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Recollections: Time flies and changes everything

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Tivlumun Gabriel Nyitse was former Bureau Chief of the defunct “National Concord” Newspapers in-charge of the North Central and North East zones, with headquarters in Jos, Plateau State. He was subsequently Editor of the Benue State-owned “The Voice” newspapers and thereafter Managing Editor of the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation, (BPPC). He served as Permanent Secretary for: Establishment; Information and Culture; and Government House Administration, variously and respectively, all in Benue State Civil Service. He holds a doctorate in Mass Communication and took up appointment as a Lecturer at Bingham University, Karu, near Abuja, in 2016, years after his retirement from the civil service. He was a Senior Lecturer in the University before his appointment as Chief of Staff to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, November 22, 2021. As he marks his first year on the job, he shares his experiences working at close quarters with the fourth in the line of military and civilian governors he has served, in his state.

By Tivlumun Nyitse, PhD

On Monday November 22, 2021, in the new capacity-filled Banquet Hall of the Government House Makurdi, I took the oath of office, as Chief of Staff, (COS), to Samuel Ortom, Governor of Benue State. It was administered by the governor and I assumed office as his new COS. I succeeded the former holder of the office who had resigned his appointment to run for the governorship of the state, ahead of the 2023 general elections. The event marked my third tour of duty at the Benue State Government, House Makurdi. I had previously served as the Director of Press/Chief Press Secretary under the military administrations of Group Captain Joshua Obademi, and Col. Aminu Isa Kontagora (of blessed memory), between 1993 and 1999.

I had equally functioned as Permanent Secretary, Government House Administration, (PS-GHA) for almost seven years under the administration of former Governor Gabriel Torwua Suswam, who now a Senator of the Federal Republic. I operated in this capacity from June 2007 to January 2014. It is imperative to lay this background to foreground the fact that I have, over the years, garnered the cognate exposure and experience in the workings of government, within the Government House system. With such aggregated insights, many people around me spontaneously assumed that my brief as the COS, the to-go person, to the governor will be a walk in the park. How very wrong they were!

Samuel Ortom emerged victorious in the gubernatorial election of 2015. It was a classic manifestation of what pentecostals will describe as “God ordering one’s steps.” Ortom participated in the primary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP), which produced Terhemen Tazoor as the party’s flagbearer. I also aspired to be governor under the same party, but lost at the primary election. Ortom believed he was unjustly treated in the primary where he emerged third, behind former Deputy Governor, Stephen Lawani. He thus crossed over to the All Progressives Congress, (APC). He was embraced by his new political family and handed the governorship ticket.

Having previously retired from my position as permanent secretary from the Benue State Civil Service, l left the state to join the services of the Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State in 2016. It was an opportunity to pursue a residual interest which I had nursed over the years, as an academic. I remained an active member of the PDP and one of the major stakeholders and elders of the party, nonetheless. This prominence was duly conferred on me as a former frontline governorship aspirant and a loyal party member. Indeed, in the build up to the 2019 governorship elections, I was pressured to aspire once again to the governorship. While I made the “consultation” rounds, Ortom crossed over to the PDP, convinced the APC government at the centre was not doing enough to check recurring herdsmen’s invasions in Benue State. Nigeria’s political tradition provides that if an incumbent holder of office crosses over to a new party, he is automatically granted the right of first refusal to any office he aspires to, in the new party. To this extent, Ortom was vested with the governorship ticket of the PDP.

Sometime in October 2021, Governor Ortom reached out to me. We had a conversation on the need for me to come back to the state and work with him as his COS. My first reaction was to ask him for some time to reflect on his proposition. After poring through some considerations, I honoured the invitation. Among other things, Ortom and I had worked together on some political projects before in Guma local government area, (LGA), where we both come from. Secondly, while we all aspired to the governorship position, we remained very cordial and held each other in high very regards. Therefore the decision to accept the was easy to make. Some people who didn’t understand my position felt I should have rejected the offer. Others applauded my humility in leaving my new love, the academia, to assist my brother in the home stretch of his service to our people. Understandably, local lore has described my inauguration on November 22, 2021, as the most-attended in a Government House facility, in ages.

