POLITICS
Kanu Arrest: Time to Arrest what Gives Rise to Agitations
By Jude Opara
In past few days, the biggest story that has been coming out of Nigeria is the arrest of the leader of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Nigerian security agencies. In fact it was almost like a funfair watching the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami addressing the media to reveal the arrest.
Shortly after that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed did not want to miss out of the euphoria as he also addressed the media.
Mohammed almost got personal while describing the life style Kanu was leaving, even the type of cloths he was wearing.Elsewhere all manner of conjectures from the absurd to the ridiculous were made as to where and how he was arrested.
The ever busy social media was awash with all kinds of reactions. While some segments of the society were in a sober mood over the arrest, others were in jubilant celebrations.The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) expectedly jumped into the matter by issuing a statement in celebration of the arrest. Understandably, this was after the same group and other numerous Northern groups jointly placed a N100 million Naira bounty on the head of Kanu.
However, beyond the feeling or reaction of some individuals or groups concerning the arrest of Kanu, the most important question to ask is after the re-arrest of Kanu, what next? Is it now Eldorado for Nigeria? Will the arrest of Kanu bring an end to the numerous challenges facing the country?
It must be stated here that while it is true that most of the people of the South-East are not in support with the style of Kanu and his IPOB, there are some salient realities that must not be ignored.
Number one is that Kanu has managed to attract a large followership of people especially the youths to himself. Today he has a cult figure among the adherents to his message and style.
Secondly, we must separate the fiction from the reality that beyond the propaganda and blackmail aimed at tarnishing the image of Kanu, we must accept the fact that his claim of marginalization of the people of the South East is staring us in the face every day.
Now what has given a fellow like Nnamdi Kanu who was barely known about seven years ago such an international image he has today was the apparent mishandling of the IPOB agitation by the federal government who decided to use the force of arms instead of the more profitable use of dialogue.
Whether we as a people accept it or not, there is an overwhelming belief in the South-East that successive governments have treated them with little or no regard. Over the years the area has been complaining of being marginalized.
The people will without blinking an eye reel out series of reasons why they believe they are being marginalized by the government. For instance, they will tell you that of the six regions in Nigeria, the South-East is the only one with only five states while others have six and North-West has seven. They will readily tell you that the zone has only 95 local government areas while one state elsewhere has 44 local government areas. They will easily point out to the fact their children are the ones that must score higher marks before they could get admission into colleges and universities.
For instance, currently at the University of Abuja there is a silent war going on with the systematic weeding of students from some part of the country. This writer knows the case of a boy from Imo State who wants to study International Studies/Political Science, he scored 276 in the UTME but so far he has not been offered admission while there are some with as low as 180 from other parts of the country who have been offered admission. In the school, it is widely said that the Vice Chancellor says he wants to ensure that more students from a particular religion and parts of the country were admitted. If this fails to get admission not because he did not do well but on the basis of his tribe and religion, does anybody need to tell him that he is not wanted in Nigeria?
In fact, most analysts have blamed the IPOB issue and its apparent mishandling on the same wave of marginalization because before IPOB, we have the killer herdsmen freely attacking and sacking communities across Nigerian and till date the Nigerian government has refused to classify them as terrorists, despite the fact that in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), the Fulani herdsmen are the fourth most deadly terrorist organization in the world.
But the same government in their thinking thought that rushing to brand IPOB a terrorist organization was the best way to tackle the issue of the agitation for the restoration of the State of Biafra.
How far has successive Nigerian governments gone to really unite the country since after the civil war? Till date the average Igbo man rightly or wrongly believes that while the physical war of bullets and bombs may have ended, the cold war is still very much raging.
The arrest of Nnamdi Kanu will achieve little or nothing unless the government begins an earnest move to truly integrate the people of South-East into the Nigerian system. The usual talks of the zone also having cabinet ministers are hollow statements that only attempt without success to confuse the question.
Biafra is an ideology and the world over; ideologies are never defeated with the force of arms, only superior arguments can defeat ideologies. It is rather regrettable that instead of using dialogue and the suggestion of superior arguments to those who believe they should exit Nigeria, the federal government only knows how to threaten and attack.
