TheNewsGuru

Tag: Oby Ezekwesili

  • Ezekwesili, Tunde Bakare identify Nigeria’s greatest challenges

    Ezekwesili, Tunde Bakare identify Nigeria’s greatest challenges

    A former education minister, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, and Pastor Tunde Bakare have described corruption and leadership failures as Nigeria’s major obstacles to development.

    They spoke on Saturday in Lagos during the onboarding of the pioneer class of the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft, organised by the Citadel School of Governance.

    The programme, run in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School, admitted about 70 students for its maiden nine-month course subsidised by Bakare.

    Ezekwesili said many Nigerians appeared comfortable with the country’s challenges, stressing that Nigeria had no justification for its continued failures.

    She commended Bakare’s initiative, lamenting that institutions in both the public and private sectors were struggling due to deep-seated corruption undermining national progress.

    According to her, corruption remains corrosive and, if unchecked, becomes systemic. She likened corruption to cancer, warning it had already drained several generations of opportunities.

    Ezekwesili criticised the growing normalisation of corrupt practices, describing it as a betrayal of future generations for short-term gains.

    Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, said effective leadership required continuous learning, adding that unqualified people must never remain at Nigeria’s helm.

    He explained that the school was established to raise leaders equipped to meet governance demands in Nigeria and Africa.

    “The Citadel School of Governance was founded to become a globally recognised institution producing great leaders,” Bakare said.

    He stressed the project was not driven by money or political ambition, but by a desire for a functional nation that benefits every Nigerian.

    Bakare reaffirmed the school’s vision to nurture agile nations with responsive governments, where knowledge, service, and innovation guide leadership and development.

    According to him, bridging Nigeria’s governance gap requires exposing leaders to modern tools and enabling leadership mobility between private and public sectors.

    The Executive Director of the University of Lagos Business School, Prof Michael Adebamowo, said the course would adopt a problem-solving approach in training participants.

  • Ezekwesili vs Nwaebonyi: Two wrongs cannot make a right – By Uche Akunebu

    Ezekwesili vs Nwaebonyi: Two wrongs cannot make a right – By Uche Akunebu

    By Uche Akunebu

    “I said shut up once already, with my mouth” – Daniel Woodrell , American novelist,and author of Winters Bone.

    The nation was treated to what seems like the theatre of the absurd when Senator Obiageli Ezekwesili a former minister of education and Senator Onyeakachi Nwaebonyi , representing Ebonyi South, had a verbal showdown during the  sitting of the Ethics,code of conduct and public petitions to look into the allegation of sexual harassment against the senate president,Godswill Akpabio.

    From the clips of video of the public shame ,we saw the invocation of invectives that diminishes  the drammatis personae in the eyes of people with decorum . Such words like “hooligan”  “fool”    , “insult to woman hood” and others rented the air.

    The clip saw more of the reactions of senator Nwaebonyi who was like a bull in a china shop judging from velocity of his voice and derogatory words that flew like dirty flood water . In view of this , a floodgate of comments have accompanied the verbal debacle that occurred at the senate . As a mass communication scholar who understands what content analysis is about , Dr Ezekwesili seems to have more sympathisers after the verbal duel . A development that made this writer remember the statement of a former British Prime minister and Statesman, William Gladstone who once said ” All the world over, I will back the masses against the classes “. With what the masses have seen in the hands of our political class ,it was natural to see most people cuing behind the back of one of their own than that of a member of the political class.

    This writer saw comments like such a towering figure as Dr Ezekwesili deserved not to be thrown under the train with abusive words . There were arguments posited that it was unAfrican to disrespect elders in the manner that we saw in the video clips that have gone viral . There was equally the gender side presented by the supporters of Dr Ezekwesili,as they frowned at a woman and mother being treated in the manner we saw in the clips,which speaks to the flip side of a patriarchal society that operates here . The points raised in support of Dr Ezekwesili are unassailable,but then we must put a principle in law into activation here ;which is Audi Arterem partem (hear the other side).

