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Tag: Olusegun Obasanjo

  • **Obasanjo Offers Solutions to Alleviate Economic Hardship Under Tinubu’s Administration**

    **Obasanjo Offers Solutions to Alleviate Economic Hardship Under Tinubu’s Administration**

    By Daniel Edu

    Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has proposed potential solutions to address the current economic challenges facing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking at the public presentation of the book “Court and Politics” authored by Dr. Umar Ardo, Obasanjo, represented by former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, identified a lack of productivity among Nigerians and mismanagement of resources as contributors to the ongoing hardship.

    Obasanjo recommended the devolution of power and resources from the federal government to state and local governments as a means to enhance resource management. Emphasizing the need for decentralization, he suggested that transferring certain responsibilities from the federal to state and local levels would result in more effective governance and competition reduction at the central level.

    He stated, “24 years of practising the presidential system is not enough. The important thing is to devolve power and resources to the states and certain jobs from the federal to state and local governments.”

    Shehu Musa Gabam, Chairman of the book launch committee and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), echoed concerns about challenges in Nigeria’s politics and electoral processes. He highlighted the issue of courts basing judgments on technicalities rather than factual issues and emphasized the need for unity and courage among Nigerians to advocate for the right actions from authorities. Gabam encouraged citizens to speak out and resist cowardice in the pursuit of positive change.

  • Obasanjo Disowns ‘Wife’ Who Apologized to Monarchs

    Obasanjo Disowns ‘Wife’ Who Apologized to Monarchs

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has distanced himself from Madam Taiwo Martins, who issued an apology on his behalf for ordering traditional rulers in Oyo State to show respect to Governor Seyi Makinde. Obasanjo had stated that a governor’s position is superior to that of any king.

    In a statement, Obasanjo clarified that Madam Taiwo Martins is not his wife, although they have two children together. He emphasized that she is not a member of his family and labeled her as an impostor. Obasanjo stood by his comments, reiterating his belief in the constitutional importance of respecting the office of a governor.

    The statement also noted that Obasanjo does not delegate anyone other than himself or authorized representatives to speak on behalf of the Obasanjo family.

  • Ogun State Assembly Summons Three Individuals Over Alleged Unauthorized Land Transactions at Obasanjo GRA

    Ogun State Assembly Summons Three Individuals Over Alleged Unauthorized Land Transactions at Obasanjo GRA

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    The Ogun State House of Assembly has issued summons to three men who are suspected of being involved in illicit land dealings within the Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop area in Abeokuta.

    The individuals called to appear before the Assembly are Sina Faneye, residing at 5 Adatan Road, Ligere Compound, Isale-Ake, Abeokuta; Femi Sowunmi of Akikem Properties; and Bashiru Larry, a resident of the Obasanjo GRA.

    The Assembly’s action stems from their quasi-judicial role to curb the activities of land grabbers. In light of allegations concerning these three individuals engaging in the unauthorized sale of properties at Oke-Olobo Iyoke, Via Abule Ake in the Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop vicinity, near Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, the lawmakers initiated a fact-finding process on Wednesday.

    To further investigate the matter, the Assembly’s Committee on Lands and Housing convened a meeting with the concerned parties. As a result, the three men have been summoned to appear before the State Lawmakers on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

    Representatives from the Faneye, Sodiya, and Obadimu Families, along with executive members of the Community Development Association of the Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop GRA, led by Chairman Engr Kayode Banjo, attended the meeting at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    Hon. Damilola Soneye, the Committee’s Chairman, emphasized that the presence of the summoned individuals at the upcoming meeting is crucial to shedding light on the ongoing land investigation conducted by the State House of Assembly.

    Soneye, accompanied by fellow lawmakers, assured that the committee would collaborate with relevant government agencies to verify the authenticity of documents presented by both parties.

    In accordance with information provided by the Ogun Assembly media, Soneye clarified that the individuals summoned have been accused of participating in land grabbing activities that have instilled fear in the community’s residents. He underscored the necessity for their personal attendance on the specified date.

  • Former Minister, Shagari, Quits PDP to Join APC

    Former Minister, Shagari, Quits PDP to Join APC

    By Daniel Edu

    In a significant political move, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, the lone surviving member from the old Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of Water Resources, has transitioned his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Having remained a stalwart of the PDP for more than a quarter-century and having served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Shagari’s decision to align himself with the APC this August has ignited intense discussions within political circles.

