the C-130 aircraft, are flight lieutenants and flying officers. The CAS said that following extensive training, platform acquisition and reactivation of grounded aircraft fleet, the NAF could more satisfactorily fulfil its statutory roles across the broad spectrum of national air power tasks. Air Marshal Abubakar said that some of the NAF’s L-39ZA aircraft had been modified into combat aircraft, as part of efforts to enhance the combat readiness of the NAF. “The rebuilding process continues to further enhance our manpower capacity as well as status of the NAF fleet. “This achievement could not have been possible without the continuous support of the Federal Government.” He charged the graduating fighter pilots to be selfless as they get set to start discharging their services to the country and the NAF. “This is a day to feel proud and to congratulate yourselves on your hard work and achievements. However, it also presents a time when you must begin to prepare yourselves to justify the efforts and resources expended on your training up to this stage. “Remember to whom much is given much is expected. Therefore, as you assume your next responsibilities in the NAF as operational pilots, there is a demand on you to reflect the quality of training received both at home and abroad.” Highlights of the ceremony included an aerial display by instructor and graduating pilots while those who distinguished themselves on the Jet Training Course in various categories were honoured. It could be recalled that the NAF only recently, graduated 16 ab-initio student pilots, including two female cadets from 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna. The decision of the CAS, on assumption of office, to make capacity building the focus of his administration, is certainly yielding good fruits, as the NAF increasingly becomes more robust and combat ready. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari in a hand shake with APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has confessed that the Muhammadu Buhari’s government has not won the war against large scale corruption in the country. “I would be lying if I said the war against large-scale corruption has been won.” Tinubu, who delivered a key-note address at the launching of a book written by the three Presidential spokes men, Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu and Laolu Akande at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, acknowledged however that President Buhari has set out to root out the dangerous phenomenon. “It will take time and countless swings of the axe to fall such a deeply-rooted tree. But try we must. This is what the President is doing. “Gone are the times when a minister can pilfer billions of dollars as easy as plucking a piece of candy from the table.” The APC leader said that the previous government used the public treasury “as a private hedge fund or a charity that limited its giving only to themselves. “So much money grew feet and ran away faster than Usain Bolt ever could. That which could have been spent on national development was squandered in ways that would cause the devil to blush. “One minister and her rogues’ gallery picked the pocket of this nation for billions of dollars. While poor at governance, these people could give a master thief lessons in the sleight of hand. In governance, they earned a red card but in the corruption, they won the gold medal. “It was not that our institutions had become infected by corruption. Corruption had become institutionalized.” “We have much to do to combat this disease. Not only must we track down the takers. In the long term, we must review the salaries of public servants and create universal credits for our people to reduce temptation. “We must also take greater care by placing people of character, competence and goodness into key positions. When they fail, they must be removed without remorse or favor. “Unlike its predecessor, this government has demonstrated the will to walk this path. While this might not cause much fanfare or celebration, this cleanses the institutions upon which a nation’s wellbeing is founded with a future assured.” Asiwaju Tinubu said that the economy had remained the nation’s biggest long-term challenge. “The prior government operated during times of plenty. The opposite is the case now. Sadly, that plenty was stolen or directed toward policies of no lasting consequence to the average Nigerian save to compel them to say another opportunity had been wasted. “Through no fault of its own, this administration had to grapple with a rapid fall in oil prices. “That fall brought recession and collapsed our exchange rate regime. More fundamentally, it showed that the very economic model upon which this nation operated was outmoded and flawed. Unfortunately the past administration did nothing to re-calibrate the economy. “With fewer resources at hand, this government is compelled to do more. It must respond to immediate needs in a way that leads to long-term economic reform. “This will be a complex journey. This government has taken the first steps in the right direction. “We are inching out of recession. The exchange rate has stabilized. Internationally, we are seen as on the mend and have been recognized for making significant progress in the ease of doing business.” Tinubu, who was the former Lagos State governor, said that the election of president Buhari in 2015, had an air of inevitability to it. “Despite the odds arrayed against him, the sovereign will of the people lifted him to victory. “He is truly the right man for this time and place.” He said that he is happy with the publication of the book, with the just and appropriate title: Making Steady, Sustainable Progress for Nigeria’s Peace and Security. “The president’s media team, Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu and Laolu Akande, worked with the various ministries to assemble this comprehensive, objective catalogue of the work this government has done. “This book is a good account of the work this government has accomplished to date.”
