Security And Politicking In focus | 60 MINUTES NIGERIA

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Most I show you as usual every week we dissect a new topic. Topics that are relevant to the development of Nigeria.

[00:00:09]I have very distinguished personalities with me today. I have honorable uh barrister uh Ben Omodu.

[00:00:20]He is uh a political analyst. He is also the senior special adviser to the speaker of Edo State.

[00:00:28]He is a man of uh integrity that you like to meet on the program today. Nice to have you honorable Omodu.

[00:00:35]>> Thank you so much. Good afternoon.

[00:00:37]>> Okay, we also we also have in the studio a regular face. We will not be having you for some time.

[00:00:42]Uh we're talking about uh a political and human rights activist uh a notary public of Nigeria and uh Edo State chairman and just side of international law uh a chartered arbitrator and mediator.

[00:00:58]Uh barrister Patrick is Ekueme. Nice to have you on the program today.

[00:01:02]>> Yeah, it was thank you and I thank you for inviting me.

[00:01:04]>> Okay, you are there.

[00:01:05]Happy to be here. We also have in the studio uh a man that we expect so much. A clergyman.

[00:01:12]A man that leads congregations.

[00:01:15]He is a man that is known as a community leader. He is also a man that is into farming and he loves to uh he always wants us to mention that too.

[00:01:25]He is also uh somebody that is uh a human. Somebody that contributes to the development of humanity.

[00:01:35]Uh join me welcome barrister Bishop Bishop Lucky Leonard Ibise.

[00:01:40]>> You're most welcome also.

[00:01:41]>> Thank you so much.

[00:01:42]>> We have the two barristers. They want to transfer one to you.

[00:01:45]>> [laughter] >> Okay, so the topic for today we are looking at security. We are looking at politicking.

[00:01:53]Uh I know that for that of the politicking a lot is happening in the political space in Nigeria. But, don't forget it. They are politicking ahead of 2027.

[00:02:05]And I think Amuda will tell us more. The kind of faith that politicians have is unprecedented. You know, they can begin to predict ahead of years to come. They know they will get there. You know, politicians are very wonderful people.

[00:02:23]And so, but some places are saying that security could be a deciding factor in all elections.

[00:02:32]Even the 2027 general election.

[00:02:36]That that candidate who is able to provide a blueprint that can really tackle the security might just be the man.

[00:02:50]Now, security worries, security concerns is not only in the north.

[00:02:57]It's not only in the southwest, southeast.

[00:03:01]It's not only in the south-south.

[00:03:04]But, communities in Edo state, for example, we have a new communities coming up. We have We have new new communities.

[00:03:16]Insecurity has permitted these new communities. That's the same scenario around the country.

[00:03:24]Most of these uh security concerns are in the communities.

[00:03:32]Communities yearning for development.

[00:03:34]Some of them don't have access roads.

[00:03:36]And so, when there is an attack, it becomes difficult for a policeman or security agent to quickly go there. So, we're going to look at security concern because you cannot be talking about governance, talking about politicking, talking about elections when your home is under attack.

[00:03:56]So, I will just start with honorable Ben Or Odeh.

[00:04:02]Who is a seasoned politician.

[00:04:05]Now, do you think that Nigerian politicians are even thinking of these security concerns? Nigerians are worried. Nigerians are happy with all these attacks here and there.

[00:04:18]>> Uh thank you so much. Okay. Um security issue has to do with everybody.

[00:04:26]Whether you are a politician, you are into any form of business.

[00:04:31]>> Okay.

[00:04:31]>> You are You have the rights to your security, whether anybody likes that or not.

[00:04:37]But, let me make it very clear that the state government in particular, this current administration Let me add to this because charity starts >> at home. Okay.

[00:04:47]>> Uh Governor Akeredolu has done well in the area of security because some people will say, "Why am I saying this?"

[00:04:56]I'm saying this because if you country years back, you will discover that our youths were killing themselves.

[00:05:03]>> In terms of cultism.

[00:05:04]>> Cultism, sort of cult war, and so many things. You can't even walk at night.

[00:05:08]Small boy will just tell you, "Do you know who I am?"

[00:05:11]But, try that now.

[00:05:13]Just Just threaten anybody. You're going for it.

[00:05:17]>> Yeah, because there's a phone number they have displayed >> Yes, now. You're going for it. So, you see that that area, the governor has set up a template.

[00:05:26]Then, if you bring it back home here, where I reside, Owo where I reside, uh the honorable member representing Owo West, Dr. Richard Edoza, often go with what we call security meeting with this community.

[00:05:39]>> Okay, we will not allow you to talk about >> Okay, sorry, sir. Sorry, sir. I'm just using it as a reference purpose.

[00:05:44]I'm just making a reference to him.

[00:05:46]Now, you see that if you go all out to that area, you will discover that because of that security summit that that particular honorable who is with his with his constituents, he has been able to bring in at least some sense of security in those areas. Then, having said that, I believe that politics every politician is thinking in line to see that our environment is secure.

[00:06:16]Because if the environment is not secure, who are you going to rule? Who are you going to campaign to?

[00:06:23]You need a secured environment.

[00:06:26]You need a secure environment. And I believe that uh the 2027, just like what you said, the deciding factor will be security.

[00:06:36]Everybody who wants to come on board must be able to tell us how and when.

[00:06:40]How? And I believe that this current administration has been able to do so.

[00:06:44]And I also do believe that by the grace of God, yeah, we are getting there. We'll soon get there because security is not something you can just tackle in a day.

[00:06:55]It goes with time. It clears up. But I I we also as a citizen, we have a responsibility.

[00:07:03]We do have a responsibility. Because if I see this my brother doing wrong thing, I should be able to inform the authority. But because it's my brother, I will not I'm also a beneficiary of what he's doing. I will not say anything.

[00:07:17]Until one day maybe the law caught up with him. We'll say, "Aha, now law now now him bad now him catch am now."

