Interviews
2023 presidency: In true spirit of federalism, Southeast should be given a chance ~ Ebenezer Babatope
Ahead of the alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by the National Assembly, former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, has said that there is need to give serious attention to the restructuring of the polity.
Babatope, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) and leader of the opposition party in Osun State, says restructuring is the panacea to the myriad of challenges plaguing the country.
The PDP leader , who spoke in an interview with TheSun, also bared his mind on the zoning of the opposition party’s presidential ticket for the 2023 general elections among other issues. Excerpts:
The National Assembly is set to begin an alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a school of thought believes this should be an opportunity to address some fundamental issues like the clamour for restructuring and state police, among others. What is your take?
People have been talking about state police for a long time. Until we ensure that we put security in the hands of those who know about it, we will be wasting our time. For example, if we have state police, it doesn’t remove from the national police. But what is important is that the state police will be able to know those who are involved in criminal activities in their areas, and they will be able to ensure that we get to the root of insecurity and injustice in this country. We run a federation in this country. Those who are talking about state police, they know what they are talking about. I am for restructuring. Simply put, restructuring is redefinition, reaffirment of the federal nature of our country’s existence. We run a federalism in this country for goodness sake and we should reaffirm it, redefine it, to ensure it takes precedence over every other matter. When we are restructuring, we are aiming at justice. That will give confidence to people that they are in a country where their rights are being respected. And where they are given all the opportunities to ensure that we run a proper federalism. Those who are are calling for restructuring, they know what they are talking about. Restructuring, pure and simple is the redefinition of the federal nature of our country’s existence. We affirm our federation, ,we affirm our federalism and we ensure that we put power in the hands of those who really want to make something out of it. It is not debatable. It will solve all our problems. These killings will stop.
Those against state police argue that it could be abused by state governos, just like the State Independent Electoral Commissions(SIECs)?
Any governor who wants to abuse it (state police) would be wasting his time. What happened to native authority system of old? When you do that you know that you are destroying yourself. The governors are the people who know their people; who know where the shoe pinches them and who know how to get justices.
The National Assembly has commenced the amendment of the Electoral Act. What do you think should be part of the new electoral law?
What they should consider first and foremost is how to get the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria. Elections that will be seen to be free. Elections that will be seen that the people have been given the right to elect people, who will govern them. That is what the National Assembly should be concerned about. If they don’t do that, then elections will continue to be rigged in Nigerian and that will be to the detriment of this country.
Some stakeholders say the way to go in 2023 is electronic voting. Do you share that sentiment?
Electronic voting? You see, these things are mere technical terms. What is important is to get the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commit itself to giving Nigerian people the right to elect those, who should govern them. If you put electronic voting, electronic voting can be manipulated too.What is important is let the INEC commit itself and guarantee that it will give the people of Nigeria the freedom to elect those, who will govern them.
How can we get INEC to commit itself to conducting free and fair election. Some have argued that if elections are transmitted electronically from the polling units straight to the collation centres, there will be less interference?
It is a question of getting the INEC to be honour-bound in their pledge to Nigeria through the National Assembly. Honour-bound. The INEC we have had in this country, except very few, has never committed itself to be honour bound to give the people of Nigeria the freedom to elect those who will govern them.
Some have also argued that if election results are transmitted electronically from the polling units to the collation centres, there will be less interference with the results?
I still maintain that if they go electronic, it will still be manipulated. The machines will be manipulated to give Nigerians wrong results. And to give Nigerians wrong people to govern them.
You are former member of the PDP Board of Trustees. Recently one of your party man, former Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue said the party is going to zone its presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections to the North, how would you react to that?
As far as I am concerned, the PDP has the final say. But left to me, I would have wanted that somebody from the Southeast be nominated, so that it can go round the whole country to satisfy the principle of federalism. But if the party decides to go to the North again, no problem. The party would have taken into consideration, many of the things that we are going to examine in terms of winning the election. And if former Governor Suswan said that, there must be reason for that. But we must know in our mind that Southeast deserves to be given a shot. If we give it to the North again, after the North, it must go to the Southeast.
Has the party at any point discussed the zoning for the 2023 general elections or was Suswan just giving his opinion?
