* Aiyedatiwa not doing enough unite party

By Dayo Johnson

Kolade Victor Akinjo was a member of the 8th and 9th House of Representatives representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Constituency, Ondo State, from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Personal Assistant between 2006 and 2007, and later as Special Assistant to the President on Student and Youth Affairs. In this interview, he speaks on the crisis in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo state, the last NASS primaries, the NWC’s decision to overrule outcomes, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s performance, the reconciliation committee, the alleged frosty relationship between the governor and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the proliferation of support groups in the state among others.

There is a major crisis within the APC in Ondo State. How do you intend to settle this before the general election?

It is a bit of a complex question, and sometimes difficult to unravel. But the reality is that the APC remains a strong political family in Nigeria. The party is led nationally by President Bola Tinubu, who has displayed extraordinary dexterity in management and administration, and remarkable leadership, capacity and inclusiveness.

By the organogram of people working with him across party lines, and the number of people he has brought into the party across Nigeria, the party today is a party of anyone’s dream. At the national level, the party is united and positioned to win elections.

Do we have that manifesting in the state under the governor, who is supposed to be the representative of Mr. President and the party? Absolutely no. The Governor is supposed to be seen as a governor of all interests. That is what democracy is about. At the state level, that level of inclusiveness and political management is not being replicated. A governor, as the party leader in the state, is expected to be relatable, accessible, inclusive and fair to all stakeholders.

Unfortunately, many party members feel excluded. There are complaints about lack of consultation, inadequate patronage, disregard for established party structures, and failure to accommodate those who contributed to the party’s success.

From what happened during the primaries, it is evident that not everyone is happy. While I believe there are mechanisms for reconciliation, I can say there is a state of political entropy within the APC in Ondo State. The governor has not demonstrated sufficient capacity to unite all interests within the party. Sincerely, I think there is a state of catastrophe in Ondo State because the leader of the party in the state has not demonstrated enough competence and capacity to unite everybody.

What implications could this have for the 2027 elections?

There is no doubt that everybody is concerned that Mr. President should return to power to continue with his infrastructural revolution. Nobody is weary. Nobody is too weak to the extent that the President should not return. The party is strong. The party is energized to return the President to power.

Everybody is working for the President. The APC remains strong, and members are committed to ensuring the President returns to office to continue his developmental and infrastructure agenda.

In the spirit of democracy, everybody will find a way to unite. Again, you don’t want another party to take over government. But it is also good for people to know that these issues exist and we must find ways to reconcile them. Leadership in a democracy requires inclusiveness and participation, not unilateral decision-making.

The political system does not make you a lord over anybody. It makes it participatory. Nobody is going to benefit from all these issues because there is no opposition in the state. There is no strong ADC, there is no PDP again. It is just one or two internal commotions and all these issues will be resolved.

The governor has set up a reconciliation committee headed by Prince Biyi Poroye. What is your assessment of the committee?

Biyi Poroye is a smart guy, a fantastic guy, a political enigma. I have respect for him. I also hope that the Governor allows him to work dexterously in that position. I hope he is granted the authority to carry out his duties as OSOPADEC chairman.

Reconciliation itself is a process, and it is usually unending. He knows what to do, and he is already taking responsibility. I saw him meet the governor. I am sure he is going to meet the minister and some other people. His body language speaks about reconciliation. But reconciliation must be genuine and go to the root. You need to look at why people are angry. There is no patronage, no respect. There is information that all of us who were former political office holders are expired and we will be driven away from the state. All this information is scary.

Even the commissioners — are they happy? Many of them have offices without remuneration, and they are not allowed to function independently. Time is running. The reconciliation is supposed to be spiritual. People are unhappy because somebody is making them unhappy. Whoever is making them unhappy, they should talk to that person.

The President of the country is making us happy by the quantum of resources flowing to the state. The Minister of the Federal Republic is making us happy. He is giving food to the needy, reading glasses to the people and empowering party members. If our brother has resources, he should make us happy and happier.

Are you not afraid that the frosty relationship between Bunmi Tunji-Ojo and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa may affect the chances of Tinubu and other APC candidates?

What was the relationship between Bunmi Tunji-Ojo and the governor before he became governor, when he was deputy governor, when he was acting? If that relationship did not affect the APC then, and it was what made the APC strong and supported the governor to be in government, they should return to that time.

Everything happening here is orchestrated by unnecessary rivalry, particularly from the governor. This governor has enjoyed all our political loyalties. All of us invested, including Bunmi Tunji-Ojo himself.

What is the benefit of his investment in supporting him to be governor? All of us are political animals, and we have a responsibility to stabilize the party at the state level and give the President an unprecedented victory. But in trying to do this, are we supposed to keep quiet when things are not done properly? I don’t think we are helping this party if we don’t talk.

