Interviews

APF Task Electorate on fake promises

AHEAD of 2019 general elections, a group, Advance Progressive Forum (APF), on Tuesday called on Nigerian electorate to be watchful as they prepare to cast their votes for their preferred candidates in the year’s presidential poll and not be deceived by promises from candidates of the various political parties.

Chairman of APF, Otunba Joseph Onasanya, made the call while speaking with journalists in Lagos, urging the electorate to be sure that whoever they cast their votes for would be somebody who would meet their desire for a better life.

“Many of the party candidates are after their own good and seeking opportunity to exploit the people, but the people have a duty whether to allow themselves to be exploited or they will take advantage of the time to seek to know who will be better for them and give them a better future,” Onasanya said.

According to Onasanya, the 2019 election was going to be a referendum between the rich and the poor, between those who want a change for better life and those who want to stick to the old order that benefits only them, urging the people to know that political promises and intentions by political office seekers were not always the same.

The chairman of APF, formerly Atiku Progressives Forum, with presence in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, said: “Nigerians must learn to look beyond the promises of political office seekers and try to figure out real intentions behind the aspiration if indeed they want change in their condition of living.”

He said the agenda of the APF was to help secure a better life for the people, adding that the group was, therefore, looking out for any of the candidates and political parties that would meet their desire for the people of the country to collaborate with in their interest and the future of a better Nigeria.

He, therefore, urged the electorate to carefully look at the agenda of each of the political parties and match them with the antecedents of their candidates and see which of them meets their desire for a better life, as according to them, promises might not be enough for a voter to make up his or her mind about the appropriateness or otherwise of any particular candidate.

The Face of Change?

The last three and a half years of the regime of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre have been short of expectations, to say the least. With its brutish approach to politics, the gradual failure of other sectors of the system has become impossible.

Apart from a few ministries – not more than two or three – the record of failure of the Muhammadu Buhari government is already public knowledge, no matter how hard its spin doctors try to undo these palpable public records.

Take away the ministries of Transportation and that of Power, Works and Housing – the government of Buhari is generally believed to have failed to live up to billings and rather than sit up to review its inadequacies with a view to fixing them, it has descended further into mediocrity.

Particularly disappointing but directly pointing to these failings are some of the events that occurred last week – both in the politics and governance of the country. What these events have also indicated is the tendency for impunity by successive governments, but with differing propensity.

A coupe of weeks ago, there was a rapprochement between President Buhari and Senate President Bukola Saraki. The meeting showed promises. But less than 24 hours after, those who run government on behalf of Buhari, showed their hands, when they attempted to change the leadership of the Senate in a sense that exposed the partisanship of the police.

It was apparent that those who conceived the plan, had envisaged that Saraki would leave the party, APC and had also planned to impeach him through a back-door plot. That too failed and stoked more high-profile defections, including that of the Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

Since then, the flurry of activities that followed showed deficiency in the management capacity of the current government.

From the instigated, coordinated and planned impeachment of the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, by eight out of 30 lawmakers to the failed installation of a new deputy governor in Imo State in one of the most condescending approaches as well as the unrelenting moves to forcibly reopen the National Assembly and effect a change of its leadership, have all combined to constitute huge danger to the political, economic and social life of the nation.

The decision by the Nigerian people to tag along with APC in 2015 after assessing the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, which was demystified by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency was an informed one.

Although the choice between Buhari and Jonathan was a totally impossible one, to settle for Buhari was the only option. While, the hope in the Buhari administration may actually be staggering, the president’s inability to deliver profound leadership has made a complete mess of the journey so far.

Not only has his government failed in activating the principle of sanction and reward as an effective instrument in building a decent and sane society, his drive towards sectionalism and favouritism has exposed the fears that some had about his personal disposition in the days leading to his election.

The fact is that the president presents the face of someone, who has created a free-for-all environment in the corridor of power as people with selfish and ulterior motives have since seized the initiative on his behalf, creating more problems than they have the capacity to solve and leaving him to deal with the backlash since the buck stops with him.

With a recalcitrant security situation, limping economy and inherently defective leadership, the current look on the face of CHANGE as proposed by the APC is not a pleasant sight to behold. There is not just a disharmony in the working relationship amongst top government functionaries in the cabinet, there is a worrisome disconnect between the government and the governed.

Therefore, it is baffling how a government that came on board with a rare goodwill lost its head within three years.

Currently characterised by integrity deficit, the APC has a lot of explaining to do to the voting populace on why the beautiful pictures it flashed during the 2015 campaigns are not the same as the ugly face it now wears. For sure, it is going to be their record posting against the people’s verdict!

CAN NIGERIA BE SAVED?

One in every six Africans is a Nigerian and 10 per cent of all black people on earth are Nigerians. By

2050, Nigeria will become the third largest nation on earth and 67 per cent of the population will be below 30 years of age. Nigeria has been at the precipice many times, but always seems to find its way back. Today, Nigeria is back at the brink again, but will this time be different? We think so, and in July 2017, we created the G57 to emphasise the opportunities and minimise the risks in a nonpartisan manner.

