Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
El-Rufai docked
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja on an eight-count corruption charges.
El-Rufai, who was docked along with two others yesterday, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. | Read Story
New VP: The governors’ game plan
The plot began late last year as hopes dimmed on the recovery of the late President Musa Yar’Adua from the ailment that eventually claimed his life last week Wednesday. The 28 Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) governors had gathered in Abuja for one of their routine meetings, under the auspices of the Governors’ Forum(GF).| Read more
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
INEC : Jonathan makes U-turn
President Goodluck Jonathan has stepped into the stalemate at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as he reversed his earlier order, directing that the most senior national commissioner take over from retiring Prof. Maurice Iwu in acting capacity.
Jonathan, on Monday night wrote a letter to Prince Adedeji Soyebi, appointing him Acting Chairman of the commission instead of Mr. Philip Umeadi (Jr) who was the superior of the two surviving national commissioners.
Jonathan also reversed the earler presidential order which hitherto sent Mr. Victor Chukwuani, another National Commissioner on compulsory pre-retirement leave. Chukwuani had been asked to return to INEC “to complete his tenure which has not expired.”
Daily Sun learnt that the letters approving Soyebi and reinstating Chukwuani were signed by Yayale Ahmed, Secretary to the Federal Government and copied to INEC Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Kaugama.
Besides the intrigues and the politicking that have trailed the leadership of the electoral body since Iwu was forced into pre-disengagement leave, a forthnight ago, the presidency was said to have considered the respective ages of Soyebi and Umeadi while settling for an acting INEC chief.
Born in October 21, 1963, Umeadi is 46 years now. The minimum age requirement for INEC Chairman is 50. He obtained his LLB in 1990 after spending six years, for a five-year course, an extra one year at the University of Benin Law Faculty.
More Stories on This Section
Why Lagerback dropped Olofinjana, Ajilore, Eneramo – Ogunjobi
More facts emerged Tuesday why the trio of Femi Ajilore, Seyi Olofinjana and Micheal Emeramo were dropped from the provisional 30 man list to prosecute the World Cup in South Africa. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee Chairman, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, said Lars Lagerback | Read more
Saturday, April 17, 2010
City hosts United in Manchester derby
With four games to go before the curtain falls on the current Premiership season, a lunchtime fixture has set up a clash between city rivals, United and City. Both teams campaign in Manchester, north of London. United plays at Old Trafford a.k.a. Theatre of Dreams, while City plays at The City of Manchester Stadium.
Read Story
Atiku, IBB in war of words • At Lagos book launch
The shade of what to expect on the political scene in 2011 came to the fore yesterday as ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioned the democratic credentials of ex military President, General Ibrahim Babangida. Both former leaders clashed in Lagos, at the launching of a book, “The Force of Justice,” written in honour of retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice
read more
Saturday, April 10, 2010
My life without Gbenga Adeboye –Yemi Ajide Olayinka, popular broadcaster and musician
Only few people would claim not to have listened to Yemi Ajide‘s voice on the radio. In case they have forgotten, she used to anchor the popular Gbenga Adeboye Show on Radio Lagos every Thursday. Seven years after the ace comedian passed on, it is a wonder that she has not thrown in the towel yet, in spite of the loss and the emotional pain that she suffered as a result of his demise.
Apart from that, Adije seems to have won the hearts of her audience with the way she handles the entertainment programme titled ‘Eyi Ara‘ on Saturdays. Quite a busy bee and a versatile one at that, she also anchors ‘Yem Kem Half Hour‘ and ‘Century Half Hour‘, both of which are broadcast on MITV and Lagos Television, respectively, on Sundays.
In a chat with Saturday Punch, she revealed that broadcasting had always been her passion from childhood. She recounted how her love for broadcasting had guided her to the Nigeria Institute of Journalism where she honed her skills in preparation for the fulfilment of her childhood dream. Her face was flush with excitement as she recalled her days at the institute.
While on industrial attachment with the Lagos Television, fate had brought her in contact with her idol, Gbenga Adeboye, whom she had longed to meet because of his creative programmes on radio and on the music scene.
She said, ”It was during my IT with Lagos Television that I met Gbenga Adeboye. I got involved in independent productions through him. I went to NIJ to become a broadcaster, on television, that is. But God had another plan for me. I met Gbenga Adeboye and instead of going into mainstream broadcasting, I went into independent productions. We worked together for years. I started with jingles and singing sound tracks. Then I worked with him on his programme before his death. It was after his death that I started my own programme.”
Ajide told our correspondent that she worked with the late Funwontan star from 1999 to 2003. ”I was with him before he died and after his death. I am still with him. I am still the anchor of his programme seven years after his death,” she said.
She described the late Adeboye, believed in entertainment circles to have contributed a great deal to the growth of the industry, as a genius and a very nice and brilliant man who loved to help other people in need. ”Sometimes when people ask me to talk about Gbenga Adeboye, I really don‘t know how to begin because he meant so much to me when he was alive. He was always ready to put you right whenever you were wrong. I am part of Adeboye‘s family, even though I am not his blood relation. In our own way, we are trying to sustain his memory. That is why we still have his programme on air and we still keep his office running. We are doing everything for people to know that Gbenga Adeboye still lives. Even in my album, ‘Ebun Igbeyawo‘, which I have just recorded, I paid tribute to him. Ebun Igbeyawo came out on Olugbenga Adeboye Limited. The programme we are doing, we are not really doing it for the fun of it. It is not that convenient for us now that the owner is no more. It is very difficult to sustain. But because Gbenga Adeboye was nice to all of us and he made an impact on our lives, we believe we owe him so much. That is what we are doing.
”I believe you cannot be like Gbenga Adeboye. If you say you want to wear his shoes, you are just deceiving yourself because he was a different kind of being. For me, I cannot be like him. It is not possible because I have a different calling. There are many things that Gbenga Adeboye could do that I cannot even dare to do. He was multitalented,” she said.
Also describing the disciplinarian in Gbenga Adeboye, especially in matters related to the women folk, Ajide continued, ”To work with Gbenga Adeboye and be with him for many years without having any problem, you must be a very good person. You must be somebody who is very resourceful and quite knowledgeable. You study Gbenga Adeboye everyday. Many people had come and gone before I met Gbenga Adeboye. In fact, I had heard a lot about him before I met him. You know in entertainment industry, people talk about all manner of things about themselves. But when I met him, I used to admire him as a great personality.
