Weekly political notes

Muhammadu BuhariN’Delta Leaders Demand Oil Blocs,
Pipeline Contracts From Buhari
Stakeholders from the Niger Delta under the aegis of the Pan Niger Delta Forum on Tuesday attributed the renewed militancy in the region to what they called alienation and lack of meaningful development of the region.

They said they had consulted widely and had come up with 16 points that could help the Federal Government achieve its “quick wins initiative.”
The Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Bayelsa State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, presented the requests to President Muhammadu Buhari at a meeting the leaders had with him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting held behind closed doors had five state governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the region in attendance. According to a 10-page document presented to the President, the Niger Delta leaders called for “inclusive participation in oil industry and ownership of oil blocs.”

They asked for what they called Host Community Content within the Nigerian Content framework across the entire enterprise chain of the petroleum and maritime sectors.

“The sense of alienation of Niger Delta indigenes from the resources of their land will continue until there are affirmative actions that guarantee the involvement of these communities in the ownership and participation in the oil and gas industry.Diete-Spiff also called for the awards of pipeline protection contracts to communities and not individuals.

The stakeholders also called for the relocation of administrative and operational headquarters of International Oil Companies to the region.
They also called for the de-militarisation of communities in the region.

They added that the fallout of the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon had continued to threaten the security of the southern part of the region.
Wawooo, finally, President Buhari has succumbed to superior argument, by engaging the Niger Delta stakeholders in dialogue, instead of war. Although some could say it is belated, but it remains a better option. Besides, what is most important is the outcome of the dialogue.

Meanwhile, for those who know what the Niger Delta Elders or stakeholders have stood for before now, nothing should be surprising about their demands from the Buhari government. Especially when such serve their selfish interests better, at the detriment of the majority in the region.

However, whether a quick fix measure or long-term, one of the greatest problems of the Niger Delta is the lack of sincerity and transparency on the part of leaders and government. Unfortunately, it seems nothing has changed, considering the latest demands that are neither here nor there.

With due respect to the leaders, have they forgotten that restructuring of the country will give the region more than a handful of demands? Why not demand from the Buhari government the immediate restructuring of the country to engender fiscal and true federalism?

The question is; will these demands ever address the fundamental problems in the region, that include gross underdevelopment, infrastructural deficits and abject poverty? Again, with this, is it not obvious that the renewed militancy in the region is all about what few privileged individuals will benefit?

It is quite disappointing that some of the leaders were active participants during the last National Conference. And they are aware of the far-reaching decisions taken on the way forward for the country, which prominent among them is immediate restructuring. But what do we expect, when there is no difference between leaders and those who are dealers.

What is of note is for the government to look before it leaps, to be mindful that applying selective approach in resolving serious matters has never worked before now. If sincere, government should take physical developments to the region and see whether militancy will not end.

Eyitayo Jegede

Appeal Court Panel Withdraws
From Ondo PDP appeals
All the three members of the panel of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal that were to hear the appeals on the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Ondo State, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, ahead of the election, disqualified themselves from further presiding over the cases.

The panel was to be led by Justice Jumai Sankey with two members- Justices E. Agim and O.E William-Dawudu. The panel withdrew following the petition by one of the respondents in the cases, Mr. Biyi Poroye.

Poroye in his petition leveled various allegations of compromise and likelihood of bias against Justice Sankey and other members of the panel, including Justice Bulkachuwa.

He specifically alleged that the panel was constituted to urgently hear and determine the cases because the President of the Court of Appeal had been compromised.

He also alleged that all the members of the panel had been compromised to deliver judgment in favour of Jegede.It is obvious that with the recent arrest of some judges over allegation of corruption, every Dick and Harry, especially the political class will capitalise on this to either truncate or delay the judicial process.

Trust Nigerian politicians and lawyers, writing petitions against judges will now become a hobby, even when such petitions are frivolous and political.It appears this is what is playing out here. If not, how would Poroye level allegation of compromise against the three Justices, including the President of Appeal Court without providing evidence? The new panel must discharge the appeal with speed and save the judiciary from the antics of politicians.

Mahmud Mohammed

The CJN also insisted the NJC, which he chairs, will not hand over arrested Judges accused of corruption by the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution.

The CJN said this in an October 26 letter to the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), signed by his Senior Special Assistant, H. S. Sa’eed.

Besides, the CJN said the NJC does not have the power to prosecute corrupt judges and reminded SERAP that the NJC, which he chairs, cannot handover corrupt judges to the Department of State Services (DSS) or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

The outgoing CJN appears to be blowing hot and cold on this topical matter. This does not befit his position and status. Why blame the president and governors when the constitution empowers the NJC to discipline erring judges?

