We Will Reject Any Judgment That Would Acquit Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu - Global Centre For Conscious Living Against Corruption

The Global Centre for Conscious Living against Corruption has questioned the Supreme Court judgement on the nullification of the trial of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.

While addressing a joint press briefing on Tuesday, 12^th May, 2020 in Abuja, The Director General of Global Centre for Conscious Living against Corruption Dr. Nwambu Gabriel wondered why Uzor Kalu who has allegedly stolen even more money (N7.65 Billion Naira) be different from that of Jolly Nyame, Joshua Dariye.

He further said that, "could we rightly assert that there are some sacred cows close to the corridors of power in Nigeria who are above the law or are our corruption trials selective?

Excerpt is the full text of the press briefing:

Recall that our coalition addressed you on the 28th of April, 2020 warning Nigerians to watch out on the serial antics perpetrated by some jailed politicians and ex-Governors who leverages on all possible windows to evade justice thereby bringing to disrepute the genuine efforts of President Mohammadu Buhari  and indeed the EFCC in bringing corrupt politicians to book irrespective of their political affiliation and amount of money stolen.

On the 7th of April 2020, the Supreme Court as the Apex Court in Nigeria nullified the trial of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, his firm, SLOK Nigeria Limited and Jones Udeogu (an accomplice), a former Director of Finance and Accounts of Abia State Government and ordering their fresh trial at the lower court.

The apex court based its verdict on the grounds that Justice Mohammed Idris, who convicted Kalu and others had been elevated to the Court of Appeal before the judgment and returned to the lower court to deliver the judgment which it considered as illegal.

Although the EFCC had responded to this judgment in a letter signed by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity on the 8th of May, 2020, stating that the anti graft agency considers the judgment of the apex court as 'quite unfortunate'. He stated that it was a 'technical ambush' against the trial of the former Governor. He further stated "The commission is prepared for a fresh and immediate trial of the case because its evidences against Kalu and others are overwhelming. The entire prosecutorial machinery of the EFCC would be launched in a fresh trial where justice is bound to be served in due course".

Now, for us as coalition against corruption, the Centre had notified Nigerians on how in 2019, Mr. Orji Kalu lied to the court that he was admitted in a German hospital for a knee surgery, only for him to appear in a political campaign a few days later jumping up and down. This trial has been on for 13 years and yet the process has been reassigned for fresh trial. Some questions waiting for answers includes:

1. Could anything  be wrong with our Criminal Justice System?

2. Could it be that Kalu had perfected on some windows to evade justice especially referring to a letter written by his counsel Gordy Uche (SAN) & Co. to the President, Court of Appeal on the 26th day of June, 2018 requesting  for Hon. Justice M.B. Idris DCA, to conclude the part- heard trial?

3. Some other ex-Governors are in jail, why is that of Kalu who has allegedly stolen even more money (N7.65 Billion Naira) be different from that of Jolly Nyame, Joshua Dariye, etc?

4. Could we rightly assert that there are some sacred cows close to the corridors of power in Nigeria who are above the law or are our corruption trials selective?

This is a trial that would again test the strength of our Judiciary. Nigerians expect a more expedient and expeditious trial in line with the Criminal Justice Act of a matter of this magnitude which has taken 13 years depleting tax payers money in an economy that is already hemorrhaging.

We wish to state clearly that any judgment that would acquit Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu or any ex- Governor or corrupt politician who has allegedly stolen or misappropriated  public funds on technical grounds will not be accepted by our coalition and Nigerians in general.

We urge the people of Abia state and indeed Nigerian citizens who are yearning for justice to remain calm while we follow events as it unfolds. Updates on this note would be relayed to Nigerians accordingly.

Thank You.

Signed:

Dr. Nwambu Gabriel                                                          Mallam Sadiq Malik

For the Coalition.

No 5G Licences Issued Yet, Says NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said its attention has been drawn to a mischievous statement making the rounds on social media like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and other sites that the Nigerian telecoms industry is going to switch on Fifth Generation (5G) in Lagos this  Sunday 10th, Monday 11th or Tuesday 12th May 2020. 

 In a press release signed by the Director, Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) , Dr. Henry Nkemadu, he said that  the statement from the faceless individuals or groups cannot be further from the truth. The Commission has unequivocally stated that there is no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment. 

The NCC back in November 2019 approved trial test for 5G for a period of three (3) months and the trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned. 

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, said that ‘’the trial among others was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. Relevant stakeholders including members of the security agencies were invited to participate during the trial.’’