The G57 is a nonpartisan group of 57 successful Nigerian professionals from every corner of Nigeria and around the globe. The combination of democracy and a productive economy is what Nigeria needs to stabilise and to lead African stability and growth into the future. To operationalise this thinking, the G57 has mobilised a national grassroots citizen engagement organ which presently has one thousand members and 250,000 followers. This organ, branded “PUP Culture,” is based on the fundamental building blocks of prosperity, unity, and peace, which have been the enduring cultural values in every Nigerian tribe.

As the nation prepares for the general elections in 2019, the G57 seeks a new set of ideas and capabilities to solve Nigeria’s fundamental problems. We are facilitating voter education, grassroots mobilisation, a shift from tribal to issues-based debates, and systemic adjustments. The right systemic adjustments, political stability, technical partnerships, and strong foreign investment have the potential to grow Nigeria’s GDP from $400 billion in 2016 to $4 trillion in eight years.

There are numerous examples of such exponential growth in Nigeria. For example, a company invested $280 million in 2003 and by 2010, the company was valued at over $45 billion. The United States is a natural partner for entrenching democracy, fighting corruption, and expanding trade, security, and investment. Nigeria in turn is a critical partner with respect to Nigerian immigration, its democratic values, and its shared security goals.

Nigeria cannot seem to get past its reputation for insecurity, corruption, fraud, and human rights issues. Both Christians and Muslims are slaughtered daily. The culprits have been labelled Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram, but there is more to the story. Some experts believe the violence results from economic issues that are purposefully amplified by political actors, but are also exacerbated by an exploding population and the shrinking of grazing lands due to climate change. Add to this the arrival of foreign fighters and small arms and the regional fallout of the crises of Libya, Yemen, Syria and Iraq.

Nigeria’s issues are multi-faceted and systemic. They revolve around weak private and public institutions as well as the government’s lack of capacity to solve problems. Nigerians, who are generally patriotic and passionate about the country, are frustrated, poor, and losing confidence in successive governments. But they remain committed to the Nigerian project. Average Nigerians are agreeable to a liberal democracy: according to a recent poll, 81 per cent of Nigerians do not care about the religion or tribe of their leaders.

  
APF National Chairman (Otunba J.Onasanya) recently granted an online interview and series of National issues was discussed.   

QUESTION: It seems APF have being silent recently, what has been happening?

ANSWER: APF had not been silent, what we are doing through our APF DISCUSS is to reach out to our numerous followers and members on the current affairs in Nigeria.

Yes, we have not been as vocal as we ought to for 3 reasons

(A) Nigerians, we need a change

(B) Communication from Presidency or Government to the citizen

(C) Yes, Government of Buhari is too slow agreed but steady with general happenings in the country.  We are cautious, very soon we shall open-up.

QUESTION: What is the position of APF membership strength in the country?

ANSWER: The position of APF membership strength in the country is very encouraging, we shall come up with the statistics very soon.

QUESTION: 2019 general election is getting closer, what plans does APF have?

ANSWER: 2019 is a future that lies ahead. APF as a Political Pressure group will mobilize our members all over the country. APF will implore all the grassroots and Nigerians with voter's card(PVC) to vote for action not politics as usual.

Election should focus on the interest of this country not personal interest. In the coming weeks and months, we shall reach out to the political party for their manifesto and ask a question on what can be done by us together. That is the principle of APF.

It is a high time Nigerians realize that the role of citizen in our democracy does not end with our votes. Our country has more wealth than any nation, where are they? We need to reaffirm the spirit that has triumphed over politics of hatred, bitterness, intolerance, corruption, ritualist, thuggery, and kidnapping. We need the spirit that we lift our country from despair to the great heights of hope. Yes, on our own we need attitudinal and change of mind.

QUESTION: Is APF aligning with any candidate or political party towards 2019 general election?

ANSWER: Yes, we will do all we can to search our minds. Who are the best political party or a candidate? We will choose our best not to ever supply politics of ego or the domain of special interest. We shall form our own opinion.

QUESTION: General election is around the corner, groups are springing up. How can we know the genuineness in these groups?

ANSWER: Some of the groups that were springing up does not have definition, some are doing it for monetary gains. Anything goes, not about ideas but for selfish purposes.

We in APF believes in playing an essential role in democracy. Political parties cannot provide adequate representation for the full range of diverse, interest and opinion in a modern democracy.

Our key function is to aggregate interest into a coherent political entity capable of governing the country. Pressure groups increases participation and access to political systems, thereby enhancing the quality of democracy. They complement and supplement electoral democracy

Ours(APF) are product of freedom of association which is a fundamental principle of liberal democracy, freely operating pressure groups essential to the effective functioning of liberal democracy, duly registered by national commission.

QUESTION: Recently, Atiku decamped back to PDP which he was a member of the founding fathers. Do you think he can strive in his coming back?

ANSWER: For me and APF, we have no objection of Atiku decamping. My fear is, would PDP put their house in order before 2019 general election? There is multiple cloud that surround the party. For Atiku to strive, a lot need to be done. Our opinion on this will be made known later.

QUESTION: Is opposition party doing enough to takeover power from the ruling party?

