IBORI: UDUAGHAN SHOULD HAVE REMAINED SILENT

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan was recently credited with a Facebook post in which he asked some supporters of his predecessor, Chief James Ibori, to stop the publicity of his former boss' freedom. 

In this piece, Joshua Erubami takes a brief look into the statement. Read on. 

"For those going to London to see Chief James Ibori and posting pictures and making statements, please stop it. We appreciate your love for him. But you can go quietly without the unnecessary publicity. You are creating more problems for him than you can ever imagine. Nigeria is a complex country and you must understand and respect people’s sensibilities"- Delta State former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

The above verbal matter easily put together by a supposedly close political ally and elder cousin to Chief Ibori, whose other name is James Onanefe, has become one of the finest topics of discuss in the last few days. Since the few lines text of warning (which is obviously couched in a subtle advice) went viral from one of the many official Facebook pages of Dr.Uduaghan Emmanuel, not a few people, especially well meaning individuals of Urhobo extraction have been taken aback.

Invariably, that post is the second official comment Uduaghan is making about Ibori after he relocated from the Delta State Government House on May 29 of last year. The first was in an interview granted one of the national dailies where he explained the nature of relationship he enjoyed with his predecessor. That is history now anyway.

On the face value of the Facebook post which ought to be an innocuous write up, Uduaghan apparently tried to caution the overzealous nature of some political bigots who have explored every speck and spike opportunity to exhibit how ‘loyal’ they can possibly be to the cause of Ibori, the nationally acclaimed proponent of resource control and nationalist of the Niger Delta liberation struggle.



Chief James Ibori (Left) and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan


On the overbearing activities of some of these unguided supporters of Ibori, various platforms (mainly the social media) have been explored to divulge a deluge of information on how the freed political icon masterminded and tactically determined who became who in the politics of Delta State and even in the National Assembly where organized political disobedience turned to be the star drama of the 2015 political cinema, with Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara upturning the plans of the ruling All Progressives Congress to cling the leadership of the red and green chambers respectively.

Read SENATOR BOASTS OF IBORI’S POLITICAL INFLUENCE IN DELTA, NIGERIA

On the many talks about the too much publicity on Iboris release, Uduaghan has not been alone on the path of retrieving caution form whatever wind it was thrown. In fact, a prominent politician from Oghara, Ibori’s country home, called me barely a day after the release of Ibori to bitterly complain about a video credited to one of the serving public officers in the country who boasted of how Ibori’s political influence defied the walls of the UK prisons (where he served a 13 year jail term) to orchestrate all that happened in the state he ruled over nine years ago.

No doubt, every cautious person would wish Ibori returns home without more troubles and storms than the ones he had already overcome. Without prejudice to Uduaghan’s preconceived motive, that is what I innocently deduce to be the desire of the Itsekiri born former Governor.



Ibori's kinsmen celebrating his release at Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.


But there was a lacuna. The lacuna was in the established fact that no man establishes his sanity by beating the drums of the insane minds. This was where Uduaghan pressed the wrong button. With a high sense of modesty, His Excellency (who is a doctor by training), has perhaps forgot that a doctor does not cure madness by becoming mad himself.

The reason for such assertion is wisely rooted in the simple thinking that if publicity will create troubles for Ibori, Uduaghan’s supposed cousin, then it would have been wiser for him (Uduaghan) to play the biblical Nicodemus by communicating his message secretly to whom it may concern.

For one thing, Uduaghan has remained mute over Ibori’s release and, honestly, the clinic-owner-turned Governor should have remained silent over the issue. At least, Uduaghan should have been quiet for now. He simply could have placed telephone calls across to the individuals he feels are causing “more problems” for Ibori and advance cogent reasons and valid grounds upon which they should refrain from such “more problems” causing publicity.

Also read AMAZING FACTS ON JAMES IBORI

Honestly, the celebrating masses does not need the needless application of heat to the already doused polity.

The reason is quite clear: there is no point telling an old woman to cover up her withered breasts when her lost son returns home with tales of success. Ibori’s supporters have patiently waited for moments as these and have carefully planned towards same too.

Telling them (especially those who managed to ferret themselves through the ‘thick’ walls of the UK border) to “stop it” in the manner Uduaghan did is not only suspicious of a cousin who ought to champion the celebration cause, but also totally unexpected of a man who Ibori relentlessly laboured to ensure his gubernatorial victory.

The statement, though bland and insipid, has an inherent potential of casting an unjustified aspersion and indifference in the minds of as many who have elected to celebrate the uncommon qualities and managerial skills with which Ibori handled the affairs of the state and, indeed, Nigeria while he was a free man.

His Excellency knows, by experience I believe, that the retention of loyalty is one of the most difficult power to attain. He left the Government House in just about a year ago and, since then, he can attest that some of his so called fans (while he reigned as Governor) have made U-turns, even in his immediate constituency; the facts are all in the records, particularly in his failed drive to obtain a chieftaincy title.