Working with Governor Samuel Ortom in the last twelve months has been a potpourri of experiences in leadership and human resource management. It has been a new journey in work ethics and a complete curriculum in the new dynamism of political engineering processes. One is not really surprised that Ortom presents an enigmatic and novel dynamism in the running of government business because of his experiences in life which he is quick to share at any prompting. Governor Ortom is a case study in dogged determination and raw courage to change the course of his destiny. His street-wise philosophy and deep religious beliefs, are manifest in his day-to-day chores. To refresh our memories, not many Nigerians would do what Ortom did on the floor of the “red chambers” of the Nigerian Senate in 2011, when he was screened by the Senate following his nomination as minister, by the then president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Ortom while introducing himself on live television, told the whole world that he started life as motor park tout! As at when he was being screened, however, he was proud to hold a doctorate degree! Most people with his kind of background would have tried to deodorize their past, to make it smell nice. I have, since assumption of duty as his Chief of Staff, become a student of renewed humility. I had, hitherto, ascribed this toga to myself, but in Ortom I have probably found a much humbler personality. Here is a governor who is quick to apologise to his lowest of subordinates whenever he feels that his actions towards such staff or associates, were untoward. He’s not one of those who carries a chip on their shoulders. But behind this gentle and humble mien is a leader with a strong character and very deep in reilgious philosophy.

I have always wondered where Ortom gets the energy to discharge the daunting task of governing a complex state like Benue. Ours is a state with very poor revenue base, almost 90% dependent on the federation account. We are contending with ethnic suspicion between the major ethnic groups in the state, while also managing an agitated pension populations. The civil service is restive, with a predilection for threats to down tools, at the slightest opportunity. Ortom has indeed demonstrated monstrous energy as the helmsman. He is one governor I have observed at very close quarters who has the capacity to hold a dozen meetings in one day without showing any sign of mental or physical fatigue. In the activities preceding the PDP primary elections in the state, he exhibited such elasticity of stamina and capacity. I was an active participant in the processes by virtue of my position as his COS. As the leader of the party in the state the buck stops on his table. He would never allow complaints from any of the local governments to fester, unresolved. Ortom never slept on any contentious issues brought before him.

Ortom would hold meetings up to 3am and he will be the first to resume work at 7am! On some occasions, he would indeed be observing spiritual procedures such as fasting and praying, during which he abstained from his meals. I recall an incident during one of those days of winding up late at work. We left the government house after 2am with a charge to reconvene at 7am, to resolve some issues concerning both the Guma state constituency and the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency. Since we closed late, I took liberty to resume work by 8am. I miscalculated.

By the time I got to the Government House, the governor had already resumed and was rounding up another meeting which was not originally scheduled! And in spite of all these, he never betrayed any sign of drudgery. Ortom is indeed a bundle of energy. At slightly over sixty years of age, his energy level is exceptional. In a lighter mood, just as governor Ortom works very hard he also doesn’t joke with his meal regimen. Meet him at lunch time and you will agree that he’s got a very healthy appetite. Instructively, he probably eats just one major meal once in a day, filling in with fruits and vegetables.

Like I earlier indicated, I have worked with a number of governors both of the military hue, and the democratically elected. I declare emphatically that Governor Ortom’s memory is sharp and pointed. His capacity to recall issues, no matter how long in time they occurred, has continued to amaze me. He has a way especially with figures. His early experiences in life at the Gboko motor park where the existential credo was that of “dog eat dog,” where people had to be eagle-eyed must have bred this attribute. That apart though, Ortom before becoming governor of Benue State was an astute businessman whose interests spanned printing, manufacturing, farming, agro-business value chain and real estate. To this extent, he kept tabs on the numbers and figures emanating from these various business fronts. No matter how tired or distracted he appears to be, Ortom’s capacity for recall is one-of-a-kind.

His antenna instantaneously switches to the “alert” mode, especially when figures are concerned. If you take a memo to him, the first thing he looks at will be the figures. This may probably be because he doesn’t seem to be in love with very bulky documents. He prefers verbal briefs which speak to the issues
and he listens to every detail while taking mental notes. As a corollary to his virile cognitive capacity, Ortom often gives multiple appointments and remembers them all the following day. In his own way, he schedules them accordingly, doing so most times without the assistance of his protocol staff, even if they are within earshot.