Suswan is near the corridor of power in the PDP. He should know what he is talking about. But the party, as far I am concerned, has never tabled it for discussion and no decision has been passed to anybody as regards that. But like I said, the PDP has the right to decide who will be the candidate based on what is happening now. And I know that nobody hates the Southeast. I want the party to satisfy the principle of federalism, by making sure that we pick somebody from there.
Ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, there are fears that with the current Electoral Act , there may a repeat of the challenges that characterised the Kogi and Bayelsa polls?
That will be sad, if we have a repeat. But what I know is that the PDP, we are one with our leadership in affirming and endorsing Obaseki as our candidate in Edo and Eyitayo Jegede in Ondo State, we are going to back him too. We want to ensure that the people of Nigeria are allowed to choose the people who should govern them. We are not going to involve thugs. What is important is the votes. And we are sure that the people will cast their votes for the PDP.
Are you confident that INEC will conduct free and fair elections in Edo and Ondo states?
I am not sure. I am not sure. Unless the National Assembly quickly carries out its plans to reorganize electoral law in the country and to ensure that INEC will keep its obligations to the Nigerian people. But as it is now, I am not sure.
The Southwest PDP wants to regain power in the zone in 2023. But across the Southwest virtually every state chapter of the party is in crisis…
We will resolve all those issues. All that is important is that we should have trusted people, who’.are members. And don’t forget that we have a good person who is leading the party right now. That is Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. He is level headed. He is an achiever. We are going to resolve the issues and march forward, because it is not just by words of mouth that we are saying that we want to win the Southwest. We are determined to ensure that we have victory in the Southwest. And we are going to have it.
Prior to the last national convention of the PDP, the Southwest wanted to produce the National Chairman of the party, but it eventually went to the South-south, should the party retain its zoning formular, would the Southwest be taking another shot at the national chairmanship?
I cannot talk for the Southwest. We have assemblies organised in the Southwest that can do that. I cannot be talking for the Southwest. All I know is that whatever the party decides to be in the best interest of the party, and in the best interest of the people of the Southwest and in the best interest of the people of Nigeria, that is what we will do.
How would you assess the President Buhari administration, five years after?
It will be very unfair for me to do that. Buhari is of the APC and I am of the PDP. It is left for the Nigerian people to judge. That is why we should have a clear minded and independent INEC to ensure that the people of Nigeria produce their verdict.
The House of Representatives working on a bill to grant immunity from prosecution to the CJN and other categories of judges, as well as leaders of the legislature…
Immunity from what? If they seek immunity from prosecution, it means that they have done something which is criminal. And which is wrong. I don’t subscribe to that. I believe that we should respect their positions. The justices of the Supreme Court must be respected. But we should not carry it to the ridiculous extent of saying to say that we are trying to seek immunity for them. No. That is not right. That is not nice.
The proponents of the proposed legislations argue that since there are three arms of government and the heads of the executive enjoy immunity, the same privilege should be extended to the judiciary and legislature?
Anybody who is making this argument is making a lame argument. I don’t think anybody will go out of the way to say that we should ridicule the Chief Justice of Nigeria. They should allow sleeping dogs to lie.
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Interviews
“Football under siege: How Insecurity, poor investment threaten the beautiful game in Kwara North”
In this short interview, Dr. Ndanusa, a director at Aidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, speaks with our correspondent on the struggles of running a private football academy in a region ravaged by banditry, and the broader challenges of managing football without government support. AFA players wore black armbands during their friendly against NPFL side, Kwara United, in Ilorin, as a show of solidarity for communities in Kwara North under siege.
AFA only launched formally in February. How has the journey been so far?
What we did in February was an unveiling. The academy had actually started long before that. After the launch, we set up a boot camp where we picked some of the best talents to expose them to the wider world of football. Over the last six months, our boys have had several encounters — some are currently in Ethiopia trying out with clubs, while others are preparing to move to Doha, Qatar. Those at home continue to engage local teams, and coming to Ilorin feels like homecoming since Lafiagi is part of Kwara. But beyond football, our presence here is symbolic — our home base in Kwara North is bleeding due to insecurity. That’s why our boys wore black armbands: a cry for solidarity. Government is doing its best, but security is everyone’s problem.
