Opinion/Feature
Obasanjo’s Endorsement And PD-APC Nightmare
By Busy Brain
The much-awaited endorsement that kept many in suspense landed on the 1st of January 2023 and since the public announcement of the endorsement through an open letter, the media has been set on fire by the parties’ warlords and dragons.
If I should name any party that feels the hit and the pains of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi, I will not think twice to name the All Progressives Congress; from all reactions and counter-reactions emitting from media angles, it seems APC is more bereaved than any other political party.
It is crystal clear that President Obasanjo can never endorse Atiku. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has been his boss’ nightmare right from ages which makes it practically impossible for him to get his endorsement. Conjecturally, Baba Obasanjo’s endorsement should be between Senator Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi and far distance from Atiku Abubakar.
Frankly, it appears not as a surprise as one is concomitant with the former president’s letter series. One would wonder why he is engrossed in writing open letters at his age, for an elder statesman, he assuages Chief Aremu more to write than call press conferences. His letters are always like atomic bombs. As usual, it is always the hit and talk of the moment on national dailies.
Conspicuously, Obasanjo’s letter this time around is tailored toward his choice of candidacy for the 2023 presidential election. He writes in support of the Labour Party’s candidate against his kinsmen. Obviously, his letter is a direct attack on Tinubu’s interest and ambition. The letter is like a pinch on a fresh scar; its agonies and pains are not palatable and that is what Batists are passing through.
For Obidients, President Obasanjo’s endorsement is like winning a visa lottery, it is like a new year souvenir and green light for Peter Obi to the Aso rock. Whereas, the election is never won through endorsement. An endorsement is just a proclamation of one’s preferred candidate. The ex-president is known for his open endorsement, it is not his first time endorsing a presidential candidate, and won’t be the last. The jubilation from Obi’s camp is too early. February should be allowed to play its judicious part.
The reality of Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi is that Tinubu’s camp is threatened and the Batists are tormented to the marrow. The APC campaign council in their different missiles claimed the endorsement is worthless. I strongly disagree. Jagaban visited Obasanjo for three things: to inform him of his ambition as an elder statesman, for endorsement and support. That’s why some loyalists rushed to the media to announce Obasanjo’s endorsement of Tinubu which Baba later labeled as a ‘big lie’. Why would such endorsement earlier preferred be worthless when he didn’t get it? The hypocrisy is taken too far.
If Olaiya Igwe who stripped himself naked to endorse Tinubu is not considered worthless, Obasanjo’s endorsement of any candidate can not be tagged as worthless. Moreover, what is considered worthless should not worth the energy the APC campaign council is using to tongue-lash the former head of state in the media. Obasanjo’s endorsement should be respected as his stand. February is fast approaching to test the potency and hypothesis of his endorsement deal.
Since Jagaban is back from lesser hajj, the campaign council should continue with the struggle rather than being distracted by endorsement brouhaha.
Compliments of the season and happy new year. May Jagaban succeed.
God bless PD-APC
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria