Yesterday, June 25 at the Ogbe stadium in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, a tornado swept through the awakened city with capital rejection of godfatherism; the magnificent Edo State people overwhelmingly sealed the fate of whatever remains of that spirit and laid to rest the ghost. In a unanimous fashion delegates devastatingly exercised their inalienable rights by speaking with one voice: Obaseki is our man. And in the process saying a big “yes” to democracy! The Ogbe Stadium extravaganza was preceded by an inexplicable tug-of-war between a termagant godfather and a reticent godson. The godfather—generally known as the bully from Iyahmo—a man blessed with so much despite obvious educational handicap but severely drenched in temperamental and hard to please toga resorted to stretching his much vaunted reputation too far by undermining practicable reforms; he wanted Obaseki—a performing governor out of the way at all cost—decapitated. Why not? They did it in L...
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Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, FCA, immediate past governor of Lagos State has expressed sadness over the loss of the former governor of Oyo State to the cold hands of death at the early hours of today. Ajimobi passed aged 70 after battling Covid-19 complications at a private hospital in Lagos. Visibly touched, Ambode described Ajimobi as an icon who meant more than a brother and a colleague to him. “This is a great loss to me; I can easily recall so many fond memories we shared together as governors of our respective States and I saw him as an elder brother always”. Speaking further, Ambode described the late Ajimobi as very witty, always willing to provide his honest and candid opinion on issues. “His political sagacity was one I admired from afar and I am glad to have shared many memorable moments with him”, he disclosed. Reflecting back, Ambode further revealed that Ajimobi’s eight years as governor was remarkable and that his giant strides across the length and breadth of Oyo State wil...
Having been endorsed by the NEC meeting of the APC, the coast is clear for Pastor Osaze Ize Iyamu to confront Obaseki at the September 2020 governorship polls. Unlike before, it is now incumbency factor versus possible Federal might. But there is a character problem. The candidacy of the Benin based Political Pastor is already embroiled in confusion. His linen has been severely stained by no less a person than his new found godfather comrade Adams Oshiomole. Now to have such a candidate recycled by the same godfather may just be too bitter a pill to swallow. Added to that is the fact that the Benis are in mortal combat to smash the ugly spirit of godfatherism they now regard as deadly poison. For that reason, a resurgence of the Kwara Oto’-ge’ fame appears to sweep the environment with demonstrations everywhere. Then again Iyamu’s betrayal of the PDP cause by ditching the party just for personal motive is not taken kindly; they regard that act as much treacherous as...
This is a time for sober reflection—not a time to rejoice. We read of retributions in history books and journals but hardly ever come to grasp the import. Today at the National headquarters of the APC a very powerful event held without the presence of two of their most revered echelons. It was like a dream, though forewarned. One of the personalities exhibited great characteristics—a leader by all standards. He had spent huge recourses building people and generally bridges across the nation. He has style, panache and was tactical; the other lacks decorum and extremely combative and obdurate. Never mind if they forgot that Nigeria was in democracy, because the methods they applied to remove or install protégés was anything but democratic. At the height of their reign they wielded so much power—and influence. They were courted by hundreds of office seeking fellows because they had the ears of the president. With the enormous powers acquired, they ought to help the ruling APC eliminate wh...
Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief today, as President Muhammadu Buhari turned up at the APC secretariat and did what had in the last two years been unthinkable—restored sanity and pride. Before now, the atmosphere had been riotous, divisive and set on flames. The administrative structure had been hijacked by some lycanthropic individuals who fancied themselves as demi-gods; their style of administration was no less kakistocractic and many trembled at the fierceness of their negative decisions visiting prospective politicians alike -whether paperweight or heavyweight with searing pains and trauma. You need not be an enemy, but once you are perceived to be a remote threat, then expect the most fiendish attack to amputate whatever shred of reputation you had. Ambode in Lagos was as impressive as he was superlative; his aura was exemplary but at the end, they struck; a sledge hammer was applied to halt his rising popularity—though temporarily. Bukola Saraki—you all know ...
The PDP is a large and refined political party that nurtures real democracy. But the party’s fortunes nosedived in the years and months leading to the 2015 General Elections when the leaders began practicing politics of imposition/ exclusion for themselves and their cronies. It was routine then to see the same set of people occupying sensitive positions again and again. A close check would reveal they were either nephews, in-laws, cousins or stooges. Now that PDP is coming alive again with injection of lively actors the same mistake must not be made. Browsing through the various election committees set up would further reveal starkly the repetition of specific names. The young generations have come of age. The PDP should spread out. Uche Secondus and Col. Akubundu should take note—especially now that the renegades have decamped. They must not forget the slippery banana peel. It lurks in the corners—waiting to pounce again.
A photo of the quartet of former governor lucky Igbinedion, Rtd. Hon. Phillip Shaibu and governor Godwin Obaseki had emerged in a national daily recently with Lucky Igbinedion being touted as the new godfather of the PDP. The rider caught our attention and therefore considered it necessary--as they say—to put the records straight. Recall that in those days, the prominent power brokers in the PDP were the late Chief Tony Anenih, Late Alhaji Inu Umoru, the late Samuel Ogbemudia and of course Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion. Others included the Tom Ikimi’s, late Bruno Oshiokpekhai and naturally Senator Victor Oyofo. Chief Raymond Dokpesi is not really a strong party man—he is more of the media where he is strongest. Then their words were law; there was no opposition and elections were settled long before appearance on the field. Leadership had meaning. If there was any crisis, party officials trooped to Uromi where it was resolved. And those aggrieved, when pacified, were certa...
The crisis rocking the All Progressive Congress party is worrisome—at least to the ordinary Nigerian. And the situation has become chaotic since the forced departure of Godwin Obaseki from their fold. Now despite the myriad of court cases; the gale of suspensions; the inability to address vacant official positions; the flurry of lopsided appointments, and not least the forced defections, the APC is now but a shadow of its former self. The once powerful and awesome behemoth has vanished and Nigerians are now perhaps staring at the carcase. The APC lacks leadership, no vision and apparently is disjointed and a comity of different warlords. There seems to be no binding laws or agreement in place; this may explain the botched succession plans unfolding. Now, we ask the vital question: where are the likes of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Godswill Akpabio, Rotimi Amaechi and of the course the repressive generalissimo Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu? The APC can’t be marred in crisis wit...
Back then in the secondary school, it was usually with trepidation that we—as children –looked towards taking the oath of office as the final seal of authority—and responsibility. The sanctity was unmistakable. After taking the oath, you are looked upon in awe and everyone under the authority of your responsibility is assured of justice, fairness and equity. The swearing of the oath of office confers on you the status of God’s own representative in your area of operation. You are the symbol of truth, honesty and integrity. You are not expected to deviate from the expected standards —not even your religious and ethnic belief is allowed to sway your decisions. Nigeria operates a federalism system and for this reason the framers of the constitution had taken cognisance of the divergent tribes and indigenes around. So they came up with Federal character principal as double check against possible slant. All through the military regimes faith was kept with this practice in terms of appoi...
The state-wide frenzy of huge celebration now going on in Edo State has been pinned down largely to the deliberate injustice meted out to former governor of Lagos State Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who was uncharactistically denied his second term ambition by the sinister and philistine attitude of the now disgraced comrade Adams Oshiomole. Then, Mr. Ambode had performed beyond expectations, like Obaseki; he had met the yearnings and aspiration of the people of Lagos State; but then, through conspiracy masterminded by the same abrasive Comrade Adams Oshiomole whose destructive era as national chairman saw to the loss of seven other APC States to PDP conspired with forces within the State to rob Ambode of his mandate. Though the people cried foul, but they were powerless because of the relentless grip of the self-acclaimed monologue godfather and the deployment of federal machinery. Oshiomole saw himself as Pharaoh; he pandered to the dictates of his shadowy godfather and rubbi...
The Ambode camp has refuted any linkage with the now vacant Lagos East Senatorial ticket describing the news making the rounds as falsehood and fake. An insider source who prefers to remain annonymous has formerly dismissed the association as laughable and the figment of mischief makers imagination. According to the insider source who pleaded annonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press, the former governor nurses no such plan nor desire whatsoever towards running as a senator let alone replacing anybody. The source added that having served Lagos State meritoriously for four years as governor with his landmark projects dotting the Lagos infrastructural landscape, Ambode has chosen to remain in the background to serve humanity.
At last, speculations have turned to reality as H.E. Godwin Obaseki along with his entire supporters has joined the People’s Democratic Party of Nigeria. The news was made public following series of official consultations with party big wigs. This move—a PDP gain and obviously APC lose is the direct result of Oshiomole’s inexplicable rift with his home State governor-regardless of the endless plea for him to soft pedal. Oshiomole even ended up coming on the network television to describe Obaseki as “good riddance to bad rubbish”—an extremely childish and condemnable action! This repressive stance notwithstanding, Oshiomole’s supporters where still hopeful insisting that the supreme court will reinstate their “chairman”; that again has been truncated as the supreme court has thrown away his suit seeking for a reversal; Pastor Ize Iyamu himself—the candidate Oshiomole imported to unseat Obaseki—has had his fortune nosedived with a N700 million fraud case hanging on his neck and about...