Ortom is a very firm and fervid believer in God. He is eternally grateful to his Creator for his progress to contemporary prominence, with the hindsight of his very modest beginnings. Even if I had a hint of this before, working at close quarters with him has further enlightened me. His principles, beliefs and work ethic are derived from the teachings of the Holy Book. His grasp of the Bible is such that he quotes sections of it with effortless ease, while elucidating issues.

He describes himself as a mentee of “King David.” In line with his faith, Ortom reckoned that the state should have a distinct anthem of its own. This became germane after the public dedication of the state to God. The state anthem which is also and adoption and adaptation of a Christian song, was submitted to the state House of Assembly and passed in to law. Governor Ortom also ensures that prayers are offered before he leaves Government House to attend any engagement outside the state capital and on return. Most times, he leads these prayers.

Even as one from Guma LGA which is one of the frontline sections of the state most affected by the incessant attacks, one never really appreciated the magnitude of the havoc and destruction caused by serial herders attacks on the people of the state. In the last five years, massive killings by these marauding nomads have left at each attack a trail of grief and blood. Proof of these attacks and killings is the fact that about two million people including women and children are now sequestered in several camps for internally displaced persons, IDPs, across the state. Each time there was an attack, Ortom was moved to wail and lament over the massive killings and the destruction of farm lands by these AK-47-wielding herdsmen. Non-residents of Benue, people who have not had the opportunity to visit and see things for themselves, or who have deliberately refused to empathize with the governor, sadly mock him. Nigerians have indeed lost their sense of humanity. Indeed, the effects of the atrocities of these gun-totting herders on the economy of the state, is best imagined.

Amidst these challenges which have completely ravaged and destroyed the agrarian economy of Benue State, Ortom has recorded significant, albeit silent achievements in critical areas of the economy. These cannot be wished away even by his worst enemies. One never personally conceived of these striking efforts, especially in urban renewal untill I came to work closely with him. Considering the savagery visited on the state and the destruction of the very fabric of its economy, agriculture, Ortom has performed very well. If assessed objectively and without politicisation, he should be ranked among the top five performing state governors in Nigeria. And I say this without any fear of contradiction.

For example, sometime last year while commissioning township roads in Gboko, the national chairman of PDP, Iyorchia Ayu stated that, no governor in the history of Benue State has done the number and quality of roads Ortom has constructed in Gboko. Same goes to Otukpo and of course, Makurdi, the Benue state capital. Here, Ortom has constructed over 50 kilometers of asphalted roads. Some of these were recently commissioned by his colleagues, the “G 5” governors. They were in the state to lend their support at the flag off of the state campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

Very remarkable efforts too have been recorded in the areas of construction of rural roads, building of health clinics and the massive renovation of general hospitals across the state. New equipment like the MRI and Dialysis machines have also been acquired for the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. A general facelift has also been given to decaying structures in the institution. Unfortunately, Nigerian journalists have not been fair in reporting and acknowledging the achievements of the Ortom administration.

This is probably because Ortom has said on occasions, that he was “not interested in commissioning projects because of the massive cost of the ceremonies.” He believes that funds for such fanfare can be channeled in the construction of salutary projects which can impact the generalityof the people. Ortom’s endeavours, and indeed the advancement of Benue State post-2015, is best put into proper context, vis-a-vis the peculiar challenges and distractions of the state which has become the status quo.

After one year of working with Governor Ortom as his Chief of Staff, I can say it’s been a worthwhile experience thus far. Every opportunity or exposure one gets in life is a learning curve. The vistas and insights garnered working with government at such close proximity are not the stuff of courses or textbooks in government, political science or public administration. You have to be in the thick of it to appreciate that the line from point A to B, is not usually a straight one. Of course, like I said in my preliminary remarks, I am something of an “Emeritus” personnel of Government House. I previously logged about 13 years in the hub of government administration, much as I’ve never been a Chief of Staff before now.

I owe Governor Ortom deserved gratitude for pulling me out of the university system which I was getting to love, to come and share in the present experience, and to be part of his “first eleven team.” As his core personal aides, our duty is to support him to berth the ship of his administration, safely and soundly, after eight years of service to the good people of Benue State. Let me sum up by saying that history will definitely record Ortom positively when the story of Benue State will be written. He will be adjudged to have come, seen and conquered.