There is no opposition in the state now. The only opposition will be within the party, and we need to manage it. The governor must understand the gravity of what is in his hands. You cannot place an egg in your hand and be looking for another crisis.

Some people believe the crisis is a result of Tunji-Ojo’s ambition to succeed Governor Aiyedatiwa. Do you share this view?

Is the governor having any ambition by reason of Section 182(3)? The governor is encumbered by Section 182(3) of the Constitution. No Supreme Court magic can refine that.Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is not someone who will not calculate his steps. People are reading meanings into his agenda because of his magnanimity and humanity. When you ask for one naira, he can give you two naira. People are beginning to look at it.

But that should not be the reason for unnecessary rivalry. You are already a governor. You are not going to be governor forever. Your job is to democratize, relate, and rule in the best interest of our people.

What is your position on the controversies surrounding APC primaries and the decisions of the National Working Committee, NWC?

Political parties have the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs. If the party conducts a primary and later takes a decision regarding that process, members should respect it.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that internal party affairs are within the jurisdiction of political parties. Therefore, I support the decisions taken by the APC leadership.

What advice do you have for party members challenging the NWC’s decisions in court?

There is nothing they are going to achieve. As a lawyer, you want to believe in fairness, but I don’t see that happening. They should have embraced the reconciliation the committee is trying to do instead of prolonged litigation. Resources being spent on legal battles could be better utilized to support the people — flood victims, education, security, economic growth and community development. Political disputes should not distract us from these priorities.

 What is your assessment of the economy and security situation in Nigeria?

There is no doubt that Nigerians have faced economic hardship. However, many respected economists, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have acknowledged that the economy is becoming more stable. Economic stability is the first step toward growth.

President Tinubu’s reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and efforts to stabilize the foreign exchange market, have laid a foundation for long-term growth. The team managing the economy is working to improve conditions further.

In Ondo State, increased federal allocations should be translated into tangible development — infrastructure, industrialization, economic zones, and policies that put more money in the hands of ordinary people. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a significant legacy project that will boost economic activities. We expect the state government to leverage such opportunities. 

By Soni Daniel

SOMETHING positive appears to be stirring in Benue State.

For a state long associated with insecurity, deaths, abandoned infrastructure and economic hardship, a new narrative of roads, bridges, industries and improved healthcare is beginning to emerge, with residents expressing renewed optimism over the direction of the state.

Across communities visited recently, one phrase has become almost a refrain:  “Our Governor is working.”  And, almost immediately, another line follows:  “Our President is working.”

The refrain, according to observations across the state, reflects growing public attention to projects being executed by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.

The emerging development story is being driven largely by what officials describe as stronger cooperation between the state and federal governments.

From the Wurukum flyover and Makurdi underpass to the Oju-Awajir Road, Buruku Bridge, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-Enugu highway, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, and industrial projects, the administration appears determined to change the state’s infrastructure and economic landscape.

Indeed, the work of the governor and the president are vivid. This new slate of performance in the different strata of the state’s life, has opened what looks like a new way for the citizens to feel good. For instance, broken bridges are being rebuilt, agelong abandoned factories brimming with life again while new factories that provide enormous employment opportunities are churning out precious goods and services. All these have happened because of the new thinking that Governor Alia has brought to the state since he was elected over three years ago. The governor is happy to have done these things because of the unprecedented, active and sustained increased financial support he is getting from the Tinubu administration.

Projects changing Makurdi

In Makurdi, the state capital, the high-level underpass and the monumental Wurukum flyover have become major symbols of the administration’s urban renewal drive.

The projects are expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and reduce the difficulties residents have endured for years.

Beyond aesthetics, the projects are strategic because they intersect with major federal highways, linking communities within the state to other parts of the country.

The Oju-Awajir Road is another major intervention. The road has opened access to communities in Gwer East, Konshisha and Oju Local Government Areas, removing what residents describe as a longstanding barrier to movement and economic activities.

N20bn hospital investment

The health sector is also receiving attention.

The state government says it has invested more than  N20 billion  in the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, which has begun offering specialised medical services and attracting patients from within and outside the state.

The Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, Dr Stephen Terungwa Hwande, said the hospital now has some of the best facilities in Nigeria.

Hwande praised Alia for putting the hospital on the global map through the provision of high-tech equipment designed to improve medical services and productivity.

The government is also investing in the regeneration of the Otobi Water Treatment Plant in Otukpo to expand access to clean water.

Buruku Bridge: A lifeline for farmers

Perhaps one of the most significant Federal Government projects in the state is the Buruku Bridge across the Katsina-Ala River.

The bridge is expected to connect Katsina-Ala with yam-producing communities in Buruku, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas and parts of Taraba State.

