LAGOS 2023 BUDGET SHOULD HAVE MORE HUMAN FACE, REDUCE POVERTY - OBASA

- As Governor presents N1,692,671tn Appropriation Bill 

- Speaker says Asiwaju has capacity to make Nigeria great again

By Godwin Eigbe

R: Babajide Sawo-Olu, Gov. of Lagos State with Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly at the 2023 Lagos State Budget Proposal Presentation.

Photo credit: Office of the Speaker LSHA

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday received the 2023 budget proposal of N1,692,671tn from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressing that the Bill should address three areas for the benefit of the residents of the State.

The budget is with a capital to recurrent ratio of 55:45 percent.

Dr. Obasa, who noted some of the challenges currently facing Nigeria and its citizens, told Governor Sanwo-Olu: "The Year 2023 budget of Lagos should have more human face, be targeted at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of the residents of the State as part of the THEMES agenda that guides this administration."

The Speaker said that though the Lagos Government had achieved a lot in its effort to improve the development of the State, it should constantly be conscious that the residents yearn for more dividends of democracy.

Obasa stressed the need for the Federal Government to approve the allocation of one percent special status for Lagos considering its population and the constant influx of people to the State.

Noting that this was the last budget to be presented by the current administration before the 2023 election, Obasa promised that the House would carry out its constitutional duty of scrutinising the proposal for the benefit of the residents of State.

"There is, therefore, no doubt that in the remaining months leading to the end of this administration, so much more needs to be done; so much is still needed from us as the good people of Lagos yearn for more dividends of democracy, especially at this critical time," he said while promising that the House would continue to support the Executive arm of Government to achieve a better, safer society.

The Speaker also urged Nigerians to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress both at the State and the national levels as he described the Presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as one who has the capacity to make Nigeria great again.

AZIEGBEMI TASKS EDO PDP CAMPAIGN COUNCIL DIRECTORS ON WINNING 2023 ELECTIONS - Reels out duties and responsibilities of campaign council members

By Godwin Eigbe

The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Edo State, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi has urged the newly inaugurated Directors of Atiku/Okowa 2023 Campaign Council Directors to work proactively and assiduously with a view to, not just winning the election, which is very obvious, but with a landslide.

Dr. Aziegbemi, Edo PDP State Chairman

Aziegbemi stated this during the inauguration of the Campaign Council Directors on Monday, 24th October 2022 by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki at the Campaign council office in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Aziegbemi, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Campaign Council, while enumerating the terms of reference of each directorate as headed by the various directors, he said: “the Director of the State Campaign Management Committee is the head of the Campaign in the State and leads the Deputy Director and other staffers to implement the entire campaign agenda in the State. He is the Chief Executive of the Campaign in the State, and (shall perform) any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council.

"The Deputy Director, Media and Publicity coordinates the Media and Publicity component of the campaign under the general template set by the Director of Strategic Communication at the National Campaign Management Committee in exercising his responsibility to ensure effective and coherent communication in the state. He or she will report to the Director, and any other duty/duties assigned by the State campaign Council."

Disclosing further, the functions of the various Directorates, the Edo state chairman of PDP said, “The Deputy Director, Field Operations’ major assignment and focus of the campaign organization is to canvass for votes, win and defend votes during the elections. Therefore field operation covers all activities relating to the actual campaigns in the state. The unit relates with the Department of Field Operations at the National Campaign Management Committee in this wise. It is in charge of rallies and field activities relating to the campaign, and any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council.

“The Deputy Director, Election Management’s terms of reference is to relate to all the activities to ensure the Party becomes successful in the elections. They include the recruitment of agents and personnel that will work for the Party in the election. This includes training of election personnel to understand and operationalize every relevant aspect of elections from voting to declaration of result, and any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council.

“The Director of Research and Strategy will be responsible to conduct necessary research and analysis required for the campaign to adapt to the local challenges and develop Campaign Strategies to optimize the resources and opportunities in the state and any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council.   

