CRACK IN APC :TINUBU LAMBASTS KACHIKWU.... real reason he is angry

National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday lashed out at the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, in a statement that exposed cracks within the ruling party and the endless scramble among its leaders for sphere of influence in the government.  

Ibe Kachikwu told State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday that despite the government’s efforts, the fuel situation might not improve until the next two months. He said he was not a magician and did not have a magic wand to eliminate the fuel queues, a comment that drew angry responses from various segments of society, but which APC remained silent about.

However, Tinubu added his voice to the criticisms of Kachikwu’s comments, in a strongly worded statement titled, “Kachikwu needs to know that respect and good performance will do what magic cannot.”

It was however gathered that Tinubu’s denunciation of Kachikwu may not be unconnected with the appointment of Onikepo Animashaun as GM, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

The former Lagos State governor in the statement which he personally signed said: “Much public ire has been drawn to the statement made by Minister of State Ibe Kachikwu that he was not trained as a magician and that basically Nigerians should count themselves fortunate that the NNPC under his stewardship has been able to bring in the amount of petrol fuel it is currently doing.

“Perhaps, the statement by Kachikwu was made in a moment of unguarded frustration or was an awkward attempt at a joke. Whatever the motive, it was untimely and off-putting. The remark did not sit well with the Nigerian people; they were as right to feel insulted as the minister was wrong to have said such a thing. The fuel shortage is severely biting for the average person. They are forced to remain in lines far too long, for too much time, to pay too much money for too little fuel. This is no joking matter. Livelihoods and people’s welfare are at stake. With so much on the line, Kachikwu’s flippancy was out-of-line. He was basically telling Nigerians that they should be lucky that they are getting the inadequate supply they now suffer and that they should just be quiet and endure the shortage for several weeks more.”

Tinubu criticised Kachikwu’s intervention as “unhelpful,” saying it has caused panic and despair among the public with regard to the duration of the crisis. “It insulted the people by its tonality. He spoke with the imperious nature of a member of the elitist government the people voted out last year and not the progressive one they voted in,” Tinubu said.

He added, “Kachikwu must be reminded that he was not coerced to take this job. He accepted the job and its responsibilities knowingly. He also must remember that he does not own NNPC. This also is not a private company that owes nothing to the public except the duty of fair dealing. He is a public servant. The seat he sits upon is owned by Nigerians not by him. The company he runs is owned by Nigerians not by him. They are his boss. He is not theirs. Power is vested in the people. He is a mere custodian or agent of their will. In talking to us in such a manner, he committed an act of insubordination. If he had talked so cavalierly to his boss in the private sector, he would have been reprimanded or worse. If wise, the man should refrain from such interjections in the future.

“As his ultimate bosses, the people have a right to demand the requisite performance and respect from him. He should apologise for treating them so lightly in this instance. His portfolio being a strategically important one, he needs to re-establish the correct relationship with the public. They no longer feel he is working for their optimal benefit as their servant. Instead, he seems to be standing above them, telling them to take it or leave it.

“For his policies and stint in office to be successful and a help to this government, he must have the support and belief of the people at this tough time. He must talk to them in a way that they believe he seeks their best interest and understands the hardship weighing upon them. He must ask them to work with him and, perhaps, to endure a bit longer but with the knowledge that he is working to resolve this matter as fast as he can and as permanently as possible. That he is dedicated to the position that once these current lines are gone that never again shall they reappear as long as he has any influence in the matter.”

Tinubu said to maintain the confidence of the people and keep their hope alive despite the hard times required neither magic nor training in any strange craft. “It requires empathy, compassion and the willpower to forge a better Nigeria. These must be the common trademarks of those serving in a progressive government, for these attributes are integral parts of the spirit and ideals upon which the APC was founded. Upon such notions was this administration voted into office by the Nigerian people in the operation of their sovereign will to seek a national leadership that would pursue their interests to the utmost and give them every fair chance to live in a better Nigeria,” the APC leader stated.

Tinubu, however, expressed confidence in the commitment and ability of the president to lead the country out of the current economic crisis. “From establishing full security and safety to staking a claim to true economic prosperity and fairness, this government shall salvage our national pride and purpose. Let all of us, in and out of government, never forget this. If we adhere to this remembrance, we shall see that magic will not be needed to bring the progress we seek,” he stated

Tinubu acknowledged the hash economic climate occasioned by the sharp drop in crude oil prices. He said the situation required creative reforms, stressing, “Therein lies the essence of progressive democratic governance.” He said the Buhari administration represented Nigeria’s best hope for the installation of such governance and alleged that the country would have being in a more terrible condition if the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party federal government had continued in power.

Though, he has of late been critical of some of the policies of the Buhari government, Tinubu, in the statement, appreciated the efforts of the administration to right the wrongs of the past. But he stated, “In this effort, there may be no economic matter more difficult to unravel and more sensitive to the pulse of the average person than the current fuel scarcity. Even here I am confident of progress because I know the commitment of the president to resolving this matter. I make no attempt to hide it. I am an avid and partisan supporter of this government and of the progressive policies of the party, the APC, upon which this government is based.

“With that I do reserve the right and the duty as a Nigerian to voice my opinion when I believe a member of this government has strayed from the progressive calling required of this administration. I do this because my greater devotion and love are for this nation and its people. Party and politics fall secondary.”

THE POLITICS  BEHIND HIS  ANGER

However, Tinubu, it was gathered, took umbrage at Kachikwu when he appointed Animashaun as GM, Legal, at NPDC. Presidency officials said they noted the unusual public criticism of Kachikwu, who Tinubu ought to know is the minister of state in the Office of the Petroleum Minister, occupied by President Muhammadu Buhari, and that they would have thought that if he had anything against Kachikwu as Buhari’s minister of state, he had all the access to the presidency to lodge his complaints, and therefore found his public reproval of Kachikwu surprising.

