National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said the immediate past leadership of the country were in the habit of sharing what he called ‘a huge chunk’ of the nation’s budget annually, leaving the country in poverty.
In a statement yesterday, Lai Mohammed, asked patriotic Nigerians, including the impoverished workers and the Civil Society who have declared open support for the anti-corruption war being planned by Muhammadu Buhari administration to stand up firmly against corruption.
The party’s national spokesman said that Nigerian workers’ unambiguous stand against corruption is also a clear repudiation of all those who have attempted to politicize the battle either by insinuating selectivity or saying the government should face governance instead of dwelling on the fight against corruption.
”Thursday’s nationwide demonstrations by Nigerian workers and the Civil Society in support of the anti-corruption battle is the clearest indication yet that corruption is now seen for what it is, a vice to be condemned and punished rather than something to be venerated and celebrated. The growing intolerance for corruption among Nigerians is also a clear example of what a nation can achieve under a committed, sincere, purposeful and focused leadership.”
Lai Mohammed said that the cankerworm of corruption that had eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society was the main reason why millions of unemployed youths cannot get jobs, why hospitals lack necessary equipment and medicines, why infrastructural deficit is worsening and why social services are almost non-existent, just to mention a few.
”A huge chunk of the billions of Naira budgeted annually for all sectors of the economy end up in private pockets. Little wonder then that the economy has been in the doldrums over the years, despite the trillions of Naira earned by the country from crude oil sales alone.
“It is, therefore, baffling that some people, for whatever reasons, have decided to engage in sophistry in their attempt to distract the government from combating graft. Thursday’s nationwide anti-graft rally by Nigerian workers and the Civil Society has shown that Nigerians are not buying such fallacy.”
The party’s spokesman recalled the promise made by President Buhari in his inaugural speech on 29 May 2015, that his Administration would tackle head on the serious challenges facing the country, including insecurity and pervasive corruption, and appealed to all Nigerians to continue to give their unalloyed support to the Administration in its determination to surmount the challenges. [myad]
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) e-Membership Registration Committee, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has said that leadership of the party are now rebranding it in order to conform with global best practice of political participation.
The chairman who spoke during the official inauguration of the party’s electronic registration in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday, said that the current leadership are not drifting from the ideals of the founding fathers, but that part of the objectives of the project was to return the party to its members, many of whom belonged to the younger generation and were attuned to the modern ways of doing things.
“This is the age of the social media, not even the traditional media. The people that are going to be voters, they don’t go and watch television; they don’t listen to the radio. They are just busy on their social media and it is what somebody posts, true or false, that is what he knows.
“So, you can say on your TV 1,000 and one things; the younger ones don’t have access to it. And if you say you must return the party to these younger ones, you must be in the position to lead them. And the surest way you can lead them is through the biometric registration, to be able to have their contacts and be able to interact with them.”
Dokpesi also noted that a critical part of the biometric registration, which was being managed by an IT firm, E-connect Technologies Limited, was to eliminate the challenge of godfatherism or sponsorship of the party by a few during electioneering campaigns, as each member can contribute funds to the party by virtue of his or her membership. [myad]
There are indications that the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) will soon bring to an end the 25 year old feud and fictionalization that have derailed the church activities.
According to the President of the General Executive Council of church, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, the leadership crisis rocking the church will soon end as his own faction was ready to reconcile with the Supreme Council faction.
He saID that the General Executive Council, which he headed, had selected five elders to meet with the representatives of the Supreme Council to hold a reconciliation meeting in a bid to unite the two factions and end the 25-year lingering crisis.
The Pastor, who addressed newsmen at Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, after the Ikeji 1 Pastors’ Conference, blamed some leaders in the church whom he accused of being benefiting from the crisis, alleging that they were the ones thwarting the process of reconciliation and frustrating all the efforts to bring unity back into the church.
“They are blaming us that we are the ones that did not give way for reconciliation, which is not true. They said we should bring five people to meet their own five people to deliberate on the way forward. Our own five elders are ready but we did not see their own. So we are ready for reconciliation to move the church forward.
“At this year’s conference, we initially thought we are going to do it together but unfortunately, we did not see them. They are saying we are not ready before but now we are ready for unity, they are the ones that are not ready for true reconciliation.” [myad]
Save the Children, an international None Governmental Organisation (NGO) has promised to train 5,000 health care workers in Kaduna, Lagos and Gombe states to improve the quality of health care delivery.
The NGO’s Coordinator in Kaduna State, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, made this known in Kaduna during the inaugural meeting of the project tagged: “Improving Health Workers Capacity in Nigeria”.
Hajiya Aisha said that out of the figure, 1,900 beneficiaries would be selected from Lagos while 1,550 each would benefit in Kaduna and Gombe states.
According to her, the aim is to improve access to life saving health care by building capacity of frontline health workers to deliver quality services to address infant and child mortality.
She said that the training would be conducted with funds from Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK), with focus on improving the skills of health care workers in areas with highest skilled gaps.
Save the children, an international NGO with presence in Nigeria since 2001, has recently access funds from Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) to support the government of Kaduna, Lagos and Gombe states. [myad]
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)) has revealed that no fewer than 93 million Nigerians were, by July this year, using internet on the country’s telecom networks.
The commission made this known in its Monthly Internet Subscriber Data. The data revealed that internet users on both the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and the Code Division Multiple Access networks (CDMA) increased to about 735,239 in July.
It was gathered that the number of subscribers that surf the internet in June was 92,816,572 but increased to 93,551,811 in the month of July. The data shows that of the 93,551,811 internet users in July, 93,403,147 were on GSM networks, while 148,664 users were on the CDMA.
Of the 93,403,147 internet users on the GSM networks in the month under review, MTN Nigeria had 41,101,886 customers browsing the internet on its network.
The report shows that MTN had an increase of 616,216 internet subscribers in July after it recorded 40,485,670 users in the month of June whereas Globacom had 19,330,549 subscribers surfing the net in July as recorded in June.
Airtel Nigeria, it said, had 17,605,852 internet users in the month of July, as against 17,598,626 customers recorded in June.
Internet users on the Airtel Nigeria network increased by 7,226 in July, even as Etisalat had 15,393,860 internet users in July against the 15,285,079 in June.
Those browsing on Etisalat’s network also rose by 108,781 in the month of July.
The NCC also revealed that the CDMA operators (Multi-Links and Visafone), had a joint total of 148,664 internet users on their networks in July.
