OPINION THE KOGI EAST
SENATORIAL SEAT:
BEHIND THE WAILING WALLS
ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 47 NIG. N1000 USA $5.00 UK £5.00 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2018
DEAR SENATORIAL CANDIDATES THE THINGS YOUR “LOYALISTS” WOULD NEVER TELL YOU
REVEALED: GEN. PATRICK AKPA, RTD.
BURIES MOTHER WHO PASSED ON AT AGE 97 C E L E B R AT E
SEN. AIDOKO’S MANY PROJECTS ACROSS KOGI EAST
SHEIKH HASSAN MIKAILU ABEJUKOLO
AMAZING!
OJO. ARAHMAN ISLAMIC PRAYER CENTRE
INSPIRE
ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
CHALLENGE
1
ADVERT
2 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
OMA UFEDO ATA
FACE OF INIKPI
Full Name Ichado Mary Ojonoka Native Town Okura-Olafia, Dekina LGA, Kogi State. Favourite Igala Food Oje abacha with obo egwa Likes Honesty, cleanliness Dislikes Dishonesty, dirt. Igala Role Model My mother (Mrs A.C. Ichado) Dream(s) for Igalaland To give our people the best possible education and also support their dreams. Mobile 08160239889 Email maryichado88@gmail.com
INTERESTED IN THIS PAGE, CONTACT: E: ariseigala@gmail.com | M: +234 (0)0706 455 2909 ONOJA RUTH OJONE (MRS.) The Senior Vice President, Onoja Dreams Network Limited
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IGALA PEOPLE IN THE SCHEMES OF NIGERIAN POLITICS 41
CONTENTS
REGULARS
FACE OF INIKPI 3
REVEALED:
SEN. ATAI AIDOKO ALI’S MANY PROJECTS ACROSS KOGI EAST
GEN. PATRICK AKPA, (RTD). BURIES MOTHER WHO PASSED ONTO GLORY AT AGE 97
11
21
THE QUIET STORM RESHAPING THE INVESTMENSTS & 36 SECURITIES TRIBUNAL
ROYAL QUOTE
7
PUBLISHER’S DESK
8
FROM THE ARCHIVE
10
OPINION
33
EVENT & PEOPLE
39
RELIGION ADVOCACY
50 53
IGALA KITCHEN
55
BOOK REVIEW
56
We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for views. The views in this publication are not sacrosanct. Readers have right to reply. All photographs in ARISE IGALAare copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher
ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
5
OPINION THE KOGI EAST
SENATORIAL SEAT:
BEHIND THE WAILING WALLS
ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 47 NIG. N1000 USA $5.00 UK £5.00 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2018
DEAR SENATORIAL CANDIDATES THE THINGS YOUR “LOYALISTS” WOULD NEVER TELL YOU
REVEALED: GEN. PATRICK AKPA, RTD.
BURIES MOTHER WHO PASSED ON AT AGE 97 C E L E B R AT E
SEN. AIDOKO’S MANY PROJECTS ACROSS KOGI EAST
SHEIKH HASSAN MIKAILU ABEJUKOLO
AMAZING!
OJO. ARAHMAN ISLAMIC PRAYER CENTRE
INSPIRE
ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
CHALLENGE
1
GRAND PATRON His Royal Majesty DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs. FOUNDER/PUBLISHER ONOJA JAMES OKPANACHI President/CEO, Onoja Dreams Network Limited Ag. Managing Editor Ibrahim Garba Ogwu Editor-At-Large Emmanuel Nathan Oguche Columnists Dr. Saidat Lami Hussein Ojochide Yusuf-Nathan Emmanuel Nelson Arome Pst. Livinus Husseini Okpe Mallam Mohhammed Atojoko Contributors Idibia Ojabo Muhammed Nasirdeen Lawal (Eleojo Mama) Moses Abimaje David Usman Yakubu PHOTO PARTNERS De Famous Studio | JT Digital World | Ottagab Voice & Vision PRODUCTION ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) is published by ONOJA DREAMS NETWORK LIMITED (RC 868974), ABUJA: C29, MIB Plaza, First Avenue, Gwarinpa, F.C.T. | LOKOJA: C/O NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja. +234 (0)803 698 0602, (0)805 663 0751, (0)803 968 1501 Website: www.ariseigala.com, Twitter: @ariseigala, Facebook: ARISE IGALA Magazine Email: ariseigala@gmail.com, ariseigala.sales@gmail.com, ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com Copyright (c) 2010-2018 Onoja Dreams Network Limited. All Rights Reserved. With SUPPORT from
VISION
To inspire a generational change that will give birth to a new breed of Igala people in the face of globalization thereby changing perspectives on selves as we consciously bring out the beauty in our people
MISSION
To be (and remain) the most informative, educative, entertaining, challenging, inspiring and authentic source of information on the past and current issues of Igala Kingdom and her people as the authoritative voice and image maker of Igala race via publications and media activities.
MANDATE
Our mandate is to Celebrate, Inspire and Challenge Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.
6 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
THE ROYAL QUOTE
HRM, DR. IDAKWO
AMEH OBONI II, JP ATA IGALA
Agabaidu, Ata Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.
“Just recently, precisely, on 19th May, 2018, we witnessed a historic rebirth of Ocho festival after 62 years of its needless proscription. The rebirth of Ocho festival is very symbolic. I believe strongly that Igala is now on the right path towards occupying her rightful place in Nigeria. This, we can achieve by coming together as one to form a formidable force. We are unbeatable, stronger and more fortifying when we speak in one voice. There is an undisputable strength in unity.”
The quotation above is part of His Royal Majesty’s Message at the 5th Edition of the Prestigious ARISE IGALA Leadership Awards & Lectures at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja on Saturday, May 26, 2018.
ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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THE PUBLISHER’S DESK
DEAR SENATORIAL CANDIDATES ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR
NOW THAT you need all the people that matter to your political aspiration it’s unfortunate that many of them would never get to see you again until you win or loose in the forthcoming contest and one of the (unbelievable) reasons is simply because your loyalists, PAs and allies are making you so scarce and very busy than you actually are leaving many to conclude on certain assumptions that will eventually help them find justification to turn the other way. Dear Senatorial Candidates, there are more that all those people around you know even about you at this particular point in your political journey that you would never be told because instead of letting you know, they prefer to keep them off from you for the sake of their personal interests - the fear could be that to let you know the truth mean change of guard for them. The knowledge of the truth you know could cost them the drops off your political table. So, it is in their best interests to keep you off the many people who may not hold back in telling you the truth that could help you re-strategize. Are you not worried that at any point issue(s) about you come to fore, these people around you are very quick to make a defence (most times only in your presence) illogically just to make you feel comfortable and in lead of the campaign? They are always far from analyses that compare you with oppositions; they are (hypocritically) passionate about letting you know that all is well and there would be know need for you to consider or even give a thought to any of the issues or reactions that are in the public domain. These your “close” and “passionate” supporters most times are the ones who in the first place bring in the news then without giving you enough time to reason deeply they swiftly counter everything with their already prepared
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…THE THINGS YOUR “LOYALISTS” WOULD NEVER TELL YOU points - it’s a very good strategy that’s working greatly and with this method, they keep you their principals away from knowing the truth - the truth that you may really not be popular amongst the electorates as they make you believe or better still as you the principals may think of yourselves. Amazingly, the 2019 elections are going to spring up new surprises across the nation and particularly in Kogi East were the leading Senatorial Candidates are all “giants” in their own rights as results will be great test of “claims” of who is who. Interestingly, almost everyone, especially those behind the various candidates are bent at proving their superiority in strategies and popularity even beyond the goal of their candidates winning the election. It’s like a time to settle the differences and finally write that fundamental statement of who is indeed in charge using their candidates as the slates. Kogi East, be ready for what you have never seen before in elections - the people will vote in manners that will shock politicians and the politicians too will also shock the people in manners of collations and declarations of results. And, someone must be declared a winner. Dear Senatorial Candidates, those things your loyalists would never tell you are still there for you to know if you really care. Honestly, I am very sorry if you have read to this very point for me to tell you about those things. You know very well that I am not on the list of these your “close” loyalists as far as this campaign is concerned so it may not be proper of me to tell you those things but with a little turn from the regulars, you will surely know the TRUTH about your candidacy. Arise!