Even if the President and governors have failed in their constitutional responsibilities in that regard before now, why raising the alarm now that some alleged corrupt judges have been arrested? Is this not an afterthought?

Meanwhile, constitutionally, NJC is an administrative body, not a law court that tries and recommends punishment. That is why questions have been raised before now regarding the kind of punishments the NJC mete out to erring Judges, which could as well be ‘go and enjoy your loot, including pension and gratuity without being prosecuted or jailed.’

CJN should be reminded that it would be in the interest of the judiciary, Nigerians and the country’s democracy, if the arrested judges are made to face prosecution and prove their innocence.After all, the judges have no immunity and should not be shielded from investigation and prosecution. Doing so may put the Judiciary in a bad light.

Jonathan Was Never Committed
To Defeating Boko Haram, Says Osinbajo
Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, said on Monday that former President Goodluck Jonathan was never committed to ending the Boko Haram insurgency during his tenure.

Osinbajo said this in a lecture titled, “The unraveling of Boko Haram and the rebuilding of the North-East of Nigeria,” which he delivered at the Harvard University’s Weatherland Centre for International Affairs, United States.

While attributing his position to many factors, Osinbajo said it was politically convenient for the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party to claim that the Boko Haram sect was sponsored by a northern-Muslim political elite to discredit the government led by a Christian.He recalled that when the All Progressives Congress was formed, the then ruling party was also quick to paint it (APC) as the political wing of the Boko Haram sect.

He said it was not until President Muhammadu Buhari, who wa the leader of the opposition, was nearly killed in an attack in Kaduna that the false narrative began to lose credibility.

Osinbajo has not been a career politician, even before he became vice president. He is a renowned lawyer and a pastor. But since he assumed office as vice president, he has been talking like a typical Nigerian politician. It means he is learning the ropes faster, either for good or bad.

Otherwise, how would he say that former president Goodluck Jonathan was never committed to ending Boko Haram insurgency. The statement is hypocritical and demeaning of his office. This is because Jonathan government’s fight against the insurgency had its flaws and successes. But it is unfair for one to say that it’s failure outweighed the achievements.

If not for anything, it is a fact that before Jonathan left office, the insurgents had been confined to some council areas in the northeast, unlike when the insurgents had a field day in Abuja, Kogi, Niger and other states.

Besides, since Buhari’s government assumed office, not much has been heard about government procuring arms to fight the insurgents, rather, the military has continued to use arms procured by Jonathan government.

It is not good for Osinbajo to discredit Jonathan’s government, just because he wants to please his boss and excite his foreign audience. Such criticisms should be constructive and factual, because Osinbajo as a pastor should stand by the truth.

Kukah Visits Obanikoro,
Fani-Kayode, Abati In Detention
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Reverend Father Mathew Kukah, on Monday paid an unscheduled visit to the detention facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

A statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the cleric prayed with three top operatives of the former administration who are currently in detention at the facility.

Uwujaren said that Kukah met and prayed with the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro and the Special Adviser on Media to former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Reuben Abati.

Kukah was said to have told the detained former political appointees to take their predicament as divinely caused and not to be depressed.
Kukah said that he had discussions with the three detainees and was happy that they were in high spirits.Kukah stressed that the country had suffered so much, but was optimistic that the trauma could be brought to an end even as the fight against corruption continued.

Tongues have been wagging, especially in the social media over Kukah’s visit. Kukah is one man that is never shy of what he is convinced of. The visit is not at variance with his earlier position on Buhari government’s fight against corruption.

He has said it consistently that the arrest and detention of alleged corrupt persons without proper investigation and trial will not eliminate corruption.

Moreover, even when majority of his colleagues have toed the path of silence in the face of political developments in the country, the fiery and outspoken Catholic priest has continued to make his views known on topical issues, without mincing words.

Despite that his visit has been given different meanings and interpretations, anybody who knows Kukah well, knows that he is not bothered or perturbed. This is because any day, any time, he is capable of defending and standing by his actions. After all, those he visited are suspects and remain innocent until proven guilty. Besides, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Senate Threatens To Boycott Sittings
The Senate has threatened to boycott plenary unless the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts rerun elections in Rivers and Anambra states to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly before December 10.

The Senate’s resolution asking INEC to conduct the rerun polls not later than December 10 was reached on Wednesday, following a motion by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

This is coming days after the Commission in a statement by its spokesperson, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, hinted at conditions for conducting rerun elections, saying only guaranteed security for its personnel and voters could make it conduct the exercise again.

