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Okorocha, Oshiomhole, Oyofo clash at Lamai lecture in Abuja
Former Governor of Edo State and Senator-elect, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had a public spat with former Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha and a former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Victor Kassim Oyofo, at a public event yesterday in Abuja.
The trio exchange words at the first Senator Ekpemoriri Lamai Memorial Lecture organised by Senator E. A Lamai Foundation, with the theme ‘Nigerian Senate and the Quest for Nation Building: 1st-4th Republic.’
Lamai, a First Republic Senator from Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, died on May 14, 2009.
Oshiomhole who said his differences with Owelle Okorocha was purely on issue of obeying the law and nothing personal, also tackled former Senate whip, Senator Victor Kassim Oyofo for alluding that former governors go to the Senate to display opulence.
Okorocha who was one of the panelists had joking alleged that Oshiomhole was one of the problems of the country and thank God that he would be going to the Senate to fix the problems.
The comment seems not to have gone down well with Oshiomhole, who said, “My brother (Okorocha) said I am the problem of Nigeria and he is happy that I am going to the Senate. I take the last part. He is happy for me so he would organise a dinner in my honour. There will also be a dinner to mark your exit. So as you are going, I am coming in.
“When people say small man like me, because big people think that mere reference to their size should not obey law when a small man is presiding. And when they say we are short, I hardly see what am short off. There is nothing anybody has that I don’t have. When they talk about economies of scale they don’t also forget to talk about dis-economics of scale.”
Turning to Okorocha, he said, “My brother, my brother, you know what caused our misunderstanding. You are my good friend till tomorrow. It is just that for me, laws are meaningful when those who are powerful are subjected to obey the law.
“So sir, be rest assured, I appreciate you, I respect you but you must learn to obey the law. Don’t look at my size particularly, when I am obliged to take an oath that I shall defend the constitution. Once we go out now, I am going to hug you and I must insist you organise a dinner for my coming to Senate.”
Oshiomhole who seems not to also enjoy the remark of the Chairman of the day, Senator Oyofo, who said governors retire to Senate to live life of opulence fired back.
He said, “Nigeria was already on its way to Zimbabwe when you have a life president. When President Obasanjo wanted to amend our constitution, which should have been the beginning and the end. No gun was shot, just the power of AIT and other media, covering the session life to the credit of the National Assembly they shut down that third term bid. But the other thing with my big brother. My pension is N1.250, 0000.
“So when you talk of opulence and corruption is not something that is restricted to government. For every government official that is corrupt, there are three, four, five businessmen who are even much more corrupt. They are the treasurers of public officers.
“So if my brother left the oil industry wealthy, and went to the Senate to live in luxury then why are you envious of me that left the Labour. One kobo gratuity I did not receive, even my official car, I handed it over, because that is the rules of Nigeria Labour Congress. We used the word struggle.
“So when we make sweeping generalisation about people living in wealth going to the Senate to leave in luxury.
“When I knew you as a Senator, I did not see you in luxury. I thought you were working. Actually that is what you told our people. It was only today you say it that the place is for luxury.”
But, Oyofo in his response said a Google search be made between himself and Oshiomhole to know who made money from government.
He said, “Google my name and say what is the net worth of Senator Oyofo, they will tell you. In the same manner, Google the name of Oshiomhole and say how much is he worth, Google will tell you then you can be approaching the issue of defining corruption. So it is not about just standing making things look like a joke.
“The truth is that we are in the grip of corruption and unless we stand up to it and admit it, we are going to pay dearly. It is not a laughing matter or a joking matter.
“Anybody you know his name in Nigeria, ask Google what is the net worth and search for profession they belong to and what they were doing whether they own businesses. I worked for 30 years finding oil for Nigeria,” Senator Oyofo said.
Oyofo had earlier in his opening remarks advocated for part-time legislators for the country, saying the cost of governance is bloating every day.
The former Senate Chief Whip of the Senate who chaired the lecture quoted #openNass, which stated that in 2017 alone, the lawmaker cost the taxpayers $54,000 each.