ADVERT
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FROM THE ARCHIVE
THROW BACK
CHIEF OGWU JAMES ONOJA, SAN Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN was recognized as a young vibrant Igala man who was doing astonishingly well given the time, his age (then as at 2009) and the tremendous achievements to his credit. For instance, his leadership display in his late 20s and early 30s during which he had over 250 active staff across Nigeria out of which 41 were of Igala decent directly on his payroll. Also, the young man sits on board of several companies. And, interestingly, he was deeply involved in giving back home - an act he continues till date. For these reasons among others, Agabaidu, His Royal Majesty, Late Dr. Aliyu Obaje honoured him with the Chieftaincy title of AGENYI ATTAH (Attah’s Confidant) and greeted OKOOLO, meaning smart, agile, very active and foresighted.
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AIDOKO: SPECIAL PROJECT
REVEALED:
SEN. ATAI AIDOKO ALI’S MANY PROJECTS ACROSS KOGI EAST By YUSUF ABUBAKAR
SENATOR Atai Aidoko Ali was elected member, Federal House of Representatives in 2003 under the platform of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and in a predominantly then, ANPP controlled state as the only opposition party from Kogi East among the three federal constituencies in the area. During his stint at the lower house, he was Vice Chairman House Committee on Internal Security, among other committees of the House, and later Chairman House Committee of the same body that addressed the lingered myriads of state security matters and perceived external aggression. Aside the Chairmanship, he retained membership of the Internal Security and several other committees that drive the 6th Assembly of the green chamber. Aidoko Ali was re-elected for another term in 2007, this time around with a ranking status and was appointed Chairman House Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), till 2011 when he was prevailed upon by the good people of Kogi East to
Senator Atai Aidoko Ali
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AIDOKO: SPECIAL PROJECT
vie for the position of the Senatorial Seat of the area.
and adhoc committees of the National Assembly
Kogi East senator won the keenly contested election in 2011 after defeating his opponent and was declared winner. Although, he assumed office late before his other colleagues but was privileged to be appointed as Chairman, Senate committee on Federal Character Commission and Inter Governmental Affairs, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Member Appropriation, Judiciary/Human Rights and Legal Matters, INEC, Privatisation, Environment and Ecology
Senator Aidoko is a regular contributor to motions and bills on the floor of the senate as well as issues of urgent national importance.
Senator Aidoko used the membership of the various committees to appropriate and made laws that will guarantee the smooth operations of the agencies of government Kogi East senator again returned to the red chamber in January, 2016, this time as a high ranking member after a protracted legal fireworks that saw his emergence as the legitimate occupant of the seat.
The Senator representing kogi East single handedly sponsored a motion for the extension of the operations of the 2016 budget on the floor of the senate from March to June so to enable MDAs achieve their capital elements of the budget to ensure basic, socio-economic development of the country. This feat wouldn’t have been realisable without his timely intervention and foresight. Senator Aidoko also sponsored a motion that condemned the death of a female corps member who was graduating the following day but was killed by stray bullet that mandated and put a stop to clearance from the police authorities from issuing clearance to Nigerian hospitals before treating wounded victims of gunshots in the country.
His performance, track records of achievement, dedication to duty attracted the 8th senate into allocating the SDGs under his supervision.
Aidoko also in one of the several committees assignments and oversights, threatened to lead a high powered protest in his constituency over the activities of Zuma mineral explorers the licensed company authorised by the federal government to explore the natural and abundant coal deposit in Ankpa local government area consisting of Okaba, Okobo, Odagbo, Odogomu and its environs over refusal to adopt the best corporate social responsibility (CSR) to mitigate the hazards of their operations in the areas.
Other committees he belongs to in the current dispensation include Senate Committee on FCT, Judiciary/Human Rights and Legal Matters, Solid Minerals, Appropriation, INEC, Federal Character Commission and Inter-Governmental Affairs as well as members of special
Soon after the affront with the then Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi, the explorers adopted and swung into provisions of basic social amenities to the people of the area by reconstructing roads, schools and clinics as well as provisions of pipe borne water to the communities
He was immediately recommended and appointed as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - a global intervention agency jointly funded by the developed and developing countries with a view to achieving a set target of moving the developing countries beyond poverty level in all areas of life.
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AIDOKO: SPECIAL PROJECT
SENATOR AIDOKO’S SPONSORED BILLS AND MOTIONS BOTH IN THE 7TH AND CURRENT (8TH) SENATE A BILL for an act to establish a national trauma centre in all the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The bill is to provide among other things, prompt medical response to citizens especially road accidents and other injuries from unforeseen circumstances. An addendum and appeal to also establish same agency at FCT Abuja. All passed through second readings.
List of the bills sponsored in the senate are as follows; 1.
Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC (Amendment) Bill 2017
2. Company and Allied Matters, CAM (Amendment) Bill, 2017 3. Nigeria Ports Authority, (Amendment) Bill, 2017
NPA
4.
Nigerian Postal Services, (Amendment) Bill, 2017
NPS
5.
Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC (Amendment) Bill,2017
6. Federal Roads Safety Commission, FRSC (Amendment) The motives behind the amendments sought by the Kogi East senator was to address obscure, obsolete and reform outdated laws and policies that have retard our economy and country to a snail speed scenario.
In the area of motions, since his assumption at the senate and his inauguration in January 2017, the Kogi East senator has contributed virtually to all issues raised on the floor of the senate particularly issues of urgent national importance, that bordered on the economy, security, budget and the activities of agencies and parastatals either at plenary, committee level and other oversight functions. Senator Atai Aidoko Ali under order 42 of senate rules came up twice to raise serious issues of urgent national importance that affected the security of lives and properties during the series of attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Kogi, kicked against the establishment of cattle colonies/ranches and appointment of Fulanis into Igala traditional councils as well as directed the senate to mandate NEMA to provide relief materials that was adhered. As part of law making with many months of legislation at the 8th senate, more bills, motions and urgent issues of national importance will be tackled as the need arises. All said and done, the primacy of law making, contributions and observations will run it’s full course in the remaining part of the year before 2019 elections. The ranking status is a corollary to lawmaking and oversight obligations to the betterment of our area, people and country at large. Hence, the genuine and sincere course to return Kogi East Senator, Distinguished Senator Atai Aidoko Ali to the senate in 2019 is sacrosanct. ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS FOR 2011-2015 (7TH SENATE), EXECUTED BY DISTINGUISHED SENATOR REPRESENTING KOGI EAST SENATOR ATAIAIDOKO ALI ANKPA - Construction of solar-powered borehole, Ojede-Ankpa
- Construction of drainage at Dekina hotel road Okikili Dekina town.
- Construction of three(3)classroom Blocks, Inye
- Construction of skill acquisition centre in Dekina town.
- Establishment of skill acquisition centre, Ankpa
- Provision of 500KVA transformer at Tudu Wada Dekina.
- Installation of 500 KVA transformers each at Inye, Enjema, Ojede, Ankpa
- Construction of skill acquisition centre at Anyigba.
- Construction of three(3)unit of Hand pump borehole each at Afor and Okaba
IDAH
- Rural Electrification project from Ankpa to Amoke to Abache in Ankpa, L.G.A.