What does it mean to run a football academy from an insecure region like Lafiagi?
Dr. Ndanusa: It is both emotional and challenging. Every day, we battle the reality that while we try to raise young men through football, our community is under siege by armed bandits. Players come to training after hearing gunshots the previous night. Families are displaced, and yet we must carry on. It shows that football is more than sport — it is a beacon of hope. Our boys are saying through football that Lafiagi deserves peace.
How tough is it for the private sector to invest in football in Nigeria?
Dr. Ndanusa: Very tough. It requires money, time, and enormous resources — things one man alone cannot shoulder. Unfortunately, unlike government-backed clubs such as Kwara United, private academies struggle without institutional support. People understand football’s value but they have not directly benefited from it, so they shy away from investing. Until more investors come in, academies like ours will remain at the mercy of passion and sacrifice.
What lessons do you think government and stakeholders can take from AFA’s effort?
That football can be a force for good. Beyond winning trophies, it can rebuild broken communities, unite people, and take young people off the streets. Our academy is proof — even in a conflict zone, young men can choose football over crime if given the chance. What we need is more investment, collaboration, and deliberate policies that support private football academies. With security guaranteed and stakeholders involved, Nigeria can produce not just players but true ambassadors of peace and development.
Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption must begin with accountability among top government officials.
Speaking during an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” Obasanjo highlighted the importance of leadership in combating corruption. The session was hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo stated, “The best way to fight corruption begins at the top; therefore, that is where we must focus our efforts.”
He stressed that leaders must lead by example. This sets a critical precedent for the entire nation, demonstrating a genuine commitment to transparency and integrity.
The interactive session focused on Obasanjo’s achievements in government and his assessment of Nigeria’s current state. He described corruption as “hydra-headed,” noting its deep roots in Nigerian society. This pervasive issue requires relentless effort to combat effectively.
Using an analogy from a former Sultan of Sokoto, Obasanjo compared corruption to a “babariga,” a flowing traditional attire. He explained, “If you are folding it on one side, it’s falling apart on the other side.” This illustrates how corruption can worsen if not addressed comprehensively.
He added, “When you carry it on both sides, you cannot hold your hands up, and as soon as you put your hands down, it’s falling apart. That’s corruption.”
Obasanjo emphasized that fighting corruption is not a one-time effort. It is a continuous endeavor requiring sustained commitment across successive administrations. “Corruption is not a one-day affair.
“It’s not a one-regime affair. It must be consistent, continual, and a daily affair,” he said. He warned that a single regime’s inaction may allow corruption to spread uncontrollably.
The former president urged officials to reform the recruitment and appointment of leaders to public office. He advocated for merit-based political appointments, not those based on political affiliations or tribal considerations.
As reported, Obasanjo argued that leaders must possess competence and integrity to effectively serve the nation.
Discussing the source of leadership, Obasanjo asserted that not all leaders receive divine appointment; some arise from personal ambition or malevolent forces.
Addressing Corruption
He stated, “God prepares most leaders and places them in their roles,” suggesting that this divine selection boosts a nation’s chances of success.
However, he recognized that evil influences can also infiltrate leadership. “Satan is real and has power. Satan can create a leader,” highlighting the potential for evil forces to influence those in positions of power.
He referenced Job from the Bible, explaining how Satan challenged God’s righteousness. He emphasized that while Satan has no salvation, his influence should not be underestimated.
Obasanjo’s remarks highlight Nigeria’s need for a comprehensive approach to combat corruption, starting at the highest leadership levels.
He urged leaders to prioritize accountability and meritocracy, ensuring that governance serves the public good.
Concluding his address, the former president stressed that sustainable development comes from transparency, consistent action, and leadership grounded in accountability and divine purpose.
His call to action emphasizes the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema, has lambasted the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, over what he referred to as tissues of lies from the former Minister.
It could be recalled that Mr. Sirika, during an interview on Arise TV, tried to defend the allegations of fraud levelled against him in particular, and the federal government led by the former president, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, in general, over the national carrier, Nigeria Air.