A presidency official who said because he was not briefed to comment on the issue, he may not be quoted, noted that Tinubu’s anger with Kachikwu may not be unconnected with Kachikwu’s appointment of Animashaun as GM at NPDC without the approval of Tinubu, given that Animashaun was a permanent secretary in the Lagos State government and a Lagos indigene.

Tinubu was said to be particularly piqued that Animashaun was recommended by Pastor Tunde Bakare, and backed by former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, without reference to him before being appointed. He was said to have pointedly asked Kachikwu to reverse the appointment but the minister told him that it was a bit too late in the day to do that as Lagos State government did not raise any objection or make any adverse comment to her appointment as GM and that if they do, then the NNPC management would reconsider her appointment.

When this was brought to the attention of President Buhari, according to the officials, the President maintained that anybody once appointed after following due process could only be removed by due process and not because of opposition from individuals. Following the President’s position on the issue, Lagos State government then wrote a letter to NNPC saying it did not support Animashaun’s appointment.

It was gathered that Animashaun quickly countered that by presenting a letter of commendation from Lagos State government for her exceptional and meritorious services to the state which earned her an award as one of the best performing permanent secretaries, a development that made it impossible for Kachikwu to act on the petition.

Tinubu was said to have insisted that Animashaun must be removed if Kachikwu was to know peace. Presidency officials, therefore, believed that yesterday’s statement authored by Tinubu was one of the first salvos in that direction. They believe so because they wondered why a small comment by Kachikwu on fuel scarcity would attract a strongly-worded statement by Tinubu, a national leader of APC, when he has unfettered access to Buhari to lodge his complaints on any issue.

Culled from  ThisDay. 

LADY BEGS DAVIDO FOR ONE NIGHT STAND ON INSTAGRAM

NOBODY CAN STOP US FROM MOVING ANYWHERE IN NIGERIA - Fulani Herdsmen

Fulani herdsmen are not buying the idea of grazing reserve

Some of them see it as an infringement of their rights to movement

There is suggestion that the herdsmen be educated on the importance The nomadic practice of moving cattle from one place to the other that is common among Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria has led to violent clashes between the herdsmen and farmers but the end of these confrontations doesn’t seem to be near. This is because the idea of providing permanent grazing reserves for herdsmen to prevent them from roaming with their cattle from the northern part of the country to the largely agrarian south is not welcomed by some herdsmen who feel their right to movement is going to be infringed. 

In a report published by Daily Trust , some herdsmen and milk sellers expressed displeasure at the idea of restricting their movement and claimed cattle could not survive restrictions. A herdsman, Muhammadu Tukur said the idea of a permanent reserve will not work. 
“It will not work out because we always relocate to where pasture can be found.” Adamu Birniwa who is the secretary of the state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association said he was aware of the federal government’s plan and that there was plan to educate the herdsmen on the importance and benefit of the grazing reserve. Halilu Alhaji Ya’u who is a herdsman condemned the idea and said it would not work. “If what you are saying becomes reality, it will inconvenience us.” 

Alhaji Muhammad Hussaini who is the chairman of the Nasarawa state Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Nigeria said it was a bad idea and an invitation for to trouble. “We have over 35 million Fulani herdsmen in the country and stopping their movement with cattle might not be possible.” “If you force a Fulani man not to move with his cattle, you are inviting trouble.” 
Hadiza Umar who sells Fura Da Nono rejected the idea and said it might kill her business. 

“If you stop moving cattle how do you feed them? Do you think you will get grasses and water from a location to feed them? Where are we going to get the milk? If you don’t get the milk from the cattle rearers in the bush, where do we get it? They are planning to kill our business. They shouldn’t tamper with our means of livelihood and find an alternative means of resolving their problems, and not create another because this move is unacceptable.” 
The debate rages on…

BATTERED EVA ADELAJA' SCHOOL GIRL MISSES EXAMINATION

Although Lagos State Government  through the office of the Deputy Governor is already  investigating the physical and emotional abuse on Ogechi Blessing a14 years old, SS2 pupil of Eva Adelaja Girls Secondary School, Bariga, Lagos who was  battered for  daring to  slapping  back the Head Girl on March  16, 2016.

Ogechi  was  hospitalized and  was  unable to  sit for  about four papers before the end of the  term due to the incident.

She was made to strip off her shorts and canned on her bare buttocks and slapped severely by the principal and 5 other teachers because she returned the slap on her face from the head girl who slapped her first.

The head girl then reported to the school authorities who in turn physically battered her and then made her cut grass for 4 hours under the sun.
The perpetrators of this crime are

a. Mrs. C. O Coker (School Principal) slapped her severally
b. Mr. Bello (Maths Teacher), canned her and slapped her severally
c. Mr. Bakare (Economics Teacher) slapped her severally
d. Mrs. Tejumaye (English Teacher) slapped her severally
e. Mrs Omoge (Civic Education Teacher) slapped her severally
f. Mrs. Balogun (Vice Principal) slapped her severally

The Principal has refused to honor the request from the police officers at Bariga Police Station but instead brought soldiers to intimidate the officers investigating the case.

Lagosians and  indeed Nigerians  await the outcome of  the investigation by Lagos State.

TRENDING :K1 EXCLUSIVE PARTY AT QUILOX

Fuji icon , King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 d Ultimate)  had an exclusive birthday party  recently at Quilox, the  premium Victoria Island based  club owned by Shina Peller.

Check out the money rain that happened at the event, courtesy, KCee’s  brother better  known as E-money.

Tuface and wife, Annie Idibia were also in attendance.

P-SQUARE'S BACK AGAIN! .... IN AMSTERDAM

After the storm that almost swept away Africa’s biggest music duo P-Square (Peter & Paul Okoye). The duo may have put the  strife  behind them permanently

They arrived Rotterdam in Amsterdam yesterday for a show today  with their  band.

Also with them is Muno the newly signed artiste under Paul Okoye‘s Rudeboy Records.