[00:07:22]But the truth is that I knew from the beginning.

[00:07:25]I failed to do the right thing.

[00:07:27]So, every one of us must have this in back of our mind that it is the security matter is not only meant for government alone. Every one of us is involved. We are all involved. So, we must be able to protect our environment first.

[00:07:42]Before we start throwing finger, the president did not do this, the security agent did not do this, this one did not do that, this one did not do that.

[00:07:49]We must be able to do so first.

[00:07:51]>> Thank you very much for your opening remarks. That's uh Honorable Ben of modern uh he's uh a politician and he just told us that uh politicians really are also worried because they believe that they cannot politic in an environment uh that is not safe.

[00:08:11]But there's one issue that you didn't comment on. You just quickly comment on that before I allow my other guest to comment. Why is that politicians have so much faith? They'll be projecting that they will become governor, they'll become president.

[00:08:26]Why do they have that kind of faith and belief?

[00:08:29]Because you're a politician. I want I want you to give out the mind of a politician, how they think.

[00:08:33]>> Uh sometimes let me say that um we are miracle workers.

[00:08:38]>> [laughter] >> Why did I say we are miracle workers like that?

[00:08:43]We have the ability to think ahead.

[00:08:46]Because you must be able to look at the future today and you work it out. If you have If you are a strategic thinker, you should be able to have a good plan to think ahead.

[00:08:57]And the only thing I don't agree with is when maybe you are thinking ahead it didn't fall the way you think, you start resolving to violent. That is where I have a challenge with.

[00:09:06]>> Okay.

[00:09:06]>> But as far as I'm concerned, we are like I said earlier, in quote, we are miracle workers.

[00:09:12]So that's why we >> You explain that one more. Thank God we have a man of God, a clergyman among us, who will tell us the kind of faith, whether your faith is real from the >> [laughter] >> Because I was amazed when a politician would tell you in 5 years' time I'll be governor, I'll be this. And you know, as if they are God, as if they own their life, as if they own you know, the future. Okay, we have um Pastor Patrick with us. Um looking at what is happening security-wise, do you think our politicians are really ready?

[00:09:49]>> Uh well, I I can say without fear of favor or intimidation, they're ready.

[00:09:56]The issue of security I want to tell you right now. I'm not being sarcastic though. You can tell me what you think about the country.

[00:10:02]>> Okay.

[00:10:02]>> No, no.

[00:10:03]Anybody that tells me that is is is is a dreamer. He's not serious.

[00:10:08]>> How do you mean? Yes, yes, I'm telling you right now.

[00:10:09]>> Because you're saying security in Nigeria.

[00:10:11]>> Yes. How much is the security in Nigeria? I'm not saying that there is there What I'm trying to say is that whoever tells you that is never to know what I'm talking about. It's not my ignorance. That's what it is. The issue of security is a serious business. It's a serious matter. And if you check the issue of security, huh? You know, it's a global problem. It's a global war. It's not just Nigeria.

[00:10:32]You have terrorists everywhere. These are militants. What of the ISIS?

[00:10:35]Coordinated.

[00:10:37]And the ISIS have boasted to eliminate the Christians in Nigeria.

[00:10:40]And you saw what the the the committee was attacked by the by America, the the bombing of the body there.

[00:10:47]>> Let's look at internal security.

[00:10:50]>> I'm coming down.

[00:10:51]I'm putting it. I'll go up and come down. I don't have to draw a link to what I'm just saying.

[00:10:55]>> Okay.

[00:10:56]>> a joke. Because Nigeria is a state of It's a state It's a joke Nigeria. I'm talking I'm talking about Nigeria now.

[00:11:00]>> Yes.

[00:11:01]>> And there is Nigeria I'm talking about.

[00:11:02]>> Yes.

[00:11:03]>> The the uh the president there too Trump the What is coming to the The committee just invited some persons in Nigeria.

[00:11:11]That the military and the police collude with these militants.

[00:11:17]>> Some persons?

[00:11:18]>> Some persons, YES. YES.

[00:11:20]WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT THEM IN THE ISSUE OF TERRORISM, FIGHTING CRIME.

[00:11:22]>> SO, THOSE are the bad eggs.

[00:11:23]>> Yes. Yes.

[00:11:24]>> That must be fished out.

[00:11:25]>> Fighting In fighting security issue, nobody said nobody can be trusted, not even you. I don't know where you belong.

[00:11:31]When you were there, he said even some of my members are members of Boko Haram. He said it. I don't know. He said we just invited them here. It's not a joking matter. That's why this man ISIS was just killed. He said it's on the command based on Trump action over Nigeria issue. So, he spoke up. Nobody now can tell you to come and look. The president cabinet is the security chief. Sign them and bring back.

[00:11:53]What is somebody even a general military general I trust very well. It's not It's not as easy as that. When you are there, you know what what is involved in Nigeria by killing.

[00:12:01]>> So, you think it's easy to decide as a politician that does not have a blueprint on tackling security? You think people Nigerians will even look the way of that person?

[00:12:09]>> Because you have not been You have not seen a blueprint. Which blueprint? What are you talking about capital tips?

[00:12:13]When you are there, you see a different body mentality. What are you talking?

[00:12:16]You will have to learn. This book killing moving that There are some who sponsor the local state for no reason.

[00:12:22]Some states are being sponsored. These are high-profile, well-equipped, attacked, and get what they want. It's not They don't fight with God.

[00:12:29]You are the president of both I can talk about security and social security.

[00:12:31]That's what the federal government They fight hard to make sure they contain them. You have to appeal to America to assist them. It's not a joke. But, you don't be there and say you will do this, you will do this, you will do this.

[00:12:41]You're like a child. Saying if I'm big, I can buy I will do this. That's how I just hear a baby. Coming there, it says you What I said all those things are You cannot trust anybody.

[00:12:50]Like what somebody like him Are you aware they killed him?