It showed that the only surviving two CDMA networks in the country listed an increase of 33,016 internet subscribers in the month under review, from the 115,648 users they recorded in June.
Visafone had an increase of 32,980 customers surfing the internet in July, rising to 148,461, compared to the 115,481 users in June.
Multi-Links had 203 internet users in July, adding 38 customers from the June record of 165 users.
It explained that the increase in the use of the internet in the month of July showed that more Nigerians were embracing ICT.
NCC noted that the country was making progress towards achieving 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018. [myad]
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has promised to donate a total of N200 million for the renovation of the Ogida Police barracks, Egor Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor, who announced this yesterday night at a reception organised in honour of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, called on the Federal Government to renovate police barracks across the country.
He said that the barracks would be renovated with red roofs, beautiful floor tiles and other facilities that the police officers and their families would be proud of.
Oshiomhole, who commended the police chief for demonstrating professionalism in the 2015 general elections, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was laying a foundation to strengthen institutions in the country, in order to ensure merit in the promotion of public officers, rather than ethnic bias.
“The IG has the will to rebuild the Nigerian Police in a way that Nigerians will be proud. The Nigeria Police is the most misunderstood institution. My happiness is that men and women in uniform can now do their jobs without fear or favour.”
In his remarks, Arase said the security agency would not relent in its effort to check insecurity including cultism in the country.
He, however, called for more support in the area of logistics for the police.
“I will continue to deal with them (cultists) and harass them. Nobody in Edo, no matter how highly placed, can abridge the interest of the state.
“Developmental partners cannot come without security; all of you who have interest should not engage in things that will disrupt investment in the state. The Commissioner of Police has been given a clear directive on what to do.” [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sympathy to Saudi Arabian King Salman, the people of Saudi Arabia and the worldwide Islamic community over the tragic loss of lives in yesterday’s crane collapse at the Grand Mosque of Mecca.
The President, in a statement by senior special assistant to him on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that President Buhari has directed the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to closely monitor developments and take necessary action to ensure the security and well-being of all Nigerian pilgrims.
This is as the details of the deaths and injuries sustained in the unfortunate incident are still unfolding as at press time.
The President advised Nigerians to pray for the continued safety of their compatriots who are currently in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj even as he prayed to Allah to receive the souls of those killed in the incident and grant the injured speedy recovery. [myad]
Nigeria Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has regretted that the vibrant North which the founding fathers built with a lot of commitment has been brought backward as a result of self serving later day leaders. “While the Northern States occupy about 70% of the land mass of the country, they also have the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the country, the lowest rate of child enrolment in schools, highest number of unemployed young people, highest levels of poverty and faces the challenge of inter-ethic and inter-religious conflict, including the Boko Haram terrorism.” Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today at the opening of Northern Reawakening Forum (NRF) Summit at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, recalled that Nigerian founding fathers in the North, such as Sir Ahamu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto; Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Mallam Aminu Kano, J. S. Tarka and countless others, clearly understood the varied issues afflicting the region and laid the plans and worked selflessly to realize them. “Our history reminds us of the visionary leaders in Nigeria who fired our imagination through their vision, diligence and selfless service; who did not live or fight to enrich themselves. They did not leave vast personal estates behind, but their names and legacies live in the hearts of the people.” Vice President Osinbajo, who asked leaders to aspire to win the people’s heart rather than enrich themselves with state resources, applauded the theme of the Summit: “Building a Safe, Secure and Economically Inclusive Northern Nigeria.” According to him, in the 19 States of the North Nigeria, the human development indices are by far poorer than the rest of the country. The Vice President recalled that the Northern Nigerian Economic Summit of 2012 was the first fora to draw attention to some of the depressing statistics about the condition of the North. Based on the conclusions of the Summit, he said, the North had some of the largest numbers of the out-of-school figures in the world, expressing optimism that as dismal as some of these conditions might be, “it does not have to define our future or that of our children.” He commended the planners of the Summit for not shying away from the tough issues – “from the girl-child education to the Alma-Jiri system, from women empowerment to the economic viability of states, from an immediate Marshal plan-like attempt at addressing the areas in conflict to how to create cooperation between states and stakeholders.” The Vice President gave assurance that the Federal Government is committed to action on all issues that affect the life of Nigerians in any part of the country, and that the Buhari Administration has been very active in interventions in the North East, due to the immediacy of the crisis in that axis of the nation. He expressed the need for short term strategy of immediate hardship alleviation as well as a long term plan to build the infrastructure that most closely affects the economic life of the most vulnerable citizens. He also stressed the need for the building of institutions that would make more of an impact in the years to come and beyond. Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia had said that discussions at the Summit would help in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the North, adding that the 2013 World Bank Report had shown that the North has the highest poverty index in the country, which the Forum seeks to redress. The Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Alhaji Kashim Shettima who is also the Governor of Borno State, said that the best way to address the backwardness and poverty in the North is to return to agriculture and agro-allied industry as well as creative ventures in region. He stressed the need for a paradigm shift from elite nature of the North to embrace the poor segment of the region. [myad]
Lawmakers in California, the United States of America, have passed a bill virtually legalizing suicide. The bill allows terminally ill patients to legally end their lives.
The bill is however facing an uncertain future with Governor Jerry Brown, a former Jesuit seminarian who has not said whether or not he will sign it.
Senators approved the bill on a 23-14 vote after an emotional debate on the final day of the legislative session. The bill was passed earlier this week in the state’s House of Representatives.
One of the bill’s co-authors, Senator Lois Wolk said the bill seeks to “eliminate the needless pain and the long suffering of those who are dying,” even as opponents said the measure could prompt premature suicides.
The R-Rosevelle Senator, Ted Gaines said: “I’m not going to push the old or the weak out of this world, and I think that could be the unintended consequence of this legislation.”
The measure to allow doctors to prescribe life-ending medication succeeded on its second attempt after the heavily publicized case of Brittany Maynard. The 29-year-old California woman with brain cancer moved to Oregon to legally take her life.
Her relatives watched in tears the debate from the Senate floor, while supporters lined the Senate balcony.
A previous version passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly until lawmakers there took it up in a special legislative session. The move to bypass the usual process drew criticism from the governor.
The revised measure includes requirements that the patient be physically capable of taking the medication themselves, that two doctors approve it, that the patient submit several written requests, and that there be two witnesses.
