Jonathan, family move personal effects from Aso Rock

 

President Goodluck Jonathan 

President Goodluck Jonathan and his family members have started moving their personal belongings out of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, few days after the President lost his re-election bid, Saturday PUNCH can authoritatively report.Our correspondent sighted some buses loaded with travel bags moving out of the President’s official residence at about midday on Friday.On of the buses, a white 18-seater Hiace bus marked PF 6244 AL, was still being loaded with bags of different shades and sizes at the time of filing this report.

It was not clear at press time where the buses were heading for.

A source said the early removal of the personal effects of the first family might have been necessitated by the need for the renovation of the residence ahead of the May 29 handover date.

For renovation work to commence on time, the President may have to be operating from outside the residence in the days ahead.

also learnt that the Presidency had commenced a discreet investigation into how a recording of the telephone call by the President to Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on March 31, congratulating him on his victory at the last Saturday’s presidential election was leaked.

The recording which revealed details of what transpired between the two leaders went viral on the Internet on Thursday.

The audio of the conversation credited to one ENDS.ng @EveryNigerian was titled, “Historic congratulatory call from President Goodluck Jonathan to President-elect Muhammadu Buhari on March 31, 2015.”

A government official, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent on Friday that the Presidency was embarrassed by the leaked recording.

While saying that a thorough investigation is underway, the security source said the first step was to ascertain whether the recording was leaked from the Presidency or was made public from the President-elect’s camp.

He said it was only if it was discovered that the recording was leaked from the Presidency that further investigation would be conducted to ascertain those behind it in order to mete out appropriate punishment.

He, however, refused to talk on how long the investigation will take.

Ekiti Assembly to commence impeachment of Fayose

The Ekiti State House of Assembly is set to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Ayodele Fayose any moment from now, sources in the camp of the All Progressives Congress, APC have disclosed.

The notice of impeachment was prematurely leaked early on Saturday. A source said the notice had not been definitely issued, but had been prepared and the governor is being charged with eight impeachable offences bordering on gross misconduct.

Among the allegations, the governor is to be charged with invasion of the state House of Assembly, unconstitutional takeover of the House by seven legislators to sit in contravention of section 96(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, prevention of the nineteen APC legislative members from performing legislative duties with the use of security agents and armed thugs and sponsoring an unlawful impeachment process in the house.

Other allegations listed in the notice are spending Ekiti State funds without the requisite constitutional approval in contravention of the constitution, running the government of Ekiti State without a legally constituted Executive Council in contravention of Section 192(2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, operating an illegal 2014 Budget as well as sponsoring and instigating illegal sitting of the House in contravention of Section 96(1) of the Constitution.

The resolve of the legislators is apparently being fueled by the victory of the APC in last Saturday’s presidential election.

BUHARI’S VICTORY: Olusegun Obasanjo

HISTORY has always been kind to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. While his fellow soldiers died in the 1967-1970 civil war, he survived to accept the surrendering flags of the Biafra soldiers. He later emerged as Head of State from 1976-1979. Unlike his predecessors, Obasanjo survived coup plots and retired from the Army with the honour of handing over to the democratically-elected government of President Shehu Shagari.

In 1998, he emerged from prison on trumped-up charges of felony to pick the presidential ticket of the then budding Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He served for eight years and handed over to late President Musa Yar’Adua. When Yar’Adua died in office, Obasanjo backed the emergence of the then Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President. In 2011, he took it upon himself to market the president for election despite much opposition.

The former chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) was able to appease northern forces that Jonathan will serve for only a term and return power to them. It was on the strength of his assurances that many northern political elders supported the President for election in 2011 against Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, one of their own, who ran on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

But things soon went awry between Obasanjo and Jonathan with ethnic warlords cornering the latter. The former president was incensed and kept his distance. When Jonathan signalled his intention to run for second term, Obasanjo balked. It would go against the agreement signed with the North, he contended. But Jonathan would have none of such.

Obasanjo, to him and his aides, was a yester years’ leader who should leave the stage for the new generation. For opposing the president’s bid for reelection, Obasanjo came under vicious attacks. Presidential aides and associates called him names, telling him to face his business. The former President kept his cool, perhaps ruing his decision to principally install Jonathan.