”When I met him eventually, I knew another aspect of his life that some people don‘t even know. He was a very strict human being. I really suffered, because if you wanted to work with him, he would make sure that that talent in you is not wasted. And if you were not ready to work according to his own work plan, then you were on your way out. You have to be very disciplined and hardworking. He didn‘t joke with his work. He didn‘t joke with his programmes. Even if you were in the studio with him, he was another person entirely. So, for me to work with him for many years, it was God.
”Gbenga Adeboye was a very strict person to work with. And I think that has really helped me, because he would tell you without your script, you could not be in the studio with him. I am a very good script writer, thanks to Gbenga Adeboye. Adeboye could be in his room all day reading and making research. Anything he said on air, it was written in his script. He would never say anything on air without writing it in his script, and that is one thing I learnt from him. That is what Gbenga Adeboye taught me. He didn‘t mix pleasure with his work. During my wedding, he was the chairman and was all over the place.”
She confessed that when Adeboye died, she had thought it was the end of the world. She had felt the loss even deeper when some people started insinuating that she would not be able to cope in his absence. As a result, as if to affirm the insinuations, she suffered a crisis of self-confidence until her husband intervened.
”It was my husband that really woke me up and said, ‘Come on, if you want Gbenga Adeboye to be happy with you wherever he is, you have to pick up the pieces of your life. Don‘t let people laugh at you. Show them that you are capable of doing something, even with his death”. That is why I said my husband is my backbone. Even though I eventually started my own programmes, I am emotionally attached to Gbenga Adeboye‘s programme because it was the programme that launched me into independent broadcasting,” she said.
Broadcasting, she said, is very challenging for the average Nigerian woman. In her own case, she was lucky to find a soul mate in her husband whom she described as her friend, confidant and business partner. For her, it is not necessarily imperative as a broadcaster to get married to a fellow broadcaster. She said, however, that it was better to get married to someone who understood what he or she did for a living.
”My husband is a journalist and he understands me a lot. My husband is part of me, we run our outfit together. My husband is the CEO and it is interesting working together. I see myself working with a friend. We were friends before we became lovers. We were lovers before we became husband and wife. We went to school together, we were course mates and we are into each other.
Ajide described independent broadcasting as rewarding but very tough. In the same breath, she disclosed that it took quite a while to discover her talent as a singer. Today, she finds it interesting to see herself as a musician. She said, ”The singing aspect of me was developed when I met Gbenga Adeboye. He asked me whether I could sing and I told him that I used to sing as a school girl. He said he would try me out and then we went into the studio and that was how I started with him. We did jingles and I was one of his back up singers in all his albums. That was what really brought out the singing aspect of me. When I was doing the movie track, I didn‘t give it much thought until someone said, ‘Come on, why don‘t you develop it into a full album?’. I said who would buy it? This is because I never saw myself as a singer per se. But surprisingly, I did the songs and in no time the album was ready and we thank God for its encouraging performance. I remember I did the soundtrack years back for a movie by Iya Awero which I built on to make an album.”
As it happened a few years ago when some actors and actresses went into music to make ends meet because of the prevailing lull in the movie industry, did Ajide toe the same line in order to survive or was it because she was broke?
She said, ”I am not broke. I am not rich but I think I am comfortable. I am not doing music for money. I did Ebun Igbeyawo because I believe there is something in me that I know will benefit others. Even the money I spent on Ebun Igbeyawo, some people who have been in the industry were surprised that I could actually spend that much on an album. I tell them that I want to make a statement on the music scene.”
Apart from that, Adije seems to have won the hearts of her audience with the way she handles the entertainment programme titled ‘Eyi Ara‘ on Saturdays. Quite a busy bee and a versatile one at that, she also anchors ‘Yem Kem Half Hour‘ and ‘Century Half Hour‘, both of which are broadcast on MITV and Lagos Television, respectively, on Sundays.
In a chat with Saturday Punch, she revealed that broadcasting had always been her passion from childhood. She recounted how her love for broadcasting had guided her to the Nigeria Institute of Journalism where she honed her skills in preparation for the fulfilment of her childhood dream. Her face was flush with excitement as she recalled her days at the institute.
While on industrial attachment with the Lagos Television, fate had brought her in contact with her idol, Gbenga Adeboye, whom she had longed to meet because of his creative programmes on radio and on the music scene.
She said, ”It was during my IT with Lagos Television that I met Gbenga Adeboye. I got involved in independent productions through him. I went to NIJ to become a broadcaster, on television, that is. But God had another plan for me. I met Gbenga Adeboye and instead of going into mainstream broadcasting, I went into independent productions. We worked together for years. I started with jingles and singing sound tracks. Then I worked with him on his programme before his death. It was after his death that I started my own programme.”
Ajide told our correspondent that she worked with the late Funwontan star from 1999 to 2003. ”I was with him before he died and after his death. I am still with him. I am still the anchor of his programme seven years after his death,” she said.
She described the late Adeboye, believed in entertainment circles to have contributed a great deal to the growth of the industry, as a genius and a very nice and brilliant man who loved to help other people in need. ”Sometimes when people ask me to talk about Gbenga Adeboye, I really don‘t know how to begin because he meant so much to me when he was alive. He was always ready to put you right whenever you were wrong. I am part of Adeboye‘s family, even though I am not his blood relation. In our own way, we are trying to sustain his memory. That is why we still have his programme on air and we still keep his office running. We are doing everything for people to know that Gbenga Adeboye still lives. Even in my album, ‘Ebun Igbeyawo‘, which I have just recorded, I paid tribute to him. Ebun Igbeyawo came out on Olugbenga Adeboye Limited. The programme we are doing, we are not really doing it for the fun of it. It is not that convenient for us now that the owner is no more. It is very difficult to sustain. But because Gbenga Adeboye was nice to all of us and he made an impact on our lives, we believe we owe him so much. That is what we are doing.