Doctors in Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana already can prescribe life-ending drugs. [myad]
Since May 29th when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) handed over power as President to Muhammadu Buhari of the erstwhile opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), many Nigerians have been asking, where have Jonathan’s ministers gone to and what are they doing now?
It has been discovered that while some of the ministers have returned to their first love – business, classroom, farming and politics, others who cannot stay out of public office have taken up appointments in their states. Here are the whereabouts of some the Jonathan’s ministers
AkinwumiAdesina
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is the immediate past Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Ogun State-born technocrat was on May 28 elected the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). His tenure at the AfDB begins on September 1. Adesina will become the eight presidents in the history of AfDB and the first Nigerian to hold the position.
Before his appointment in 2010 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, he was Vice President of Policy and Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). During his tenure as Nigeria’s minister, Adesina brought to bear his rich background in agricultural economics research and practice in reforming the sector.
He was reputed for dismantling the corruption and racketeering in fertiliser distribution. His policies and programmes in the agriculture sector were aimed at ensuring food security and diversifying the nation’s economy from dependence on oil.
Adesina’s acclaimed record of performance probably informed why both the Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration and current President Muhammadu Buhariled All Progressives Congress (APC) rallied round to ensure his victory for the AfDB job.
Diezani Alison- Madueke
Perhaps the most popular minister in ex-President Jonathan’s government was Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. Before her appointment as the first female to preside over the most coveted Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the former employee of Shell held sway as Minister of Transportation and later, Mines and Steel Development between July 2007 and May 2015.
As Minister of Transportation, she was in June 2008 subjected to a Senate probe after it emerged that she had paid N30.9 billion to contractors between December 26 and 31, 2007. In October 2009, the Senate recommended her prosecution for alleged transfer of N1.2 billion into the private account of a company without due process and in breach of concession agreement.
All these allegations were later dwarfed by fresh allegations that emerged when she became the Minister of Petroleum Resources. She was alleged to have spent billions of naira inappropriately on private jets. There were several other allegations of financial malfeasance against her, including crude swap deal.
Since the exit of Jonathan from government, Alison-Madueke has not been seen in the public. The only report about her was that she is facing serious health challenge and that she has relocated to the United Kingdom. In the days ahead, the former minister may be subject of probe as any investigation in the oil and gas sector will definitely requires her attention.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The most visible and vocal minister in the immediate past administration of President Jonathan was Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. Regarded by many as Nigeria’s unofficial Prime Minister due to enormous influence she wielded in the Jonathan administration, Okonjo-Iweala is currently in the eye of the storm over policies and financial disbursements such as the controversial withdrawal of $2.1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).
Unlike her first tenure as Minister of Finance under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo when she returned to the World Bank and got elevated from her previous position of Vice-President to the bank’s Managing Directors, Okonjo- Iweala, New Telegraph learnt, is idling away at the moment.
Sources close to the former minister said since her return from a brief visit to the United States, she has been giving her media team a regular briefing on how to respond to the avalanche of attacks coming her direction.
Kenneth Kobani
The immediate past Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Kenneth Kobani, is a career politician. He enjoys the support of his people in Ogoniland. Kobani served as commissioner for finance during the administration of former Governor Peter Odili in Rivers State, and appeared to have gone into political oblivion, before he aligned with the then Minister of State for Education, Nyesome Wike, to chart a new political course for Rivers State.
Wike, who is now governor of the state, has appointed him as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This, to critics, is more of a demotion.
Bala Mohammed
Immediate past Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed appears to have gone under since the defeat of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections and the exit of his erstwhile boss, Jonathan, after May 29. He has not been seen in public functions or heard since the APC tsunami swept his party away.
But those in the know about the plans and workings of the Alkaleri-born politician believe that he is gunning for the party’s national chairmanship. He is currently warming up for the vacant position, though with five others. Others who are jostling for the job are Prof. Ahmed Alkali, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Jonathan; former Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jalo Abdullahi. Bala may eventually emerge as PDP National Chairman as it was gathered that some members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) are insisting that the North-East should retain the position. Mohammed was a journalist before he ventured into politics. He has remained in Abuja after PDP’s fall.
Jelil Adesiyan
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Hon. Jelili Adesiyan, has returned to his occupation – farming. New Telegraph learnt that Adesina is now into cocoa farming which he was doing before he was appointed by Jonathan as minister. The former minister had in 2009 acquired 16 acres of farmland from Osun State government at Orileowu- Araromi government reserved forest to concentrate on the plantation he cultivated in 2011. He was the state Commissioner for Education in the Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration.
Professor Chinedu Nebo
Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has for now retired into God’s work in Enugu State. Before his appointment as minister by Jonathan, he was the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.For now, the professor of Metrological Engineering, is devoting his attention to God’s work in Enugu State. He is a reverend with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Mrs. Laraba Lauretia Malam
Mrs. Laurentia Laraba Malam, is a core politician. From 1999 to 2002, she was chairperson of Zangon Kataf Local Government. Afterwards, she became Woman Leader, North-West zone of the Obasanjo/Atiku Campaign Organisation in 2003. Eight years later, she also campaigned for the Goodluck/Sambo ticket in the North-West.
A grassroots politician, Mrs. Malam is a staunch member of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) and several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Significantly, she clinched the ministerial position after the contest between Senator Isaiah Balat, now late and Senator Nenadi Usman was deadlocked. Both Balat and Usman wanted to be minister but Malam became the tie breaker.
She was a member of the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) as Minister of the Environment before President Jonathan’s defeat at the poll. According to reports, Malam is still hanging around Abuja and “doing God’s work” within Christian circles, especially amongst women.
General Aliyu Gusau
Lieutenant General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) was the Minister of Defence in the Jonathan administration, which ended on May 29. Gusau, highly regarded within the Nigerian military and intelligence circles, served successively as National Security Adviser (NSA) to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as well as Jonathan. As Defence Minister, the taciturn retired three-star General ensured con-tinuous verve in the counter-insurgency war in the North-East; a development, which substantially turned the tide against Boko Haram. He also commissioned a committee, which drafted and later submitted a new Defence Policy for the country.
However, since he left office, Gusau is said to be dedicating his time to promoting research in his Gusau Institute, located in Kaduna. The vision of the institute, New Telegraph gathered, is one of providing added inputs to security management, good governance, as well as the deepening of democracy in Africa.