- Establishment of skill acquisition centre,Holy Rosary college Idah
- Donation of Motorised borehole at COE Ankpa
- Construction of community town-hall, Attah’s palace
BASSA
- Construction of Hand pump Borehole,pilot primary school Idah
- Construction of three(3) classroom blocks at Oguma
- Construction of three(3) classroom Block each Arabic school Idah and Egah
- Installation of 500KVA transformer each at Oguma, Sheria
- Installation of five(5)units of 500 KVA transformer at Idah
- Two(2)units of Hand-pump Borehole each at Oguma, Piroko/Gboloko and Sheria
- Twenty seven (27) units of street-light along general hospital, stadium road,Idah
DEKINA - Construction of solar-powered borehole at Agwudoko, Anyigba - Construction of three(3)classroom Block each at Islamiya primary school,Dekina and Anyigba
- Fifty two (52) units of solar street-light, Bishop road and around the palace - Eight (8) units of Hand pump Boreholes in Idah and it’s environs
IBAJI
- Installation of 500 KVA transformer at Obeya-lile, Anyigba
- Construction and equipping of computer laboratory at Government day secondary school Unale
- Installation of 500 KVA transformer at Ojuwo Anyigba
- Construction of primary Health care centre, Unale
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AIDOKO: SPECIAL PROJECT
Three (3) classrooms office block at NPS Ankpa
Donation of 500kva transformer at Ugbamaka Igah
Solar powered street light at Attah Igala’s palace street
Donation of 500kva transformer to NABDA IDAH
Donation of Town hall at Attah’s palace, Idah
Donation of Transformer to Ajaka community
Construction of roads, street lights, Electricity from idah to NABDA Office
Construction of roadsstreet lightsElectricity from idah to NABDA Office
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AIDOKO: SPECIAL PROJECT - Construction of motorized borehole, Unale primary school Ofakaga, Eyele primary school,Ogbonicha - Construction of eighteen(18) kilometre - Construction of solar powered borehole at road from Odugbo to Unale (ongoing) Ejule town - Construction of three(3)classroom block - Installation of 500 KVA transformer each each at Ejule Ojebe, Odugbo, Unale at Odo-Eto,Ejule,Aloma road Ejule,and - Installation of 22 solar street-light and 20 Ofakaga 11 solar street light at Ejule Ojebe and Odugbo- Drilling of two(2)units of hand pump Unale borehole at Itobe IGALAMELA/ODOLU - Construction of three(3)classroom Block at Ofe-Orachi primary school - Two(2)units of hand pump borehole,at Alade - Three (3) units of hand pump borehole at Okpachala
OLAMABORO - Construction of Police barracks at Okpo in Olamaboro - Construction of Rural electrification from Igah to Onicha Igo junction - Rural electrification from Ikeje to Ugbamaka
- Construction of solar powered Borehole, - Construction of one (1) unit of three (3) block in Ugbamaka Egume - Installation of 500KVA transformer each at Iyogbo, Ajaka and Ibochi
OMALA - Installation of 500KVA transformer each at Ogodu, Ibado, Abejukolo - Two (2) units of three (3) classroom block at Abejukolo - Construction of solar powered borehole at Abejukolo - Rural electrification from AbejukoloBagana - Construction of motorized Borehole at Agojeju-Odo
- Installation of 500 KVA transformer each at Okpo, Ugbamaka - Construction of motorized borehole at Igah-Ocheba - Construction and equipping of modern primary Healthcare centre in Igah Ikeje - Construction and equipping of modern primary health care centre at Igah Ocheba - Twenty seven (27) units of street lights in Igah-Ugbamaka - Establishment of skill acquisition centre each at Okpo community secondary school and Igah-Ikeje social centre
EXTRAS: OFU - Construction of three (3)classroom block each at saint Martins primary school Ejule, UEC primary school Ugwolawo, UEC 16 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
Cars to party leaders and executives Motorcycles to party supporters And, provided fertilizers to farmers
AIDOKO: SPECIAL PROJECT
Borehole At Ejule
One of the office blocks at NABDA, Idah
Donation of street light from general hospital junction Idah to Achema handball court (Bishop road), Idah
Donation of giant genenator to NABDA Idah
Three (3) Office classrooms blocks at Islamiya school, Anyigba, Dekina, Ofakaga, Ejule
Donation of solar powered borehole Echuckwu community in Bassa
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BREAKDOWN OF 2017 CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS FOR KOGI EAST, COMPLETED, ON-GOING, PROPOSED FROM JANUARY 2017 TILL DATE EXECUTED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SENATOR, DISTINGUISHED SENATOR ATAI AIDOKO ALI (8TH SENATE) ANKPA - Construction of solar powered borehole at Emekutu - Installation of 500kva transformer by Liberia area,Ojede Ankpa - Construction of solar powered borehole at Kogi state college of Education Ankpa(proposed) BASSA - Construction of solar powered borehole at Echukwu - Installation of 500kva transformer at Odenyi (proposed) DEKINA - Construction of solar powered borehole at Kogi State University Anyigba - Construction of solar powered borehole at Eti-Aja Dekina - Installation of 500kva transformer at Ojuwo Anyigba - Installation of 500kva transformer at Tudun Wada Dekina IBAJI - Installation of 500kva transformer at Unale(proposed) - Construction of classroom block at Ejule Ojebe (proposed) IDAH - Installation of 500kva transformer at Ofukolo,Idah - Construction of town hall at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Attah Igala’s palace, Idah - Construction of solar powered borehole at Federal Polytechnic, Idah NABDA ZONAL OFFICE INTERVENTION PROJECTS IN IDAH - Aquatic laboratory block - Classroom block - Installation of solar electric poles - Extension of light from Idah town to the Zonal office - Construction of dual carriage road from Idah town to NABDA office - Donation of 500kva transformer at the Zonal office and a high powered generator
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to facilitate the process of settling down permanently at the site totalling 500 million naira IGALA MELA-ODOLU - Construction of solar powered borehole at Ajaka - Installation of 500kva transformer at Itobe(proposed) OLAMABORO - Installation of 500kva transformer at Ugbamaka-Igah - Construction of generator powered borehole at Ugbamaka-Igah - Construction of generator powered borehole at Odobu Okpo - Construction of generator powered borehole at Igah-Ikeje - Construction of generator powered borehole at Okpo town - Installation of 500kva transformer at Imane - Installation of 500kva transformer at EtutekpeOkpo - Extension of high tension electricity from Onicha-Igo junction to Ugbamaka-Igah to service the entire local government - Construction of classroom block at Ogugu(proposed) - Construction of engine powered borehole at Ofante(proposed) - Construction of 60 capacity bed mother and children hospital at Okpo - Construction of office block at Ugbamaka-Igah primary school - Construction of cottage clinic at Igah-Ikeje - Construction of skill acquisition centre at IgahIkeje OMALA - Construction of engine powered borehole at Agbenema-Abejukolo - Construction of generator powered borehole at Ogbo-Abejukolo OFU - Installation of 500kva transformer at Okele junction-Ejule - Installation of 500kva transformer at Ogbagebealloma
AIDOKO: SPECIAL PROJECT
NABDA laboratory equipment
NABDA laboratory equipment
NABDA gate house
NABDA acquatic laboratory
One of the office blocks out of N500,000,000 (five hundred million naira) intervention at NABDA, Idah
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EVENT & PEOPLE
GEN. PATRICK AKPA, (RTD).
BURIES MOTHER WHO PASSED ONTO GLORY AT AGE 97 Long life in good health and fulfilment is one of the major prayers of every living being and when this is achieved by the grace of God, it becomes a thing of joy to family of those who benefited from this divine grace. It was in this view that the family of late Madam Rosaline Ahibi Akpa received and announced the passing on to glory of their beloved mother, grand mother and great grand mother who slept in the lord on 3 September at Abuja at the ripe age of 97. The family was very grateful to God for a life well spent on behalf of their beloved mother, grand mother and great grand mother. Madam Rosaline Ahibi Akpa survived by many children among whom is Major General Patrick Akpa, Rtd., the National Leader of Ukomu Igala Organization and a very patriotic Nigerian who served his fatherland faithfully while in service and still avail himself to the service humanity, anytime, anywhere. On the 4th of October, 2018, the body of Madam Rosaline departed Garki General Hospital, Abuja for her home town Ojibogo-Okenyi in Ankpa LGA for Christian wake. Then on the 5th of October (the following day), a funeral Mass was held for her at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Imane, Olamaboro starting after which internment was followed immediately. After the internment, there was a special reception for guests.