    From the other side , Senator Onyeakachi Nwaebonyi had laid bare his case . He attributed his outburst to a law in chemistry that says action begets reaction.  The action was the inappropriate use of word by the minister when he asked him to “Shut up” in the public glare . He added that he was called “hooligan” and that triggered his adrenaline. It only takes a practical Christian to turn the other cheek for another slap , which the Senator does not pretend to be ,as he flew off the handle and went into abuse overdrive.

    To this writer,the former minister,did not conduct herself within the canons of civilised behaviour by the use of the word “shut up ” on a serving senator. Senator Nwaebonyi could pass for the age of the son of Dr Ezekwesili,but that is not the issue. It is the office that should be held in high esteem and not just the person occupying it. This writer ,is trying to visualise what would have been the response of Dr Ezekwesili,if when she was a minister of education, someone ordered her to “shut up ” in a public gathering.

    What the former minister failed to realise is that individuals react to actions differently,and that the action of asking a senator to “shut up” was a no no . As a  human right activist ,she ought to have known that she infringed on the senators right to speech,by trying to shut him up. Is she not aware of  the immortal words of Voltaire ,the french philosopher and writer who once opined ” I may not agree witwhat you say ,but I will defend to the death your right to say it”?

    This writer on the other hand ,must commend the former minister for admitting on a national television that she asked the senator to “shut up”  as some other person may have denied that ,even when it is on tape. Yes , action begets reaction, the truth must be told that Senator Onyeakachi Nwaebonyi could be accused of lacking in  emotional intelligence judging from his response to the action of the former minister. One with emotional intelligence would have handled the situation in a more refined manner.

    From this writer standpoint, both Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili and Senator Onyeakachi Nwaebonyi should render public apologies for public conduct that diminishes their reputations . Two wrongs cannot make a right. Both were wrong on their vituperations and deserve to be remorseful and not to embark on ego trips that puts their reputations on tenterhooks.

     

    Dr Uche Akunebu is the Head of Poets of the world, Nigerian chapter and editor of African book series of the International Human Rights Arts festival based in New York.

  • The justification for silencing us – Ezekwesili speaks on heated altercation with Nwaebonyi at Senate

    The justification for silencing us – Ezekwesili speaks on heated altercation with Nwaebonyi at Senate

    Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education has opened up about the recent altercation with the lawmaker representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the incident, which took place on Tuesday, ensued shortly after the request that Ezekwesili and her team be administered on oath in line with the Senate rules, during a session regarding a petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

    The drama following after the former Education minister instructed Nwaebonyi, who also serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, to “shut up” during the panel hearing.

    Speaking during an interview with Arise TV, Ezewesili noted that the tension stemmed from the handling of the case, which was complicated by the presence of related ongoing court cases.

    According to Ezekwesili, the Senate panel explained that the matter was “sub judice” because there were related cases pending in court.

    “The petitioner had insisted that he would not proceed with his main petition until he received assurances regarding the two objections he had raised,” Ezekwesili stated.

    She further narrated that the panel had translated the petitioner’s reluctance to proceed as a lack of readiness to engage with the matter, which led to further frustrations.

    She said, the panel suggested that the proceedings be put on hold due to the related court cases, including one filed by the wife of the Senate President.

    It was during this period that Nwaebonyi, speaking on behalf of the Senate President, intervened.

    “He declared that since we were unwilling to provide any testimony, he was present as a representative of the Senate President, who was the respondent,” Ezekwesili recounted.

    She continued, “I said to him, can you please shut up? We had just been informed that we were not allowed to speak, yet he was doing so freely without any form of equivalent treatment.

    “The justification for silencing us was that we were unwilling to proceed without first addressing our objections.

    “When I told him to be quiet and that remark provoked the senator, though he was already agitated. “He was already provoked, his anger stemmed from the belief that we were not taking the matter seriously.”

    Ezekwesili reflected that Nwaebonyi’s reaction was an example of “indecorous behaviour” that is sometimes displayed by public officials in the country.