Hajia Zainab Kuchi
Former Minister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, has joined the business world as exporter of Shea Butter. Kuchi, who was also Minister of State for Niger Delta, between July 2011 and 2013, retired from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before she ventured into business.
Asabe Asmau Ahmed
The exit of Kuchi from Jonathan’s cabinet paved the way for Asabe Asmau Ahmed as Minister of State for Agriculture. Before her appointment in January 2014, she was Special Adviser on Commerce and Investment to former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.
Asabe had worked with the United States Development Institute as an Executive Director where she raised funds for the Institute, worked with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (US Mortgage Corporations) to develop low income housing programmes; US Small Business Administration and the Federal Ministry of Industry to establish business centres across the country.
Thanks for the last-minute appointments made by Jonathan, Asabe was appointed Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) in May 2015.
Mike Onolememen
Former Minister of Works, Mike Oziegbe Onolememen, is back to his architectural profession in Abuja. The Uromi-born politician is also warming up to contest the Edo governorship election in 2016. Governor Adams Oshiomhole leaves in 2016. As it is, Onolememen is busy working on his governorship ambition. Before his appointment as minister of works by Jonathan, he was Minister of State (Defence) in the Olusegun Obasanjo’s government.
Labaran Maku
Labaran Maku left the Jonathan government as Minister of Information with the hope of governing Nasarawa State on the PDP platform. When he could not pick the PDP ticket, he switched camp to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He lost the governorship election to Governor Tanko Al-Makura of the APC, though he came second. Maku is contesting the outcome of the election in court. For now, he is the National Secretary of APGA. Before his appointment as minister, Maku was deputy governor and Commissioner of Information between 2003 and 2007. He was a journalist.
Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki
Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki took over from Maku as Information Minister. Akwashiki represented Nasarawa North in the Senate between 2007 and 2011 after he represented Nasarawa Eggon-Wamba-Akwanga Federal Constituency at the House Representatives between 2003 and 2007. She lost her return bid to the Senate in 2011.Before her venture into politics, Akwashiki was in the banking industry where she retired as a director. She has returned to her contract business.
Nuruddeen Mohammed
Nuruddeen Mohammed, a psychiatric doctor was the Minister of State Foreign Affairs II in the Jonathan administration, but later resigned to be the running mate to Jigawa State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mallam Aminu Ringim in the 2015 elections. The PDP lost to the APC candidate, Badaru Abubakar. Dr. Mohammed has since returned to his former place of work, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.
Hajia Hawwa Bappa
Hajia Hawwa Bappa was the immediate past Minister of State for Niger Delta. Before her appointment by Jonathan, Bappa was the Commissioner for Commerce in Jigawa State in the Sule Lamido-led government. Bappa has gone back to her business and consultancy for NGOs in Kano, Jigawa, and Abuja.
Tammy Danagogo
Since leaving office on May 29, when President Buhari assumed office, Hon. Tammy Danagogo, the immediate past Minister of Sports has been active in Rivers State politics. He played a key role in the electoral victory of Governor Wike of the PDP. He almost singlehandedly delivered the Kalabari axis for the PDP in the last election, and is seen today as a leader in the area.
Born 45 years ago, Danagogo was the chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government from April 2004 to May 2007, and focused mainly on sports development. He was also a commissioner from 2007 to 2013, heading the ministries of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs and also Urban Development and Physical Planning.
The grassroots politician holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, specialising in Human Rights and Dispute Settlements, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Despite not having any official portfolio, he is seen as a leader of Wike’s alternate (kitchen) cabinet.
Mrs. Sara Ochekpe
Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe was Minister for Water Resources. She was appointed minister in 2011 while serving as Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBED). Since leaving office on May 29, Ochekpe has devoted her time to community service by providing free healthcare service to rural areas in the state.
Along with her husband, who is a professor at the University of Jos, she donated health care equipment to the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi Main Campus. For now, the former minister is managing her NGO in Jos helping the less privileged.
Ms. Jumoke Akinjide
Ms. Jumoke Akinjide, served in the Jonathan administration between 2011 and 2015 as Minister of State for FCT. The former Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on FCT between 2001 and 2002, is a lawyer by profession. The 56-year-old lawyer and daughter of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the Second Republic, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), was a Principal Partner of the LAWMAN Legal & Co., a law firm based in Lagos and Abuja before her foray into politics.
Oloye Jumoke, as she is fondly called, was appointed by the party as the Coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation for second term, in Oyo State. Having been out of office, Akinjide has gone into private business. She hardly visits Ibadan, her hometown, preferring to stay in Abuja. She is involved in the restructuring of the PDP ahead of 2019.
Ambassador Bashir Yuguda
Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance, has relocated to Dubai where he previously served as Nigerian Ambassador to United Arab Emirates and Qatar 2008 to 2011, a source close to him informed New Telegraph. The source said the immediate family members of the former minister reside in Dubai and he has relocated to join them.
It was not clear if the former minister currently engages in a private business over there, but the source said the Zamfara-born minister could be resting for now. Before he was appointed as minister replacing Dr. Yerima Ngama, Yuguda previously served as Minister of State for Works, and Supervising Minister of National Planning.
Olusegun Aganga
For erstwhile Minister of Trade and Investment and Ex-Managing Director at US investment bank, Goldman Sachs, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, joining his family in London after five years in the Jonathan’s cabinet is the appropriate decision to take. He was first appointed Minister of Finance before he was seconded to Trade and Investment Ministry by Jonathan to pave the way for Okonjo-Iweala as Finance Minister.
Edem Duke
Chief Edem Duke is the immediate past Minister for Culture and Tourism. He was once the Public Affairs Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) but resigned to establish his hospitality business in Calabar. The Mirage, a hotel owned and operated by Duke until his foray into politics, had gone through ups and downs, with reports having it that at a point, the hotel was heavily indebted to a bank which took over its running until all its monies were recovered.
But the hotel managed to survive its travails. Duke had planned to go to the Senate four years ago, but he lost the opportunity to Prince Bassey Otu. However, he was compensated with the Cross River State ministerial slot. In the Jonathan administration, Duke was a familiar face, especially after he briefly supervised the Ministry of Information and Orientation.
But since the Buhari government took over some three months ago, Duke has vanished from the public space both in Abuja and in his home state. Not only has he not been heard since May 29, his private business, The Mirage, once the hub of hospitality business in the state, has been under lock and key.