It is obvious that there is a renewed collaboration in the National Assembly among the members of the upper and lower chambers on this matter of INEC. Just a day after the House of Representatives called on INEC to conclude the Rivers and other states’ rerun election, the Senate has threatened to boycott plenary over the situation.

If one may ask, where and when did the National Assembly derive the constitutional powers to order INEC to conduct elections within a specific timeline. It is clear that the Senate is overstepping its bounds. Maybe the Senate has forgotten that Nigerians have been clamouring for a part-time legislature and less pay for its members. So, threatening to boycott plenary is a welcome idea, provided its members also forfeit their jumbo pay as well.

After all, they are not doing much to deserve and justify the packages they are taking home. There are several bills and appointments pending before them, but they have intentionally decided to overlook them. Why? Is it simply because they are not in their selfish interests?

However, It is high time INEC and the security agencies put their houses in order and conclude the rerun elections. The rerun has kept running for too long and is becoming unconstitutional. There is urgent need for an end to the reruns, so that the people could be appropriately represented.

If Fashola Were Igbo, He
Would Have Left Tinubu — Kalu
Former Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that Igbo people are better traders than politicians. Kalu said the lack of understanding of politics and the indiscipline of Igbo politicians were responsible for what he called the political backwardness of the South-East.

He said the political fortune of the Igbo would have been better had their politicians approached politics like the Yoruba.Kalu said Igbo politicians had a lot to learn from how a former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, and his predecessor, Bola Tinubu, handled their differences during Fashola’s second term.

Kalu, who said most of the Igbo elite were selfish, said the Igbo should blame themselves and not the Federal Government for their woes.There is nothing new in Kalu’s lamentation. There would have been something different, if Kalu had exempted himself from the generality of Igbo politicians. Hope the timing of this narrative has nothing to do with the re-arraignment of Kalu over alleged fraud.

Meanwhile, if Kalu knew all this and has learnt something different from Tinubu, why was he unable to cultivate loyal disciples while he was governor? In as much as he is entitled to his opinion, it is not in his interest and that of Igbos to generalise.

There is no doubt that an average Nigerian politician is a trader or dealer. This is simply because Nigerian politics lacks principles, morals and ethics. So anything is very possible.

Moreover, there is nothing other tribes have done exceptionally in politics that Igbos cannot do better if Igbo political leaders like Kalu and others could tell themselves the truth and be sincere to their people.

$30bn Loan: Why Senate
Rejected Buhari’s Request
THE Senate has unanimously thrown out President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for an external loan of $29.96 billion to execute key infrastructural projects across the country between 2016 and 2018, because the letter conveying it was not accompanied with a borrowing plan.

However, the Presidency, in a swift reaction by Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senate, Senator Ita Enang, said it would engage the Senate and provide all the needed documents and borrowing plans.

While there may be reasons for the Senate to reject President Buhari’s request to take loans, the speed and mood with which the request was rejected is suspicious and intriguing. This is especially, when it is a public knowledge that the Senate has not had the best of relations with the executive.

The excuse given by the Senate appears not tenable, considering that the borrowing and expenditure plans are reportedly contained in 2016 budget and 2017, 2018, 2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper submitted to the National Assembly last month by the President.

Ok, the Presidency has said it will engage the upper chambers. Hope the engagement will be a transparent one, not a Ghana-Must-Go arrangement in the time of recession.
Maybe the rejection is not unconnected with the Presidency’s inability to play ball like Messi and Rolando before submitting the request. It is not late. The presidency may decide to play ball and the Senate will concede goal. Nigerians are watching.

Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama. PHOTO: TWITTER/ GEOFFREY ONYEAMA

Onyeama had accused those agitating for the Republic of Biafra of using uncivilised methods. 
He advised them to follow constitutional and diplomatic processes to achieve their aims.

The minister said MASSOB and IPOB have the fundamental right to clamour for Biafra, but they should be rational and not emotional in going about it.

Why should anybody, especially IPOB members be worried over Onyeama’s comment? Onyeama is not expected to sing a different tune from that of his boss, unless he has got another job somewhere.

That is why his comment is typical of a Nigerian politician. This is despite his international exposure over the years. But does that matter? Of more importance is the fact that he has shown that he is a loyal servant, who is learning the game fast.

However, what is at stake at this point is that Onyeama is now in Rome and he has to behave like the Romans. But that does not mean that there is no element of truth in his statement. There is, but it is bitter and painful, because it unexpected of him by the IPOB.