Thursday, 9 February 2012
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Why Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan May Go
By Fidel Otuya
If there is anything peculiar about Delta State since 2007, it is the fact - and a dangerous one - that governance had been made to look too easy in the hands of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
It is not hard to discern why this had been the case. In 1999, a certain enigma from Oghara took the entire state like a Hollywood star, and ran the state for eight years during which time governance and politics were elevated to a cult level. The state knew no other leader than James Ibori who made friends as he built a political fortress that like a folk hero was loved and feared by many with intense passion. He re-defined power and democracy as an instrument of public seduction. His swagger earned him the opprobrium of a political iconoclast. He fashioned his image to that of a conqueror. No one else mattered, but him. He exhibited sobriety when the mass of the people showed disbelief and frustration and where power was everything. It was not because he shared in the mortal quietude of his audience, but because he wanted to ensure that like the fascist Italian fascist, Benito Mussolini, the people not only adored him, but feared his being. He is the start of history and that is the image he seemed to exude wherever he went.
And when that happened, he ensured that only his nominee succeeded him in office in 2007. The process was a road to political anarchy in Delta state. Candidates in the nomination process were hounded out of the contest for power. The space for the transfer of power was closed in order to pave the way for just one man, the incumbent governor and much to the chagrin of the teeming majority of the citizens. It was the era when people’s vote did not count. It was an era when results were written in the homes of political war lords, and even sadder, when results were announced before the actual votes is cast. However, events appear to have altered the course of the political trajectory in the oil rich state, but where the wealth from oil can hardly be seen in the lives of the people. Analysts contend that the current government under Emmanuel Uduaghan might have received over 600 billion naira in oil revenues from the federation account via statutory allocations from the federation account, excess crude remittances, ecological funds, derivation proceeds and value added taxes, but the state cannot boast meaningful investment that could assist reduce mass poverty and youth unemployment.
In deed, the last World Bank report cited Delta state (34th) along with Imo state (35th) as the states in the country most difficult to do business. Such rating underscores why Delta state is massively impoverished, underdeveloped and poverty-stricken in the hands of a very corrupt government. A cursory assessment of the government’s advertised three-prong programme of peace and security, human capital development, infrastructure and development, only leaves the mind even more dumbfounded. Visit the state’s website, and the visuals that greet you only exacerbates the anger of any intelligent as the government flashes a group of armed mobile police men, some secondary school children and a stretch of street lights as showcase of the advertised programmes of achievement. The current government presides over poverty intervention agencies like the Delta state economic and development commission, with an ugly acronym, DESOPADEC, where billions of development funds are frittered away through massively inflated phantom projects, and each them the sleaze become public the governor never fired one errant staff. The governor does not know the number of workers in the public service, nor does he know how to plug the leakages therein. A leader should show anger when state officials act against their oath of office. The governor of Edo state fired two of his commissioners in July 2010 for attempting to conceal the actual status of certain engineering projects in the state. In firing the commissioners, the governor declared that “what informs us to hire, also informs us to fire.”
Uduaghan is known to cover up the cancerous corruption at DESOPADEC, only able to display pretentious anger, when he is actually the engine room of the Delta state’s ring of corruption. Leadership is about dreams and visions that are translated into set tasks. Those tasks are outlined in either a short term, or long term intended programmes or projects. To plan for state institution couldn’t be different from the way projects are designed in the private sector since there are no separate project modules for the public or private sector. From good governance, investment and human capital, economic development and infrastructure, to citizenship right (a social policy affirmation), administrative control and fiscal discipline, accountability and youth empowerment, the Uduaghan’s administration is a failed entity. In normal circumstances, student that fails in a continuous assessment programme is offered a re-sit option, but not in the leadership programme where you either perform, or quit. In a corporate environment, a CEO with such dismal performance after three years can only pass for dismissal by the company’s shareholders. The day of reckoning is lurking. And politicians, particularly the incumbents across the country are jittery about the prospects of re-election, or rejection.
At present, Delta state is at a cross road, and so is the burden that the incumbent governor shoulders. With intense politicking for party’s nomination, these may not be the best of times for Uduaghan, no thanks to the massive support Barrister Ovie Omo-Agege, former secretary to Delta state in the Ibori government is receiving among party faithful and non-party enthusiasts who believe that Delta state deserves a change in leadership and direction. The battle seems not only about accountability, a missing ingredient of good governance in Asaba at the moment, but also ideological. One is not sure how the mind of the governor works. What things does he think about? Is it about how to better the lots of Delta citizens, or do things the same old ways while actually doing nothing since the system works solely for him and his cohorts. Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus in Leaders, The Strategies for Taking Charge, Harper & Row, says that, “Thinking prepares one for what is to be done, what ought to be done. It challenges old conventions by suggesting new directions, new visions. To depend on facts, without thinking, may seem safe and secure, but in the long run it is dangerously unconstructive because it has nothing to say about directions”.