ANSWER: Seriously, i have not seen any alternative to the ruling party for now but if you are looking for individual that can run independently, taking over power can happen.

QUESTION: Briefly, what can you say on the recent herdsmen activities across the country?

ANSWER: The issue of Herdsmen and cattle, first of all-APF commiserate with our brothers and sisters in Benue State who lost their loved ones in the January attack. May their gentle souls rest in Peace.

The herdsmen activities are condemnable, the question Nigerians are asking is. Are they really Herdsmen? or ISIS? or BokoHaram? The truth is that, the Herdsmen(Fulani) we have been living together for Ages. I remember when we are young in the village farm, we are like brothers. We all live in peace, in a very conducive atmosphere. A powerful committee must be set up by the government to work with the security outfits in finding lasting solution to this menace that is wasting innocent blood.

We appeal to the government of President Buhari to urgently bring this deadly evil act to Justice. I think it is one issue that must be handled carefully otherwise the consequences are better imagined than experience.

QUESTION: Some people are saying Mr. President is weak and slow in decision making, what’s your take on this?

ANSWER: Mr. President is not weak, i strongly believe that courage was not the absence of fear but triumph over weakness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid. No one can accuse Mr. President of selfishness. Today, our common suffering will turn into hope for the future. That, am sure of this administration. Three years is rather too short to right the wrongs of decades. We have been so pre-occupied with getting the government to behave in a fair and democratic way. We were not able to focus on the private sector where most of jobs are. Where most of the wealth and opportunities are.

To us in APF, it gets dark sometimes, but the morning come, suffering breeds character but character on its own breeds faith in the end. Faith will not disappoint.

QUESTION: So far, what can you say about the Corruption war?

ANSWER: The corruption war was going on well. The cabals are fighting back. The moral answer is that they cannot win. This government, the discipline on war against corruption are not negotiable. If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious valleys that hinges on moral. No party has a monopoly on wisdom, no democracy works without compromise, let us together resolve to complete the circle of democracy. To dream the dream to freedom and justice. We must protect our magnificent for our natural existence to prevail. Our common endeavours must share the same hope. Our government need to deliver unto his people. Let people that voted be a party in government because perseverance creates its own reward. Dividend of democracy is the effective participation of the people and the fulfillment of government promises to the people.

As the saying goes, the root of bondage is poverty and the root of poverty is ignorance. We must stop monarch of notorious corrupt cabal(MNCC). In our today's democracy there is greed and in-responsible. He who wishes to be rich within a day will be hanged within a year. We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves. If we can find unity in our common humanity, not only to tolerate our differences. To show how we can develop new habits of the heart. To make it clear that every person is worthy of dignity and respect, peace, and freedom.

Democracy and human rights will always be part of our daily existence. If you see a man walking on his two legs amputated, do not despise him. He is a human being. This is how you secure your own life. That, for every selfish person, there are dedicated leader. Teach them that, is far honourable to lose than to cheat, teach them to learn to lose and to also enjoy winning. Teach them that, for every enemy, there is friends. Teach them to have faith in their own ideas even if everyone tells them they were wrong. Teach to listen to all men but teach also to filters all he hears on the screen of truth and take only that is true. Teach to close his ears to a housing mob but to stand and fight. If he thinks he is right. Above all, you may never solve problems with the mindset that created it.

QUESTION: What is your reaction to the newly formed Coalition for Nigeria Movement(CNM) ?

ANSWER: Our reaction in APF on the launching of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement(CNM) and call for President Buhari not to seek re-election. Every Nigeria is entitled to his opinion. The President is constitutionally entitled to seek re-election, he cannot be denied. Let the electorate decide on that. Bear in mind that the administration has just spent 3 years in power with all mess inherited. Nigerians knows their common enemies. As for the CNM, they were faces we know but under new name, Nigerians should exercise some caution. Look beyond CNM, the time has come for us not to be deceived but to re-affirm our enduring spirit to choose our better history to X-RAY the ugly past years have thought us and the wounds inflicted into our life. The cabals and traitors, animals in man skin would not let go. They always want to have their ways. The mighty God who rules over us have the final say.

QUESTION: Can you please assess the leadership of this Government generally?

ANSWER: A leadership challenge in Nigeria since the emergence of Nigeria as a sovereign from British colonial rule on October 1st,1960. It has been grappling with lots of challenges. But the most pressing of all the challenges is the absence of visionary leader, transformative and exemplary leadership. A factor reported by the Nigerian celebrated literacy giant and author Things fall apart, the Late Chinua Achebe. In his book, titled-THE TROUBLE WITH NIGERIA, Pls find and read.

The leadership crisis in Nigeria is as a result of wrong value system that places so much premium on materials, possession not minding how it was acquired which leads to instability in our social political system.

This question we ask today is not whether this government is too big or too small, but does it work? Yes, for this government and the President, integrity is of the essential in all human endeavours and am yet to see one person who can question the integrity of the President.

It is a very important ingredient in leadership. Today, the whole African continent is feeling the impact of the Anti-corruption fight and want our President to continue to lead the fight, not only in Nigeria but across the continent. Today, the entire African Union has made our President as Anti-Corruption champion. What else can we ask for ! He has blocked many leakages in our treasury through the implementation of the Treasury Single Account(TSA). The Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System(IPPIS). Government financial management and Information System and the efficiency unit of the federal ministry of finance.

