RE- UDOM EMMANUEL'S WILL - OLUKOREDE YISHAU'S FUTILE WISH

It is really appalling that one so often gets to read some gibberish in newspapers, all in the name of commentaries or opinion.
In this latest, my attention was drawn to a piece, titled, Emmanuel's Will, written by Olukorede Yishau, published in The Nation newspaper edition of Friday, August 28, 2015. In his column, Above Whispers, Yishau made lame attempts to portray the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel and his predecessor , Senator Godswill Akpabio in bad light whilst inventing false scenarios in order to drive home his jaundiced viewpoint.

It is unfortunate that those who ought to know better, sometimes condescend to mislead the public with personal bias and prejudices, dressed as public affairs analysis. So, what is the kernel of Yishau's musing against the Akwa Ibom Governor? I will make haste at this beginning to lay bare, how the writer unwittingly invalidated his entire 'hypothesis' with his own inking.

Lifted from the last paragraph of his essay, Yishau submitted, "My final take: what is Emmanuel really afraid of? A fight with Akpabio? Or is he just postponing the fight? Or he does not want to open Akpabio's yansh in the public? Or is the oracle still in charge and capable of pulling the rug off Emmanuel's feet? Whatever it is, it is the people and accountability that is being taken for granted."

Before I proceed with the arguments and interrogation of Yishau's real intention, another poignant conclusion of his is pertinent to refer here: "...THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN TAKING LOANS ONCE THEY ARE JUSTIFIED" One therefore wonders, why Yishau embarked on the whole academic exercise of blowing hot air on the issue of Akwa Ibom State's debt profile, if he knows, as he confesses that there is nothing wrong with taking loans once they are justified? What does he want to achieve in this twisted castigation of Governor Udom Emmanuel over the disclosure or not of the debt profile of his state.
If Yishau is fair and objective minded, he would agree, that playing to the gallery is not the norm of serious governance and politicking. Will the so-called disclosure of loans taken by the State Government write-off the debt? Is the disclosure an instrument of debt rescheduling? What are the benefits of amplifying the indebtedness of Akwa Ibom state, or indeed any other State on the pages of newspapers to the disclosing authority?

Yishau should well know that, before the State Government takes up any loan facility, local or foreign, there are constitutionally prescribed procedures by which such loans are approved and accessed. One of such is that, it must be tabled before the State Legislature, where the people's representatives evaluate the necessity of such loans as justified by the Executive. As such, the undertaking of trying to personalize issues surrounding the loan portrays mischief.

More worrisome is the fact that, in canvassing reasons to energise his opinion, Yishau thinks aloud. His dark wish of seeing a political street brawl between Governor Emmanuel and his predecessor, Chief Godswill Akpabio is carelessly leaked. Hear him:"... what is Emmanuel really afraid of? A fight with Akpabio? Or is he just postponing the fight?" Haba Yishau! Even you, an otherwise respected opinion moulder?

Yishau should do well to answer these questions: what will be the value- added of any political fight between predecessor and successor? How does such a brawl advance the course of the much needed good governance and attainment of development in the state? Who stands to benefit from the stoking or outbreak of acrimony between leaders of a state, who enjoy a robust relationship? Until Yishau comes clear on all these questions and justifies his call for that big fight he so anticipates, I will hold this as his biggest folly ever.
Of course! Yishau is not infallible, so we can excuse him this goof. My counsel is simple: those who have the rare and sacred privilege of wielding a platform as credible as a commentarial slot in a national medium of the stature of The Nation must not abuse it by employing its advantage to foul the air of reasoning. Honestly viewed, that is what Yishau's subtle pressure on Governor Emmanuel to embark on a dog-fight with his illustrious predecessor amounts to. The public I dare posit, have absolutely nothing to derive from such event.

I have followed Yishau for quite some time on his beat, which he presents as a weekly intervention restricted to South-South people and matters. One sore point stands out however. His interventions on Akwa Ibom issues are consistently garnished with slander and spite for Governor Emmanuel and his predecessor. This trait has spiced his reportage on the Governorship Primaries of the PDP via which Governor Emmanuel triumphed, the coalition of the other PDP aspirants who didn't make it then known as the G-22 and post election events in Akwa Ibom. Yishau is decidedly anti-Akpabio and has blacked-out the internationally acknowledged sterling performance of his administration, which gave him the acronym The Uncommon Transformer.