"The Deputy Director of Finance will have responsibility to ensure good use of all finances for the campaign. He or she will also support the candidate and the national leadership of the campaign in fundraising as the context allows. The Deputy Director of finance will also ensure accurate record of all financial transactions related to the Presidential campaign in the state in line with the electoral law and other extant regulations, and any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council.”

On the duties of the Deputy Director-General, Volunteers Groups, Deputy Director of Security and other Directorates, Aziegbemi has this to say, “the campaign will be led by canvassers and volunteers across the country. The candidates and the National Leadership of the Party have resolved that the volunteers and social groups should operate in the states where they will be officially registered and managed. The Deputy Director will receive basic policy direction from the Director of Field Operations at the National Campaign Committee and utilize the guidance and resources to ensure effective functioning of the volunteer groups in the state where they are domiciled, and any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council. 

“The Deputy Director of Security will bear responsibility to ensure the safety and security of Campaign Personnel and manage the relationship between the campaign and formal and informal institutions of security in the state.And any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council. 

“The Campaign recognizes the critical importance of Religious and Cultural Institutions in determining the fortunes of the Party in the elections. Therefore, the campaign must factor the beliefs, sentiments and interests of cultural and religious leadership in making the Presidential candidate acceptable and admirable in the state and ensuring that the people of the state vote for the candidate. The Deputy Director will be someone who has sufficient network and influence.And any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council.  

“The National Office will require good reporting from the different campaign structures in the state. The reports from the state will enable the National Office to make adequate provisions for effective campaigning in the state. Therefore the Deputy Director has responsibility to ensure that required information gets to the National Office to ensure effective Management of the Campaign in the state.And any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council. 

“Nothing changes much with the structure for the campaign in the Local Government Areas. The critical point is that the Policy-making with regards to Presidential campaign in the Local Government will be made by members of the State Campaign Council from the Local Government Areas. The composition of the LGA Campaign Council will include Former Governors, Deputy Governors, Former Party Leaders from the LGA like NWC, BOT, NEC, SWC members, Former Senators, HORs, LGA Chairmen and Former LGA Chairmen of the Party, etc. together, they constitute the Campaign Council in the Local Government Areas.

“Furthermore, at the Local Government level, the head of the LGA Campaign Management Committee is called ‘Coordinator’ also the Media and Publicity  Department becomes Publicity as there will be little resort to organized Media groups, but more engagement with Traditional and Local Communication Platforms. Also at the Local Government Level, mobilization disaggregated into (a) youths and (b) women (c) elders and special interest bodies in the LGA.And any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council.

“The Ward Campaign Management Committee resembles the LGA Campaign Management Committee in every material particular. The only difference of note is that the Head of the Campaign Committee at the Ward level is called “the Head of Committee, and any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council. 

“Two major changes are introduced at the ward levels to optimize effective campaign at the polling unit and ensure effective defense of votes at the polling units, which are the critical level in election management. The first major introduction is that the 3 agents of the party will be part of the campaign from the state. There will also be seven (7) canvassers who will be responsible for mobilizing voters and ensuring they come out and vote on election day. At least 3 of the canvassers will be women. Before the election, these agents and canvassers will be the front men and women for harvesting votes in polling units. It means that they can only be agents in the polling unit where they are registered to vote. They will be part of the campaign from day one and therefore familiar with all the protocols and strategies developed by the party to harvest votes and protect them.

"Another innovative feature of the Polling Unit Campaign Committee is the appointment of Voting Day Intelligence Officers in the campaign structure at the Polling Units. The person to be so appointed must be a trusted party member who owns a smart phone and has mastered the use of it. He or she will be responsible for ensuring that all the safeguards for ensuring that the votes for the party are protected and effectively counted, declared by the presiding officers and transmitted electronically to the official receptacle for safe custody. He or she must ensure compliance with all the protocols in the INEC guidelines for the conduct of the election, and any other duty/duties assigned by the State Campaign Council."