”I believe you cannot be like Gbenga Adeboye. If you say you want to wear his shoes, you are just deceiving yourself because he was a different kind of being. For me, I cannot be like him. It is not possible because I have a different calling. There are many things that Gbenga Adeboye could do that I cannot even dare to do. He was multitalented,” she said.
Also describing the disciplinarian in Gbenga Adeboye, especially in matters related to the women folk, Ajide continued, ”To work with Gbenga Adeboye and be with him for many years without having any problem, you must be a very good person. You must be somebody who is very resourceful and quite knowledgeable. You study Gbenga Adeboye everyday. Many people had come and gone before I met Gbenga Adeboye. In fact, I had heard a lot about him before I met him. You know in entertainment industry, people talk about all manner of things about themselves. But when I met him, I used to admire him as a great personality.
”When I met him eventually, I knew another aspect of his life that some people don‘t even know. He was a very strict human being. I really suffered, because if you wanted to work with him, he would make sure that that talent in you is not wasted. And if you were not ready to work according to his own work plan, then you were on your way out. You have to be very disciplined and hardworking. He didn‘t joke with his work. He didn‘t joke with his programmes. Even if you were in the studio with him, he was another person entirely. So, for me to work with him for many years, it was God.
”Gbenga Adeboye was a very strict person to work with. And I think that has really helped me, because he would tell you without your script, you could not be in the studio with him. I am a very good script writer, thanks to Gbenga Adeboye. Adeboye could be in his room all day reading and making research. Anything he said on air, it was written in his script. He would never say anything on air without writing it in his script, and that is one thing I learnt from him. That is what Gbenga Adeboye taught me. He didn‘t mix pleasure with his work. During my wedding, he was the chairman and was all over the place.”
She confessed that when Adeboye died, she had thought it was the end of the world. She had felt the loss even deeper when some people started insinuating that she would not be able to cope in his absence. As a result, as if to affirm the insinuations, she suffered a crisis of self-confidence until her husband intervened.
”It was my husband that really woke me up and said, ‘Come on, if you want Gbenga Adeboye to be happy with you wherever he is, you have to pick up the pieces of your life. Don‘t let people laugh at you. Show them that you are capable of doing something, even with his death”. That is why I said my husband is my backbone. Even though I eventually started my own programmes, I am emotionally attached to Gbenga Adeboye‘s programme because it was the programme that launched me into independent broadcasting,” she said.
Broadcasting, she said, is very challenging for the average Nigerian woman. In her own case, she was lucky to find a soul mate in her husband whom she described as her friend, confidant and business partner. For her, it is not necessarily imperative as a broadcaster to get married to a fellow broadcaster. She said, however, that it was better to get married to someone who understood what he or she did for a living.
”My husband is a journalist and he understands me a lot. My husband is part of me, we run our outfit together. My husband is the CEO and it is interesting working together. I see myself working with a friend. We were friends before we became lovers. We were lovers before we became husband and wife. We went to school together, we were course mates and we are into each other.
Ajide described independent broadcasting as rewarding but very tough. In the same breath, she disclosed that it took quite a while to discover her talent as a singer. Today, she finds it interesting to see herself as a musician. She said, ”The singing aspect of me was developed when I met Gbenga Adeboye. He asked me whether I could sing and I told him that I used to sing as a school girl. He said he would try me out and then we went into the studio and that was how I started with him. We did jingles and I was one of his back up singers in all his albums. That was what really brought out the singing aspect of me. When I was doing the movie track, I didn‘t give it much thought until someone said, ‘Come on, why don‘t you develop it into a full album?’. I said who would buy it? This is because I never saw myself as a singer per se. But surprisingly, I did the songs and in no time the album was ready and we thank God for its encouraging performance. I remember I did the soundtrack years back for a movie by Iya Awero which I built on to make an album.”
As it happened a few years ago when some actors and actresses went into music to make ends meet because of the prevailing lull in the movie industry, did Ajide toe the same line in order to survive or was it because she was broke?
She said, ”I am not broke. I am not rich but I think I am comfortable. I am not doing music for money. I did Ebun Igbeyawo because I believe there is something in me that I know will benefit others. Even the money I spent on Ebun Igbeyawo, some people who have been in the industry were surprised that I could actually spend that much on an album. I tell them that I want to make a statement on the music scene.”
Jonathan approves further foreign treatment for Yar’Adua –Investigation
Forty-four days after President Umaru Yar‘Adua was brought back
to the country in the cover of darkness, indication has emerged that the ailing president would be flown abroad again for further medical treatment.
Yar‘Adua was hurriedly evacuated to Saudi Arabia on November 23 last year and was admitted to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah.
A few days later, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, issued a statement signed by the president‘s personal physician, Dr. Salisu Banye, saying that Yar‘Adua was suffering from ”acute pericarditis”, a covering of the heart membrane that impedes blood circulation.
Just like he was secretly flown out, Yar‘Adua was flown back to Abuja in an air ambulance in the wee hours of February 24, two weeks after the House of Representatives and the Senate had passed resolutions on February 9 empowering the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to assume office as Acting President.
The National Assembly took the step because continued absence of the President was threatening to plunge the nation into serious constitutional crisis, particularly because he was held incommunicado by his wife, personal aides and kitchen cabinet.
But Saturday Punch investigation revealed on Friday that Acting President Jonathan, who had since replaced the National Security Adviser, dissolved the Executive Council of the Federation, reconstituted it and sacked the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, was ready to approve that Yar‘Adua be flown abroad again for further treatment.
A Presidency source said that Jonathan had also given the nod to the Yar‘Adua family to fly him to any country recommended by his doctors for comprehensive medical treatment whenever the need arose.
The source said that Jonathan was willing to approve all necessary logistics for the President‘s medical trip abroad.
“It will then be left for the President’s doctors and his family to decide whether they want to return him to Saudi Arabia or find another country where he will be able to receive the necessary medical attention,” the source said.
It was revealed that Jonathan‘s gesture to his boss was contrary to speculations that the new cabinet he inaugurated at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Tuesday will soon invoke Section 144 of the Constitution to activate the process of removing the ailing president from office on the grounds of permanent incapacitation.
It was further gathered that Jonathan‘s gesture was also meant to reassure the Yar‘Adua family who had adopted panicky measures in the last two weeks by inviting some Islamic and Christian clerics to visit and pray for the ailing president in his residence, a departure from their initial policy of making access to him impossible since November 23, 2009.
