National Pathfinder

23/01/2019

Buhari’s campaign train lands in Ebonyi next week

Opeyemi Kehinde Opeyemi Kehinde

President Muhammadu Buhari will lead other stalwarts of Nigeria’s ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to flag-off the party’s campaign in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on Wednesday, January 30.

The flag-off is scheduled to hold at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

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The governorship candidate of the APC in Ebonyi State, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Lagos said the flag-off will be an opportunity for Ebonyi people to know his plans for the liberation of the state from the stranglehold of those he called “purveyors of poverty and underdevelopment of the state.”

He said, “I am on a liberation mission in Ebonyi state. I have always believed that public officers should work to enthrone a government that works with the people to enthrone a collective sense of common purpose and direction for the benefit of all stakeholders.

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“This belief has not changed; instead it has been strengthened over the years, necessitating my desire to serve the good people of Ebonyi state.”

Other big wigs of the party who are expected to grace the occasion include Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of APC, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the national leader of the APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Others are Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Governor Nassir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Chief Ajomole, former Chairman of All Chairmen of APC, and the members of the National Working Committee of the APC.

“For these people to come to Ebonyi State to support our campaign despite their already tight schedules, shows how significant the event is for the party,” said Senator Ogbuoji.

He added: “Ebonyi people should be rest assured that the governance of prosperity and progress which APC is bringing to the state will reach everybody.

“We will ensure that our youths are sufficiently empowered and taken off the streets of Nigerian cities – the era of Ebonyi street hawkers will be a thing of the past when APC takes over government in Ebonyi State come May 2019.”

Also commenting on the flag-off ceremony, Prince Nweze Onu, the APC candidate for Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, said that Ogbuoji has used his position as a senator to attract many projects to the state.

On his part, Eze Nwachukwu Eze, the Ebonyi state Chairman of APC, said the party has applied to the state Ministry of Youths and Sports for the release of the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, the arena that will host the event.

03/01/2019

23/11/2017

2019: Umahi, APC and Ebonyi politics
— 23rd November 2017

By Freedom Nwali

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi was recently quoted to have “wished” President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2019 presidential election. Umahi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, has frantically set the ball rolling for President Buhari’s eventual second term re-election, to the consternation of his political party. Incidentally, Umahi is the chairman of South-East Governors Forum.

To some, it is a surprise endorsement from an opposition governor. But to others, who understand Umahi, it is an opportunist statement and a desperate political journey to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The writing is there, the body language gives credence to what many now see as an eventual reality, if left unchecked by those who laboured to build the APC, most importantly, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. People who are conversant with Umahi’s political life and nature would fully comprehend the length to which he can go to achieve any desire, and that pervades his political world.

Elected in 2015 in what was challenged as a controversial election, many saw his eventual emergence as the height of political manipulation.

Umahi’s political romance with every politician across the divide, like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, sacked former SGF, Babachir Lawal, some ministers in the Buhari administration and a host of APC members only serves as a means to actualise his avowed political goal. It is worrisome and hypocritical that the same man who, as the deputy governor of Ebonyi State, constituted barriers that opposed and denied Buhari access to campaign in Ebonyi during the last election is now singing his praise. It is apparent that Umahi’s soul is inthe APC while his body is presently in the PDP. He is now a politician with dual parties.

To fully understand Umahi, one needs to take a look at the domestic politics pushing him. While as governor of Abia State, Ogbonnaya Onu, who is Umahi’s kinsman, nurtured Umahi to what he is today. Umahi rewarded Onu by working against him in the election he contested against Chief Martin Elechi in 2007. He made the destruction of the goodwill Onu has as a foundation for his own rise. So when, through Onu and other founding members, APC won the presidential election, envy surfaced and the backbiting continued.

Umahi was Deputy Governor to Elechi. The former governor made Umahi the state PDP chairman and later his deputy. It was a position and a veritable opportunity that Umahi used to accumulate wealth and influence that positioned him to challenge the former governor’s pronouncement of former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, as the preferred candidate. Umahi paid Elechi well by not only challenging him but also constituting a phantom probe of an administration he was part and parcel of.

