Opinion
Kogi Guber: SDP Candidate, Murtala Ajaka Gets Ebira Royal Head-up
By Summit Post
In what appears to be the ‘end of history’ in governorship campaign in the Confluence state as Kogi is fondly called because its natural features, the candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, this Friday, August 25, 2023, stormed Okene, the heartland of Ebira civilisation and seat of Attah of Ebira, where thousands trooped out to welcome the Ajaka, Igala Mela born politician.
Until thisday, political pundits have always believed going to Kogi Central for a governorship campaign is like daring a lion’s den, especially, since 2019. It would be recalled that Okene local government Chairman, had in 2019, stopped the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engr Musa Wada from campaigning in Okene, citing security concerns.
The visit, which was meant to be a form of courtesy call, turned out to be a carnival of some sort, especially, during Juma’at prayer and at the Palace of Attah of Ebira, which is reputed to be the most sophisticated on this side of the Sahara.
The SDP candidate also visited the graveside of the former strongman of Kogi politics and senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District (1999-2003), late Ahmed Tijani Ahmed (alias AT Ahmed) and a frontrunner of Islam in Ebira Land, Sheihk Ahmed Rufai.
As reported on his verified social media handle ‘X’, Alhaji Ajaka said: “Earlier today, I observed my jummat prayer at Okene Central Mosque amongst other Muslim faithful. Afterwards, I proceeded to the graveside of late Prince AT Ahmed and Sheihk Ahmed Rufai where we offered prayers for their souls to continue to rest in peace.”
While welcoming the governorship hopeful, the Attah of Ebira Land, AbdulRahman Ado Ibrahim gave what Royal Analysts described as a “Head-up.”
In his words:
“My palace is wide opened at any time. No one tells a father not to welcome his children.
“Young man, you have an ambition, are you going to drop your ambition because someone is threatening you?”
Political Analysts say, the November 11 contest is a three horse race between the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, whose candidate is Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with the flamboyant Senator Dino Melaye and All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, who fielding Usman Ododo, the anointed candidate of the incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland is the traditional ruler of the Ebira people. The title Atta of Ebiraland has also historically been used for this position but fell out of favour in the 20th Century. The position is elected by a group of elders and has traditionally rotated amongst the major clans of the Ebira.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had slated three (Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa) off-seasons governorship election for November 11, 2023.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.