For years, the absence of a permanent bridge across the river has restricted movement and commerce, with farmers and traders forced to depend on boats to cross the river.

The project, now nearing completion, is therefore being seen as more than a transportation infrastructure. It could become a major economic lifeline for one of Nigeria’s leading food-producing regions.

Major foundations and supporting beams have been completed, while final bridge structures are being assembled.

258km highway takes shape

The Federal Government is also constructing and dualising the  258-kilometre Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-Enugu Highway, one of the country’s key transportation corridors.

The highway is expected to strengthen the connection between northern agricultural communities and southern commercial centres.

Funding is being provided by the China Exim Bank and the Nigerian government.

The Benue State Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Mukaila Danladi, said the project, which commenced in 2023, is expected to be completed and handed over in December 2027.

According to him, funding is proceeding smoothly through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.

Alia takes industrialisation route

Beyond roads and bridges, Governor Alia appears to be pursuing an industrialisation agenda aimed at creating jobs and expanding the state’s economic base.

The administration has facilitated the establishment of the Food Basket Brewery, which is producing beer and malt drinks.

It is also working to revive the moribund Taraku Mill, a major industrial establishment that once played a significant role in Benue’s economy.

Alia said he had secured a partnership arrangement to revive the soybean-processing giant and return it to productive use.

The facility also includes a fruit concentrate plant expected to commence operations soon.

For a state whose greatest economic asset remains agriculture, the revival of agro-based industries could provide an important link between farming, processing, employment and commerce.

‘We have to set our priorities right’

Alia, while expressing satisfaction with the progress made by his administration, acknowledged that much more remained to be done.

The governor said he was prepared to deepen partnerships with investors to industrialise the state, create jobs and reduce unemployment.

“We have to set our priorities right and come out with a blueprint that is implementable to add value to the people we serve,” he said.

Deputy Governor Sam Ode commended Alia for expanding infrastructure and improving urban and rural development, saying the projects were giving the people a new lease of life.

He also praised the governor’s management of resources, which, he said, had enabled the administration to undertake several projects simultaneously.

Onanuga: Borrowing is justified when…

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, who led a Federal Government delegation to the state, defended borrowing to finance critical infrastructure.

According to him, what matters is not merely borrowing but what the borrowed funds are used for.

“As Nigerians, we see that the government has been accused of borrowing money. But we can also see where the money is going: to develop infrastructure, link people who had been forgotten, ensure commerce flows freely and enable farmers to move their produce straight to the markets,” Onanuga said.

He maintained that the funds were not disappearing into “invisible accounts”, but were being converted into roads, bridges and other infrastructure capable of stimulating commerce, connecting isolated communities and improving the quality of life.

2027 political implications

The emerging partnership between the Alia administration and the Tinubu government also has a political dimension ahead of the 2027 elections.

The visible cooperation between Abuja and Makurdi is already being projected as a model of what can be achieved when federal and state governments work together rather than engage in political rivalry.

If the projects continue to progress and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of residents, the development could influence public perception of both administrations as the 2027 elections approach.

For now, however, the immediate story in Benue is about a state where roads are being opened, bridges constructed, industries revived and healthcare infrastructure upgraded. Whether the emerging optimism will translate into political dividends in 2027 remains a question for the electorate.

By Dickson Omobola

National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday said President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 general elections before 4 pm if the poll were credible, free and fair.

Baba-Ahmed described the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a monster eating itself up, saying that despite controlling the National Assembly and having 31 state governors, the President remained uneasy because Nigeria had become worse under his leadership.

He spoke on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he said Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election had demonstrated that the APC could be defeated at the polls.

He said: “I saw the now sworn-in Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State speak in a very confident, very comfortable manner. APC was trounced in Osun. We didn’t even see a coalition or collaboration or a gang-up against the APC. Parties all competed against one another. Yet, APC was defeated. We have even heard stories that there was a deal between President Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke. But we don’t believe that. We believe that the ruling party, Accord Party, defeated APC comprehensively. There’s no reason why this cannot repeat itself at a national level.

“APC is not a party. It is a monster eating itself up and eating everybody up. You have a party that has a president who is quite possibly the most powerful president, who has either given himself or been given by the people around him the most awesome powers to do anything he wants. You have a president who believes he must have all the power around him. He appears to have garnered the support of 31 governors and quite possibly about 75 per cent of the National Assembly, yet he’s still uncomfortable. It’s politically monstrous.

“If it’s a credible, free and fair election, I assure you, Tinubu will lose. I won’t say before 12 noon. Maybe before 4 pm. Nobody should praise INEC until it can actually conduct an election in which the President is a contestant. I hope the election will be credible, free and fair. If it’s not, I foresee a very serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”