Umahi courted former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, won the election and disappeared. He is today courting members of Buhari’s inner circle to launch himself into APC. This is widely viewed in Ebonyi as another move to sabotage the massive gains already made by Ebonyi APC, following the massive defection of former Labour Party and PDP members to the APC. As I write, a supposedly breakaway faction of the APC in Ebonyi, which had allegedly been secretly funded, has returned to the party and is now working with the actual leadership of the party, led by Dr. Onu.

Ebonyi State APC has the highest newly registered members across the federation. With the entrance of former governor, Elechi and his team, the APC, under the leadership of Onu, is poised to wrest power from Umahi. The ground is fertile for that because Umahi’s policies are a disservice to the development of the state. Having Umahi in APC can never add any value to the fortunes of the party. Rather, it would diminish and introduce impunity to the burgeoning progress already being recorded. Ordinarily, the street argument would have been that political parties are as open as places of worship, which one cannot be barred from being part of. But Ebonyi people appear resolute that having Umahi on a progressive platform like the APC would be a great disservice!

APC at the national level should understand that there must be reward for fidelity and faithfulness in a system. The labour of committed APC members in Ebonyi State, in building the party to what it is today, should not be sacrificed for the entrance of a governor. What happened to some founding members of the APC that lost their state’s political structures to new entrants, which resulted in the decamping of such persons should be guarded from repeating itself, especially as we approach an election year.

Should Umahi decide to join the APC, he should be treated like a latecomer. There should be no preferential treatment.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi was recently quoted to have “wished” President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2019 presidential election. Umahi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, has frantically set the ball rolling for President Buhari’s eventual second term re-election, to...

25/03/2017

*NEWSPAPER REVIEW FOR SATURDAY MARCH 25TH, 2017.*

*PUNCH*

Osun's succession politics amid huge debt burden

National convention: South-West PDP seeks reconciliation

Rohr happy with Senegal draw

I will play in China if the opportunity comes ' Ebi

Women's league begins today

PMB's health: Gloating is of no value

When President's men show loyalty in dress style

Their dilemma

Cynthia Osokogu: I used my men as ladder, climbed ceiling to catch killer ' DCP Dan Okoro, lead detective on case

NDLEA arrests drug dealers with N183m cannabis

My husband with low s***m count has three children with another woman ' Lagos housewife

Our victim didn't have N10m, so we took his heart ' Murder suspects

NSCDC arrests 12 oil thieves, impounds four tankers in Rivers

Those who duped me introduced me to crime ' Suspect

Kidnapped UNICAL don regains freedom as police parade 15 suspects

NAFDAC seals 10 sachet water factories in Rivers

My husband threatens me with charms, loves prostitutes

Three remanded in Kirikiri Prison for assault on IE worker

Delta tricycle operators sue EFCC over frozen account

Aba murder: Police arrest killer cop

Expert advocates body to enforce security arrangements in schools

I asked Davido to wear condom but he refused 'Alleged baby mama

Kissing in a movie most uncomfortable thing I've done ' Deborah Anugwa

BBN: Tension grips housemates

My parents began to support my career after I performed for a governor 'Mc Diouf

I'm proud of Flavour, Tekno, P-Square 'Sunny Nneji

Chigurl turns actress

My anger with some Nigerian pastors 'Freeze

I messed up in my former relationship 'Ice Prince

Rita Dominic shines in Desecration

*VANGUARD*

IMT elects new SUG

Crude swap: NNPC confirms settlement with Taleveras, others

Akwa Ibom singing the old song of sports festival

LASG to flush out quacks in health sector

LG Autonomy: NULGE blames governors for non-implementation

RETRACTION

Our govt on a mission to regenerate Lagos Island ' Ambode

Warning to Men: These 3 Foods is killing your Er****on.

