POLITICS
Ebonyi 2023: PDP Must be Guided by Rotational Principle on Governorship -Ex-Minister
Engineer Fidelis Nwankwo is Ebonyi State Governorship hopeful on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is the former Minister of State for Health and National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as well as former chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. In this interview with DAILY ASSET, he said the only way to avert crisis and killings in the 2023 gubernatorial elections in the state was for the PDP to implement the principle of rotation of governorship position to Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, where it first started. He spoke with Godwin Okeh.
There have been clashes of interest between the members of PDP over the rotation of governorship position in 2023 election, what’s your take on this?
Power rotation in Ebonyi is an issue that has been recurring but let me talk as it concerns my party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Well, some people may argue that rotation of governorship position is not a written rule and not enshrined in the laws of the party. But if you observe carefully, since 1999 we started it, people from other senatorial zones contested, eventually the North Senatorial Zone won, in the person of Dr. Sam Egwu. And after Sam Egwu, no Northerner contested in 2007 in the primaries of PDP. Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone contested because it was the party’s arrangements that governor should go to the central zone. And so, most people from the south senatorial zone were persuaded to drop their ambition. I can still remember that the contest was between the people of the central zone.Some of the contestants then included: Chief Martin Elechi, Mr. Julius Ali Ucha who later stepped down for Elechi and they are all from Central Zone. Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu later ran with Francis Okpokodo even without a written agreement. And in 2015, it was a big issue to the point that another party has to fill a candidate from the North in the person of Edward Nkwoagu.
The South Senatorial Zone deservedly in accordance with the understanding of the zoning formula, won the 2015 election. So, by now the members of PDP who are sincere should know that the issues of rotation of governorship position need to have long ago been settled. And by that arrangement, a sequence has been established and that sequence has to be maintained. Nobody has argued to the contrary with good reasons or with logic.No lesser a person than the first civilian governor of this state, Sam Egwu has made a public statement severally that the 2023 governorship should go to the Ebonyi North senatorial zone where it all started. He (Egwu) was supported by the former governor Martin Elechi and the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ebonyi state chapter, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali said the same thing that for the peace of the state to be maintained, power should go to the North senatorial zone.
Up till today, the postulation of the former governor Sam Egwu has not been challenged by any logic, by any member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and so, I think it’s a settled issue.
The leaders had said that, for the peace and unity of the state to be maintained, Ebonyi North should be allowed to produce the next governor of the state. The statement of this notable former governor has not been challenged by any person.
There is allegation that Egwu is championing for power to go to the North to enable him return to the Senate for the third time? Do you think it’s true?
For me, that assertion looks like a blackmail. Challenge the logic of what he is saying, if you disagree with him. It is straight forward and logical that this power rotation started from the North senatorial zone. The North senatorial zone has waited for sixteen (16) years. The north made a sacrifice in 2015 general election. The sitting governor picked a supposed successor in the person of Edward Nkwoagu from the North, Izzi clan in particular to run but Izzi people resisted it.
And at the end of the day, PDP who picked their candidate from the south, in the person of David Umahi won the election. PDP won in all the three (3) local government areas of Izzi clan. What demonstration of sincerity, loyality and faithfulness to the Party is more than that.
And so, what is the relationship between going to the Senate and equity as it concerns the rotation of governorship between the three senatorial zones of the state. Indeed, it is a cheap blackmail. Let them bring up their argument to challenge what he had said, on rotation of power to the North senatorial zone in 2023. If they have a superior argument, they should come up with it but the issue is that they cannot do so.
Why do the Central Senatorial Zone claim that it is its turn to produce the next governor, saying that the Ezza Clan is the eldest clan and supposed to produce the next governor in 2023. What is your take on this?
I’m surprised that an exco member of PDP would get himself involved in where the next governor of the state will come from. I mean that’s not right. I’m not sure that any member of the state Exco of PDP would take such position. That’s not a right thing to do. However, if the party wants to take a position, it has to be state executives of the party because it is a state position and not zonal, guided by the rules of the party.
Are you worried that many other political gladiators from other senatorial zones are declaring interest to run for governorship, and thereby jeopardizing the chances of the Northern Zone?
Your question is if I’m worried about the development? No I’m not worried, even though I’m involved. I have an ambition and so, I’m consulting to run for a position of governorship. And I will run, based on merit. I believe that I have all the credentials required, both the stipulations of the constitution and the capability to do the job. So, I’m not worried about anybody from any other place contesting for the governorship.