BOKO HARAM - Unlike before, the insurgent is no longer in control of any territory. No Government all over the world that fight insurgent, corruption and insecurity at the expense of the economy survived. But here we are, The President is moving on. For some of us, half cooked food is not yet for consumption than to exercise patient to be well cooked for consumption. So, for this reason, fixing the critical infrastructure will guarantee stomach infrastructure on a more sustainable basis. We need to be patient so that our unborn generation would not be a flash in the PAN. They would end up paying for in the future.

This government of President Buhari, have been rated by the World Bank in its Annual ease of doing business report, rated Nigeria as one of the 10(Ten) most improved countries to do business worldwide

The revolution going on in Customs Service from 1st of January to 31st January 2018, Customs declared over N35billion. The fund was generated for that month, war against corruption is working.

The FIRS declared for 2017 over N4.2 Trillion been money generated for 2017

QUESTION: Any message to your members throughout the country?

ANSWER: To my people: Challenges remains but they must be to all of us. A call to action not a cause to despair. We must draw strength from the past and energy from the promise of a new future. Today we will stand in Admiration of what you are doing. We will seek ahead as we move forward our country, Nigeria.

A Chance to Soar and The Path of a People : APF Looks at Credibility ...

A Recent Online Interview granted by the National Chairman of Advance Progressive Forum (Otunba J.Onasanya) ...He delve in so many Political issues

QUESTION: It seems APF have being silent recently, what has been happening?

ANSWER: APF have never being silence but we are strategizing and studying the political situations in the country.

Basically, we decided not to talk to the press but we are doing our normal activities which we are known for.

QUESTION: What is the position of APF membership strength in the country?

ANSWER: APF has 500,730 members across 33 states in the country but still expanding. Considering our daily statistics from our website (www.advanceprogressiveforum.org) and blog (www.apfdiscuss.blogspot.com) about 1,767,020 are following us and participating in discussion.

We directed our members to register in the last INEC registration to enable us participate fully in the forthcoming general election and we can authoritatively confirm to you that we had a massive turnout from our members.

QUESTION: 2015 general election is getting closer, what plans does APF have?

ANSWER: APF is a formidable group who never sleep so we are seriously strategizing towards 2015 general election to contribute our own quota for a credible election. We have our Vision and mission statements guiding us and that has been our stronghold.

QUESTION: Is APF aligning with any candidate or political party towards 2015 general election?

ANSWER: APF will support a formidable and a credible candidate come 2015.Presently, we are not aligning with any candidate or party but ready to support any candidate who believes in our cause of change of mind and mission statements.

QUESTION: General election is around the corner, groups are springing up. How can we know the genuineness in these groups?

ANSWER: Groups springing up whenever election is coming up is not a new thing in Nigerian politics. Groups in any election play an important role even in political development in any country. Knowing genuineness in these groups is big question!

What we are witnessing happened in previous elections in the country and now it is repeating itself. In APF, what we found out is that majority of these groups are being sponsored by the so called politicians who does not have the interest of the masses at heart and no foundation. They vessel in before election and vessel out immediately election is over.  

QUESTION: Weeks ago, a private jet conveying $9.3m was seized in South Africa. Series of revelations are unveiling after the seizure. What is your position on this?

ANSWER: APF position is very simple. There has not been a categorical statement by the government on the issue but we must not be in a rush to castigate anybody until the investigation is concluded.  

In Nigeria, we should be mindful of playing politics with issues that has to do with National security and economic situation of the country.

QUESTION: Is opposition party doing enough to rescue Nigerians from the present happenings in the country e.g., Insecurity and corruption?

ANSWER: Both the ruling government and the opposition should be human in their dealings especially delivering dividend of democracy and better the life of the citizens.

We really need to seek the face of God to turn things around positively in this country.

QUESTION: Briefly, what can you say on the political situation in Ekiti and Adamawa state?

ANSWER: There are an intrigue in politics, what is important is to give rule of law a chance to prevail in any political disagreement.

QUESTION: Any message to your members throughout the country?

ANSWER: Our members should continue mobilizing, strategizing and pursuing the cause of change of mind we all need.

Keep your platform potent, in due course you shall be instructed. 

    

APF Recommendation To The Delegates at The On-Going National Conference

As ascertained that recommendation of the National Conference will be subjected to ratification by the National Assembly.

If this Conference is going to be subjected to the National Assembly ratification, we believe in APF that it is going to be effort in futility. Ratification by the National Assembly will eventually compounded problems of Presidential system of Government because the wishes of the majority were not put into consideration.

Our opinion on this is that the recommendation should be subjected to referendum so that Nigerians can have their say, contribute and decide the future of the country themselves.

Why Presidential systems of Government has not worked for us.14 years running, Nigeria still ranked 3^rd on World poverty index by World Bank...Source, Vanguard Newspaper April 11, 2014.