  • Drama in senate hearing as Sen Nwaebonyi, Ezekwesili clash on Natasha’s sexual harassment against Akpabio

    Drama in senate hearing as Sen Nwaebonyi, Ezekwesili clash on Natasha’s sexual harassment against Akpabio

    There was drama on Tuesday, after a heated exchange erupted  between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili as the Senate Ethics Committee sat to hear the petition of harassment against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio from Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the heated argument ensued following request that Ezekwesili and her team be administered on oath in line with the Senate rules.

    Ezekwesili and her team refused to be administered on oath until their request were listened to and met.

    In the argument, Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili engaged in a verbal exchange of words and name-calling.

    The former Minister described the Ebonyi North Senator as a disgrace to the Senate. “You are a disgrace to the Senate,” she said.

    On his part, Senator Nwaebonyi described the former Minister as a disgrace to womanhood.

    “You are a fool. I said you are a fool. What do you mean? How dare you talk to me like that. you are an insult to womanhood. That is why you can never be here. People like you can never be here. You are a hooligan,” he said.

  • Get ready to prosecute me – Ezekwesili tells Speaker Abbas over bill aiming to penalize Nigerians refusing to recite national anthem

    Get ready to prosecute me – Ezekwesili tells Speaker Abbas over bill aiming to penalize Nigerians refusing to recite national anthem

    The former minister of education Oby Ezekwesili has challenged the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to prosecute her when the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 is passed

    The Counter Subversion Bill 2024, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) aims to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.

    Currently at its second reading where its general principles will be debated, the bill, which is being sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, also proposes that anyone who destroys a national symbol or a place of worship shall be liable to the same punishment.

    Reacting to the bill, Ezekwesili insisted she would continue to sing the ‘Arise O Compatriots’ version.

    The former minister further accused the Speaker and members of the National Assembly of conspiring with President Bola Tinubu to pass the old national anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee” into law.

    Ezekwesili via her verified page on the microblogging platform, X  on Wednesday said that the House is engaging in “irrelevancies while the country totters.”

    She said, “I am certain that the Speaker of the @HouseNGR @Speaker_Abbas @nassnigeria knows this for a fact

    “Surely, he must know that the so-called #CounterSubversionBill which he introduced- and alleged to be in its second reading – is a silly flight of fancy that further reveals how unserious and irrelevant the lawmakers are to the Nigerian condition.

    “I for example have kept my public statement and only stand and sing the REAL Nigerian National Anthem (Arise O Compatriots), never the Colonial and ‘tribal’ one that he and his colleagues conspired with @NGRPresident and kangarooed into ‘law’ in violation of Constitutional processes.

    “Get ready to ‘prosecute’ me when you pass your noxious #CounterSubversionBill into an Act.”

    Ezekwesilli added, “But before then, please note that if there is any group of Nigerians that deserve a Subversion Act, it is you and your colleagues at the @nassnigeria who consistently subvert the progress of Nigeria and her people through your legendary public misdemeanors that accumulate into Bad Governance.”

  • Ezekwesili, Nweke Jr, others canvass decentralisation of power to LGs

    Ezekwesili, Nweke Jr, others canvass decentralisation of power to LGs

    A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called for the decentralisation of power from the Federal to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) for speedy development of the country.

    Ezekwesili made the call at a virtual democracy dialogue on LGA administration organised by Fix Politics Initiative as part of activities to mark the 2024 Democracy Day on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ezekwesili, who is the founder of Fix Politics Initiative, a citizen-led movement operating in Nigeria and other African countries, called for an overhaul of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

    She said that the amendment alone could not birth the desired Nigeria, adding that other structural challenges affecting the nation’s democracy and governance should be done as well.

    “We believe that foundationally, we have to correct these structural defects by making sure that the local government system is at the centre of the kind of constitutional changes that we are looking forward for.

    “We are an organisation that has put our voice out there to say that, tinkering with the 1999 Constitution on the margins will not deliver the new Nigeria we all want; we all want a Nigeria that works for all of us.

    “A Nigeria that works for all of us has to be designed by the people and where do you often find the real people, it is at the local communities.

    “And so placing them at the centre of the design of a Nigerian project that works is fundamental; the Nigerian project will only work to the extent that the people are at the heart of it,” she said.