WHY POOR ELECTRICITY DOES NOT AFFECT MY BUSINESS - Dangote

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has stated that the challenge of electricity was adversely affecting the growth of the continent’s economy.

Speaking at the Africa CEO forum in Abidjan, the President of Dangote group also disclosed what has made his conglomerate successful.

“Where I come from, which is Kano in Nigeria, we have over 20 million people and we are sharing 35 megawatts only,” Dangote said.
“So when we started business as a group, we said that we would not go into the national grid. Every single country that we are operating in, we would create, generate our own power and that is why we have been very, very successful.”

REIGNING MBGN QUEEN DENIES BEING MOTHER OF 6YR OLD BOY

IKORODU KIDNAP: WE PAID N5.6M AS RANSOM - Parent

OVenerable Olusa Ayo father of  one  of the three students of Babington Junior Seminary School, Ikorodu, Lagos, who were abducted on February 25, 2016, has revealed how N5.6m ransom was  paid to the kidnappers.

The kidnappers initially demanded N200m for the release of the girls.,however, after long negotiations they agreed to collect N15m, made him merry-go-round to ensure he was not being followed by security agents.

He said, “On the morning of March 1, at about 11am, I received a call through which my daughter informed me about the abduction. She said three students, including herself were abducted at gunpoint in the midst of sporadic shooting. She further advised me to contact the school authorities.

“The line was switched off thereafter until around 11pm on the same day. The same line called again, with my daughter requesting confirmation if the school management had been contacted. I told her to hand over the phone to her abductors. One of the abductors informed me that I should know what to do. He, thereafter, demanded a ransom of N200m before the girls could be set free.”

Ayo said while pleading with the abductor, the line was switched off.

He explained that the kidnappers flashed his number, and he called back the next day and continued with the negotiation.

The cleric said the kidnappers shifted grounds from N150m to N100m, adding that they asked him to pay N30m for the release of only his child.

Ayo said, “But I said I wanted all the three girls. I also explained that it had been difficult for the school to raise the ransom they were demanding. I offered N1m each on behalf of the other parents and N2m on behalf of the school.

“This was declined with constant threat to kill them if we failed to meet their demand. They finally decided to collect N15m which they claimed would be the final offer.”

He said after speaking with the kidnappers that the parents had raised an additional N600, 000 to the N5m they had, the kidnappers agreed to take it.

One of them was said to have given the cleric instructions on how to package the money and get it ready in a Ghana-must-go bag.

The cleric said, “At about 11pm on Saturday, March 5, 2016, I was contacted to bring the money with stern warning not to involve the security agencies. That I should come alone, and later they said I could come with a driver.

“I was asked to drive to Ijebu-Ode, but I was intermittently called to know my movements. I was also directed to put on the inner lights of the car, while the hazard pointers should be on.

“By the time I got to Imota, I was asked to proceed until I got to Agbone where I was asked to turn back to Ikorodu. I was later asked to turn back to Ijebu-Ode again until I got to Imota.

“Finally, I was directed again to go back to Ikorodu and watch out for a broken down vehicle after the filling station. When I confirmed that I had sighted the car, I was directed to drop the money in front of the car. This was at about 11.40pm.”

He said the kidnappers confirmed the receipt of the money to him on the phone and promised to release the children.

According to him, he returned to the school around 12pm on that Saturday and informed the security agencies of what had happened.

He said the girls were released the following morning and brought back to the school.

“The girls gave me N15, 000 which was given to them by the kidnappers for their transport. My daughter also delivered their message that I should pray that God would forgive them.

“The police then requested statements from me and the girls. I also took my daughter to the hospital for treatment,” he added. One of the abducted girls, Olaniyan said the kidnappers fed them with garri, among others, while they were in captivity, adding that they were also blind-folded.

She said, “The three of us were taken away through a hole they dug in the school, which led to a bush path.

“They put us in a canoe. I saw 11 men in the canoe and thy paddled the canoe for almost 30 minutes. We arrived at the spot at exactly 9pm. Getting there, they cut some wood and erect a temporary tent for us.

“When we woke up the following morning, they cut a blue cloth, which they used to blindfold our eyes. Later, Deborah (Akinayo) complained that the blindfold was affecting her eyes. So, they removed the blindfold from our eyes.

“They were carrying long guns and they called themselves names like Forest, Shadow, Senior man, Trachtion.”

She said the kidnappers began asking them for their parents’ phone numbers and if they had money in their bank accounts.

She said the abductors on the second day brought a sack of garri, cartons of bottle water, juice, sardines and other drinks.

“They asked seven men to stay with us, but others were going and coming back.

“On Saturday, an old man came, whom they were calling, ‘Daddy’. When the man saw us, he shouted at them and they shouted back. They had a brief discussion and after staying for about 30 minutes, he received a phone call and they started threatening to kill us if our parents involved the police.

“On March 6, at about 5.30am, I was woken up and we were taken in a canoe by two armed members of the group.”

She said around 8am, they were dropped off on the main road at Igbokuta where they approached a motorcyclist, who then took them to a police station.

She said the police from there took them to the school.

Meanwhile, an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, has ordered that six suspected kidnappers of the students should be remanded in prison custody.

The Chief Magistrate, I.O. Adelaja, ordered that the defendants – Emmanuel Arigidi, Gift Pius, Omoni Fred, Owei Godfrey, Akanji Seun, and James Segun – should be remanded pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

-Punch

MY HUSBAND INSISTED I STOP WASHING HIS UNDERWEARS - Folorunsho Alakija, Second Richest African Woman

Forbe's  second richest African Woman and richest female in Nigeria, Folorunsho Alakija, has revealed she washes her husband’s underwear until her husband insisted she stops.