But he broke his silence when the Boko Haram phenomenon became rather uncontrollable. The radical Islamic sect started bombing and killing almost on a daily basis. Obasanjo’s advice to the presidency to tackle the menace with what he called the stick- and- carrot approach was despised. His offer to lead negotiation with the sect’s leaders also suffered terrible setbacks, ostensibly because he didn’t receive much support from the presidency.

When the terrorists kidnapped 276 female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok almost a year ago, Obasanjo couldn’t stomach his rage. He boiled that the terror war was being mishandled. The presidency, he said, was not pulling its weight but allowing the insurgents to have a field day.

Forever a tactician, Obasanjo bid his time to move against Jonathan, a president he practically imposed against all odds. That time came when the presidential campaign took off. Feeling obligated to right his wrong, Obasanjo delivered scathing criticisms against the current administration. He accused the presidency of running a killer’s squad and planning to assassinate prominent opposition members. He condemned the parlous state of the economy, lamenting that the huge foreign reserve he left had been depleted on the altar of corruption. Baba, as he is popularly called, was firing from all cylinders, sparing no effort to swing public opinion against the administration.

Attempts to appease him were rebuffed. He had crossed the line where he could go back. A war had been declared on the presidency and he must win at all rates. Sensing the collateral damage Obasanjo was causing the PDP, its leaders attempted to mend the fence. On several occasions, they held closed-door meetings with the former president where he refused to be pacified. He kept telling them he was merely after national interest and had nothing personal against the president.

When PDP saw that Obasanjo was recalcitrant, there were moves to embarrass the elderstateman by expelling him from its fold. But Obasanjo, always ahead of his game, got wind of the ploy. He acted before the punch could be delivered. His reaction was as dramatic as telling. He chose to openly tear his membership card of the party, claiming he couldn’t bear to remain in the PDP, which he alleged had mismanaged Nigeria.

He didn’t stop there. He proceeded to openly endorse Buhari as a better alternative to Jonathan. Buhari, he canvassed, will fix Nigeria and return its lost glory. He was swimming against the tide but Obasanjo was propelled by a sense of conviction. He joined forces with APC stalwarts and stood to be counted as a history maker.

For shunning personal gains and opting for national glory, Obasanjo deserves a huge place among the men of courage. To criticise a sitting government as a former president is no easy chore. To openly endorse an opposition candidate was calling for troubles. But the Owu-born General had burnt the bridge. There was no going back. Last week as Buhari was declared elected, Obasanjo cemented his place in the nation’s Hall of Fame.

BUHARI’S VICTORY: Yemi Osinbajo

I am very happy, God has done an awesome thing,’’ was all the Vice-President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, could say when asked to react to the victory of the All Progressives Congress(APC) at last Saturday’s presidential poll.

To those in the know, Osinbajo’s emergence was down to nothing but sheer divine providence. He was busy facing his private legal practice when the APC chose him as the running mate of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari. The choice, observers believe, was influenced by his impeccable character and competence.

But most importantly, Osinbajo has made a name for himself as pastor of Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Banana Island, Lagos. As a pastor, he was nominated to run on the APC ticket to counteract the Islamic fundamentalist tag placed on Buhari.

To political strategists, the ticket should easily attract the Christian community. But it hardly did. Many church leaders considered Osinbajo’s acceptance of the offer as a denunciation of his pastoral calling, which they argue was higher than the presidency.

Many prominent church leaders and preachers frowned at his entrance to the race. At a meeting last January in a prominent church, Osinbajo was barred from addressing major church leaders brainstorming on the position to take on the presidential race. Forces loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan said Osinbajo should not address the gathering because it would appear like an expressed endorsement for his ambition.

When a group of Christian clerics organised an interactive meeting with him in February, a top CAN official ordered that the session should be called off. The organisers balked but the stay-action order prevailed. However, despite such open rejections from those he felt should be comfortable with his presidential ambition, Osinbajo soldiered on. The former Attorney-General of Lagos State decided to take his fate in his own hands. He took to the streets to market the APC’s presidential ticket.