This is a state so rich in human and natural resources, and yet subdued in the hands of a rampaging corrupt regime whose creeds are power, greed and intimidation. When the governor talks about taking Delta state to the “next level,” one is jolted to ponder what this “level” actually represents. Is it more of the same old ways that the people now reject, or further corruption, abandoned projects, capital flights and youth unemployment? The people are crying for change, and many in the party and outside are prepared to put their trust elsewhere. They contend that it is only Omo-Agege that can give Uduaghan good run for his money; after all they are both offspring of the Ibori's dynasty. So, rather indulge in name calling, Uduaghan should stand up to the issues that voters would want to hear. The electorate want to hear about food, shelter, security, health care, education and physical infrastructure. As the campaigns for party's nomination hot up, the already charged public would begin to scrutinize the moral and leadership competence of both candidates.
Former governor, Ibori, currently languishing in Dubai prison on account of stealing millions of dollars of Delta State’s funds which the UK authorities would like to question him would wish he was around to steal victory for his cousin. But time and circumstances have dealt a mortal blow to whatever the permutations of Ibori and Uduaghan would have been, for as the saying goes, human beings propose, but God disposes. Ibori’s concept of power fitted into Mussolini’s idea of fascism as he mopped up the wealth of the state into personal estate. “Fascism” the former Italian dictator fantasized, “should rightly be called Corporatism, as it is the merger of corporate and government power.”
Where Ibori left the ship, Uduaghan took the sail and navigated it into a leadership iceberg that he alone can volunteer reasons why and how he chose that route. Uduaghan’s adventure for second term seems up in flames, but he is fighting a titanic battle of his life. In fact, there can never be another battle like this one in his entire life remaining. His enemies are legion, and the rage comes from all angles. He is not relenting, throwing all the cash he can get, in fact, governance has since ended in the state as he mops the state’s resources to fight the battle of re-election. He seems to have been the biggest architect of his travails. The manner Ibori smuggled him (Uduaghan) into the government house angers most citizens of the state who still question how he seized the centre stage of the political process in the state. Uduaghan is also accused as part of the inglorious years of the Ibori’s infamy and looting of the treasury of the state. More to the anger of even members of the party is the accusation that the governor does not distribute the booty of power. Yet, some analysts who worked for Uduaghan in the immediate past recount their frustrations as they accuse the governor of using poverty as weapon of psychological torture to cripple his opponents. Most of them have vowed to work for the opposition.
Uduaghan’s leadership skills and style in governance remain an interesting curiosity for students of leadership and good governance, not so much about what he does, but how he did them. He dreams, but lacks vision. He purports to work, but he trivializes governance as tool for motivational nuisance. He admires followers as basis for loyalty, but lacks how to lead. This is a guy that smiles sheepishly, while in fact taking the people for mugu. And that makes him a perfect con man. Now, Delta people appear to be asking themselves whether they had made the right judgment by entrusting their destiny into what had become the unsafe hands of a governor that lacks the capacity to protect their future. Uduaghan neither designs, nor invents the future because he lacks the visionary capacity. And so, he panders today and ruins the future.
The opposition in the state are gratified that President Goodluck Jonathan wants to enforce one man, one vote as a new electoral order. They believe that the PDP chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo is sincere when he pledged internal party reforms that guarantees open and free contest for power. They also expect that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Attahiru Jega would keep to his promise to conduct credible election, and for that to happen, INEC must itself be credible in its conduct. There is no doubt that not only the candidates for elective offices expect to see a new environment where they could freely seek party nominations, but the citizens who also expect that their votes would not be stolen. This is what makes Delta state a Nollywood clip to watch.
As politicians crisscross the land, the citizens believe that they can have one unique chance to direct their future. They are waiting for the aspirants to come out with their programmes. They are waiting for the political parties to unveil their manifestoes, but as analysts contend, the differences in manifestoes are not that clear. As economic hardship and illiteracy wreak havoc on the land, personal integrity, vision, trust, blueprint for a new direction and disenchantment or content with the status quo might well be the driving considerations for voters’ behaviour in next year’s general elections.
Fidel Otuya.
August 2010
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forget omo-agege!
Submitted by nkonye (not verified) on September 13, 2010 - 00:06.
am happy d comments i wld av made wr already written by smart guys... fidel otuya probably woke up 4m a very heavy slumber to write his report. omo-agege shld wait after delta north ie 2023!!!!!! moreover, is he not best of pals wit ibori? he also partook in looting d state 4m '99-'07. why is he in a hurry???? he shld go into biz or practice, keep busy........