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ADVERT
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OPINION
THE KOGI EAST SENATORIAL SEAT:
Behind the wailing walls By EJIH, D.I, ESQ. THE KOGI East Senatorial seat has become the hottest in Nigeria since the dawn of the 8th senate in this democratic regime. While the war horses do the wars with bayonets at their disposal, the Igala nation and people of Bassa extraction who are constituents habour scars of endless internal political wars with fresh blood oozing out; a similitude cancerous arteries of an orphan. The issuing blood, turbulences and pangs ironically come from political gladiators who are too insensitive and desperate to look back at the ‘wailing child’ overwhelmed by the pinching boot of the heartless Babylonian army of occupation. It is a situation of the fight of proverbial Elephants in which the grasses alone suffer. These grasses have lives and have innate ability to react, and are poised to doing that soon. The battle for seat in the 8th Senate raged throughout the tenure of the Senate of the National Assembly to the perils of the Igala nation. Painful too was the fact that there was no institution for conciliation or rather that the parties failed or refused to submit to any for the common good of all. As the injuries grow unabated, the Igala nation; the 9th largest ethnic group in the comity of over 250 ethnic nationalities of Nigeria are resolved not to wail continuously, for as someone said, ‘there will be no 2nd Book of Lamentations’ again, no matter the intensity. Political intrigues have in recent years thrown into garbage the cherished values and virtues for choice of leadership amongst the Igala and Bassa peoples. Dominance of capitalism has brought to fore powers of money and its twin weird of coercion on social reasoning. The extent is such that Elders have fled
their places and children engaged in war of bloodshed, all for race for acquisition. The unanswered question is, how have we become so gullible, and found ourselves in this impasse? The Kogi East Senatorial District once had men of timbers with guts in all hitherto assemblages, such that no man dare to ignore them in the Senate of the National Assembly. Once upon a time, there was Senator Dr. Ahmadu Alih, Ochada Ata Igala on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) who was amongst the top ten Senators in the 2nd Republic, 1979-1983. Then Dr Alex Kadiri under the People’ Democratic Party (PDP) who was rated high on the scale by his contemporaries at the return of democracy in 1999 and later Senator Nicholas Ugbane of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whom the then senate President, David Mark once described as ‘one of the first eleven’ in the 7th Senate and then Senator Emanuel Ocheja Dangana, whom many agreed had the potentials, but was stopped by providence before the end of probationary period. He was replaced by Senator Atai Aidoko of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) who came in by order of Court. He later crossed over to People’s Democratic Party (PDP). At first, it was thought that given the experiences in the House of Representatives earlier, Senator Atai Aidoko would be a brand to beat, but his voice was too small to be heard or better still, has better explanations as to his alleged abysmal performance on whatever was the parameter of measurement. Some Igala and Bassa peoples felt in their own persuasion that the boat started drifting at a point, but at that point many thought it was a learning or adaptation period and that dividends would flow soon. The term lapsed.
The 2015 Elections further repeat the hitherto unknown path of litigation to the Senate, at least within the Kogi State Senatorial District of election annals. Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi (aka Abdul-Railway) of All Progressives Congress (APC) who was declared winner, issued certificate of return and had taken his seat in the Senate undergoing pupillage capitulated on amongst other grounds, to wit, that he never went through due process of intraparty primary elections and as such not properly return in the election. Court order method came to stay in our senatorial election arena, as alternative route to grab. Again Senator Atai Aidoko of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP entered as beneficiary and since then it has been serial court decisions and counter decisions on appeal. The Kogi East Senatorial seat became so turbulent and unstable such that Senator Atai Aidoko would be right to lay shortcomings on the circumstances. The latest is another counter judgement of a superior court to the effect that primarily the PDP Senatorial ticket belonged to Air Vice Marshal Isaac Alfa who by implication ought to seat on the Kogi East Senatorial seat at the National Assembly after the falloff of the APC Senator, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi. The pros and cons is that for Kogi East, only the witty can tell who wears the senatorial garb and who seats empirically in the hallow chamber. The 2019 Equation
Senatorial
Election
There seems to be a consensus position on the way out of the dark experiences thus far. The constituents are better informed of what the intrigues have cost them and will definitely be wiser. Truth is Kogi East is key to overall direction of Kogi State and is poised to regain the lost glory at home, the
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OPINION Senatorial election 2019 will sure be a statement for the peoples and Igala land. In the words of an Igala statesman, Honourable Nuhu Audu of blessed memory, I quote, “my generation has failed the Igala nation” (speaking as chairman, Igala Unity Conference organised by Ojuju Agbadufu Igala (OAI), in November 2016, at the Kogi State University, KSU, Anyigba, Kogi State). He then urged the youth to take over as nobody would handover. He was right, apparently not in the general sense, but in the contemporary concept of sustainable development; a developmental strategy that captures the interest of younger and future generation. The disconnection came about for lack of mentoring with colossal consequences on leadership succession, threatening extinction of the first Nigerian people, from national relevance and domestic rating.
land, restore their dignity and status; tall enough to be seen, constructive enough that cannot be ignored. We need a new architectural design, a manoeuvring capacity that will cultivate friendship in the comity of over 250 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, a type that will locate and facilitate tapping of resources of our land, ensures the Igala youth realises potentials, our women in ranking class and the elderly buffer for their labour via social securities; a God fearing crusader devoid of bigotry who will strengthen our bonds of unity.
George Bush, former United States President once said;
Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world nor name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people
“Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world nor name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people”. The contrary is the bane of modern power seeking, with minimal or no effect on those who conferred power in the first place. The trend in the current political dispensation is salutary. There is sudden explosion of new generation in the political arena. Gladly too, ‘godfatherism’ which is an attribute of mentoring is gradually fading off. The political gladiators for the Kogi East senatorial District elections are young men who are victims of dislocations and gaps in our political system. They are products of selfstruggle and fate-made delving into the ‘unholy arena; the murky water of politics. This is a marching order, a protest and revolutionary in outlook. The Desired Senator Regulatory Terms.
And
Kogi East desire a Senator with smacks, gut, influence, capacity to knit domestic unity and contract web of bridges that will take the 9th Nigeria people back to the promise
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Acceptable social orders and resolves of Igala socio-cultural organisations and other institutions endorsed by our supreme leadership must be respected, referenced and obeyed to service our sacred unity.
They are honoured and represent our uniqueness and must regulate our political operations. There is the factor of conventional power rotational regime that is widely entrenched amongst the Igala people and cannot be treated with levity. Since the early 1990s, the Ojuju Agbadufu Igala (founded as Igala Youth Council); a pioneer pan Igala youth socio-cultural organisation came into being with the mandate of empowering the Igala Cultural And Development Association (ICDA) and fixing the Igala Students Association (ISA), this organisation formalised the extant power distribution equation to minimise conflict that endangers unity of the Igala people. It enunciated and propagated ‘IDA
Power Rotation System; a convention whereby the Three primordial Igala Local Council Blocs of Idah, Dekina and Ankpa share horizontal and vertical powers equitably. Over the years, emergent socio-cultural organisations and Community Development Associations have given recognition to this. Ditto the Kogi East Elders Committee. If this course as being pursued is reckon with, it will definitely define direction for the pendulum. It is envisaged that the new Coalition of Igala Community District Development Association And Socio-Cultural Organisations (CICDDASCO) will lead the way to reduce conflict to barest minimum. The individual capacity, influences and contributions of each gladiator would no doubt be standard yardstick for due recompense. Sincerely, the constituents are going to weigh them on the scale of contributions to communities and social causes. Grassroots personality would surely have edge, thanks to globalisation and social media networks which is fast shaping and profiling the actors. As earlier asserted, the factor of youths and students who are the mobile segment of the society and are better mobilised than before cannot be seeing as trivial in the emerging dispensations. The Gladiators across the parties must beam theirsatellite respectively on cardinal issues of development and priority infrastructures, social engagements that indispensable to sustainable development of Igala and Bassa peoples; namely the Ibaji oil imbroglio, national grid power concern, coal mining, inter-states connectivity roads and Bridges en route the land, employment opportunities for youths and social security empowerment programme. Salient too, is the matter of Social Contract Article of Faith between the Political gladiators and the constituents must be executed to regulate conduct of parties at elections and provide a baseline for assessment and accountability at agreed period. The Gladiators One gladiator and more experienced
OPINION politician in the cream of Senatorial aspirants is Jibrin Isah Echocho. He was formerly of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a much expected successor of the His Excellency Ibrahim Idris, former Governor of Kogi State, who lost in the intrigue that finally produced His Excellency Idris Wada. He moved to All Progressives Congress (APC) as one of the biggest fish that decamped to joined late prince Abubakar Audu in the bid for Lugard House that never was due to abrupt death of the late political icon. A veteran Banker with record of youth employment and contributions to social cause. Echocho as fondly called has also the advantage of incumbency of party in power. He has the greatest challenge of convincing Dekina Local Government Council why he settled for the Senate race and other blocs too. Senator Atai Aidoko of the People’s Democratic Party is an old war horse. He has the field experience and strategic calculation on how to take it the other way round. As an experienced incumbent parliamentarian, he has no doubt a root in the past and therefore knew the terrain.