Federal roads repair: FG to reimburse states ' Minister

Man stabs 4 neighbours to death

Buhari to declare open Small Arms Championship in Sambisa

Saudi Arabia says London attacker not on security radar

DSS bombs Magu: Why he cannot be trusted for high office

Archbishop Margaret Idahosa Flags off 1km Dual Carriage Road at its Legacy Campus

NNPC to recover $184m from 3 oil companies

FOREX intervention: Dealers unable to pick entire $100m offered by CBN

Ukraine munitions depot fire extinguishes second day of blaze

Abia to be included in FG amnesty programme ' VP

What could make a person to take his or her own life

Our agreement not a political solution but a stop to derogatory remarks ' Makarfi

UPU backs Ibori's appeal against conviction in UK

Makarfi, Sheriff reach truce on media war

Buhari orders sack of PermSec

PDP crisis: S/Court to hear motion against Makarfi's appeal May 4

Buhari writes Senate, requests for confirmation of 27 RECs

Buhari vs Yar'Adua: A lesson for INEC, political parties

Brazil close in on Russia 2018

Mourinho in Croatia to seal 35m Perisic deal

Cantona: Suarez's dive against PSG was football p**n

Organisers to refund money for TV blackout

I can captain England'Dier

Khan keen on fighting opponent other than Pacquiao

Federer seeks better ranking

Iwobi attacks fans over Wenger

Gidi Culture Festival returns with new promises

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Superstory's new season,'Godwin

Fame, material things cannot change who I am; Kelly Handsome boasts

Egypt's ousted president Mubarak freed from detention

PDP Crisis: Makarfi, Sheriff sign Peace Deal

Arik resumes flight operations

Iheanacho on target to preserve Rohr's unbeaten Nigerian record

Unveiling a fraudulent lecturer

Physicians rank high in su***de cases, experts lament

Shorter men more likely to go bald earlier

Katsina Govt releases N700m for hospital equipment

*THE NATION*

MY MARRIAGE IS SAFE 'BBNaija Evictee ThinTallTony

N500b Paris Club refund: Labour set for showdown with governors

El-Rufai's scathing memo

Ife crisis: Crime has no tribe, IGP Idris replies critics of one-sided arrest of suspects

Revealed: Family pressure that pushed Lagos doctor Orji into su***de

Unilever marks Oral Health Day with health ministry, dental association

EFCC chair: Buhari sticks with Magu

Two fresh lagoon su***des averted in Lagos

IMF to Nigeria: Revise exchange rate policy to qualify for $1.4bn loan

Ambode to pump $60m into Lekki Free Zone project

Cannabis: NDLEA arrests two barons, driver in Edo

Ethiopian Airlines wins Cargo Award

My most difficult moments as Rotary DG

Ma********on and the way forward (1)

Skin therapist to women: stay away from products that promise to bleach within a week