Anioma's Turn
Submitted by Mike Milton (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 21:42.
Is Delta made for the Urhobos.we in Delta North are tired of Ibori and Uduaghan's antics and we are saying NO to both Uduaghan and Omo-Agege.This shows that there is trouble in the Ibori's evil dynasty.the present Governor is corruption personified including Omo-Agege.They have stole Delta blind.Omo-Agege who can't pay his bills while living in America is now a proud owner of houses in Washington Dc potomac river ,Abuja and London.They want to continue Ibori's evil legacy in Delta.People who say Uduaghan has performed should point out what's on ground that he has done with over 600billion.Except the visible generators on Asaba Benin road which powers the street light and mrs Alero uduaghan is the supplier of the diesel powering those Generators to the tune of millons of naira.It is unfortunate that Godswill Obielum the rightful man who would have occupied the place is now dinnig with them.If u can't beat them,join them.We need credible son of Anioma to come out now to thwart this useless cult oriented politicians in delta state.Your secret society formula is not going to work.God will raise a good man for Delta.The Okochas and Oditas.Please come out now.Don't leave Delta to Ogoni people to be manipulating our collective destiny.As for the writer,it is just a mater of semantics.no way for Omo-Agege.Enough of stealing our money.Street barber wants to be governor too.what a shame.Urhobo wayo
FIDEL THANK YOU FOR YOUR
Submitted by JIMMY IWEALA (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 20:52.
FIDEL THANK YOU FOR YOUR WRITE-UP. BUT NEVER IMAGINE THAT OVIE OMO-AGEGE WILL RULE DELTA STATE. HE IS ANOTHER ROGUE OF THE ORDER OF IBORI.
WITH ONE MAN ONE VOTE, WE FORBID THE PDP IN DELTA STATE. INFACT DELTANS WOULD RATHER VOTE IN AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE THAN HAVE A PDP PERSON.
MAY BE OMO-AGEGE THINKS THAT HE WOULD USE HIS SISTER WHO IS IN INEC TO RIG THIS TIME. THEIR CUP GO FULL!
AS FOR UDUAGHAN, LET HIM TELL US THE COST OF THE STREET LIGHTS IN DELTA STATE, THE TOYOTA BUSES, COROLLA, DELSUTH AND UNCOMPLETED AIRPORT?
OLE!
One day Delta State shall be
Submitted by Davazu1 (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 20:43.
One day Delta State shall be free from Iboris. But over their dead bodies. Either in prison or dead!
This piece is a crap at best
Submitted by Pathfinder (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 20:16.
This piece is a crap at best
uduaghan na common thief
Submitted by ajakah (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 20:02.
I PITY UDUAGHAN,LIKE D PROVERBIAL RAT,HIS PEDIGREE IS STEEP IN STEALING N FRAUD,A SON OF CORRUPT POLICEMAN,HE WAS BROUGHT IN D TRADITION OF CORRUPTION,LITTLE WONDERS DAT HE HAS CONVERTED DELTA STATE TREASURY INTO PRIVATE ESTATE BT HE IS SURELY FOR JAIL.UDUAGHAN OLE THIEF
Igbini and Etuwewe's imbecilic traits
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 19:35.
Honestly, I do think Comrade Igbini Dafe has lost complete bearing with the comradeship struggle. He has gradually warmed himself to become an Ibori apologist. My broda do not allow the present poverty becloud your sense of reasoning, please I beg you very seriously. Rise above the mediocrity and imbecilic manifestations demonstrated by the Igbakpas, Etuwewes and the pro Uduaghan campaign. You know the state hospitals have been on strike for over a month and people are dying daily for this reason.
Thank you SR for this type of write up that really tell the truth of the BONDAGE and CAPTIVITY the likes of IBORI and his evil cousin have taken Delta state. We know that deliverance by God has come, and they must be prepared to face the wrath of God by next year. Do not mind Igbini's outburst as this is orchestrated by the chronic poverty which has in real sense damaged his thinking ability.
I live and work in Delta state and can boldly tell you the article is the exact representation of the evil machinations of the Ibori dynasty. We do not even want Omo Agege too as he too lacks the vision and foresight required for stewardship.
Hog Wash
Submitted by Niger Deltean (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 16:37.
"They contend that it is only Omo-Agege that can give Uduaghan good run for his money; after all they are both offspring of the Ibori's dynasty."
That summarise it all. A young man who can build a over a 30bedroom mansion in his country home as a Secretary to the state government might increase it to 100 bedroom when he becomes the governor. Uduaghan whom you greatly despise and Ovie that you elugise doesn't stand a chance of getting close to government house Asaba in a free and fair election. They both know this as a fact.