Our brother has also declined to see that Governor Udom Emmanuel is already off to a flying start and is focused on delivering on his Five-point agenda of Wealth Creation; Economic and Political Inclusion; Poverty Alleviation; Infrastructural Consolidation and Expansion; and Job Creation.

I will not allay Yishau's fear about the strong camaraderie existing between the duo of Their Excellencies, Governor Emmanuel and former Governor Akpabio. They are not going to fight anytime soon or later as you wish. Indeed, for those who are waiting to be entertained with a fight by both leaders, they should prepare for a long wait. The fact as it stands now is summarized as follows:

(I) Governor Emmanuel is focused on the onerous responsibility of delivering on his campaign promises to the people who overwhelmingly elected him and will not be distracted.

(Ii) Former Governor Akpabio has since moved on. After selflessly serving his people for eight fruitful years, he is now the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is currently the Minority Leader of the Senate. That enormous responsibility is soaking up his time and there is no room to bicker.

(iii) The vast majority of Akwa Ibom people are grateful to Senator Akpabio, CON, for his stewardship and are equally satisfied at the pace his successor, Governor Emmanuel has started implementing his promise to industrialize the state, crest wealth and develop skills amongst Akwa Ibom people. Nothing else matters to them, least of all a needless fight between their illustrious sons.

By Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information & Communications
 Akwa Ibom State

Yemi Alade Confesses - "Johnny" Was My True Life Boyfriend

 

Yemi Eberechi Alade, Yemi Alade, says her hit single "Johnny" was her own true life story. In her own confession while She spoke with City People recently, she said; "The song is a straight forward answer to this question. It has said it all. It is a true life story and that is all."

The Nigerian Afro pop singer came into limelight after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009. The music video for “Johnny” released in March 2014, now has more than 16 million views on VeVo/YouTube. The song became an international smash hit as it dominated music charts and became an anthem in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, The United Kingdom and more.

In the interview, sorry 'confession', Ms Yemi sounded like one who's licking wounds from the 'Johnny' experience, but says she'd put it behind her.

On other thoughts, the whole experience, captured in the song implies that this "Johnny" actually "did her cunny", meaning he deceived her big time. It means there was a "Cynthia", and an "Uche" impregnated by same Johnny and a "Nene" he promised to marry - all this with Yemi kept in a waiting room. We can't help but imagine if all this happened to the Superstar. And what were you thinking, "Johnny"? Guess you didn't see the future.

One more question; this time for Ms Yemi. Please, pardon Public Opinion; is KISSING also your true life story? See you soon.

Recall OBJ NOW! - ACIS To Buhari

West African group, The Amilcar Cabral Ideological School (ACIS) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately recall Ex President Olusegun Obasanjo from Guinea Bissau to face 'charges' of political, economic crimes facing him at home, and leave Guinea to sort out their own issue, which is actually an intra-political problem.

They have likened the move to send Obasanjo to Guinea to another country sending a politician to wade into the crises APC had few weeks back. Their letter shows that the move doesn't add up to sound judgment.

Public Opinion holds that Obasanjo, popularly called OBJ in Nigeria, has too many charges of abuse of Power, which Nigerians are only waiting to be reopened in Buhari's on-going probe  - which is already beginning to look like a witch-hunt, an attack on easy targets being that the famously corrupt administrations of Obasanjo and his predecessors haven't been mentioned in Buhari's probe thus far.

The ACIS who consider themselves as; "...part of a specific reality, namely Africa, fighting against colonialism, racism and imperialism..." couldn't have brought this statement at a better time. The statement which appears to represent the opinion of the Guinea people, also comes to keep Buhari reminded that Nigerians and West Africans are watching his every move.

Excerpts;

• NIGERIA SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THE IMPERIALISTS TO DESTABILISE GUINEA BISSAU

1. The Amilcar Cabral Ideological School (ACIS) deplores the recent appointment of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo by the President Buhari presidency as the envoy to interfere in internal affairs of Guinea Bissau.

2. What is ongoing in Guinea Bissau is an internal party struggle in the African Party for the Independence of Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) – the party of Amilcar Cabral. What should be noted is that the PAIGC and the masses of the people in Guinea Bissau have been struggling to contain rightwing and anti-people elements within the party through their own specific experience of African model of internal democracy practice.

3. If the internal crisis in the ruling All-Nigeria People’s Congress (APC) since its assumption of power on May 29, 2015 has not attracted the appointment of any special envoy by the African Union (AU) or Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or from any country whatsoever, what then is business of the Nigeria Government to meddle in the internal affairs of the people of Guinea Bissau under the PAIGC?