Agbadufu Igala (founded as Igala Youth Council) and the immediate past Vice President, Ukomu Igala Igala World Wide Organisation. He was the face of the new PDP amongst Igala/Bassa people and a senate hopeful, but was caught up by political intrigues and had to move at the prompting of supporters to African Democratic Congress (ADC), a new party that made incursion into the Senatorial District courtesy of DVAA and his supporters. His candidature appears built around a rainbow coalition of various political parties overtly and covertly. Sources said, in obedience to the counsel of Elders, Dr.Adoji trimmed his ambition and would no doubt be honoured in return for lying low for good. Fondly called ‘DVAA’ he is a candidate to beat as an accomplished strategic player from Idah bloc, the right zone for Senate seat on the conventional principle. Dr. Adoji and his supporters must fast track planting and structuring of ADC to checkmate the traditional big two.
He has had it too many times with variants appraisals and judgements by folks and foes. His greatest challenge would be the alleged automatic ticket and the claimed victory at contentious primary and the ripple effect in his party. The greatest task remains healing of internal wounds and the fact that Ankpa had shut at the Senate with him.
Yahaya Okai is another new entrant into politics of Igala nation, particularly in the contest for the Kogi East Senate seat. He is a veteran of Igala Students Association, a pioneer of Ojuju Agbadufu Igala(founded as Igala Youth Council (IYC) and a footballer, all in his University days at the University of Jos. A geophysicist with experiences in dredging and a private consultant. In his chosen field he was privy to exploration report on dredging of River Niger and greatly identifies with agitation for ownership of Oil wells in Ibaji/ Anambra basin.
Interestingly, in the rank of the new entrants are young men who are contemporaries, youthful and revolutionary in word and action.
He is the flag bearer for Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) which is also not two popular with Igala/ Bassa peoples.
Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji, whom book makers described as a comet in the arena of the new political regime appears a dominant factor. He is a Banker of the intellectual corps, a former Student Union President, University of Jos, Jos, a philanthropist, a veteran of Socio Cultural and Grass Roots Development Association persuasion with networks of social bridges with communities and youths. He was a pioneer of Ojuju
Yahaya Okai is from Idah bloc; the right zone to produce Senator on the conventional slate. Amade Edime, a veteran Student Union Activist and one-time President, Students Union, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State and pioneer Senate President, Igala Students Association is certainly a war horse in the race for Kogi East Senatorial District seat, come 2019.
Leadership is influence. Igala nation and Bassa extraction within Kogi East Senatorial District are alienated at home and cut-off from epicentre of power and incidental dividends and are desperately looking for a Senator that will reconnect them to power horizontally and vertically Amade Edime, was until the present a top youth vanguard of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and once ran for the National youth leader of the party. He is running for the Kogi East Senatorial District seat on the platform of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA). A grassroots mobiliser, with oratory power, he is also of younger generation call to duty by apparent conviction that it is time for the younger generation to take their destinies in their own hands. Much work is required of him to convince the old Dekina Local Government Council bloc in particular and the entire constituency with his manifestos. According to John C Maxwell, Leadership is influence. Igala nation and Bassa extraction within Kogi East Senatorial District are alienated at home and cut-off from epicentre of power and incidental dividends and are desperately looking for a Senator that will reconnect them to power horizontally and vertically. The cream of gladiators in the contest are all on level play ground where their antecedents and personality are within the public domain particularly amongst their constituents. The emerging scenario is such that political consciousness is high; there is more to the usual bandwagon followership this time around, several variables will in the course of time come into play. Until then, the bookmakers and foretellers will attempt to ‘look into the seed of time’ and tell which will grow, and which would not, albeit, only time will tell.
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BARR. SIAKA ISAIAH IDOKO-AKOH, Esq.
The quiet storm reshaping the investmensts & securities tribunal 36 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
PERSONALITY
THE INVESTMENTS & Securities Tribunal (IST) is a very key player in the nation’s economy in relations to investments and financial matters. It’s strength and ability to handle matters very well within her jurisdiction boost confidence of investors and actors in the financial sector. Until the reconstitution of the current leadership of the Tribunal, it was a very worrying situation given the ugly fact that IST was in an inactive mode for almost twenty two (22) months due to the disbandment of the Tribunal under the leadership of Dr. Ngozi Chianakwalam in July, 2015. However, the story changed on September 19, 2017 when the current leadership was inaugurated with Barr. Siaka Isaiah Idoko-Akoh, Esq as the Honourable Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Stepping into the leadership of IST, the Barr. Siaka’s team were confronted with lots of daunting tasks starting from revitalizing the system, addressing all pending issues, raising staff morale and then to begin to carry out the primary mandate of adjudication needed to build and maintain investors confidence in the system. These challenges were taken head-on immediately after the new team’s
inauguration considering the negative impact of the many months of inactivity may have had on the system. Barr. Siaka Isaiah Idoko-Akoh on assumption in office, his team inherited 54 pending cases in the Tribunal’s case docket which had to be commenced denovo. Taking this challenge head-on, out of the 54 cases before the inauguration of the Tribunal, 30 of the cases have been disposed of; representing 23 judgements, 4 consents judgements, one (1) settled matter , whilst one (1) matter was withdrawn. One (1) matter was struck out for want of jurisdiction. So far, as at the Tribunal’s submission of their first year report (August 1, 2018), additional 27 new cases were brought to
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the Tribunal making the total pending cases as at now 51 of which 24 cases were part of the inherited 54. However, the good news here is that, the cases are receiving very quick responses and so most of the cases today are at hearing stages and judgements thanks to the hardworking Tribunal under the leadership of Barr. Siaka. Giving the positive development at the Investments & Securities Tribunal today, confidence is being regained and activities are at top gear. The current leadership is also taking the infrastructural development of the Tribunal into great 38 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
consideration and to this end their zonal offices are being revived and reconfigured to enable members and staff deliver on the Tribunal’s mandate. Also, Barr. Siaka is taking seriously the welfare of members and staff of the Tribunal as a matter of priority given the sensitive nature of their services in order to boost their morale and also equip them to deliver well. With the coming on board of Barr. Siaka Isaiah Idoko-Akoh at the helms of affairs at IST, there is no doubt a quiet storm is sweeping through the system so to reshape the Tribunal for good.
EVENT & PEOPLE
YOFA CELEBRATES ATIKU ABUBAKAR’S BIRTHDAY AT MoM ORPHANAGE IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE
On Sunday, November 25, 2018 was a special day for the members of Young Friends of Atiku (YOFA) in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital as they celebrate the birthday of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential flag bearer. For YOFA, celebrating at the Ministry of Mercy Orphanage was the best choice given the nature of the celebrant and his love for uplifting people, particularly the downtrodden in the society.
Mr. Stephen Ahiaba with one of the children at MoM as YOFA celebrate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s birthday in Lokoja through charity
Stephen Ahiaba is the youth leader of YOFA Kogi State and principal partner for the Atiku birthday celebrations at MoM Orphanage alongside the vibrant members of the group.
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EVENT & PEOPLE
Some of the YOFA members at MoM to celebrate Atiku’s birthday with the less privileged children
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NATION BUILDING
THE LEGAL APPROACH TO RECOVERING
THE LOST DIGNITY AND POSITION OF THE IGALA PEOPLE IN THE SCHEMES OF
NIGERIAN POLITICS By FESTUS A. OGUCHE, ESQ.
AT A high level one day seminar organized by Igala Strategy Team, Ukomu Igala Organization and Indigenous Equity Foundation on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Chida International Hotel, Abuja with the theme, ‘Legal Approach To Restructuring Nigeria Based On Historical Facts, Dr. Jacob Abdullahi and Barr. Festus A. Oguche did justice to the discussion. The event’s primary objectives are; to remind the people about their origin, to tell the people about the origin of Nigeria Project - how it started and the people that started it, to fashion ways to recover our lost grounds through peaceful means and legal action, to create awareness about the principality of the land of Nigeria and to restructure Nigeria where the monarchs will have constitutional roles in governance of Nigeria.
