At 60, Obiano Bespeaks Live and let Live

By Ifeanyi Afuba

What equips or stands one in good stead for the arduous task of governance? The self initiative to serve? Aptitude cum personality constitution? Or the will to succeed?  Among the many theories thrown up in the efforts at unraveling Nigeria’s tragic condition is the perception that the country has had the misfortune of being led largely by persons who were reluctant to assume authority when they did. With just three exceptions, other Nigerian heads of government are considered to either have been drafted or persuaded to assume the mantle of office. Thus, shorn of a sense of mission, they were soon overwhelmed by the burden of managing the Nigerian estate. If this construct of ambition – great leadership correlation is to be regarded as valid, then as rules go, it is also subject to exceptions.  For David of the ancient kingdom of Israel and for Willie Obiano of Anambra State who clocks the round age of 60 August 8, 2015, -good governance need not be driven by political ambition.

Secret Behind Buhari, Obasanjo & Emeka Offo Revealed

Emerka Offor

No sooner had Premium Times published on Monday, August 3, 2015, the first part of its interview with erstwhile President Olusegun Obasanjo than it went viral. Though the immediate context of the interview was the publication of Obasanjo’s controversial trilogy entitled My Watch, the questions from the interviewers were forthright and wide ranging, and the responses quite interesting. Early in the interview, Obasanjo devoted considerable time and sentiments to an evaluation of a controversial government contractor, Emeka Offor, and his activities. 

IGBO SHOULD PLAY OPPOSITION FOR 10 YEARS —IGBOKWE

The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, on Tuesday advised Igbo politicians to take the path of honour by helping the Peoples Democratic Party to build a formidable opposition rather than defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress because of their business interest.

Igbokwe said by doing this, the world would take them seriously.

The APC chieftain, in an article entitled, ‘Can the Igbo play opposition for the next 10 years’, published on Sahara Reporters, said the Igbo would not die if they are not in the APC or part of the government.

RECOVER STOLEN OIL MONEY, BUHARI TELLS NNPC BOSS

 

A NEW helmsman took the reins yesterday at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the Executive Vice Chairman/General Counsel of ExxonMobil (Africa), as Group Managing Director (GMD), asking him to give recovery of stolen oil money a priority, among other targets.

Buhari may also appoint Kachikwu, who beat three other candidates in the race for the job, as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to ensure synergy, a source said last night.

BUHARI URGES SENATE TO APPROVE N14.7B WORLD BANK LOAN FOR EDO

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged the Senate to approve a $75 million (about N14.7 billion) Word Bank loan for Edo State.

 Senate President Bukola Saraki read the President’s letter requesting the approval for the loan.

 President Buhari said the loan is meant for the state’s development programmes.

 The President’s letter is entitled: Request for approval to obtain $75m credit facilities from the World Bank for Edo State.

 Buhari said: “I am writing to seek the consideration from the National Assembly an approval for the request from the Edo State Government to obtain a $75 million credit facility from the World Bank.

Okonjo-Iweala Changed Under Jonathan Administration – Obasanjo

Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, took some time off his busy schedule to speak to a Ashiwaju.org team at his Abeokuta home about some of the issues he wrote about in his book, “My Watch”.

The retired army general – in between joking with his interviewers, and threatening to walk out of the room – spoke at length about the reasons behind some of the key decisions he took while in office, his relationship with some key political figures, and the Halliburton bribery scandal.

How I fell Apart With Obsanjo As Governor of Anambra State- Mbadinuju

 Former Anambra State Governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju in an interview granted Ashiwaju.org  explained the problems he faced as governor and why he had issues with former president, Olusegun  Obasanjo.

Mbadinuju said, ”The first ground for probable impeachment was one incident which took place during the presidential campaign. Former President Obasanjo was in Anambra for the presidential campaign in 1999 and donated N500, 000 to the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party. Perhaps, he wanted to assist in the electioneering campaign.”

PDP kick against CBN’s policy On War against money laundering

Banks and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have kicked against the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to bar foreign currency deposits into domiciliary accounts.

The PDP described the decision as illegal, unlawful, void, archaic and communist in nature, stressing that the President should be reminded that as a country, Nigeria was in a democracy and not military administration as in 1984.

Arsenal wins Community Shield Cup By Defeating Chelsea

 The FA Cup holders Arsenal won the Community Shield for a second season after defeating Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the winner with a powerful drive into the top corner with his weaker left foot.

Ramires headed wide unmarked from Loic Remy’s cross as Chelsea failed to hit the target before the break.

Eden Hazard skied a chance over the bar before Oscar’s free-kick was parried wide by Arsenal debutant Peter Cech.

Why Ndigbo Lost Out In Buhari's Appoinment ------OHANEZE NDIGBO

THE pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, said yesterday that it was not surprised at the way the appointments of President Muhammadu Buhari were going, insisting that it had shown the president’s deep rooted hatred for the Igbo nation.

Anambra State president of Ohaneze, Dr. Chris Eluemuno, in an interview at the state –owned Anambra Broadcasting Service Television in Awka, said the situation would still have been the same even if the entire Igbo voted for him.

He said: “I said it during the campaigns that General Buhari does not like Igbo people and it is happening now with all the appointments he has so far made since he came into office on May 29, 2015