[00:12:53]Huh? When they When America was paying so much money to get him.

[00:12:57]Huh? To to get him. Is it possible to get him? money to pay the one who who killed him. They collect money from America and they use it for something like that to take care of him.

[00:13:06]You don't trust anybody. Like what you are trying to say So, these people you are seeing, don't trust them. You have your favorite one. So, it's not an easy thing you just say that I get into power and you fight your husband. Security is everybody's business. When I get in, you do your best. Involve all you can. Tell people just to settle down. What about last year? It's about a week now. We got it for the first time on the uh schedule of the island.

[00:13:26]>> Okay. Okay.

[00:13:28]Okay.

[00:13:28]>> Yes, advisor. to complete my duties but I don't know if you advise me I get your advice but I don't know if you advise me you have to keep on you have to keep on anybody that is saying that I can perform miracle you don't know what he's talking about the matter of fighting security is not that easy as that in the state here let me go to state now you don't have to try so much there's what you can do I tell you that and that's what happened they call me out I can give you the government I can give you my money for him you have tried that's the way of courtesy so many things I want to play what I mean what you are the video you I lost you completely you see the video of your building it's a deterrent I mean it's not a joking matter that's what you initially have strongly behind him in the show of the way they fight courtesy you know it's a joking matter this are particular steps you have to do what you have to do you have to try so many you have tried as as sometimes you have to do the demolition by yourself so it's not a joke so he's trying to touch anybody even profile whatever I am going to do anything to I don't want to mention names this one I tell you almost fall down head almost fall but after much I don't know what HAPPENED AGAIN >> [laughter] >> SO THE GOVERNOR IS OUT THAT'S WHAT HE SAYS THAT IS HOW MANY TIMES HE HAS presented a vehicle to the police yes he yes where they put the police that is why I the only way I can blame the president that I have to come as I can if I see somebody posting that I am coming to I will lose some persons to me who tells you that you don't know anything let me say they should not give you a visa to rule that we don't know where you are if you remove something today that job will collapse where do they have money to FINANCE THAT PROJECT >> [laughter] >> WHAT THE STATE PROJECT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT NO AMOUNT INVOLVED okay thank you vice president so what I am trying to say is you are not a family factor there's no GOD THERE YOU HAVE NOT BEEN THERE WHEN YOU GET THERE YOU WILL TELL me say I don't know this is okay okay we come back to let's let's get the opening remark of Bishop Lucky I'm a lobbyist here looking at insecurity and politicking. Do you think insecurity any politician that can really tell us how to tackle insecurity might just say get the nod of the people?

[00:15:39]>> I want to thank you any politician that can give us some Let me say 50% >> Okay.

[00:15:46]>> who prayed that can give Nigeria 50% relax so that they can sleep at least for will be having some upper hand against the opponent. We are we are we are not east as at your war.

[00:16:00]You see as last last we last I sent some disturbing video.

[00:16:04]How they broke into they knocked the person's house and the person thought it was the they didn't even open his gate. They jumped inside used gun to open the the door carried the woman took her away with her two children.

[00:16:18]They later released the the two children after pressure was on and I kept the woman.

[00:16:23]And I start I start making live video on before contacted some people before later I know the the police the EC PC said one of the key to the bush I said I was looking for till now we have not seen the body of that woman.

[00:16:36]Because the security in this aspect like in your war all those villages is very tight is very worse is the worst one because why? No electricity no good road and the people in that place are not sensitized.

[00:16:52]And we that are able to have little knowledge of human the one organizing with with the civilian team mission we we able to put our put together and do it right.

[00:17:03]There anybody that can come and bring his support I'm talking about government support. We as we start this journey. This is your support to help us to boost it well. The people in that locality will follow that person. That difference I would just told you that they know before who have no government, who have not come to rule for them, who don't care if they exist.

[00:17:22]It will be a problem. Because if a city counselor, city house of assembly now in my area who are not even able to visit us or follow what we are saying in that area and you come come to yourself and tell us that you are going to give us whatever. No. We have told our people in that area that no more rice.

[00:17:39]No more collection of rice or anything for anybody. We are ready to make sure what is paining us, what is biting us, deal with it. Give us support. Give us everything. We will do it by ourselves.

[00:17:53]You just give us support. We need your support. If you cannot do that, then you will not see any vote. Thank you.

[00:17:58]>> Thank you very much. Well, you see that my guest they all expressing mixed opinions on the program. That's the way it is.

[00:18:06]You know, insecurity is a monster.

[00:18:09]And so many Nigerians are very uncomfortable with the situation. But we talk more on this very bedeviling situation after this break.

[00:18:28]>> [music] [music] [music] >> Okay. Nice to have you back on the program, 60 Minutes Nigeria. My name is Osahon Arubiyi.

[00:18:58]I have with me Bishop Okwudili Nnaji.

[00:19:01]I also have Barrister Patrick Isikuenne and of course Honorable Ben Omodu.

[00:19:08]While we took that break, uh behind the scene um Honorable Ben Nwabueze was just advising we should work on our base and say that even in even at Umuowa or some of these communities are having these uh very biting uh security lapses that we can look for the representative in that particular area, maybe in the House of Assembly or whatever, that they can work with, you know, to actually tackle the problem. These are localized problems. But you know that I say that we also do something because when we hear things like this, you know, insecurity where landlords are now running away from their houses and becoming tenants is very disturbing.

[00:19:50]Okay, uh Ben, now this is a monster. Insecurity is a monster.

[00:19:56]But as Sir Patrick says, it's not peculiar to Nigeria.

[00:20:00]But we've seen we have videos on social media, different communities, one uh insecurity problem, one security lapses, one problem over the other, and people are unhappy.

[00:20:13]So what do you think is the way forward?

[00:20:16]>> Well, I like I said earlier, the way forward is um let every one of us be well informed.

[00:20:24]Because if you're not informed, you'll be deformed.