The 65yr old executive vice chairman of Famfa Oil and group managing director of The Rose of Sharon Group revealed recently how she still dotes on her husband like a teenager who just found love. Folorunsho Alakija with a net worth estimated at $1 billion said: in an interview  a while back.;

“My husband is my best friend, biggest adviser and supporter. We’ve known each other for 40 years and have been married for 37 years now and with four boys. Even though we work in the same office, I always ensure that we kiss twice in a day, morning and night. I still wash his undies until six years ago that he insisted I should stop. I also prepare his special vegetable dish and do his manicure and pedicure regularly.
“I go to the airport to pick him whenever he’s returning from foreign trips. It gives me joy whenever his friends praise my vegetable dish based on what my husband tells them.”

(PICTURE) NIGERIAN BILLIONAIRE'S DAUGHTER SHOWS OFF HER N20M WRIST WATCH

Jennifer, daughter of  John Obayuwana, the billionaire owner of Polo, a luxury collection store , laced her wrist with a  Breguet designer watch.

She posted  on her instagram page “Breguet! Same price as the Porsche 911 turbo but you can’t take the car into the party!”

The Porsche Turbo usually costs around $80,000 to $100,000, which is about 20 million naira  

I'M NOT A MAGICIAN, FUEL SCARCITY WILL END BY MAY - Kachikwu

Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu has dashed the hopes of Nigerian's he emphatically said that the current queues at filling stations will persist till late May 2016.

The Group Managing Director, GMD of the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation, NNPC said: “One of the trainings I did not receive is that of a magician but I am working very hard to ensure some of these issues go away‎. And let’s be honest, for the five, six months we have been here, NNPC has moved from a 50 percent importer of products to basically a 100 percent importer. And the 445 barrels that were allocated was to cover between 50 and 55 percent importation.

“So, it is quite frankly sheer magic that we even have the amount of products at the stations. We are looking to see how to get foreign exchange imput. The president and I discussed extensively on how to get more crude directed at importation. His excellency will rather have less crude but have individuals in the society suffer less with inconveniences than have more crude and have them continue to suffer."

SARAKI WRITES CHIEF JUDGE TO COMPEL WITHDRAWN JUDGE TO GIVE JUDGMENT

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has appealed  to Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court Abuja to proceed delivering judgement on the suit challenging his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.

Justice Kafarati had on Tuesday, disqualified himself from the matter which was originally scheduled for judgement, owing to bribery allegation levelled against him by two online media platforms.

In a protest letter, dated March 22, which he filed before the Chief Judge of the High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, Saraki, through his lawyer, Prince Ajibola Oluyede, insisted that though he had sympathy for the judge, the interest of justice would only be served if the judgement was delivered.

Saraki, said he was dissatisfied that the judge was blackmailed by his enemies to hands off the suit that was ripe for judgement.

Oluyede, alleged that EFCC was the brain behind the publications which he said were intended to intimidate the judge.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has distanced itself from the decision by Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to decline ruling in the fundamental human rights enforcement case brought before him by Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Spokesman of the agency, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said last night that the commission had no idea of the source of the information as it did not give out same at any time.

THREE BROTHERS RAPE WOMAN, DAUGHTER.... steal N700,000

An Osun State Magistrate's Court in Osogbo has ordered the remand of three siblings accused of raping a woman and her daughter.

The magistrate, Mrs. Abibat Basiru, ordered that the three accused arraigned by the police -Dayo Tajudeen (18), Kamaru Tajudeen (21), and Ahmed Tajudeen (27) - be remanded at the Ilesa Prison.

The police prosecutor, Mr. Mireti Wilson, had told the court that the accused, who were armed, broke into the apartment of one Mrs. Adebayo and raped the woman and her daughter till dawn before they carted away N700,000 and two phones valued at N15,700.
He said the three defendants committed the offence on March 5, 2016, at about 1.30am at the Owode area of Osogbo.
He said, "The offence is contrary to Section 6 (b) and Section 1( 2) (a) (b) and punishable under Section 1(1) of the Robbery and Fire Arms ( Special Provision) Act, Cap 11, Vol. 14, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 516 PDF of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, vol. 11, Law of Osun, 2003."

The magistrate ordered the prosecutor to send the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions before adjourning the case.

(PICTURE) HOUSEHELP CONSERVE URINE TO COOK FOR WICKED BOSS

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS GO TOPLESS ON LOCATION (PICTURE)

KENNY DUYILE BURIES MUM

Chairman of Rockview Hotels in Lagos and Ondo state, Chief Kenny Duyile had a superlative burial party for her departed mother. The lively town of Ikorodu, Lagos was held to a standstill last Saturday for the grand event.

There was no dull moment throughout the entertaining event with the King of fuji music, K1 De Ultimate made sure that he gave his best in adding flavor to the colourful party.

The siblings of Chief Duyile also gave all they could in making sure that it was indeed a glorious exit for their mother who died at a ripe age of  80.

The burial  kicked with Christian wake keep on Friday, rolled into the main event on Saturday and was wrapped up with a Church Service on Sunday to send the very religious woman into eternal glory

EFCC SPEAKS ON INVOLVEMENT IN KAFARATI'S WITHDRAWAL FROM SARAKI’S CASE

The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to media reports on the decision of Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja to decline ruling in the fundamental human rights enforcement case brought before him by Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

The judge blamed his decision to disqualify himself from the case on a Tuesday March 21, 2016 report in an online news medium, alleging that he had been bribed to rule in Saraki’s favour. Justice Kafarati, according reports in Thisday Newspaper of March 23, 2016 claimed the online platform quoted the EFCC as the source of its information.

Against this background, it has become necessary to state that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had no hand in the report which is entirely the imagination of the authors.

All allusions to the Commission’s investigation or documents in the said publication should be disregarded. At no time did the EFCC share intelligence or revealed the content of any dossier it may have on any judge for that matter with any media organization either in Nigeria or abroad.

The Commission wishes to state for the umpteenth time, that it believes in the rule of law and will not take extra-legal measures to ridicule or embarrass any member of the public that may or may not be under investigation. The court is the final arbiter in cases of corruption. What the law expects of the Commission, which it has been doing, is to charge people investigated and indicted of any offence under the relevant laws to court. There is no other way.

