A former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Tuesday, said the protest that trailed the fuel subsidy removal during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012 was due to political interests.

Fayemi said this in his keynote address delivered at a national dialogue organised to celebrate the 60th birthday celebration of the founding National Secretary of Alliance for Democracy and Fellow, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Professor Udenta Udenta in Abuja.

The programme was attended by Jonathan, former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, among others.

Nigerians made the 2023 ‘roll of honour’ list released by Reputation Poll International, a global reputation firm.

The list features individuals from diverse sectors, including governance and leadership, entertainment, human rights and advocacy, education, and business, etc., while the selection criteria are integrity, visibility, and impact.

Other Nigerians named in the list are human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu; Director, Legal and Consular, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Akinremi Bolaji; Cosmas Maduka, Founder and Chairman of the Coscharis Group; and Dauda Lawal, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Credent Capital and Advisory.

Others include Founder and General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo; Managing Partner, Miyetti Law Firm, Dr Jennifer Douglas; Founder and General Overseer, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche; Executive Director of Multiple Concepts Groups, Theresa Ayoade; Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi.

In addition to the individuals recognised on RPI’s “100 Most Reputable Africans” list for their various achievements, there are also those who are celebrated for their contributions to social impact and social entrepreneurship, helping to transform businesses in Africa and positively impacting lives without causing controversy.

During the announcement of the list, the co-Chairperson of the Review and Audit Committee, who is also the Chair Emeritus of the World Bank Group-IMF African Society and the President of Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals International, Beldina Auma, said the organisation is dedicated to recognising people, groups, and businesses that continually improve lives in Africa and around the world.

Jonathan spoke at the 70th birthday of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme of the event, ‘Nigeria’s unfinished greatness: Next steps,’ Jonathan advised Nigerians to remain vigilant.

He said, “The task before all of us is not to lower our guard, lest the democracy we cherish today succumbs to threats and recedes into fascism tomorrow, and there are signs already.

“Looking at the states and so on, we are derailing towards quasi-fascist form of government, but democracy is not only about winning elections alone, it is about accommodation. We, as leaders at the centre and at the state levels, especially at this time when elections are coming, must accommodate different views.

“Towards this goal, we are again faced with a good opportunity of choosing our leaders as the nation prepares to go to the polls next year. Let us choose those that will take us to the desired destination and the promised land.”

The former Nigerian leader described Nigeria as a work in progress, adding that until that work was done, people like Kukah, who serve as the conscience of the nation, will continue to be around to constantly hold the mirror of the nation’s progression to its face.

Nigeria may not be where we want it to and should be, but we should not give up or lose hope by focusing on only the negative.

“Judging from where we are coming from since independence in 1960, we may have been moving slowly in our journey of nationhood, but it is a journey of progress, all the same,” he added.

Jonathan recalled that members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities also embarked on a prolonged strike during his tenure bought he succeeded in ending the crisis. Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, described Kukah as man with undying love for country.

Tambuwal, who chaired the occasion, reiterated the Catholic bishop’s belief in the possibility of a new Nigeria.

He said although Kukah’s criticism of the nation’s bad governance have been controversial, he (Kukah) believed Nigeria can and would come out of the doldrums of failed political leadership.

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, on his part, said leaders in the country must ensure inclusion and justice for peace and development.

The meeting, it was learnt, preceded a discussion between Jonathan and Mamman Daura, the influential nephew of President Muhammadu Buhari

The meeting between Jonathan and Adamu, it was learnt, took place at Jonathan’s Abuja home last week and lasted for about four hours.

An APC chieftain told The PUNCH that discussions were still ongoing and that the party was open to allowing Jonathan to contest.

The photo of Mamman Daura and Jonathan was taken in Jonathan’s house. It was actually Mammand Daura that went to visit Jonathan. Also, the national chairman visited Jonathan twice last week. He met Jonathan late in the evening and they spoke till about 1am. The visit was for about four hours.

“Discussions are still ongoing and that is why the APC is willing to allow Jonathan to face the screening even though he didn’t submit his form ahead of the deadline,” he said.