4. We suspect that it is in the same manner, in which the imperialists used Nigeria for the ECOMOG operation under the ignoble dictatorial regime of Ibrahim Babangida (1985 – 93) to deepen and prolong the internal divisions and genocide in Liberia, is what is now being rehearsed for Guinea Bissau. It is clear from the swift appointment of former President Obasanjo as the Envoy that President Buhari is either consciously working in line with the imperialists or he is ill-informed and may be, unsuspectingly acting the script of the imperialists and neo-colonialists to cause splits in the Party of Cabral and the Guinea Bissau society.

5. The FACT of the matter in Guinea Bissau is as follows:

· There has been on-going struggle for several months in the PAIGC, which particularly in the last few weeks manifested as a constitutional and political issue.

· On 12th August 2015, the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (who is a member of PAIGC) sacked the PAIGC led Government and called (in line with the Constitution) on the PAIGC to submit the name of another PAIGC member for Prime Minister.

· The PAIGC met to deliberate on the matter and re-submitted the name of the sacked Prime Minister. In response, the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (this time disregarding the Constitution) rejected the mandate of the Party and appointed his crony – the 3rd Vice-President of the PAIGC (who has been feuding with the recently sacked Prime Minister).

· The National People’s Assembly, which is the Parliament in Guinea Bissau, passed a Resolution calling on the President to sack his newly self-appointed PM and allow the PAIGC leadership to determine who will be appointed as PM. In effect, both the Parliament and the PAIGC rejected the sack and repose confidence in the sacked PM as the choice of the people.

· There is already a litigation challenging the Constitutionality of the President to appoint a Prime Minister without previous consultations with the political parties that have representation in Parliament.

· As the struggle (political and constitutional) to compel the President to respect the mandate of the PAIGC, the Parliament and the people continues, the newly self-appointed PM has not formed a government yet, but he has gone ahead to sack the directors of the State radio and television.

6. We should inform the working people and solidarity movements across the world that Guinea-Bissau runs a “semi-presidential” constitutional government borne out of their own specific African realities, which is different from the imperialist models of American or European constitutions.

7. According to the Constitution of Guinea-Bissau, the President of the Republic (PR) appoints the Prime Minister (PM) “…taking into consideration the results of the most recent legislative elections…” In practice, the Party that wins the legislative elections sends the name of its president to the PR who should pronounce such person as PM, and who in turn should form a government. According to PAIGC Statutes, the PAIGC President is the “Flag Bearer” and will serve as PM when the Party wins legislative elections. Whenever there is an impediment of the PAIGC President, a name of one of the three (3) Vice-Presidents, National Secretary) will be sent to the PR.

8. It should be clear from the above FACT of the true situation in Guinea Bissau that Nigeria has no business meddling in the internal affairs of the people of Guinea Bissau. We recall that it was such interference in internal party crisis festered by the Portuguese agents in collaboration with rightwing elements in the PAIGC that led to the imperialist murder of Amilcar Cabral on January 20, 1973.

9. We demand that Nigeria should recall former President Obasanjo now as envoy. There are enough charges of political and economic crimes against humanity in Africa hanging on former President Obasanjo to answer in Nigeria, than being saddled with an unwarranted and diversionary assignment. For instance, General Obasanjo should account for the $16billion (N3.2trillion) meant to generate about 16,000MW (Megawatts) of electricity, yet installed electricity capacity in Nigeria remains 6,900MW for the past 16years.

10. We in the ACIS repose confidence in the capacity of the genuine working people in PAIGC to use Constitutional and political means to ensure that the WILL of the PEOPLE of Guinea Bissau prevails at all times.

11. We call on solidarity movements and working people across Africa and the world to support the struggle of the PAIGC to defend the cause of justice, internal democratic practice and sovereignty of the people of Guinea Bissau, without uncalled for interference from Nigeria, ECOWAS, AU, and most especially the imperialist destabilising agencies so-called NATO and AFRICOM.
Izwe leithu, i Africa!

ALUTA CONTINUA, VICTORIA A CERTA!!
The People! United! Can Never be defeated!!!
Signed for ACIS:
Comrade Abiola Dabiri – Central Coordinator
Comrade Abiodun Aremu – Co-Coordinator

Messi Floors Ronaldo Again

UEFA has named Lionel Messi as the best player in Europe for the past season as he led Barcelona to a historic second treble.