EFCC, Military Finally Release Dasuki's Aide

The Federal Government has released Colonel Nicholas Ashinze, the former Military Assistant to Former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki at 2pm today.

Colonel Ashinge who had been under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Military Authority  has already reunited with his family.

Breaking News :SENATE PASSES 2016 BUDGET

After so much buck passing, Senate this morning passed the 2016 budget.

Delay in passing the budget has stalled execution of several projects though the one initially presented by President Muhammadu Buhari was full of errors which embarrassed him greatly and led to the transfer of key officers at the Ministry of Budget and Planning.

MY LIFE AT 60 - Otunba Gbenga Daniel

 On April 6,2016 former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, will be 60. He welcomed the media to  his spacious and  well furnished office within the  Political Academy institution next door to his palatial Asoludero  country home in Sagamu, Ogun State. 

He answered questions on his growing up, his education, business, political travails and many more.... 

As you clock 60, What are some  of the things you ask God to do for you that He has not done?

Initially, I said there won't be any celebration, on a second thought, The Bible says in all things, we  should give thanks. There is no human being on earth that will  say he has everything. The nature of human is such that we are  designed to want more The people who are rich want to be richer. It's an insatiable natural demand of homo sapiens. Between you and I think God has been great, He has been wonderful, if there is anything I get worried about, it is that the quality of life of our people should have improved much more than this. When we had the opportunity in Ogun  State, there is something we believe in, it's called the ripple effect of leadership.

Some people believe that you can not do much except you grab power at the center, but I say you can make a difference where you are. If you drop a pebble in small river or big  stone in the ocean you  will create a ripple effect.. When we had the privilege and grace of God to run Ogun State, is to create that ripple that will possibly affect other locations.

Without singing about it, I can bring so many examples. Sports for instance had not gotten to this level locally, we did Gateway Games 10 years ago, several states did games after that none surpassed what we did. We used  that to turn around the  fortune of Ogun State. Other  states too  started building stadia, in fact our stadia builders were invited everywhere, they were invited to even come to South Africa to  build for them . Those are ripple  effects of our singular action. When we  dualized our road , other states in South West  and beyond also started dualizing, my successor has made it better with flyovers all over the place.

In education, we started the  first University of Education in Nigeria, I was  happy when Chief Obasanjo went there recently and said he  tried to achieve that at the federal level but couldn't. Today other Universities of Education have  sprung up.

When we came up with Free Trade Zone and airport others are going in that direction too. If you know what you are doing, you could from wherever you are  create a ripple effect on the larger society without making noise about it. Those are things I look at and thank God for His mercy.

What are the things you will  start doing differently as you clock 60.

I think I just  need to  slow down. All my life I have been a  workaholic. From Primary school  to secondary to university, as an employee, as an employer, as government worker, as a retiree. I want to learn to slow down. When you get to this age, you want to look at things from a more matured perspective You won't fight the way you do when you were younger, it's a natural phenomenon.

In retrospect, what are the things you would have handled differently?

My usual response is,  there are not many decisions that I took that I would have taken a different decision now. Because each and every decision we took while we were in government, we had universal rules, the rules have not changed and will not likely change. The rules are; this thing you are about to do or sign can it withstand public scrutiny? I will  sign if only the answer is yes. The next question is.... Usually in governance you have limited resources,  so you  consider the level of impact, in priotizing, one situates it according to ideology which is my challenge with our country today, we don't have a clear cut ideology. If it is a capitalist  system, let's know, because there are countries that have succeeded with it, if it's a  socialist system or a pot pourrie let's define it.
The next question is that  this decision we are about to take, is it in the interest of a  few or in the interest of the larger society? We will not likely take it if it's in the interest of a  few but if we persuade ourselves that the decision is in best interest of the People, we will likely do it. So, because we ask ourselves that universal questions... People have said if you had handled the issue with your lawmakers differently they won't have given you hell really and truly I would still have maintained my position. Some people think that is not been pragmatic but  that is part of the reasons Nigeria is not developed. There must be minimum lines one should not cross and those lines must be there and bold. One may be misunderstood yet one cannot say motives behind their actions in the public. But if you know any, you can ask specifically and I will throw more light on it.

Talking about things that you had power to do and you  didn't  do, On our  way  here  we noticed that the major road that leads to your house was bad?

The Oba Eluwole Road you are talking about is a federal road. It's the road that leads to Mosimi, NNPC depot, that is  where all the tankers load for the South West. From the  refinery they pump fuel through the pipeline there. It's a strategic depot and it is very big. It's  five years since I left government, this road  was not like this  when I was in government, I was  maintaining the road. Because there was a  time that  NUPENG will go on  strike if that  road is not good because their tankers can fall after loading, with the meagre resources we  ensured that  we  maintained the  road. Maybe the government there now have  forgotten or it escaped their  mind.

Who are your mentors?
Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Awojobi and my father. They have greatly influenced me,  there are things they did that I modestly tried to do too. You will not know a lot of Awojobis, he died at 48,he was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos. His thesis was on Authomatic Vibrations, Mechanical Controls. He was the first African  man to get a Dec, it was a big deal at that time. One of the most brilliant geniuses of our time. That was my mentor, I was his boy. He was also a political activist, I  was a young undergraduate who carry his briefcase and follow him  from campus to  campus  where he goes to deliver his radical lectures. I  was  a research  assistant to him even  as an undergraduate. He was  running  a quiz competition called Mastermind. When I got to Unilag to  study  Mechanical Engineering in 1975, I went for the Mastermind quiz Competition  which was a very  popular NTA programme. I became the  Mastermind of the Year under Awojobi  after  winning it five  consecutive times

What is  stagnating our development, is it a challenge of leadership or followership?