Barr. Festus Oguche Delivering His Paper During The Igala Strategy Seminar In Abuja
The event which was inspired by the Igala Strategy Team led by Prof. Lucy J. Ogbadu and Prof. Godwin Ogbadu as coordinated by Dr. Sunday Uhiene with very strong support of Ukomu Igala Organization. The National Leader of Ukomu ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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Igala Organization, General Patrick Akpa (rtd.) gave deeper insights into the efforts made so far to bring our people together for the common good of all and expressed confidence that continuous discussions of this nature will surely get us to our desired destination. Also, the National President of Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA), Abubakar Sadiq Amodu spoke on various issues including the efforts being made to rebuild the IGALA HOUSE as he welcomed the initiative of the Igala Strategy Team as a way to go if we must witness the positive change so desired
L-R; Arc. Chief Gabriel Y. Aduku, Prof. Godwin Ogbadu And Prof. Lucy J. Ogbadu
for our dear land. The Kwararafa Council delegates were also present with very good and encouraging reports made so far on the unity project of all the peoples of the old Kwararafa Empire. Dr. Adi Agbu Atosey and Barr. Gabriel N. Tsenyen gave enough update that will help in the unity project. For the records and deeper insights into vital issues of our dear land, we have the full paper delivered by Barr. Festus A. Oguche here below for you and everyone concerned.
L-R; Gen. Patrick Akpa, Dr. Jacob Abdullahi And HRH, Prof. J.N. Ukwedeh
LEGAL APPROACH TO RECOVER THE LOST DIGNITY AND POSITION OF THE IGALA PEOPLE IN THE SCHEME OF NIGERIAN POLITICS I had profound thoughts when Dr. Abdullahi sent this topic to me as my point of discourse going by the miasma of issues that would arise. This is so because the entirety of the Igala essence transcends the contemporary political landscape that is Nigeria as its glorious antecedents override and surpass the 42 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
current reality of its existence. To construct a legal position in this vein, entails a revisit or construction of the Igala socio-cultural and political vistas, specifically from a histo-cultural and political perspectives. It requires bringing to bear in this analysis, the myriad of the
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social, political cum internal and external factors that rubbed off negatively and precipitated its decimation as a veritable nation state and colonial power some centuries ago, and the extent to which its rape and ravishing reduced it to its current miniature position. The Igala nation was a nation state recognized under international law, and this is evidenced in the several treaties entered into with other nation states, particularly Great Britain on equal parity. The Attah Igala, was a sovereign power of the mould J. S. Boston described as ‘holding all the ramifications and
accoutrements of sovereignty and political authority’. The early adventures into the African hinterland, particularly along the West Coast of the continent all had their mandate firstly, on the discovery of the two great rivers, the Niger and the Benue, and secondly, the search for the personage that holds the ultimate title and overlordship without whose authority navigation and trade activities were nearly impossible – from Ibn Batuta, 1353 to Leo Africanus 1556. The description of the great cities on the banks known to the external world were Timbuktu and Idah. This is also evident in the works of the first Association
L-R; Barr. Makolo Daniel D., Sam Egwu (Leadership L-R; Dr. Sunday E. Uhiene, Hrh, Elder Chief J.A. Okai And Newspaper), Abubakar Sadiq Amodu (Icda) And Onoja Arc. Chief Gabriel Y. Aduku J. Okpanachi (Arise Igala Magazine)
formed in England for promoting discovery in Africa which comprised of Ledyard and Lucas – Major Houghton, Mungo Park, the Lander Brothers (Richard and John), (even though they never went beyond Bussah), Lieutenant W. Allen, Macgregor Laird and Mr. Beecroft. In his book – Peoples of the Niger–Benue confluence, Armstrong had revealed strong indications of the Igala paramountcy in the ethnographic survey of Africa. The great explorations opened up the
hinterland in such manner that the overlord and principality of the two great rivers was easily identified - and all voyages and discoveries were thereafter directed at Idah, and the Attah’s palace. W.B. Baikie had in his ‘Narrative of an Exploring voyage up the Rivers Kwora and Benue’ depicted the scenario of a city where the sun never dims within the confines of the Benue-Niger confluence. There was the voyage of 1831, which inspite of all the entreaties for trade from the representatives of the English ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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Monarch, Gaabaidu Attah Ekeleaga refused to bulge. Then came that of 1841, which met with a more amenable and less hostile Attah Ameh Ocheje, and so the Treaty of Cession was made and executed. A further Treaty was entered into at the instructions of Attah between Great Britain and Anaja-Gbobe over the control and Governorship of Lokoja at the instance of Great Britain. See Crowther, Samuel and Schon J.F – journals of an expedition up the Niger and Tshadda Rivers in 1854 – London, 1855. It was that treaty that provided the inroad to British penetration of the hinter land and
Gen. Patrick Akpa (Rtd.), Hrh, Prof. J.N. Ukwedeh And Aruwa Atokolo
wars and struggles weakened the fundamental structure of the empire. Then came the take over of the territories comprising the Protectorate, and the Colonialists found good opportunity to weaken the structure the more and systemically constricted the overarching power of the Attah. They succeeded in reducing Gaabiadu’s prestige, honour and authority to mere rubbles. At a point, Attah Igala became a mere district head. J.S. Boston had recounted how at a particular point fingers were pointed 44 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
subsequent colonization of the country. Then began, the gradual decimation and plundering of the resources of the nation state. From the different battles between local merchants and the Royal Niger Company, the attacks on trade routes to the bombardment of Idah in 1899 by British forces (Idah was virtually deserted). Attah Onakpa, inspite of all his innocence was banished to exile in Asaba. Premeditated internal wrangling and strives were ensued and internecine
HRH, Elder Chief J.A. Okai And Arc. Chief Gabriel Y. Aduku, Prof. Godwin Ogbadu And Prof. Lucy J. Ogbadu
at Gaabaidu by British merchants of the Royal Niger Company for masterminding piracy and robbery activities along their trade routes which turned out to be a typical subterfuge of giving His Majesty a bad name in order to send him to the gaols. The British authorities met an Igala nation state under the suzerainty of the Attah Igala, with a territory that encompasses almost the entirety of today’s Federal Republic of Nigeria. Sultan Bello
NATION BUILDING
admitted to this fact which was well alluded to in Burdo Adolf’s – A Voyage up the Niger and Benue – London 1880. Journal of African Society Vol. 7, 1907. They know and understand that the territories within and at both banks of the Rivers Niger and Benue to far flung territories all the way down to the ocean belong to the Attah Igala. It was actually the transaction over Lokoja that gave them the foothold to the gradual and consistent debilitation of the Igala State. A territory with such vast geographical expression was reduced to a radius that was a shadow of its old self. Later there was to be further tinkering with the Igala territory, which saw Idah district lumped with Onitsha province and the rest in Kabba province. When they finally were joined again, they were all grouped under the far away but unstable Munshi province. By then Nsukka had been excised from the territory, and so also the Idoma, Igbira and Nupe territories. Then came the creation of states where major fiefdoms of the Attah Igala Ajaokuta and Lokoja were taken away from Gaabaidu – (which battle is currently in the Law Court). At that point Lokoja, Ajaokuta and its environs which are unarguably the Attah’s estate were in Kwara State, while the rest were placed under Benue State. The effect of this balkanization was a gradual but steady fragmentation of the Igala territory into several chiefdoms and entities thereby further disintegrating the Igala essence and existence from its territorial grandeur. The amalgamation of the protectorates in 1914 had a terrible blow on the Igalas more than any other nation or group. It saw very many Igala core traditional communities truncated and lumped in the southern protectorate and
The amalgamation of the protectorates in 1914 had a terrible blow on the Igalas more than any other nation or group. It saw very many Igala core traditional communities truncated and lumped in the southern protectorate and other provinces
other provinces. Iga, Ette, Agejawjaw, Ogurugu, Okutu, Unade, Itchi Echorio, Ibegwa, Akpanya etc., are just to name but a few examples. Brought down helplessly on its knees by a deliberate operation of colonial administrative policies that corrode upon its essence, power and grandeur, the Igala nation found itself in a serious culde-sac, culminating to the suicidal end of its most celebrated and flamboyant monarchs, Attah Ameh Oboni I. And here we are today, with the Igala Kingdom constricted into one tiny territory within Kogi State and consigned to the rungs of political insignificance and tagged a minority enclave within the federation of a 21st Century Nigeria which bulk of territories was hitherto embodied within it. At the end, the British succeeded in supplanting the traditional governmental institutions and systems with one that ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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is even strange to them. The attempt at indirect rule only ended up creating artificial monarchs, where there were none, and superficial puppets robed in imperial garbs, who are only empowered to do the biddings of Her Majesty, the Queen and at her convenience. It was this contradiction that culminated to the different face-offs and hostilities between the colonial authorities and the Igala nation, culminating to Attah Oboni’s sad demise in 1958. Then came the post amalgamation developments – the Lugard’s, Richard’s Constitution Macpherson’s, Lyttletons
the London constitutional conference, the independence constitution of 1960, and finally the Republican constitution of 1963. In all these constitutional evolution, the position of the traditional rulership system, which the British met on ground were relegated to ceremonial functions with a tiny window of political participation. Neither the 1979, nor the 1999 constitution ever gave any recognition nor made reference to these traditional institutions. The exercise at creation of states through which the existing 36 states emerged was rather the arbitrary
L-R; Barr. Gabriel N. Tsenyen (Jukun), Dr. Adi Agbu Atosey (Jukun), Mrs. Rabi, Mariam I. Emeje And Theophilus Abbah With The Mic Coordinating
considerations and most times selfserving permutations of the military elite and completely erased every trace of traditional boundaries and pre-existing territorial jurisdictions. Igala nation is now confined within a tiny territory with several other ethnic groups, and the Attah holds office at the instance of a Governor at Lokoja. Less than a century 46 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