Godsday Orubebe
Elder Godsday Orubebe left as Jonathan’s Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to pursue his governorship ambition in Delta State. His attempt to succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan failed as Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, now governor, flawed him at the PDP primaries.After his failed governorship bid, Orubebe went into oblivion until he appeared at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre for the presidential election in Abuja.
Orubebe disrupted the collation process for almost an hour. His ignoble conduct became a national discourse and he later apologised to the nation. The former minister also regained his voice last week when he described Governor Oshiomhole as “an Aso Rock sycophant” for always attacking Jonathan. He has devoted his attention to evangelism as he is an evangelist in the church he built in his Patani town in Delta State.
During his tenure as a minister, several weighty allegations of corruption were levelled against him. On many occasions, his immediate resignation was demanded by the Ijaw ethnic nationalities, leaders and elders. The groups also called on the anti-graft agencies to probe him “in the interest of fairness and justice.”
Osita Chidoka
Since Mr. Osita Chidoka left as new Minister of Aviation, he has been off the public radar. The 44-year-old former Corps Marshall and Chief Executive Director of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was appointed in June 2014 to replace Stella Oduah from Anambra State. Since 1997, he has served as ministers’ aide before he eventually became a minister in 2014.
Kabiru Turaki
Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki served as Minister of Special Duties between February 2013 and May 2015. He chaired the Committee on Continuous Dialogue on Resolution of Insecurity Challenge in the North. He has returned to his legal firm, K.T Turaki & Co. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Ibrahim Shekarau
Former Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the Sardauna of Kano, is enjoying his retirement. The former Kano State governor was honoured last week by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics at his Durbin Katsina residence in Kano for his contribution to the education sector.
For now, Shekarau is enjoying his retirement in Kano and Abuja, while paying less attention to PDP politics. The former governor has no business to manage; he is a retired teacher.
Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali
Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali was a major face in the Jonathan administration as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Before he was made Ambassador, he was Ambassador to China.
After May 29, Wali has relocated to his private home in Hotoro Kwanar Sabo in Kano. He seems to be waiting to see the direction President Buhari’s government will take before making the next move. He was able to make a lot of friends and connections in and around the country, which he is likely to exploit later.
Boni Haruna
Under Jonathan, Adamawa had two ministers – Mr. Boni Haruna and Hajiya Zainab Maina. The duo were always visible in Yola, the state capital, campaigning for Jonathan’s re-election. Today, things have changed. Their residents have been deserted by people who usually thronged when they were in office.
Haruna was the state governor be-tween 1999 and 2007. He lost the 2011 senatorial election to the incumbent governor, Bindo Jibrilla then of the PDP, as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, before he defected to the PDP and was made minister. Haruna campaigned vigorously for Jonathan’s re-election. Since PDP lost the election, he has not been seen in the public.
Hajia Zainab Maina
Like Haruna, Hajia Zainab Maina’s whereabouts is unknown. Before her appointment in July 2011, she was Board Chairman, National Commission for Nomadic Education. She was the Director, Women Affairs of the Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign. Maina was a clerical officer to the Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto in 1966.
Mrs. Mobolaji Johnson
Mrs. Omobola Johnson was the Minister of Communication Technology for four years. Although she is from Ondo in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State by virtue of being a daughter of former Lisa of Ondo, the late Bayo Akinnola, Omobola who is married to a son of Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, first military administrator of Lagos State, gravitated towards Lagos than Ondo State, her place of birth.
She rebuffed all efforts to make her responsible for the state chapter of the PDP. In one of the meetings held with former state chairman of PDP, Mr. Ebenezer Alabi, Mrs. Johnson reportedly told the delegation not to visit her as she was not a politician and was not ready to be dragged into the murky waters of politics. She has returned to the private sector.
Chief Emeka Wogu
Chief Emeka Wogu left Jonathan’s government as Minister of Labour and Productivity to contest the Abia State governorship election. Since he was edged out of the PDP ticket, Wogu, a lawyer, has been out of circulation.
Austin Akobundu
Another former minister, who is off the political scene is Colonel Austin Akobundu (rtd). The Abia State-born ex-soldier and former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East) was appointed Minister of State for Defence in the twilight of the Jonathan administration.As a former soldier, he was expected to bring his rich experience to bear in the fight against terrorism in the northern part of the country, but that was cut short with APC’s victory in the presidential poll.
Akon Eyakenyi
Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, a onetime Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the Victor Attah administration in Akwa Ibom State, served the Jonathan’s administration as Minister of Housing and Urban Development. She has returned to her private business and deeply involved in local politics of her Oro nation.
Senator Joel Ikenya
Senator Joel Ikenya was appointed Minister of Labour and Productivity in March 2015 as a replacement for Arch. Dairus Ishaku, who resigned to contest for the Taraba State governorship. Ikenya has been a major political force in Taraba since 1992 when he was elected member of the state House of Assembly.
He was re-elected in 1999. He represented Taraba South in the Senate in 2003. Ikenya was Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation which considered the 2008 budget. Since his exit as minister, he is nowhere to be seen. He is believed to be in Abuja and occasionally visits Wukari, his hometown.
Dr. Khaliru Alhassan
Dr. Khaliru Alhassan retired as Permanent Secretary from the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, to serve as Minister of Health in the twilight of the Jonathan administration. After his exit as minister, he went for the lesser hajj. Since then nothing has been heard of him except the rumour of his health challenge. He has been living a private life.
Dr. Yarima Ngama
Dr. Yarima Lawan Ngama, a lecturer and banker, resigned as Minister of State for Finance to contest the Yobe PDP governorship ticket which he lost to former Minister of Police Affairs, Maina Waziri. Again, he tried his luck with the senatorial election. His attempt for the Yobe North seat failed as he was defeated by an APC candidate. He has relocated his family to Kano State to continue with his business.
Mixed fortunes for Benue ministers
Three ministers from Benue State served under Jonathan – Dr. Samuel Ortom, Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment; Comrade Abba Moro, Interior and Prof. Nicholas Ada, Minister of State II Foreign Affairs. Among the three ex-ministers, Ortom stands tall as he successfully transmuted through a democratic process to become governor of Benue State.
Moro is a core politician who had contested governorship seat of the state and coordinated the re-election of President Jonathan. With PDP out of power at the state and federal levels, Moro is out of job. He is now playing local politics as opposition leader in Benue. As minister, Moro spearheaded the controversial recruitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in which some applicants died in the process. [myad]
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Where Are Goodluck Jonathan’s Ministers Now?