So, if a “thief” was able to maintain his flamboyant charisma, despite the perennially long period of being away, then it will be totally wicked, impious and insidious to take (deliberate or otherwise) actions at undermining that.

Of course, Nigeria is very complex; in fact, far more complex than it used to be when Ibori was a Governor and people’s sensibilities have drifted towards a similar direction. But only cowards retreat into their crust for fear of what the enemy will do. What the ex-Governor is yet to understand and, probably, accept is that in every single battle, what will be will always be irrespective of one’s careful or carefree attitude. Ibori has been released and if other battles lie ahead, stopping his celebration will not make the enemies sheathe their swords and bury their knives.

Quite sadly, it appears our emeritus Governor is fast losing touch with the core values of the Africans. If not, he would have known that a man is never successful until the society adjuges him so; and, the worst father is the one who returns home without his children running around him with ecstacy.

While Uduaghan's comment may be sensible in its right,  it is only reasonable that he keeps his advice and let the celebration continue. If no one celebrates Ibori; if no one dances round him; and, if no one rolls out the drums in his honour, then it simply means he has failed like someone we all know. This is the truth and will forever remain the truth so long truth remains by its name.

PROF ONYEKPE LISTS REASONS JONATHAN COULD HAVE ANNULLED 2015 ELECTION

A Professor of History and Strategic Studies, Mr. Nkem Onyekpe has advanced cogent reasons former President Goodluck Jonathan could have critically questioned and even annulled the historic presidential election held in 2015.


Onyekpe categorically argued that as a then sitting President of Nigeria, Jonathan had no fewer than five valid grounds upon which he could have predicated an objection to the processes and outcomes of the election which both local and international communities described as a major test to the country's fledgling democracy.


He, however, extolled Jonathan for taking an unprecedented action when he accepted the results of the election and also placed a telephone call across to congratulate his major rival, General Muhammadu Buhari.



Prof. Nkem Onyekpe delivering a lecture 


In a-47 page lecture entitled "The Anioma Nation and Democratic Consolidation in Delta State", the University of Lagos Professor predicated his first argument on the suspicious creation of more polling centres in the northern part of the country without a commensurate establishment of such additional centres in the southern divide of the country.


See OKOWA'S PLAN EXPOSED


He maintained that when it was clear that voter's cards were not available for many registered voters in the strongholds of Jonathan in the south-south and south-east geopolitical zones and "when the card reader severally rejected him, his wife and his mother", the ex-President could have taken actions that would have jeopardized the electoral process.


Onyekpe who spoke at Ejeme-Aniogor, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, during the fourth biennial public lecture/grand civic reception in honour of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, averred that Jonathan could have sounded the alarm  when it became "obvious that while the 'educationally backward' or 'less developed' states of the north did not have or had only few voided votes, the 'educationally highly developed' states of the south had many voided votes".


Lastly, Onyekpe insisted that Jonathan could have tolled the ignoble path of annuling the 2015 presidential polls "when his supporters cried foul at the management of the presidential election by the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)" and other agencies involved in the contest.


Check AMAZING PHOTOS OF MAN WHO RACES WITH THE LONGEST WRAPPER


The Professor said Jonathan was not an opportunist and, therefore, refused to explore the advantage of his incumbency to the detriment of the entire country.

He said: "He did not tear his voter's card! Instead, he pleaded with the entire nation for understanding and cooperation with the INEC. He avoided the Machiavellian path. He chose, instead, the path of peace and honour.


"In good conscience, he listened to the inner voice of reason, wisdom, and courage, and conceded victory to his major rival, General Muhammadu Buhari, and congratulated him well before the conclusion of the election.


"From the point of view of his supporters and loyalists within the (then) ruling PDP and his government, and outside, that was most humiliating. But it was a sacrifice he had to make to ensure the survival of the Nigerian nation.


"He could not as a President afford to preside over the violent dismemberment of the Nigerian nation as 'dog and baboon' soak in blood. It must be emphasized that within the limit of our knowledge, this singular action of Goodluck Jonathan as President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the nation, was hitherto unprecedented in world modern history".


The scholar called on leaders in the country to "imbibe the exemplary transcendental pacificist spirit and attitude of Goodluck Jonathan", adding that Jonathan's action should serve as a timely lesson for all leaders.

NO SECRECY! OKOWA'S PLAN FOR DELTA REVEALED

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has disclosed that his overarching vision for the state is to bridge critical infrastructure and create a conducive environment that encourages investments and the meaningful engagement of Deltans, especially the youths upon whom the future lies.


Okowa explained that such lofty vision which is lucidly encapsulated in the SMART Agenda is being vigorously pursued by his administration which, he said, has initiated an economic development approach aimed at integrating the entire land mass of the state through good network of roads that link communities and cities across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The Governor stated this yesterday during the fourth biennial public lecture of the Enuani Democratic League (EDL) held at Ejeme-Aniogor in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the State.