The poser here is if after more than 50 years since the civil war ended and today millions of youths from the South-East are again clamouring for the restoration of Biafra, it means that certain things may not have been seen to have been done correctly. Therefore, the only reasonable thing the federal government ought o have done is to call those claiming to be marginalized was to have invited them to a dialogue and hear them out.
The truth is, even if the government eliminates or incarcerates Kanu forever but fails to address the issues that threw him up; it is only a matter of time before another person will emerge to continue with the agitation. The Nigerian government should rather show leadership by engaging the Igbo people to find out how they are truly marginalized. Waving them aside with the hope of clamping down on them cannot and will never solve the problem.
Those who are in charge of the affairs of the country today should know that power is transient; they should also know that they cannot continue to hold people down and expect them to remain quiet forever. The irrational impression that some Nigerians are more important than others just on the basis of their religion and ethnicity can never suffice because generations to come will surely ask questions that may not be palatable.
Since the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, it has been observed how most of those making some comments to suggest that Kanu must be punished like a ‘terrorist’ are from Northern part of the country. Despite the fact the region is the hotbed of banditry and kidnapping, especially of little school children, most of these elements have not exhibited such interest in the arrest of Kanu in calling on the federal government to also arrest those terrorizing their region. In fact, some Northern governments have confessed to going to pay money to the bandits to stop harassing their people but till date everybody pretends not o know who after the bandits and where they could be located.
While it must be stated that Kanu while on his self-imposed exile made some incendiary comments that were capable of leading to the breakdown of law and order, it is not for people and even government officials from a particular section of the country to more or less take it personal. That will also suggest that he may not be accorded him fundamental human right which presumes him innocent until proven otherwise by a competent Court. In fact most of them have inadvertently condemned him and it is only imaginable what to expect from the Court.
The way out of this dangerous situation is for the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to sincerely begin the process of restructuring Nigeria so that most of the agitations would be taken care of. Refusing and insisting on the apparent lopsided structure will not do anybody any good.
So whatever happens, the problem will not just disappear because Nnamdi Kanu has been arrested. We must begin and out in place structures that will help the real growth of the country.
Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), says more than 21,000 persons applied for ad hoc jobs in Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
Baba-Okanla made this disclosure on Wednesday
in Ilorin while speaking during the 42nd edition of the Media Parliament Conversation by the Kwara Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He also disclosed that only five political parties were registered and would field candidates in the elections.
The Commission Chairman listed the parties as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Accord Party (AP).
“The number of job applicants reflected the socio-political situation in the country, even though only about 7,000 of the applicants were eventually considered.”
He however expressed the commission’s readiness to conduct hitch-free local government elections across the 2,887 poling units in the state.
“I am pleased to announce that the commission has carefully crafted a comprehensive time-table for Saturday’s local government elections to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the electoral process.
“Polling units will open by 8 s.m. and voting will be concluded by 3 p.m., after which sorting, counting and collation of results will begin immediately,” Baba-Okanla said.
He added that results would be collated at the designated collation centres and announced after counting was concluded.
The KWASIEC Chairman said his Commission was fully prepared for the council polls, adding that they would work diligently to ensure that every aspect of the electoral process was well organised.
“From the training of electoral staff to the distribution of election materials, every measure is being put in place to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly, transparently and in accordance with the laws.”
He disclosed that his Commission had been collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the council polls.
“The issue of the voter register is one that we have taken very seriously.
“A credible voter register is the foundation of any free and fair election, as it ensures that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process,” Baba- Okanla said.
He disclosed that the Commission had organised training programmes for its staff and the ad hoc staff who would supervise the elections across the state’s 193 wards.
The KWASIEC Chairman added that the commission has also held consultations with the security agencies in the state to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the polls.
Earlier, the Chairman of Kwara Council of NUJ, AbdulLateef Ahmed, had expressed delight that the state thought it wise to put in place democratically-elected governments at the local government level.
Represented by the Council Vice-Chairman, Hajia Binta Mora, the Council chairman urged the electoral body to conduct free, fair and credible elections.(NAN)
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
As the tussle for the leadership position in Cross River State chapter of the labour party intensifies, the patriarch Ogar osim led executives insisted that there is no vacant position in the party’s leadership.
This assurance was given in a press statement by the State Chairman of the party, Ogar Osim and publicity secretary, Dr Ofem lekam Ujong.