    On his part, a former Minister of Information, Mr Frank Nweke Jr, said that citizens must continue to be reminded of their collective responsibilities to ensure good governance.

    Nweke, who is the Chairman, Fix Politic Initiative, said citizens should not only vote, but support compatriots in government and jointly hold government accountable.

    He said that citizens must understand the various roles and responsibilities of all the tiers of governments in the country to effectively track their performance.

    Mr Oluwasesan Dayini, from Ebobobaiku Local Government Development Authority in Lagos, said that much attention should be paid to LGAs to make the people feel the impact of democracy.

    He said that no state could function without LGAs in spite that current challenges of poor funding, limited administrative freedom among others being faced by the third tier of government in the country.

    Dayini said that citizens should, however, call for accountability by tracking budgetary provisions, saying that it is more effective than waiting for anti-graft agencies.

    A political activist, Ms Aisha Yesufu, said that there was the need for reorientation of the citizens to make the democracy work better.

    She said the ordinary people including children should be allowed to be part of the decision-making process.

    The activist said that in schools and religious gatherings, children should not be asked to shut up but make their contributions count based on their ability and understanding.

    “By getting the children involved early, when they grow up, they will be able to effectively engage government and will not be intimidated or be blackmailed to keep mute for fear of being regarded as disrespectful,’’ she said.

    Yesufu said that asking government officials questions did not amount to antagonism, but should be regarded as efforts to ensure good governance.

    Other discussants which include, Ms Ngozi Iwere, a social activist, Mr Saseme Akume, a public affairs speaker, Mr Sam Amadi, a policy strategist and Mr Seun Onigbinde all called for capacity building for citizens and government officials.

    They called for an access to data for citizens to track performances and a Constitution that allows LGA to function effectively among others.

    Discussants at the dialogue tasked citizens on inclusive participation in governance especially at the LGA level.

    NAN

  • ‘Incompetent lawbreakers’ – Former education minister, Ezekwesili says as she rejects old anthem

    ‘Incompetent lawbreakers’ – Former education minister, Ezekwesili says as she rejects old anthem

    Oby Ezekwesili, the former Minister of Education, has stated that she will not revert to the old national anthem signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the former minister made this known via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter on Wednesday, where she stressed that no one will suppress her right to dissent an obnoxious ‘law’ that is repugnant to all.

    Recall, several reactions have been trailing the signing of the National Anthem Bill 2024 into Law with many likening the old anthem to having colonial tags.

    Tagging the post, ‘Public Service Announcement’, Ezekwesili wrote, “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili shall whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem sing:

    “I frankly thought it was a joke and gave it no attention. With all the horrible indicators on the state of governance? So, it is a new National Anthem that is their priority?

    “I frankly thought it was a joke and gave it no attention.

    “What an egregious case of “Majoring in the Minor” this is! Wow!.”

    She further urged Nigerians to rise up and fight for themselves as none of their leaders will fight for them.

    “Again, no one is coming to save us, Citizens of Nigeria. We’re all we have.

    “We all must someday decide to collectively save ourselves and this country from these overpaid, unethical, incompetent and incapable “Lawbreakers” in the @nassnigeria and their similarly characterized collaborators in the Executive and Judicial branches of Government across this Land.

    “The Citizens of this country must understand this absolute truth by now that the Political Class is the biggest curse on this country,” she posted.

  • National Assembly is the biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy – Ezekwesili

    National Assembly is the biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy – Ezekwesili

    Oby Ezekwesili, a former Education Minister has described the National Assembly as the biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

    Ezekwesili made the remark while reacting to the proposed purchase of 360 Toyota SUVs for lawmakers.

    The former minister made the remark on her official platform X while warning the senators that the Nigerian youths will soon chase them and the  House of Representatives members away due to their serial bad behaviour.

    Her post reads: “So that vexing news turned out to be accurate.

    “I read the extremely ludicrous and duplicitous statement released by the Spokesman of the @HouseNGR on their insensitive purchase of 360 Toyota SUVs for themselves.