His campaign, to observers, was novel and innovative. The Professor of Law boarded BRT buses in major terminals of Lagos much to the astonishment of co-passengers. He went on to meet them one after the other, explaining what the party intended to do, if elected. He also met with market women in their shops, selling the party’s manifesto to them. To the ordinary folks, it was unprecedented to have a high-profile political office seeker like him meet them. They felt important and gleefully posed for photographs with him. That sold the message to common folks that Osinbajo will not forget them when in power.

But these approaches, some people, said were time-wasting and ineffectual. “How many votes can you win, meeting with such people?” one of them taunted. Many also dismissed his many town hall meetings as elitist and too low-profile. To the lily-livered, such snide remarks could be demoralising. But not to a brave, confident personality like the Senior Partner of Simmons Cooper Partners (Barristers and Solicitors).

When our correspondent demanded to know if such talks affected him, he simply said: “We know what we are doing. We are doing the right thing and we do not seek the praises of men. We are motivated by the people and anything that will make us connect with them would be appropriate, regardless of how others see it.”

What critics couldn’t take away from him, however, is brilliance. At different interactive sessions he attended, he shone brighter and brighter. He took the pains to explain how the much talked-about change will affect Nigerians and how things would be done. He ended most sessions with standing ovations with participants marvelling at his sharp brains and brilliant ideas.

As the number two man, from May 29th, he is expected to bring to bear his vast experience as former Attorney-General in Lagos State for eight years. He also had a stint from 1988-1992 as an Adviser (Legal Advice and Litigation) to the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bola Ajibola.

His brilliant mind and legal background, observers say, will assist the presidency in navigating the nation through the process of change for accelerated growth and development. His gentle disposition should also serve as a calming influence during the tough four years ahead. Statutorily, the vice president coordinates the economic team, a role Osinbajo will find very comfortable, having been an inner caucus of a team that saw a cosmopolitan state like Lagos through a period of financial reengineering. As a technocrat VP, he should find the role very familiar and easy to deal with.

For sure, his place in history is secured for daring to accept an offer that appeared suicidal and braving the odds to add real value to the presidential ticket and wooing voters to choose the APC ahead of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Jega: An umpire’s pact with history

MILLIONS of Nigerians will readily concur with the statement made by United States’ President, Barack Obama, few days ago, emphasizing that Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and its chairman deserve special recognition. The story of the historic emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s President-Elect in the just concluded 2015 presidential poll is never complete without a generous mention of the role played by the nation’s electoral umpire, Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega. This is not just about the nail-biting political intrigues that played out before, during and even after the elections. It is more about the astonishing grace, calculative mien, mental acuity and psychological balance that Jega brought to bear on the job despite a barrage of stone-cold attacks against his person mostly by notable political actors in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

Never in the history of the Nigerian electoral process has an umpire displayed such emotional stamina and an uncanny resolve to toe a tortuous but right path amid clearly provocative taunts by powerful political forces, even in the middle of the arduous task of collation of results. Yet, some would say nothing less is expected of a man with a track record of holding firm to his beliefs as an academic of repute. However, experience has shown that academic brilliance does not necessarily translate into practical reality, especially in Nigeria’s murky political waters. So far, Jega is one of the rare few who have been able to prove to be an exception to the rule.

Interestingly, when President Goodluck Jonathan nominated Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission in June, 2010, it was borne out of the conviction that he was found worthy of a position that had a history of lacking in men that live up to the creed such an office demands— unimpeachable integrity and being a consistent stickler for truth. He was to replace Prof. Maurice Iwu, who was eased out ingloriously after superintending over the disaster called the 2007 elections, which ushered in the late President UmaruYar’Adua and his deputy, Jonathan. That was one election in which the President-elect then, Yar’Adua, publicly acknowledged to be lacking in credibility.

It was, therefore, not surprising that Jonathan, as Acting President, needed to shop for a candidate that would command the respect of the Nigerian electorate and the international community. No doubt, Jega has proven to be a fitting candidate, considering the fact that the major role he played in late President Yar’Adua’s vision to reform the electoral process and forestall a repeat of the traditional electoral heist that brought him into power.

