Opinion/Feature
Why Tinubu might have sponsored a group to ban him from campaigning in South-East
By Jones Onwuasoanya
The group of charlatans who claimed to be Igbo youths or Southeast youths that purportedly barred Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from visiting the Southeast for his campaign are not very different from the same group of charlatans who were sponsored by the same Tinubu to impersonate as Ohanaeze Youths and purportedly endorsed him for President.
The truth is no true Igbo group or even a responsible Igbo man or woman will come out to speak the way this group has been quoted as having spoken. Igbos love Nigeria, this is why you find them everywhere in Nigeria. We go to the deepest forests and create new opportunities for ourselves and others, so, we cannot afford to engage in activities or rhetoric that will endanger the unity of this country.
Yes, there could be some charlatans among us that make themselves available to be used for dirty political jobs just like the group of charlatans purportedly banning Tinubu from campaigning in the Southeast. Tinubu sponsored that news. I know Tinubu’s political styles enough to know how he thinks and what he can plot. He might have made up his mind not to visit the Southeast during the campaigns and had to procure the services of some charlatans to make that statement. It could also be as a way of distracting us from the activities of his sponsored thugs who kept harassing Igbos in Lagos and frustrated efforts to get as many of them as possible to register to vote in Lagos.
As the Acting Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Youth Wing I received more than ten different calls and invitations from individuals who claimed to be allies and aides of the BAT seeking my support to get Igbo youths to endorse his candidacy. I know how much would have been available if I had accepted the invitation or as much as agreed to issue any of the statements they asked me to issue then, but I turned those offers down on the principle that the Ohanaeze parent NEC had taken a stance on the 2023 election and there I stood. There are not many people who will be broke like me and be proud of their being broke than going to accept certain gifts.
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Tinubu might be setting the stage for further harassment of Igbo voters in Lagos and some parts of the Southwest during the campaigns and the election proper. He might also be aiming to hoodwink the millions of Yoruba and Southwest voters who have openly rejected his candidacy and opted for Peter Obi to see the upcoming election as a tribal contest. Fortunately, most Yorubas are wise and too enlightened to be swayed by such cheap tricks. They will vote for the right candidate who will brighten their future and salvage Nigeria and not for a “brother” who will ruin their future and wreck Nigeria.
Tinubu has thousands of supporters in the Southeast and among Igbos scattered all over Nigeria. He knows this and knows that when he comes to campaign in the Southeast he will be welcomed without incident. Igbos are not xenophobic and will not become one suddenly because there is a Tinubu contesting for President. We support different candidates and hold varied opinions on politics and individual candidates for election. We are not some kind of slaves or cattle that will be led by the rope to cast our votes for a particular individual or political Party, no matter how wonderful such a candidate is. Like every tribe in Nigeria, we have individuals of varied political persuasions and understandings.
Asiwaju should plan his campaign and he can be assured that he is very much welcomed to the Southeast, for as many times as he wishes to visit and his supporters will not be harassed like his thugs harass those who support other candidates in Lagos and the Southwest. Ndigbo are civil, tolerant, hospitable and democratic. We do not condone imposition of will or whims of any individual or group.
I wrote this in my capacity as the Acting Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide – Youth Wing, and not as a supporter of Mr. Peter Obi or as an official of his foremost Support group.
NIGERIA MUST PREVAIL!
Onwuasoanya is the spokesperson for Peter Obi Support Network
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