See WHY I OPTED FOR PROSPERITY MANTRA

Represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, Okowa said his administration is conscious of the challenges facing Nigeria, of which the State is not an exception, noting that his government is working assiduously to tackle the difficulties and deliver prosperity to all citizens.



Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 



His words: "Our vision is to achieve sustainable development by building necessary infrastructure and creating the conducive atmosphere that would encourage investments and the meaningful engagement of our people, especially the youths to whom the future really belongs.

"Our economic development approach aims at integrating the State through good network of roads that link communities and cities across the State. This will also include the building of a befitting State Capital. It is our goal to see that the completion of on-going projects across the length and breadth of the State is to give nerve and impetus to commerce".

He called on all Deltans to encourage investors and also contribute their quota in the task of developing the state, assuring that State Government will continue to encourage and assist genuine investors who are out to serve as agents of positive social and economic change in all communities of the State.

On the yuletide, Okowa called on Deltans to imbibe the spirit of good neighbourlines, love, understanding and peaceful coexistence, noting that there is no gain in violent exchanges.

The Governor also commended the EDL for holding tenaciously to the spirit and mission of the group which is geared towards deepening the root of democracy in the Anioma clime.

Also read TENSION AS OKOWA PERFECTS PLANS TO DEAL WITH OVER 2,000 DELTANS

In his welcome address, the President/Founder of the EDL, Hon. Collins Iwebunor observed that the festering woes of Nigeria is consequent upon a geometric growth in the number of graduates without a commensurate increase in the number of thinkers and a surge in the number of politians without a similar increase in numeric strength of actual leaders.

Iwebunor said "when the harvest was plenty, the labourers were few" adding that at present, "the wealth gave way to poverty and penury, debt and slavery". He said the sterling qualities of Okowa as typified in his commitment to leaving indelible marks in the annals of the state justify the biennial event which was held in his honour.

In a lecture entitled "The Anioma Nation and Democratic Consolidation in Delta State", a professor of History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, Nkem Onyekpe urged political leaders to rise above the obnoxious divide and rule system of governance, noting that the principles of egalitarianism must be adhered to the distribution of resources and democratic dividends.

Onyekpe who admitted that the Anioma has overcomed the shackles of perceived marginalization with the emergence of Okowa, advised the Governor's kinsmen not expect the concentration of the State's resources in their domain alone, noting that the pan-Deltan initiatives of the Governor must be sustained at all times and in all circumstances.

In an interview with newsmen, the law maker representing Aniocha South constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Angela Nwaka urged Deltans to continuously support the current administration which, according to her, has achieved much despite palpable economic constraints

FAYOSE REVEALS 22 THINGS THAT MUST HAPPEN IN 2017

Governor Ayodele Fayose has made 22 prophesies about Nigeria in 2017 saying that it will be the worst budget in the history of the country.

The governor of Ekiti who released prophesies for 2016 increased the 2017 prediction to 22.

Read 20 FAYOSE'S PROPHESIES THAT CAME TO PASS

In a statement released on Friday, December 23, Fayose noted that 90 per cent of his 2016 prophesies came to pass.



Fayose releases 22 prophesies for 

He said he was directed by the Holy Spirit to prophesy and said prayers are needed to avert calamities in the country.

“The Holy Spirit has once again led me to tell Nigerians what may happen in 2017.

“We therefore need prayer to avert further calamities in Nigeria. May God help our country.”

Below are his 2017 prophecies.

1. 2017 will be a defining year for Nigeria as there will be major revolution and uprising against the Federal Government because of economic hardship.

2. More judges perceived not to be doing the bidding of the Federal Government will be arrested and humiliated.

3. Efforts will be made to prevent Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen from being made the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

4. Dollar will go as high as N600 to $1.

5. APC-led Federal Government will still not have solution to the economic problems of the country as the economy will move from recession to depression.

6. About four ministers will be removed.

7. There will be more pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

8. Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) will absolve Senate President Bukola Saraki.

9. Crisis in the APC will deepen as former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will officially show intention to leave the party and declare his intention to vie for the office of the president in 2019.

10. A former Head of State/President may pass on.

Also read EX-POLICE BOSS BLASTS BUHARI

11. A new (major) party that will wrestle power from the APC will emerge.

11. More Shi’ite Muslims will be killed and Federal Government will not release the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

13. Disobedience to court order and abuse of human rights will continue. 14. Hardship will be more as poverty will continue to ravage the country.

15. The academic community will further lose confidence in the APC-led Federal Government approach to the country’s economic and political challenges.

16. Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano will be re-elected.

17. $29.9 Billion Loan: Federal Government will find it difficult to source the loan.

18. EFCC: Magu may face prosecution.

19. There will be boost in agriculture.

20. Haliburton gate may still be revisited.

21. There will be no solution to power problem as power generation will drop to all time low.

22. Performance of the Federal Government 2017 Budget will be the worst in the history of Nigeria.