Race To Aso Rock..the Return Leg

The stage is now set for what may turn out to be the tightest contest in the history of Nigeria's democracy. The nation is caught in anticipation as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set aside February 14 as the date for the event that may change the course of Nigeria's future forever.

It seems like Nigerians will yet see a rematch of what played out in the 2011 Presidential election as the two major contenders, President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) have yet again clinched the ticket to contest for the most exalted position in the land after a convention was held simultaneously by the ruling PDP and the opposition APC last week.

Barring any unforeseen development, President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) may once more be engaged in the electoral battle that will determine who eventually emerges the indisputable winner of the presidential election slated for Saturday, February 14, 2015.

From all indications, the forthcoming presidential election will be the most crucial of all the presidential elections held in Nigeria since the return of democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999. The Peoples Democratic Party, which arrogantly claims it is the biggest political party in Africa, has been in control of affairs at the federal level, as well as in most of the states and local governments. But in spite of this, the citizenry, most of whom are poverty-stricken amidst abundant natural resources, are yet to benefit from the dividends of democracy.

There is no doubt that the participation of Jonathan and Buhari in the 2015 presidential race will be a keen and interesting contest. The factor of incumbency still portends great advantages for the President. However, unlike in 2011 when Obasanjo stood solidly behind Jonathan to ensure he not only clinched the party’s ticket, but emerged President, the current frosty relationship between the duo can affect the president’s chances.

The recent prolonged volcanic crisis that rocked PDP, which inevitably led to the shameful exit of the immediate past National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and the defection of five state governors and others, were indications that may have stalled Jonathan's chances in the primaries which many have described as a coronation ceremony, they are factors that may affect his reelection bid.

When Buhari contested on the ticket of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003, he was defeated by Obasanjo of PDP. Again, Buhari of ANPP was defeated by Yar’Adua of PDP in 2007, while Buhari of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) was defeated by Jonathan of PDP in 2011.

But, following the recent devastating crisis that befell PDP and the incalculable consequences thereafter, the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a veritable formidable political opposition group is capable of seriously threatening the position of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Unlike in 2003, 2007 and 2011, when Buhari sought election on tickets of weak political parties, he will in 2015, be standing on a strong foundation represented by APC, which now stands as the major opposition party in Nigeria, just like the Republicans in the United States.

As Buhari contests against Jonathan in 2015, there are chances he may win overwhelmingly. In 2011, he defeated Jonathan in 12 of the 19 states in the North, while Jonathan won in the remaining seven states. Incidentally, two of the seven states – Kwara and Adamawa -  now belong to APC, thereby reducing the chances of Jonathan, especially in the North.

Besides, the appeal which the incumbent president enjoyed in the 2011 election may not work for him this time around. He, obviously now has shoes to wear and did not live up to the expectation of the common man who saw himself in jonathan, a situation that made him emerge victorious in most parts of the country, including Lagos and Edo states.

As Jonathan, in spite of the opposition his nomination attracted, especially in some parts of the North, finally emerged candidate of PDP, it was a wise tactic in the interest of APC to ensure its presidential candidate for the 2015 election is from the North in view of its strategic importance. The candidate must also be of impeccable character.

An unrepentant advocate of zero tolerance for corruption and indiscipline, as well as tested and trusted leader worthy of emulation, Buhari is seen by many as a person that if given another opportunity, will sanitise the country to enable it regain its lost glory for the benefit of the citizenry living in abject poverty in the midst of plenty.

Jonathan, on the other hand, seems to enjoy the support of most parts of the South-South and South-East. Some states in the South-West, not under the hold of the APC and Asiwaju Tinubu, may also increase the chances of Jonathan. There is also the allegation that Buhari is a bigot, even though many have debunked this claim, stating that his personal cook and chauffeur are christians.

Buhari's controversial statement some years ago about Dogs and Baboons, and the threat to make Nigeria ungovernable with obvious unfolding events to drive his claims is also a matter that calls for skepticism about his involvement in the Boko Haram quagmire.

But for APC to record an impressive performance in the 2015 presidential election in particular, the South-East and South-South should not be neglected. In this regard, Chairman of APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, have a lot of work to do, especially judging by the fact that most of those in the South-South and South-East have pledged their support for Jonathan.