Since May 29th when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) handed over power as President to Muhammadu Buhari of the erstwhile opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), many Nigerians have been asking, where have Jonathan’s ministers gone to and what are they doing now?
It has been discovered that while some of the ministers have returned to their first love – business, classroom, farming and politics, others who cannot stay out of public office have taken up appointments in their states. Here are the whereabouts of some the Jonathan’s ministers
AkinwumiAdesina
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is the immediate past Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Ogun State-born technocrat was on May 28 elected the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). His tenure at the AfDB begins on September 1. Adesina will become the eight presidents in the history of AfDB and the first Nigerian to hold the position.
Before his appointment in 2010 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, he was Vice President of Policy and Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). During his tenure as Nigeria’s minister, Adesina brought to bear his rich background in agricultural economics research and practice in reforming the sector.
He was reputed for dismantling the corruption and racketeering in fertiliser distribution. His policies and programmes in the agriculture sector were aimed at ensuring food security and diversifying the nation’s economy from dependence on oil.
Adesina’s acclaimed record of performance probably informed why both the Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration and current President Muhammadu Buhariled All Progressives Congress (APC) rallied round to ensure his victory for the AfDB job.
Diezani Alison- Madueke
Perhaps the most popular minister in ex-President Jonathan’s government was Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. Before her appointment as the first female to preside over the most coveted Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the former employee of Shell held sway as Minister of Transportation and later, Mines and Steel Development between July 2007 and May 2015.
As Minister of Transportation, she was in June 2008 subjected to a Senate probe after it emerged that she had paid N30.9 billion to contractors between December 26 and 31, 2007. In October 2009, the Senate recommended her prosecution for alleged transfer of N1.2 billion into the private account of a company without due process and in breach of concession agreement.
All these allegations were later dwarfed by fresh allegations that emerged when she became the Minister of Petroleum Resources. She was alleged to have spent billions of naira inappropriately on private jets. There were several other allegations of financial malfeasance against her, including crude swap deal.
Since the exit of Jonathan from government, Alison-Madueke has not been seen in the public. The only report about her was that she is facing serious health challenge and that she has relocated to the United Kingdom. In the days ahead, the former minister may be subject of probe as any investigation in the oil and gas sector will definitely requires her attention.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The most visible and vocal minister in the immediate past administration of President Jonathan was Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. Regarded by many as Nigeria’s unofficial Prime Minister due to enormous influence she wielded in the Jonathan administration, Okonjo-Iweala is currently in the eye of the storm over policies and financial disbursements such as the controversial withdrawal of $2.1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).
Unlike her first tenure as Minister of Finance under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo when she returned to the World Bank and got elevated from her previous position of Vice-President to the bank’s Managing Directors, Okonjo- Iweala, New Telegraph learnt, is idling away at the moment.
Sources close to the former minister said since her return from a brief visit to the United States, she has been giving her media team a regular briefing on how to respond to the avalanche of attacks coming her direction.
Kenneth Kobani
The immediate past Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Kenneth Kobani, is a career politician. He enjoys the support of his people in Ogoniland. Kobani served as commissioner for finance during the administration of former Governor Peter Odili in Rivers State, and appeared to have gone into political oblivion, before he aligned with the then Minister of State for Education, Nyesome Wike, to chart a new political course for Rivers State.
Wike, who is now governor of the state, has appointed him as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This, to critics, is more of a demotion.
Bala Mohammed
Immediate past Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed appears to have gone under since the defeat of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections and the exit of his erstwhile boss, Jonathan, after May 29. He has not been seen in public functions or heard since the APC tsunami swept his party away.
But those in the know about the plans and workings of the Alkaleri-born politician believe that he is gunning for the party’s national chairmanship. He is currently warming up for the vacant position, though with five others. Others who are jostling for the job are Prof. Ahmed Alkali, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Jonathan; former Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jalo Abdullahi. Bala may eventually emerge as PDP National Chairman as it was gathered that some members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) are insisting that the North-East should retain the position. Mohammed was a journalist before he ventured into politics. He has remained in Abuja after PDP’s fall.
Jelil Adesiyan
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Hon. Jelili Adesiyan, has returned to his occupation – farming. New Telegraph learnt that Adesina is now into cocoa farming which he was doing before he was appointed by Jonathan as minister. The former minister had in 2009 acquired 16 acres of farmland from Osun State government at Orileowu- Araromi government reserved forest to concentrate on the plantation he cultivated in 2011. He was the state Commissioner for Education in the Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration.
Professor Chinedu Nebo
Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has for now retired into God’s work in Enugu State. Before his appointment as minister by Jonathan, he was the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.For now, the professor of Metrological Engineering, is devoting his attention to God’s work in Enugu State. He is a reverend with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Mrs. Laraba Lauretia Malam
Mrs. Laurentia Laraba Malam, is a core politician. From 1999 to 2002, she was chairperson of Zangon Kataf Local Government. Afterwards, she became Woman Leader, North-West zone of the Obasanjo/Atiku Campaign Organisation in 2003. Eight years later, she also campaigned for the Goodluck/Sambo ticket in the North-West.
A grassroots politician, Mrs. Malam is a staunch member of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) and several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Significantly, she clinched the ministerial position after the contest between Senator Isaiah Balat, now late and Senator Nenadi Usman was deadlocked. Both Balat and Usman wanted to be minister but Malam became the tie breaker.
She was a member of the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) as Minister of the Environment before President Jonathan’s defeat at the poll. According to reports, Malam is still hanging around Abuja and “doing God’s work” within Christian circles, especially amongst women.
General Aliyu Gusau
Lieutenant General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) was the Minister of Defence in the Jonathan administration, which ended on May 29. Gusau, highly regarded within the Nigerian military and intelligence circles, served successively as National Security Adviser (NSA) to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as well as Jonathan. As Defence Minister, the taciturn retired three-star General ensured con-tinuous verve in the counter-insurgency war in the North-East; a development, which substantially turned the tide against Boko Haram. He also commissioned a committee, which drafted and later submitted a new Defence Policy for the country.
However, since he left office, Gusau is said to be dedicating his time to promoting research in his Gusau Institute, located in Kaduna. The vision of the institute, New Telegraph gathered, is one of providing added inputs to security management, good governance, as well as the deepening of democracy in Africa.