The source told one of our correspondents that Jonathan would not move against Yar‘Adua because ”his motive for dissolving and reconstituting the cabinet was to deliver good governance to Nigerians.”
The source added, ”You know the antecedents of Jonathan right from his days as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor and his selection as running mate to Yar‘Adua in the 2007 election.
”The man is not desperate and he still sees Yar‘Adua as his boss and would be willing to hand over to the President whenever he recovers from his illness.
”The Acting President will not invoke Section 144 against Yar‘Adua. That is not the reason for dissolving and reconstituting the Federal Executive Council.
”In fact, he has approved that Yar‘Adua be taken outside the country for medical treatment and that he was willing to handover to him whenever he recovers.”
The Acting President was quoted as saying that he was not desperate for political power as only the Almighty God has the ability to determine who will be entrusted with positions of authority and power.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, could not be reached to react to the revelation that Jonathan had approved further foreign medical trip for Yar‘Adua.
Calls placed to his telephone lines rang out unpicked while an SMS message saying, ”Hello sir, my office needs to confirm a report that the Acting President has approved a plan to fly the President to a foreign hospital. Thank you,” sent to him by one of our correspondents, was not replied.
to the country in the cover of darkness, indication has emerged that the ailing president would be flown abroad again for further medical treatment.
Yar‘Adua was hurriedly evacuated to Saudi Arabia on November 23 last year and was admitted to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah.
A few days later, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, issued a statement signed by the president‘s personal physician, Dr. Salisu Banye, saying that Yar‘Adua was suffering from ”acute pericarditis”, a covering of the heart membrane that impedes blood circulation.
Just like he was secretly flown out, Yar‘Adua was flown back to Abuja in an air ambulance in the wee hours of February 24, two weeks after the House of Representatives and the Senate had passed resolutions on February 9 empowering the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to assume office as Acting President.
The National Assembly took the step because continued absence of the President was threatening to plunge the nation into serious constitutional crisis, particularly because he was held incommunicado by his wife, personal aides and kitchen cabinet.
But Saturday Punch investigation revealed on Friday that Acting President Jonathan, who had since replaced the National Security Adviser, dissolved the Executive Council of the Federation, reconstituted it and sacked the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, was ready to approve that Yar‘Adua be flown abroad again for further treatment.
A Presidency source said that Jonathan had also given the nod to the Yar‘Adua family to fly him to any country recommended by his doctors for comprehensive medical treatment whenever the need arose.
The source said that Jonathan was willing to approve all necessary logistics for the President‘s medical trip abroad.
“It will then be left for the President’s doctors and his family to decide whether they want to return him to Saudi Arabia or find another country where he will be able to receive the necessary medical attention,” the source said.
It was revealed that Jonathan‘s gesture to his boss was contrary to speculations that the new cabinet he inaugurated at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Tuesday will soon invoke Section 144 of the Constitution to activate the process of removing the ailing president from office on the grounds of permanent incapacitation.
It was further gathered that Jonathan‘s gesture was also meant to reassure the Yar‘Adua family who had adopted panicky measures in the last two weeks by inviting some Islamic and Christian clerics to visit and pray for the ailing president in his residence, a departure from their initial policy of making access to him impossible since November 23, 2009.
The source told one of our correspondents that Jonathan would not move against Yar‘Adua because ”his motive for dissolving and reconstituting the cabinet was to deliver good governance to Nigerians.”
The source added, ”You know the antecedents of Jonathan right from his days as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor and his selection as running mate to Yar‘Adua in the 2007 election.
”The man is not desperate and he still sees Yar‘Adua as his boss and would be willing to hand over to the President whenever he recovers from his illness.
”The Acting President will not invoke Section 144 against Yar‘Adua. That is not the reason for dissolving and reconstituting the Federal Executive Council.
”In fact, he has approved that Yar‘Adua be taken outside the country for medical treatment and that he was willing to handover to him whenever he recovers.”
The Acting President was quoted as saying that he was not desperate for political power as only the Almighty God has the ability to determine who will be entrusted with positions of authority and power.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, could not be reached to react to the revelation that Jonathan had approved further foreign medical trip for Yar‘Adua.
Calls placed to his telephone lines rang out unpicked while an SMS message saying, ”Hello sir, my office needs to confirm a report that the Acting President has approved a plan to fly the President to a foreign hospital. Thank you,” sent to him by one of our correspondents, was not replied.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Ex-militants threaten showdown in Ondo over alleged attack
Some ex-militants who embraced the recent Federal Government’s amnesty, on Wednesday threatened a showdown in Ondo State over an alleged attack on them by some youths.
One of the leaders of the ex-militants, Chief Bibopiri Ajube (a.k.a Gen. Shoot Asight), who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone, alleged that his men were attacked on Tuesday by youths from Omi in Irele Local Government Area.
He said the ex-militants were attacked while on their way to Ore to collect their monthly allowance.
He said, “The youths, who were brandishing various weapons, axed our boys and even smashed a Toyota Camry with registration number GW 234 RSH (Abuja) belonging to Mr. Lubi Akpoebi, a former councillor of Ese Odo Local Government Council.
“Currently, one of the boys who is in a critical condition is receiving treatment in a clinic at Arogbo in Ese Odo LGA.”
Ajube urged the state government to call Omi community leaders to order and ensure that the perpetrators of the attack, which he described as “barbaric and condemnable,” were brought to book.
“We shall resist as never before any further act of slightest provocation. To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” the ex-militant leader said.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Aremu Adeniran, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on the telephone.
Adeniran said that information at the disposal of the command showed that the confrontation occurred when Omi youths, who were on a festival parade, barricaded the road.
This, he confirmed, led to “an argument” between the ex-militants and the youths.
Although, he did not confirm the casualty figure, the police spokesman said that the command had commenced investigation into the case.
“We intervened immediately and restored peace to the area. As part of our investigation, our men are now on the trail of the masterminds of the incident,” he explained.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ranti Akerele, in a telephone interview, said that the state government was aware of the clash and appealed to all residents of the state to embrace peace always.