The gains of Presidential System of Government being witnessed by Nigeria over 14 years running were as follows:

« Corruption

« Naked Poverty

« Kidnapping

« Ritual Killings/Cultism

« Insecurity

« Leadership Manipulation

« High Handedness

« Hunger for Power

« Arrogance

« Atmosphere for unqualified people

« Breeder of Thugs/Hooliganism

« Corrupt and Weak Institution

« Vandalism

« Oil Theft / Smuggling

« Lack of Border Security

« Lack of control of quality products

« Unpatriotic and lack of care towards the Citizen

« Encouragement of Atmosphere for Election by selection

« Unchecked mismanagement and looting of treasury

« Weaken economy

Based on the observed failed Presidential System of Government, we hereby propose Regional or Parliamentary System of Government with autonomy to the regions to be given a serious consideration by the members representing Nigerians at the on-going National Conference.

Benefits of Regional System of Government

« Close monitoring of resources

« Accountability

« Eradication of corruption

« Judicious use of resources

« Encourages productivity

« Confidence in the regions

« Confidence in the leadership

« Creation of job opportunity

« Strong Institution

« Platform for development

« Qualitative education

« Good health system

« Sustainable Agricultural system

« Wealth creation

« Effective Security within the region

« Effective control of border

«Effective control of products

« Effective product standard implementation

«Patriotism

« Healthy development competition within the regions

« Purposeful manifesto by political party

« Create Atmosphere for excellence

« Breaks monopoly of Federal power

« Give Birth to good standard of living

« Discourages hunger for power and encourages quality in leadership

« Positive image projection

« Takes us out of poverty line and increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

From our survey, Nigerians will be in support of National Referendum and on no account should resolution at the conference be subjected to any forms of ratification by the National Assembly.

      

2014/2015 – APF to Support a formidable Candidate with good Leadership Capacity

Advance Progressive Forum is a political pressure group who has also been on the fore-front of agitation for good governance and a Change of Mind. Recently we had the opportunity of Chatting with the Director of Planning and Strategy of the group, Mr. Kunle Ojeniyi on numbers of National Issues.

Question: Can we meet you?

Answer: Kunle Ojeniyi is my name, Director of Planning and Strategy Advance Progressive Forum.

Question: We have being following your group’s activities for the past 2 years, your social/Political involvements, comments and also advice to the government. What are your plans for 2014/2015 general election?

Answer: Thank you very much for your question. Am so happy that you have being following us.APF is a Political Pressure group that create platforms where Nigerians are engaged for discussions on the happenings in our society. It is also a platform where we sensitize Nigerians on the change of mind that we all need.2014/2015 election by all has been indicated to be the deciding factor for the unity of our great Nation and as such we in the APF have being doing our own due diligence to work out modalities to support credible candidates to lead our Nation in the right way.

Question: What are the yardsticks that your group is using to identify the right candidate?

Answer: APF is a performance driven group and what we need in a candidate is what we called “Purposeful Leadership”. A leader with capacity and good intention towards the Nigerian people.

Question: Thus Political parties have any relevance in your selection of a credible candidate to support?

Answer: Yes, the party is the platform for engagement and as such the program and the agenda of the political party goes a long way to winning our support.

Question: Judging from the perceived hardship in the economy. The transformation and reforms agenda of the government seems to have caused more pains to Nigerians e.g. The Privatization of PHCN.When will Nigerian get relieved?

Answer: Transformation and reforms by my own understanding is a rejuvenation of an old system or an introduction of a new process. Any excellent programme with a good initiator must be complimented by a good implementer.

A case in point is the privatization of the PHCN which was long overdue and has been attempted by previous administration with no result but the present government was able to achieve that. I can indicate technically that the private owners have not done well on the side of information dissemination to the people. As an engineer, am aware that takeover of an existing asset will involve some shut downs for repair works, removal of some parts and introduction of new systems to compliment the aging ones. But the process needed to be communicated to the people and it was not done. Upon which bills are brought every months for electricity not utilized. The statutory payment of #750 for the prepaid meter user makes no sense at all. I will advice the government to make public the agreement reached with the private owners on electricity generation and distribution so that Mr. President good intention would be made known to the ordinary Nigerians.

Question: Having read from a press release by Senior Special Adviser to Mr. President on Strategy and Documentation, Dr.Oronto Douglas on the achievements of the Government some weeks ago. From the report and assessment we are getting from the public, a job awarded not completed is not done. Do you see all these projects as a political gimmick or real?

Answer: How do you mean by Project not completed is not done, can you give me an example?

Question: A typical example is the Lagos-Ibadan Express Road where we believe the contract was awarded to two different companies(Julius Berger and RCC) while that of Julius Berger works 24 hours daily on the Lagos-Sagamu axis and not serious seems to be going-on on the Sagamu-Ibadan axis been handled by RCC.Why the slow pace of works ?

Answer: Am happy that Nigerians are conscious of contracts being awarded by the government and wanting to know details of terms of engagement but it is good to note that contract have delivery time. I think that of Lagos-Ibadan Express Road is between 2-4 years but am not certain. So, we cannot really say the contract is not done when the companies still have time to deliver.

