News
Benjamin Kalu: When talent must not be buried
By Ben Benson-Okoli
“You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.”
Those were the words with which that rich man dismissed his unimaginative and indolent servant as recorded in the book of Mathew – one of the biggest lessons that underscores the principle of investments, be it of human or material capital. The servant in question, had what actually looked like a solid and impenetrable argument on the face of it. But it took the superior reasoning of his master to puncture it.
Few credible assessor of the Nigerian political development today, would miss the similarity between where the South East is today and that unfortunate servant, as told in that popular biblical story. In fact, many, who liken the era of the last eight years or so as the darkest for the zone in the political evolution of Nigeria have enough examples to play with in this regard. Few will doubt the fact that the zone is holding the shortest end of the stick in the present political era – unprecedentedly so.
Of course, the jury is still out and may be for a long time to come as to the reason for this situation. In fact there are legions of reasons to pick from for this parlous outcome. It only depends on where the assessor is coming from. For instance, one of the easiest and most oft-stated factors many cite, is that Ndigbo have not invested in the All Progressives Congress (APC) the party in power at this period. In other words, they denied the party political capital by consistently snubbing it during elections, such that no presidential candidate of the party has got any appreciable showing in terms of votes.
But on the flip-side, how well has the party itself treated the area? This was a zone that provided its its own political muscle that helped in lifting the party to national consciousness. So, how come that it was only the position of the Organising Secretary that the APC saw fit to gift the South East, an area that provided one of the strongest of the legs of the Nigerian tripod?
This was a party that had Ogbonnaya Onu, collapsing an entire All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), he led at that time and Rochas Okorocha, coming with his own faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) into the new party. Yet, all they got for the entire sacrifice was that inaudible and nondescript position, despite making up with some equally big names that came out of the South East politics.
So, what would have been the attraction to lure the area and their people from their comfort zone to move to the uncharted waters that the APC provided as an option, when their leaders who tested the waters were so wantonly disregarded? Or is it that the people concerned are so blind that they could not see or deaf that they could not hear? This are the big questions also begging for answers in the narratives.
In other words, it might actually be apposite to argue that the APC was the first to fail the test – the first to bury the talent. Nobody knows how it would have turned out if the party had not buried the capital the South East brought in at that initial stage by rewarding the zone adequately. So, there is enough blames to go round for those who would venture into the argument with a clear head.
It is against this backdrop that new political arrangement in Nigeria today must be appreciated. Clearly APC seems to have moved from what looked in the past like a permanent position of denying Ndigbo everything in an apparently obvious mutual political tit-for-tat that was the imprimatur of the President Muhammad’s eight years. President Bola Tinubu seems to be thinking differently. By insisting that the Igbo must have a representation not only in the leadership of the National Assembly and more recently in the distribution of Service Chiefs – a road Buhari vehemently refused to travel, certainly signifies some sort of a new beginning.
What is required is a concomitant, corresponding and commensurate response. That is where Benjamin Kalu comes in. As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he has assumed the position of not only the highest ranking Igbo man in government, but the arrowhead of South East politics in terms of engagements at the nation’s political table. Whatever must be done with the buried coin, on both sides of the divide from henceforth, he is expected to take the lead.
Luckily, in character and learning, he is coming well-equipped for the job. Beyond being a lawyer, an intellectual and deep thinker, it is evident that he has also honed his skills as a politician with the needed charisma and appealing public personage as well as uncommon eloquence that has put him in good stead as fit for purpose.
Further proof that he is no greenhorn, lies in the trajectory of his gradual, but meticulous rise in his individual and job experience. The last two decades, saw him move from Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Governor on Mellenium Development Goals (MDGs) and International Relations, in Abia State to building a political superstructure in which he played the role of a mobiliser in various capacities through rare inter-personal relationship skills.
His strong passion and commitment to his Bende people in the same state, especially in the area of human capital development, such as heavy investment in scholarships for students, giving business grants and offering employment opportunities through his Benjamin Kalu Foundation, have since paid off in the manner he has consistently been rewarded with political dividend he is harvesting today.
Beyond the shores of Nigeria, his mobilisation ability was no less in place as he put it into use when he became the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the diasporas, controlling about six provinces in South Africa, apart from leading the campaign for Nigerians abroad to be given the right to vote in elections.
While mobilising Nigerians in the country towards a common purpose, he was at the forefront of the formation organised Nigerian community in South Africa including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in the country, while at the same time satisfying his unquenchable appetite to learning, picking an MBA from one of the best Business Schools, not only in the country, but even in the world, before returning to Nigeria.
This spectacular knack for mobilising people, using his quintessential gift of the garb, was recognised easily during his first election in the NASS, when he was given the position of Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, of the Green Chambers, which made him one of the most visible federal lawmakers in Nigeria.
Yet, never at any point did he forget his roots, as he continued to touch base, holding weekly engagements with his constituents and ensuring that he had first hand and in most cases on the spot assessment of the problems and prospects of his people, while at the same time, still playing the role of the voice and the face of the House.
These have naturally come into the mix as he begins the journey of re-connecting the South East to where it matters in the political arrangement of today’s Nigeria. No doubt, he also has the argument. The fact that he knows what is on board could be captured in his apt response, when he was confronted with the issue of the perceived damning showing of his people in the last election. That parlous picture would not be made better by isolating them. It would even be more difficult to penetrate them.
Having made the right pitch and struck the right chord, the job is now finally his. Everything now takes off from there. Whatever the outcome, remains to be seen. But one message that must accompany him is the words of Woodrow Wilson, former President of the US – The direction is as important as the impetus of motion!
Benson-Okoli Esq., a journalist and lawyer, writes from Johannesburg (benchinee@yahoo.com)
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
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