SARAKI SAGA: THE LAW, THE POLITICS AND THE MORALLITY

Except if you are young in the study of the Nigerian politics that things like these would catch you unaware. It was highly expected since the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as the Senate President. Many saw it coming including some of us who are relatively young in the study. A man who has spent two tenures as a governor of a state cannot be regarded as a baby in this game. I am certain he would have migrated from PDP to join APC to be down trodden . His seat in PDP was not threatened either. His influence in the North Central especially Kwara State and Kogi cannot be underrated as an opposition if you must be relevant among the people. He single handedly truncated the interest of His late father at the poll. Therefore, his aspiration to become the Senate President might not have been an end itself but a means to that end. That end is a case for another day God willing. Therefore, I guess he is ready to fight to the end in this ongoing war. The process of His emergence as the Senate President is one of the reasons the entire house is not standing today. It was obvious that he was not the chosen one as far as the powers that be in the APC are concerned. Fortunately, even at the moment, he  seems to have the majority members of the house on his side and this has been his strength so far. With what he is facing at the moment, the PDP has consistently

OUR UNITED NATION ASSEMBLY TRIP, THE FLAWS AND THE 3 LESSONS TO LEARN

So far so good, the 70th UN Assembly General meeting will be rapping up in few days especially after the address of the Russian President Vladimir V Putin on SYRIA. As a country, how have we been represented? The UN general assembly is a yearly opportunity for countries to present their interest before the global world. It is an image boaster. Permit me to call it a “market” where buyers and sellers meet for transaction. It is not enough for us as a people to celebrate our pluses in terms of business opportunities, aids and general development but also try to reduce or manage our minuses. So far, our experience has been a mixture of positive and controversial events that have booked places as international headlines. Since the positive impact of it may take some time before we begin to see results, I will like to address some of the flaws experienced so far and we need to learn for the sake of the future.

OUR UN MISSION TEAM

This is one of the flaws of the trip and everyone culpable should be sanctioned with immediate effect. It started with the sub-assembly meeting on IDPs which involved Nigeria, Chad Niger and Cameroon. We are the worst hit especially in terms of lives lost, displacement etc since inception of this menace called Bokoharam. Yet, non-represented Nigeria in that meeting.We were referred as “un-serious”people. The Chairman of the meeting, Stephen O Brien made it loud in the international media, Daily Post to be precised his disappointment of our absence in such a high profiled meeting. According to Sahara Reporter , another avoidable embarrassing moment was when it was time for each head of state to meet one on one especially in the area of handshakes with the Catholic Pope Francis. We were disallowed because we got there late. So we were not accredited to have such an experience. That might sound petty but it speaks volumes especially when it comes to perception, organization and how we handle our international affairs as a people. The question is who is in charge of our itinerary, logistics and organization? All these are quite avoidable. 

OUR MEDIA TEAM

I don't know if this was due to some level of naivety on the part of the presidential media team or just a disconnection somewhere especially in the recent time. Mr Garba Shehu and Mr Femi Adesina have not been managing this aspect very well as expected. At the moment, they seem to be having a conflicting report in the middle of the crisis especially on reason for our absence in the meeting for IDPs. There was a pure lack of harmony. It even got to a point that it was the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Fayemi that was attending to vital media issues. Who gave him the authority to speak on behalf of the Federal Government? What post is he handling at the moment? Initially, they said we were not invited. Other time they said they had to go for one that was more important. What could be more important than the security of lives and properties of the people?

THE NUMBER OF DELEGATES TOO SMALL

Sahara-reporters made it clear that the former President Jonathan went to the 68th General Assembly with about 600 delegates. I don’t have a clear picture of how the assembly sub meetings run in the UN but I can categorically tell anyone that various meetings are usually held within that period space and it involves quite a number of delegates. Why did the President go with 22? Was it to save cost? Or was it done to have a political score point? The reason best known to the President. But I think this actually backfired. There was no way 22-Man delegates can be that stretched to meet up with all the meetings which most of them run simultaneously in the UN. It is good to save cost especially at this time. But at times you lose it more in other various forms. Everything is not always about cash. May be the President should have gone there with at least 50 if not 100. It also showed clearly the role of ministers in such an event. Unfortunately, we don't have any at the moment. 

The flaws must be managed thoroughly to prevent a future occurrence.