Hajia Zainab Kuchi
Former Minister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, has joined the business world as exporter of Shea Butter. Kuchi, who was also Minister of State for Niger Delta, between July 2011 and 2013, retired from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before she ventured into business.
Asabe Asmau Ahmed
The exit of Kuchi from Jonathan’s cabinet paved the way for Asabe Asmau Ahmed as Minister of State for Agriculture. Before her appointment in January 2014, she was Special Adviser on Commerce and Investment to former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.
Asabe had worked with the United States Development Institute as an Executive Director where she raised funds for the Institute, worked with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (US Mortgage Corporations) to develop low income housing programmes; US Small Business Administration and the Federal Ministry of Industry to establish business centres across the country.
Thanks for the last-minute appointments made by Jonathan, Asabe was appointed Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) in May 2015.
Mike Onolememen
Former Minister of Works, Mike Oziegbe Onolememen, is back to his architectural profession in Abuja. The Uromi-born politician is also warming up to contest the Edo governorship election in 2016. Governor Adams Oshiomhole leaves in 2016. As it is, Onolememen is busy working on his governorship ambition. Before his appointment as minister of works by Jonathan, he was Minister of State (Defence) in the Olusegun Obasanjo’s government.
Labaran Maku
Labaran Maku left the Jonathan government as Minister of Information with the hope of governing Nasarawa State on the PDP platform. When he could not pick the PDP ticket, he switched camp to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He lost the governorship election to Governor Tanko Al-Makura of the APC, though he came second. Maku is contesting the outcome of the election in court. For now, he is the National Secretary of APGA. Before his appointment as minister, Maku was deputy governor and Commissioner of Information between 2003 and 2007. He was a journalist.
Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki
Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki took over from Maku as Information Minister. Akwashiki represented Nasarawa North in the Senate between 2007 and 2011 after he represented Nasarawa Eggon-Wamba-Akwanga Federal Constituency at the House Representatives between 2003 and 2007. She lost her return bid to the Senate in 2011.Before her venture into politics, Akwashiki was in the banking industry where she retired as a director. She has returned to her contract business.
Nuruddeen Mohammed
Nuruddeen Mohammed, a psychiatric doctor was the Minister of State Foreign Affairs II in the Jonathan administration, but later resigned to be the running mate to Jigawa State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mallam Aminu Ringim in the 2015 elections. The PDP lost to the APC candidate, Badaru Abubakar. Dr. Mohammed has since returned to his former place of work, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.
Hajia Hawwa Bappa
Hajia Hawwa Bappa was the immediate past Minister of State for Niger Delta. Before her appointment by Jonathan, Bappa was the Commissioner for Commerce in Jigawa State in the Sule Lamido-led government. Bappa has gone back to her business and consultancy for NGOs in Kano, Jigawa, and Abuja.
Tammy Danagogo
Since leaving office on May 29, when President Buhari assumed office, Hon. Tammy Danagogo, the immediate past Minister of Sports has been active in Rivers State politics. He played a key role in the electoral victory of Governor Wike of the PDP. He almost singlehandedly delivered the Kalabari axis for the PDP in the last election, and is seen today as a leader in the area.
Born 45 years ago, Danagogo was the chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government from April 2004 to May 2007, and focused mainly on sports development. He was also a commissioner from 2007 to 2013, heading the ministries of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs and also Urban Development and Physical Planning.
The grassroots politician holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, specialising in Human Rights and Dispute Settlements, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Despite not having any official portfolio, he is seen as a leader of Wike’s alternate (kitchen) cabinet.
Mrs. Sara Ochekpe
Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe was Minister for Water Resources. She was appointed minister in 2011 while serving as Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBED). Since leaving office on May 29, Ochekpe has devoted her time to community service by providing free healthcare service to rural areas in the state.
Along with her husband, who is a professor at the University of Jos, she donated health care equipment to the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi Main Campus. For now, the former minister is managing her NGO in Jos helping the less privileged.
Ms. Jumoke Akinjide
Ms. Jumoke Akinjide, served in the Jonathan administration between 2011 and 2015 as Minister of State for FCT. The former Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on FCT between 2001 and 2002, is a lawyer by profession. The 56-year-old lawyer and daughter of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the Second Republic, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), was a Principal Partner of the LAWMAN Legal & Co., a law firm based in Lagos and Abuja before her foray into politics.
Oloye Jumoke, as she is fondly called, was appointed by the party as the Coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation for second term, in Oyo State. Having been out of office, Akinjide has gone into private business. She hardly visits Ibadan, her hometown, preferring to stay in Abuja. She is involved in the restructuring of the PDP ahead of 2019.
Ambassador Bashir Yuguda
Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance, has relocated to Dubai where he previously served as Nigerian Ambassador to United Arab Emirates and Qatar 2008 to 2011, a source close to him informed New Telegraph. The source said the immediate family members of the former minister reside in Dubai and he has relocated to join them.
It was not clear if the former minister currently engages in a private business over there, but the source said the Zamfara-born minister could be resting for now. Before he was appointed as minister replacing Dr. Yerima Ngama, Yuguda previously served as Minister of State for Works, and Supervising Minister of National Planning.
Olusegun Aganga
For erstwhile Minister of Trade and Investment and Ex-Managing Director at US investment bank, Goldman Sachs, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, joining his family in London after five years in the Jonathan’s cabinet is the appropriate decision to take. He was first appointed Minister of Finance before he was seconded to Trade and Investment Ministry by Jonathan to pave the way for Okonjo-Iweala as Finance Minister.
Edem Duke
Chief Edem Duke is the immediate past Minister for Culture and Tourism. He was once the Public Affairs Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) but resigned to establish his hospitality business in Calabar. The Mirage, a hotel owned and operated by Duke until his foray into politics, had gone through ups and downs, with reports having it that at a point, the hotel was heavily indebted to a bank which took over its running until all its monies were recovered.
But the hotel managed to survive its travails. Duke had planned to go to the Senate four years ago, but he lost the opportunity to Prince Bassey Otu. However, he was compensated with the Cross River State ministerial slot. In the Jonathan administration, Duke was a familiar face, especially after he briefly supervised the Ministry of Information and Orientation.
But since the Buhari government took over some three months ago, Duke has vanished from the public space both in Abuja and in his home state. Not only has he not been heard since May 29, his private business, The Mirage, once the hub of hospitality business in the state, has been under lock and key.