I think it is the combination of both. With due respect although there are a few exceptions but on a general scale. the quality of leadership has continually plummeted. My biggest challenge is weak followership which people don't like to hear, I call it naivety. I have always been shocked as to how gullible our people can be  particularly on their assessment of leadership. At the beginning of my intervention, we did the Gateway Foundation to support the people because of poverty. In recent time, I  have come to  realize that the greatest  challenge we have is the poverty of ideas that is why I have gone into things like Political Academy. I have found out that information dissemination could make or destroy a nation. As an engineer, if you ask me 15years ago to spend N50m
to publicize a N10m road, I will say it is wrong, in fact it is wrong, it thus appear that the people who do it are the ones the society recognize and celebrate. Part of what I will tell anyone who wants to pass through this process, regrettably, is that a lot of emphasis must be placed on information dissemination. The people will go on and on to take decision and later regret it.
One of the things that amazes me about this country and I'll tell you, in 1975  back to Unilag, we started Gowon Must Go because he said that year was no longer realistic for handover. If I  rewind, we  were jubilating when Gowon coup overthrew Tafawa Balewa. So  we didn't  want Gowon but today he is one of our heroes today. Fast forward to 1976 Muritala Muhammed took over, with no intention to Insult the memory of the dead, the history was that it was him who led the raid on CBN Benin, retirement with ignominy, fired with immediate effect people say that the  destruction of the civil service started during that era, in the meantime, it is death that saved Muritala, otherwise... Then Baba (Obasanjo)  came, very intelligent man, but he couldn't quit  when the  ovation was  loudest Enter Shagari, Buhari  overthrew him, we  started jubilating, IBB came afterwards but he wasn't able to  handover, Shonekan stepped in people didn't like him, then came  Abacha that one showed us pepper, then came  Abdusallam that one did not  waste time, then came Baba (Obasanjo) third term or no third term

But Baba  said he  never wanted  third term?

Ooookaaayyy! Let's  save that for another day. But I was his governor, let's leave that for now.. As I was  saying that has been the  trend. In 2010 it was the man with no shoes that  everybody wanted., in 2014, he was clueless, It was time for Change. Change has now come, now I read on the Internet Bring Back Corruption, that is the  consistent  behavior of our  people. And we have  not learnt  a single lesson. We have not developed the habit of  dissecting our leaders and  see what they  stand  for so that the people who need the information can read it from the media and make informed decisions. We are all behaving like the Roman mob with little or no capacity for proactive thinking . I'm not been  abusive because  we are all guilty.

We will not make progress until the informed media begins to x-ray leadership. Look at the one calling himself leader of the South West, educated people are following him. You can see progressively that there is a  decline in the leadership we are getting

You may say we report what we see but I think, it should be much more than that. Even if you have to  report what you see or hear, don't report what is not  right and leave it at the  discretion of the readers. That is not patriotic enough, you can do that in a civilized society but our people are largely uneducated and unexposed, you really have to show more than a passing interest.

What were your projections before you clocked 60, have you met them all?

I can only say that for my business. We thank God we can say we have achieved our goals and objectives. When we started my company Kresta Laurel some 25years ago, Nigerian companies in that business were unsung. We benchmarked against international companies with best global practice. Today it is the only ISO certified company in Nigeria.

On the other hand when we started Gateway Foundation it was to support and assist the people. Part of our focus was not to see anybody crawl simply because they couldn't afford wheel chair. Today it is an  aberration to see anyone crawling in Ogun State

Part of what gives me joy that  was misinterpreted was how  we were able to engage and transform Street boys to  sports men. Just like Mike Tyson story but people  said  we were breeding area boys. Testimonies of those people humbles me. We also trained them to do paving stones and gave them space and materials, we compelled OGROMMA to patronize them.
In 2004, I approached the the  Federal Government to do  the 40km Abeokuta-Sagamu road as well as the Lagos-Ibadan road at my OGROMMA price. I was  given permission for the  AbeokutA - Sagamu road I completed it in less than  two years. 12 years after the  Lagos Ibadan road despite the high cost it is yet to be  completed. The ripple effect is that roads are now completed in record time. Amosun has done his flyovers in record time, the issue I have with that is the exorbitant cost. We created that template.

My first book was called OGUN STATE THE LAND OF MY DREAMS and I call it the land of sleeping giant but today clearly the giant is awake and ready to devour even his neighbors. Those are the milestones we set out to achieve and God made it possible.

Let's share your growing up years, what was the experience like, who were your contemporaries in school?

As the  son of a reverend gentleman, grew up with the principle of remember the  son of  who you are. Generally I was a good boy.  All through primary  school, I can't remember been  caned, I  was  caned once in secondary school because the  whole class  was making noise., my father never  caned me but he caned  everybody else . while in class one  and two I was living with Chief Gabriel Otunla my Principal,  so I escaped the  seniors. At Baptist Boy's High School  (BBHS)  we are trained to be leaders,  when you are there, you  challenge yourself with the feats achieved by the old  students. I was also quite popular with quiz competition at that stage. Alao Babasanya, John Soares,Kayode Soyinka who is one year my junior now doing Africa Now magazine, we were also good at soccer at  that time..

At the university, we had Prof.  Adekola he thought us Structural Engineering it was a compulsory course, naturally the class is always filled up, he had a bad leg, so he will  slip into the class quietly sits down and repeatedly tell us that not all of us will graduate that they are trying to  reduce the number of engineers they turn out. After his class everybody will  sit  qnd be looking at  each other sadly  considering the consequence of  what the man had said.

Then we had  Prof. Awojobi  the genius we all feel inferior to him. He comes to class with just chalk and duster, no  lecture notes, he  will  go on and on. Something strange about him, he considers that not everyone is  as gifted  as him, nearly everyone pass his course. Contrary to the case with Prof  Adekola. That  experience made an impression on me that we cannot all see things from the same perspective, and that everyone have their  good side that must be emphasized and the  bad  side that  must be  deemphasized.