Akerele said that the chairman of the affected local government area, his counterpart from Ilaje LGA (where most of the ex-militants come from), all political appointees from the area and security agencies had waded in the crisis.
He said, “Everything has been brought under control. As a government, we shall continue to live up to our responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and property in every part of the state.
“We want to also appeal that no person or group should take the law into their own hands or resort to self-help when provoked. Such groups or persons should report to the appropriate authorities.”
One of the leaders of the ex-militants, Chief Bibopiri Ajube (a.k.a Gen. Shoot Asight), who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone, alleged that his men were attacked on Tuesday by youths from Omi in Irele Local Government Area.
He said the ex-militants were attacked while on their way to Ore to collect their monthly allowance.
He said, “The youths, who were brandishing various weapons, axed our boys and even smashed a Toyota Camry with registration number GW 234 RSH (Abuja) belonging to Mr. Lubi Akpoebi, a former councillor of Ese Odo Local Government Council.
“Currently, one of the boys who is in a critical condition is receiving treatment in a clinic at Arogbo in Ese Odo LGA.”
Ajube urged the state government to call Omi community leaders to order and ensure that the perpetrators of the attack, which he described as “barbaric and condemnable,” were brought to book.
“We shall resist as never before any further act of slightest provocation. To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” the ex-militant leader said.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Aremu Adeniran, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on the telephone.
Adeniran said that information at the disposal of the command showed that the confrontation occurred when Omi youths, who were on a festival parade, barricaded the road.
This, he confirmed, led to “an argument” between the ex-militants and the youths.
Although, he did not confirm the casualty figure, the police spokesman said that the command had commenced investigation into the case.
“We intervened immediately and restored peace to the area. As part of our investigation, our men are now on the trail of the masterminds of the incident,” he explained.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ranti Akerele, in a telephone interview, said that the state government was aware of the clash and appealed to all residents of the state to embrace peace always.
Akerele said that the chairman of the affected local government area, his counterpart from Ilaje LGA (where most of the ex-militants come from), all political appointees from the area and security agencies had waded in the crisis.
He said, “Everything has been brought under control. As a government, we shall continue to live up to our responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and property in every part of the state.
“We want to also appeal that no person or group should take the law into their own hands or resort to self-help when provoked. Such groups or persons should report to the appropriate authorities.”
Some ex-militants who embraced the recent Federal Government’s amnesty, on Wednesday threatened a showdown in Ondo State over an alleged attack on th
Ex-militants threaten showdown in Ondo over alleged attack
Some ex-militants who embraced the recent Federal Government’s amnesty, on Wednesday threatened a showdown in Ondo State over an alleged attack on them by some youths.
One of the leaders of the ex-militants, Chief Bibopiri Ajube (a.k.a Gen. Shoot Asight), who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone, alleged that his men were attacked on Tuesday by youths from Omi in Irele Local Government Area.
He said the ex-militants were attacked while on their way to Ore to collect their monthly allowance.
He said, “The youths, who were brandishing various weapons, axed our boys and even smashed a Toyota Camry with registration number GW 234 RSH (Abuja) belonging to Mr. Lubi Akpoebi, a former councillor of Ese Odo Local Government Council.
“Currently, one of the boys who is in a critical condition is receiving treatment in a clinic at Arogbo in Ese Odo LGA.”
Ajube urged the state government to call Omi community leaders to order and ensure that the perpetrators of the attack, which he described as “barbaric and condemnable,” were brought to book.
“We shall resist as never before any further act of slightest provocation. To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” the ex-militant leader said.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Aremu Adeniran, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on the telephone.
Adeniran said that information at the disposal of the command showed that the confrontation occurred when Omi youths, who were on a festival parade, barricaded the road.
This, he confirmed, led to “an argument” between the ex-militants and the youths.
Although, he did not confirm the casualty figure, the police spokesman said that the command had commenced investigation into the case.
“We intervened immediately and restored peace to the area. As part of our investigation, our men are now on the trail of the masterminds of the incident,” he explained.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ranti Akerele, in a telephone interview, said that the state government was aware of the clash and appealed to all residents of the state to embrace peace always.
Akerele said that the chairman of the affected local government area, his counterpart from Ilaje LGA (where most of the ex-militants come from), all political appointees from the area and security agencies had waded in the crisis.
He said, “Everything has been brought under control. As a government, we shall continue to live up to our responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and property in every part of the state.
“We want to also appeal that no person or group should take the law into their own hands or resort to self-help when provoked. Such groups or persons should report to the appropriate authorities.”
ttack
Some ex-militants who embraced the recent Federal Government’s amnesty, on Wednesday threatened a showdown in Ondo State over an alleged attack on them by some youths.
One of the leaders of the ex-militants, Chief Bibopiri Ajube (a.k.a Gen. Shoot Asight), who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone, alleged that his men were attacked on Tuesday by youths from Omi in Irele Local Government Area.
He said the ex-militants were attacked while on their way to Ore to collect their monthly allowance.
He said, “The youths, who were brandishing various weapons, axed our boys and even smashed a Toyota Camry with registration number GW 234 RSH (Abuja) belonging to Mr. Lubi Akpoebi, a former councillor of Ese Odo Local Government Council.
“Currently, one of the boys who is in a critical condition is receiving treatment in a clinic at Arogbo in Ese Odo LGA.”
Ajube urged the state government to call Omi community leaders to order and ensure that the perpetrators of the attack, which he described as “barbaric and condemnable,” were brought to book.
“We shall resist as never before any further act of slightest provocation. To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” the ex-militant leader said.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Aremu Adeniran, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on the telephone.
Adeniran said that information at the disposal of the command showed that the confrontation occurred when Omi youths, who were on a festival parade, barricaded the road.
This, he confirmed, led to “an argument” between the ex-militants and the youths.
Although, he did not confirm the casualty figure, the police spokesman said that the command had commenced investigation into the case.
“We intervened immediately and restored peace to the area. As part of our investigation, our men are now on the trail of the masterminds of the incident,” he explained.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ranti Akerele, in a telephone interview, said that the state government was aware of the clash and appealed to all residents of the state to embrace peace always.
Akerele said that the chairman of the affected local government area, his counterpart from Ilaje LGA (where most of the ex-militants come from), all political appointees from the area and security agencies had waded in the crisis.