Godsday Orubebe
Elder Godsday Orubebe left as Jonathan’s Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to pursue his governorship ambition in Delta State. His attempt to succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan failed as Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, now governor, flawed him at the PDP primaries.After his failed governorship bid, Orubebe went into oblivion until he appeared at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre for the presidential election in Abuja.
Orubebe disrupted the collation process for almost an hour. His ignoble conduct became a national discourse and he later apologised to the nation. The former minister also regained his voice last week when he described Governor Oshiomhole as “an Aso Rock sycophant” for always attacking Jonathan. He has devoted his attention to evangelism as he is an evangelist in the church he built in his Patani town in Delta State.
During his tenure as a minister, several weighty allegations of corruption were levelled against him. On many occasions, his immediate resignation was demanded by the Ijaw ethnic nationalities, leaders and elders. The groups also called on the anti-graft agencies to probe him “in the interest of fairness and justice.”
Osita Chidoka
Since Mr. Osita Chidoka left as new Minister of Aviation, he has been off the public radar. The 44-year-old former Corps Marshall and Chief Executive Director of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was appointed in June 2014 to replace Stella Oduah from Anambra State. Since 1997, he has served as ministers’ aide before he eventually became a minister in 2014.
Kabiru Turaki
Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki served as Minister of Special Duties between February 2013 and May 2015. He chaired the Committee on Continuous Dialogue on Resolution of Insecurity Challenge in the North. He has returned to his legal firm, K.T Turaki & Co. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Ibrahim Shekarau
Former Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the Sardauna of Kano, is enjoying his retirement. The former Kano State governor was honoured last week by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics at his Durbin Katsina residence in Kano for his contribution to the education sector.
For now, Shekarau is enjoying his retirement in Kano and Abuja, while paying less attention to PDP politics. The former governor has no business to manage; he is a retired teacher.
Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali
Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali was a major face in the Jonathan administration as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Before he was made Ambassador, he was Ambassador to China.
After May 29, Wali has relocated to his private home in Hotoro Kwanar Sabo in Kano. He seems to be waiting to see the direction President Buhari’s government will take before making the next move. He was able to make a lot of friends and connections in and around the country, which he is likely to exploit later.
Boni Haruna
Under Jonathan, Adamawa had two ministers – Mr. Boni Haruna and Hajiya Zainab Maina. The duo were always visible in Yola, the state capital, campaigning for Jonathan’s re-election. Today, things have changed. Their residents have been deserted by people who usually thronged when they were in office.
Haruna was the state governor be-tween 1999 and 2007. He lost the 2011 senatorial election to the incumbent governor, Bindo Jibrilla then of the PDP, as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, before he defected to the PDP and was made minister. Haruna campaigned vigorously for Jonathan’s re-election. Since PDP lost the election, he has not been seen in the public.
Hajia Zainab Maina
Like Haruna, Hajia Zainab Maina’s whereabouts is unknown. Before her appointment in July 2011, she was Board Chairman, National Commission for Nomadic Education. She was the Director, Women Affairs of the Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign. Maina was a clerical officer to the Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto in 1966.
Mrs. Mobolaji Johnson
Mrs. Omobola Johnson was the Minister of Communication Technology for four years. Although she is from Ondo in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State by virtue of being a daughter of former Lisa of Ondo, the late Bayo Akinnola, Omobola who is married to a son of Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, first military administrator of Lagos State, gravitated towards Lagos than Ondo State, her place of birth.
She rebuffed all efforts to make her responsible for the state chapter of the PDP. In one of the meetings held with former state chairman of PDP, Mr. Ebenezer Alabi, Mrs. Johnson reportedly told the delegation not to visit her as she was not a politician and was not ready to be dragged into the murky waters of politics. She has returned to the private sector.
Chief Emeka Wogu
Chief Emeka Wogu left Jonathan’s government as Minister of Labour and Productivity to contest the Abia State governorship election. Since he was edged out of the PDP ticket, Wogu, a lawyer, has been out of circulation.
Austin Akobundu
Another former minister, who is off the political scene is Colonel Austin Akobundu (rtd). The Abia State-born ex-soldier and former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East) was appointed Minister of State for Defence in the twilight of the Jonathan administration.As a former soldier, he was expected to bring his rich experience to bear in the fight against terrorism in the northern part of the country, but that was cut short with APC’s victory in the presidential poll.
Akon Eyakenyi
Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, a onetime Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the Victor Attah administration in Akwa Ibom State, served the Jonathan’s administration as Minister of Housing and Urban Development. She has returned to her private business and deeply involved in local politics of her Oro nation.
Senator Joel Ikenya
Senator Joel Ikenya was appointed Minister of Labour and Productivity in March 2015 as a replacement for Arch. Dairus Ishaku, who resigned to contest for the Taraba State governorship. Ikenya has been a major political force in Taraba since 1992 when he was elected member of the state House of Assembly.
He was re-elected in 1999. He represented Taraba South in the Senate in 2003. Ikenya was Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation which considered the 2008 budget. Since his exit as minister, he is nowhere to be seen. He is believed to be in Abuja and occasionally visits Wukari, his hometown.
Dr. Khaliru Alhassan
Dr. Khaliru Alhassan retired as Permanent Secretary from the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, to serve as Minister of Health in the twilight of the Jonathan administration. After his exit as minister, he went for the lesser hajj. Since then nothing has been heard of him except the rumour of his health challenge. He has been living a private life.
Dr. Yarima Ngama
Dr. Yarima Lawan Ngama, a lecturer and banker, resigned as Minister of State for Finance to contest the Yobe PDP governorship ticket which he lost to former Minister of Police Affairs, Maina Waziri. Again, he tried his luck with the senatorial election. His attempt for the Yobe North seat failed as he was defeated by an APC candidate. He has relocated his family to Kano State to continue with his business.
Mixed fortunes for Benue ministers
Three ministers from Benue State served under Jonathan – Dr. Samuel Ortom, Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment; Comrade Abba Moro, Interior and Prof. Nicholas Ada, Minister of State II Foreign Affairs. Among the three ex-ministers, Ortom stands tall as he successfully transmuted through a democratic process to become governor of Benue State.
Moro is a core politician who had contested governorship seat of the state and coordinated the re-election of President Jonathan. With PDP out of power at the state and federal levels, Moro is out of job. He is now playing local politics as opposition leader in Benue. As minister, Moro spearheaded the controversial recruitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in which some applicants died in the process. [myad]