Nyitse, PhD, journalist, administrator and communications scholar, is Chief of Staff to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.

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Opinion

Adaora Umeoji: The Lady at the Zenith

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The trending story in the Nigerian now that has taken our attention momentarily away from the tales of insecurity and economic hardship is that of Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, a consummate banker and a corporate icon who has just been appointed the group managing director and chief executive officer of Zenith International Bank PLC. Since 19th March, 2024 when the bank issued a press statement announcing her appointment, the Nigerian media space has been abuzz with the news reported in different forms. And aside from the pockets of cynical comments especially in the social media about her person from those who are obviously unaware of her qualifications and pedigree and perhaps from those who have this crude notion that those made it to the top do so using unorthodox means, tributes have kept pouring in torrents for the lady of the moment who has shattered many glass ceiling to reach the zenith of her career. By 1st June, 2024, Adaora as she is fondly called by friends and associates will take over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the current GMD/CEO of the bank, whose tenure is expiring by 31st May, 2024.

Adaora’s appointment as the first female group managing director and chief executive officer of Zenith Bank marks a historic moment not only for the bank but for the Nigerian banking sector in general. And, expectedly, the appointment has elicited much interest and excitement from the stakeholders—shareholders, staff, customers, analyst and the general public—who have expressed optimism in her ability to lead the bank and reposition it for greater heights.

Adaora is trailblazer and a trend setter who from the outset left no one in doubt that she was headed for the top. Her rise in the bank was phenomenal. From an ordinary national youth corps member in 1998 when she joined the bank, Adaora climbed the corporate ladder swiftly rising to become the Manager of the Maitama branch and the head Abuja Zone of the Bank within a very short period of time by dint of hard work. And as the head of the Abuja Zone of the bank, her current Account Balances (CABAL) and balance sheet size were bigger than those of some banks in the country then. At the annual MD award ceremony Adaora was usually the cynosure of all eyes because of the many awards she receives. She was appointed to the board of the bank in 2012, after her initial appointment as an executive director in 2007 was overturned by the central bank. In 2016, she was appointed the Deputy Managing Director (DMD), the first woman to be so elevated in the bank, retiring briefly from that position in February 2023 due to regulatory conditions but returned in August, 2023.

It is not out of place to say that Adaora prepared herself adequately for the future for while she received accolades in the bank all these years as a performer, she was never complacent as most people in her position would. But, she continued to work hard. She continued to sharpen the saw too, by equipping herself professionally, mentally, and intellectually, taking courses and training to hone her leadership and managerial skills. She is an alumnus of many prestigious institutions of higher learning across the globe where she acquired training across different academic discipline from the Social Sciences, business sciences, Economics to Law.

In addition, she is a fellow of notable professional bodies including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria among others.

Apart from being a professional banker and a corporate icon, Adaora is a philanthropist. Through the NGOs that she established and through other channels she has touched and continued to touch many lives especially the poor and the vulnerable in the society. And has numerous awards to show for her service to humanity. In 2022, she received the national award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from the Federal Government in recognition of her contribution to nation building. And recently the Sun Newspaper bestowed on her the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.

Furthermore, the adorable Adaora is a role model who has mentored many young professionals directly and indirectly; within and outside the banking sector. In this era of dearth of ethical role models, when our young maidens think of their assets in terms of the sizes and shapes of their bust and bum, it is advantageous to have the likes of Adaora as role model and mentor to our young professionals. Yes, Adaora is an achiever with sound work ethics. She is deeply religious and charitable. She believes strongly in ethical values of honesty, hard work, humility and service. She is a devoted Catholic, a Lady of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester.

Interestingly, beyond all the glitz and glamour and the accolades that attended her professional accomplishments, Adaora remains a delectable lady, a pleasant personality to be with. She remains beautiful inside and outside. She remains simple, humble, and down to earth: no frills no hang-ups. She is the right combination of beauty and brains, a quintessential corporate icon and a thorough-bred professional. Everybody who has come in contact with her sees her as a very pleasant person to be with. She is gentle, soft and kind-hearted. The excitement among the staff of the bank after the announcement of her appointment as the new GMD/CEO of the bank bears eloquent testimony of her personality as a likeable person.