Messi was nominated alongside fellow Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez and Real Madrid rival Lionel Messi.
Earlier in the day, Messi second goal in the semi-final against Bayern Munich was named best goal while Marc Ter-Stegen’s double save in the same match was awarded best save.

  

It had to be him. Leo Messi has been chosen as the Best UEFA Player of the Year and as such takes the award that he won back in 2011 in its first year of existence. The Argentine pipped Luis Suárez and Cristiano Ronaldo to the prize with Neymar finishing in fifth place.
The recognition is deserved after an exceptional season for the Barça number 10 in which he scored 58 goals in 57 competitive matches in 2015/16.

His goals, as always, were vital. He scored in the Vicente Calderón against Atlético to hand the blaugranes the league title and he found the net twice in the Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Club. Messi was exceptional in the Champions League final against Juventus, although he was unable to score the goal his performance deserved. Previously, in the semi-finals against Bayern Munich, his two goals were decisive in deciding the tie, one of which has been voted as the best of the Champions League season.

During the season Leo Messi surpassed Telmo Zarra’s league goalscoring record and also moved past the 400 mark in terms of goals in official matches in a Barça shirt. His current total stands at 415 and the man who has won four FIFA Ballon d’Ors has no intention of stopping there.

Governor Udom Emmanuel Hits the Ground Running With Developmental Projects

In line with the infrastructure expansion and development programme of the administration, and the need to give a face-lift to some of the major economic centres in the state we have approved the following:

1. CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING OF SELECTED ROADS, STRATEGIC ROUND-ABOUTS AND JUNCTIONS IN EKET TOWNSHIP

The work content of the project which will increase the capacity of available social infrastructure and improve intersections covers:

(i) Dualization of Atabong Road with an extension to hospital road by market road
(ii) Expansion/remodeling of Atabong road roundabout
(iii) Expansion/remodeling of Liverpool junction/roundabout
(iv) Construction of Recreational Park at Oron Road by Grace Bill Road
(v) Channelization of Eket/Oron Road/Grace Bill intersection
(vi) Grace Bill Road Pavement rehabilitation and Drainage reconstruction
(vii) Street Furniture
(viii) Street-scaping/beautification
(ix) Pedestrian foot bridges
(x) Water fountain at roundabouts

2. EMERGENCY WORKS AND COMPLETION OF ORON URBAN ROADS AND OUTFALLS.

3. CONSTRUCTION OF THE 5 KILOMETRES IKOT USOP-IKOT EDEGHE-IKOT EKPUK ROUNDABOUT, WITH A 30 METRES SPAN BRIDGE IN MKPAT ENIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

4. CONSTRUCTION OF THE 5 KILOMETRE MKPOK-OKAT ROAD IN ONNA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

5. FLOOD CONTROL AND DUALISATION OF THE ONE (1) KILOMETER AWA-IKOT NKAN ROAD WITH OUTFALL DRAINS.

In furtherance of the job creation and skill development drive of the administration, We have approved the job creation, Youth Training and Empowerment Programme in Photography, Videography and Film production for 329 Youths, to be drawn from all the wards in the State.

In Our effort to develop a stock of skilled sportsmen we have approved the establishment of Sports Academy in the 10 Federal Constituencies of the State.
the essence of the academy is to capture school and community sports, with a view to preparing youths for engagement and future employment through sports activities.

In view of the increasing visits by tourists and investors to the State, and to ensure quality patronage, I have directed that some facilities at Le Meridian Ibom Hotels and Golf Resorts be upgraded and that the Ministry of Tourism should ensure that Hotel facilities in the State meet the required hygiene standard.

Rise and Rise of Akwa Ibom Prodigy, Ufot Ekong

 

To gain admission to study at Tokyo, as a young Akwa Ibom man is a notably daunting task. To be awarded first class for breaking mathematical codes that have baffled Japanese scientists for 50 years is nothing short of genius. To be the first African to do so is to rewrite history. Mr Ufot Ekong, who has been the rave of the moment between Japan and Uyo, has taken Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and Africa that far in reputation.

Only days ago, Mr Industrialization, Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel himself announced the State Government's complete scholarship to the industrious Ufot - taking care of his past school fees and committing to sponsor him to the peaks of his academics.

Today, ongoing, as we celebrate the international DIASPORA DAY 2015, there is a Presidential reception for Mr Ufot hosted by non other than President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for emerging the first African to make such records as he has done as an electrical engineering (now Masters) student, Ufot Ekong.