The NCC will continue to maintain its policy of technology neutrality and will continue to encourage service providers to deploy the best technology that will meet the needs of the society in a secured and friendly manner.

The NCC had provided clarifications through Frequently Asked Questions on 5G in view of the recent developments in which misleading materials with no proven evidence are being circulated to link CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19 with 5G technology and therefore refutes the claim that there will be switching on of 5G in Lagos in its entirety. 

The Commission also provided clarifications on the laying of fibre optic cables within Lagos and other parts of the country to the effect that the laying of additional fibre optic cables is to strengthen the existing 3G and 4G infrastructure to provide robust and pervasive telecoms infrastructure to improve network performance.

5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology, which is an improvement of today's 4G technology with enhanced capabilities. 5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.

"NCC has not issued any licence for 5G in Nigeria and therefore, the mobile network operators (MNOs) cannot switch on such technology. NCC is technology-neutral. As such, we don't license technology but assigns spectrum to operators for deployment of any service when allocated by National Frequency Management Council (NFMC)," Danbatta said.

‘’As the telecoms regulator, we enjoin Nigerians to get accurate information from us rather than relying on information emanating on social media by some individuals out of ignorance to misinform our people," said Danbatta.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello Swears In Yahaya Of PDP As Chairman Of Magama LGC

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has sworn in Safiyanu Yahaya of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the Chairman of Magama Local Government Council.

The Governor presided over the swearing in ceremony which took place at the Government House, Minna. 

This the  Governor did in obedience to the High Court ruling that quashed the November 30, 2019 local government Council election in Magama local government on the ground of pre-election offence.

The High Court 5 sitting in Minna, in March declared Safiyanu Yahaya  winner of the election and ordered that the State Independent Electoral Commission, NSIEC withdraws the certificate of return issued to Salihu Ubandoma of the All Progressives Congress, APC as the elected Chairman of Magama and, forthwith, issue a Certificate of return to Safiyanu Yahaya of the PDP as the duly elected Council Chairman.

Speaking after the brief event, the newly sworn-in  Chairman, Safiyanu Yahaya described Governor Sani Bello as a man of Justice who has demonstrated his respect for the rule of law by acting in compliance with the directive of the Court.

He said despite belonging to another political Party, the Governor took the best decision by respecting the decision of the Court and swore him in as the substantive Chairman. 

This he added is good Omen  for the people of Magama and the State at large.

The oaths of office and allegiance were  administered by Justice Salisu Alhassan Majidadi who represented the State Chief Judge.

Lockdown On Rivers: Eze Condemns Wike's 'Executive Rascality

.....Indicts him for hiding under the fight against Covid 19 to do mischief

...describes the demolition of buildings, impounding and auctioning of vehicles as ultra vires, beyond his powers and height of despotism and nepotism

....Says Rivers Attorney General may have retreated to slumber land

.... Queries the whereabout of Elders of Rivers State

Gov. Nyesom Wike has continued to be caught in the web of massive power drunkenness and executive recklessness in the discharge of his functions especially, in his purported fight against Covid 19 since the emergence and spread of the pandemic in the country. 

Worried over the safety of Rivers people, especially the less privileged whose sources of livelihood has been grossly affected by the governor's acts of horrendous rascality, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said the governor now sees himself as a natural ruler administering over a police state. 

Describing the arbitrary excercise of power as anarchical, the party Chief said the deliberate sufferings meted out on Rivers people on daily basis is pointer and justifies the fact that Wike was forcefully imposed on Rivers people by evil forces who do not mean well for the state, stressing that no democratic leader installed through the instrumentality of the ballot can be so draconian, heartless and inconsiderate to plight of the electorates whom he claimed voted him into office.

Frowning at the demolition of hotels and auctioning of cars belonging to alleged defaulters of the governor's executive orders, Chief Eze said Gov. Wike acted beyond his bounds; citing Section 36 (12) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), where it was settled that offences and penalty for any offence must be clearly stated in a written law. 

He reminded the governor that the Constitution is the 

 *fons et origo;* the origin and source from whence every other laws derive their validity.

For further guidance, Eze tasked the governor take a thorough perusal of the case of FAITH V GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ANOTHER (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA), where the governor of Lagos State issued a directive inhibiting movements of citizens during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, and the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgement held that the Appellant could not be arrested or prosecuted for non compliance with an Executive Order of the Governor of Lagos State because the offence is not prescribed in a written law and is therefore unknown to law

Drawing inference from the afore cited Constitutional provision and case law, Chief Eze queried the foundation upon which the governor's ultra vires actions are anchored.