At the end of the day the  first class students became lecturers and the third class became governors (laughs). A lot of our friends ended up in Shell.

I had the privilege of using two scholarships from Federal Government and UAC. All the people running the biggest churches in Nigeria today were in Unilag - (Adeboye, Kumuyi Adekoya.) Tunde Bakare and I were there together. It was quite memorable.

What is the greatest lesson life has taught you at 60?

The realities of life is quite different from some of the things we were taught in school. Life is quite complex yet very  simple  depending on  what you want from life. You must determine what your value system are what gives you joy and go for it.

I have interacted with you over 12 years I  find it strange that you are perceived differently outside  what do you think accounts for this?

Chief Obafemi Awolowo offered free education, he lost the  election because the campaign was used against him, they told the farmers that he wants to use education to deny them their children's assistance in the farm. After his death, he became the best thing to happen to us. Our hero.

If they say who is the best governor in Ogun State, people will likely  say  Bisi Onabanjo but we have forgotten that he was jailed  (for  corruption) by Buhari for 100 and something years when he came out he became hypertensive, diabetic and almost blind.

There is something that must change about human nature. I think I was becoming larger than life and some people felt  they should bring me down. It was a well orchestrated, well funded campaign. A newspaper was even floated just for that purpose, it was closed after it achieved its purpose. Regrettably, I got  all manner of  advice, they'll say  I must allow them to abuse me,  while I concentrate on my job. I didn't know that people were believing the tales by moonlight. At that time photoshop application was  not popular, somebody edited an image making me look like juju man and people believed. If it were to be now people would have  doubted it. I think I was getting too strong for some people. It has not gone away, they are still scheming.

At 60, are you planning to be preaching the gospel?

There is no time I don't  preach the gospel If I  have gone ahead to build a church, how are you sure that is  not  where I  plan to  end up?

What is the vision behind the establishment of Political Academy?

Beyond touching lives materially, I have  discovered that most people don't have information. I call  Some of my friends educated illiterates because they don't have information. You  see them arguing blindly. I decided to establish the academy to  enrich the knowledge of people. The courses are short, some three days, one week or two weeks. The first thing we teach is history of Nigeria. What is the mission of the Royal Niger Company.? How did Nigeria came into existence? What was the  intention of Lord Lagarde? What led to the civil war? Are those factors still there? What led to the Zango-Kataf fight? Why are the fulanis fightingIf we don't know these basic things? When  anything happens you won't even know what to say? Why do emirs specially invite northern civil servants who have risen to the director level? Why don't they write petition against themselves? People need to understand the what, why and how of processes to change their perspective and expectations. That is the reason why we established this institution to educate them.

What does power means to you?

Power is sweet when not used. But in this  type of  environment, power is used to facilitate and ensure that the people get quality living.

What is interesting about being 60?

I don become old man be dat (laughs) it means you have moved to the elders circle. It thus mean you will have to be more matured with the way you reason and react to issues.

You believe so much in the next generation, which also reflected in your government. With your experience over time, will you say the youths have failed you?

No, I  will not say the youths have failed me. When you consider the people who have behaved below expectation, they are the ones I can call the  loud  minority. On my 50th birthday, on my way to church, I  got a copy of Insider Magazine that said I was arrested with my wife with huge sum of money at Heathrow Airport, before I knew what was happening Obasanjo had ordered an investigation through Dr Christopher Kolade, the High Commissioner to UK, and he discovered that it was  false,  he invited and gave me the report. Insider was found guilty, N5m damages was awarded against Insider. He started running everywhere. Of course that was not reported.

STEALING IS NOT CORRUPTION - ICPC Boss

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commissions (ICPC) Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, has reiterated his view that “stealing is not corruption.”

Speaking to a team of The Nation on Sunday in Lagos at the weekend, Nta explained that his commission would fare better if there was a proper understanding of the word corruption.

According to him, the controversy emanating from the definition of corruption is as a result of a long entrenched misunderstanding of the vice.

“If you don’t know what you are fighting then you might be busy fighting other things and thinking you are addressing the problem,” he stated.

The ICPC chairman, who has been criticised in the media for saying “stealing is not corruption”, stated that from the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (ONCAC) and the ICPC Act, the first item that falls under corrupt practices is bribery in public and private offices.

He backed up his views with Articles 15 and 16 of UNCAC and sections 8, 9 and 10 of the ICPC Act.
He listed what is considered as corruption under Article 19 of UNCAC and Section 19 of the ICPC Act as: illicit enrichment, trading in influence etc.

Explaining what he calls constitutes corruption, the ICPC chairman said: “If I walk into your office and I say that I have been sent by the president that this contact you are about to award must be awarded to me and now drop his card or the president’s card on the table. This is also an offence under corrupt practice.”

Nta reiterated that the major function of the ICPC is to check abuse of office by public office holders and government officials.
Stealing, he said, falls under the criminal code and should be reported to the police.

N45.9bn Fraud: EFCC To Try Tompolo Separately

Yesterday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission separated a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, from 40 counts of alleged N45.9bn fraud it filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Tompolo was listed as the first accused person in the charge, which the EFCC filed in January before Justice Ibrahim Buba.

Listed as his co-accused persons in the charge were a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, Kime Engozu, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Capt. Warredi Enisuoh.

The five were charged alongside four companies – Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electrical Limited, Boloboere Property, Estate Limited and Destre Consult Limited.

But efforts to arraign them had failed since January following Tompolo’s refusal to honour the court summons issued to him to appear in court,

Neither Tompolo nor his lawyers, Messrs Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, appeared in court.

The EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Festus Keyamo, told the judge that the charge had been amended with Tompolo’s name removed.

He said Tompolo, who is wanted by the anti-graft agency, would now be arraigned and tried separately from the others.

Keyamo said he had served the amended charge sheet on the other nine accused persons and urged the court to take their pleas.

The 40 counts levelled against them by the EFCC border on conspiracy, theft and fraudulent conversion of money belonging to NIMASA to their private pockets.