He said, “Everything has been brought under control. As a government, we shall continue to live up to our responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and property in every part of the state.
“We want to also appeal that no person or group should take the law into their own hands or resort to self-help when provoked. Such groups or persons should report to the appropriate authorities.”
ttack
Jonathan warns ministers against violation of conduct code
The newly reconstituted Federal Executive Council had its maiden meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with ministers warned to comply strictly with the public service code of conduct and due process.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, who made this known to journalists after the meeting, disclosed that Acting President Goodluck Jonathan directed that the ministers be educated on the rules and regulations guiding conduct in public office and other processes of government.
Acccording to Oronsaye, the directive was to avoid infractions on the code and due process by the ministers, most of whom are new cabinet members.
He said, “What we did today (Wednesday) was simply to bring the rules and regulations on the table. There are sanctions already prescribed for those who do not comply with the rules and regulations. The rules are not just for ministers but for permanent secretaries, civil servants and all of us.
“What is important is to have the courage to do what is right if somebody errs. It is for them (ministers, ministers of state, directors, etc.) to make a formal report instead of covering such a person up. Where they do not make a formal report, then such wrong will remain covered.
“So, anyone who errs, provided it is reported, the appropriate penalty prescribed will be applied.”
Oronsaye, who put the ministers through on the rules and regulations, noted that the orientation was necessary because some of the ministers might have come into the government with certain perceptions and expectations.
He, however, did not say the aspects of the code that were read out to the new ministers.
The HOS said, “The code of conduct is the same for everybody; what we did was to bring out certain rules and regulations to their attention and we advised that they should be conversant with these rules and regulations because the permanent secretaries who are the accounting officers will always play by the rules.
“You will find that if you come with a certain perception or expectation that are different from what you meet on the ground, you will be constrained by the rules and regulations and you will be frustrated.”
Oronsaye also reacted to reports that some ministries have both the permanent secretaries and ministers coming from the same states, or geo-political zones.
Although he noted that the law did not proscribe such arrangements, he said that the principle of federal character had to be maintained.
He said, “There is nothing in writing which says that because we are from the same zone or state you cannot man the same ministry but as much as practically possible, we try not to put people from the same zone or state together.
“But the time has come when we should also have confidence in ourselves, when we believe that we are from the same state, we should be able to live above board. But there is nothing today in writing in our rules which states that if you are from the same state you cannot be together.
“Of course, we recognise the principles of federal character. All of these will be taken into consideration, but at this point in time I am not thinking of that because ministers have to settle down fast.”
The orientation of the ministers on the fundamentals of governance also included due process or procurement laws and how to avoid or resolve disputes between substantive ministers and ministers of state.
The Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, Mr. Emeke Eze, who handled the procurement laws, said it was important that the ministers be made to know from the outset, that the procurement laws did not militate against budget implementation.
He said, “Basically, a presentation on the BBP Act was to bring the cabinet members at par with a view to facilitating budget implementation.
“The bottom line is budget implementation; because most of them (ministers) are new, it becomes necessary to educate them.
“When people blame the BPP Act for poor implementation of the budget, it shows lack of understanding. Due process doesn’t delay anything.”
It was learnt that Eze’s presentation was to guard against the prevailing situation where ministers and other heads of government agencies blamed the procurement process for delays in the preparation of contracts and poor implementation of budgets.
Another reason, according to a source in the Presidency, was to check the rate of corruption in the public service.
No fewer than four ministers were relieved of their portfolios and prosecuted over alleged corruption during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Also speaking with the journalists, the Minister of Information, Prof. Akunyili, said that issues concerning reported disputes between substantive ministers and the ministers of state were also raised and addressed at the meeting.
Such disputes dogged the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, and also troubled administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Akunyili admitted that the disputes were real, but noted that they were caused by individuals, and not posts or positions.
She said, “The relationship between ministers and ministers of state came up during the discussion because it is a very important factor in ensuring that we work amicably to ensure that we deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of this country, but I want us to know remember that this problem actually depends on individuals.
“They are not created per say by the job; they are created by individuals and, as such, when individuals decide to work with one another as a family knowing that they are working for the same people, the same government, the same country, friction shouldn’t really arise.
“So we believe that this time around, those differences that were noticed would be sorted out since we have started the discussions today. In the future we are going to come up with more details.”
She also reacted to her reappointment as Minister of Information and Communication, noting that she had no regrets over the development.
Rather, Akunyili explained that information management was a strategic and crucial assignment in the government, and that her retention in the post indicated that the Acting President was impressed by her previous efforts.
“I am very grateful to the Acting President, and the good people of Nigeria,” she said.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan presided over the meeting which lasted for about three hours at the council chambers in the Presidential Villa.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, who made this known to journalists after the meeting, disclosed that Acting President Goodluck Jonathan directed that the ministers be educated on the rules and regulations guiding conduct in public office and other processes of government.
Acccording to Oronsaye, the directive was to avoid infractions on the code and due process by the ministers, most of whom are new cabinet members.
He said, “What we did today (Wednesday) was simply to bring the rules and regulations on the table. There are sanctions already prescribed for those who do not comply with the rules and regulations. The rules are not just for ministers but for permanent secretaries, civil servants and all of us.
“What is important is to have the courage to do what is right if somebody errs. It is for them (ministers, ministers of state, directors, etc.) to make a formal report instead of covering such a person up. Where they do not make a formal report, then such wrong will remain covered.
“So, anyone who errs, provided it is reported, the appropriate penalty prescribed will be applied.”
Oronsaye, who put the ministers through on the rules and regulations, noted that the orientation was necessary because some of the ministers might have come into the government with certain perceptions and expectations.
He, however, did not say the aspects of the code that were read out to the new ministers.
The HOS said, “The code of conduct is the same for everybody; what we did was to bring out certain rules and regulations to their attention and we advised that they should be conversant with these rules and regulations because the permanent secretaries who are the accounting officers will always play by the rules.
“You will find that if you come with a certain perception or expectation that are different from what you meet on the ground, you will be constrained by the rules and regulations and you will be frustrated.”
Oronsaye also reacted to reports that some ministries have both the permanent secretaries and ministers coming from the same states, or geo-political zones.