ANJET advises on leadership changes at NTDC

Controversy over nursing mother allegedly brutalised by police

Wasting treasure

Tenstrings, The Lagosian partner to promote tourism in Lagos

UNIABUJA sacks two senior staff

VC advocates family life, health education in schools

I'll continue to invest in LASU ' Gov. Ambode

Rush for dollar drops as CBN records $19m surplus

Airtel Nigeria elevates Ibrahim, Dosunmu to regional operations Directors

Unilever 2016 results show sustained growth, resilience

Ibe Kachukwu:'Working round the clock to ensure stability in the oil sector

PMB's health: Gloating is of no value

Leadership crisis: Rep urges PDP members to shun sentiments

*THISDAY*

Buhari Orders Police to End Wanton Killings Now

FG Investigating 2,251 Cases through Whistleblowing Policy

$184m Oil Swap Under-deliveries: NNPC Confirms Settlement with Taleveras, Others

Lagos, Chinese Investors Inject Fresh $64m into Lekki Free Trade Zone

NCAA Steps in, Resolves Arik, Labour Impasse

Wike: FG Underpaid Riversin Paris Club Refund

Danbaba Petitions AgainstShariah Judge in Sokoto

DSS Memo to AGF: Magu is Corrupt, Unfit to Lead EFCC

PDP Crisis: No Political Solution Yet, Says Adeyeye

El-Rufais Vindication of Jonathan

The Menace Called Fulani Herdsmen

NCS Makes 2, 103 Seizures in Western Marine Command

Ego Boyo: My Role in Checkmate Made Nigerian Women Pursue Professional Careers

The Pastor Adeboye Story in His Words

Funke Arthur Worrey: My Marriage Was a Fairytale Theres No Man like Steady

HERESY IN THE HOUSE OF ODUDUWA

Still on Glacuoma, the Sight Thief

*THE SUN*

Efcc: Why Senate will never confirm Magu 'Tsav

Ekiti 'll fall for APC in 2018 'Ayo Arise

Igbo presidency feasible only in 2023 ' Okechukwu, VON DG

2019: MIDDLE BELT LEADERS PUSH FOR PRESIDENCY

Heads 'll roll as we rid the bar of bad eggs ' Olagunju, NBA scribe

International friendly : Stallions won't be easy prey 'Rohr

BOYS TOUGHENED ME IN FOOTBALL ' Onome Ebi

Tennis gets boost with ENIC tournament

Sports, integral part of school curriculum -Unachukwu, Cedec proprietress

GOtv Boxing Night 11: Boxers Talk Tough

Naira consolidates strength against dollar

$184m crude swap: NNPC reachesagreement with Taleveras, 2 others

Magu under fresh probe over 2 Abuja mansions

VAMPIRE, AN EVIL CHILD ' MOTHER

Nigeria's break up possible 'Mbazulike Amaechi

Release Nnamdi Kanu for national reconciliation, Okorocha tells Buhari

PDP crisis: We're yetto achieve political solution 'Makarfi

Police rescue 2 women from jumping into Lagos lagoon

TASTY APPLE OF A KIND

Chimamanda Adichie makes 50 world leaders' list

Ile-Ife crisis: IG justifies arrest of only Yoruba

Your woman is what you make her

Let's heal our past

The enemy of the gospel

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Onyeama's diplomacy against xenophobia not so good

The Apostle Suleman that I know..

PMB's HEALTH: GLOATING IS OF NO VALUE

Challenge me to a dance and I'll give you run for your money 'Otunba Segun Runsewe

YOU AND THE BURDEN OF BAD BREATH

Ahmad and the new dawn at CAF

I've made peace with Yvonne Nelson 'Iyanya, musician

Apostle Suleman not funding my luxury lifestyle 'Daniella Okeke

Kondo Game mirrors life in police barracks

I'm not ready for marriage 'Tope Tedela

Give 'n' Take appoints Segun Arinze as brand ambassador

*TRIBUNE*

Warn officials endangering our democracy, Fayose tells Buhari

No solution yet on PDP crisis 'Makarfi

Chimamanda Adichie makes list of 50 world leaders

Buhari thanks Britain for support in degrading Boko Haram

2 women attempting tojump into Lagoslagoon over indebtedness rescued

Is he sincere with me

She gave another man my son 'Boyfriend

We shot him, cut the head, removed his heart

Ex-beauty Queen escapes death on Eko Bridge

AFRIF is developing young acts for Nollywoood 'Chioma Ude

I have hookworm infection

Nigeria's greatest asset is human resources 'Samantha-Israel Iwowo

DNA paternity testing: Why it is not possible for women to tell who fathers their children ' Expert