The EFCC said the accused persons acted contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and were liable to punishment under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

But upon reading the charges to them on Tuesday, the nine accused persons pleaded not guilty to the entire 40 counts.

Justice Buba later admitted them to bail in the sum of N50m.

He adjourned till May 23 for their trial to commence.

Meanwhile, the judge also adjourned till April 18 for the EFCC to arraign Akpobolokemi and others on another 22 counts. Tompolo had also been listed as the 1st defendant in the charge, but his name was removed following his failure to show up to answer the charges.

The EFCC said he would also be arranged separately on the 22 counts whenever he was produced before the court.

Justice Buba had since January 14 issued a warrant for his arrest. The said warrant was renewed on February 8.

He is also praying the appellate court to order the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, to reassign his case from Justice Buba to another judge, adding that he was afraid he might not get justice before Justice Buba.

CBN INCREASES INTEREST RACE TO 12%

As a key measure to tighten money supply in response to the sharp increase in inflation in February, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tuesday raised its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 12 percent from 11 percent.

CBN also increased the portion of customers’ deposits that banks must keep as cash, known as the Cash reserve ratio, to 22.5 percent from 20 percent, while it retained the liquidity ratio (LR) at 30 percent. 
,Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor announced these decisions at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. .

Emefiele said that the decision to tighten money supply was because the balance of risk was against inflation. 

DSS RELEASES EKITI LAWMAKER

Hon. Afolabi Akanni , the Ekiti Lawmaker, , who has been in detention at the Department of State Services facilities, was released Tuesday evening. now admitted at a private hospital in Abuja.

He said his release may not be unconnected with his deteriorating health, adding that he was not told why he was held.

The Lawmaker who was very weak said he was treated for malaria at the DSS detention facility after he collapsed twice.

BANKER ARRESTED FOR CONNIVING TO STEAL DEAD CUSTOMER' N23M

Nicholas Anthony, a 36-year old staff of Ile - Epo, Ejigbo  branch of EcoBank in Lagos has been arrested and charged before a Magistrate’s court sitting at Ejigbo, for allegedly conspiring to steal N23m lodged in the account of a deceased customer  of the bank.

He allegedly conspired with one Junior Walter and Akeem now at large had facilitated documents and attempted to claim the late customer’s money, but the keen eyed management of the bank discovered the fraud before they could withdraw the money.

It was gathered that Anthony who had knowledge of the death of the customer contacted other suspects and processed documents to claim the money as beneficiary.

Anthony handed the documents to Walter to come to the bank and present it to the management for payment.

However, the management detected the scam because the late customer was well known to them.

Walter was promptly arrested and handed over to the police at Ejigbo division where he was interrogated.

During the investigation, Walter confessed that it was Anthony that provided and filled the papers which he gave him to present to the bank management.

Consequently, Anthony was arrested and charged to court on Wednesday for the alleged offence.
When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty.
Both are separately arraigned and are facing charges of criminal conspiracy to commit felony, a crime punishable under the Criminal Code.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. A.A. Fashola granted Anthony bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety who must show evidence of tax payment and address verified.

Anthony was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when he will perfect his bail condition.

The case was adjourned till 13 April 2016.

Re-run Election : Amaechi came noisily, left quietly — Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike  commended President Muhammadu Buhari for distancing himself from the re-run elections in the state, saying he did not interfere with the exercise.

He accused the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi of allegedly plotting to rig the elections, " he came into the state noisily and left quietly after results showed he could not deliver his candidates."

Wike spoke in Government House, Port Harcourt while addressing his party faithfuls.

The governor said "the will of the people was stronger than any military and police might, adding that some Abuja politicians only came to intimidate the state with the name of Mr President who maintained neutrality all through the rerun elections.
“Amaechi plot to rig the rerun elections was for him to rubbish the Supreme Court Judgement. He came back to the state noisily, but left quietly and shamefully."

“No Army is stronger than the people. No police is stronger than our people. How many times will they cancel elections for the APC. Amaechi is not on ground in Rivers State “.

“Those who were overzealous during the rerun elections did so without the knowledge of the president. “

More Tributes to Nomoreloss

Since the news of the death of singer and comedian  Olumuyiwa Osinuga aka Nomoreloss broke yesterday, .Nigerians from far and near  have been expressing shock and paying tributes to him.

Nomoreloss got married to Rhythm 93.7 FM OAP Phoenix (Adeola Osinuga) in 2008 .They have a five year old daughter, Mo in 2011. In 2013, he was at the fore  of Save OJB Jezereel campaign and worked tirelessly to ensure the talented music producer had a second chance at life ..He called out many celebrities to assist in raising OJB's medical bills.Sadly, he died without anyone knowing or trying to save him.

BRIBERY ALLEGATION:JUDGE WITHDRAWS FROM SARAKI’S CASE

Federal high Court judge , Justice Abdul Kafarati, has withdrawn from a fundamental rights suit filed by Senate President Bukola Saraki to quash the charges of false declaration of assets brought against him by the federal government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

He  said his integrity had been questioned in the matter,  he therefore disqualified himself on the case.

Consequent upon an online medium accusing him of corruption to the tune N2bn, he said that if he ruled against or for Saraki his decision would be misconstrued.

“In the circumstance, I disqualify myself from this case. I will hereby send the case file to the chief judge for re-assignment to another judge.”

“It is only in this country that people can wake up and start calling people names,” he said.

After the supreme court dismissed Saraki’s appeal to stop his trial, his lawyer Ajibola Oloyede filed the lawsuit asking the federal high court to stop his trial and to disqualify the chairman of the CCT, who is presiding over the trial.

Saraki leaned on the violation of his rights to fair hearing by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which he said did not invite him for explanation before it filed charges against him at the CCT.

Kafarati had fixed Tuesday for judgment on the case, but instead of delivering the judgment, he announced his withdrawal from the case.