He said, “After more than 20 years, it has proved ineffective and expensive. According to #openNass organisation, in the year 2017 alone, a lawmaker cost the taxpayers $54,000 each this is 10,000 times more than the minimum wage and 200 times the National Gross Domestic Product per capital.
“This leads to unemployment, insecurity. The trend should not be allowed to continue. If it continues, it will create insurmountable problems that will consume the nation.
“It has become obvious that politics is the quickest way to an unearned wealth. The situation was execrated by immunity clause which allows governors to be immune from closer examination. Many for example have treated their security votes which amount to billions as pocket money.”
“This trend is not unnoticed by the populace, even if they appear hopeless and speechless. Common sense would say that events we are growing as they are already manifesting in the killing of citizens and insecurity.
“What the senators must do now is to examine the country critically, and the Presidential system that we have adopted without any cloud in their eyes.
“They must have the courage to chat a different course all together and restructure the country for productivity and continuation for joy and happiness and for purposeful existence.”
However, former Edo State Governor, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor, disagreed with him as he said that it is not the budget of the National Assembly that is responsible for the magnitude of the challenges confronting the country.
Osunbor also said that the nation is better off with a bicameral legislature other than a unicameral legislature.
He stressed the importance of the Senate to democracy, saying it is what gives the states equal representations.
Another panelist, Senator Abubakar Umar Gada said the problem is not the senate but corruption which has become endemic.
Gada said the budget of the Senate is just 2.5 percent of the National budget.
In his address, the Executive Director, Senator E.A. Lamai Foundation, Chief Richard Lamai, said the senate and other legislative arms were the only distinctive organs differentiating other forms of government.
“As our nation enjoys uninterrupted period of participatory democracy in this 4th Republic, it is apt to analyse the effect of democratically derived legislation and policies by the senate on the development envisioned by the likes of my father, Senator E.A Lamai through this lecture by eminent experts in jurisprudence, constitutional, commercial law, executive and renowned business gurus,” Lamai said.
Delivering the lecture titled ‘X-raying the Nigerian Senate (1st-4th Republic) as a Tool for Nation Building,’ Chief Mike Ozekhomhe (SAN), said the Nigerian Senate holds a crucial position as the upper chamber of the country’s bicameral legislature, actively shaping the nation’s political landscape and policy framework.
“Throughout Nigeria’s history, from its first Republic to the present day, the Senate has served as a significant platform for national deliberation, legislation, and representation,” Ozekhomhe said.
By Abubakar Yunusa
Dr Yusuf John Suberu, founder of the Dr Yusuf John Suberu Foundation, has congratulated Nigeria on being honoured with the prestigious Kofi Annan Road Safety Award at a ceremony in Eswatini.
The award recognises the country’s significant progress in reducing road crashes and improving safety..
The accolade, celebrated by stakeholders across the continent, highlights Nigeria’s dedication to improving road safety standards.
Dr. Yusuf John Suberu, founder of the Dr. Yusuf John Suberu Foundation, attended the event and engaged with prominent figures, including the Ministers of Transportation from Cameroon and Eswatini, as well as Mr. John Todd, the United Nations Envoy on Road Safety.
The foundation, which focuses on poverty alleviation, education, and health, praised the Federal Government’s achievement as a milestone in fostering safer communities.
“This award reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to road safety, a cause that resonates deeply with our mission to empower and uplift communities,” Dr. Suberu said in a statement.
“We commend the government and reaffirm our support for initiatives promoting sustainable development and safety.”
The Dr. Yusuf John Suberu Foundation has impacted over 5,000 individuals in the past year through its programmes and aims to train 500 youths in the Federal Capital Territory with skills for financial independence and self-employment.
The organisation views the award as a testament to the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.
The foundation expressed its eagerness to deepen collaboration with government bodies, international organisations, and local stakeholders to advance road safety and community development across Nigeria.
Want Full Probe of Port Harcourt Refinery Repairs
The National Transparency Network, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations and patriotic citizens, has demanded a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of former Group CEO, Mele Kyari.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group called for a Special Commission of Inquiry to probe the $1.5 billion spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, which has yet to deliver refined products.