[00:20:27]Uh if you if you also you don't uh get involved, you you never know what is coming next.

[00:20:36]So my simple advice is very clear that both the political class and we in Anambra side, we need to work together.

[00:20:44]There must be a synergy between every partner. The landlord that is renting his his or her house must be able to profile profile his or her tenants.

[00:20:54]You know that the way he has seen it, somebody did that.

[00:20:57]He was able to go down to the community and say, "Let me meet with the landlords and landladies. Profile who's living in your house so that we know where the problem is coming from. If you provide them street lights, power bikes for security issue. Let me get me involved. If you need finance, get me involved.

[00:21:16]This how it's supposed to be. You don't just sit down, you complain. Let us, every one of us, engage our representative.

[00:21:25]Because from the counselors to the local government chairman to the House of Assembly members, the National Assembly members, let's engage them. The ones that are closer to us here, let's engage them. Because I don't want to say something about one day we wake up everybody will say my roof don't want to come off my house.

[00:21:43]You get the point. Yes, so we must be able to sit down to discuss. And let me also tell you what I said earlier, I've not shifted my ground, Mr. Governor.

[00:21:52]Sometimes my friend is involved. Because he's my friend, I'm benefiting from that thing, I will refuse, deliberately refuse to say the truth because I am benefiting from it.

[00:22:05]These are the things that we must all of us conscientize ourselves, ask ourselves the truth. If Barrister Patrick ready?

[00:22:12]Is Benedict ready? If I'm ready, I should be able to say the truth.

[00:22:17]If my friend is involved, friend, this thing you are doing, this thing you are doing is bad.

[00:22:22]If he refuse to take my advice, I should be able to report to the authority. I beg the authority don't need my name.

[00:22:28]There are places you drop information and the information will go in and they will get you arrested and prosecuted.

[00:22:35]We need to clean our environment. My similar advice is that, please, let every one of us, both the religious leaders, you see another problem challenge you may have here is the religion leaders.

[00:22:46]Sometimes, because is my church member or is my faith, somebody in my faith, we shield that truth.

[00:22:54]We don't want to talk about it. Don't even go there.

[00:22:57]We should be able to say things the way they are, even inside the church. The pastors, the man, every one us to speak the truth to the people, educate them.

[00:23:06]The church is like a school, not just preaching for offering and tight. Let's educate our people on security matters, even politics. In those days, they tell us you don't go into politics, that is a sin for a Christian to play politics.

[00:23:19]>> That's a dirty game.

[00:23:20]>> And today, we are all blinding up, inviting them to come to our Thanksgiving.

[00:23:24]Why do you invite somebody that is dirty to come and give you offering?

[00:23:28]>> That is old school.

[00:23:29]>> Old school, but this is the reality on ground.

[00:23:31]>> Because we had a clergyman on this program who said he told his members that they must all join different political parties.

[00:23:38]>> Yes, some of them are still doing that.

[00:23:40]You you get the point. We have to be involved. When you are in the system, the system will have no choice than to fix itself because the right people are inside the system. You cannot be talking from outside and say, "Go and change the situation. Go and change the situation."

[00:23:56]Every one of us must be involved, and that is my point.

[00:23:59]>> Thank you very much, Pastor Patrick Sekwena.

[00:24:01]This monster must be tackled. Monster of insecurity is actually crippling the economy.

[00:24:10]Many persons are afraid to invest in Nigeria. They are afraid to invest in Edo state. They are afraid to invest in Lagos. They are afraid to invest in states in the Southwest. They are afraid to invest in the states in the north.

[00:24:23]Insecurity is a monster that must be tackled.

[00:24:26]>> Yeah, well, our constitution our grand norm is clear on that.

[00:24:31]It's not a thing we just say. We are just saying for saying's sake. It's there. There's a constitutional backing.

[00:24:36]Section of the constitution of our constitution grand norm made it clear that the primary duty of a government is for the security and welfare of the people. If you don't take care of security, welfare, hunger, then you have not business being in government. So, it's not a thing that government can toy with. It's constitutional provision I just cited, it's there.

[00:24:53]>> Of course.

[00:24:54]>> Yes, you must, as a government, take it serious, not you it lightly.

[00:24:58]Such issue, you must take it serious.

[00:24:59]So, what I'm trying to say is that government should make everything possible.

[00:25:04]They can.

[00:25:06]Create different vigilante groups. Also encourage local government to have their own vigilante group. Then the community too to have their own. All these things will assist in curbing crime.

[00:25:18]To be at a bare minimum. Criminality will be at a bare minimum.

[00:25:21]>> Yeah.

[00:25:21]>> Then spend money. Like what I said, the government should try to give vehicles to the security.

[00:25:27]>> But those vehicles are they being monitored? After the governor After the governor has given vehicles to different security agencies, >> Where?

[00:25:33]>> are they are the vehicles monitored? The usage of such vehicles >> You cannot give what you don't have.

[00:25:43]>> Exactly.

[00:25:44]>> If I If I give you car, >> [laughter] >> YOU SEE I HAVE TO COME OUT AND TELL you something. How much do you How much do you think THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE >> [laughter] >> IT'S NOT POSSIBLE.

[00:26:09]THAT THAT THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE THEY ARE TIMES THEY HAVE TO RAISE MONEY.

[00:26:12]Go to checking point to look for to go for Whoever is is in need is in trouble. To go to >> Well, that's [laughter] a very serious allegation. Mr. I'm not aware of anything like that.

[00:26:23]>> Police also go out and >> Police mount checkpoints to ensure that there's security. I'm not aware of anything like that.

[00:26:31]I'M NOT AWARE.

[00:26:40]OF COURSE, YOU HAVE TO ASSIST THEM.

[00:26:45]YEAH, OF COURSE.

[00:26:49]>> [laughter] >> SO, WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS THAT HOW MUCH DOES THE COMMISSIONER OF police get as a impress to run his office? If the commissioner of police get 1 million and to run issue of this fuel is about 10 million.