He further pointed to Section 1 (3) of the Constitution where it was expressly stated thus: "if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail and that other law shall to the extent of its inconsistency be void".

Eze referred the governor to Section 5 of the Quarantine Act which provides for a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or a fine of N200 or both as punishment for defaulters of the Act.

The obvious implication of that section is that defaulters of any regulation made by the President or Governor of a state to curtail infectious disease is liable to a fine of N200 or a term of imprisonment for six months or both and nothing more. It is therefore disturbing to learn that Gov. Wike has arrogated to himself more powers outside the limit prescribed in the Quarantine Act.

There is therefore no law empowering the governor to confiscate or order the confiscation of goods or demolition of any house or houses belonging to defaulters under the Quarantine Act because Section 5 of the said Act already provides for punishment for offenders.

It therefore amounts to executive rascality and sheer recklessness for Wike to confiscate and auction properties and demolish structures merely because their owners violated an order which punishment the law already provides. 

Eze pleaded that with a conquered State House of Assembly and a silenced Traditional Rulers, the Elites and Elders of Rivers State should assist the State by speaking up against the evil that has bedevilled the State to avoid the current state where Wike has turned the State into a laughing stock.

Eze wonders where are the elders of Rivers State and cried asking where are the Abiye Sekibos,  Chief Emeh Glory Emehs,  Chief Sergeant Awuses, Hon Austin Oparas, Chief OCJ Okochas. Where are you Olaka Nwogu, Uche Secondus, Chief Anyawu. What about Tele Ikuru, Felix Obua, Celestine Omehia, Thompson Sekibo, Lee Maeba, K. K. Kobani and a host of others who conspired to foist Wike on Rivers people? 

Where are the Dr Peter Odilis, President Goodluck Jonathans, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba that imposed this man on Rivers State? You must all be feeling guilty,  disappointed and disgraced by the governor's ill-bred and untutored actions against Rivers people.

Eze queried the whereabout of the academics in the PDP and those serving in the government; Prof. Ebeku, Prof. Mmom, Prof. Adango, Prof. Didia, Prof.  Ndimele, Prof. Onuchukwu and others. Gov. Wike has indeed made nonsense of their academic attainments and they must all have hidden their faces in shame. 

Chief Eze called on the few with conscience  working with the governor not to die in silence, but speak up in defence of the people and or resign to save their conscience from imminent death, stressing that posterity will not forgive them if they continue to accept to be stocked like pieces of furniture and watch Rivers people continue to go through the dehumanizing and melancholic condition the governor has subjected them.

Chief Eze Expressed disappointment over the indolence of the Attorney General of the state whose responsibility it is to tutor the governor on issues touching on law to reduce constant exhibition of ignorance and crass cluelessness in the public space particularly now that the Governor have lost and forgotten all that he was taught in the Law School.

He tasked the Attorney General to return from slumber land and save the governor from further embarrassing blunder which has already painted the government as one lacking in men who are stocked with the requisite knowledge in law and practice.

He said the state Attorney General must not see himself as the governor's puppet, always there to receive orders and prohibitions without making any meaningful impact as such does not speak well of a man of his status in the academia, but only makes mockery of his professorial attainment in law.

He appealed to Rivers people to remain calm, assuring that the challenges will definitely fizzle out.

Amaechi The Best Non Indigene Friendly Governor Rivers Ever Had

Brief history of Rivers state, Rivers state was created from the than Eastern Region of Nigeria by decree No19 of 1967. The territory was referred than as the OIL RIVERS PROTECTORATE,

The state is bounded on the South by the Atlantic ocean,on the North by imo,Anambra and Abia, the East by Akwa ibom state and west Bayelsa and Delta state.And it is presently in the Niger Delta region.

Rivers state have a population of approximately 5 to 6 millions people this includes Indigenes and non Indigenes.

The state capital port Harcourt is the second largest commercial centre,with the second busiest seaport in Nigeria,The city is  cosmopolitan with a busy international airport with regular international and domestic flights operating all parts of Nigeria and major cities of the world.

Former governors/Administrators of Rivers state.

1.Navy com Alfred Diets spiff.1967-1975

2.col Zamani lekwot 1975_1978.

3.Navy com Suleiman saidu 1978_1979

4.chief Medford okilo1979_1983.

5.police com fidelis oyakhilome 1984_1986.

6.col Anthony ukpo 1986_1988.

7.Group cap Ernest o. Adeleye 1988_1990.