Is China deliberately flooding Lagos markets with fake products

PMB's health: Gloating is of no value

Dramatic vote looms on Republican health plan, high stakes for Trump

Naira consolidates strength against dollar

*LEADERSHIP*

UN World Water Day: Nestl Commits To Safer Drinking Water

NDDC Partners Un Agency In $60M Agric Programme

Troika Gives Free Medical Care In Abuja

C/River Approves N1bn To Float Microfinance Bank

Sambisa Small Arms Championship Meant To Sharpen Skills Of Personnel Military

ACF Expresses Worrys Over Persistent Spate Of Bombings

Senate, Hameed Ali: Who Blinks First

ASUU Condemns Fractional Payment Of Members Salaries

PDP: Gov Dicksons Presents Reconciliation Cttee Template, Meets Ciroma

World Water Day: PACFaH Urges FG To Tackle Water Borne Diseases

Lagos: Police Rescue Woman In Fresh Su***de Attempt

NAHCO Allocates 2,677 Hajj Seats To Jigawa For 2017 Exercise

2019: Nasarawa North Should Produce The Next Governor PDP BoT Chairman

Praise Singers Are PMBs Real Enemies Sanusi

Lorry Crushes 6 People To Death In Jos

IGSR Organise Validation Workshop To Break Cycle Of Violence In Jo

Dei-Dei Abattoir: Abujas Big, Dirty Meat Facility

Libya Deports 1,521 Nigerians In 15 Months

77 Foreign Vessels Lift Nigerian Oil Without Tax Monthly Ship Owners

Foreign, Domestic Investment In Equities In 2 Months Slide

Crude Oil Swap: NNPC Confirms Settlement With Taleveras, AITEO

Financial Experts Laud CBNs Forex Intervention

CBN To Create 250,000 Millionaires In Kebbi Through Farming This Year Emefiele

Tule Taxi Debuts Online Cab Service In Lagos

Dangote Acquires Largest Crane In Africa From China

Naira Consolidates Strength Against Dollar

FG to Partner A/Ibom on Grassroots Sport Dev.

US, Turkeys Coup And The Death Of Extradition Request

The Cost Of Reforms And Hadiza Bala Usman

How Ngige Stopped Zimbabwes Dictatorship At ARLAC

Modular Dry Dock To Save $1bn

No Meaningful Development Without Legislative Will -Shamsuddeen Usman

Understanding Buhari

Remembering Abducted 219 Chibok Schoolgirls, 2 Years After Abduction

Economys Track For The Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market

World Water Day

6 Places You Should Never Toast a Nigerian Girl

5 Reasons Why Taking Selfies Can Be Good For You

Oil And Gas Sector: The Dire Need For FGs Repositioning

PMBs Health: Gloating Is Of No Value

El-Rufai, Abba Kyari And The Resort To Mendacity

Lets Talk About Love (1)

States Should Be Managed Like Economic Units Jibril

Nigeria Needs To Make A Global Statement In Science Prof Onuoha

FUTA Convocation: Aturamu Emerges Alumni Rep As VC Praises Ariyomo

*BUSINESSDAY*

NAFDAC raises hammer as table-water makers in Port Harcourt evade inspection

Labour minister commends development strive of Governor Ganduje

Abia working hard to recover Aba from decay

FG to benefit from $200m World Bank credit support for agric productivity

Management stakeholders outline elements critical in effective decision-making

TEF shortlist 1000 African entrepreneurs for third year running

Gambia to set up truth and reconciliation commission

Somali pirates take over Somali vessel to use as mothership ' police

Ex-Egyptian president, Mubarak released for first time in 6 years

Guterres warns Security Council against allowing S/Sudan's conflict to degenerate

Washington talks end without agreement on Israeli settlements

London attack; Death toll rises to five

IMF says Nigeria needs urgent reform-document

FBN Holdings announces delay in release of audited financial statements

Arik resolves industrial disputes, resumes flight operations

Unilever Nigeria Q4 results show growth, resilience amid depressed economy

WHO targets 115m children for polio immunisation in Nigeria, across Africa ' WHO

23/03/2017

Ibrahim Magu: Lest we forget, by Prince Nwaeze Onu

By

Nwaeze Onu -
March 22, 2017 0
Prince Nwaeze Onu
Prince Nwaeze Onu

In 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari campaigned on a tripod of promises to diversify and improve the economy, to fight insurgency and improve the security of lives and properties throughout the federation and, to fight corruption at all levels.

On victory and assumption of office, the president appointed cabinet ministers and others he deemed necessary for the fulfillment of his campaign promises. Ibrahim Magu was, on November 9, 2015 appointed to lead the war on corruption as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) albeit in an acting capacity.

Sometimes in June 2016, the president wrote to the Senate of the National Assembly requesting that Magu be confirmed as the substantive executive chairman of the EFCC. In making Magu the arrow head of the fight against corruption, President Buhari was staking the success of this all essential purpose of his government on Magu. He was by this singular act demonstrating implicit confidence and trust in the integrity and competence of Ibrahim Magu.
Ibrahim-Magu
Ibrahim-Magu

In the letter to the senate, the president declared his satisfaction with Magu’s “record breaking performance, transparency, integrity and exceptional courage” since his appointment as acting chairman. Since the transmission of the said letter from the president to the National Assembly, Ibrahim Magu has been engaged in a running battle with the Senate who have now failed and/or refused to confirm his appointment on two occasions.