ago, this would have been abominable! But here we are today, with the Attah, totally disabled from having his very Igala people in his brood – a large many Igala communities being entrapped and lumped in other states – and they cannot return to their kinsfold because a provision in Section 8 of the Constitution requires a boundary adjustment – a
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wavy phrase with no attachment with the practical realities of Law. And if you look deeply into the substance of the law, you discover there is no boundary to adjust. For the Ette case, of which I personally handled, we discovered that the whole regime of laws touching on national and interstate boundaries are either dubious or only exist in the imagination of the officials of the National Boundary Commission. Today, there are more Igalas outside Kogi State suffering the yoke of one political thralldom or servitude or the other. The legal implications are far-reaching – and these implications also translate to the political reality of suppression, marginalization, deprivation, and as almost happened in the Ette case, dislocations. The practical reality that stares everyone on the face is that all the systems of governance that applied spanning the colonial, post-colonial, military and post military era all failed the country. The Westminister system of government was a disaster in itself, and so also is the United States executive presidential system which today has kept us in the doldrums trapped in the carapace of a thwarted political existence. We operate a rather questionable federal structure that cannot fit into any contemporary model or design – Professor Isawa Elaigwu gave it the contraption of a unitary federalism. Sounds somewhat absurd though, but that’s the best description to give this indefinable arrangement. People are now suggesting we return to the erstwhile regional structures as component units of governance – or people be allowed to secede and go their separate ways.
there are more Igalas outside Kogi State suffering the yoke of one political thralldom or servitude or the other. The legal implications are far-reaching – and these implications also translate to the political reality of suppression, marginalization, deprivation, and as almost happened in the Ette case, dislocations
But then, the question is, if the argument for restructuring or centrifugalism are to hold sway, what would be the defining points or modalities for existence or separation as the case may be? For instance, what structural indices would serve as the underpinnings of its landscape as regards ethnic groups, affiliations and consanguinity that would be better than a predication to the pre-existing pre-colonial traditional boundaries of say, the Attah, Oba of Benin, Sultan of Sokoto, etc. For the Igalas, what is of paramount importance is how to restore the land to its glorious position as it existed prior to its rape and devastation by the colonial authorities. This restoration is also coterminous with the restoration of the Attah’s authority, prestige, dominion and the splendor of his status as a functional monarch. To this effort should also be, the ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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restructuring of the polity which should mean more than identifying or defining the component structures within the country be they real or artificial. Our first port of call is to bring all Igalas truncated and stranded in different states and parts of the federation into the social and political mainstream and fold. This essentially means engaging the relevant institutions of government saddled with the responsibility for determination of boundaries namely the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Boundary Commission, and the office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation. Within this ambit is also the office of the National Human Rights Commission, which has done tremendous work in promoting the rights of people to determine for themselves, who they are and where they belong in line with the exercise of their right to freedom and identity. This becomes apt, as it is now clear that Section 8 of the constitution do not apply in redressing the truncations as there are virtually no existing boundaries to define or adjust. Ancillary to this is this drab trend of Igalas within the Kogi fold regarding their kins located elsewhere as being less of the main stock. This is saddening indeed as it has created a culture of stigmatization, whereby, the average Igala blood from say Ogurugu is tagged ‘om’igbo’ simply because he finds himself in a place outside Kogi State. I state this with every degree of equanimity because I’ve been a victim myself. It is rather preposterous for Igalas as a people to discriminate against themselves on the basis of a superficial distinction and discrimination created by the hard experience of our colonial and post colonial history.
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Our first port of call is to bring all Igalas truncated and stranded in different states and parts of the federation into the social and political mainstream and fold
The next, but very important port of call is the question of the restoration of the territorial boundaries of the Igala Kingdom in line with the area of the traditional authority of the Attah Igala as a determinant of the component structure of Nigeria. This should be the main plank of the Igala ethnic agenda for any future conference on restructuring, and not necessarily the creation of an elusive Okura State. This translates to a re-definition of the boundary framework of Nigeria beyond the Legal Notice 126 of 1954 which created the boundaries between the region, and the state creation efforts since 1968 to a more factual actualization of the territorial boundary and extent of authority of Gaabaidu as a fact of component structure in the restructuring agenda for the country. It is not out of the way to envisage the existence of two or
NATION BUILDING
three Igala component units within the federation going by its vast traditional extent. With this, the years of deliberate decimation and plundering of the Igala State would have to a large extent been corrected, and the lingering vestiges of colonialism which daily hold the country down would have been finally broken. Finally, beyond the razzmatazz of the traditional splendour and ceremonial veneration of Kings and Monarchs, it behoves on Igalas as an entity, to, from the perspective of its cultural heritage and experience, make case for the statutory and constitutional roles for traditional rulers, particularly those imbued with ancient traditional stools, traditional sovereigns and Monarchs. From the facts of Igala history and
heritage, the Attah is conferred with a more profound authority and legitimacy by the people than even the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – and that’s one fact we must all swallow!. A situation that accords recognition and legitimacy to a Local Government Chairman over and above the Attah Igala on the statutory plane under our so called constitutional ambience is preposterous and insane, and that’s exactly why the systems are failing left, right and centre.
Festus A. Oguche, Esq., is a Port Harcourt based Legal Practitioner and Coordinator (Nigeria), Campaign for Social Justice and Constitutional Democracy in Africa.
L-R; Gen. Patrick Akpa, Barr. Festus Oguche, Dr. Jacob Abdullahi and HRH, Prof. J.N. Ukwedeh
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RELIGION
SHEIKH HASSAN MUKAILU
ABEJUKOLO
A SPIRITUAL STAR RISING FROM THE EAST
THE CITY of Lokoja was taken by storm when suddenly news started making the round of a young Muslim preacher cum prayer warrior who organises prayer sessions and vigils attended by multitudes from various parts of the city then with time, the entire state and today, people even come in from outside the state as the news keep flying out of the wonders Almighty Allah is performing through Sheikh Hassan Mukailu Abejukolo. What makes the young sheikh’s activities quite different and a thing of great attention for many is the form of the deliverance, prayers and preaching - many have said it takes the Christian’s spiritual pattern but a careful watch shows everything he does is Islamic based. The bottom line is that the young Sheikh exhibits uncommon faith and it’s manifesting good results as witnesses keep testifying. ARISE IGALA Magazine visited the prayer ground on Thursday, November 15, 2018. The meeting was a fine one as Sheikh Hassan Mukailu Abejukolo told the team his humble beginning and Allah’s decision to use him. Narrating his story from the genesis, Sheikh Hassan said he was informed by his parents about many unusual signs concerning him right from birth; until the age of seven (7) his hands were always folded but opened whenever the parents began to sing for him some Islamic based spiritual songs and the hands closed the moment they stopped. For this reason he
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RELIGIION was taken to a remote village to live with his grandmother where he was involved deeply in farming and all sorts of works including those that were often referred to be feminine in nature, pounding cassava, fetching fire woods, washing dishes et al. The situation remained same until when he was eleven (11) years old. So, one day on his way to their rice farm early hours of the morning he had an encounter with a strange old man who told him that his hands are blessed for prayers that will bring wonders and miracles to his world but the time was not ripe yet and so he must be very conscious as he will end in life a prayer warrior. As soon as the old man was done talking he disappeared and that was it. Growing up, there were some miraculous and amazing things that were happening from time to time around him each time he prayed for people. Then boom, one day at Ganaja Junction in Lokoja, one hot afternoon (already serving as a Civil Defence officer in his uniform), there was a corpse being taken to Enugu state, it was the body of one Pastor John and he ordered the ambulance to stop and then asked them to park that the man in the coffin was still alive and they thought he was mad but he told them that it was just divinely revealed to him and after some times, they accepted and lo, the pastor came to life the moment he prayed for him Sheikh Hassan believed that was the day God decided to introduce him and his prayer ministry to the world. Again, in Lokoja while heading for a naming ceremony, he heard wailing from a compound and he was told in the spirit that the man was not dead and he went there, prayed for the man and he came to life. Sheikh said the man is still alive till date and right in Lokoja - he was willing to give the ARISE IGALA Team details for confirmation to buttress the works of prayers Allah is accomplishing through him. And then, heading for a programme in Egbe, Kogi West Senatorial District, he saw a particular mad person and right there he stooped and prayed for the man and instantly, he was cured of the madness as Sheikh said he was attacked by some wicked souls spiritually according to the revelation given to him because the man stole. Sheikh Hassan is a spiritual rising star from Kogi East and he believed strongly that Almighty Allah sent him on this mission and for this conviction, he believed that even those who are doubting him today will someday come to accept he was ordained for this purpose.
