06.04.2005

As the Chairman of African Union, spokesperson of G-77 and chairman of CHOGM, he commands respect globally and has considerable influence outside Africa when matters about the continent are being discussed. His profile has also risen with the sustained campaign for debt relief which appears very likely to yield positive results. At home, he is more or less an emperor, with incredible powers to appoint people into hundreds of ministries and parastatals. Virtually all the instruments of power are under his control. He has used this to maximum effect, forcing his opponents to bow down before him or be crushed.
This has no doubt helped in entrenching his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), such that anyone who does not belong to or support the party is not likely to succeed politically and economically. The decampments to the ruling party are unprecedented in the nation’s history. He controls the party machinery by whatever means. With an absolute control over the police, the opposition often get a few slaps on the cheeks when they want to organize protest marches. The National Assembly is under his grip, and talks about impeachments often fizzle out very early in the day. A few instances illustrate his majestic hold on power: when Governor Orji Kalu fell out with him, the operating licence of Slok airline was withdrawn; when the former party chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, wrote a letter to him to draw his attention to the Anambra mayhem, Ogbeh was pounded to dust and flushed down PDP’s toilet; many members of the National Assembly who spoke too loudly against him in the 1999-2003 set never got a chance to come back to the legislature; and recently when he launched his library project, most of the people who doled out millions of naira, secretly expressed fears that if they had refused to participate, nobody could predict the consequences.
Along with the president, other men command influence and dispense favours: vice president Atiku Abubakar and indeed all fomer heads of state: General Yakubu Gowon, Alahji Shehu Shagari, General Muhammedu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida and Chief Ernest Shonekan. These are the centers of influence themselves. In this report, THISDAY profiles the most influential and powerful persons in politics and different sectors of the economy.

•Governance

Statesmen and Opinion Leaders

Sunday Awoniyi/The Aro of Arewa
The Aro of Mopa is a man packed with integrity. He is a politician of a different hue. He is the chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). He is a Yoruba man (from Kogi state), but he presides over the interest and affairs of the Hausa/Fulani people. He had worked and associated so closely with late Ahmadu Bello. Many chose to see him as a detribalized Nigerian, He carved his strong character niche right from his days in the civil service where he exhibited upright principles. He maintains a strong and respectable voice in politics. His strength of character it was that made him almost clinch the chairmanship position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in year 2000. He looked as good as won until the polls were manipulated to his disfavour. In keeping with his straight principles, Awoniyi had long declared that he has quit politics, although he remains a veritable factor in the polity, especially in what becomes the lot of the north. He has a good following and also commands some economic strength with his strong investments in the manufacturing sector. No doubt, Awoniyi, a respectable elder statesman, with all his simplicity and principled nature, is one of the influential persons in Nigeria.

Adeyinka Adebayo/The Voice of Yoruba Elders
The influence of General Adeyinka Adebayo is better represented in his ability to make his son, Otunba Niyi governor of Ekiti State, which used to be a fraction of the western region which he himself ruled as a military governor. Today, Adebayo (snr) is the President of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), a pan-Yoruba group believed to be sympathetic to the cause of President Olusegun Obasanjo, as a rival to Afenifere, which often criticizes the president. Since he was made President of the Yoruba group, Adebayo has demonstrated adequate cohesion in his duty as President of the group. His influence has greatly helped to re-position the group as the voice of Afenifere seems to be dying down gradually.

Lawan Kaita/Keeping PDM Alive
A close ally of the Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and one of the old reliables of the Peoples Democratic Movement group in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was very key in the political machinery of the late General Musa Yar'Adua.

Tony Anenih/Leader, Enforcer – by Hook or Crook
Former Commissioner of Police, the erstwhile Chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP and former Minister of Works and Housing and now Chairman PDP Board of Trustees, is a man many love to hate for the shrewd and calculating manner he operates behind the scene. He is today one of the most influential party elders in the present government. From his Uromi town in Edo Central Senatorial district, his influence is legendary, transcending the frontiers of his state to Abuja and beyond, dominating the national firmament like never before with a somewhat mystic hold on the nation's leadership and the leadership of his ruling party, the PDP. He is the chief strategist of Obasanjo’s politicking. The ‘enforcer of the emperor's’ word. To a large extent, he influences who gets what and how in this government and dispenses favours according to his moods. Some call him "Mr Fix it", others prefer to see him as "the enforcer" or "the hatchet man", and yet others call him "the Leader," but Anenih seems to care less. In his Edo state, his endorsement largely saw to the re-emergence of Governor Lucky Igbinedion as the party's flag bearer, either by hook or crook.

Alex Ekwueme/The Sane Voice
Now hoary-haired. Dr Alex Ekwueme, easily stands out as one of the most learned persons in Nigeria; with degrees in over five different disciplines. He is an architect, lawyer, politician and administrator. A gentle man. He was the second republic Vice President to Alhaji Shehu Shagari.After the overthrow of that government in 1983, he was said to have come out government poorer than he went in. It was a reverse testimonial that his political peers got, which earned them jail sentences. He is a foundation member of the PDP, having formed the bulwark bone of the G-34, which confronted the pepperish military regime of Sani Abacha. The group transformed to become the PDP. In recompense, he became the seminal Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party. His determination to rule the country was truncated in 2003, when he failed to clinch the ticket of his party. That experience has long distanced him from the Obasanjo government, and has periodically let out some hard comments on the government. Alex Ekwueme, with a history of self discipline and moral height, remains a voice that commands listenership in the polity. Although rich, he never flaunts his wealth, nor demonstrates capricious tendencies. Beyond his influence in the South-east, Ekwueme is considered a standing elder statesman in every part of the country.