[00:27:02]What do you want me to do?

[00:27:04]YOU MAKE ME SUFFER.

[00:27:07]BUT THAT'S NOT THE MATTER.

[00:27:08]MY SALARY here I don't spend a day in a month for the fuel is not less than 400,000.

[00:27:15]If my salary is 70,000 in a month my car will suffer.

[00:27:20]>> [laughter] >> No, I'M NOT GIVING AN INSTANCE. SO, you cannot give out what you don't have. So, don't blame the police. Whatever you see the car, you manage it like that because it's a gift. So, the way you go about it is left for you.

[00:27:31]>> [laughter] >> Okay, thank you second. We'll come back to you. Bishop Lucky.

[00:27:36]>> Yes, sir.

[00:27:36]>> The way forward. Now, I know that we cannot exhaust it, but let's talk about it. Insecurity is a problem. What do you think can be done especially in the different communities?

[00:27:46]>> Now, number one, the government will engage the people that call themselves vigilantes.

[00:27:51]>> Okay.

[00:27:51]>> And the audio will list in those community.

[00:27:54]>> Okay.

[00:27:54]>> [laughter] >> That is the problem with it.

[00:27:55]>> They need to be involved. Like we are living here where we the people are the one that organize everything. But we want putting money from our pocket, struggling to make sure it work.

[00:28:05]>> And to do vigilante?

[00:28:06]>> Yeah, we don't even know our counselor.

[00:28:07]We have not seen the man face to face.

[00:28:09]We don't even know where he is. He comes in the afternoon and disappear after 1 hour.

[00:28:14]And then then now he is giving me book to say we should look for the man. He has also gone to tell people we have to put people on >> Yeah, that is one of the benefit of this special now.

[00:28:22]>> any offense you look for them. Any time the man blows it, we have to block the road. Oh God, come.

[00:28:28]You cannot be enjoying AC and we are sleeping well.

[00:28:32]>> [laughter] >> Then he said after they engage on this thing, the government should give them bikes, give them a money to buy fuel.

[00:28:40]>> Okay, thank you Bishop Lucky. We'll come back to you. We have to quickly take this break now.

[00:28:45]>> Yes, sir.

[00:28:53]>> [music] >> Some days, there comes the Ugie Mobo festival, which the Oba celebrates outside the palace gate. A pavilion is built of red cloth, where rites are performed to drive away all evil spirits still unsatisfied by the year's sacrifices. The Mobo festival is to commemorate an event in Benin history, which dates back to 1504 AD.

[00:29:59]>> In a rare display of botanical brilliance, the palm tree defied natural norms, sprouting multiple branches that bear fruits.

[00:30:09]>> This >> [music] >> What a delight to have you on the program 60 Minutes Nigeria. I'm grateful to our viewer out there for spending their 60 minutes with us, uh or part of their 60 minutes with us.

[00:30:35]And of course, my wonderful guest here.

[00:30:37]Uh before the break, uh Bishop Lucky Iomonosa said uh advised government to support uh community leaders in tackling insecurity. He mentioned specifically, and I need to reiterate on this program, uh the youth leaders in the various communities are referred to as Okali.

[00:30:59]And the community leaders are referred to as Odionwe. He said that these persons government must liaise with them.

[00:31:08]Government must develop a system where they can function, where they can fit in, and help government tackle insecurity in the various communities.

[00:31:18]Um Mr. Lucky Monabus, uh maybe you have more to add to that before my other guests. Yes.

[00:31:23]>> You see, without these people are not involved, yes, you can't overcome security in that community because they know the terrain and who can come in the community. They understand more than any other person. If you build the house in uh Ogona, for example, community, you are not an indigene. The indigene knows everywhere. You are just a man who bought a land and build the house.

[00:31:44]Then, by the time these people are not involved and there's a terrorist attack in the community, they will fold their hands and the people who bought the land or living there will not be fighting the battle. Like where I live now, I told you a street in my area where they killed a woman about 10 houses now. I'll put they put uh for sale. The people packed out and become tenants.

[00:32:03]Because this is a serious matter.

[00:32:05]Because the community leader is not he's not concerned because he's not interested because the government is not carrying him along.

[00:32:13]And the man because our councilor of the area, that guy we prison sometime on Monday the afternoon, he will disappear and leave the place. But now I thank God for this honorable man. Now there I need to tell my people that there's a new development. Anytime you have to put people on ground, anytime that guy prison, you have to block him.

[00:32:29]>> No, he's not saying you should hold him hostage. No. He said that you need to hold a meeting with him.

[00:32:36]Listen to me.

[00:32:39]I was saying You see where you have a person who's supposed to be doing the right thing and he became stubborn, you have to do the right thing. Sometimes you have to use some action that will make you understand that he's also he was sent there for the purpose.

[00:32:54]So that he will not understand that where he left, where he go to collect vote, the people are dying.

[00:33:00]The people there will not vote for him.

[00:33:03]Okay, last week when I was in my senator's house my family came to stay in church with me.

[00:33:08]Because it was so hot, they came to church. People came to my church and stayed because they had nowhere to stay.

[00:33:13]So I had to harbor them for that period before the people died down before they now went back to their houses.

[00:33:19]If the counselor in charge of that area was able to be reached, he could have come and also do his job. But because the way he moves himself like spirits, come here and disappear. Then if we are able to get his calculation and how he moves, then we will now say, "Our guy who is Mr. You are our counselor. This is what we're facing. This is what we want."

[00:33:37]Maybe after many talk and talk and talk he will respond. This is not how a gentleman talk. You can't expect a man that loses brother and his brother should be smiling when you are talking.

[00:33:46]Then that is why we need we have to do some take some action to get him responsible for what why we sent him there. God bless you.

[00:33:54]>> [laughter] >> I hope this advice will be will be taken in the positive way.