Etuwewe, Prince
Submitted by truthmaster (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 14:53.
I forgot to say Etuwewe, Prince has wrote other idiotic comments previously on SR, NEXT and other free thinking web sites. The man is an example why the international community think Nigeria and Nigerians have no hope.
Etuwewe, Prince, the joker
Submitted by truthmaster (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 14:44.
Freedom of speech and expression is no excuse for stupidity. Delta people can not eternally be exploited by all and sundry. Its a shame that the likes of Etuwewe, Prince can continue to support the evil ilks that have destroyed the Delta and Nigeria since independence. This is a call for the peoples firing squad to exterminate the rot of thieves in Nigeria. Not only God can save us but humaninity is giving the powers to overcome all evil.
Re:Why Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan May Go
Submitted by Etuwewe, Prince (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 13:52.
This piece is more of a promotional campaign for Ovie Omo Agege than about the alleged non performance of governor Uduaghan.
You mentioned abandoned projects, i challenge you to name one, you spoke about the refusal of Uduaghan to share the states money among partymen, its the same people like you, that will turn round to criticize the governor to frivolous spending.
Let me tell you the truth whether you like it or not what will be will be and uduaghan will by God's grace get a second term.
Power belongs to God.
Delta State For Life!
Submitted by Sunday Njokede on September 7, 2010 - 13:07.
Sit down look na dog name! Delta state for life! Shame to bad people. Any leader wen wan press Delta citizens down, na eim head E go take carry-am!
Both are product of a failed dynasty
Submitted by Sam Yoko, London (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 11:59.
The author noted that Omo-Agege and Uduaghan are "both offspring of the Ibori dynasty"
The question is what was the legacy of that "Ibori dynasty"? The author himself had the answer and these are his words, not mine in quotes: "Ibori, currently languishing in Dubai prison on account of stealing millions of dollars of Delta State’s funds"... “he re-defined power and democracy as an instrument of public seduction"..."fashioned his image to that of a conqueror... no one else mattered", "wanted to ensure that like the fascist Italian fascist, Benito Mussolini, the people not only adored him, but feared his being"
Moreover, "Where Ibori left the ship, Uduaghan took the sail and navigated it into a leadership iceberg" According to the author, "Uduaghan is known to cover up the cancerous corruption".... the last World Bank report cited Delta state (34th) along with Imo state (35th) as the worst place to do business".
And the solution is "Barrister Ovie Omo-Agege", and who according to the author is,” former secretary to Delta state in the Ibori government", and who was Uduaghan? also a former secretary to Ibori government.
I am rather surprise at the author, after demonising the Ibori government and the successor and making a strong case against against a failed dynasty, the author was proffering again "another offspring of the Ibori dynasty".
The good people of Delta state are too intelligence to be easily fooled. The scars and ravage of the "Ibori dynasty and its offspring" are still two raw in the memories of the Deltans for anyone to ever recommend another member of that cult. That dynasty had consistently failed the people of Delta state, why...why...why...for God's sake do we need another member of the Iboi dynasty.
The people of Delta state deserve far better leadership, than offspring of a failed dynasty. They have had enough of the corruption, of waste, of missed opportunities, of being 34th out of 35th of the worst place to do business in Nigeria, of dilapidated schools and hospitals, of gangarism, of cultism, of intimidation, of looting, of killing, of no opportunities, of a failed dynasty.
Both are product of a failed dynasty
Submitted by Sam Yoko, London (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 11:59.
The author noted that Omo-Agege and Uduaghan are "both offspring of the Ibori dynasty"
The question is what was the legacy of that "Ibori dynasty"? The author himself had the answer and these are his words, not mine in quotes: "Ibori, currently languishing in Dubai prison on account of stealing millions of dollars of Delta State’s funds"... “he re-defined power and democracy as an instrument of public seduction"..."fashioned his image to that of a conqueror... no one else mattered", "wanted to ensure that like the fascist Italian fascist, Benito Mussolini, the people not only adored him, but feared his being"
Moreover, "Where Ibori left the ship, Uduaghan took the sail and navigated it into a leadership iceberg" According to the author, "Uduaghan is known to cover up the cancerous corruption".... the last World Bank report cited Delta state (34th) along with Imo state (35th) as the worst place to do business".
And the solution is "Barrister Ovie Omo-Agege", and who according to the author is,” former secretary to Delta state in the Ibori government", and who was Uduaghan? also a former secretary to Ibori government.
I am rather surprise at the author, after demonising the Ibori government and the successor and making a strong case against against a failed dynasty, the author was proffering again "another offspring of the Ibori dynasty".