Adams Oshiomhole/The People’s President
As the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the biggest union of Nigerian workers, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is undisputably a very powerful and influential Nigerian. The zeal with which he has over the years fought the cause of Nigerian workers in particular and Nigerians in general has given him a unique position in the society. His eloquence is enchanting and were it not for him, Nigerians would probably being buying deregulated fuel at N150 per litre today.

Balarabe Musa/The Voice of Opposition
Alhaji Balarabe Musa, second republic governor of old Kaduna State, easily passes as one of the most principled politicians of our time. In fact, he was impeached from office for his insistence on principle. Today he is the rallying point of opposition politicians through the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) for which he is the national chairman. Even as the establishment would usually not agree with him on issues, he is hardly ignored. A cross section of Nigerian populace tends to believe him more than the government on issues.

TY Danjuma/General in Everything
Lt. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and immediate past Minister of Defence in the current dispensation, is a Nigerian of all seasons. In or out of government, Danjuma has carved such a niche for himself in public affairs that both admirers and opponents cannot ignore. Although he said shortly after he resigned his appointment as Minister of Defence that President Olusegun Obasanjo is held hostage by a cabal, many swore that if one existed, Danjuma's name will feature prominently. This is because many recalled that Danjuma was one of the troika, the other was late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar'adua, that held sway during General Obasanjo's tenure as military Head of State between 1976 and 1979. A very close confidant of the president, a relationship built over the years in the army, he is on the board of several companies in the country. Given that influence flows from either economic or political power in Nigeria, Danjuma's antecedents put him as an immense man of power any day. Blunt to fault, his views are widely regarded across the length and breath of the nation. His wife, Daisy, is a serving senator of the Federal Republic.

Ahmadu Ali/The President’s Chairman
As the national chairman of the ruling PDP, Senator Ali's influence in the socio-political arrangement cannot be underestimated. Even though he was highly respected among his ethnic Igala people of Kogi State, his fame was localised until recently when he took over the leadership of the PDP. For a head of a political body that has the President, Vice President and 28 of the 36 states under its control, his influence is far-reaching.

Solomon Lar/The Godfather of Middle Belt
Since his exit as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Chief Solomon Lar has remained the rallying point in the Middle Belt. Because of his political sagacity, having been former governor of Plateau State, Lar has over time, demonstrated keen interest and concern for the plight of the people of Middle Belt, especially since the return to civil rule. Today, he remains a force in that region of the country. Lar played a key role in getting Obasanjo to lift the state of emergency imposed on Plateau State last year in the wake of the ethno-religious crisis that enveloped the state. Although he was not known to be in the same camp with the governor, Joshua Dariye, he demonstrated a rare sense of politics without bitterness by supporting the return of the embattled governor to office. In the Middle Belt, the voice of Lar is not an ordinary voice.

Olusola Saraki/The Kingmaker
Hate him or like him, Saraki has come to represent a standing politician whose hold and influence on his people is like a mystic talisman. Over the years, Saraki has come to represent the eye and soul of politics in Kwara state. Right from the second republic, the Kwara electorate, no matter the gang-up of his critics, have faithfully (and almost blindly) walked only in the direction pointed by Saraki. Generous and astute, Saraki will give up any and everything to retain his laurel as the grandmaster of Kwara politics. In 2003, he inadvertently gave up his bank Societe General Bank) to prove he is the man in-charge. It is thus a credit to that degree of sticky astuteness that his household controls the political firmament of Kwara politics. His son, Bukola is the governor of the state, his daughter, Gbemisola, is a senator in the state, himself is a delegate to the National Political Reforms Conference. And hardly is anybody anywhere in Kwara without the blessing or concession of Saraki. His brand of politics may be totalitarian, but the point remains that he connects deeply with is electorate, a devotion that makes the masses of the state often lose their wisdom to his wiles and manipulations. Also an elder statesman, his wealth and political connections have always put him on the front row of the public gallery.

Murtala Nyako/Prominent Farmer
Retired Naval officer, vice-chairman of the all powerful northern Nigeria's most reverred political umbrella body, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and president of Nigerian Farmers Association, Nyako has his tentacles in almost all critical sectors of the nation's economy. He is a respected voice in all his chosen fields.

Anthony Enahoro/Symbol of Undying Activism
To human rights activists, Chief Anthony Enahoro has a structured philosophy towards life. From his call for Independence in 1956 to his leadership of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Enahoro has always toed the same line that could be seen as being the side of “the people”. Today, at 82, Enahoro has not given up hope. Anytime next month, he is leading a host of other affiliate groups to what is called the people’s Sovereign National Conference. His voice has considerable influence not just locally but also internationally.