Jonathan would only join the presidential race if he receives the assurance that he will be endorsed by the President and picked as the consensus candidate.

“Jonathan is a newcomer in the APC. He has no delegates of his own. You don’t expect him to be contesting openly against Bola Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo and others. He will be setting himself up for defeat if he does that,” said another APC chieftain.

Attempts to get a response from Adamu proved abortive as he neither responded to calls nor a text message on Wednesday.

Jonathan’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, also did not respond to calls.

The National Secretary of the APC, Suleman Argungu, had said that Jonathan and others who had failed to submit their presidential forms would still be allowed to face the screening.

The national chairman had also insisted on Wednesday that the number of aspirants remained 28.

The Fulani group, which on Monday obtained the APC’s N100m presidential nomination and expression of interest forms for Jonathan,  said on Thursday that it would submit the forms on Friday.

The group stated this as three presidential appointees on Thursday challenged the directive of President Buhari that all political appointees contesting the 2023 elections should resign.

Also, there were indications on Thursday that the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, would not heed the call for him to resign before the APC presidential primary scheduled for  May 30.

His lawyer,  Mike Ozekhome (SAN),  told The PUNCH that if the CBN Governor was going to resign, he would only do so 30 days before the 2023 elections.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed,  after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, disclosed that the President had directed members of his cabinet contesting party primaries to resign on or before Monday.

Before the presidential directive, the  Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, had tendered his resignation

A few hours after the FEC meeting, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, and his counterpart for Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, also resigned.

On Thursday, the President extended the resignation order to other appointees, including  Emefiele.

The directive was contained in a circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The circular was addressed to all serving ministers, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, National Security Adviser; Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission; the CBN governor, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service and heads of extra-ministerial departments, Directors-General/Chief Executive Officers of parastatals, agencies and government-owned companies among others.

But three presidential appointees were at a Federal High court in Abuja to challenge the threat to disqualify them if they failed to resign.

The first plaintiff, Sodique Abubakar, claimed to be a political appointee and currently serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Chad.

The second plaintiff, Sodique Lawal Abubakar,  claimed to be a Special Assistant in the Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA while the third defendant, Bindir Umar Buba, asserted to be National Coordinator, Social Investment Programme in the Ministry of Humanitarian.

The aspirants are praying the court to stop the APC and INEC from disqualifying them on the strength of their being political appointees and Section 84 (11) and (12) of the Electoral  Act 2022.

The processes of the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/641/2022, instituted on their behalf by Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) were obtained by journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

The three plaintiffs are contending that Section 84 (11) and  (12) of the new Electoral Act is discriminatory against them and unconstitutional and therefore should not be permitted by the court to be used to disqualify them on account of their mere political appointment.

The plaintiffs in their originating summons filed want the court to determine whether being Nigerians covered by Sections 66, 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution can be subjected to any other conditions, rules or guidelines for the purpose of election into the office of the Governor of Bauchi State and House of Representatives respectively by the APC under Section 221 of the Constitution other than the qualifications and criteria set out in Sections 66, 177 and 182 of the Constitution.

They also ask the court to determine whether being card-carrying members of the APC and political appointees,  they can be prevented or barred from participating in its political convention, congress or primaries merely because they are political appointees.

In a statement on Monday in Kano, Kaskasara said that the most populous country in Africa was at crossroads, adding that “We need a man of candour, with experience in the areas of self-discipline and national life, to navigate us from troubled water.”

The statement titled, “Why Jonathan’s candidacy is an option for better Nigeria”, said, “our current situation at best can no longer be trusted in the hands of ill-experienced politicians whose contact and influence radiates within shallow boundaries.”

Kaskasara said, “Jonathan is a quintessential statesman whose approach to exercising power and authority had in no small way boosted participatory democracy in Nigeria. At this auspicious time of our national life, we need a personality whose understanding of the polity will guarantee right to stability. Nation building thrives on inherent nationalism, self discipline, and policies that identify limitations of state power.”

According to him, Jonathan’s commitment to nation building was exemplified by non-criticism of sitting and former leaders.