Although he noted that the law did not proscribe such arrangements, he said that the principle of federal character had to be maintained.
He said, “There is nothing in writing which says that because we are from the same zone or state you cannot man the same ministry but as much as practically possible, we try not to put people from the same zone or state together.
“But the time has come when we should also have confidence in ourselves, when we believe that we are from the same state, we should be able to live above board. But there is nothing today in writing in our rules which states that if you are from the same state you cannot be together.
“Of course, we recognise the principles of federal character. All of these will be taken into consideration, but at this point in time I am not thinking of that because ministers have to settle down fast.”
The orientation of the ministers on the fundamentals of governance also included due process or procurement laws and how to avoid or resolve disputes between substantive ministers and ministers of state.
The Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, Mr. Emeke Eze, who handled the procurement laws, said it was important that the ministers be made to know from the outset, that the procurement laws did not militate against budget implementation.
He said, “Basically, a presentation on the BBP Act was to bring the cabinet members at par with a view to facilitating budget implementation.
“The bottom line is budget implementation; because most of them (ministers) are new, it becomes necessary to educate them.
“When people blame the BPP Act for poor implementation of the budget, it shows lack of understanding. Due process doesn’t delay anything.”
It was learnt that Eze’s presentation was to guard against the prevailing situation where ministers and other heads of government agencies blamed the procurement process for delays in the preparation of contracts and poor implementation of budgets.
Another reason, according to a source in the Presidency, was to check the rate of corruption in the public service.
No fewer than four ministers were relieved of their portfolios and prosecuted over alleged corruption during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Also speaking with the journalists, the Minister of Information, Prof. Akunyili, said that issues concerning reported disputes between substantive ministers and the ministers of state were also raised and addressed at the meeting.
Such disputes dogged the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, and also troubled administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Akunyili admitted that the disputes were real, but noted that they were caused by individuals, and not posts or positions.
She said, “The relationship between ministers and ministers of state came up during the discussion because it is a very important factor in ensuring that we work amicably to ensure that we deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of this country, but I want us to know remember that this problem actually depends on individuals.
“They are not created per say by the job; they are created by individuals and, as such, when individuals decide to work with one another as a family knowing that they are working for the same people, the same government, the same country, friction shouldn’t really arise.
“So we believe that this time around, those differences that were noticed would be sorted out since we have started the discussions today. In the future we are going to come up with more details.”
She also reacted to her reappointment as Minister of Information and Communication, noting that she had no regrets over the development.
Rather, Akunyili explained that information management was a strategic and crucial assignment in the government, and that her retention in the post indicated that the Acting President was impressed by her previous efforts.
“I am very grateful to the Acting President, and the good people of Nigeria,” she said.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan presided over the meeting which lasted for about three hours at the council chambers in the Presidential Villa.
Taxi driver rapes, buries teen alive
A TAXI driver has been accused of raping a 12-year-old girl and then burying her alive after he thought he had strangled her to death, Jamaican authorities said today.
Mr. Garsha Wilson faces charges including rape, abduction, attempted murder and cruelty to a child, an online news portal. Couriermail.com.au quoted Deputy Police Superintendent Herfa Beckford as saying.
Wilson abducted the girl last month at a bus station in the capital, Kingston, then took her to a house in nearby St Andrew parish where he raped her and choked her until she was unconscious, Supt Beckford said.
Thinking she was dead, he buried her in a shallow grave and covered it with rocks, Supt Beckford said.
The girl, who reported the alleged crime, told police she regained consciousness and dug herself out.
Wilson was detained March 25 but was not charged until Tuesday.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. His lawyer was scheduled to be in court all day today and was not available immediately for comment, his secretary said.
Jamaican authorities say the abduction of girls has recently increased and blame taxi drivers for the majority of cases, saying they often take advantage of female passengers travelling to rural, isolated areas. They warn women not to travel alone if possible.
Mr. Garsha Wilson faces charges including rape, abduction, attempted murder and cruelty to a child, an online news portal. Couriermail.com.au quoted Deputy Police Superintendent Herfa Beckford as saying.
Wilson abducted the girl last month at a bus station in the capital, Kingston, then took her to a house in nearby St Andrew parish where he raped her and choked her until she was unconscious, Supt Beckford said.
Thinking she was dead, he buried her in a shallow grave and covered it with rocks, Supt Beckford said.
The girl, who reported the alleged crime, told police she regained consciousness and dug herself out.
Wilson was detained March 25 but was not charged until Tuesday.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. His lawyer was scheduled to be in court all day today and was not available immediately for comment, his secretary said.
Jamaican authorities say the abduction of girls has recently increased and blame taxi drivers for the majority of cases, saying they often take advantage of female passengers travelling to rural, isolated areas. They warn women not to travel alone if possible.
New ministers get code of conduct
...As Jonathan’s EXCOF holds inaugural session
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday held an inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF) with the code of conduct in the discharge of the government business and compliance with the Public Procurement Act top on the agenda.
Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting said the meeting emphasized the way and manner the ministers were expected to conduct themselves while handling the affairs of government.
She said the ministers were also briefed on the Public Procurement Act 2007 by the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Engr. Emeka Eze, in a bid to acquaint them with the procedure for procurement in government business.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, who was present at the briefing told newsmen that the session was necessary to ensure that the ministers played by the rule in the award of contracts, pointing out that sanctions already prescribed in the law would be applied to anyone who ran foul of the law.
The BPP boss explained that mastery of, and compliance with the provisions of the public procurement Act, would, rather than slow down the implementation of the budget as had often been alleged, enhance service delivery and make for efficiency in the conduct of government business.
Akunyili also said the relationship between the ministers and their ministers of state came up for discussion at the session in a determined effort to eliminate the friction which had characterized such relationship in the past and ensure harmony in the discharge of their duties.
She used the occasion to introduce her Minister of State, Mr. Labaran Maku, who in turn pledged to work harmoniously with Akunyili and the media to ensure that government’s policies and programmes were effectively publicized and the people’s feedback accordingly brought to government’s attention.
Responding to a question on how she felt being brought back to her former ministry, Akunyili said it was an indication that Acting President Jonathan had confidence in the way she discharged her responsibilities before the dissolution of the former cabinet.