“The Labour Party State Working Committee led by the duly elected State Chairman, Patriarch Ogar Osim is aware that some groups of persons led by John Ushie are parading themselves as the leadership of the Labour Party in Cross River State”.
They described the John Ushie led faction of the party as impersonators who are out to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
“Ordinarily, we would as usual ignore what we consider to be an anecdote meant to entertain the general public, but for the sake of our passionate and committed members who might become victims to these impostors”.
“We strongly call on members of the Press to properly investigate the activities and motive of these desperados whose main aim is to deceive gullible members of the party”
The statement recalled that during the general elections last year, the same group impersonated the leadership of LP in the state and conducted primaries that was not recognized by INEC
“They deceived the general public and even went ahead to produce Candidates through an illegal primary they conducted at their office. In the end, none of those produced through their primaries were recognized by INEC, they have risen again to deceive more innocent citizens”. The statement added.
“It is necessary to state clearly that there is no vacuum in Labour Party Cross River State as the current Chairman, Patriarch Ogar Osim and his team of Executives were duly elected at a Congress monitored and documented by INEC in March 2022 for a four-year tenure as enshrined in the party’s constitution”.
The statement added, in article 16 sub section 1 which says “All National and State Officers of the Party shall hold office for a period of 4 years per tenure and a maximum of 2 tenures per member for the respective offices.”
The statement further stated that INEC has disassociated itself from the false claim and has also rejected the outcome of the illegal Stakeholders meeting and the National Caretaker Committee appointed in Umuahia. It’s also maintained that the tenure of National and States Officers have not expired as claimed by oshie led faction
It also maintained that the authentic National Executive of LP led by Julius Abure has also publicly disassociated itself from the illegal Stakeholders because it contradicts article 15 sub section 4 of the party’s constitution which states that the National Secretary shall have cause to issue notices of meetings of the National Convention, National Executive Council, the National working Committee in consultation with and approval of the National Chairman.
By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja
Former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar, has urged the people of Edo State to vote the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the Saturday’s Governorship Election in the state.
Atiku, who made the appeal on his X handle yesterday, said that Ighodalo “shines as a beacon of integrity and vision”, adding that the PDP “candidacy offers a path to redemption for Edo State”
He said, “Where the APC has faltered, Ighodalo stands firm, ready to serve with competence and a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare.
“People of Edo State, the time has come to use the power vested in you.
As you go to the polls, ask yourself: Has the APC made your life better, or have they only deepened your struggles? The answer is clear. Your vote for Ighodalo will not only bring change to Edo State but will also send a resounding message across Nigeria that we reject the deceit and self-serving ways of the APC.”The PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election said that for nearly a decade, the APC had betrayed the people, saying that they (APC) criticized past leaders for raising fuel prices, yet they preside over an era where fuel costs above N900 per litre.
He said that the cruelty and disregard for the plight of the masses are unmatched as a vote for the APC is a vote for the continuation of misery, hunger, and despair.
Atiku advised the people of Edo State not to be swayed by the empty promises of the APC, pointing out that electing Ighodalo of the PDP “is not just a vote; it is an act of reclaiming our future. It is a choice to consolidate the good work of Governor Godwin Obaseki and to build a future of prosperity, dignity, and hope”.
He said, “Let us march to the polls this Saturday, united in our resolve to bring about the change we so desperately need. Let us cast our votes for Asue Ighodalo and usher in a new dawn for Edo State. The power is yours. Use it wisely.”
According to Atiku, the APC has donned the mask of a friend to the masses, but behind this veil lies a sinister reality. They have lured gullible voters with sweet promises, only to reveal their true nature – a party driven by a hunger for power rather than the well-being of the people. They have forsaken the ideals of governance, ignoring the cries of the common man while pursuing their own selfish ambitions.
“Under their watch, Nigeria has been plunged into an abyss of suffering. They have sown seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity. The once vibrant spirit of our nation has been dimmed by a relentless struggle for survival, where even the simplest of needs, like food, have become out of reach for millions. In this grim reality, our people are not dying of disease but of hunger. We stand at the lowest point in our nation’s governance.
“The APC has not served the people; they have served themselves. And when the people, rightfully aggrieved, have raised their voices in protest, they have been silenced, dragged to courts under charges of treason. Meanwhile, the APC’s leaders bask in luxury, indifferent to the hardship that grips the nation.”
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