Judging from the Press release by the Senior Special Adviser to Mr. President on Strategy and Documentation Dr.Oronto Douglas. A number of projects were indicated to be the achievement of this government that to me is subject to confirmation by the Nigerian people and it can be criticized if any of these projects were found to be unreal.

It is also good to note that we are in a democratic dispensation where trumpet are being blown about achievements in order to win the support of the people.So,whether or not politics is being played, what is important is that project awarded should be executed and completed to the benefit of Nigerian people.

Question: Judging from your answers to questions, your group seems to be in Sink with the present government. Does that mean you are fully in support of this government despite the cry of foul plays?

Answer: The support we gave Mr. President is what I will call a clean support. Our group declared for him in 2011 and since then we have being on the part of balancing our support with positive criticism of his administration. If you truly have read up our interviews, you will found out that we don’t give support with our eyes closed, we criticize when we are suppose to criticize, we advice where we suppose to and we also make public better way forward on issues. And with this, when there are obvious foul plays, we will not hesitate to also cry foul.

Question: You are formally Atiku Progressive Forum. In 2011 you declared your total support for President Jonathan which was published by more than 5 daily Newspapers which you eventually changed your name to ADVANCE PROGRESSIVE FORUM, an independent pressure group. Now 2014/2015 election is around the corner, are you still in support of Mr. President or where does your interest lies?

Answer: If you have been following this group since existence for the past 7years and following our events for the last 3 years, we have been supporting the government to succeed and if there is anything the APF as a group is looking forward to in 2014/2015 election are formidable candidates with good leadership capacity and a party platform that can deliver good program and dividend of democracy to the Nigerian people and as for your question as regards 2014/2015 election, when we get to the bridge we shall cross it together.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESSURE GROUPS IN POLITICS

In its simplest definition, a pressure group is an organized group that does not seek political power per se, but rather seek to influence government policies and affect the decisions of those in power. A pressure group is an organized group of people that aims to influence the policies or actions of government, typically having a narrow issue focus and being united by either shared interests or a common cause.

HOW DO PRESSURE GROUPS FIT IN?

Pressure groups play an essential role in democracy. Political parties cannot provide adequate representation for the full range of diverse interests and opinions in a modern democracy because their key function is to aggregate interests into a coherent political entity capable of governing the country. Pressure groups enable particular interests and causes to be heard and to exert influence in public decision and decision-making.

Pressure groups increase participation and access to the political system, thereby enhancing the quality of democracy. They complement and supplement electoral democracy in these ways:

A.    Providing an important mechanism by which citizens can influence government between elections and by enabling opinions to be weighed as well as counted.

B.     Pressure groups improve the quality of government. It makes government more efficient by enhancing the quality of the decision making process

C.     Pressure groups provide information and help to improve the quality of government policy and legislation.

D.    Pressure groups are a product of freedom of association, which is a fundamental principle of liberal democracy. Freely operating Pressure groups are essential to the effective functioning of liberal democracy.

TYPES OF PRESSURE GROUPS

As pressure groups appear in such a variety of shapes and sizes, it is often

unhelpful to treat them as a ‘job lot’. How do pressure groups differ one from

another? What categories do pressure groups fall into? Although they can be

distinguished in a variety of ways, the most common distinctions are between:

(A) SECTIONAL AND PROMOTIONAL GROUPS

(B) INSIDER AND OUTSIDER GROUPS.

SECTIONAL GROUPS :Sometimes called‘interest’, ‘protective’ or ‘functional’ groups; are groups that represent a particular section of society: workers, employers, consumers, an ethnic or religious group, and so on.

Sectional groups have the following features:

1. They are concerned to protect or advance the interests of their members.

2. Membership is limited to people in a particular occupation, career or economic position.

3. Members are motivated by material self-interest.

PROMOTIONAL GROUPS: Sometimes called ‘cause’, ‘attitude’ or ‘issue’ groups are groups that are based on shared attitudes or values, rather than the common interests of its members. The causes they seek to advance are many and various. They range from charity activities, poverty reduction, education and the environment, to human rights, international development and peace.

Promotional groups have the following features:

1. They seek to advance particular ideals or principles.

2. Membership is open to all.

3. Members are motivated by moral or altruistic concerns, the betterment of others.

INSIDER GROUPS: Are groups that are consulted on a regular basis by government. They operate ‘inside’ the decision-making process, not outside. Their degree, regularity and level of consultation vary, of course. ‘Ultra-insider’ groups are regularly consulted at ministerial or senior official level within the executive. They may also sit on government policy committees and agencies.

However, not all insider groups are alike. They can be divided into three

Subcategories:

High-profile insider groups: These groups straddle the insider/outsider divide by operating both behind the scenes and through mass-media and public opinion campaigns.

Low-profile insider groups: These concentrate on developing contacts with government, and rarely seek to influence the wider public.

Prisoner groups: These groups are dependent on government, which may fund them or have created them in the first place.

OUTSIDER GROUPS: By contrast, have no special links to government. They are kept, or choose to remain, at arm’s length from government. They therefore try to exert influence indirectly via the mass media or through public opinion campaigns.

However, not all outsider groups are alike. There are three main kinds of outsider group:

Potential insider groups: Sometimes called ‘threshold groups’, these aspire to insider status but has yet to achieve it.