“Managing a secular state like Nigeria is certainly not for the loud mouth, we must recognize the fact that it’s a job for a renowned team player like Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. We in the north were there for him before, and we are set to mobilise resources to bring him back to continue national sacrifice. In effect, we call on Nigerians to join us in this quest for better Nigeria”, Kaskasara said.

Oyakonghan, who is the chairman of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Dreams of Niger Deltans, MADND, said Nigerians can trust only Jonathan to solve the country’sountry’s problems.

He said; “First, our hearty congratulations to all Nigerians in this Easter, particularly to President Buhari. We therefore use this Easter celebration to urge Nigerians to continue to support President Buhari’s administration for him to deliver on the promise of change we are committed to seeing, and also work for Jonathan to return to the Villa.”

“The challenges before us as a nation are enormous. Insecurity, the economy, unemployment and the unity of Nigeria have never been this bad, if not worse in our national history. The solution to this, is returning Jonathan for the presidency. Given that the people’s expectations are very high and expectedly so, we therefore urge President Buhari to work for a Jonathan’s candidacy who will salvage our country and reawaken a new hope for national cohesion and development.”

“Goodluck Jonathan is a man of talent and experience, and at this moment the country needs him and we are lucky to have him. After the luck comes work. President Buhari should therefore support GEJ for president for a new dawn in our country. Virtually every facet of our national life needs urgent attention and GEJ is the answer”, he noted.

They spoke at the 25th remembrance anniversary of one of the founding fathers of Bayelsa and monarch of Kolokuma, late King Geoffrey Aganaba, which was organised in Yenagoa.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Douye Diri, and an ex-military administrator of old Rivers State and monarch of Twon-Brass, Alfred Diette Spiff were among other prominent leaders that celebrated Aganaba at the event.

Speaking, Diri called for the creation of two additional homogeneous Ijaw states, arguing that the Ijaw ethnic nationality deserved more than one state in the Nigerian federation.

He recalled that the founding fathers had requested three states before the military junta of the late dictator, General Sani Abacha, created only Bayelsa.

The governor described the Ijaw as the fourth largest ethnic nationality in the country, and lauded Aganaba for his contributions in the creation of Bayelsa, saying that it was not the end of the clamour for more Ijaw states.

While paying tribute to Aganaba for his sacrifices for Ijaw people, Diri said, “The creation of Bayelsa State is not the end of it; it is indeed the beginning of it. We still have other two states that we proposed that have not been created and we must make that clear to the Nigerian government that the Ijaws are still craving for the creation of two additional homogenous Ijaw states. Today, most of us; governors, past and including myself serving, permanent secretaries, heads of service, speakers of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, members of the state House of Assembly, commissioners are all enjoying the sweats of people like Geoffery Filinti Aganaba. We cannot but honour and recognise our heroes past”.

He said his government established the policy of recognising and honouring Ijaw heroes saying it was the reason he named the Bayelsa Media Complex after the great Ernest Ikoli.

In his remarks, Jonathan, who was represented by a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Rear Admiral John Jonah, appealed to Ijaw people to rally around one another, describing Aganaba as “a man with an exemplary lifestyle.”

He noted that succeeding generations would judge the efforts of present leaders with standards far higher than what is currently obtainable.

The former president said, “All of us have a duty to this state to ensure that this state get to a point that succeeding generations will come and judge us with standards far higher than what we have now. Things are changing, it is a computer age; they will scrutinize us. But if they do that, can you stand out? He, Aganaba, has actually passed that test”.

On his part, Diete-Spiff, who was represented by the monarch of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Bubaraye Dakolo, said that Aganaba worked very hard for the creation of Bayelsa.

He further said, “The late Aganaba was born at a time when it was difficult to go to school when he took 28 days to get to Lagos by canoe and then later when he took three days to get to Lagos by engine boat. In spite of all these odds, he was able to make it to primary school, secondary school, and the university.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and monarch of Opobo Kingdom, Dandeson Douglas Jaja, said the name Aganaba signified a man who came into the world to liberate his people.

He observed that Bayelsa had been at the forefront of celebrating and recognising those who contributed to and fought for its creation.