The CSOs expressed outrage over the reckless expenditure of $1.5 billion on the Port Harcourt Refineries (PHRC) 1 and 2, an amount equivalent to the annual budgets of several African countries.
They questioned the initial plan to rehabilitate two refineries, which was abandoned without justification, and demanded answers on where the funds disappeared to.
The group led by its National Coordinator. Dr Fabian Opialu criticized the Kyari-led administration for lack of transparency and accountability, citing false reports of “mechanical completion” despite the refinery’s non-functionality.
The group also raised concerns about suspicious arrangements between NNPCL and Matrix Oil, which invested $400 million in the refinery rehabilitation without clear terms or benefits to Nigeria.
They demanded a comprehensive audit and prosecution, including a forensic audit of all NNPCL financial transactions over the past five years, publication of those involved in the alleged misallocation of 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors, a detailed report on how $1.5 billion was spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, interrogation and possible prosecution of Mele Kyari, dismissed board members, and other NNPCL executives found culpable, and a legislative oversight hearing to ensure transparency requirements for the newly appointed NNPCL board.
The National Transparency Network expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, commending his commitment to reforming Nigeria.
However, they emphasized that reform without accountability is merely cosmetic and urged the President to act swiftly to address the situation.
They called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly, and the Presidency to act swiftly and without delay to investigate and prosecute those involved in the alleged financial malfeasance.
The CSOs believe that a proper investigation, followed by judicial action, will send a strong message that Nigeria is ready to conduct business within the parameters of accountability.
The statement added: “Firstly, we must draw attention to the previously mentioned staggering sum of $1.5 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries. Nigerians were led to believe that these funds, allocated by the Buhari-led administration in 2021, were intended for a comprehensive overhaul.
“However, to the shock and dismay of the public, not only were these funds entirely expended on just one refinery, but the said refinery turned out to be non-functional, failing to meet even the most basic industrial standards expected of such an investment.
“Such fiscal mismanagement should have been the subject of a rigorous criminal investigation involving all national and international parties implicated in this debacle.
“Yet, under President Tinubu’s administration, the silenced voices of Nigerians are being amplified, demanding answers to critical questions: Where did these huge funds disappear to? Why was the initial plan of rehabilitating two refineries abandoned without justification?
“Who are those responsible for this national capture of our resources? Moreover, this treacherous act defies logic and prudence. The dissipation of such a colossal sum with no concrete outcome or accountability speaks volumes about the Kyari-led administration.
“Despite false reports of a ‘mechanical completion’ the Port Harcourt refinery has yet to deliver refined products to Nigeria and Nigerians. On behalf of Nigerians, we ask: What was the essence of this prodigious spending? Where are the contractors? Can we see the audit trails? Finally, what role did Kyari’s NNPCL leadership play in enabling or facilitating this dereliction of duty against the nation?
“Perhaps even more alarming is the unresolved scandal surrounding the disappearance, or rather the misallocation, of over 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors. While many view this as a case of mismanagement, we see it as an enormous economic sabotage of the highest order.
“It is an undeniable fact that Nigerians deserve to know who authorized such transfers, who the beneficiaries are, and why no arrests have been made to date. The absence of accountability concerning this monumental loss is a disgrace to the stature of leadership and a great threat to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.
“Nigerians will not tolerate another phase of misappropriation and concealment. We appeal to the media to amplify this call and maintain pressure on the authorities. Likewise, we urge all stakeholders and groups to lend their voices to this cause for a better Nigeria. It is only through our collective vigilance that the heart of our nation can be preserved from kleptomaniac interests.
“Otherwise, our collective silence will embolden corrupt actors to continue their plundering of our national resources. The situation at the NNPCL is symptomatic of a deeper malaise that must be uprooted if Nigeria is to fulfill its economic potential. The NNPCL $1.5 billion refinery debacle is not just a case of wasted funds; it is a national emergency that demands immediate and thorough redress. “
The most remarkable and halcyon spectacle of good governance in the present Republic is unarguably the government of Enugu State under the watch of Dr Peter Mbah. Ndi’Enugu are clearly unanimous in the praise and appreciation of the commitment of their Governor to make real the promises of democracy.