[00:34:00]>> [laughter] >> You know people are watching this program.

[00:34:03]Um leaders must be held accountable.

[00:34:06]We can't rule that out. Leaders must be held accountable. When you ask when politicians ask for votes, they should be ready to serve. We've seen though this program is actually centered around the issues about Nigeria, but sometimes we need to also learn what is happening outside Nigeria.

[00:34:27]Politicians outside Nigeria in some countries, they are not looking up looking at what they can benefit.

[00:34:34]They are looking up looking for opportunity to serve the people.

[00:34:38]And I'm going to start uh from Ben, honorable Ben Omudu.

[00:34:43]Now, politicking.

[00:34:46]We've established now that insecurity is a problem. Though Barrister Patrick Sekondary says it's not a determining factor, but you said it's a determining factor. Bishop Lucky Mona said it's also an important factor.

[00:34:59]If not 100%, that the need uh politicians who will come out with a blueprint to tackle insecurity so that people can sleep with their two eyes closed. Now, I come to you now or I ask you rather honorable Ben Omudu.

[00:35:17]Now, our politicians.

[00:35:21]Now, don't you think they should be thinking of how to develop a blueprint, a workable document that can tackle insecurity?

[00:35:33]>> Um like I said earlier, strategic thinking will help every good-thinking politician.

[00:35:42]I always use make reference to Ore West.

[00:35:46]Uh it was a strategic thinking engagement, political engagement with the communities, uh leaders, landlords, even the the woman selling right there in the street.

[00:35:58]Engagement.

[00:36:00]That engagement will give you an insight and in-depth give you an in-depth knowledge of what is happening in your environment.

[00:36:09]When he did that, he was able to understand that there are some streets that are very dangerous that need street lights.

[00:36:15]He provided the street lights.

[00:36:17]Even at Cross Poll.

[00:36:20]When he did that, >> So, you are now saying because I don't want you to just center on a particular word or >> I'm just giving make sure you are the reference >> that leaders should have political engagement.

[00:36:33]What the people really need in terms of tackling insecurity.

[00:36:38]That is what I'm trying to say that when you engage with the people, you see, just like we say politics is local.

[00:36:45]Crime is also local.

[00:36:47]Whether we like it or not, it does not fall from the sky. Somebody from the community will sit down and think how to perpetrate So, somebody from that community must also sit down to think how to tackle that issue. That's why we have a representative every as a politician. I believe that when we engage our people, we don't run away from them. We don't just come to seek for vote, but we sit down with them time quarterly. We collect these things, and please don't just because you want to collect it and make some cheap political, uh, noise. We should able to tell the people this is what we can do. Okay, you were 10, I can do five.

[00:37:28]We bring in this five, and see if that thing will not reduce. It will reduce to the barest minimum. And then people will able to go to their business without, uh, being harassed from any angle. Just like what the, uh, the bishop says about the Okai Ile and others. Let me tell you, most of them are, there's no if any Okai Ile comes here to tell you that he's not involved in any government, let me tell you the truth, that person is lying.

[00:37:52]I'm just telling you the truth. Because they are all engaged.

[00:37:57]They are all being carried along when it comes to their community. It's just that when a man takes over an office, sometimes we don't want to take responsibility of anything. But we should able to be responsible enough to take responsibility of our actions, even the office we sit on. So, as a politician, I appeal to everyone of us, both the community leaders and also as a politician, we need to engage. We need to have political dialogue on security matters and any other matters there to so that we can bring our environment or give our environment that peace that we need.

[00:38:32]>> Thank you very much. Okay, Barrister Patrick Sekonyi. Now, let's look at politics now.

[00:38:38]We are saying it's no longer just about defection.

[00:38:42]Though defection is still going on.

[00:38:44]We've seen that most politicians, once they lose primaries, they make announcements that they have resigned from that party. They move to the next party.

[00:38:54]Is this healthy for our democracy? This kind of movement? And now we've seen even Peter Obi now and Frank Kwasi they've left ADC for the NDC. Their primaries will soon be held.

[00:39:10][ __ ] Atiku Abubakar has won the presidential primaries of the ADC.

[00:39:16]President Tinubu of the APC has also won. Now, just look at politics generally.

[00:39:22]>> Yes, well, I think it's it's normal.

[00:39:25]>> Okay.

[00:39:26]>> It's normal. You see, you are you have a freedom of association to any church of your choice.

[00:39:33]>> Okay.

[00:39:33]>> You are not allowed that. You can join any association of your choice. There are several political parties. You are not required to remain in one.

[00:39:41]But let me tell you all these politicians, they already have alternative even BEFORE >> [laughter] >> THEY ALREADY HAVE ALTERNATIVE.

[00:39:49]THEY ARE TAKING DECISION.

[00:39:51]IT'S NOT ABOUT TAKING IT'S NOT ABOUT THAT MOMENT.

[00:39:53]>> OKAY, THEY PLAN IT AHEAD.

[00:39:56]>> [laughter] >> NO.

[00:39:57]>> THEN THEY WIN.

[00:39:58]>> IF THEY HAVE WON, THEY will remain.

[00:40:00]>> remain.

[00:40:00]>> I told them even last year for the ADC.

[00:40:02]I told somebody some months ago, three five months. I told I posted on it you can bet it.

[00:40:08]THEY SAID NO, THEY WANT TO FIGHT. THEY HAVE TO REMAIN FIGHTING AS A LEADER. I SAID THESE PEOPLE LET ME LET ME GO WITH PRIMARY. YOU DON'T KNOW WHETHER THEY UNITED OR NOT.

[00:40:16]>> [laughter] >> I SAID I SAID I SAID THIS ONE IS HE'S NOT FINALLY, WE COME HOME.

[00:40:24]I THINK WE WE WILL BE WITH HIM.

[00:40:35]WE HAVE ANOTHER PROJECT.