But for orderliness, especially when we are in opposition, I think there is a need for harmonization through the same aspect of zoning, especially on the grounds that many people have made sacrifices through zoning to ensure that the party remains one.
What makes you different from other governorship aspirants?
People say I’m a good person. Although no one rates himself, but in this case, it may be because some of them are close to me or that they benefited one thing or the other from me. Modesty will not allow me to say much about this, you people are in the better position to access me and see why people preferred me than others.
Do you think, you can make a good governor, if given the chance?
If you look at the jobs I have done, especially when I was a minister, National Commissioner of INEC, local government chairman, board member in various places, and other positions I held, you will see that I have the capacity to do better. There is no reason for me, not to be a good governor, if I have done those ones well.
How can I not be a good governor, now I have grown in experience. Naturally, one learns from what he has done in the past and improve. I have been privileged to handle other positions of national interest, just as I mentioned earlier, I think, I have learnt a lot from those positions. I can’t find myself in a strange terrain if Iam governing the state.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has implored voters in Ondo State to re-elect Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Shettima made the call on Wednesday while addressing the crowd at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign.
The Vice-President assured that the duo would bring hope, prosperity, and unity.
He added that they would ensure that the sun continued to shine brighter in the sunshine state.
Shettima told the electorate to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating APC’s strength and will in the state.
“Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position — he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State.
” I am confident he is the leader who can turn these ambitions into realities. This election is more than a choice between two candidates.
” It is a choice between progress and stagnation; unity and division. It is a chance to stand with a party that has consistently delivered and with a leader who truly understands the heartbeat of Ondo.
“So, as you go to the polls, remember what we stand for. Remember what you deserve: a governor with the experience, the compassion, and the strength to keep pushing Ondo toward greatness.
“Let’s secure Ondo’s future together. Let us vote APC, and re-elect Aiyedatiwa,” he said.
Extending President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state, Shettima said the President was in support of Aiyedatiwa.
According to him, President Tinubu is confident that the governor’s re-election will sustain the commitment of APC to the people’s well-being.
“Today, I bring you the goodwill of President Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today, but he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for the state,” he said.
Shettima urged the people of Ondo to look beyond distractions and instead at the integrity and stability, the APC has brought to the state.
“Look at the work we’ve done to strengthen our economy; even if the gains may not always be immediately visible. Consider the real, practical solutions APC offers to make the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he added.
He described Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as men of exceptional courage and leaders tested by challenges that would have deterred many.
Shettima noted that the governor had shown remarkable resilience in building a formidable force for the APC in the state.
“From overcoming politically motivated attacks to uniting our great party, he has proven himself not just a survivor but a leader who stands strong for the good people of the sunshine state,” he said.
Earlier, Aiyedatiwa urged the people to vote for APC, saying that his predecessor, late Rotimi Akeredolu, would be happy seeing all APC winning the election.
Aiyedatiwa recalled that Akeredolu once told him that he, Aiyedatiwa, would succeed him, adding that the late governor would be glad to see this happen come Saturday.
He said that the electorate would attest to the level of development in the state, pledging that by the time he returned, he would do his best.
The National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, also expressed confidence that Aiyedatiwa would win the Saturday, Nov. 16 gubernatorial election.
According to him, a vote for Aiyedatiwa is a vote for unity, peace and development. (NAN)
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, has warned Afenifere Chieftain, Dr Femi Okurounmu, to avoid getting involved in matters capable of ridiculing his status as an elder statesman, especially matters on which he would not speak objectively for obvious reasons.
Olayinka stated this while reacting to Dr Okurounmu’s statement, accusing President Bola Tinubu of being laid-back on the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, asked “what exactly Dr Okurounmu expected President Tinubu to have done?”
Olayinka said it was strange that Dr Okurounmu, a former Senator could opt to be playing ostrich to the avalanche of disobedience to court judgements by the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, and the danger such affront on the judiciary posed to democracy and peace in the country.
“One is however not too amazed because he (Okurounmu) holds the record of being the first Senator to be suspended by his colleagues out of the seven Senators that have been suspended since 1999 till date,” Olayinka said.