Adaora’s personality and attitude clearly contradicts the notion of some bankers in Nigeria who think that a banker doesn’t need to be a nice person. These people erroneously think that being nice is a kind of weakness not expected of professional banker. They believe those who are nice should rather sell ice cream than do banking.
But, she has proved by her conduct and achievements that being nice is not lack of courage neither does it connote lack of firmness or decisiveness. You need to be nice to create the right interface to effectively manage your clients, to win the confidence of your depositors and other entities that you interact with in the course of financial intermediation. Indeed, she has proved that you don’t need the stony mien of a jackboot soldier to make firm decisions. She has demonstrated that you don’t need the Machiavellian or the mafia style to be a good banker. You don’t need it to take investment or lending decisions neither is it necessary to manage risks. Those who adopt such unorthodox approach are obviously those that are not qualified or prepared for their assigned roles.

By this appointment, Adaora joins the rank of ten other women CEOs of banks among whom two: Adaeze Udensi and Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe are both Zenith Bank products. Without doubt, Zenith Bank has been a veritable breeding ground for professional bankers. There have been a good number of women that have excelled in the bank right from the time of the almighty Tina Vukor Quashie, reputed for her service excellence crusade to the ebullient Joy Nweke, the philosophical Adaobi Nwapa, the resilient Nonye Ayeni, the meticulous Oby Ibekwe and others. But, while all these amazons have their distinct unique attributes, I must state without prejudice that Adaora is in a class of her own. Her records and accomplishments in the bank are nonpareil. Adaora is the lady with the Midas touch; with intimidating academic credentials, enviable track record of achievement and pleasant personality trait.

In all, I give kudos to Jim Ovia whose business model I have always admired for giving Zenith Bank a firm footing by establishing a culture of merit and excellence in the bank and for always rewarding hard work and professionalism, a factor that has placed the bank at the avant-garde of the Nigerian financial sector.

Gozie Irogboli,
An economist, a banker, novelist and public policy analyst
(goziei@yahoo.com)

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Edo 2024: Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu ‘show of power’ over APC guber candidates