God Bless Nigeria

Tunde Adenuga

Twitter : @tunde_adenuga

OUR UNITED NATION ASSEMBLY TRIP, THE FLAWS AND THE 3 LESSONS TO LEARN

So far so good, the 70th UN Assembly General meeting will be rapping up in few days especially after the address of the Russian President Vladimir V Putin on SYRIA. As a country, how have we been represented? The UN general assembly is a yearly opportunity for countries to present their interest before the global world. It is an image boaster. Permit me to call it a “market” where buyers and sellers meet for transaction. It is not enough for us as a people to celebrate our pluses in terms of business opportunities, aids and general development but also try to reduce or manage our minuses.

So far, our experience has been a mixture of positive and controversial events that have booked places as international headlines. Since the positive impact of it may take some time before we begin to see results, I will like to address some of the flaws experienced so far and we need to learn for the sake of the future.

1. OUR UN MISSION TEAM

This is one of the flaws of the trip and everyone culpable should be sanctioned with immediate effect. It started with the sub-assembly meeting on IDPs which involved Nigeria, Chad Niger and Cameroon. We are the worst hit especially in terms of lives lost, displacement etc since inception of this menace called Bokoharam. Yet, non-represented Nigeria in that meeting.We were referred as “un-serious”people. The Chairman of the meeting, Stephen O Brien made it loud in the international media, Daily Post to be precised his disappointment of our absence in such a high profiled meeting. According to Sahara Reporter , another avoidable embarrassing moment was when it was time for each head of state to meet one on one especially in the area of handshakes with the Catholic Pope Francis. We were disallowed because we got there late. So we were not accredited to have such an experience. That might sound petty but it speaks volumes especially when it comes to perception, organization and how we handle our international affairs as a people. The question is who is in charge of our itinerary, logistics and organization? All these are quite avoidable. 

2. OUR MEDIA TEAM

I don't know if this was due to some level of naivety on the part of the presidential media team or just a disconnection somewhere especially in the recent time. Mr Garba Shehu and Mr Femi Adesina have not been managing this aspect very well as expected. At the moment, they seem to be having a conflicting report in the middle of the crisis especially on reason for our absence in the meeting for IDPs. There was a pure lack of harmony. It even got to a point that it was the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Fayemi that was attending to vital media issues. Who gave him the authority to speak on behalf of the Federal Government? What post is he handling at the moment? Initially, they said we were not invited. Other time they said they had to go for one that was more important. What could be more important than the security of lives and properties of the people?

3. THE NUMBER OF DELEGATES TOO SMALL

Sahara-reporters made it clear that the former President Jonathan went to the 68th General Assembly with about 600 delegates. I don’t have a clear picture of how the assembly sub meetings run in the UN but I can categorically tell anyone that various meetings are usually held within that period space and it involves quite a number of delegates. Why did the President go with 22? Was it to save cost? Or was it done to have a political score point? The reason best known to the President. But I think this actually backfired. There was no way 22-Man delegates can be that stretched to meet up with all the meetings which most of them run simultaneously in the UN. It is good to save cost especially at this time. But at times you lose it more in other various forms. Everything is not always about cash. May be the President should have gone there with at least 50 if not 100. It also showed clearly the role of ministers in such an event. Unfortunately, we don't have any at the moment. 

The flaws must be managed thoroughly to prevent a future occurrence.

God Bless Nigeria

Tunde Adenuga

Twitter : @tunde_adenuga

THE ALLEGED RELOCATION OF THE ASO ROCK CHURCH BY PMB

Well, i do not think i have much to say on this but i believe it is necessary for me to draw some lines .
There is an adage in Yoruba culture that states that " you cannot be called "thief", yet still be playing around goats" I over heard this development about two weeks ago but was denounced by the presidency only to resurface again in Vanguard News Paper few days ago. If this is truly real, PMB is in best position to state his reason(s) why the Chapel has to be relocated. 

Pls, do not get me wrong. i am not trying to champion any religion allegiance over good governance lest anyone hide under any hypocrisy. But i believe there is an invisible hand that dictates the affairs of men. We may call it God while other nations call it something else. So, if we have gotten to that state of governance where we begin to let go of our guards all solely in the name of competency and skill, that is our cup of tea.