Outsider groups by necessity: These are groups that lack the political knowledge and skills to become insider groups.

Ideological outsider groups: These are groups with ideological aims to provide a good resource for government.

PRESSURE GROUPS AND DEMOCRACY

Questions about pressure group power are closely related to debates about the implications of group politics for democracy. To examine this, it is necessary to look at the ways in which pressure groups promote democracy.

How do pressure groups promote democracy?

Pressure groups promote democracy in a number of ways:

Supplement electoral democracy: Pluralists often highlight the advantages of group representation over representation through elections and political parties. Pressure groups may either supplement electoral democracy (making up for its defects and limitations) or they may have replaced political parties as the main way in which people express their views and interests. Pressure groups keep government in touch with public opinion between elections. Also gives a political voice to minority groups and articulate concerns that are overlooked by political parties.

Widen political participation: The level of political participation is an important indicator of the health of democracy. Democracy, at heart, means government by the people. If this is the case, declining electoral turnout and steadily falling party membership highlights a major democratic deficit. This, however, is very effectively combated by the growth in the number and size of pressure groups. As discussed earlier, pressure groups have become increasingly effective agents of political participation. Not only has single-issue politics proved to be popular but the grass-roots activism and decentralized organization of many campaigning groups have proved to be attractive to many young people and those who may be disillusioned with conventional politics.

Promote education: Pressure groups promote political debate, discussion and argument. In so doing, they create a better-informed and more educated electorate. This, in turn, helps to improve the quality of public policy. Without pressure groups, the public and the media would have to rely on a relatively narrow range of political views, those expressed by the government of the day and a small number of major parties. Pressure groups challenge established views and conventional wisdom. They offer alternative viewpoints and widen the information available to the public, especially through their access to the mass media and the use of ‘new’ communications technology such as the Internet. Pressure groups are therefore prepared to ‘speak truth to power’. In many cases, pressure groups raise the quality of political debate by introducing specialist knowledge and greater expertise.

Ensure competition and debate: Pressure groups help to promote democracy by widening the distribution of political power. They do this, in part, because groups compete against one another. This ensures that no group or interest can remain dominant permanently.

We shall at this junction restrict ourselves to what is often referred to as Change of mind Pressure Group

The Change of mind Pressure Group as the name implies, aim to promote a Cause and this Cause might potentially be supported by everybody regardless of their profession or economic status, membership is not usually restricted.

Advance Progressive Forum which Slogan is; CHANGE OF MIND WE ALL NEED. Vision; Togetherness, building a bridge to a better future in our Democracy without letting politics becomes a blood Spot.

Mission Statement;

1.To create awareness and exhibit a change of attitude towards our election systems by coming out to exercise our voting right and  defend same to ensure eventual pronouncement of popular  opinion of the people as dictated by their votes.

2. To educate those who had never collected voter’s card in their life time and those who collect but never come out to vote. Imploring Nigerians on not making Election Day their public holiday on which family meetings are scheduled, social parties are held and part time office works are done.

3. To organize enlightenment programmes such as lectures, debates, symposium, workshop etc to focus on the prevailing socio-economic and political conditions in the country.          

4. To learn and educate on politics of inclusiveness as the way out in a multi-ethnic and pluralistic nation like Nigeria, to re-affirm our enduring belief in one and indivisible Nigeria.

5. To support the promotion of an egalitarian society based on equal opportunities and practice of freedom and justice.

6. To embark on self empowerment training programme for our youth and the elderly to make them self sustenance through skill acquisition. The youth in any nation is the builder of a sustained economy. We must invest in our youth through good education and self empowerment training programme.

7. To support total abolition of “WANTS” in our society. An ignorant poverty stricken people are the easiest preys to political enslavement and economic exploration.

8.To support any political party that will free Nigeria from economic       diseases,corruption,deceit,freedom of ignorance,neglect,poverty and inability of our leaders to rise to the responsibility and challenges, wrong values systems(WVS) greed, crass opportunism and materialism.

9. To place premium on service and encourage public office holders to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, selflessness, commitment, excellence in discharge of duties and good governance.

10. To assist government in which ever ways it can to formulate policies and carry out sustained programme for the benefit of the Nigerian people that foster a nation with cohesion, unity and growth in all important sectors like, health, education, culture and agriculture.

11. To facilitate and nurtured a new and more detailed understanding among our people about the economy of the country. Place more emphasis on the principles that wealth can only be created in our country by the constant production for local consumption and for export of local materials and product through the effort and sacrifice of well framed and properly supported pool of Nigerian human resources.

12. To implore Nigerians in the Diaspora to project the good image of the country, think positively about the country and ultimately contribute to the socio-economy of the country.

13. To pursue these objectives either in collaboration with other organization, government at all levels and resource persons who share our views and initiatives on how to assist our nation.

CHANGE OF MIND

If you turn away, if you buy into cynicism that the change we preach is not possible, well, change will not happen. If you give up on the idea that your voice can make a difference, the other voice will fill the void.