The good people of Delta state are too intelligence to be easily fooled. The scars and ravage of the "Ibori dynasty and its offspring" are still two raw in the memories of the Deltans for anyone to ever recommend another member of that cult. That dynasty had consistently failed the people of Delta state, why...why...why...for God's sake do we need another member of the Iboi dynasty.
The people of Delta state deserve far better leadership, than offspring of a failed dynasty. They have had enough of the corruption, of waste, of missed opportunities, of being 34th out of 35th of the worst place to do business in Nigeria, of dilapidated schools and hospitals, of gangarism, of cultism, of intimidation, of looting, of killing, of no opportunities, of a failed dynasty.
Both are products of a failed dynasty
Submitted by Sam Yoko, London (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 11:58.
The author noted that Omo-Agege and Uduaghan are "both offspring of the Ibori dynasty"
The question is what was the legacy of that "Ibori dynasty"? The author himself had the answer and these are his words, not mine in quotes: "Ibori, currently languishing in Dubai prison on account of stealing millions of dollars of Delta State’s funds"... “he re-defined power and democracy as an instrument of public seduction"..."fashioned his image to that of a conqueror... no one else mattered", "wanted to ensure that like the fascist Italian fascist, Benito Mussolini, the people not only adored him, but feared his being"
Moreover, "Where Ibori left the ship, Uduaghan took the sail and navigated it into a leadership iceberg" According to the author, "Uduaghan is known to cover up the cancerous corruption".... the last World Bank report cited Delta state (34th) along with Imo state (35th) as the worst place to do business".
And the solution is "Barrister Ovie Omo-Agege", and who according to the author is,” former secretary to Delta state in the Ibori government", and who was Uduaghan? also a former secretary to Ibori government.
I am rather surprise at the author, after demonising the Ibori government and the successor and making a strong case against against a failed dynasty, the author was proffering again "another offspring of the Ibori dynasty".
The good people of Delta state are too intelligence to be easily fooled. The scars and ravage of the "Ibori dynasty and its offspring" are still two raw in the memories of the Deltans for anyone to ever recommend another member of that cult. That dynasty had consistently failed the people of Delta state, why...why...why...for God's sake do we need another member of the Iboi dynasty.
The people of Delta state deserve far better leadership, than offspring of a failed dynasty. They have had enough of the corruption, of waste, of missed opportunities, of being 34th out of 35th of the worst place to do business in Nigeria, of dilapidated schools and hospitals, of gangarism, of cultism, of intimidation, of looting, of killing, of no opportunities, of a failed dynasty.
@Comrade Igbini Odafe Emmanuel
Submitted by Emmanuel Ndekwe........California (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 11:22.
I read your blog with great interest.I was drawn to the article on Uduaghan cos I grew up in Warri and tend to identify with people of that state. It seems you have enough materials at hand,I would advise you create a blogosphere where you can audition your seven point agenda if any,create room for progressives to interact and share their views.Create a website and employ an IT tech that would be able to help you in maintaining your site. I would advise you publish your grievance on SR to call on the attention of those you felt did you wrong.Deltans love football,organize or sponsor tournament for youths of your community.Politicians are turncoat, I hope you are fighting for the interest of those voiceless people from your state?Long live the good people of Delta State!!
Is Edwin Clake or Omo-agege.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 11:11.
This so called elder, Edwin Clake who thinks because an Ijaw man is a President today, that he can hijack the politicial structure in Delta State, thus, sponsoring all this grammer without one concrete fact to point to.
What has Clake said about the EFCC case against Mrs Patience Jonathan, when she was the 1st lady in Bayelsa? when Jonathan was the Governor in Bayelsa, how clean were his records?
The truth is that our leaders are not fair to the plight of this Nation. Some few persons like Edwin Clake, should not be hiding under this and try to make themselves relevant. all the funds his spending sponsoring all this jargons for Omo-Agege and Jonathan, where did he get them from?
Did he not benefit from Ibori's regime until Ibori refuse to install his prefered candidate as Governor in 2007, before he started all this his campaign againt Ibori? Remember, if we most go to equity, we most go with clean hand. not all this politicially sponsored stories.
I disagree...
Submitted by Kekedu (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 10:53.
On this one, I disagree! Uduaghan is a performer.
Those on ground know better. In fact, not many gave him a chance. You only need to see the before and after pix of Delta State landscape to see the difference. Even govs of neighbouring states are copying his style.
I encourage SR to carry out opinion poll on ground to check people's pulse. Nobody will ever get 100% support. So, the people screaming here are welcome but 'make dem brain process wetin dem eye dey see for Delta instead of using dem mouth to erase fine foto cause of bad belle!.