HON. OJIEZELE IKPENOMHEN APPRECIATES LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PDP FOR HOA TICKET

The Honourable Member representing Esan South East State Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly, *Hon. (Chief) Sunny Osezua Ojiezele IKPENOMHEN* , has sent words of appreciation to the Governor, leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his success at the just concluded HOA primary election.

In his message, Hon. Ojiezele thanked God for His mercy and grace and for keeping everyone safe throughout the period before and during the PDP Party Primaries.

Chief IKPENOMHEN also appreciated his co-contestants and their numerous supporters for the peaceful manner they all conducted themselves all through the primaries. He thanked the aspirants for being the strong and forward thinking woman and men that they are and prayed that God will bless them richly.

In his words Hon. Ojiezele said “however keenly contested our House of Assembly Primary Election was in Esan South East State Constituency, only one winner could emerge and I give God Almighty the glory for deeming me worthy to fly our party flag as I seek to represent Esan South East State Constituency for a second term in office.

“To the Governor and leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) I say a big thank you.

“To my supporters too numerous to mention here, I say I am indeed grateful. You are all wonderful and full of pleasant surprises.” He prayed God to bless and increase them, that when they call for one, a thousand will answer them.

Chief IKPENOMHEN again appreciated all those that aspired for the House Assembly Ticket in Esan South East Constituency while calling on them to join hands with him to collectively move Esan South East Local Government Area forward.

AWOLOWO'S LETTER TO IRONSI FROM PRISON ,1966

AWOLOWO'S LETTER TO IRONSI FROM PRISON ,1966

Pressing for His Release and That of His Colleagues

(Dated 28th March 1966)

CONFIDENTIAL

To: The Supreme Commander and Head of the Federal Military Government, Lagos.

Thro: The Director of Prisons, Prisons Headquarters Office, Private Mail Bag 12522, Lagos.

Sir:

Prerogative Of Mercy:

Section 101 (1) (A) of the Constitution of The Federation Act 1963

1. I am writing this petition for FREE PARDON under Section 101(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federation Act 1963, on behalf of myself and some of my colleagues whose names are set out in the Annexe hereto.

2. Before I go further, I would like to stress that the reasons which I advance in support of this petition, in my own behalf, basically hold good for my said colleagues. For they share the same political beliefs with me, and have intense and unquenchable loyalty for the ideals espoused by the Party which I have the honour to lead.

3. There are many grounds which could be submitted for your consideration in support of this petition. But I venture to think that SEVEN of them are enough and it is to these that I confine myself.

(a)In the course of my evidence during my trial, I stated that my Party favoured and was actively working for alliance with the N.C.N.C. as a means, among other things, of solving what I described as ‘the problem of Nigeria’, and strengthening the unity of the Federation. In October 1963 (that is about a month after my conviction and while my appeal to the Supreme Court was still pending), a Peace Committee headed by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, made overtures to me through my friend Alhaji W. A. Elias to the effect that if I abandoned my intention to enter into alliance with the N.C.N.C. which, according to the Committee, was an Ibo Organisation, and agreed to dissolve the Action Group and, in co-operation with Chief Akintola (now deceased), form an all-embracing Yoruba political party which I would lead and which would go into alliance with the N.P.C., I would be released from prison before the end of that year. I turned down these terms because I was of the considered opinion that their acceptance would further widen and exacerbate inter-tribal differences, and gravely undermine the unity of the Federation. TODAY, THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT, OF WHICH YOU ARE THE HEAD, LEAVES NO ONE IN ANY DOUBT THAT IT STANDS FOR NIGERIAN UNITY. BUT IT MUST BE EMPHASISED, IN THIS CONNECTION, THAT IF I HAD PRIZED MY PERSONAL FREEDOM ABOVE THE UNITY OF NIGERIA, I WOULD HAVE BEEN SET FREE IN 1963. IN THAT EVENT, THIS PETITION WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN NECESSARY, AND THE WORK OF CONSOLIDATING THE UNITY OF THE COUNTRY TO WHICH YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES NOW SET YOUR HANDS MIGHT HAVE BEEN MADE EXTREMELY MORE INTRACTABLE AND IRKSOME. As recently as 20th December, 1965, identical peace terms (the only variant being that the alliance with the N.C.N.C. which was now a reality should be broken) were made to me here, in Calabar Prison, by a delegation representing another Peace Committee headed by the self-same Chief Justice of the Federation and purporting to have the blessing of the Prime Minister, with the unequivocal promise that if I accepted the terms my release would follow almost immediately. I rejected the terms for the reasons which I have outlined above.