[00:40:37]TODAY NOW WHERE I DEY.

[00:40:38]I think now he's on his own now. I'M MAKING A JOKE.

[00:40:42]>> [laughter] >> ANYWAY YOU ARE TALKING TO YOURSELF.

[00:40:47]SO THEY HAVE THEIR PLAN ALREADY. THAT'S THE POLITICS.

[00:40:51]THEY DON'T WANT THEY DON'T WANT TO GET IT. BYE-BYE.

[00:40:54]THEY ARE through with that project.

[00:40:55]>> We see what happened in >> This is a man that was >> in Delta >> in Delta state.

[00:41:05]>> If the man was elected back It is not possible. You don't have alternative. So it's not that day. NOT THAT TIME.

[00:41:15]SO EVEN VIOLATE IT.

[00:41:17]There are some subjected to a lot of change.

[00:41:19]>> A lot of change.

[00:41:20]>> Most majority if there is a division You have problem. Correct.

[00:41:24]>> Political ones, yes.

[00:41:25]>> Not just one.

[00:41:28]For that they will just create one problem. You know it's a drama. Bye-bye.

[00:41:32]>> [laughter] >> They succeed.

[00:41:34]That is a complete loss.

[00:41:39]So that politician They will tell you all they will promise YOU THEIR LIFE. WE will support him with money and promises. We will we will carry you. WE WILL CARRY YOU. WE WILL CARRY YOU. WE WILL CARRY YOU.

[00:41:48]>> BUT IS THIS NOT GOOD for democracy? Now we have multi-party system. Before now they were accusing President that he wants to create one party. Now we have several parties that are working that are political.

[00:42:00]>> We don't need to have several parties.

[00:42:02]It doesn't work.

[00:42:03]There is no need. What all that you need is just two parties. No need. Either you are here or you are here. You can have 40 They don't have >> Are you talking about what IBB did?

[00:42:11]>> Yes.

[00:42:13]Let's let's see. All these politicians >> they are not like you and me here.

[00:42:17]>> What do you say then?

[00:42:18]>> They are all the same to all of us.

[00:42:19]>> So, are you saying they don't have ideology?

[00:42:21]>> That is why we see see I understood me.

[00:42:23]>> Yeah. No, no, are you saying they don't have ideology? I want you to answer that.

[00:42:26]>> Ideology ideology does not work in Nigeria.

[00:42:29]>> [laughter] >> Forget it.

[00:42:32]Ideology they don't have ideology.

[00:42:34]Forget it. Ideology What can I offer?

[00:42:41]I'm talking about ideology. This nation IS LIKE OUR ECONOMY IS very strong.

[00:42:44]>> Good.

[00:42:45]>> With the hardship the economy is strange here. When they will uh poverty as a weapon, you are telling me you you which which which ideology?

[00:42:53]YOU ARE TELLING ME YOU you you party you see from. What can YOU OFFER US?

[00:42:56]>> THAT'S WHAT THEY KNOW.

[00:42:58]>> [laughter] >> THAT IS IDEOLOGY. ORDINARY PEOPLE THEY DON'T MAKE THEY DON'T MAKE UP THEIR MIND for you.

[00:43:06]To decide where I will vote. But here what ideology? It's Yeah, a lot of this ethnicity religion These are political factors not ideology. Your ideology might be local here to US. They don't give a damn about what you are talking about. It's either my religion or my tribe. That's how it is. And just this election I'm just talking off record. I've told them before I've told some person before 6 months ago. Nobody said I prefer to party system. No need to disturb ourselves.

[00:43:36]Because if you are now loose nobody will vote for that one. Nobody will vote for you again. That way you have you can move where you want it.

[00:43:43]It's better. I told some persons some months ago that this election is for two persons.

[00:43:49]You are going to see the election. The rest you you the rest is in in in in the paper not political. Only two parties.

[00:43:56]One person is going to vote for the north and one of them I met I know they are going to be northern candidate. You can forget it. They don't like the south. I know they they come back. What I watch is TWO OF THEM.

[00:44:05]>> [laughter] >> OKAY, WE'LL COME BACK TO >> YES.

[00:44:08]IT'S NOT THOSE 40 PARTIES.

[00:44:16]>> FOR NOW WE HAVE multi-party system.

[00:44:17]>> Yes.

[00:44:18]>> Bishop Lucky.

[00:44:18]>> Yes, sir.

[00:44:19]>> Now, you are a religious leader. You're a leader of uh men and women. Now, looking at the way our politicians move from one party to the other once they lose primaries in this party, no matter the years they've spent there, they move immediately to another party. Are you comfortable with this development?

[00:44:36]>> Well, as for me, I'll tell you no. You see, that is the reason why today Nigeria is not moving forward.

[00:44:44]Because the reason why they are there is just for their personal interest. If it's not working in my direction, I walk away.

[00:44:50]Then I don't care what happened to the people. Even though he he That's why when they are holding office, they don't Most of them don't actually do what they promised in their campaign because they know that by the time you are trying to hold them responsible, they can go to another party that will have served them and start to do things negative. Then I support the idea of the barrister. If we have two-party system, and there's another law hold that if you are if you won election in this party, you must stay in the party and complete your term. Then so that the people that voted for you can hold you responsible for accountability for everything you promised them and your your campaign promises. But because there are multiple parties, people don't enter position and choose party and platform to become House of Rep. Like this and this exclusive CR, honorable sir, the person of our home.

[00:45:38]You know what he did to give us our home. He will go provoke and go to another party and now the call on the another party and start telling you that you see I'm not going with your party. You can't hold me responsible for what I said because now they are now using our head to play game and weaponize uh poverty to deal with all. And when they come back in four in four years, you see there the one for the that might be in the street that they are making to suffer poverty. I give you 10,000 naira.

[00:46:09]And because the man is hungry, he wants to survive he starts to survive. He will collect the money. As he sells his conscience, he knows that he's going to suffer for years because that is the calculation.