Let us believe in what we see physically and reject empty promises, deceits and choose wisely. The change we all need is the change of mind. Have trust in yourself. We must stop the syndrome of voting for masquerades we see on Television and we cannot recognize as our representative. If a mistake is not stepping stone, it is a mistake. Don’t give up. Remember we need our collective effort to move this nation forward by mutual trust.

We have not been more hopeful about the change in attitude and in mind.

In effort to see change happening in our country, we must sustain that “Hope” an idea that just ignore the enormity of the task ahead or the road blocks that stand in our path. Am not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to sit on sideline. Idea are like stars, you may not succeed in teaching them with your hands but like seafaring man on the ocean desert of water, you choose them as your guides and following them, you reach your destination. I strongly believe that we can both take the destiny of our country in our hand. Collectively we can reach our goals and move this country forward.

Do join us in Advance Progressive Forum to champion this cause, our heartfelt is for us to unite with love and identify that one common problem that is pulling the country backward instead of moving forward. Let democracy begin with good mind so that people can believe in the governance that will defend the right existence of his people and the faith that people will equally be accepted. We must not allow politics of bitterness, hatred and egoism. Let us play politics of ideology, cultivate something more precious on the mind and on the heart of the people. We must allow democracy and prosperity to take root without bloodbath .We must protect our magnificent natural domain, we must learn to live in harmony with ourselves to build a better life, pass a better future on to our children.

Democracy has found for us the path; we Nigerians are the real maker. The heroes of our democracy fight with every blood in their vain for us to be where we are today. We must not allow democracy to elude us; we shall together build it with our strength. We shall create it with our minds.  

 

Advance Progressive Forum is a political group who has its membership in 31 States of the country. We caught up with the National Chairman of the group (Otunba Joseph Onasanya) in an online interview on political issues in the country.

Question: Your group just launched an online platform called “APF DISCUSS” What is this idea all about?

Answer: The idea behind this is still part of our responsibility as a group to contribute our own quota to the development of our political system. The main reasons for this idea are to discuss the major happenings, seek people’s opinion on issues, broadcast News and let people know more about the group and its activities. Within a week of launching this platform, we have recorded over 50,000 views and 1,250 contributions from Nigeria. We implore people to join in the discussion.

Question: As National Chairman of APF, clamouring for Mr. President to call town hall meeting. Now Mr. President is in consultation with the traditional rulers. What do you think about this step?

Answer: Is a welcome idea. I once said it in my interview that this President is a listening President. His doing what is expected of him at the right time and this will make the electorate who voted for him know what he has been able to achieve since inception as President of Nigeria. Another way to the consultation is seeking the advice of the traditional rulers on the way forward for the country most especially as the country is bracing up for the National conference and general elections come 2015.

Question: What positive impact will Mr. President’s consultation have in the country?

Answer: You will agree with me that all the constituencies in the country belongs to the President and for him to embark on this consultation, he is getting back to the people.

I said once in my previous interviews that President Obama conducts a town hall meeting severally and leverage on the feedbacks to the success of his administration. Again same President Obama had a structure in place during his first term election who worked tirelessly for his success. He kept the structure (Group of People) intact. He did not dissolve them because he knows he will still need them in his second term. That is what makes Obama ahead of Mitt Romney in the election.Eventually; the structure he kept gave him the success in the election. We should all learn from this.

Question: The structures you are talking about are the different groups who make up the structure and your group for the past 2 year has been supporting Mr. President in your Publications and public comments. Are you now saying, the loyalty of this group is with Mr. President?

Answer: The group is proud of what we have been doing for the past 2yrs on our publications and comments in supporting the President not because of Material or monetary gift or appointment. We believe so much in this country that we only need to help our President to succeed instead of running his administration down like others. We believe this country is bigger than individual greed.

Question: National conference timetable and representation was released some weeks ago. Has your group been invited by the organizer of the National conference?

Answer: Well, our prayer is for the organizer to see reasons. To let the right people from different background to have a say. We are not been invited but we have given our candid suggestions in the Guardian Newspaper of January 10,2014 and Daily Newswatch of January 15^th,2014 of why we need to critically look and reconsider the Presidential System of Government which has done more harm than good to Nigeria. Though people says is good, what about the operators. We still suggest the Parliamentary system which was successfully implemented in the First (1^st) Republic and up till now we are still witnessing the product and outcome of that system.

Question: Some people are saying Mr. President is weak that most of the projects like Road, Electricity are still not working. What is your Opinion on this?

Answer: Mr. President is not weak he is only pleasant. There is a part of Awoist in him because of his calmness and the way he goes about solving issues. We are now witnessing road construction going on all over the country. I have just been to Lagos-Ibadan Express road, a tremendous work is going on and this is encouraging. As for the electricity, we appeal to the private owner to put their house in order because there are darkness all over the country and government monitoring team must leave up to their promise to Nigerians and not let Mr. President down. He meant well in every action he took on electricity generation.

Question: For now, what advice are you given to your members all over the country?

Answer: The message from APF National Secretariat to all members nationwide and abroad is to continue in the pursuit of this cause of "Change of Mind",continue to mobilize and wait for further directive.Our activities will start in April,2014 with South-West interactive session follow by North-west and other Zones.Further communication on this will be let known in due course.