8.Col Godwin Abbe 1990_1993.

9.chief Rufus Ada George 1992_1993.

10.lt col.Dauda musa komo 1993_1996.

11.col musa sheikh shehu 1996_1998.

12.Group cap Samuel Ewag 1998_1999.

13.DR Peter Odilli 1999_2007.

Rt hon CR Amaechi 2007_2015.

Chief Nyesom Wike.2015 till date.

Having critically x_rayed the past and present administration, I am writing with special reference to the administration of H E RT HON CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI, and his  relationship with the non Indigenes when he held sway as governor of Rivers state.

Rivers state is home for all based on it position and business activities AMAECHI became governor on Oct 2017 with a mission statement.

OUR MISSION IS TO SERVE OUR PEOPLE WITH HUMILITY AND RENDER A TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE STEWARDSHIP ANCHORED ON INTEGRITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

WE SHALL USE OUR GOD GIVEN RESOURCES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATION, EMPOWER OUR PEOPLE IN A PEACEFUL,JUST HARMONIOUS SOCIETY UNDER GOD.

He fulfilled his mission statement to the best of his ability, not leaving out the non Indigenes,he said and I quote "some non Indigenes are born here,schooled and married here,  pay their taxes and bills here,  vote here,and also contribute to the development of the state,so they are also entitled to some rights and privileges of the state.

AMAECHI'S DEED TO NON INDIGENES OF RIVERS STATE

1. AMAECHI, the  first governor of Rivers state to appoint a non Indigene as commissioner.

2. Appointment of non Indigene as sole administrator of Rivers state environmental waste management Agency RIWAMA

3.Appointment of non Indigenes as caretaker committee members in the 23 LGAs

4.Appointment IGBO,cum port Harcourt boy, a media GURU/POLITICIAN  CHIEF EZE CHUKWUEMEKA EZE as media consultant.

5.Employment of non Indigenes into civil service,during the 13,200 teachers employment.

6.inclusion of non Indigenes into oversea scholarship through RSSDA.

7.Free education for Indigenes and non Indigenes in primary and post primary schools

8. Equal tuition fee for both Indigenes and non Indigenes in state own higher educational institutions of learning.

9.Free school uniform,books and canvas for Indigenes and non Indigenes in primary school. 

10.He created a conducive and friendly business environment for non Indigenes doing business here.

Above all he is married to a beautiful ADA NDI IGBO,a Queen of Igbo extraction.(non Indigene). This is just a few of his good deeds to the non Indigenes of Rivers state.more of his deeds will be unveiled in our next edition.

His love for non Indigenes and political astuteness prompted president BUHARI to Appoint him campaign DG for two times.which made him the first DG to win a sitting president.

He is currently a two times  minister of transportation of the federal republic of Nigeria and he is doing very well

May chukwu okike abima bless all his endeavors. AMEN.

BENSON NWACHUKWU

former CTC member ikwerre local government council.

COVID-19, Niger State And Uncommon Demonstration Of Competence Amidst Security Challenges

By Mary Noel-Berje 

The ultimate measure of good governance is in the protection and advancement of the wellbeing of the people. In validating leadership responsibility, the former United States President, Harry S.Truman once said, "Buck stops here!" This goes to show leadership responsibility and proactiveness, which has been overwhelmingly demonstrated by the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Like President John Fitzgerald Kennedy did during the Cuba Missile Crisis of 1962, Governor Sani Bello has adopted continuous engagements in ensuring that the right steps are taken towards mitigating the spread and impact of the pandemic. 

Immediately the first case of the novel Coronavirus was confirmed in Nigeria on the 28 February, 2020, the Niger State Government did not leave anything to chance, as it began contingency plans almost instantly. 

Following the rapid spread of the virus to almost all the states of the federation, each has different number of cases, depending on its vulnerability and the preventive plans it has put in place. 

Naturally, Niger state is expected to be apprehensive because of its strategic location, its large territory and the number of states it shares borders with. Moreso, the state is a transit route from major parts of the country into the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In fact, Niger State can best be described as the hinges that connects the northern and southern parts of the country hence, it's susceptibility. Despite its vulnerability, the state has been able to cope with this global pandemic. 

Immediately after the confirmation of Nigeria's index case, the Niger State Governor, His Excellency, Abubakar Sani Bello, in his effort as a leader who is responsible for the wellbeing of his people, instituted proactive and comprehensive measures towards containing the virus.