Jega’s resume marks him out as a well-honed academic and seasoned administrator of a noble hue. A snap peep into his profile states: “Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega (OFR) was born on the 11th of January, 1957. From 1963 to 1969, he attended Sabon-Gari/Town Primary School, Jega, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate; and the West African School Certificate (WASC) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) O’ Level in 1974 at the Government Secondary School, Birnin-Kebbi. On leaving secondary school, he was admitted into Bayero University College, Kano (ABU, Zaria) for his Advanced Level Certificate studies; after which he proceeded for his undergraduate studies. He graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hon) in Political Science.

“In 1979, after the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the then Cross River State, he took up appointment with Bayero University, Kano (BUK). He thereafter proceeded to Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA, where he obtained his Masters (1981) and Doctorate (1985) degrees in Political Science  specialising in Political Economy. While at Northwestern, he also obtained a Certificate in African Studies.

“Professor Jega’s rich academic career saw him serve at various times as Visiting Research Fellow, University of Stockholm, Sweden (Swedish Institute Fellowship), 1994; Visiting Research Fellow, St. Peter’s College, University of Oxford, 1996; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Bayero University, Kano, 1995-1996; Acting Director, Centre for Research and Documentation (CRD), Kano,1998; and Director, Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mambayya House, BUK, 2000-2004. He attained the pinnacle on September 6th, 2004, with his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano  a position he occupied until his appointment as the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in June 2010.

“Other professional/community service positions held by Professor Jega include being: Member, Presidential Panel on Review and Harmonization and Rationalization of Federal Government Parastatals, Institutions and Agencies, 1999-2000; Member, Governing Council, the African Centre for Democratic Governance (AFRIGOV), 1997 to 2003; Member, Governing Board, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, 2002-2004; Chairman, Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), 2003-2004; Member, Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs, 2001-2007; and Member, Vision 20-20-20 Committee, National Working Group on Niger Delta and Regional Development, 2009.

“From 1992 to 1998, Professor Jega was Director of Research, Nigerian Political Science Association; Member, Presidential Panel on Rationalisation and Streamlining of Federal Government Poverty Alleviation Programmes and Institutions, 1999; and Member, Presidential Technical Committee on the Consolidation of the Tertiary Education Sector, 2006-2007. One of his most renowned service positions was as President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), 1988-1994. He was also Member, Electoral Reform Committee, August 2007- December 2008.”

Tinubu: Fearless kingmaker

ON May 29, when the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, takes over from out-going President Goodluck Jonathan at the handing over ceremony in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, will also be the cynosure of all eyes.

He will receive a standing ovation as a kingmaker, courageous and fearless political General, patriot, motivator, strategic thinker, risk taker, grand master of grassroots politicking, humanist, visionary leader, crowd puller; a crusader for change, the enthronement of the rule of law, electoral reforms, justice, good governance and development; and a great apostle of power, which, in his view, is never served a la cart. Always exuding charisma, carriage, dignity and honour, the ceremony will be the crowing of his efforts as an indomitable opposition leader, a man endowed with sheer organisational ability, mobilisation prowess, uncommon acumen, masterful logic, foresight, and the most colourful politician in the post-Awolowo era.

Thirty two years ago, the indomitable leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, predicted that progressive forces would float a formidable opposition platform that would win federal power in Nigeria. Although the former Premier of the defunct Western Region tried in vain to bring the scattered opposition figures under one umbrella to confront the conservative bloc that had held the country to ransom, his efforts were fruitless. In 1959/60, 1964, 1979, 1983, 2003, 2007 and 2011, progressives worked at cross purposes, despite their numerical strength, intellectual bent, ideological inclination and vision of a better society.

However, ahead of last week’s presidential election, Tinubu swung into action. He made a passionate appeal to progressive arrowheads in the opposition parties to sink their minor differences and pull their resources together. The National Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) argued that if the leaders of like-minded parties could make sacrifice and float a mega party to confront the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which, in his opinion, has lost steam, Nigeria will be better. The elder statesmen-Buhari and Prince Tony Momoh(Congress for Progressive Change, CPC), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP), Chief Bisi Akande (ACN) and Governor Rochas Okorocha, who led a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the merger talks, bought into the vision.