On December 16, 2016, the senate, at an executive session, decided against holding a confirmation hearing for Magu. They relied on a security report from the Department of State Services (DSS) which cast doubt on the integrity of Magu and saw him as a potential drawback on the war against corruption. The president in return, tasked the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF to thoroughly investigate the allegations as contained in the DSS report with a view to determining the validity of same.

Following the conclusion of the AGF’s investigation, the president re-nominated Magu and again requested the senate to confirm him as the EFCC boss. On Wednesday, December 15, the senate again, refused to confirm Magu after a hearing at a plenary session relying once more, on a report allegedly emanating from the office of the DSS. The report, like the one before it, impugned the character and integrity of Magu.

Without doubt, the Senate is within its constitutional rights to reject or confirm a nominee of the president. In exercising this power however, the Senate is expected to act reasonably and in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. The senators must discharge this function judiciously and in an altruistic manner.

If we take into consideration the pivotal role that has been played by Ibrahim Magu in the fight against corruption now and in the past, and the many toes that he has stepped on in the process, it is hard to see how the senators, (eleven of whom are currently answering to corruption charges in various courts and many others under investigation) could have acted devoid of self-interest. Incidentally, the constitution does not specify for how long a nominee in Magu’s position can function in an acting capacity nor does it place a limitation on the number of times such nominee can be re-nominated in the event of Senate rejection.

As supporters and opponents continue to bicker over the propriety or otherwise of President Muhammadu Buhari re-nominating Ibrahim Magu and the Senate arguing that Magu is not the only Nigerian qualified for that position, it is imperative that stakeholders take a holistic appraisal of the quagmire and take only decisions that will advance the war on graft and benefit the development of Nigeria.

In doing this, it is important not to forget that Magu has had an unblemished career as a crime fighter. A certified accountant with background in forensic accounting, a trained financial crimes investigator, the Assistant Commissioner of Police was trained at both the FBI Institute in the USA and the Metropolitan Police Institute in the United Kingdom.

As head of EFCC’s Economic Governance Unit (EGU) in the regime of Nuhu Ribadu, Ibrahim Magu led many high profile investigations against politically exposed persons including Bukola Saraki, James Ibori, Shettima Bulama and many former state governors most of who are sitting senators today.

A pioneer staff of the EFCC, Magu is a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption and was also a member of the investigative committee set up by the National Security Adviser to probe the procurement of arms in the Armed Forces from 2007 till 2015. He is described by colleagues as an “incorruptible and fearless investigator who can stand up to any duty”. It is these qualities that endeared him to the president in the first place.

It is also important that we do not forget how much he has, in so short a time, re-awakened and reinvigorated an EFCC that went to sleep under Farida Waziri and Ibrahim Lamorde.

Under his leadership, the anti-corruption commission has found its teeth once again and can bark and bite at the same time. The amount of stolen money and properties recovered by the Commission since Magu assumed office is unprecedented in the history of the EFCC.

For the first time also, a former state governor has been convicted for corruption and sent to prison. This is in addition to so many other convictions and ongoing investigations of hitherto “untouchables”. It is important also that we do not forget the unfair manner in which both the DSS and the Senate have handled Magu’s nomination and confirmation. Magu has alleged and the DSS has not denied that he was never invited by the DSS before it wrote its report to the senate. Nor did the Senate do any better.

Till date, there is no criminal indictment or charge against Ibrahim Magu. Mere allegation and nothing more, is not enough to deny confirmation to a nominee. If it is otherwise, Bukola Saraki will not be a senator not to talk of becoming the senate president nor would so many of the former governors now sitting in the red chambers. If the president and his attorney general and the larger public are satisfied with Magu’s replies to the allegations contained in the DSS report, why are the senators holding out?