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President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his sympathy to the leaders and people of Iran over the devastating earthquake which struck the western province of Kermanshah recently, causing the death of hundreds and injury to thousands.
[myad]
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters has indicated that a special Presidential panel has been set up to look into the circumstances that led to the death of 26 teenage Nigerian migrant girls in the Mediterranean early this month, November.
Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi T. Umar has announced the state government is currently reviewing the cases of those who have been in detention for the past 13 years without having their sentences of mostly stoning to death and amputation of limbs under the sharia legal system executed.
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has graduated four young fighter pilots from its 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS) Kano, as part of the build up to eliminate Boko Haram insurgents and other security challenges in the country.
There Are Still Wise Men In The East, By Femi Adesina
There is a lot to say on the significance of each gift item, but that is not the purpose of the writing today. Maybe, another day, as the need arises. What we need from that nativity story is that the wise men came all the way from the East, following a star that led them to Bethlehem. In our country Nigeria, we have the geo-political zone called the South-east, and wise men still come from there. In plenty numbers. This week, it was brought out in bold relief.
President Muhammadu Buhari was in two states of the South-east on Tuesday and Wednesday, and what a delightsome, myth-shattering visit it has become. It is one visit that has torpedoed the negative narrative deliberately conjured by some mischief makers over the years, that President Buhari does not like people from the East, and neither do the people like him.
Now, that assertion is fiction, pure apocryphal, conjured and concocted by some people to serve narrow political ends. In his first shot at the presidency in 2003, who was Buhari’s running mate? Dr Chuba Okadigbo. Where did he come from? Ogbunike, town of the famous cave, in the South-east. And in 2007, candidate Buhari looked towards the East again. He picked Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic, as running mate. And in 2011, I remember very clearly. Buhari was on the march again, and needed a running mate. Socio-political leadership of the South-east forbade any of its sons from being running mate to anyone. Their candidate, they said, was Goodluck Jonathan, who then was completing the term of Umaru Yar’Adua. So, Buhari looked westward, and picked the cleric, Tunde Bakare. But did he demonstrate any animus towards the East? Not at all.
In 2015, the man, easily the most colourful politician, greatest crowd puller of this season in Nigeria, threw his hat into the ring again. The East was still in bed with Jonathan, completely besotted, vowing to swim or sink with their brother, Ebele Azikiwe.
Buhari looked westward again, picked Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as running mate. A large part of the East was dug in, not minding to play what may be called ‘poor politics’ in the process. When the dust of the elections settled, Jonathan was holding the shorter end of the stick. Buhari coasted to the presidency, but the entire East had given him just about 180,000 votes, less than what some local councils gave in other parts of the country. To make matters worse, the East had refused to re-elect its own son, Dr Chris Ngige, as senator. If Ngige had been given a mandate, he would have effortlessly emerged Senate President, and see what the region would have benefitted. But the large number opted for self-immolation, voted Ngige out, and later began to scream marginalization. But if you ask me, it was a self-inflicted wound. Result of poor politics.
That was the background that some people twisted, and used to paint the scenario that President Buhari does not like the South-east.
But happily, there had been voices of reason from the region, pre-2015 presidential election. The Ralph Obiohas, Chris Ngiges, Festus Odimegwus, Fr. Ejike Mbakas, Orji Uzor Kalus, Osita Okechukwus, J.C Ojukwus, and many others, had warned their people not to put their eggs in one basket. And they have turned out to be wise men, being joined today by thousands of other wise people.
You know what the mistakes of 2015 did to Ndigbo? It consigned them to perpetual opposition politics, playing in the periphery. For such an illustrious and enterprising people, that was unfortunate, if not tragic. If they continued that way, there was no silver lining in the sky for the future. Nigeria is configured in a way that the person who builds the largest coalition is the one who can emerge President. The Igbo should naturally produce the President one day, that is what fairness demands. But how would that ever happen, if they continued to play poor politics? If you continue to swim in small pools, you stand the risk of being submerged in bigger waters. But now, things are changing. The wise men are making a difference.
Back to Ebonyi, the famed Salt of the Nation, where we arrived last Tuesday. Governor Dave Umahi is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and he is also Igbo. If he were to play narrow politics, he should have nothing to do with President Buhari. But the Ebonyi State helmsman has proven himself a wise man from the East. He has cultivated a good relationship with the President, and achieved the feat of being the first state in the South-east to host the President on a State Visit. President Buhari consented to the visit, thus showing him to be a pan-Nigerian leader, true father of the nation. If overriding sentiments had prevailed, then the President would not have chosen a state controlled by the opposition PDP for his visit, and definitely, not a state in a ‘hostile region.’ But not President Buhari, who has always maintained that no part of the country would be treated unfairly under his watch.