Among the measures put in place is the setting up of a 28-member state taskforce committee on covid-19, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Ahmed Matane with the commissioners of relevant ministries, Director General Niger State Emergency Management Agency, General Manager, Niger State Environmental Protection Agency, NISEPA , as well as Religious and Traditional leaders amongst others.

The Governor then instructed the state ministry of health to establish emergency operations centres across the state to detect and keep close surveillance to the possible outbreak of COVID19 and other related diseases in the state. 

This instruction was immediately followed by setting up of quarantine and isolation centres across the state, fully equipped with drugs, medical supplies and personal protective equipment. Millions of naira were approved and released for the upgrade and purchase of medical facilities in the state. 

Other steps taken before the state recorded the first case of COVID-19, were massive public awareness creation and sensitization about the virus and capacity building and refresher training for clinicians on the epidemic prone diseases.

As the virus continue to spread wide across the country, it became expedient for the Governor to close both public and private Schools as well as Tertiary Institutions in the state. 

He also announced the prohibition of any gathering of persons beyond 20 and disclosed the state government's resolve to ensure compliance to all preventive measures advised by the NCDC, especially the physical distancing and hand washing routine.

On Wednesday, the 25th of March 2020, the Governor imposed a daily curfew from 8am to 8pm in the state. All these were done by His Excellency, Abubakar Sani Bello to reduce the exposure of the people to the virus.

The government was however sensitive to the plight of the people and thereafter relaxed the restrictions to be from 10am to 12pm daily.

Eventually, when the privilege was abused, the Governor announced a total lockdown of the state for a period of two weeks beginning from Monday, 13th April, with the exceptions of organisations and persons providing essential services.

As a leader that leads by example, and coupled with his interaction with other eminent personalities, His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello went into isolation and instructed his cabinet members and other key government officials to do same.

His blood sample was subsequently sent for laboratory examination, which twice turned out negative.

After the index case in the state was discovered in Limawa area of Minna on the 11th of April, 2020, immediately, the state taskforce swung into action by evacuating him into one of the health facilities already prepared and completely locked down the area in order to curtail any potential of the virus spread within the community. 

The state government then directed NISEPA to disinfect the whole area and other public places like the city centres, markets and places of worship in the state.

However, the committee ensured there was enough food for the people resident in the Limawa area for the period of two weeks lockdown imposed on the area. This was in order to cushion the effect of the lockdown. 

The impact of COVID-19 has affected Nigeria's economy negatively and by implication, the economy of the states. Consequently, the state government reviewed its 2020 budget downward from one hundred and fifty five billion to ninety eight billion naira, in order to be in tandem with the situation at hand.

Despite the paucity of funds, and as a responsive government, the administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello provided palliatives in different dimensions to make the lockdown of the state easy for the people to cope. The State Ministry of Water Resources and Dams Development supplied portable water consistently to hard-to-reach areas in Minna and major towns of the state.

After the state made it a law for all the people to wear face/nose mask, provision was made for them and distributed to the people.

The state government also, in an effort to make the people comfortable while observing the stay at home order, engaged with Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, which led to improved electricity supply to consumers from 6-8 hours daily to 12-15 hours daily.

Taking cognisance of persons who earn their living daily but now cannot afford to go out due to the lockdown and the extremely poor, the state government distributed food items through the Local Government Councils across the state for onward delivery to the people in need at the ward levels through the polling units. This was done in two phases to alleviate the sufferings of the poor, and still ongoing. 

The state covid-19 taskforce has been working tirelessly in ensuring that Coronavirus pandemic is kept under control, so that it does not overwhelm the state health facilities. 

The committee monitors the level of compliance with the stay at home order, physical distancing and the hand washing routine, with a mobile court is instituted to ensure enforcement. It holds a weekly review of the whole situation in order to make appreciable progress.

The story of Niger state COVID-19 response will not be complete without the mention of donor organisations and good spirited individuals who, out of genuine concerns and their benevolence, joined the fight against the virus via donations of various medical supplies and food items.

So far, Niger state has only 8 confirmed cases with no death of COVID-19 and no threat of community transmission, though the Governor has ordered more comprehensive testing, which has frantically commenced, to know the true status of the state.

All thanks to the measures put in place by the state government ably led by the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, the philanthropic gestures of private and public organizations, as well as the general public, especially religious bodies.

These successes cannot be said to have been achieved without challenges. 

SECURITY

Niger state has faced major set back in the area of security, banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling. The threat of these activities confronting about seven local government areas of the state, could best be described as even worst than the COVID-19 pandemic, as the state experiences major attacks of this nature virtually every 2-3 days with people dying, some taken away while some people lose their wealth.