(b) One of the monsters which menaced the public life of this country up to 14th January, this year is OPPORTUNISM with its attendant evils of jobbery, venality, corruption, and unabashed self-interest. From all accounts, you are inflexibly resolved to destroy this monster. That was precisely what my colleagues and I had tried to do before we were rendered hors de combat since 29th May, 1962. On two different occasions I was offered, first the post of Deputy Prime Minister (before May 1962), and second that of Deputy Governor-General (in August 1962), if I would agree to fold up the Opposition and join in a National Government. I declined the two offers because they were designed exclusively to gratify my self-interest, with no thought of fostering any political moral principle which could benefit the people of Nigeria. The learned Judge who presided over the Treasonable Felony Trial, commented unfavourably on my non-acceptance of one of these posts and held that my action lent weight to the case of the Prosecution against me. I must say, however, that in all conscience, I felt and still feel that a truly public-spirited person should accept public office not for what he can get for himself — such as the profit and glamour of office — but for the opportunity which it offers him of serving his people to the best of his ability, by promoting their welfare and happiness. To me, the two aforementioned posts were sinecures, and were intended to immobilise my talents and stultify the role of watch-dog which the people of Nigeria looked upon me to play on their behalf, at that juncture in our political evolution.

(c) This leads me to the third ground. From newspaper reports, it would appear that you and your colleagues — like all well-meaning Nigerians  are anxious that on the termination of the present military rule, Nigeria should become a flourishing democracy. Now, democracy is a political doctrine which is very intimately dear to my heart.

It was to the end that it might be accepted as a way of life in all parts of the Federation that I campaigned most vigorously and relentlessly in the Northern Provinces of Nigeria, from 1957 to 1962, to the implacable annoyance of some of my political adversaries. It was to the end that this doctrine might survive the severe onslaught of opportunist and mercenary politics that I refused to succumb to the temptation of the National Government. Many views — some of them well-considered and respectable — have been expressed about the value or disvalue of opposition as a feature of public life in a newly emergent African State. Speaking for my party, I submit that the Opposition which I led did, to all intents and purposes, justify its existence and was acclaimed by the masses of our people as essential and indispensable to rapid- national growth.

This was so, because it was unexceptionably constructive. The abrogation of the Anglo-Nigeria Defence Pact was one of the feathers in its cap. Some of the policies which the Government of the day later adopted — such as the creation of a Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the introduction of drastic measures to correct our balance of payments deficit — were among those persistently and constructively urged by the Opposition inside and outside Parliament. The point I wish to emphasise here is that it was not out of spite or hatred for any one that I chose to remain in Opposition instead of joining the much-talked-of National Government. I did so in order to serve our people to the best of my ability in the position in which their votes had placed my Party, and to ensure that the young plant of democracy grows into a sturdy flourishing tree in Nigeria.

(d) Since the declaration of emergency in the Western Region on 29th May,1962, political tension has existed in Western Nigeria. My conviction on 11th September, 1963, together with the surrounding bizarre circumstances, has led not only to the heightening of that tension in Western Nigeria but also to its profuse and irrepressible percolation to the other parts of the Federation. The result is that it can be said, without much fear of contradiction, that today the majority of our people are passionately concerned about and fervently solicitous for the release of myself and my colleagues. The work of reconstruction on which you and your colleagues have embarked demands that all the citizens of Nigeria in their respective callings should give of their maximum best. A state of psychological tension, however much it may be brought under control or repressed, does not and cannot conduce to maximum efficiency. In spite of themselves, people labouring under emotions which this kind of tension automatically generates are bound to make avoidable mistakes which in their turn have adverse effects on national progress. It is, therefore, in the national interest that this tension should be relaxed, if possible, without further delay.