Landing at Enugu airport, before proceeding to Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, by chopper, was the first breath of fresh air. The airport was gaily decorated, with banners, billboards and posters of the President and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, who was also on hand to receive the President. He is also of the PDP, but a wise man from the East. You don’t play the politics that shuts you out of the national grid, lest you get sentenced to perpetual half current, or no current at all. The reception at Enugu airport, and , indeed, in all the places we visited, Abakaliki and Awka, would make you relish and savour the aroma of brotherhood and national cohesion.
Before the visit, there had been attempt by those behind negative narratives, to frighten the President away. They forgot he was a General, and such people don’t scare easily. However, the reception and applause all round gave a true picture of what subsists in the country. This is a President widely and massively loved-in the North, the South, East and West.
Not only is Gov Dave Umahi a wise man from the East, the royal fathers in his state are of the same mind. They gave President Buhari the traditional title of Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi, meaning Trustworthy Friend of Ebonyis. Commendable.
Also joining the train of wisdom, are the traditional rulers of South-east, as a body. They gave the President the title Ochioha Ndigbo, meaning Leader of Igbo People. I tell you, this is the way to build a cohesive nation, promote brotherliness, and guarantee fairness and equity, rather than the poor politics of the past. More than at any other time, the wise men from the East have given a handshake across the Niger, and only the future will show the positive impact of that initiative.
Former Ebonyi State governor, Sam Egwu, immediate past governor, Martin Elechi, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Culture Minister, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, former senator, Julius Ucha, and many others, were part of the healing process in the East. Ogbuewu said President Buhari, by the visit, had proven that he was not truly for some people, but for all Nigerians. Egwu, on his part, disclosed that Gov Umahi had charged those of them currently in the National Assembly from Ebonyi, to always give support to policies of the Federal Government, despite belonging to different political parties. That’s the way to go.
The traditional rulers of the South-east, through their leader, Eze Eberechi Dick, commended the President for fighting insecurity, for fighting corruption, promoting agriculture, and generally bringing hope of a better future.
“You are a great leader. We love you so much. We are solidly behind you,” the monarch said.
Trust the President to throw in a wisecrack. After being decorated with the paraphernalia of chieftaincy, he said:”I will tell my personal photographer to frame the picture, and I will put it in my sitting room in Daura, where I will eventually end up.” That’s a man who knows the transience of power and official positions. East or West, home is the best. Daura would always be home.
When the President entered the township stadium in Abakaliki, the applause was inspiring. One was tempted to ask, is this not in the South-east, where they say they don’t like Buhari? The same thing was to repeat itself in Awka, when the President entered the Alex Ekwueme Square, where the campaign for Anambra governorship holding this Saturday was being concluded. It was applause all the way, signposting the fact that the East was ready to jettison poor politics, and return to the mainstream. It was a roll call of who is who in Nigerian politics from the South-east, who have now teamed up with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Emeka Ojukwu junior, son of Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who used the occasion to publicly join the APC, summed it all up, by pointing out that when his father came back from exile in the early 1980s, he did not join a regional party, but opted for a national one. He concluded: “It is time to stop operating in the periphery. It is time to leave the shadows for light.” Home truth for all Nigerians, and for Ndigbo particularly, if you ask me.
There is no way you can tell the Igbos not to aspire for presidency of Nigeria at a time in future. It will be contrary to fairness and justice. But then, the region must start playing astute politics. It must leave the shadows for light. It must sustain the hand of fellowship it has extended to the rest of the country, as shown in the warm reception for the President in Ebonyi and Anambra states. Wise men abound in that region, I say again.
During the reception in Ebonyi, Gov Umahi announced a gift of 2,000 bags of rice, 2,000 tubers of yam, and a white horse for the President. I saw the Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi open his mouth in amazement. While thanking his host for the gift, he promised to send the cargo to Daura, his hometown, for the people to share. Trust me, I told Mohammed Sarki Abba, the President’s senior aide, seated beside me: “I’ll ask Mr President for 50 of those bags of rice, before you send them to Daura. I’ll then distribute them to my own friends in the name of Ochioha Ndigbo.”
And that’s exactly what I’ll do. The Enyioma 1 would surely oblige. Lol.
.Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari[myad]