Gani Fawehinmi/Constitutional Crusader
Until the present Obasanjo government, Chief Gani Fawehinmi may well pass for the jail bird of the nation. Hardly did any government, since the early 60s , not have one reason or the other to arrest and throw Gani into prison. Oftentimes, it is because of Gani’s unwavering commitment to upholding the basic principles of human rights policies and the rule of law that he often gets the rough edge of the authorities.. He suffers no fools gladly. His pestering criticisms of successive governments have often run him on headlong clashes with various authorities. Fearless and unsparing in his condemnations, Gani fights the perceived ills of his society with uncommon passion and zeal, with an ever-ready disposition to suffer for what he believes in. Now in his late 60s, Gani has maintained a standing history of being a leading anti-establishment man for about four decades. He is easily a foremost pro-democracy activist and human rights crusader in Nigeria. He indeed, has remained also one of the most uncompromising of all such genres of activists as he has carefully avoided occasions, circumstances, gift offers, appointments etc that may dirty his human rights records in the long run. He is a blind critic of the ills of the society, no matter who perpetrates such ills.
As a firm believer in the rule of Law and the use of legal instrument to fight societal ills, Gani, at almost any point in time, has dozens of cases he instituted against the ruling class, or government over one perceived ill-act or the other. Long before the government (belatedly) awarded him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Nigerians had long dubbed him the Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM). Although he has spent almost his life time fighting for the interest and welfare of the masses, the said masses failed to support his political ambition when he contested the presidential election of 2003. Perhaps his straight and near rigid belief in ideals will not allow him be a good politician. But he is easily a very influential personality in the Nigerian polity and enjoys large followership especially from the student and youth folk of the nation.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala/Dogged Reformer
She is an economist of international repute. She took a break from the World Bank as vice-president to serve as an adviser to the president during the first term and eventually retired from the World Bank to take up an appointment as Minister of Finance. Her footprints are all over the place: monetization, civil service reforms, campaign for debt relief, and publication of federal allocations in newspaper for transparency, among others. She is respected both in Nigeria and on the international level.

Charles Soludo/Apostle of “Con-soludo-tion”
As the governor of the nation's apex bank, Prof. Soludo is certainly one of the most influential Nigerians. But his real power and influence derives from his strategic position in President Obasanjo's kitchen cabinet. As a former Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Prof. Soludo fashioned out National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), the government's main economic reforms programme. He is greatly feared in the banking industry because of the big stick in his hand.

Oby Ezekwesili/Madam Due Process
She is highly reverred, especially in government circle, for her acclaimed nose for details. A strict administrator, she is believed to have brought rigorous discipline to budget formulation and implementation under the present administration. The politicians have not found it interesting working with her. For instance, she slashed a N36 billion contract awarded by an arm of government to N9 billion after evaluating it. She was insulted for this, but eventually the company agreed to do the job for the approved sum. Many contractors who operate at federal level do not joke with the powers invested in the woman.

Bode Agusto/Budget Expert
He is the arrow head of the budget implementation department in the federal ministry of finance and one of the President Obasanjo's economic team. He has not lagged behind in the crusade for debt cancellation from the donor agencies. Before joining the Presidency, he was the founder of Bode Agusto and Co., a financial consultant company approved by the Central Bank to rate bank's performance in the country. His company's rating has been used as a yardstick for measuring growth and performance in the banking industry. Each time their rating is about to be released, anxiety grips the banking industry.

Nasir el-Rufai/Controversial but Focused
Mallam Nasir el-Rufai is one of the most powerful Nigerians alive. He is the Minister in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a position that has seen him take absolute control of FCT in a bid to restore the masterplan of the city which had been distorted over the years by successive governments. He has confronted the mighty and the powerful in a bid to do his job and has often been castigated for being overzealous. He is one of the kitchen cabinet members of President Obasanjo. He chairs the civil service reform committee which is expected to sack about 75 per cent of the federal civil service.

Nuhu Ribadu/Nemesis of the Light-fingered
He has become the policeman of the nation, a standing conscience of a decrepit society.
He is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), and a lawyer. About two years ago, he was appointed to head the fierce Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In that position, Ribadu has instilled some fear and caution into the operations of some fraudulent persons in Nigeria. He had boasted several times that his commission will neither spare any body nor protect the corrupt “big men” of the society, stressing that his interest was more in the catching of big thieves often regarded as sacred cows in Nigeria than the petty ones. Not many believed him until his net caught the former Inspector General of Police, Mr Tafa Balogun, who was alleged to have stolen N13 billion amidst the rabid acquisition of several landed property in and outside Nigeria. The belief in his capacity to deal with the big men as further enhanced with the N55million scandal involving the former Senate president, Adolphus Wabara, former Education minister, Fabian Osuji and a host of others.
Nuhu Ribadu has become a terror to the wildly corrupt persons of society. The fear of his name has become the beginning of wisdom, especially among morally-disabled politicians and civil-servants. When he speaks, his passion for the determination to restore the lost glory of Nigeria is discernable.
His most prized attribute may be his integrity and fearlessness in dealing with each and every case with a sense of equity and justice.
Nuhu Ribadu, lithe-framed, but has strong character and heart to prosecute the anti-corruption war being waged by the Obasanjo government, although some of the government’s acts themselves undermined the strength of the fight.
He is one of the respected officials in the Obasanjo government, although a few persons likely victims of the Ribadu remedies, have accused Ribadu of being a political instrument being used to hack down political enemies.
But in spite of that, most Nigerians believe in what he is doing and respect him greatly.

Mansur Ahmed/The Debt Manager
As the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mansur Ahmed has acquitted himself with his effective discharge of the enormous task of keeping an updated and accurate debt profile of the nation as entered into by various levels of governments in the country. For once, Nigeria’s debts are fairly spelt out and properly documented.

Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere/Obasanjo’s Right-hand Man
Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Programme and Policy Monitoring and political scientist. Ihonvbere started his professional career at his alma mater, the University of Ife as an assistant lecturer in International Relations. Ihonvbere's ability to translate theory to practice is further exhibited in his political activism. He was a profound participant of the Nigerian Diaspora pro-democracy movement as Vice President of the United Democratic Front for Nigeria as well as his involvement with Radio Democracy International, later Radio Kudirat. With Ford Foundation, he enabled the empowerment of many, notably in Africa, by availing funds to a substantial number of projects with a mandate to addressing the issues of centrality in the region. In so doing, Julius contributed to enhancing the reputation of the Foundation with regards to its commitment to Africa. His present role as Special Advisor to thePresident on Programme and Policy Monitoring, is particularly poignant as this participation coincides with the first ever time that a democratic government has served consecutive terms in Nigeria.

Ken Nnamani/The Intellectual Senate President
As an occupant of the third most powerful political position in the country, the Senate President Ken Nnamani is very strategic in the political equation in the country. Aside being the Head of the Legislative arm of government, he is also the highest political office holder from Igboland, one of the three major ethnic groups in the land.

Ibrahim Mantu/Obasanjo’s Pointsman
He is presently the Deputy Senate president. He has been around the political sphere for some time. But his dawn did not come until 1999 when he won a senatorial seat from his Plateau state. Until then, he never won any election, except the UNCP polls under late Gen Sani Abacha, a poll that was eventually cancelled by the succeeding government. Since 199, Mantu has been in and around the power cabin of the country, He succeeded Haruna Abubakar, the former late Deputy Senate president, when the Okadigbo leadership was swept off. Since then, Mantu has been a surviving Deputy Senate President, to three Senate Presidents now. Somehow, he plays some ignoble but fitting politics, and has managed to warm his ways into the present government, so much that he heads several committees, including the palliative committee, Islamic Pilgrimage tour etc. His influence may have come to play and to his rescue when he emerged unscathed from the N54m bribery allegation leveled against him and Senator J.S Zwingina. Although he survived that storm, a few bulbs in his political klieglight were burnt. His influence was also visible when his contributions and disposition accelerated the decision to impose emergency rule on Plateau state a little over a year ago. Mantu is a systems man. He knows how to get what he wants from the system. He may well be a Machiavellian politician, whose respect for propriety is shorter than the prism of expediency.

Dalhatu Tafida/Doctor and Politican
Senator Tafida is not new to political power. In the second republic, he was the official physician of President Shehu Shagari and this prepared him for the seat of power. He came to national lime light politically when he defeated former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon in the option A4 political arrangement in the stillborn third republic polls. He is a Prince of the famed Zazzau emirate. Since 1999 as Senate leader he has wielded enormous influence in this political dispensation and he is easily one of the most powerful senators.

Udo Udoma/Cerebral Senator
He is a two time senator from Akwa-Ibom. He was very vocal in the fight for resource control in the first term and in the unity of the South South Forum in the National Assembly. He is presently the senate Chief Whip having replaced Victor Oyofo. He is a lawyer by training and has impressive hold in the Insurance sector.

Mamman Ali/ANPP Big Wig
Senator and leader of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the upper legislative chambers, he is also the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the Senate.

David Mark/Silent Operator
He is also a two-time senator from Benue state. He is one of them with a tough voice in the senate. He moved against the former Senate President last year and was able to rally a considerably high number of senators to support his bid to unseat Wabara. He, like Ogbeha, enjoys the respect of the President and thereby stands pretty strong on the influential dias.----

Tunde Ogbeha/Senator with Authority
He is also a two-time senator from Kogi state. He was a military administrator in defunct Bendel and Akwa Ibom. He was one of the leading senators that first attempted to remove now deposed senate president, Adolphus Wabara on accusation of financial impropriety. Ogbeha is believed to be close to the president and thus enjoys some influence.

Aminu Masari/The Mature Speaker
One of the most powerful persons in this dispensation is the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, who has over time cultivated and won the confidence of his colleagues in the House. He is the No. 4 man in the hierarchy of government, coming next only to the president, the vice president and the Senate president. His mature handling of matters of the lower legislative chamber has endeared him to many.

Austin Opara/Obasanjo’s Faithful
He is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, from Rivers state. The 40-year old lawmaker is a lawyer and has since assumption of office carried his person and office with reasonable elan and panache. Although young in the political terrain, Opara sure holds some ace and promise in national politics of the future.

Abike Dabiri/On The Rise
She was a reporter and presenter with the Nigerian Television Authority until she contested and won the House of Representatives election in 2003, under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy. She is the Chairman, House Committee on Media, and thus more often, speaks on behalf of the House. Even though she is sandwiched among PDP and male-dominated House, Dabiri has been able to stand out as one of the influential persons in the House by her carriage and contributions. She has credited herselfwith noble performance so far.

Rotimi Amaechi/The Speakers’ Speaker
Young, energetic, influential and a strategist, are some of the attributes of Rotimi Amaechi who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, which many who attended the ceremony say, was like his official presentation for the Governor ship race in Rivers state for 2007. He is the two-term speaker of the river state House of Assembly, and now the Chairman of the Speakers' Forum in Nigeria. Well-connected with his Governor, Amaechi has honed his political teeth with diligence and wisdom, skill and appears set to now bite chunks of greater value.

Titi Oseni/Sole Female Speaker
Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly since June 2003, she is the only female lawmaker occupying that exalted office in the federation at the moment.