URHOBO WAYO
Submitted by truthmaster (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 10:31.
I have personal testimony of how Ibori / Uduaghan stole Delta state election fron ANPP (Buhari). The whole election was a fraud right from beginning to end. The opposition had been paid not to contest but pretend. The saga was and is still a betrayal of father, brother, son, family, friends, and the hope for the Deltan people.
Nigerians may never get the justice we deserve from the likes of Ibori / Uduaghan and the traitor within the ANPP (candidate) but the truth will expose us all one day. Ibori has fallen on his dagger, watch this space to see who is next.
God is Good, Truth shall conquer.
Sahara Reporter & James Ibori
Submitted by Sule Ibrahim (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 08:54.
Having read sahara reporters news online for so many years now, i have come to the conclusion that sahara reporters was majorly set up as a anti ibori news agency. It has been come a tradition in sahara reporting that no news is complete without the mention of Ibori. In fact, one is very right to say that sahara reporter is worthless without news on ibori.
Ibori left government almost four years now and as we speak, there are massive looting of the Nigerian treasury daily by politicians and government officials both at the federal, state and local government levels yet sahara reporter only focus is on ibori. Sahara reporter should be wake up and emulate online news agencies such as Pointblanknews and Elendu Reports that has been giving a more balanced reports on the looters of Nigerian treasury both past and present. There are indeed many faces of corruption in Nigeria, both living or dead that are worst than ibori yet enjoying the protective coverage of sahara reporter.
Uduaghan and Omo Agege belong
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 08:52.
Uduaghan and Omo Agege belong to the same Ibori political cult.That speaks for itself.Delta state needs a real alternative.
LEGALISE CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA NOW
Submitted by COMRADE IGBINI ODAFE EMMANUEL (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 07:00.
IBORI: WHY WE MUST LEGALISE, DEREGULATE, LIBERALISE AND ADVERTISE CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA, NOW!
“Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10 percent; ... those that make the country look big for nothing before international circles, those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and deeds”- Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, January 15, 1966
WHY ARE WE NOT TALKING ABOUT EFCC'S CORRUPTION CHARGES AGAINST FMR GOV. BOLA TINUbU'?
Well, I have continued to watch with keen but very disturbing interest, the increasing and unrelenting war being waged against Chief James Onanefe Ibori, by the new powers-that-be in Nigeria under the guise of a renewed and reinvigorated commitment to war on corruption and financial crimes. I have also been monitoring the success or otherwise of this so-called renewed war on corruption. The result as over 140 million Nigerians now know, is that, corruption, financial crimes and outright looting of the nation’s resources and revenues by public office holders, their families, friends, business associates, religious and spiritual leaders at all tiers and organs of government have increased and become institutionalised and accepted. It is now an offence to oppose it.
I have supported the war on corruption and prosecution of my brother, Chief Ibori if only to serve as deterrent to others. I voluntarily submitted myself to Ribadu-led EFCC for Probe. I risked my life and job to lead the labour union on anti-corruption crusade in elf petroleum nig. ltd (now total upstream) against the clique of top expatriate French management staff whose major business was outright looting of our oil wealth and falsification of crude oil production figures to NNPC and DPR. In response, they unjustly terminated my employment on August 9, 2000 with the active connivance of some top Nigerians in Ministry of Petroleum and Department of Petroleum Resources, Lagos, leaderships of PENGASSAN, NUPENG and NLC. Till date, my quest to get Justice has been thwarted by all those involved, Petroleum Ministers, DPR and the Presidency, yet I see this as sacrifice for Hope of Corruption-Free Nigeria in my life time. These petro-terrorists French expatriates mgt staff were worshipped and protected in Nigerian but were found guilty and are serving over 10years prison sentences each in their home country (France) and the reason for takeover of elf by total in 1999. “EFCC probes allocation of 30 oil blocks”-Nuhu Ribadu. Daily Independent newspaper 30/1/2007. “For the first time we have a record of how much (crude) oil is being produced, where it is sold, who bought it and where the money is. Hitherto, it used to be very closed. We had no knowledge of what was going on.” Nuhu Ribadu. Daily Independent Newspaper, 31/1/2007. Have I been vindicated? What did I say different?
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Mrs Farida Waziri (expected anti-corruption fighters) have continued to accuse each other of massive fraud and embezzlement of billions of naira recovered funds by the EFCC under their leadership yet none of them and or members of staff of the Commission have accepted to publicly declare their Assets and Liabilities for probe by Nigerians. Recent attempt by the Code of Conduct Tribunal to order Nuhu Ribadu to produce evidence of Declaration of his Assets was vehemently opposed and frustrated by his Counsel, Mr Femi Falana and the Presidency.