The Peter Mbah led government has redefined governance in so many ways that every so often the trophy cabinet of the State government calls for regular review and rework as monstrous accolades stream in almost on a daily basis. Enugu State has become the lead example of exemplary and servant oriented leadership. And Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is without an ounce of doubt a homo sequentum.
Have you googled Enugu State to see the remarkable strides in Agriculture? Have you searched the internet to see the monstrous strides in Infrastructural Development? Have you heard of the unassailable commitment of the Enugu State Government to the protection of lives and property? Have you heard of the Digitalised Control Centre that works for seamless synergy between Security Agencies in the State? Have you seen the beautiful Smart Schools that define the commitment of the Enugu State Government to Education? Have you read about the monumental investment of Enugu State in Healthcare, and the Healthcare Centres springing up across the Wards in Enugu State?
Have you seen the Cargo Wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport targeted at opening new frontiers for business? Have you seen the ongoing International Conference Centre and the Five Star Hotel project, with the profound intention of making Enugu State the go-to destination for Business, and for leisure? Have you seen the commitment of the State to Arts, Culture and Tourism? Have you seen the resurgence of Pipe Borne Water in Enugu State, and are you aware that no State in Nigeria comes near Enugu State in the restoration of Pipe Borne Water? Have you seen the level of work on both urban and rural roads that has turned Enugu State into a huge construction site? And have you seen the olympic strides of the State government in Skill Acquisition, Human Capital Development, and Empowerment? Do you think that the popular refrain THE FUTURE IS HERE is masturbatory? Folks, without a shade of equivocation Enugu State is the lucid manifestation of the greatness that responsible and responsive leadership engenders.
Within the past 6 months the Enugu State Government have been first in almost every parameter and sector of governance. Peter Mbah has been Governor of the Year. Enugu State has led the pack in Infrastructural development. Enugu State tops the chart in Healthcare, in Education, and in the commitment to the Security of lives and property. Yes, laudable laurels and trophies litter the Enugu tapestry, thanks to the unalterable commitment of the Governor to make Enugu State profoundly better than he met it.
The awesome strides of the Peter Mbah led government of Enugu State are so manifest that even the fiercest opponent of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in the 2023 contestation for the high office of Governor, Barrister Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party has returned to the Governor’s Party, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. And in doing so, Edeoga was emphatic about the great strides of the Peter Mbah led government. Edeoga was forthright in his call for Ndi’Enugu to support ‘the man who knows the way’, and ‘to stand with the man whose commitment to an Enugu State that works for all is without blemish.’
Edeoga’s return to the PDP and his profound testimony about the man that is consistently Making A Difference MAD in Enugu State enamours; and very striking however is the recent endorsement of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah by the leaders of Nsukka Community, and take note that Nsukka is arguably the largest voter demography in Enugu State.
In endorsing and applauding the Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah led administration, the Nsukka Leaders noted that they are overwhelmed by the strides of the government in Infrastructural Development, in Healthcare, in Education, in Urban and Rural Development, in Skill Acquisition and Human Capital Development, and in improving the general well-being of Ndi’Enugu.
Need I tell you that as the endorsements stream in, the humble People’s Governor of Enugu State has remained focused, Unfazed and committed to the promises that he made to Ndi’Enugu during the 2023 campaign season. To Governor Peter Mbah there is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off. And he is unwilling to allow the blinding lights of sycophants and Court-jesters derail his vision and dream of an Enugu State that meets the standards of a highly progressive world. To Peter Mbah The FUTURE IS HERE.
And to all advocates of good governance and servant oriented leadership I commend the watchman in the saddle at the Government House in Enugu, knowing that when in unison we applaud all vistas of good governance on our political kaleidoscope, we shall be redefining thereto the moral and ideological minimums of leadership in Nigeria.
To Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah a heart of love and admiration. And to Ndi’Enugu I say, The Future Is Here.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.
A Good Governance Advocacy Group.