Peter Odili/The President’s Man in South-south
Governor Peter Odili of Rivers State is clearly one of the most visible politicians of the South-South extraction with an unfettered access to President Olusegun Obasanjo. His influence beyong his state is often demonstrated at various levels. A case in point is his nomination of Chief Godspower Ake for the post of National Vice-Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a replacement for slain Chief Aminasaori Kala Dikibo. Despite opposition from other governors from the region, the nomination stood.

Chimaroke Nnamani/The President’s Man in South-east
Governor of Enugu State since 1999, Nnamani has brought more intellectualism into governance than any of his ilk in the country. Generally regarded as an Obasanjo man, he is equally a governor with a long list of achievements in the South-East geo-political zone. But on the flip side, he has also been associated with controversies than any other state chief executive in the region. Trained as a physician, the governor left his career in the United States to take a dive into the nation's political waters. With the strength of his influence, he has silenced the godfathers who helped him into office in 1999.

Gbenga Daniel/The President’s Governor
Coming from the private sector to become the executive governor of Ogun State has turned out to be a very big advantage for the people of his state. He has been able to deliver the most touted democratic dividends with equanimity. His numerous development projects in the state have marked him out from his peers. And the way he deploys resources to that effect with an effective monitoring has been a thing of interest to many watchers.

Bola Tinubu/Governor of Centre of Excellence
Governor Tinubu, the Sole Survivor of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors from 2003 general election, is the political leader of the most sophisticated state and economic nerve centre of the country. The economic position of the state certainly makes it imperative that whoever is the political leader controls a lot of resources and calls the tunes for the industries.

Attahiru Bafarawa/Political Strategist
He is the Governor of Sokoto state. Beside his famed performance streaks in his state, Bafarawa’s influence towered greatly in his first term, when first, he delivered the March 2002 lecture of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna. He, as it were opened the floodgate of the torrents of scathing remarks and criticisms that the Obasanjo government received (and still receiving) from the north. That lecture was roundly hailed as having succinctly spoken the minds of majority of the northerners. Then Bafarawa assumed the interim leadership of the then dying ANPP. In three months, his style of political leadership transformed the fortunes of the party and raised its political value beyond pedestrian stakes. The party got a boost, although it still; could not win the presidential election of 2003. Bafarawa, in his full blaze had come to represent the father figure of the political dynamics of the North-west. He enjoys the full respect of his colleagues and political associates. That somehow explains the retention of political power in the ANPP in al the neighbouring states of Zamfara, and Kebbi. The Garkunwa Sokoto, is no doubt a political strategist, although he has remained largely unseen and unheard in the last two or so years. No doubt, he is very influential in the political arena.

James Onanefe Ibori/The Man with the Resources
He is the governor of Delta state. He easily passes as one of the most troubled governor of this republic, not only with the lingering (but now quiet) Warri crisis, but also the scathing ex-convict legal battle he had to fight for years, which mercifully, he has won so far. But more critically is the fact that the Delta state government stands out as the highest revenue earner in the federation. With a revenue profile put at about N600billion in six years, Ibori, who presides over such an economy certainly will wield tremendous influence both in the political and business world. Either as an individual or as a state, Ibori is believed to have made heavy investments in the telecoms and banking sectors including the media. His strength of character has cost him some measure of indifference from the centre. Ibori’s political acumen is said to be already firing a scheme aimed at getting him a plum job in the post-governorship years. Among the calculated options is how to clinch the Vice President ticket. The scheme is yet foggy and in formative stage.

Abdullahi Adamu/Eyeing the Presidency
Governor Adamu of Nasarawa State is one of the youngest state governors in the country. He is the immediate past chairman of forum of governors, a position that made him very strategic in President Obasanjo's political calculations. He is one of the close political associates of the President and he has indeed used this relationship to enhance his influence in the national polity. He is believed to be eyeing the presidency.

Ibrahim Shekerau/A Leader of Muslim Faithful
Governor Shekerau is the current chairman of the forum of northern Governors as governor of Kano State. Kano where he presides over politically is the economic never centre of the geo-political north. The state is also seen as the political catalyst in the area. Governor Shekerau also wields enormous influence as the leader of the most populous state in the north. The Muslim north looks up to Kano more than even Sokoto for the defence and protection of the faith. Above all the dominant ANPP in the North-west geo-political zone see Kano as the role model to follow.


Liyel Imoke/Minister with Power
Senator Liyel Imoke, Minister of Power and Steel, no doubt, represents the youth population in the administration of Obasanjo. By virtue of his position and responsibility, Imoke has enormous powers. He presides over the billion dollar power sector in Nigeria, and with the deregulation of the sector and the expected influx of Independent Power Projects, he is sitting on a seat of big influence where he will, among other things, be courted by political and economic powers for the necessary approval of power projects across the country. At the inception of this govermennt in 1999, Senator Liyel Imoke was appointed special adviser to the president on utilities. While holding that post, he was made chairman of NEPA's Technical Committee. When the second tenure began, he became minister of power and steel. He was named education minister when Prof.
Fabian Osuji, former minister, was accused of bribe taking, thereby confounding critics who felt that he had not done enough to change the energy sector for good. Either due to leadership qualities or loyalty to the government or both, he has remained very relevant and influential. During the week, he also assumed the chairmanship of Power Holding Company that will oversee the privatisation of the defunct NEPA. As someone who had effectively supervised the liquidation of OMPADEC and helped in creating the right environment for the take-off of NDDC, he should not find it too hard to see this transition through.