The Senate has confirmed more than ninety percent of president Buhari’s nominees so far. The president’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls a healthy majority in the Senate and would ordinarily have no difficulty pushing through a nominee of the president especially one that, not just the president but a vast majority of Nigerians, trust to wage a successful war on corruption. That this has not happened for Magu is very instructive. It is either Magu is so patently unfit to be an antigraft czar or that those whose hands are soiled by graft are so scared of his zeal and determination to clean the system that they have sworn to stop him.

The former scenario is evidently untrue as Ibrahim Magu is lauded both at home and abroad for the sterling work he has done so far at the helm of the EFCC.

Days after the senate rejected his nomination for the second time, Magu was invited by two leading anti-corruption organizations, Transparency International and Global Witness to speak at an international conference on money laundering and assets recovery on March 21, 2017 in London.

Magu enjoys the confidence and support of crime fighting agencies of most developed countries of the world and is a respected voice in transnational law enforcement circles. Could Magu therefore be a victim of his own success? Is he a victim of the conspiracy of the corrupt? Is it a case of corruption fighting back? If this be the case, sacrificing Magu will mean yielding to corruption. It will be a disincentive to patriotism and zeal in public service. This we must not allow to happen.

As a country, we must not politicize the fight against corruption. Corruption is not partisan and we all feel the effects of corruption irrespective of our political leanings. Corruption is a monster that must be defeated before it destroys us all.

The president must be supported in his determination to purge the nation of graft. What better way to do this than to confirm the nomination of that person whom he believes can lead the battle? The success or failure of the president’s signature programme will depend on who oversees the programme.

Ibrahim Mustafa Magu may not be flawless (who is?) but he is the choice of president Buhari who, friends and foes admit, is integrity personified.

Prince Onu can be reached thru: [email protected]

06/05/2016

The "Kakaki"of PDP misplaced fortunes and other matters arising.

When you plant yam, you shall harvest yam and not maize. It is an adage that has heavenly and earthly meaning.

The beautiful bride that saw many flock to her suddenly lost suitors. Why? Because she lost goodwill because of misplaced fortunes she had. That is the case of the once aclaimed dominant party of the whole Africa.

Nigeria desire a strong opposition that will have the morality and tenacity to match our great Party the APC with ideas. It is on this ground the events going on in PDP should be a concern to all.

It started with the emergence of Senator Amodu Sheriff as its acting Chairman. Sheriff in whose guard, Boko Haram blossomed to become a deadly sect that visited havoc on the people of borno and Nigeria as a whole. He represents a man whose failure contributed to serious loss of lives, as such should not hold public office to talk of leading Nigeria opposition party.

People with questionable characters should not have a place in the Nigerian political space.

This brings me to the issue of who represents the party in Ebonyi State. I heard that the governor wants to fight seriously cultists and other social vices in Ebonyi State. It is an area I so much has great interest, because I personally distaste cultism and have made sacrifices in its fight.

The office of the Party youth Leader has come to be the pod of good or evil. Who occupies it dictates the direction it follows.

During the last administration, Chinedu Ogah used the office very well to fight cultism to a standstill. Abakaliki and other communities in Ebonyi State enjoyed great peace and security.

By that experience, it admirable to have a look on whom the PDP as the party in power in Ebonyi State wants to give her YOUTH LEADER.

I heard that it was zoned to Ohaozara and some names are already popping up. The youthful Elder Sam Igwe and Hon Ogbonnaya Ene Odii is been tauted.

If PDP must continue the established role played by the former occupant of that position, they character of Hon Ogbonnaya Ene Odii is greatly needed.

When Hon Ogbonnaya Ene Odii led several anti cult moves within Ohaozara, I saw in him a man with the political will to fight for the restoration of sanity.

I was involved In several anti cult movements championed by him, that saw, the apprehension of a dangerous precedence that would have been established in Uburu if the killers of late Ifeanyi went free. Nze as he is called impressed me by conduct and condemnation that saw in total cramped down on cultism and all cult activities in Uburu.

I wish to see men with great characters rise to position of authority and not the other way round.

We don't want to return to the Era of reign of cultism and it's activities. If PDP must get it right, it should bring her best and not enthrone a kakistomobocracy.

Congratulations Engr Ori, yours is deserved and you are youthful. Our relationship transcends beyond party affiliation.