The road was laced with thorns. But, the leaders weathered the storm. After surviving the registration hurdles, the tension unleashed by intra-party struggle for party offices, the anxiety over presidential primaries and the inexplicable eligibility question hanging on its standard bearer, APC went into the historic poll with confidence. In all the stages, which were characterised by storm and stress, Tinubu provided selfless leadership. He is also acknowledged as a top party financier. At the presidential primaries of the party in Lagos, he reflected on the enormous sacrifices made by the party leaders. He said they sacrificed their ambitions to rule to enable Buhari fly the flag of the party because they had confidence in his ability to rescue Nigeria from bad governance.

Asiwaju’s role in the polity is consistent with his antecedent. Since he crossed the bridge from the boardroom to politics, he has placed his hand on his plough and he has not looked back. At various times, since his foray into politics, he has lived up to expectation. “He is a consummate politician, consistent democrat, tested and trusted leader, seasoned administrator, financial surgeon, powerful organiser and mobiliser, defender of the oppressed, foremost philanthropist, and citizen of the world,” said one of his disciples, Hon. Olatunbosun Jeje, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, who added: “He is always thinking about Nigeria and how to make life abundant.”

Paying tribute to Tinubu, Second Republic Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Olorunfunmi Basorun, described him as a man of immense political stature. He said the former governor has been bothered by the lack of good roads, electricity, employment, good health care system and security. “Asiwaju Tinubu is an exemplary leader whose philosophy is deeply anchored on the tenets of Awoism. Tinubu’s mere cough or sneeze makes some people severely panicky and jittery. He is the contemporary Awo of our time, who is destined to complete Awo’s unfinished business,” he added.

Tinubu’s 63rd birthday almost coincided with the general election. Thus, in the opinion of another of his disciple, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed, Gen. Buhari’s victory at the poll was a sort of birthday gift to the leader, who had worked tirelessly for power shift. “What the leader stands for is a paradigm shift in governance at the centre. He has deployed his mega capabilities as he spearheaded the legitimate agitations. He has sent the clear message that change is possible in the national interest. His place in history is that of an oak tree offering protective shades to progressives nationwide. He earned the position of leadership through the dint of hard work, resilience and commitment to the ideals of democracy,” he added.

Men of history

Last Saturday’s historic victory of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, is a watershed by all standards. First, it marks the first time an opposition candidate will defeat an incumbent. Two, the candidate can best be described as ‘Abraham Lincoln’ of Nigeria. Like the famed former American President, Gen. Buhari triumphed at the fourth attempt at the presidential slot and after he had almost given up. However, the victory was one achieved after navigating through so many landmines. Whenever the story of this milestone is retold, some people will definitely occupy chapters in the chronicles of the events that led to it. We profile them below:

HE towers above others, not only in height, but also in character, patriotism and political luck. The light-skinned, tall and dignified gallant officer weathered the storm four times to fulfill his destiny. Although he has seen it all before as a civil war hero, military governor, minister, military commander and Head of State, necessity has made it compelling for him in retirement to embark on a rescue mission. His victory at the historic presidential election underscored the power of courage and the audacity of hope.

Today, Muhammadu Buhari, a Fulani and retired soldier from Daura, Katsina State, is the man of the moment. On May 29, he will inherit a national burden; a country in despair, a disunited polity, an empty treasury, a huge foreign debt, an army of unemployed youths, dilapidated infrastructure, wobbling health system, and insecurity. According to observers, Nigeria, for the first time, elected a leader whose aversion to primitive accumulation is legendary. His strength lies, not only in his power of ideas and passion for progress, but other vital assets, including integrity, credibility and disdain for corruption. He will work hand in hand with a resilient deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), another powerhouse of ideas, a silent worker, planner, organiser and result-oriented technocrat.

Buhari is not the first former military Head of State to return to power through the ballot box after disengagement from the Army. His former boss, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, who handed over power voluntarily to the civilian regime in 1979, was elected President 16 years later. Other former military Heads of State-Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida-also made futile efforts in the past. However, Buhari’s second coming is significant in some ways. History will record that he is the first politician to defeat an incumbent in a critical election that had aroused domestic passion and the interest of the international community.