Seye Ogunlewe/Obasanjo’s Foot Soldier in Lagos
A career civil servant, Senator Seye Ogunlewe became Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1999 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). And when he was no longer at home with the politics of the AD, he defected to the PDP on which platform he sought re-election, but lost to Senator Olorunimbe Mamora of the AD. Today, Ogunlewe is Minister of Works. Apart from the level of work presently undertaken by his ministry across the country and which is said to be unprecedented in a long time, Ogunlewe has also gone political about the affairs of his state, Lagos. The clash between officials of Lagos State Transport Monitoring Authority (LASTMA) and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) marked the height of his readiness to fight the government in Lagos. Besides, the seized allocation accruing to local governments in Lagos State is believed to have remained so because his likes are not disposed to its release. With FERMA, he controls a large budget which has given him a lot of influence.

Adamu Mu'azu/Rising Star
The governor of Bauchi State is a celebrated leader who has the ears of the president. He is seen as one of the dark horses likely to succeed Obasanjo in 2007.

Chukwemeka Chikelu/A Blossing Career
Since he became the Minister of Information, he has been able to stick to his brief as the chief spokesman of the government and he has been doing that with every sense of decorum. Chikelu has been in the forefront of those trying to repackage the Nigerian brand before the international community. He has been able to give the ministry of communication a direction. With share of energy and youthfulness, Chikelu has moved his ministry and his office away from politics and face its core duties.

Abdullahi Mohammed/Quiet but Powerful
He is the Ilorin-born Chief of staff to the President. With that office, he literally keeps the diary of the President, deciding who to see the president or who not to see the president and when. That position imbues on him great influence as he becomes the buffer office between the President’s office and the public. Sparsely seen or heard, Mohammed is the unseen hand that controls the network of administration at the seat of power. Nobody comes to the President except by him, at least officially.

Mohamed Gusau/The Power Broker
Highly respected intelligence chief, whose hallmark is reticence. Never to be missed in a crowd, yet he is often there or his ear is. Famed to be one of Africa’s most respected intelligence chief, Gusau has been the National Security Adviser (NSA) to several Heads of Government, including Ibrahim Babangida, Abdusallam Abubakar. The President respects his views and counsels. Although he has never made any open gravitation to politics, it was believed that in the heat up to the presidential polls in 2003, Gusau had flirted with the idea of being a running mate to Dr Alex Ekwueme, if the former picked the PDP ticket. It is to his credit also that the Obasanjo government has not quite faced a serious threat from within in terms of insurgence. Gusau has much influence on the government.

Jerry Gana/Aso Rock Political Priest
For over 20 years, Professor Jerry Gana has been in politics, participating in virtually every succeeding government, be it civil or military. He came up again in the life of this administration as Information Minister when Chief Dapo Sarumi was redeployed to the Ministry of Cooperation and Integration in a cabinet shake-up. Popularly called the "loquacious minister", Gana, an Obasanjo “priest”, has all its takes to defend every government policy such that the cynics would be left with no options than to give in. Presently political adviser to the president and a delegate at the National Political Reform Conference, Gana is very influential in the Obasanjo school of politics.

Fola Adeola/Silent Operator
He is the former Managing Director of Guarantee Trust Bank and now chairman of the bank. Two years ago, he voluntarily retired as MD of the bank after successfully nurturing to one of the best managed in the country. Although many were taken aback by his sudden retirement, he defended it that he was leaving the stage for other bright minds to have their chance. He is currently the chairman of Faith Foundation, an NGO that aims to reduce poverty in the country. Adeola is also a member of Tony Blair’s Commission for Africa, Prime Minister Tony Blair’s initiative to draw world attention to the plight of African countries. Only recently the former GTB boss was appointed by President Obasanjo to chair the new pensions board. Adeola is said to enjoy very close relationship with the presidency.

Yayale Ahmed/The No. 1 Civil Servant
He is the Head of Service of the Federation, in charge of the nation’s Bureaucracy. He is a 53 year old top civil servant from Bauchi state. He has been in government for a couple of decades and has now risen to the top. As an experienced bureaucrat who has served in various offices, Ahmed is well-positioned to play active roles in the present reforms going on in the government. That perhaps explains why he is also at the head of the plans to reform the civil service with all the impending sack fever gripping the nation’s work force. The Head of service, though simple and unassuming is said to have strong connections in the service, a fact that may have indeed seen him thus far in his career pursuit. Presiding over the affairs of the nation’s bureaucracy, is undoubtedly a great and responsible task.

Joseph Ufot Ekaette/The Silent but Powerful Secretary
He is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. An experienced bureaucrat. He sits atop the secretariat of the federation, as it were. And from that commanding height, Ekaette has lots of information on what goes on in the government and thus polity. Although he is supposedly apolitical, it is noticeable that he has more than a passing interest in the politics of his state, an interest that has subtly rubbed him on the rough edges of his governor, Obong Victor Attah. Although Ekaette is believed to be very powerful in terms of wielding influence, his people are somewhat disappointed that he has done little too influence Federal Government presence and interest in Akwa-Ibom.
Nevertheless, Ekaette, is believed to be very close to the power mavens of the government and therein lies his influence and power.