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By Ehichioya Ezomon

A tell-tale photograph from the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja showed Senator and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), beaming, and hugging the party candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo (APC, Edo Central), for accepting to run with Rep. Dennis Idahosa (APC, Ovia Federal Constituency).
Self-assured Oshiomhole’s elated because he’s somewhat regained his mojo that’s lost over the scheming for the APC flagbearer – which he’d primed for Idahosa, but clinched by Okpebholo through the backing of two-time governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. And he’s certainly losing out again to Ize-Iyamu in the running mate slot until President Bola Tinubu intervened to save him on his Edo State political turf.
But that photograph got X (formerly Twitter) users engaged on March 18, with a tweep pointing to Okpebholo’s awkward facial expression, as APC’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, presented Idahosa as Okpebholo’s running mate. “The look on the face of the governorship candidate says it all,” the tweep notes.
To which another replies: “Because Idahosa is not his choice. He’s imposed on him by the triumvirate of President Tinubu, Sen. Oshiomhole and APC Chairman Ganduje. Sen. Okpebholo’s choice is Ogbeide-Ihama of the PDP, backed by APC and PDP bigwigs in Edo South. We wait and see!”
A third poster warns: “False start! Rule n1 (no 1) in Naija politics; don’t ever have as your running mate a man who previously aspired for the same position you are contesting because he will never be loyal to you. When in office, he will scheme to actualise his ambition even if it means undermining your govt.”
  Yet, an ecstatic Oshiomhole wouldn’t allow social media comments to impeach his “success” at delivering Idahosa for the joint ticket of the APC for the September poll. So, he belatedly congratulated Okpebholo for his “well-deserved emergence” as the party flagbearer. His words: 
“Dear Senator Monday Okpebholo. I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved emergence as the flag bearer of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election. Your victory in the closely-contested primaries reflects the belief of our party members in your unwavering dedication and commitment to our party’s core values.
“As we embark on this crucial journey, I urge you to leave behind the intrigues of the primaries and extend a hand of fellowship to all those who contested with you for the ticket, as well as to all stakeholders of our party in the state. Together, we must forge a strong, united front that resonates with the electorate and secures victory in the governorship election on September 21, 2024.
“Your decision to choose Hon. Dennis Idahosa as your running mate, demonstrates great wisdom and foresight. Your joint ticket presents the people of Edo State with the best option to usher in a dynamic, progressive, and responsive government that aligns with the aspirations of our vibrant youth population.
“I am confident in your leadership abilities and believe that, with the support of all APC members across the state, we can restore Edo State to the path of progressive governance, sustainable socio economic growth and political inclusion in all its ramifications.
“Congratulations once again, as I eagerly anticipate our collective efforts towards achieving victory in the upcoming election. Yours in the struggle for the rebirth of a greater Edo State that works for all.”
  As first reported by GWG.NG on March 18, it took Oshiomhole one full month (from February 17 to March 18) to congratulate Okpebholo for securing the APC ticket, defeating Idahosa, who Oshiomhole wanted to railroad in as the candidate for September 21. 
Maybe Oshiomhole wouldn’t have congratulated Okpebholo if he didn’t yield to President Tinubu’s plea to accept Idahosa as his running mate, and shelve his preference for former Rep. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, whom Okpebholo had introduced a few days earlier as his running mate, thus sending Oshiomhole into overdrive, as the “coup” was hatched and executed by the Ize-Iyamu camp of the Edo APC.
The harder part for Oshiomhole, going forward, is to justify the inclusion of Idahosa in the APC ticket. He can achieve that by dropping his hubris of “dominating Edo State politics.” Granted Oshiomhole can influence block votes from his homestead of Edo North, but the primary has discernablly shown that he needs more votes from Edo South and Edo Central, from where Ize-Iyamu and his coalition mustered the votes for Okpebholo’s victory.
Oshiomhole’s Tinubu to thank for interceding on his behalf, as Okpebholo – backed by Ize-Iyamu, who shelved his long governorship ambition “for unity of the party” – would’ve paired Ogbeide-Ihama, who’d the support of most APC aspirants, and chieftains of the PDP in Edo South, and probably the legacy faction of Edo PDP, headed by the Deputy Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party, Chief Dan Orbih.
There’re speculations that the Orbih faction across Edo State would “defect” to APC should the Ogbeide-Ihama gambit materialise. That can still happen if Oshiomhole plays his cards well and give the assurance to “dissatisfied” APC (and PDP) members that he’ll – or has actually – come down from his high horse on account of being a Governor, APC’s National Chairman, and a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 
Oshiomhole got to these positions with the help of party members – he now overlooks – from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the APC in Edo State. So, he should give these members their due recognition, and a say and a place in the campaign to deliver the APC and its candidates, as President Tinubu promised on March 18. 