There is no doubt that the South-West states (except Ondo State) and Edo State are for APC. By the way, Buhari enjoys the support of many states in the North, unlike Jonathan, and this could be one of the strengths of the former Head of State in case the duo finally become candidates of their parties in the crucial and decisive 2015 presidential election which co-incidentally, will hold on Valentine’s Day.

Tighter Austerity, Job Losses Loom as Naira Sells 194 to Dollar

Nigeria's current woes seem not to be fading just yet following recent developments in the international scene.

The continuous fall in the price of crude oil and the recent devaluation of the nation’s currency, the naira, are putting serious pressure on the economy, with the currency experiencing a free fall in recent times.

The naira exchanged for as high as 194 to the United States dollar at the street market on Friday, having traded for about N188 some days ago.

Pen4truth gathered that the pound and euro sold for between N294 and N296, and N236 to N238, respectively on the streets of Lagos on Friday.

Despite the measures taken by the Central bank to check the continued devaluation of the naira as a result of the free fall in crude oil price, including using a huge chunk of the nation’s external reserves to defend the naira, the situation seems to be getting worse.

The persistent depreciation of the naira, however, forced the CBN to on November 25 devalue the currency against the dollar by eight per cent from N155 to N168.

The central bank thus expected the naira to sell against the dollar for between N160 and N176.

However, the naira has been selling outside the CBN target band at the interbank forex market (where the banks sell to themselves and their customers), a situation that has fuelled speculation among analysts that the bank may be forced to devalue the currency soon again.

As of Friday, the naira closed against the dollar at N184.50 at the interbank market.

It is feared that the continuous financial crises may force government and the corporate sector to adopt stricter austerity measures like tax increase, salary reduction, and evenjob cuts to survive the coming days.

Ekiti Govt Seeks Sanction Against Obasanjo for Contempt

The Ekiti State Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja, which found former President Olusegun Obasanjo guilty of contempt, to sanction the ex-President for violating its order restraining him from publishing or circulating his new book, My Watch.

The state government described Obasanjo’s action as a deliberate impunity and contempt of the court, saying that sanctioning Obasanjo was necessary “to serve as deterrent to other people who see themselves as ‘super powers’ far and above the laws of the land.”

In a statement by the State Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi, the government said it was embarrassing that a former President “will be behaving with impunity, disregarding the rights of other Nigerians and recently became contemptuous of court orders.”

Ajayi’s statement read, “In the lexicon of our legal jurisprudence, a court order, however frivolous, must be obeyed until discharged by that court or set aside by another court.

“It is therefore a deliberate impunity and disregard to the rule of law and our judiciary for Chief Obasanjo to disobey the said order made by a competent court of law. It stands condemnable.

“The court should be courageous enough to sanction this impunity and deliberate contempt of its order to serve as a deterrent to other people who see themselves as “super powers” far and above the law of the land. The sanctity of our judiciary must be protected.

“In concussion, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo must be told the truth that he is not a saint in the class of our lord Jesus Christ while other former and present rulers are satanic agents to be sent to the gallows for persecution.”

Journey to Aso Rock 2015: Buhari vs Jonathan

y 2015 election.

He clearly defeated four other APC aspirants –Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda-Isaiah, having already impressed with an Lagos till about 7pm on Thursday.

His victory sets him yet again as the number one challenger to President Goodluck Jonathan, who on Wednesday was formally handed the Peoples Democratic Party flag for the 2015 election.

Buhari, who was born on December 17, 1942, was Jonathan’s main opponent in the 2011 presidential poll. He first had a shot at the Presidency in 2003 against Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2007, he ran against Umaru Yar’Adua(now late).

His emergence for the fourth time as a presidential candidate was welcomed by the APC national leadership, delegates and   aspirants. One of the defeated aspirants, Okorocha, described him after the official announcement of the results, as “the man capable of chasing away Jonathan in 2015.”

Buhari was handed a return certificate by the Chairman, Third National Convention and Presidential Primary of the APC, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, having scored 3, 430 votes to beat   Kwankwaso,who is the Kano State governor, to a distant second with 974votes.

Surprisingly, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, came third. He scored 954 votes.