[00:46:18]There is there's a law that the campaign that any person that enter a party A platform, you must finish your tenure in that platform. I tell you all this. I see all this roaming up and down with stolen money will not have a better material and better future.

[00:46:33]>> Thank you very much, Mr. Lucky.

[00:46:36]You can get it clearly. Like he's not a politician.

[00:46:39]>> [laughter] >> He's talking He's talking LIKE A TRUE ACTIVIST.

[00:46:44]WELL, the program is still on 60 minutes Nigeria. We'll take a break now and we'll discuss further.

[00:47:46]>> [music] >> Okay, so we'd like to have you after the break.

[00:47:59]Like we said, politicking is on.

[00:48:01]Primaries, we've seen that of APC, Mr. President. Uh I'm Atiku Abubakar is still the presidential candidate of the APC, the ruling party.

[00:48:13]Uh Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, aspiring to be president. Um is now the presidential candidate of the APC.

[00:48:26]Um well, other political parties also have their presidential candidates.

[00:48:31]Some parties are even coming together to project one presidential candidate. That will tell you that Mr. Tinubu must do everything possible to actually hold on to his office cuz many people are aspiring to take that office. But that is healthy in democracy.

[00:48:48]If the people want you, they vote for you. They don't want you, they vote you out. So, you have 4 years to write to write your wrongs, to do what is right so that people can admire you, and keep you in office. Well, we have a politician in our midst.

[00:49:07]I know that you belong to the APC, but let's talk generally now.

[00:49:12]Let's talk generally.

[00:49:14]Are you comfortable with all these defections?

[00:49:18]>> Uh well, um you see, it's a normal thing because the law is very clear.

[00:49:25]>> Okay.

[00:49:26]>> Freedom of association.

[00:49:28]>> Okay.

[00:49:29]>> And if I'm not comfortable sitting with Barrister Patrick, I'm still able to leave.

[00:49:35]But there must be >> a terrorist >> a the reason that must be backed by the law to do so. Now, some of them also move because they feel that they can go to one party or whatever wherever they want to go and become the champion over there After they have failed, hopefully, where they are.

[00:49:55]>> Yeah.

[00:49:55]>> If you look at this primaries that has just ended in other political party, you see that most of the people that defected, they are now defecting from one party or the other, are people Some of them are very desperate for power.

[00:50:07]And they don't have anything to offer.

[00:50:09]Some of them were given the opportunity uh during the glory of 2023 election to go for the House of Rep, Senate, and they failed, hopefully.

[00:50:19]They could not bring in any development in their area.

[00:50:23]And such person now wants to come back.

[00:50:25]Since the party A did not give him ticket, he will look for the lesser party where his money and muscle can muscle them, and he will become the landlord in that place. Let me tell you, I am not comfortable about I mean on the people moving from one party to the other. I believe that if I must move from party A to B, there must be a genuine reason.

[00:50:48]And that reason should be all about going there to have a proper negotiation to bring development to my people.

[00:50:55]My people matters. They come first.

[00:50:58]>> If you ask the people defecting, they will tell you that is the reason they are >> Some of them we know. Whenever they are speaking the language, we already understand this one is going this way, this way he's going to. Because you see some of them now, just like what with the reference we gave just now. Somebody just resigned.

[00:51:12]Why did he not resign before the primaries?

[00:51:15]That's the question we should ask. Why did he not resign before the primaries and go and test >> his strength elsewhere.

[00:51:21]>> Because he knew from the beginning that he would lose this primary. So, he had already make an alternative plan ahead of him. So, the truth of the matter is that we shouldn't deceive ourselves. Politicians as we are, we some of us have good thinking, while some of us are just there for the uh to get the benefit of the office, enjoy the benefit of the office, whether somebody is dying on the street or somebody is not dying. They They It's It's It's none of their business that what I said until the followers until the followers engage every single representative in their communities.

[00:51:57]That's when everybody else will open up if I go to that office, I should be able to should be able to come back home with a result. If not so, I know we still don't enter my house.

[00:52:07]>> Thank you. Your closing remark, just a quick one.

[00:52:10]>> Well, uh the issue of scripture will be discussed.

[00:52:15]It's a very vital one.

[00:52:17]Like a certain part of the constitution and uh I think of our constitution, I made it clear in matters of 14 that Nigeria will be a country based on democracy and social justice. This is the foundation of Nigeria. So, everybody should support it. The government should do everything possible Support Support the masses in any way you can by good policies that they can benefit from.

[00:52:42]So, if they are they are beneficiaries of this uh policies, I believe in any in any election, they will vote according to their conscience.

[00:52:51]They will not vote by selling their vote by collecting money. They will do it because they are not satisfied with the former government. They feel that there is an opportunity. Let me have this as my own benefit. So, I hold the government both uh the federal and states to take the welfare of the citizens as guaranteed by the constitution.

[00:53:13]>> Thank you very much. Mr. Give us your closing remarks.

[00:53:16]>> Well, I I would advise that the government should understand that Nigerians we are not lazy.

[00:53:20]>> Okay.

[00:53:21]>> And this state we are not lazy.

[00:53:22]They should just give us a liberal environment. Then we can survive ourselves. We got these goats out of the bush, we go to farm and make our uh our farm and eat and make our food.

[00:53:33]Then give us uh little support, we can do well because Nigeria we are not lazy.

[00:53:38]>> Thank you very much. Well, that's the program. I I must say once again commend honorable Ben thanks for your time and your comments and barrister Patrick is equal and I thank you very much for your comments and your time and of course we shall block him on our base and thank you very much for your comments and for your time.

[00:54:00]The program is 60 minutes Nigeria. If you enjoyed this week's edition of the program by the grace of God keep a date with me next Thursday same time same station we're looking at another topic with a different set of guests. Until then have a wonderful weekend ahead. Bye-bye.

[00:54:25]>> [music]