Nothing else will suffice, particularly for Oshiomhole, who should strive to avoid a second consecutive defeat from his erstwhile political protégé-turned traducer, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who sponsors PDP’s candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, to succeed him in November 2024.
In his remarks at a gathering of party stalwarts during President Tinubu’s presentation of the APC flag to Okpebholo and Idahosa at the State House, Abuja, on March 18, APC’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, stressed the unity of purpose within the party toward achieving poll victory, saying, “Our candidate is soft-spoken, focused, and an achiever. He is a product that is highly marketable, and I am confident that with him as our flag bearer, we will bring Edo back to our party.”
Tinubu also sounded upbeat about the APC winning the governorship, and declared: “Distinguished senator and our flag bearer, we are putting you forward in order to hold the party in trust for us and achieve victory for us. You and your running mate have been described as ‘giant killers,’ and you have worked tirelessly with the party leadership.
“We are going to work with you. We are going to stand with you like the wall (Rock) of Gibraltar. That is all I can assure you. The party is supreme but victory is superior and very important.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) first reported the story.
As he invited the Edo APC Woman Leader, Lady Betty Okoebor, to speak on the party’s readiness for the election, the president noted the role of women in electoral contest, saying, “If the women say we are going to win, then we are good to go because they constitute the largest number of voters and the most dedicated,” even as he commended the Ganduje-led APC leadership, the Edo chapter of the party, “for their efforts toward the success of the candidates and the party,” and particularly Oshiomhole, “for his exemplary leadership.”
And there lies the problem of the APC in Edo State ahead of the poll. As first reported by The Nation, Tinubu’s flag presentation followed a March 17 prolonged meeting by stakeholders from Edo, the party leadership and Vice President Kashim Shettima. 
This comes on the back of Oshiomhole’s antics to dictate the process and outcome of the primary on February 17 – which stretched into one week (February 17-23) – due to roadblocks he erected, in cahoots with the party leadership, including Ganduje and Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Sen. Hope Uzodimma.
Pre-primary, Oshiomhole flaunted his closeness to Tinubu, quoting the president as against zoning of the ticket to a particular senatorial district (Edo Central), and countered those – also referencing Tinubu’s “subtle support” for zoning the governorship – to show proof, even as he attempted to shoo-in Idahosa as his “anointed candidate.” But twice, Oshiomhole’s disproved carrying out Tinubu’s “wish, directive or body language.” 
In January, when the National Working Committee (NWC) wished a manageable size of aspirants for the governorship, Oshiomhole, as APC’s leader in Edo, named a “primary election screening committee,” which reduced the number of aspirants from 29 to six. 
The agenda of the “illegal committee” was to enable Oshiomhole rubberstamp Idahosa as his “anointed candidate,” and weed out “formidable aspirants,” such as Ize-Iyamu, who Oshiomhole campaigned against in 2016, as he projected his then godson, Mr Obaseki, but ironically campaigned for in 2020, as he fell out with Obaseki.
Following protests by the 23 or more “disqualified” aspirants, the APC NWC disclaimed the “Oshiomhole committee,” and stated it’s the sole authority to screen the aspirants – 12 of whom it cleared for meeting the primary requirements, and fixed February 17 for a direct primary.
Despite the NWC rebuff, Oshiomhole put into action his “Plan B” to ensure Idahosa’s candidacy. He reportedly procured the services of Sen. Uzodimma, chairman of the APC Edo Governorship Primary Election Committee, who declared Idahosa as winner of the primary even as votes from only eight of the 18 local government areas had been collated, and Okpebholo won handily in six of them. The Chief Returning Officer for the primary, Dr Stanley Ugboajah, eventually declared Okpebholo as the “authentic” winner of the poll. 
As local government returning officers on February 18 also declared Hon. Anamero Dekeri (APC, Etsako Federal Constituency), as the “primary winner,” there’s chaos in the Edo chapter of the APC, and at its Abuja national headquarters, where Ganduje had hurriedly “congratulated” Idahosa on February 17 without waiting for completion of the primary. 
It took Tinubu’s intervention for the NWC to suspend the primary, and fix February 22 for its completion under Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who’s initially Uzodimma’s deputy. Sen. Otu finally announced the results on February 23, with Okpebholo returned as the duly elected governorship candidate, beating Idahosa to the second position.
Idahosa rejected the declaration, and vowed legal action should his appeal for remedy fail at the APC appeals committee, which dismissed his petition, and upheld Okpebholo’s plea, with the NWC issuing him a Certificate of Return and President Tinubu presenting him the party flag on March 18. 
But not before Oshiomhole played his last card! He withheld recognising Okpebholo as the APC candidate, and implored (“blackmailed”) Tinubu to enjoin Okpebholo to accept Idahosa as running mate, which the president obliged “to save Oshiomhole from failing the third time to push Idahosa’s candidacy.” This is hoping that Oshiomhole’s learned some lessons in “realpolitik” in Edo State!

Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria

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Murder of 16 soldiers: Ex warlords, others urge Tinubu to act fast

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***Finger Tompolo, others in crisis

As Nigerians continue to grapple with the shock over the murder of some military personnel in Okuama community in Delta state, Ex-Niger Delta Warlords have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly take steps to prevent a major crisis brewing in the region.

16 Military personnel including a commanding Officer, two
Majors and one captain with 12 soldiers were murdered
by suspected youths of Okuama community while the soldiers were said to be on a peace mission.

In a statement signed by the Ex- warlords including General Ebi Gold, General Lastborn Ogidi,
General Akpala Odidi, General Freeborn Teacher Owei and
General Sunday Fullpower, the former militants attributed the current unrest in the area to clash of interest amonsgt stakeholders.

The ex – warlord told the side of the story as related by by eye witnesses and residents of the area.

“They said it came as a surprise when after being well received and
entertained, the Military visitors insisted on going with three of the community leaders. The community resisted, reasoning that there was no basis for such and all hell broke loose as the soldiers reportedly opened fire on the community killing several people and injuring so many. Reports say that the soldiers left and returned with reinforcement.

“Other sources say that the soldiers who came were ambushed on the river while returning after the attack on villagers of Okuama, by unknown persons who they said came in about 9 gunboats and the corpses of the Military personnel were recovered in faraway Forcados.

” The genesis of the current crisis was when the former NIMASA DG, Patrick Akpoboloukaimi went to see former Militant leader and now Security consultant to the Federal Government, Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo and on his way back to his village, Okoloba in Delta state, raised an alarm that he saw a speedboat trailing him.

“He was said to have alerted security forces that were with him who purportedly apprehended the said boat containing six persons including the youth leader of Okuama Community; a rival community to Okoloba, who were also heading towards their village and all were killed. This was said to have led to retaliation by the youths of Okuama community who also sought and killed the youth leader of former DG NIMASA’s village, Okoloba.

The ex-warlords warned that the situation might deteriorate into a major crisis if not properly handled.

They called on the Federal Government to also look into the role Tompolo is playing in the entire crisis

“it has been noticed that in the wake of the Delta
crisis still ongoing, he (Tompolo) clearly has extended the war to Bayelsa community Egbomotoru.

“Tompolo’s Tantita security has led attacks and raids with Soldiers into Bayelsa communities under the excuse that General Endurance popularly known as Amagbein, has a hand in the ongoing crisis in
Delta State.

“As it currently stands, over 80 people had been killed, burnt and thrown into the sea to avoid detection and have also initiated a complete media blackout
on the development as at the Morning of 17th March 2024 in Egbomotoru, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“Reliable sources say that there had been over eight (8) attempts before now, with gunboats, houseboats and Tantita Security and Military men to attack Egbomotoru, Amagbein’s village in a bid to subdue and coerce him as he is
seen as a major threat and a force in the region that is seen to be challenging their stake. Amagbein who is said to have become a repentant bunkerer has reportedly resisted being lured into war with the military in order to avoid
being framed as the aggressor.

“Fallout between Tantita boss, Tompolo and his former ally, Amagbein started when the ex-militant refused to be dragged into working for APC Gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa state, former Governor Timipre Silva and
his running mate, Joshua Maciver who is also an ex militant and the
coordinator of Tantita Bayelsa.

“Another reason for the attacks on Amagbein is said to be his resistance to the monopolization of the Pipeline Security Surveillance contract by Tantita with
Amagbein insisting that it should be shared amongst the various State leaders.

“For this and other reasons as stated above, Amagbein was reportedly denied his wages to the tune of 1.25b and has been threatened and harassed severely for not succumbing to the pressures”

Citing these instances, the Ex-warlords maintained that there is a political undertone to the incidents in the Niger Delta which they describbed as victimization and intimidation.

“This needs to be thoroughly checked within the next 48 hours and the truth unveiled to avoid total breakdown of law and order”

While sympathizing with the soldiers that lost their lives, they asked the Federal
Government to institute an investigation into the issues surrounding the crisis.

They urge the Federal Government under president Tinubu to quickly
and decisively arrest the situation to avoid a full blown war in the Niger Delta
region.

Speaking on the issue a community leader who pleaded anonymity rather asked some rhetorical questions: “why is Tompolo now the commander in chief of the Niger Delta? Why was his company, Tantita boat the one being used by the military in the place ? Is Okuama now oil producing community? Is there pipeline in Okuama? ”

“Why will Tompolos Tantita be used against the Okuama people? The former DG of Nimasa is from okoloba the opposing community in this crises and one of the closest allies to Tompolo who made him DG Nimasa so during Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure. It’s Tompolo using the military and Tantita to fight the Urhobos ? We all know there is no oil in the community so what’s the role of Tompolo’s Tantita in all this?” He queried.

“What are Tantita boats and foot soldiers fighting for in Okuama by leading the security with so many boats used for the operations. Don’t forget that the Okuama people are fully Urhobos while Tantita is predominantly Ijaw youths”

The Ex warlords also called for a probe into the role of Patrick Akpobolokemi in the entire saga.

Akpobolokemi is a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA).

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