The battle for the soul of the All Progressive Congress Party ahead of the 2023 Presidential elections has begun in earnest with controversial Adams Oshiomole sheepishly becoming the first casualty. His self-contrived fall from grace is just a drop in the ocean of the bigger battles that lies ahead. Thus what you see playing out now is just a dress rehearsal as to who is well positioned to pull the strings and ultimately bag the presidency. If the cabal behind Victor Giadom gains upper hand, then the political bigwig from the south west region believed to be gunning for the presidency will definitely be outwitted—and played out. Oshiomole ignorantly played into their hands by his foolish and childish gambit to disqualify Obaseki. The cabal merely took advantage of the sudden opportunity placed on their laps by Oshiomole’s needless war with Obaseki—to strike. They knew that Oshiomole was a formidable stronghold for the chieftain; so they waited, calculating. Now they ha...
A front-line national network programme, Voice of the Electorate (VOTE) has hailed the bold verdict that brought relief to Nigerians and halted the irreversible drift down the ugly lane of a banana republic. By the historic judgment in Abuja, the nation has been saved another needless political fiasco—pulled from the brink of mindless human created disaster. Speaking in Abuja, the Secretary-General of the programme, Prince Ebri Ukagu said the court intervention was timely as the symptoms of disorder were already visible. They observed that not only had policy making become twisted, banditry and all sort of vices were being smuggled into the act of governance. The group said, as a result of the actions of comrade Adams Oshiomole, Nigerians found themselves suddenly between the devil and the deep blue sea and subjected to sleepless nights all because of his fiery antics that produced the culture of fear and terror. Prince Ukagu regretted that Oshiomole saw ...
With Obaseki/Shaibu seemingly out of the way in APC matters, the road is now clear for the emergence of new power blocks in he mould of the making of Oshiomole. Pastor Ize Iyamu is certain to clinch the ticket and go on to win the general elections. You may dispute this, but that is the way of our country. Only the unwise will contest this. Obviously, knowing the way Oshiomole's mind works, the road is now clear for the emergence of either of the trio: Gani Audu, Johnson Ughuma or Abass Braimah to become thye next deputy governor of Edo State. So all roads will soon be leading to their homes for the normal lobbying and pledge of loyalty. Here, in this our clime, we care more for our flesh than provision of general amenities; that is why it is easy for godfathers to ride rough shod over and above others; that is why it is easy for the benin-Auchi road to remain in perpetual state of desrepair; thats is why the Iruekpen-Ekpoma road has remained what it is: a torn in the flesh of mo...
Was there really any dust raised by the Obaseki ouster from contesting under the APC ticket? I doubt much; we are now benumbed to such things; the obvious miscarriage of justice is now but a passing phase; we have moved on; the general comments in the last few days –from newspapers, magazines, radio and television channels all seem to focus more on how Obaseki stepped on the toes of two powerful gods of the land and got burnt. They said that one man’s meat is another man’s poison and that Pastor Ize Iyamu has been anointed by the same gods! So the coming election is a foregone conclusion! Nigeria! Suddenly we are no more talking about decencies, the rule of law and order; it is now fashionable to hail crude tactics, jungle practices as paradigm; it is no longer patriotic to be loyal and obedient: what we will eat and sustain our families with has overtaken all sense of reason. Obaseki went to courts, sought official intervention, yet none came to his rescue. The supreme court...
Today, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode the immediate past governor of Lagos State turns 57. The entire staff and crew of the Newspaperman use this opportunity to pray for God to continue to grant him good health, peace and prosperity. He has been an exemplary leader and quintessential gentleman to our generation.
Fact: I can hear some people are already singing requiem for Obaseki; others are practicing the dirge; the drumbeats of victory for the opposing camp is getting louder. Though the election is still a long way, but for now the calculus is that nothing can stop them; so the celebration may well begin. The suffocating feelings I have been having has simply refused to go away. I cannot comprehend the drama that is unfolding before my eyes: the dramatis personae that masterminded the paralysis of the old Edo State for sixteen years are suddenly favorites to return. The more I ruminate over the matter, the more a tiny ball of fear creep inside my spines; I remember those cold dark days: like the present corona virus ravaging the world; thugs everywhere, exploitation of market women, looting of State Institutions; Edo City Transport and the prestigious Edoline Transport have not recovered to date from the debauchery they suffered. I remember governance was run on the page of newspap...
There is no time to reflect on what went wrong anymore. But for now there two clear fallouts: the one questions the place of fairness and justice in our country under the APC led administration and the other questions the compensation of adjudged wrong doings. Nevertheless, the bitter feud between Oshiomole—who is undoubtedly the rave of the moment albeit for the wrong reasons—and Obaseki has ended in the masterful and tactical dismissal of the latter from the All Progressive Congress, the party they all helped to fund—in a democratic dispensation. This is outright injustice perpetrated with State machinery as it seems—and the full glare of the overall leadership of this nation. This vengeful backlash has been long in the making with the long train of brash, rude and disrespectful manner issues are resolved within the same APC led administration under Oshiomole as APC chairman, a position that has seemingly sent wrong imaginations into his thinking faculty. A fe...