However, the government of the day has devised different methods of addressing the challenge but, yet, the bandits remain undaunted in carrying out their nefarious attacks.

Meanwhile, the administration of Governor Abubakar sani Bello is determined and committed to dealing decisively with the bandits so as to bring succour to the people of the affected areas.

For the past three years the state has been battling with the influx of these group of people, canvassed and collaborated with the federal government but yet the banditry has continued unabated which calls for serious concerns. 

This action is taking its toll on the financial resources of the state, while the bandits are taking advantage of the vast forest land area as well as the about 12 border checks surrounding the state.

The COVID-19 pandemic is coming at a time of dire security challenges in Niger State, which has over burdened the state finances. There is no better time than now, for President Muhammadu Buhari to extend all the necessary support, both financial and material, to the Niger State Government as well as other states bordering Niger state, as it strives to contain the twin ill of insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic.

It would be recalled that Niger State has been facing immense security concern in the last few years, owing principally to spill over from Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna, who are contending with security challenges and share borders with Niger State.

Mrs Mary Noel Berje is the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor.

Why I'm Staying Away From Partisan Politics - Jonathan

...Gov. Diri Inaugurates Bayelsa PDP Exco

Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has explained why he has reduced his political activities since he quit power in 2015, saying his foundation was responsible.

The former leader gave the explanation on Sunday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when Governor Douye Diri inaugurated the recently elected state executive council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dr. Jonathan, who said he was actually moving away from being "an effective partisan politician," however noted that his absence from political activities was being misunderstood. 

His words: "Don't be discouraged if you do not see me in most party activities in the state. I decided to appear in this event so that I will not be misunderstood.

"I'm shifting away from being an effective partisan politician because of my foundation. People who want to partner with me felt that if you are a partisan leader in the country, they will eat with you with a long spoon.

"I felt that after serving as President of this country, I should go to some other areas where my services would be required. Through that process, I would be able to support the nation and the state in one way or the other."

He called on the new state executive council to run an all-inclusive administration, to promote peace, unity and stability in achieving more successes for the party.

Jonathan averred that the survival of the party is largely dependent on its capacity to effectively manage its affairs.

"You have an enormous responsibility before you. You must work with the governor and not at cross purposes. 

"No matter how strong a party is, if the people don't appreciate you, you would be struggling to have them on your side. I know you will work harmoniously with members and carry everyone along," he said.

The former president also applauded the exemplary leadership exhibited by Senator Diri within the short period in office.

Governor Diri, on his part, charged the new party leadership to reach out to all those who had left and to bring them back into the fold towards sustaining the party's dominance in the state.

He also tasked them on total loyalty to the party and for them to eschew divisive tendencies because, according to him, "we are all brothers and sisters of Ijawland."

Senator Diri, who noted the forthcoming senatorial bye-elections would be a litmus test for the new council, challenged the leadership to work towards winning the west and central senatorial seats.

"As a result of our divine emergence, we should not be vindictive. Let us forgive one another and bring everyone on board because we want to sustain our party's dominance in the state. 

"It seems like a tall order but you have the capacity to do so. We are all brothers and sisters of Ijawland. So let us not split ourselves. When we are united, we will be stronger and bring development closer to our people."

Also speaking, the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus represented by the National Vice Chairman of the South-South zone, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, congratulated the new state exco and implored them to work as a team.

While commending Governor Diri on his reconciliatory efforts, he noted that the move would strengthen the party towards achieving victory in future elections.

Also speaking, immediate past governor of Bayelsa state, Honourable Seriake Dickson, expressed satisfaction with his successor for recording successes in piloting the affairs of the party so far, which he said is evident in the smooth election and successful inauguration of the new leadership.

Represented by the Sagbama PDP Caucus Chairman and Elder Statesman, Chief Francis Doukpola, Honourable Dickson thanked the immediate past chairman for his loyalty to the party and the winning streak during his leadership while congratulating the newly inaugurated executive.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Mr. Solomon Agwanana,  thanked Dr Jonathan and Governor Diri for their leadership role in strengthening the party.

He promised that his watchword would be repositioning the party and consolidating the gains achieved by past leaders.

Mr. Agwanana also solicited clear direction from the state governor as the leader of the party, which, according to him, would be the right instrument and synergy needed to record more victories as the leading party in the state.

Highpoint of the event was a minute silence in honour of late Pastor Keniebi Okoko, a former governorship aspirant who passed on few weeks ago.