Dr Okurounmu had accused the FCT Minister of being the architect and mastermind of the Rivers crisis, saying, “even if Governor Sim Fubara is his godson, Wike should be told that he cannot be his surrogate as a sitting governor with full powers.”
Responding, Olayinka asked when Wike told Dr Okurounmu that he wanted Governor Fubara to be his surrogate, and not function as the Governor of Rivers State, adding that “He (Okurounmu, as an elder should be honest enough to stand before the mirror and ask himself the roles he played in Fubara becoming governor.”
He said: “In Yorubaland, when two children are fighting, what the elders do is to sit them down and listen to their sides of the conflict. Elders don’t just sit in their bedrooms and apportion blame as done by Baba Femi Okurounmu.
“Was it Wike that went to the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex and set it on fire so as to prevent duly elected lawmakers from carrying out their duties?
“Was it Wike that has been illegally using three members out of the 32-member State House of Assembly to carry out legislative business in Rivers State, including passing the State Budget as well as screening and confirming commissioners, when the constitution says that budget can only be passed by two-third of the Assembly members?
“Hasn’t Governor Fubara been ignoring judgements of the courts concerning his regime of lawlessness in Rivers State? When the Court of Appeal in Abuja on October 10, 2024, affirmed a lower court’s decision nullifying the Rivers State’s 2024 budget signed into law and being operated by Governor Fubara, did the governor obey the judgement?
“And is it not shocking that Dr Okurounmu had chosen to ignore the danger Governor Fubara’s deliberate affronts on the rule of law pose to democracy and peace in Nigeria?”
On Dr Okurounmu’s accusation that President Tinubu was being laid-back on the Rivers State crisis, Olayinka asked; “What exactly does Baba Femi Okurounmu expect the President to have done? Overrule the various judicial pronouncements and join Governor Fubara in his reign of lawlessness?
POLITICS
$35 million Atlantic Refinery project: Ex-Reps member commend Tinubu, EFCC over diligent prosecution
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Israel Sunny Goli has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over the recent investigations and prosecution of graft cases and fight against corruption.
Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, who represented the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, also commended the EFCC for the thorough investigation into the $35 million fraud concerning the 2,000 barrels per day (BPD) Atlantic Refinery project in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, in a commendation letter addressed to the Chairman of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, said the arrest of Mr.
Akintoye Adeoye Akindele, Managing Director of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, and Eng. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and others who are key figures in the alleged fraud, has instilled hope among our people and bolstered confidence in the EFCC under your leadership.According to him, “It is heart-warming to observe that public confidence in the agency under your leadership has grown significantly, as you have steered a new course of transparency, focus, and zeal in the operations of the foremost anti-graft agency.”
“While the arrest of the aforementioned individuals is a positive development, I respectfully request the investigation of the
board chairman of the NCDMB and its members for their potential complicity in approving the award of the contract to an entity with no known track record for the construction of a 2,000 BPD Modular Refinery in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area.”
“The lack of response or support from either the board chairman or its members since I raised the petition on this matter raises significant concerns about their potential complicity in the fraudulent act. To fully understand their involvement, I recommend an immediate arrest and investigation of Timipre Sylva, being the board chairman and other members of the board.”
“Nothing would be more gratifying to the people of Brass Local Government Area than to see everyone involved in the perpetration of this $35 million fraud brought to justice, with every stolen dime refunded so that the project can be executed for the benefit of all.”
Hon. Sunny-Goli, who is also a traditional ruler from Two Brass with the title Kemmer V; Amadabo of Kemmer-Ama, extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the unwavering stance against corruption,”I would like to extend my gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering stance against corruption. This firm position has expedited the investigation and arrest of those involved in grand larceny while holding public trust, particularly in this case.”
“Such a resolute approach by the President serves as a deterrent to other public office holders.It is disheartening that, despite the government’s good intentions towards its citizens, those entrusted with implementing policies for the benefit of the people are choosing to corruptly enrich themselves at the expense of the populace.”
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Timber Kesiye Wabote, in connection with an alleged $35 million fraud involving the Brass Project.
It was gathered that the arrest is related to a failed refinery project for which $35 million was allocated.
Wabote’s arrest followed the detention of Akintoye Adeoye Akindele, Managing Director of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, who is facing allegations of misappropriation, money laundering, and diversion of $35 million in public funds.
Wabote is currently held at the EFCC’s facility in Abuja.
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