    Observing that Shagari’s defection is rooted in his perceived unjust treatment by the PDP’s national leadership, despite his unwavering loyalty, analysts have cited this as the impetus for his departure.

    Notably, several of his contemporaries, including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, have similarly parted ways with the PDP in recent times.

    Alhaji Abubakar Yabo, the State Secretary of the APC, confirmed Shagari’s official transition to the party, dispelling speculations that the seasoned statesman might remain with the PDP against all odds.

    Conversely, the PDP’s leadership in Sokoto State views Shagari’s exit as a betrayal, given the party’s past support for his endeavors. Alhaji Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, the party’s Publicity Secretary, expressed assurance that this departure will not dent the PDP’s potency within the state.

  • It’s Unconstitutional, Immoral For Lawmakers To Decide Their Salaries – Obasanjo

    It’s Unconstitutional, Immoral For Lawmakers To Decide Their Salaries – Obasanjo

    Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said it is unconstitutional and immoral for lawmakers to decide their salaries, adding that those who should uphold the law were the ones undermining it.

    Obasanjo stated this while delivering a speech at the 60th anniversary celebration of legal icon Aare Afe Babalola’s call to the Bar held in Ado Ekiti on Monday, July 10.

    He said fixing of salaries for elected officials is the responsibility of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) but lawmakers now fix salaries for themselves.

    “Under paragraph 32(a-e) of Part I to the third schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the commission is saddled with determining the remuneration appropriate for political officeholders, including legislators, among other functions. The point in Nigeria which I have seen and which I can attest to is most of the people who are supposed to be operationalising or managing and seeing the constitution and democracy move forward, they are actually the ones who undermine the constitution.

    All elected people, by our constitution, their emolument is supposed to be fixed by the revenue mobilisation commission, but our lawmakers set that aside and they make laws and put any emolument for themselves. Even if that is constitutional, it is not moral and, of course, it is neither constitutional nor moral.” he said

  • Obasanjo lauds Gov Emmanuel, commissions 23.4km dual carriage highway in A’Ibom

    Obasanjo lauds Gov Emmanuel, commissions 23.4km dual carriage highway in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday commissioned the 23.4km Eket-Etinan dual carriageway in Akwa Ibom even as he has lauded the efforts of Governor Udom Emmanuel in building a model state.

    The dual-carriage way which has three bridges and traversed through four Local Councils is said to be the longest road ever constructed by the administration of Emmanuel.

    Obasanjo who acknowledged the Governor’s strides in the development of Akwa Ibom State however urged the him to take a short break and return to continue his active contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and Africa.

    “Every occasion here is a new project. I have come here to commission projects more than any other state in Nigeria. You have made the whole Akwa Ibom better than you met it. You have demonstrated capacity and credibility and I have no doubt that your successor would build on the legacies you have left behind.

    “I am happy that God has answered your prayers. You started well and you are finishing well. But note that, comparatively, you are still a young man, so take a short break and return, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and Africa still expect a lot from you. We will squeeze the best out of you.” He stated.

    Obasanjo advised the people of the state to take advantage of the roads and other projects executed by the Governor for enhanced economic activities and livelihood.

    Emmanuel in his speech said the project commissioning was in line with his promise to remain committed, focused and dedicated to his service to the state and its people till his last day in office.

    His listed other projects to be commissioned before his exit from office to include the second runway at Ibom International Airport, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Hanger, the new Terminal Building, and the official residence of the Chief Judge of the state.

    “This project is special in the sense that we are also trying to show that we are highly focused, we are also trying to show that we dedicated and committed to what we took an oath of office for.

    “We are also trying to make the whole world know that when we say we are going to work till the late day before we hand over the batton to the next governor who will run a marathon race as if he is running a hundred metres race, because there are still a whole lot of projects, some at 90, some at 95, some at 80, that I am sure within his first hundred days in office, he would tidy them up.

    “Not only roads, we have hospitals, power, education that we need to commission. I want to let you also know, even on May 29, before I get to the stadium, I would commission the official residence of the Chief Judge of this state. Before now, the Chief Judge has never gotten an official residence.

    “If you go to the airport now, I think I have the full assurance that we can commission that second runway before I leave the office. The MRO is also ready, we are waiting for the tooling and the equipment. But if the equipment is not in before May 29, we will still commission the MRO.” The Governor stated.