(e) A petition of this kind is, by its very nature, bound to be replete with self-adulation. I hope and trust that, in the circumstances, this is excusable. It is in this hope and trust that I assert that my colleagues and I have the qualifications and capacity to render invaluable services to our people and fatherland. Every day that we spend in prison, therefore, must be regarded as TWENTY-FOUR UNFORGIVING HOURS OF TRULY VALUABLE SERVICES LOST TO OUR YOUNG COUNTRY. Even my most inveterate enemies have given the following testimony about me: ‘AWOLOWO HAS STILL A GREAT DEAL TO GIVE TO THIS COUNTRY.’ No country however advanced and civilized can afford to waste any of its talents, be they ever so small. Nigeria is too young to bury some of her talents as she was compelled to do under the old regime. It is within your power to restore my colleagues and me to a position where our fatherland can again rejoice at the contributions which we are capable of making to its progress, welfare and happiness.

(f) Nigeria is now SIXTY-SIX MONTHS old as an independent State. The final phase in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence was initiated by my Party in the historic Self-Government motion moved by Chief Anthony Enahoro and supported by me on 31st March, 1953. IT SHOULD BE REGARDED AS MORE THAN IRONICAL, AND AS PALPABLY TRAGIC, THAT TWO OF THE ARCHITECTS OF THAT INDEPENDENCE AND, INDEED, THE PACE-SETTERS AND ACCELERATORS OF ITS FINAL PHASE SHOULD BE UNFREE IN A FREE NIGERIA. In precise terms, I have spent FORTY-SIX out of the SIXTY-SIX MONTHS of independence in one form of confinement or another. I happened to know that the leaders of the old civilian regime, in spite of themselves, did not feel quite easy in their conscience about the plight into which they had manoeuvred me in the scheme of things; and I dare to express the hope and belief that you, personally view my present confinement with concern and disapproval.

(g) It is usual — almost invariably the case — on the accession of a revolutionary regime, for political prisoners and, indeed, other prisoners of some note, to be released as a mark of disapproval of some of the doings of the old regime, or in token of the new dawn of freedom which comes in the wake of the new regime. It would be invidious to quote unspecific instances. But in the case of my colleagues and myself, by courageously and adamantly opposing the evils which your regime now denounces in the former civilian administration, I think we are perfectly justified if we expect you to regard us as being in tune with your yearnings and aspirations for Nigeria, and therefore entitled to our personal freedoms under your dispensation.

4. In view of the foregoing reasons which clearly demonstrate:

(i) that I have always and, under trying  circumstances, steadfastly and unyieldingly

(a) stood for the UNITY OF NIGERIA,

(b)been opposed to POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM with its attendant evils, (c)fostered the growth of DEMOCRACY in Nigeria;

(ii) that my incarceration:

(a) has led to the heightening of political tension among Nigerians, which tension can only be relaxed by my release, (b)has deprived our fatherland of invaluable services such as we have rendered before, and can still render now and in future, in greater measure; and

(iii) that the evils which my colleagues and I condemned and valiantly refused to compromise with in the old civilian government are what you now quite rightly denounce, and are taking active steps to remove in order to pave the way for national and beneficial reconstruction, I most sincerely appeal to you to be good enough to exercise, in favour of myself and my colleagues, the prerogative of mercy vested in you by Section 10 (I) (i) (a) of the Constitution of the Federation Act 1963, by granting me as well as each of my colleagues A FREE PARDON. If you do, your action will be most warmly, heartily, and popularly applauded at home and abroad, and you will go down to history as soldier, statesmen, and humanitarian.

Yours truly,

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO.

THOSE CONVICTED FOR TREASONABLE FELONY.