Bode George/Commander of South-west PDP Troops
A retired naval commodore, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George is a former military governor of old Ondo State, a development that signalled his sojourn into politics. Now a two-term national vice chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic party (PDP), George led South-west zone of the party to “capture” five of six states in the zone during last general elections. He is tipped as the next national chairman of the party. He is an ardent supporter of Obasanjo and his closeness with the President earned him the chairmanship on the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Muhammadu Uwais/Giving Our Democracy a Hope
Justice Muhammadu Uwais assumed the exalted position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria since 1995 as the youngest jurist to occupy that position in the annals of Nigeria Judiciary. An uncompromising jurist, he was at the driving seat of the Judiciary when the military relinquished power in 1999. The real test of Justice Uwais' stewardship has been the performance of the Judiciary since the civilian dispensation. Looking back, some landmark pronouncements of the Supreme Court under his leadership, have served to further re-invigorate the democratic dispensation. Stable and conservative, Uwais has steered the ship of state as Chairman of the National Judicial Council, which has weeded the bad eggs out of the way, to reclaim the independence of the third arm of government hitherto trapped by military jackboots. As head of the third institution of government in Nigeria, Justice Uwais wields enormous power and influence in the polity.

Dora Akunyili/The Terror of Drug Fakers
Dr. Dora Nkem Akunyili, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is a woman of substance admired by many Nigerians for her sustained onslaught on adulterated drugs and food in the country. Before she was appointed into that office, not many Nigerians could properly interpret the acronym, NAFDAC. But since Akunyili mounted the saddle driving the fakers and importers of adulterated products underground, a lot more Nigerians have come to appreciate both NAFDAC and the amazon on the prowl. Such has been the phenomenal increase of her influence and power that she is often cited even by President Obasanjo as one of the shining lights of his anti-corruption crusade. The phamarceutical sector she has sanitised is a strong sector of the economy of any nation because of its redeeming importance in the life of mortals. With local and international strings of laurels to the bargain, not even the evil machinations of assassins, have been able to diminish the power and influence of Akunyili.

Andy Uba/The “Assistant President”
He is president Obasanjo’s last man in the chain of protocol. That means he is the physically nearest person to the President at almost every point in time. He is a physiotherapist. Uba has put his physical and political nearness to maximum use. By that chance, he has approximated to himself enormous political powers in wielding sometimes wild influence on the polity. It is not unlikely that the president’s seeming indifference and outright bias in the Anambra debacle arises from the fact that the precursor of the crisis, Chris Uba is the younger brother of Andy Uba. That office may have also helped the Chris Uba to appropriate to himself the wholesome franchise of sponsoring all elected persons in Anambra in 2003. Mercifully, many of the wrongly-installed persons have been chased out of office. But that did not abbreviate the influence of the Uba family in the government. Apart from the fact that there is yet another Uba in the senate, the Uba family is believed to have been instrumental in the appointment of the new INEC boss , Prof Maurice Iwu with al the 2007 implication in Anambra and elsewhere in the south-east. Most top government functionaries court Uba’s favour in order to enjoy a fair mood of the President. The President is said to have inexplicable belief in the Uba personality and utterance, such that if Uba dismisses the action of any appointee before the President, the person’s days in the government may be verily numbered. Uba has a lot of influence in the government. Those who seek audience with the President rightly regard Uba as the Mustapha off this government in terms of reach to the ultimate boss.

Lamidi Adedibu/Old War Horse
Fondly referred to as the strong man of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu has consistently dictated the twist and turns in the annals of the state polity. Even when in 1999 he was somewhat pushed behind the scenes allegedly for his patronage of the military, the man has exhibited his political prowess by successfully launching a come-back. His ability to determine the direction of Oyo politics was again proven in 2003 when he launched the political attack that uprooted the AD government led by Lam Adeshina. His prowess will manifest better in 2007 when he would, as vowed, do everything within his reach to deny Governor Rasheed Ladoja a re-election ticket.

Irene Chigbue/The New Face of BPE
She is the Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE). In this dispensation of privatisation exercise, the name Irene Chigbue is ringing a bell. The privatisation of NEPA, now Nigerian Power Holding Company, is a major test for her. There are other more public companies that are slated for sell later in the year including NITEL.

Don Etiebet/ANPP Strongman
He is the National Chairman of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP). He has been a major player in the political circle. He was the harassed chairman of the defunct National Centre Party of Nigeria, where he sought to contest the presidential elections, under late Gen Sani Abacha. He little understood the scheme then, and in recompense for his poor or slow understanding he was assaulted by the fierce Abacha Boys of the time. Before then, he had served as the Secretary of Petroleum ministry under the Shonekan-led Interim National Government (ING). Although his leadership of the ANPP has not readily increased the fortune of the party, he is all the same believed to have some influence on the polity.

Niki Tobi/Constitutional Constructor
The chairman of the National Political Reform Conference has been a key figure in the area of constitutional reforms in Nigeria. He was the chairman of the committee that was set up to collate what later became the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic og Nigeria.

Remi Oyo/Presidential Spokesperson
She is the President's spokesperson. As the Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Mrs Remi Oyo, speaks often in both defending the actions of the president as well as informing on the activities of the President. She does this with a touch of maturity and professional acumen. A burnished and respected journalist, Oyo, was until her appointment in 2003, the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors. Since she assumed office, she has been able to, a large extent, bridged the gap between the presidency and the public by ensuring that the public is fully informed of most of the President's activities. Being always very close to the president has thus put her in the power bracket of the nation.

•BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Tony Elumelu/Banking at His Fingertips
His entry into the banking sector ignited a revolution that has transformed the sector and challenged old stereotypes. Ten years after he led a team that took over Standard Trust Bank, the man still dishes out fresh ideas and surprises that always seems to catch his competitors off guard. His most recent being the approved merger of STB with United Bank for Africa, UBA. He has led the bank from merely existing to a pre-eminent position and is yet to blink. Today, the bank’s rating is at an all-time high. It is on the basis of his achievements that he has won the attention of the Federal Government. Elumelu is presently a member of several federal government committees, the Presidential Committee on NEPAD, the Advisory Board of the FCT and various other national committees. Only recently, President Obasanjo appointed him member of the elite business committee that is to travel to South Africa to meet with President Thabo Mbeki and South African businessmen.