    On his part, the Commissioner of Works, Prof Eno Ibanga said the road project which was constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), was in line with international standards

    “This road is 23.4km, 8 metres on each lane which has 2.74amp and we have a medium barrier across the length. On the average, we have 300mm laterite sub-base, 200mm cross asphalt, plus 60mm binders course and 50mm wearing course.

    “The nature of this road is that any load that transverses residence road, it can carry and meets all international standards. This road as we see, has drains from the beginning to the end so that we can have flood control along the stretch of the road. As you stand, wherever you go, when ever rain comes, it flows out.” Ibanga stated.

  • Nigeria More Divided Than We Thought, Needs National Healing – Obasanjo

    Nigeria More Divided Than We Thought, Needs National Healing – Obasanjo

    Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the deteriorating state of Nigeria, saying the country is presently more divided and corroded than what leaders of thought had in mind.

    Obasanjo who was a guest of honour at a public lecture series tagged, “From Elections to Governance and Performance” on Thursday in Abuja, said with the current situation on ground, it would not be out of place for a national reconciliation, which will assuage the feelings of aggrieved Nigerians, particularly the youth population.

    He criticised the growing debt profile and spending spree of government at all tiers, especially those at the helm of affairs currently, likening the situation to “spending like a drunken sailor”.

    The Ex-President who recently wrote a letter to the British government appealing for leniency on behalf of the Ex-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and his family facing trial for alleged organ harvesting, said he was now too old to keep quiet over unfolding events in Nigeria.

    The event put together by Nextier SPD, also witnessed the public presentation of a book, “The Unending Quest for Reform: An Intellectual Memoir”, authored by Prof. Tunji Olaopa.

    Obasanjo, however, advised that for reforms to take root, there must be political will and concerted effort to drive it by all stakeholders in Nigeria.

    While speaking to the issues of reforms, he said governance in Nigeria now calls for thinking outside the box in terms of development financing.

    He said the trend of thinking has become inevitable for Nigeria in the face of dwindling fortunes in oil revenue, huge foreign indebtedness and the urgency of diversifying the country’s neo-cultural economy.

    “Let me suggest three ideas that I think can enrich the direction of the conversation here today, said the former President.

    “One, given what we saw during the election, Nigeria is now even more divided and more corroded than we thought. This places a deep onus on any administration following the current one to urgently facilitate the process of national moral rearmament and national reconciliation that will assuage the youths.

    “This must be done in sync with the imperative of national value orientation that Nigeria requires to build a collective sense of enduring and local values and national belonging.

    “Two, governance in Nigeria now calls for thinking outside the box, in terms of development financing, this has become inevitable in the face of Nigeria’s dwindling fortune, in oil revenue, Nigeria’s huge foreign indebtedness and the urgency of diversifying Nigeria’s neo cultural economy.

    “My experience and understanding, however, is that the money to develop and grow our economy is out there if we provide a conducive environment for it to come and stay.

    “Three, political will, political action and administrative efforts must be invested in reforming the public service into a capability-ready institution that could enable Nigeria’s development agenda beyond 2023.

    “All of these and more are necessary to correct and not to repeat the sickening and painful show of shame that the elections of 2023 generated.

    “Let me conclude by stating clearly that I am now too old to keep quiet and watch Nigeria’s seemingly clueless launch into dystopia. All efforts are now required from all well-meaning, committed patriots to rescue the nation from the precipice. And when I look at the audience I have a feeling that among the people who can do it and who must do it are some of you here.

    “It has become my own personal obligation, continuing in my relentless service as a letterman, dedicated in my twilight years to say the truth, as I see it, so as to push Nigeria, in the direction of our collective aspirations. What is our collective aspiration? A better society where all Nigerian can become what the Almighty God destined it to be.

  • Ike Ekweremadu: Temper Justice With Mercy – Obasanjo writes UK Court

    Ike Ekweremadu: Temper Justice With Mercy – Obasanjo writes UK Court

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has written to the Chief Clerk of the Central Criminal Court in London to temper justice with mercy over the conviction of former Nigerian Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    Ekweremadu and his wife, alongside Nigerian doctor Obinna Obeta, were recently found guilty of attempted organ harvesting of a Nigerian trafficked to Britain to provide a kidney for their ailing daughter.

    However, Obasanjo, in a letter dated April 3, 2023 and addressed to the Chief Clerk of the court titled “Re: Ike Ekweremadu,” said even though Ekweremadu’s action was condemnable and unacceptable, he has contributed his quota to the socio-political development of Nigeria, adding that his punishment should consider his past records of good deeds and the plight of his ailing daughter.