Okorocha polled 624 votes to come fourth while the Publisher, Leadership newspapers, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, came fifth with 10 votes.

There were 16 voided votes in all.

Buhari, in his acceptance speech, said the opposition was poised to sack Jonathan from Aso Rock next year.

He said Nigerians were tired of 16 years of broken promises, hardship, corruption, ineptitude, impunity and lack of vision by the     PDP and its leaders.

Buhari said history beckoned on Nigerians to make the necessary change by voting out the PDP. He commended his rivals   for fighting a gallant fight.

Explaining that he was not the best among the contestants, Buhari said providence had thrusted on the leadership of the APC, the task of giving Nigeria a new lease of life.

He said, “My common cause is the love I have for our nation. I want Christians, Muslims, the old and the young, the rich and the poor to come together and let us advance together the cause of this country.

“Preserving the nation’s future is a great obligation to all of us. This is what the government in power should saddle itself with, otherwise, they have no reason being in government.

“The PDP government is leading us to destruction. Nigeria should be the leader of Africa. Our people sleep in and pay for darkness. Over 200 of our girls were abducted and government has been unable to do anything about it.

“Several of our youths were trampled to death because they went in search of employment. Are we happy to continue to live like this? My answer is “No! No! No!”

The Daura, Katsina State- born ex-soldier said if elected in 2015, he would evolve a five–point agenda that would engender constitutional governance, improved security, poverty eradication through job creation and end   ethnic , tribal and religious bigotry.

An indication that Buhari was likely to emerge the winner of the long-drawn contest showed at the venue of the rally when most of the governors of the party subtly rallied support for him before the start of the primary.

All the governors of South-West directed the delegates from their states to vote for Buhari.

Delegates from each state comprised serving and past senators, serving and past House of Representatives members, past and serving governors, past and serving deputy governors, state cabinet members and ministers.

Buhari, who turns   72 years this month,   was warmly received at the stands of the South-West states .

The shouts of ‘Sai Baba!’ rent the air as he embarked on a walk to the stands.

When he made his speech, a thunderous ovation from the VIP stand greeted his welcome address and manifesto.

The party’s leaders who were at the VIP stand included the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; a former acting National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande; a former National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bernabas Gemade; another former National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Audu Ogbeh; a former National Chairman of the defunct, All Peoples Party, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu; among others.

Odigie-Oyegun described the convention and primary as historic and unprecedented in the annals of the country.

While conceding defeat, Okorocha said   Buhari’s emergence was an act of God, adding that all the aspirants were winners.

He said, “For every sunrise, there must be a sunset, this responsibility has fallen on a new shoulder. I say that it is God that has made this day possible and I believe this is for a purpose.

“While I congratulate Gen. Buhari, permit me to appreciate Alhaji Abubakar, a dogged fighter and a detribalised Nigerian and one that knows when to fight and when to stop fighting.Let me also comment the passion of my brother Governor Kwankwaso for his zeal in making this competition a reality.”

Abubakar also congratulated Buhari on his victory. He said he would honour the agreement by the aspirants to support the winner of the primary.

The former Vice-President promised to work with Buhari to ensure the victory of the APC in the general elections next year.

He said, “Last night when I stood here, I said history is going to be made at this venue. I said this convention would be political evolution; that this party would renew   democracy in this country and since last night you have witnessed what I describe as the most credible election to be ever conducted by any political party in this country.

“On behalf of my humble self and my supporters that voted for me, I congratulate the winner of this very historic election .I therefore congratulate Muhammadu Buhari. We have pledged that whosoever wins this election, all of us will work as a family.

“Let us use this opportunity to thank the leadership of our party. Bola Tinubu has been my contemporary in the fight to restore democracy and sustain it and depeen   democracy in this country. I want to pay tribute to his contribution.

“Buhari has been an embodiment of nation-building for decades and he has continued to offer himself to this country. He will march this party to victory in less than two months.”

Oshiomhole congratulated   Buhari   and commended the four other presidential aspirants   for “a gallant fight.” He urged them to support the winner in order to emerge victorious in the presidential election.

The governor said, “First, let me congratulate the candidate of our party, a highly disciplined, tested and trusted leader, Maj. Gen. Buhari, for emerging through this refined, transparent and credible process of delegate election.