I. THOSE STILL SERVING THEIR TERMS

1.Chief Obafemi Awolowo  2.Chief Anthony Enahoro 3.Mr.Lateef K. Jakande 4.Mr.Dapo Omisade 5.Mr.S.A.Onitiri  6.Mr.Gabby Sasore  7.Mr.Sunday Ebietoma  8.Mr.U.I.Nwaobiala

II.THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SERVED THEIR TERMS.

1.Mr. S.A.Otubanjo  2.Mr.S.J.Umoren  3.Mr.S.Oyesile.

III.THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN TRIED.

1. Mr.S.G.Ikoku  2.Mr.Ayo Adebanjo  3.Mr.James Aluko

Culled from the WhatsApp Group, 'CRIME NEWS WITH FESTUS ALENKHE' 10th December 2021

COMRADE GODWIN EIGBE FELICITATES EDHA SPEAKER

Comrade Godwin Ebatamehi Eigbe, Member Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission, has fecilitated the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Iziegbeaya Onobun on the occasion of his birthday anniversary, marked on Sunday the 22nd day of August, 2021.

RT. HON. MARCUS ONOBUN, SPEAKER EDHA

COMRADE GODWIN EIGBE, MEMBER EDHASC

Comrade Eigbe who described the Speaker as a true Edo man who God Himself has crowned to lead the Legislative Arm of Government, prayed heavenly blessings on the Speaker and his family. In his words, "God's grace has taken you to this height. I pray that the same Divine Grace will enable and empower you to finish well. Your reign will not be cut short in Jesus name.

"You will experience peace all through your tenure and the next level you will get without a struggle. Those who love you will shine with you and those who declare themselves your enemies will serve you".

Comrade Eigbe used the occasion also to appreciate the Speaker for his good works and urge him to continue in same light through his Tenure in office.

PRINCE ODIGIE AND HIS POLITICAL COMEDY

It doesn't come as a surprise that Prince Emmanuel Odigie who was campaigning for Governor Obaseki few weeks ago for the Obaseki/Shaibu second term mandate has suddenly made a U-turn in support of his political godfather. Same he swore weeks ago to never support nor have anything to do with.

It is a known fact that Prince Odigie is one of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole's political puppet in Esan South East. He used to tout us about being Clara Oshiomhole's sister when looking for appointment but today he denied her on National TV.

These are the very antecedents that have denied Prince Emmanuel Odigie opportunities to go to the House of Representatives, because he is never here nor there. Always changing his rhythm at the swell and feel of mint notes and this time in millions.

Prince Odigie has suddenly forgotten Governor Obaseki's projects he pointed out to us few weeks ago, when he described the Governor as a silent achiever. The projects Prince Odigie enumerated are truly there for all to see.

It has become pertinent to ask in the words of Apostle Paul, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth" (Galatians 3:1a).
To refresh his memories, Prince Emmanuel Odigie should visit Ugbor-Amagba Rd, Irhinrhin-Aruogba-Obazagbon-Obagie-Ogheghe Rd, Obahiantor Rd, TV Road, Lucky Way Rd, On-going Ekehuan Rd, On-going Ohonvbe Rd etc.

Thereafter he should visit Agbede-Awain Rd, Central Road in Ekpoma, Emu-Ohordua bridge in his local government and others of which some are in his Ewohimi community.

On infrastructural development, Prince Emmanuel Odigie should go and refresh his memory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, New Secretariat buildings block C and D, the New ICT buildings, Benin Technical College, Judges' Quarters, Edo Hotel, the new AAU Admin Building,  Edo Innovation hub, Ossiomo 55MW Plant and more.

Prince Emmanuel Odigie should go and ask pensioners what Governor Obaseki has done for them, he should pay a visit to our digital teachers and traders who are enjoying his policies.

We are aware of the millions being shared for political office holders to resign and we know how much Prince Emmanuel Odigie collected to remain in APC though he had started campaigning for Obaseki/Shaibu.

The good people of Ewohimi and Esan South East in general, are waiting for you to come and account for your recent trade.

©Godwin Eigbe

Open Letter of Olusegun Obasanjo to President Muhammadu Buhari

Obasanjo Writes Fresh ‘Weighty’ Open Letter To President Buhari (Full Text)

March 11, 2020



Dear President and General Buhari,

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT, GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI

I am constrained to write to you this open letter. I decided to make it an open letter because the issue is very weighty and must be greatly worrisome to all concerned Nigerians and that  means all right-thinking Nigerians and those resident in Nigeria.

Since the issue is of momentous concern to all well-meaning and  all right-thinking  Nigerians, it must be of great concern to you, and collective thinking and dialoguing  is the best way of finding  an appropriate and adequate  solution  to the  problem.

 The contents of this letter, therefore, should be available  to all those who can help in proffering effective solutions  for the problem of insecurity  in the land.
One of the spinoffs and accelerants is the misinformation and disinformation through the use of  fake news.

A number of articles, in recent days, have been attributed to me by some people who I believe may be seeking added credence and an attentive audience for their opinions and view-points. As you know very well, I will always boldly own what I say and disown what is put into my mouth. But the issue I am addressing here is very serious; it is the issue of life and death for all of us and for our dear country, Nigeria.

This issue can no longer be ignored, treated with nonchalance,  swept under the carpet  or treated with cuddling  glove.  The issue is hitting at the foundation of our existence as Nigerians and fast eroding the root of our Nigerian community. I am very much worried and afraid that we are on the precipice and dangerously reaching a tipping point where it may no longer be possible to hold danger at bay.

Without being immodest, as a Nigerian who still bears the scar of the Nigerian civil war on my body and with a son who bears the scar of fighting Boko Haram on his body, you can understand, I hope, why I am so concerned.  When people are desperate and feel that they cannot have confidence in the ability of government to provide security for their lives and properties, they will take recourse to anything and everything that can guarantee their security individually and collectively.

For over ten years, for four of which you have been the captain of the ship, Boko Haram has menacingly ravaged the land and in spite of  government’s claim of victory  over Boko Haram, the potency and the activities of Boko Haram, where they are active, remain undiminished, putting lie to government’s claim. The recent explanation of the Chief of Army Staff for non-victory due to lack of commitment and lack of motivation on the part of troops bordering on sabotage speaks for itself.

Say what you will, Boko Haram is still a daily issue of insecurity for those  who are victimised,  killed, maimed, kidnapped, raped, sold into slavery and forced into marriage  and for children forcibly recruited into  carrying bombs on them to detonate among crowds of people to cause maximum destructions and damage. And Boko Haram will not go away on the basis of sticks alone, carrots must overweigh sticks.

 How else do you deal with issues such as only about 50% literacy in North-East with over 70% unemployment?
Herdsmen/farmers crises and menace started with government treating the issue with cuddling glove instead of hammer.  It has festered and spread. Today, it has developed into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and killings all over the country.

The unfortunate  situation is that the criminality is being perceived as a ‘Fulani’ menace  unleashed  by Fulani  elite in the different parts of the country for a number of reasons  but even more  unfortunately, many Nigerians  and non-Nigerians who are friends of Nigeria attach vicarious  responsibility  to you as a  Fulani elite and the current captain of the Nigeria ship.

Perception may be as potent as reality at times.  Whatever may be the grievances of Fulanis, if any, they need to be put out in the open and their  grievances, if legitimate, be addressed; and if other ethnic groups have grievances, let them also be brought out in the open and addressed through debate and dialogue.

The main issue, if I may dare say, is poor management or mismanagement of diversity which, on the other hand, is one of our greatest and  most important assets.  As a result, very onerous cloud is gathering.  And rain of destruction, violence, disaster and disunity can only be the outcome.  Nothing should be taken for granted, the clock is ticking with the cacophony of dissatisfaction and disaffection everywhere in and  outside the country.

 The Presidency and the Congress in the US have signalled to us to put our house in order. The House of Lords in the UK had debated the Nigerian security situation. We must understand and appreciate the significance, implication and likely consequences of such concerns and deliberations.