Mind you , this is how America started, but today, they have brought in Homosexual-ism to the same white house that was once a place of glory. All in the name of not being religious, we take our Bibles and Quran out of our schools and put them in prisons and courts. but we forget that if we had allowed those books to remain in our schools, those children might not have ended up in prison.
If PMB is alleged to be doing this in order to avoid religion distraction in the government house or for other motive, only will time tell.
But you must always remember that " you cannot be called "thief", yet still be playing around goats"

God bless Nigeria
@tunde_adenuga

WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE DEPARTED AND THE HEROES

Prince Oyinlola In The Republic Of Liars By Wole Soyinka

How does one begin to slash through this thickening tissue of lies? Prince Oyinlola must be put to the strictest proof to substantiate several outrageous claims in his recent press statement. Failing to do so within one week from today will result in his taking his well- earned place in company of the current inmates of THE REPUBLIC OF LIARS – next in my series of INTERVENTIONS, a public service series published by Bookcraft, due out in the next month. For now, I categorically deny the following: Wole Soyinka 

 

A.  DENIALS:
1.    That I, Wole Soyinka, at any time, opposed the creation of the CBCIU in     Osun State in act or spirit. This is an allegation of mind-blowing impudence,     since the very opposite constitutes the truth.

2.    That I ever sought, by word or deed, or encouraged, supported, or even     discussed the creation of CBCIU on any spot on this continent outside Osun State,     Nigeria.

3.    That I ever spoke or wrote to the late President Yar’Adua on the subject of the     creation of any such centre in Nigeria or anywhere else. My one and only     encounter with the late president was on the subject of the MEND insurgency in     the Delta region – as part of a group of intercessors, invited by that president.

4.    Similarly, that I ever discussed the CBCIU, privately or on any forum, with     Yar’Adua’s successor, President Jonathan. On the contrary,  Prince Oyinlola     wrote a letter to Jonathan president requesting him to “call Wole Soyinka to     order” for “meddling” in the affairs of Osun state, having been “caught” visiting     Osun shrine. I was shown a copy of that letter.

5.    That I, in my own person, or the governing board of CBCIU did institute, or has     ever initiated legal action involving the CBCIU. That the Board should have     been involved in the legal proceeding is obvious and logical. The CBCIU     Board, created under the current governor, has always taken its legitimacy for     granted according to the laws of Osun State. Thus it had no cause to drag any     aggrieved individual to court. The responsibility for responding to any     litigation challenging Osun State laws is, I still assume, the primary responsibility     of the lawmakers, not the Board’s.     

B.    AFFIRMATIONS.

On the other hand, I did oppose, and most strenuously:
1.    The conspiracy by some parties to transfer the Ulli Beier archives to the     Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, situated in Abeokuta, even though paid     for with the funds of Osun State.
2.    The recognition of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library as an affiliate of     UNESCO in any category, since that Library is a product of fraud, extortion     and corrupt diversion of a nation’s resources. In this context, I collaborated with     the late Gani Fawehinmi and Femi Falana. Action was taken in the same spirit as     has continued to animate a number of Civic Organisations on the continent to     prevent international image laundering by African leaders of questionable     character, after losing credibility in governance. This has included higher      institutions of learning and culture where millions were offered to endow chairs     in their name.

3.    Attempts by any other claimant to soil the name of CBCIU in their projects, most     especially those that involve soliciting funds in the name of the Centre.

4.    The appropriation of public resources for personal benefit, no matter how     thickly disguised, and by whatever tortuous devices – including Certificates of     Incorporation.

5.    Oyinlola’s potted history of the origin of the Centre for Black Culture and     International Understanding is – as can only be expected – a bundle of facts, lies,     half-truths, irrelevances and dislocated incidentals. He is absolutely right in one     off-hand remark however:  an ancient stench from the centre has broken the     bounds of all attempted containment, a stench known as MONEY LAUNDERING.     The opposition by the CBCIU to the proposed conference on GLOBALISATION is     that its underlying agenda is the globalization of this affliction on the wings of     Culture. Hence my inclusion of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commision      Public Crimes, and the new Itse Sagay led Advisory Commission on     corruption, in the distribution list of the text of my Press Conference.
Ultimately, the lawyers will have their day in court, and the Law will have a final say.  Until then however, the legitimate CBCIU, acting as an entity, or simply as individuals and citizens, will continue to educate the public on the ethical implications of seemingly public spirited ventures, and frustrate efforts by any party to extend the purlieu of fraudulent activities that drag that name – and the nation – down to an undeserved level of international regard.
    Finally, I advise Prince Oyinlola not to make a song and dance of the ritual salute of  “an officer and a gentleman”. Those who invented that slogan had yet to encounter the special category of negations within the Nigerian species!