    “You all had the audacity to spend scarce public resources in luxury cars at a time majority of their citizens cannot feed, transport themselves, pay school fees and hospital bills due to cost of living crisis?

    “At this stage, it is evident you want to continue with your serial bad behaviour.

    “Since not even 1 of you fellows @nassnigeria @HouseNGR @NGRSenate saw the heartlessness of that decision to buy 360 new Toyota SUVs for yourselves at this time of severe economic distress of the citizens and country, please know that you all are the biggest threat to our Democracy.

    “Just know that a day cometh and very soon too, when it would be your fed-up Nigerian Citizens and not the Military that will rise up and collectively chase all of you grossly irresponsible and insensitive people out of office. And very soon too.”

  • Ezekwesili hails EU, says report on election monitoring topnotch

    Ezekwesili hails EU, says report on election monitoring topnotch

    Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili has commended the European Union Election Observation Mission, saying it still maintains credibility in election monitoring.

    According to her,  the report on the 2023 election “surprisingly restored a measure of confidence in election monitoring around the world by not mincing words at all.”

    She made this statement on Tuesday via her verified Twitter handle, saying that unlike its report on Nigeria, Observer Mission Reports were beginning to be cookie-cutters that seemed to trade-off electoral credibility.

    She further stated that the report “diverged from the global trend and restored confidence in Election Observation.”

    She wrote, “The @euinNigeria surprisingly restored a measure of confidence in election monitoring around the world by not mincing words at all in their European Union Election Observation Mission NIGERIA 2023 Final Report.

    “Here’s how the @UN regards Elections Observation:

    “Why observe elections?

    “Election observation is a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections. Observers help build public confidence in the honesty of electoral processes.

    “Observation can help promote and protect the civil and political rights of participants in elections. It can lead to the correction of errors or weak practices, even while an election process is still underway. It can deter manipulation and fraud, or expose such problems if they do occur.

    “When observers can issue positive reports, it builds trust in the democratic process and enhances the legitimacy of the governments that emerge from elections.

    “Election observation by domestic groups encourages civic involvement in the political process. Following elections, reports and recommendations by observer groups can lead to changes and improvements in national law and practice.

    “Those who follow global trends in election monitoring know that Observer Mission Reports were beginning to be cookie-cutters that seemed to trade-off electoral credibility.

    “I highly recommend the EU Report… It did not trade off electoral credibility at all.

    “It diverged from the global trend and restored confidence in Election Observation.”

  • 2023 Elections: “Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos” -Ezekwesili

    2023 Elections: “Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos” -Ezekwesili

    Former Nigerian minister, Oby Ezekwesili, has accused President-elect, Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of instigating the attacks suffered by Igbos living in the state during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    She also alleged Yoruba people were mistaken as Igbo and therefore perceived as electorates that are likely to vote against the All Progressives Congress (APC) were equally attacked and disenfranchised by the duo.

    "Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos" -Ezekwesili
    Oby Ezekwesili

    Speaking after the election via her Twitter account, she wrote: “Ndi Igbo did NOTHING to @officialABAT nor @jidesanwoolu but you orchestrated a rage against a people who have dwelt peaceably in Lagos ever before you both became politicians.

    “Today, you even disenfranchised Yorubas that your supporters said “looked Igbo. You will account. The social media and WhatsApp messages are flooded with voters who were wounded by thugs for “being Igbo” and prevented from voting.

    “What is that? What exactly is this brand of politics in Nigeria in 2023? We will have to answer this question to move forward. And we shall.”

    "Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos" -Ezekwesili

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the ex-minister of Education went on to condemn the activities of thugs in the just-held election, saying violence and intimidation of the opposition could become a new normal when Tinubu is finally sworn in.

    Ezekwesili, who has served Nigeria in different capacities, is also concerned that Nigerians may witness total disregard for the rule of law if Tinubu becomes President.

    “The mayhem @officialABAT and his criminal enterprise gang unleashed in Lagos today against innocent citizens is what he wants to assume the Office of President and scale to the rest of Nigeria in the name of ‘controlling the Center? Tufia! The God of Justice forbids,” she added.