No one can stop hate speech, violent agitation and smouldering violent agitation if he fans the embers of hatred, disaffection and violence.  It will continue to snowball until it is out of control.  A stich in time saves nine, goes the old wise saying.

With the death of Funke, Chief Fasoranti’s daughter, some sympathetic Nigerian groups are  saying “enough is enough”. Prof. Anya, a distinguished  Nigerian merit Laureate,  has this to say “We can no longer say with certainty that we have a nation”.  Niger-Delta leaders, South-Eastern leaders, Middle-Belt leaders and Northern Elders Forum have not remained quiet.

 Different ordinary Nigerians at home  and abroad are calling  for  different measures to  address or ameliorate  the situation. All the calls and cries can only continue to be ignored at the expense of Nigerian unity, if not its continued existence.
To be explicit and without equivocation, Mr. President and General, I am deeply worried about four avoidable calamities:

1. abandoning  Nigeria  into the hands of criminals who are  all being suspected, rightly or wrongly, as  Fulanis and terrorists of Boko Haram  type;

2. spontaneous  or planned reprisal attacks against Fulanis which  may inadvertently or advertently mushroom into  pogrom or Rwanda-type genocide that we did not believe could happen and yet it happened.

3. similar attacks against any other tribe or ethnic group anywhere in the country initiated  by rumours, fears, intimidation and revenge capable of leading to pogrom;

4. violent uprising  beginning  from one section  of the country  and spreading  quickly  to other areas  and leading to dismemberment  of the  country.

It happened to Yugoslavia not too long ago. If we do not act now, one or all of these scenarios may happen. We must pray and take effective actions at the same time. The initiative is in  the hands of the President  of the nation, but he cannot do it  alone.

 In my part of the world, if you  are sharpening your  cutlass and a mad man comes from behind to take the cutlass from you, you need other people’s assistance to have your cutlass back without being harmed.

The mad men with serious criminal intent and terrorism as core value have taken cutlass of security.  The need for assistance  to regain control is obviously compelling and must be embraced now.

A couple of weeks ago at a public lecture, I had said, among other things, that:
“In all these issues of mobilisation for national unity, stability, security, cooperation, development, growth and progress, there is no consensus. 

Like in the issue of security, government should open up discussion, debate and dialogue as part of consultation at different levels and the outcome of such deliberations should be collated to form inputs into a national conference to come up with the solution that will effectively deal with the issues and lead to rapid development, growth and progress which will give us a wholesome society and enhanced living standard and livelihood in an inclusive and shared society. 

It will be a national programme.  We need unity of purpose and nationally accepted strategic roadmap that will not change with whims and caprices of any government.  It must be owned by the citizens, people’s policy and strategy implemented by the government no matter its colour and leaning.

Some of the groups that I will suggest to be contacted are: traditional rulers, past heads of service (no matter how competent or incompetent they have been and how much they have contributed to the mess we are in), past heads of para-military organisations, private sector, civil society, community leaders particularly in the most affected areas, present and past governors, present and past local government leaders, religious leaders, past Heads of State, past intelligence chiefs, past Heads of Civil Service and relevant current and retired diplomats, members of opposition and any groups that may be deemed relevant.”

The President must be seen to be addressing this issue with utmost seriousness and with maximum dispatch and getting all hands on deck to help.  If there is failure, the principal responsibility will be that of the President and no one else.  We need cohesion and concentration of effort and maximum force – political, economic, social, psychological and military – to deal successfully with the menace of criminality and terrorism separately and together. 

Blame game among own forces must be avoided.  It is debilitating and only helpful to our adversary. We cannot dither anymore. It is time to confront this threat headlong and in a manner that is holistic, inclusive and purposeful.
For  the sake of Nigeria  and Nigerians,  I pray that God may grant you, as our President, the wisdom, the understanding, the political will and  the courage  to do what is right when it is right and without fear or favour.

 May God save, secure, protect and bless Nigeria. May He open to us a window of opportunity that we can still use to prevent the worst happening.  As we say in my village, “May God forbid bad thing