Wole SOYINKA

Lack of fiscal directives behind current economic woes - CBN(Vanguard). -- MY TAKE

Hmmmmm 

Firstly, I want to believe the CBN governor has been in touch with the President on a regular basis on the true state of the economy especially as a professional. Because not all parameters of your economy are wise to be said in open. That was why professionally I was totally against the " I met virtually empty treasury" by PMB when he got into office. Because such a statement has a lot of negative impact on the economy in the short run especially in the area of impression before your potential investors and International community. PMB as a farmer might not have known the impact of that statement or probably just saying it to make a case. We raised this major concern over 2months ago but it generated a lot of debate especially off-line. Some even perceived us to be anti current government. But they got it all wrong. It is not about PMB but Nigeria. Gradually, the truth is coming out. 

Once again, why is the CBN talking now? You cannot be releasing funds under various guise which includes state bail out without having a strong fiscal policy that will balance the pressure from the ministry of Finance and not experience stagflation in the economy. PMB may be taking its time on the appointments of ministers due to the level of corruption in the system but there are some sensitive departments that cannot be left fallow or place on auto drive for too long. Doing so, you take a risk of having a too damaged system before repair ever begins. It is either the CBN governor is not advising the president properly or PMB just wants to stick to his gun. There are some aspects of the nation that run on speculation, perception and impression. A good example is the October 1st threat of JP Morgan . 

You may downplay the threat if you wish but if you truly understand the role of JP Morgan in international finance and why the United States made sure JP Morgan did not sink in 2008, you will not display any form of naivety. The hard comment coming from the CBN governor is coming too late if he has not been doing this one on one with the President . As a professional, you don't keep mute for too long. The ministry of Finance shouldn't have been kept silent for this long. It is not like the ministry of power or works. These are capital project ministries but the Ministry of Finance is different. Policy direction is highly needed now lest we save a lot of money but no much development. 

God bless Nigeria

THE HANGING OF PRESIDENT'S PORTRAIT IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

I am still on an Internet search to confirm if opposition parties in developed world especially the United States display the president 's portrait in their offices but my Google is failing me at the moment. In every sane society, I believe the portrait of the current president of the country is expected to be hung on the wall for the public to see.

It communicates a lot of messages to the public especially foreigners. PDP refused to hand the portrait of PMB claiming APC didn't do so during Jonathan and in responding to this allegation by Alhaji Lai Muhammed, he said Nigeria should judge on the matter. So, sad really. The questions are: Was it true that APC never hung GEJ portrait in their offices as it was alleged by Olisa Metuh and why? If true, was that the reason PDP is doing same now? Can two wrongs make a right?

 Did PDP raise this concern to the public ears? I leave Nigerians to judge too before I can say more if God permits. Quite shameful the way politics is being practised in this part of the world. God bless Nigeria

MY ADVICE TO JONATHANIANS AND BUHARISTS AND POTENTIAL LEADERS.

JONATHANIANS

In any effective governance, firmness is key to you as a leader. You will tested on this but must not be found wanting. You must be rugged to get the job done and never believe everyone is your friend especially in Nigeria. Saboteurs sleep with you daily. Or else, you will work like anything but your effort will not show in your tenure. And somebody else will come in and take the glory cool cash from the same institutions you once led. Electricity and refinery are good examples. Even the scripture says so.

BUHARISTS

Hmmmm. The generation of body language. Sustainability and progressive development per time are the hallmarks of any inherited glory. Desperate quest to lead especially when you have something to offer is good. But i will rather follow.Body language is good. It puts people to shape but not effective in the long run especially when it is left on auto drive. You must sustain it by going to the field and improve on what you inherited, build new ones and correct old flaws. People do change. The way they are displaying broken bottles in their freezers today, so they will show you ants in the same freezers God forbid should the power supply go down.

I wish you all the best.

God bless Nigeria

twitter: @tunde_adenuga