    Obasanjo’s letter reads in part: “Mr. Chief Clerk, I am very much aware of the current travails and conviction of Ike Ekweremadu and his wife in the United Kingdom resulting from their being charged with conspiring to arrange the travel of a 21-year old from Nigeria to the UK in order to harvest organs for their daughter. I do realise the implications of their action and I dare say, it is unpleasant and condemnable and can’t be tolerated in any sane or civilized society.

    “However, it is my fervent desire for the very warm relations between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Nigeria; for his position as one of the distinguished Senators in the Nigerian Parliament, and also for the sake of their daughter in question whose current health condition is in danger and requires an urgent medical attention, you will use your good offices to intervene and appeal to the court and the government of the United Kingdom to be magnanimous enough to temper justice with mercy and let punishment that may have to come take their good character and parental instinct and care into consideration.

    “I do hope Mr. and Mrs. Ekweremadu have learnt from this distressing experience of theirs to guide their future actions or inactions so they will continue to be outstanding members of their community and will continue to contribute fully to the good of the society in particular and the nation in general.”

  • Edwin Clark Joins Obasanjo, Endorses Peter Obi For 2023 Presidency

    Edwin Clark Joins Obasanjo, Endorses Peter Obi For 2023 Presidency

    Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has endorsed the candidacy of Mr Peter Obi for the 2023 general elections.

    Chief Clark announced his position at a news briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The elder statesman based his endorsement of Mr Obi, who is the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party on traits he believes are critical to leading the country.

    Explaining further, he cited honesty, trust and transparency, all of which he said Mr Obi displayed when he was governor of Anambra State.

    Chief Clark called on Mr Obi to tackle the issues of the injustices and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region if elected as President.

    The Ijaw leader’s backing is the second high-profile endorsement to be received by Mr Obi in three days.

    Details later…

  • Obasanjo’s Endorsement Of Peter Obi: I’m Vindicated, Says Wike

    Obasanjo’s Endorsement Of Peter Obi: I’m Vindicated, Says Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said that the endorsement of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi,  in the forthcoming election speaks volumes.

    The governor made the statement at a road project’s flag-off in Emouha Local Government Area of the state.

    Wike added that a bad product is always difficult to sell, arguing that the former president ought to have recommended Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to Nigerians having worked with him, instead Obasanjo choose to endorse another presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

    Governor Wike insisted that if ex-president Obasanjo had refused to recommend Alhaji Atiku, then something must be fundamentally wrong. He opined that Alhaji Atiku should be more concerned about that loss of confidence from his former boss, and his coming election.

    The governor further took a swipe against those accusing him and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State of frustrating the micro-zoning of the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the South-East.

    Governor Wike said he had always believed in and supported concerted efforts towards ensuring that the presidency was zoned to the south.

    He said, “I was one of those who led the campaign that the party’s chairmanship should go to the North because I believed the presidency should go to the South. I attended meetings of southern governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties from Delta to Lagos to Enugu states, where we agreed that presidency should come to the south.”

    Governor Wike insisted that while southern cross-party consultations were going on, there were people in the PDP who were bent on frustrating the eventual zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to the South. Such people, he maintained, cannot now turn around to cast the blame on him and Governor Ortom to hide their scheme thinking they could deceive Nigerians.

    He said, “I woke up this morning and read where they said, how Wike and Ortom frustrated PDP’s micro-zoning of the presidential ticket to South East. That was what the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku said.

    “I keep on saying, they will be contradicting themselves, telling lies up and down, thinking that Nigerians don’t know. How can they say that I influenced Ortom, told him to allow and throw the ticket open?”

    Governor Wike said further, “Nigerians know those who are opposed to the zoning of the party’s chairmanship first. And when the zoning committee was set up, this time, Atiku had gone to buy form to frustrate the recommendation of the zoning committee. So that when they have bought form, they could say, oh, there is no need for zoning, will you tell people to withdraw?”

    Governor Wike said it is rather noteworthy that their gimmick is now hunting them because they were unfair to Nigerians.

    “Yes, you don’t like Ortom, no problem. I know my own, you don’t like me, no problems. But I, my state gave you the highest support in 2019 both with logistics and by votes. You can’t deceive every Nigerian again. What I have stood for are equity, fairness and justice.

    “So, saying that I and Ortom frustrated PDP micro-zoning to South East is neither here nor there. They know that they don’t want the presidency to come to the South.”