Speaking Arise TV on Sunday, June 11, 2023, Sirika made spurious claims about Air Peace, which is today regarded as Nigeria’s foremost airline.
In his bid to denigrate Air Peace while praising Ethiopian Airline, Sirika stated that the airline leased ‘two’ Boeing 777 aircraft on a monthly lease fee of $250,000, parked the aircraft for several months and incurred losses of $19 million while all the aircraft engines and landing gears became due for replacement.
He then asked: “Who does that?” then added that Ethiopian Airlines would never do that.
Secondly, Sirika said the airline stopped flying to Dubai because ‘we lack capacity’. This is another stark lie.
Read Air Peace’s press release debunking Sirika’s “lies”, signed by the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, here.
Not satisfied with the press release, Chief Onyema appeared in person to further debunk Sirika’s lies, asking President Bola Ahmed ‘Tinubu to dissolve the charade called ‘Nigeria Air’.’
According to him, the current Nigerian government should dissolve Nigeria Air and work with Air Peace to be the Flag Carrier as his airline deserves it.
Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, CEO of Air Peace averred that the former Aviation Minister, Sirika, ought to be in jail and not granting interviews.
Onyema recalled that he has done so much for this country, hence has to come on air and defend his credibility and reputation of his company.
He even demanded for more time as he has a lot to say about the corruption and criminality going on in this country.
As an ordinary citizen, he reminded Sirika that he has done more for Nigeria and Nigerians than the so-called politicians, only for the Nigerian government to deny Air Peace when it applied to be given slots to ply the UK route.
He noted that what the government should do is to support the local airlines in Nigeria, offer the airlines grants, and possibly deregulate the aviation industry as it will create more jobs and uplift the economy.
Watch the Arise News interview below:
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Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams on Monday, urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfill the dreams of a prosperous Nigeria, saying the late MKO Abiola’s mandate stands for justice, freedom, equity, liberty, and sustainability of democratic tenets.
Adams said this at the 30th anniversary of the June 12 1993 in Ogba, Lagos.
He stated that the death of the late MKO was not in vain because democracy has come to stay.
According to him, though there are challenges that have threatened the foundation of this democracy, things could be better with proper approach.
He said: “We cannot achieve much if our democracy is tied to the 1999 constitution that we are using presently in Nigeria.
The 1979 and 1999 constitutions are tools that the military imposed on us to preserve their atrocities.
“And the constitutions have always remained the bane of Nigeria.That is why we are where we are at the moment.
“Unless we embrace regionalism, and let the federating unit develop at their own pace, Nigeria may find it very difficult to realize its lofty dreams.
“With a new administration in power, there is need for President Bola Tinubu to come up with policy direction that has human face.’
Ace journalist, Mr. David Hundeyin, was on News Central TV, Thursday morning to break down the Nigeria Air fraud, allegedly perpetrated by the former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika.
Ace journalist David Hundeyin
Speaking, Mr. Hundeyin recounted how he broke the story of the fraudulent aircraft display on May 26.
Watch the video of the interview below:
In the meantime, the Nigerian legislature has stated that departing President Muhammadu Buhari created a fake airline as his final act in office.
President Buhari managed to arrange the flight of a lone aircraft bearing the livery of the nonexistent Nigeria Air before taking his final bow.
In an earlier development, the newly unveiled national carrier has revealed that it would soon make formal announcement for job opportunities as it continues to make preparations for commencement of commercial flights, which is projected to take place in the third quarter of this year.
Nigeria Air was unveiled on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with a dual promise of quality service delivery and job creation, among others.
The job creation drive disclosure was contained in a document, entitled “Nigeria Air: The Journey So Far”, made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, by the airline’s media office.
According to the document, announcement for job opportunities would be made in key national newspapers for pilots, engineers, cabin crew and other positions.
The vacancy advertisements would also be posted on Nigeria Air website and social media platforms, as revealed by the document. Read more.
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©Copyright 2023 News Band
(If you would like to receive CURRENT NEWS updates from News Band on WhatsApp, or Telegram, or wish to send eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to elstimmy@gmail.com and we will respond instantly. Follow us on twitter @News Band; like our Facebook page: News Band.)
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