As his profile rises, Akwa Ibom wishes Mr Ufot Ekong even brighter days ahead and higher rungs above.

#Action2015: What UN Sec Gen Told Nigerian Governors

Action 2015 is the mobilization of citizens of the world, organisations and diverse social units, by the United Nations, aimed at creating greater awareness of the mot urgent threats faced by humanity; poverty, inequality and climate change.

It hinges on the philosophy that decisions taken in 2015 will determine the world's future, and if each unit of individuals and groups contribute definitive action towards achieving the world's developmental goals, their  collective influence will shape decision-making critical for the success of those goals.

In his address, the UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki Moon told Nigerian Governors the need to work together to establish a revitalized global partnership for development.

Read excerpts below:

“I am so pleased to begin my visit to Nigeria with you – and it is fitting that I do so. I strongly believe a more prosperous, democratic and secure Nigeria begins with you.
I would like to thank the Governor of Kaduna State for hosting this opportunity to discuss your aspirations for change in Nigeria.

Governors play a fundamental role in the future of this country, the region, the continent – and, indeed, our world. You are among the closest to the people.
You understand their challenges and aspirations. You have the resources and the power to help the people of Nigeria realize the tremendous promise of this great country – on education, on health care, on women’s empowerment, on climate change, on governance, institution-building, security and on rights across the board.

I am here to listen and support you.
Nigeria occupies a central place in the family of nations. As I visit, Nigeria also happens to be serving as President of the Security Council for the month of August. This is yet another reminder of the weight of the regional and global responsibilities you bear.
I am here at a time of challenge – in Nigeria and beyond. Across our world, we see insecurity, inequality, growing divides. Here in Nigeria, you know the challenges all too well – including the rise of extremism and the lack of equal opportunity. I know this is a deep and vital challenge in particular for the Governors of the Northeast, including Borno State, and I commend the work and leadership of Governor Kashim Shettima who is with us. Allow me to also take the opportunity to express my sincere condolences on the passing of the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.

This is also a time of hope. I want to commend you and all of Nigeria’s leaders for the peaceful democratic transition of power. Nigeria sent an important signal of hope throughout the continent.
This is also a moment of hope for the world, particularly in the field of development.
Last month, UN Member States met in Addis Ababa and agreed on a new financing for development plan: the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
Earlier this month, Member States reached agreement on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A proud daughter of Nigeria helped shepherd this agreement to its inspiring conclusion — my special Advisor, Assistant Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

The outcome document – “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – includes a bold new set of 17 goals – will be formally adopted by world leaders in New York in September.
In December, governments will meet in Paris to agree on a new far-reaching climate change agreement.
Together these three processes provide an opportunity to put the world on a sustainable pathway fostering human prosperity while protecting our planet.

Local governments have an important role to play in the implementation of the SDGs. Nigeria demonstrated this through its efforts on the MDGs through the Federal Government Conditonal Grants program to States and local governments.

Let me point to five essential ways that you can build on your advances and sustain that momentum.
First, the universal framework will have to be tailored to national circumstances to live up to its promise to be an agenda “of the people, for the people, and by the people” that leaves no one behind.
Sub-national and local governments will play a major role in the national tailoring process and in ensuring that this process is participatory and inclusive.

Second, we need to work together to establish a revitalized global partnership for development. Each of you is crucial for engaging local civil society organizations and the private sector in the implementation of the goals at local level.

Third, in a world of rising inequalities, sub-national and local governments can help ensure that the limited available funds are targeted at the most vulnerable and marginalized who are often hard to reach, in particular ensuring health, education, empowerment and equality for women and girls.
That leads to my fourth point – institutionalizing gender mainstreaming across all government ministries and bodies responsible for implementing agenda 2030, with effective means of implementation and capacities for monitoring progress.

I encourage you to implement national action plans and legislation on gender equality and take steps to enhance the political and judicial participation and representation of women at all levels.
Fifth, you can support the follow-up and review process by feeding inputs directly into the review and by helping to ensure the quality of data by investing in institutions and using big data to inform better planning and decision making.
Accurate data will also allow us to better respond to new and unforeseen challenges.

Honorable Governors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a crucial moment for Nigeria. You face many serious challenges, but you have also taken a hugely important step to move forward in a way that can respond to the aspirations of the country’s people.
I am eager to hear your views on how you think you can best achieve this universal and ambitious agenda. The United Nations stands ready to fully support you.”