On weekly basis, Nigerian Federal Executive Council rises to announce approval billions of naira for contracts awards and procurements that are hardly seen on ground. Every FEC meeting appears focused mainly on approval of multibillion naira contracts. Foreign Reserve and Excess Crude Oil Account is reported to have been depleted, yet lives of my exploited, deprived and enslaved people of oil producing south-south zone have continued to assume a more hopeless dimension. Governors, Local Government Chairmen, etc have also followed suit in the Looting, embezzlement and corruption.
CBN Governor, (Dr Lamido Sanusi) who on assumption sacked some Banks CEOs for massive fraud, financing of illegal oil businesses and granting of loans to politicians for political campaigns, has now reversed himself and ordered new Banks CEOs to grant loans to politicians for 2011 general election campaigns.
President Obasanjo and members of the National Assembly are currently drawn in war of accusation and counter-accusation over their looting and embezzlement of public funds. None of them is claiming innocence of these looting and fraud accusation. Secret sharing and allocation of rich oil blocks to a few Nigerians are reported to have become the major focus of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources under the guise of empowering Nigerians through the so-called Local Content Act while they ensure the death of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which aims to expose and halt the frauds and malpractices in the Nigerian Oil Industry, Petroleum Ministry, NPPC and her Agencies. Only recently, Minister for Women Affairs (Mrs Josephine Annenih) revealed that Nigerian male politicians win election because they are economically empowered through awards of rich oil blocks and therefore demanded that female Nigerian politicians should also be awarded oil blocks ahead of 2011 to enable them win too.
Suffering Nigerians masses were lured to invest their life-savings in stock markets only for the trillions of naira invested to be looted, yet the looters are allowed to enjoy their shares of the loots, become billionaires and members of international billionaires clubs; owning mansions in UK, US and other top Cities of the world. The Nigerian masses who are their victims are left to commit suicide or die weekly of hypertension. Jobs in both private and public sectors are now secured through high-level connection, sex-for-job, cash purchase for jobs and other unimaginable methods. Majority of Religious Leaders particularly in Christendom have continued to associate, collect, defend and aid and abet these looters and thiefs in power. They build mansions and church auditoria yet the sources of their funding cannot be traced to offerings by the members. The EFCC has accused them of assisting in money laundering and transfer of looted funds.
The rising numbers of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations, NGOs, etc also confirm allegations that they too are agents for money laundering and looting. They are often established and funded by the looters of our national wealth hence their financial records and sources of funding are kept top secret. Wives of top Public Office Holders both in civilian and military uniforms have also become agents for money laundering and looting through their fraudulent NGOs and Programmes. Many Media Houses and their owners are also not left out. They blackmail to extort moneys from our looters. Our patriotic officers and men/women serving in military, police and para-military have continued to live in barracks and environments in unimaginable conditions that even animals in developed societies will reject. This also due to high level corruption and looting by some few top officers and politicians. Pensioners are dying daily. Weapons and Ammunitions in military Armouries are reported to be stolen and sold to civilians.
It is a fact today that all Associations including Labour, Students, Women, Religious, etc Organisations have accepted and adopted corruption as a way of life hence their financial records are not made public. If this be the case, I SUBMIT AND DEMAND HERE AND NOW THAT NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MUST LEGALISE, DEREGULATE, LIBERALISE AND ADVERTISE CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA, NOW! It will be a crime to violate the practice and indirect law agreed to by majority. Just as Legendry Peter Tosh, called on his Jamaican Govt to legalise it (Marijuana) and he will advertise it because Doctors, Judges, Lawyers, and everyone smoke it. Why then pretend to wage war on it he asked? Nothing is legally wrong if the majority of the people accept it. If corruption is good for some why is it not good for all of us?
I have since July 20, 2000 written to President Jonathan through Mrs Deziani Allison-Maduake on case of the unlawful termination of my employment yet not even a word have I heard from them. I am not surprised but just for the Record. May I also use this opportunity to advise Prof. Dora Akunyili (Minister of Information) of my opposition to the planned launching of her so-called “Rebranding Nigerian Project” in Delta State today because it is another convenient conduit pipe for looting. Deltans say NO!
Comrade IGBINI ODAFE EMMANUEL (ENGR),
Governorship Candidate of Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP), Delta State, April 2007.
(The First and only Nigerian to voluntarily submit to the EFCC for probe).
National President, Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy (VATLAD).
eigbini@yahoo.com
Omo Agege
Submitted by frank uk (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 06:33.
Fidel Otuya, you've lost your creditability by supporting and working for Omo agege; who is a born rogue like its other masters.