Chidoka also said that from the last conversation he had with his former principal, he (Jonathan) did not indicate any interest to run for any public office.

However, he noted that, if Jonathan had a change of heart, he would be in the best position to relay it to the country.

According to Chidoka, Jonathan was a ‘leading light of the PDP’ whose political future would be determined by making public his choices known to the whole country.

In an interview on Arise TV on Saturday, Chidoka said, “As for President Goodluck Jonathan, I have not discussed #GEJiscoming with him. In the last conversation I had with him, he wasn’t indicating interest to run for any public office. He is in a good place because he represents something that every part of the country can relate to. He has learnt his lessons from his time in office. He is in that position that he is the leading light of the PDP as he came into power from Deputy Governor to President in the PDP. I believe his political future would be determined by making public choices. I don’t think former President Jonathan would be in that position where he is being called to come and be president. If he wants to be president, he would come out boldly and say, ‘I want to be president of Nigeria again because I have the experience and have the capacity to bring back peace in Nigeria and to restore capacity in Nigeria. He can make that case for himself. There is no need to lure him to the race. [The] President Jonathan I know, if he has made up his mind to run, would indicate so, and I am sure he will if he makes up his mind to run.”

He also decried the level of ‘marginalisation’ that the Igbo are going through in Nigeria, stating that Nigerians were not being fair with the Igbo.

Chidoka, therefore, urged the rest of Nigeria to recommend to the Igbo the kind of leader they want to see contest the 2023 polls to prove to them that they (Nigerians) are being fair to every ethnic group.

Asked the kind of Igbo leader he would recommend to be president, he said, “I don’t want to recommend to them (Nigeria) the Igbo man they should choose. It is a contest. It is Nigerians who have to be fair to every ethnic group.When President Buhari won in 2015, he had to hire foreign consultants to change his image. To show him wearing suits and Isiagwu so as to convince the rest of the country that Buhari is for everybody and not for anybody. If you know that that is what needs to be done, I am of the view that among the Igbo of today, there is a lot of soul-searching about who we are and our role in Nigeria and how we can thrive in Nigeria. But I think there is a clause that is necessary. Nigeria should indicate to the Igbo the kind of expectation they want of the Igbo person who they would want to deal with in Nigeria.

“That will go a long way in strengthening the arm of Igbo who wants to engage in Nigeria. This soul searching going on in Igboland because they feel the pain of the Igbo man is not been dealt with. The rest of the country can also indicate how they want to go ahead to show that the Igbo are part and parcel of Nigeria.”

On the kind of leader Nigeria needs, the PDP chieftain said Nigeria needed a unifying leader and administrator who is ‘deeply knowledgeable on the issue of law and order’

He said, “Nigeria needs one who is going to combine the strength of a knowledgeable person and the passion of making Nigeria a united country and give e very Nigeria a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project.Our president needs to be deeply knowledgeable. It is not going to be fancy talks this time,” he added.

Jonathan made the appeal in his goodwill message issued on Thursday in Abuja to Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 61st Independence anniversary, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

He said that the nation held abundant promises for the citizens, adding that Nigeria has what it takes to overcome today’s threats and trials.

He said “I join all citizens to celebrate the 61st Independence Anniversary of our great nation, Nigeria. As we mark this day of freedom, it allows us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our humble attainments and ponder over those dreams that are yet to be fulfilled. We may have hiccups along the way and challenging times that might be stretching our resolve and determination to forge ahead. But we should not relent nor succumb to fear, discouraging trials and threats of today. We will never lose hope in our country and in our indomitable spirit and capacity to overcome difficult times, seize the moment and conquer. This time offers us a new opportunity to renew our drive towards attaining greater heights and secure our shared dreams and common vision. As we celebrate, let us aggregate the successes, challenges and lessons of the last six decades and apply them towards a more prosperous future for us and upcoming generations. Ours is a country blessed with numerous opportunities and prospects as well as great citizens, engaging diversity and versatility. Let us remain optimistic, for the challenges of this time will rebound to a glorious fortune for us and generations yet to come,”