“I also wish to congratulate the delegates for their tolerance, patience, maturity and commitment towards ensuring a successful convention which has produced such a strong candidate for our party."

2015 Elections in North East depend on Security- Jega

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega on Wednesday in Abuja stated that the conduct and performance of the commission in the 2015 general elections in the North-East would depend on advice from security agencies.

According to the commission, only assurances from security agencies on the safety of its personnel, materials as well as free atmosphere will determine whether elections will hold in the crisis-prone states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in 2015.

The INEC boss said this in an interview with journalists during the opening ceremony of a two-day strategic stakeholder’s policy dialogue on promoting peaceful elections in 2015 in Abuja on Wednesday.

The United Nations also used the occasion to warn politicians against the ‘do or die’ politics and likely factors that could propel crisis in the coming elections.

Jega, however, expressed the hope that before February 2015, the various security challenges facing the country would have been addressed to give way for the conduct of free and safe polls.

The event was organised by the United Nations Development Programme, Democratic Governance for Development Programme and supported by the Institute of Peace Conflict and Resolution and the Transition Monitoring Group.

Jega said the commission was putting arrangement in place towards ensuring that the Internally Displaced Persons were registered and participated fully in the forthcoming polls.

The embattled chairman stated, “as an election management body, INEC is prepared to conduct elections everywhere in this country. As for the security challenges, INEC is not a security agency; we rely on the advice, cooperation and support of security agencies to be able to secure our materials, to secure our personnel and to enable us to have a free atmosphere within which to conduct elections.

“We are hopeful that before February 2015, a lot of security challenges will be addressed so that there would be sufficient normalcy to conduct elections at that time. So, at this point, I can tell you that we are doing our best to ensure that elections are conducted everywhere in this country in February of 2015.”

The INEC chairman, however, expressed concern over the Boko Haram incessant terror attacks in the North-East.

He said, “We have to remain hopeful; we all know that our security agencies are doing their best. You can’t give up hope, you can’t just assume that things will still be getting from bad to worse; you have to assume and hope that things will get better and our hope is that things will get better before February, 2015.”

Nigeria Ranks 39th in Most Corrupt Nations' List

Nigeria Ranks 39th in Most Corrupt Nations List
5 hours ago


Transparency International (TI) has ranked Nigeria the 39th most corrupt nation in the world following the latest index released recently.

According to the Corruption Perception Index 2014 released on Wednesday, Nigeria scored 27 out of a maximum 100 marks to clinch the 136th position out of the 175 countries surveyed for the report.

Nigeria appeared to have improved by eight points against its 2013 rating of 144th of 175 countries last year.

It will be recalled that the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index ranked Nigeria 35th most corrupt nation in the world in 2012. An action which sparked off reactions amongst many within the polity.

A statement issued by the Transparency International noted that more than two thirds of the 175 countries in the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index scored below 50, on a scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 100 (perceived to be very clean).

Denmark is the least corrupt nation in the world, ranking first out of the 175 countries surveyed while North Korea and Somalia are the most corrupt nations of the world.

The Transparency International said while top performer, Denmark, had strong rule of law, support for civil society and clear rules governing the behaviour of those in public positions, it also set an example by announcing plans to create a public register, such as beneficial ownership information for all companies incorporated in Denmark.

This measure, according to the corruption watchdog, will make it harder for the corrupt to hide behind companies registered in another person’s name.

Botswana comes top as the least corrupt nation in Africa, ranking 31st least corrupt globally while South Africa is ranked 67th.

Transparency International Chairman, José Ugaz, in a statement on the TI website, said countries at the bottom needed to adopt radical anti-corruption measures in favour of their people.

According to Ugaz, countries at the top of the index should make sure they do not export corrupt practices to underdeveloped countries.

The statement reads, “the biggest falls were in Turkey (-5), Angola, China, Malawi and Rwanda (all -4). The biggest improvers were Côte d´Ivoire, Egypt, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (+5) and Afghanistan, Jordan, Mali and Swaziland (+4)."

The anti-corruption group said it was currently running a campaign to unmask the corrupt, urging the European Union, the United States and G20 countries to follow Denmark’s lead and create public registers that would make clear “who really controls, or is the beneficial owner, of every company.”