His ambition is to set a record exceed Ibori's looting record.
These greedy politicians have failed in life.
Re;(attorney212@yahoo.com)
Submitted by frank uk (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 06:22.
attorney212@yahoo.com, where are your fact and figures?
Without being told you are ''loyal attorney''.
PLS LEAVE GOV UDUAGHAN ALONE, HE DESERVES A SECOND TERM
Submitted by belucci (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 01:05.
DEAR NIGERIANS/DELTANS, WITH DUE RESPECT TO ALL, IT WILL BE NICE WE DEAL WITH FACTS AND FIGURES AND NOT MERE SPECULATIONS. I HAVE BEEN IN DELTA FOR 3 YEARS RUNNING AND I CAN BOLDLY TELL U THAT GOV EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN IS DOING VERY WELL.PLS NIGERIANS WE SHOULD STOP THIS PULL HIM DOWN SYNDROME, GOV UDUAGHAN HAS DELIVERED ON HIS PROMISE TO DELTANS AND HE IS STILL DOING MORE. PLS THE GOV NEEDS TO BE ENCOURAGED AND HE REALLY DESERVES THE 2ND TERM TO COMPLETE THE GOOD WORK HE HAS STARTED. IS IT A CRIME TO BE JAMES IBORI'S COUSIN? AS A FREE CITIZEN OF THIS COUNTRY NIGERIA, DOES HE NOT HAVE THE RIGHT AS ENSHRINED IN THE CONSTITUTION TO CONTEST AN ELECTION? THE OTHER DAY THE NAME OF HON VICTOR OCHEI (A DECENT AND ENTERPRISING YOUNG MAN, A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THE ANIOMAS) WAS MALIGNED ON THIS WEB SITE WITHOUT ANY PROOF.PLS FOR GOD GOODNESS SAKE, WE SHOULD DEAL WITH FACTS AND NOT COOK UP STORIES DESIGNED BY A WICKED FEW TO TARNISH THE IMAGE OF GOV UDUAGHAN. MY DEAR GOV IF U ARE READING THIS, I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU, U ARE ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO DELTA STATE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, WE THE ALLIANCE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE IN DELTA STATE ARE RIGHT BEHIND YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SIR. (attorney212@yahoo.com)
They are both thieves who
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 01:04.
They are both thieves who stole with impunity during ibori's reign. we dont need any more ibori offshoots. Both men (uduaghan and omo-agege) should be locked open and keys thrown away. the state is a huge apology and a joke considering the amount of funds that have passed thru and will continue to pass thru. This writer is a supporter of omo-agege. he should be concerned with the track record of both men as thieves and local thugs. none of them is qualified to lead the state in any capacity. we need new hands and direction.
All these ones shebi say na
Submitted by Emma Asaba (not verified) on September 7, 2010 - 00:34.
All these ones shebi say na because Uduaghan no wan open the purse for the evil octogenarian who has now assumed godfather status to Jonathan?
Nigerians in diaspora shld not be deceived.Uduaghan is one of the performing governors.I say this as someone on ground.
Some of the comments are unfair
The apple does not fall far
Submitted by Warri Man (not verified) on September 6, 2010 - 22:47.
The apple does not fall far from the tree. Are we forgeting that this guy is Ibori's cousin? The same blood runs through them; that of theivry, deceit, unqualified and unprepared for the position they aspire to be in. In a real democractic setting, this Uduaghan guy could not be elected "DOG CATCHER" let alone governor of a very important state. Ibori was once acting as if he was the king of Delta State, not a governor.
The hidden Cabal
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 6, 2010 - 21:57.
What I have always said and will continue to say is the the duo of Ibori/Uduaghan are just pawns in game. There is a hidden cabal of Deltans mainly from a minority ethnic group whose sole mission is to is do everything to stifle and impoverish their neighbours and by so doing ensure their supremacy and self defined exclusivity. They oppose every tangible move to develope the area by sponsoring a media backlash and blackout promoting a negative image of the area to discourage investors, they worked against creation of the original Delta state, against the quest for this Delta to have a federal university which they have diluted to a needless restrictive university of petroleum. In their 11 year control of power thru Ibori/Uduaghan they made sure that power is controlled by mediocres who they can always manipulate, keeping the restive populace in check thru JTF and perpertual military/police intimidation. They did not build any major hospital, schools, housing estate, libraries, zoos but made sure that senseless projects like TVs in roundabouts, street light decoration powered by generators, building of military barracks etc are the order. The warning to those aspiring to defeat this powerful clique is that hey are powerful, heavily resourced, evil, cunning and determined to ensure a continuation of their centuries old tradition of oppression. My warning.....never take anything for granted...it is not over until it is over..
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