GAT Oboh/Tall, Strong, Relibale
The group managing director of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc sits atop one of the biggest banks in Nigeria. The bank is currently targeting an additional shareholders’ funds of about N70 billion, to take the total to N100 billion. The bank, under Oboh’s leadership, has grown to be a leader in Assets Base among banks in the country.

Jim Ovia/The Banker with Tall Ambition
Jim Ovia is a co-founder and the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive, Zenith International Bank, Nigeria. He is also a member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and was recently elected President of the Nigeria Internet Group. His bank provides services in private and consumer and investment banking. From practically nowhere, he has built the bank to become the fourth most profitable bank in Nigeria in terms of a jumbo asset size. With interests in e-commerce and information technology, Ovia's bank was the first Nigerian bank to register its presence on the internet. He has been at the forefront of delivering financial services electronically through the use of technology. Ovia is a very close allay of the president. He was one of the sponsors of the birthday bash for President Obasanjo.

Atedo Peterside/The “P” in IPO
The name Atedo Peterside has remained dominant in the Nigerian's investment circles. Most of the right issues or Initial Public Offers (IPOs) done last year were all handled by his company, Investment Banking and Trust Company (IBTC). The bank is seen one of the most organised banks in the country. He has packaged all the biggest investment deals in the country since its inception some years ago. With the merger of the bank with a purely professional commercial bank, Bond Bank recently, would give IBTC an edge.

Tayo Aderinokun/Guarateed, Sure Banker
He is the managing director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Twice, he has led the bank to the capital market and has been a success. He is acknowledged as one of the most patient bankers in the country having served his predecessor for over ten years without any bickering. And since he became the MD/CEO, the bank has grown from to leaps bounds. GTB is one of the biggest five banks in the country today that has surpassed the stipulated N25 billion shareholders' fund for banks.

Cecelia Ibru/Leading Female Banker
She is the Managing Director of Oceanic Bank. Her aggressive managerial acumen has seen the bank grow in leaps and bounds in the last five years. She has re-positioned the bank and taken it to greater height through her ability to effectively and maximally manage the men and materials of the bank. As a woman, she has shown great character strength in making rather very impressive show in the competitive banking industry dominated by aggressive male managers. In recognition of her attributes, several institutions and bodies have been honouring her with awards and laurels. She is the wife of Olorogun Michael Ibru, the Chairman of the Ibru Organisation.

Jacobs Ajekigbe/The First Banker
His is a case of the first being the indeed the first. Ajekigbe is piloting the affairs of the largest bank in Nigerian in terms of branch network and shareholders' funds. First Bank is the oldest bank and one of the safest in Nigeria. It is the biggest lender in the inter-bank lending market. Under Ajekigbe, the erstwhile conservative bank has gone digital, real-time online with hundreds of branches all over the country. First Bank leads in market capitalization with N110 billion.

Funsho Kupolokun
The group managing director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) sits atop the richest corporation in Nigeria. His influence relevant in the allocation of oil blocks, award of contracts for fuel imports and the upstream sector where he oversees NNPC’s interest in the joint venture partnerships home and aborad.

Basil Omiyi/Home-Grown Oil Chief
Basil Omiyi is the first Nigerian managing director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Basil Omiyi is 58, would be on top of affairs at the oil conglomerate. His appointment as the Managing Director took effect from September 1, 2004. Shell is the biggest player in the upstream sector of the black gold in the biggest world’s black nation.

Edmund Dakuro/Experienced Oilman
Being the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters has accorded him big influence as far as Nigerian's oil and gas industry is concerned. He is part of the major policies in the oil and gas sector. His vast experience he has impacted on his job. In the wake of deregulation and push for implementation of local content in the industry, Dakorun's office has never been less busy.

Femi Otedola/Man Diesel
He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas, the company that is currently controls the nation's diesel and kerosene business. His appointment last year into the board of Nigeria Investment and Promotion Council, NIPC, observers believe, is the President’s vote of confidence on the young man's business abilities. It is for this that he was also nominated by the President on the team of top Nigerian businessmen to go on an investment drive to South Africa They are essentially to meet and interact with the south African business community and the South African President, President Thabo Mbeki. On his part, Otedola contributed well over N100 million to the President’s re-election expenses. And under the aegis of friends of Obasanjo and Atiku, he contributed N25 million towards the rehabilitation of the National Mosque in Abuja. He is a large-hearted giver. He was one of the co-launchers of Obasanjo Presidential Library, where he donated N200 million. He is said to have unfettered access to the President. He is very connected within the business and political circle.

Adewale Tinubu/The Emerging Oil Sheik
Born some 37 years ago, into a Lagos family, Wale is the nephew of the current governor of Lagos Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And many have attributed this relationship to his success story. Described as a shrewd and highly calculating businessman, he never invests in anything that has a low return. He graduated from the University of Liverpool with a second class upper in law, and bagged another degree from the London School of Economics. He is perceived as an astute businessman, one who always has his eyes on the profit margin before taking a plunge. Currently, Wale is the Managing Director of Oando Plc. He is also a Director of Oando Togo,