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REGION
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ADVOCACY
At the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, the Ohiniyi of Ebira during one the visits to royal fathers
ADVOCACY FOR DISABILITY RIGHT BILL AT THE KOGI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY THE COMMUNITY of persons with disabilities in Kogi state with some concern CSOs and NGOs have taken upon themselves the responsibility of canvassing support for the success of the DISABLITY RIGH BILL. In pursuit of this, they embark on visiting royal fathers in the state to support them with their fatherly advice and influence so to ensure the quick passage of the Disability Right Bill at the Kogi State House of Assembly. During the advocacy visits,
copy of the Bill are handed over to the royal fathers. Mr. Ibrahim D. Arome, the state chairman of Persons with Disabilities in Kogi state has been in touch with some representatives from the Leprosy Mission Sweden, the Nigerian coordinator of Leprosy Mission and the Kogi State coordinator of the Mission advocating for the success of the bill among other issues of interest to the community. ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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ADVOCACY
With Mr. Alonge (on the right), one of the most passionate social workers in Kogi state.
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IGALA KITCHEN With Dr. Saidat Lami Hussein
IKACHI
Ikachi , just like Yam can be eaten: • fried, • boiled with palm oil or ite, • as porridge or • pounded; the same way pounded Yam is being prepared and eaten with any type of soup. Ikachi is very easy to prepare and because of its special sweet taste, some people prefer it to Yam.
Basically, everything that Yam can be used for, Ikachi can serve the same purpose as well. Or better still, what yam can serve, coco-yam can even serve better, after all, the sweetness of coco-yam is the “coco”.
Prepared by Ojochide Yusuf-Nathan
...more info, contact; Dr. Saidat Lami Hussein on 08059456509 or send an email to ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 47
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BOOK REVIEW
TITLE: The Porous Pot AUTHOR: Elijah Oyigu PUBLISHER: Bajem Publishers DATE OF PUBLICATION: 2018 NUMBER OF PAGES: 157 BOOK REVIEWER: Dr. Peter Okpeh EMAIL: okpehp@gmail.com Protocol Crafted in nine compelling chapters, the novel, The Porous Pot, is a masterly depiction of war between two neighboring communities - the Atiga community and the Otiko communityover River Eniji, a river rich in fish and situated on a bother land that separates the warring communities. Although the river extends far more into the Artiga community, the indigenes of Otiko hold on to it because of its enormous economic advantage. Unable to agree on a mutual access to the river, the communities resort to war. Ameh, a young carpenter who could not access education on account of the demise of his parents, decides to go for military training in order to liberate his community from the Otiko community who were already having an upper hand in the war. Amidst joyous celebration and fanfare by his people who see him as their messiah. Ameh embarks on the war, leaving behind his young wife, Ejile and their beautiful daughter, Ojochide. News filter home soon after his departure that Ameh and his men have been captured and imprisoned by their enemies, and that they might never return home again. Ameh’s older brother, Idache, who had nursed a licentious desire for Ejile, takes advantage of the news of Ameh’s imprisonment to finalize plans to marry Ejile, and by extension, inherit his younger brother’s property. Ejile, however, resists his every move and remains faithful to a husband she is not sure will return to her again. In anger, Idache snatches Ojochide from her mother, takes the former home and subjects her to severe maltreatment. With a blend of heroism and courage, however,
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Elijah Oyigu
Ameh and his men break lose from their imprisonment, defeat their enemies, and return home with the news of victory and conquest. He is rewarded with the throne and to the surprise of Idache and other members of his community who maltreat his household while he fights their war. He however forgives them, and unites everyone under his leadership. In its critical appraisal, the novel is a fictional representation of a typical human society characterized by war, avarice, hatred, hypocrisy, betrayal, denial and greed on the one hand, and heroism, faithfulness and forgiveness on the other. From its conception to its execution, the plot of the novel drips with suspense, tension and hope, altogether woven around the novel’s tittle by the choice of which the author subtly interrogates the devastating effect of vicious behavior on the human society. A pot is an inevitable household utensil designed for cooking and storing very valuable human consumables such as water and food. Most domestic activities in the kitchen “department” of the home are either automatically halted or get badly slowed down whenever the woman has to contend with a pot that licks out water because it is porous. The novel’s tittle therefore is a metaphorical portrayal of the collective loss and frustration the human society suffers whenever the “pot’ of the human nature that was originally designed to house virtues that should advance the course of mankind becomes porous with anti-human,anti-social behavour. The war in the novel which lingered on for a while and consequently claimed the members of the two warring communities would certainly
BOOK REVIEW
have been averted if both republics allowed the virtues of tolerance, love, and fairplay to regulate their relationship. Within the context of our experiences as a nation, the novel’s tittle demonstrates the author’s ideological aversion to the myriad of vices that constantly frustrate and bedevil our collective effort towards nation building. Amidst the hopelessness and frustration engendered by the porousness of the metaphorical pot of the novel, the author beams the light of hope in the character of Ameh who epitomizes heroism, courage, sacrifice and forgiveness. Ameh in this sense is a metaphor of a pot that is not porous. He is the heroic leader who sticks out his neck to rescue his community in a time of fear and trepidation. He is the courageous leader who breaks out of the limitation of imprisonment to confront the enemies of his people. He is the compassionate leader who forgives his enemies and detractors. Ameh is the ideal leader and although his breed are rare on this part of our world, that he exists is a sign that there’s hope for our country and our world at large. In his handling of characters, the author demonstrates skill and dexterity by “creating’’ and developing characters that are neither larger than life nor yet too diminutive for the human frame. His characters possess our virtues and our vice; they exhibit our strength and our weaknesses; they live among us, and do so at our level. They can be touched and they can be felt. And it is in this area of “realistic characterization” that the novel scores one of its high points. This is further enhanced by the author’s brilliant handling of dialogue among the characters which is one of the techniques that advance the plot of the novel. Through this narrative technique, the readers are made to experience the story through different
characters. The choice of the third person omniscient narrator offers readers a comprehensive appraisal of the characters, even to the minutest details of their thought life. For example, the amorous intentions of Idache towards Ejile, Ameh’s wife is unveiled to the readers through the third person omniscient narrator, even when the other characters are not aware of this ( pp. 7&8). Apart from a few typographical blemishes which subsequent reprinting should take care of, Elijah Oyigu’s The Porous Pot is, in sum, a worthy contribution to the prose genre of the corpus of Nigerian literature. Its narrative techniques and subject matter coalesce to hammer on serious and sensitive issues of leadership and nation building. Consequently, I strongly recommend it first to the entire Nigerian reading public, and then as a compulsory text in our secondary schools, and for the fresh men in our tertiary institutions. Thank you for listening. Dr Peter Okpeh Department of English & Literary Studies, Federal University Lokoja Lokoja-Kogi State 08068242865
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ADVERT
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ADVERT
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