“It is the will of God that I’m brought back to the ministry of information and communications. It is a critical ministry of government. My coming back to the ministry is an indication that the acting president has confidence in the way I discharged my responsibilities. Again, my coming back will ensure that what we started in the place is concluded,” she further stated.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday held an inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF) with the code of conduct in the discharge of the government business and compliance with the Public Procurement Act top on the agenda.
Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting said the meeting emphasized the way and manner the ministers were expected to conduct themselves while handling the affairs of government.
She said the ministers were also briefed on the Public Procurement Act 2007 by the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Engr. Emeka Eze, in a bid to acquaint them with the procedure for procurement in government business.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, who was present at the briefing told newsmen that the session was necessary to ensure that the ministers played by the rule in the award of contracts, pointing out that sanctions already prescribed in the law would be applied to anyone who ran foul of the law.
The BPP boss explained that mastery of, and compliance with the provisions of the public procurement Act, would, rather than slow down the implementation of the budget as had often been alleged, enhance service delivery and make for efficiency in the conduct of government business.
Akunyili also said the relationship between the ministers and their ministers of state came up for discussion at the session in a determined effort to eliminate the friction which had characterized such relationship in the past and ensure harmony in the discharge of their duties.
She used the occasion to introduce her Minister of State, Mr. Labaran Maku, who in turn pledged to work harmoniously with Akunyili and the media to ensure that government’s policies and programmes were effectively publicized and the people’s feedback accordingly brought to government’s attention.
Responding to a question on how she felt being brought back to her former ministry, Akunyili said it was an indication that Acting President Jonathan had confidence in the way she discharged her responsibilities before the dissolution of the former cabinet.
“It is the will of God that I’m brought back to the ministry of information and communications. It is a critical ministry of government. My coming back to the ministry is an indication that the acting president has confidence in the way I discharged my responsibilities. Again, my coming back will ensure that what we started in the place is concluded,” she further stated.
Iwu explodes •Says only idiots expect miracle from
* More Stories on This Section
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu has insisted that the electoral body did its best in the conduct of elections under him given the circumstances and the attitude of the political class, which, he said, is averse to change.
Prof. Iwu had been subjected to criticisms in recent times by Nigerians who accused him of being responsible for the electoral shortcomings the nation witnessed in 2007 and subsequent elections ordered by election tribunals.
Protest marches were staged in the nation’s capital, Abuja and in some states of the federation by Nigerians calling for Iwu’s resignation as INEC chairman. But speaking yesterday at a workshop, the INEC chairman contended that the criticisms against him were misplaced.
Addressing participants at a workshop: Addressing Voters’ Apathy in 2010 FCT Area Councils election, scheduled for Saturday organised by Pals and Partners in conjunction with INEC, Professor Iwu blamed Nigerians who often exhibit apathy towards election, but turn round to blame the electoral body when people they loathe emerged winners after an election.
“If you vote, your vote may count, or may not count, but if you don’t vote, your vote surely may not count,’’ Iwu stated. He told the gathering that a fixation to continue to cast aspersion on successive electoral bodies would not solve any problem, until Nigeria addresses the problems responsible for election malfeasance.
“We can continue to look for an escape route, somebody to castigate, but it doesn’t solve any problem. Since 1922, when this country started through the Clifford Constitution, to trying to do election we have done things in a particular way. In 2006, I called the attention of the country to a phenomenon. I say, if you do the same thing in the same way, all the time, expecting a different result, either you are mad, or you are trying to deceive yourself.
“Before electoral reform became a political instrument of intimidation and abuse, we have started serious reform in Nigeria. We looked at how election have been conducted since 1959 and we realised that the whole idea of voters’ registration was faulty. Anytime there is election in Nigeria, whoever compiles the largest number of votes wins election. And since you don’t know how many people your opponent had as registered number of voters and voters cards, if you are lucky to have a riverine area, you bloat the figures overnight and you win elections.”
Iwu told the gathering that his efforts were undermined by the political elite in high quarters who moved against the INEC initiative to use electronic voters’ register to check election rigging through multiple thumb printings.
“There was what I called a national conspiracy against our move. Everybody knew it was happening, but nobody wanted to do anything about it. The commission took the bull by the horns and in 2003 attempted to use electronic voters’ register, but the same people who have everything to gain resisted it and said it was against our culture and religion to have human picture on a card.
“In 2006, we were able to convince Nigerians that the same people who are comfortable having their pictures on Nigerian passport to travel overseas feel uncomfortable to avail us of their pictures for electoral purposes.”
Sounding undaunted the INEC chairman declared that he has done more than any chairman of the electoral body in Nigeria before him to instil sanity in the electoral process.
Iwu reeled out his achievements to include, the introduction of customised ballot papers, and the establishment of the electoral institute, “the first of its kind in Africa, if not the world as a whole.
“We have won; they didn’t believe we could have election in 2007, but we had a successful election. Again, in 2011, we would have a successful election.”
The INEC chairman appealed to Nigerians, not to succumb to the antics of those who want to continue to subvert the conduct of election in Nigeria for their selfish gains.
“You must use every strength in you to challenge them in 2011. Not that they are more intelligent, but because they have the currency. You should rise against their tyranny. I am still very confident that this nation will overcome.’’ Also speaking on the occasion, Ambasador Ayilogo, congratulated the INEC chairman and hoped that the internal measures embarked upon to check electoral fraud would bring positive results.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu has insisted that the electoral body did its best in the conduct of elections under him given the circumstances and the attitude of the political class, which, he said, is averse to change.
Prof. Iwu had been subjected to criticisms in recent times by Nigerians who accused him of being responsible for the electoral shortcomings the nation witnessed in 2007 and subsequent elections ordered by election tribunals.
Protest marches were staged in the nation’s capital, Abuja and in some states of the federation by Nigerians calling for Iwu’s resignation as INEC chairman. But speaking yesterday at a workshop, the INEC chairman contended that the criticisms against him were misplaced.
Addressing participants at a workshop: Addressing Voters’ Apathy in 2010 FCT Area Councils election, scheduled for Saturday organised by Pals and Partners in conjunction with INEC, Professor Iwu blamed Nigerians who often exhibit apathy towards election, but turn round to blame the electoral body when people they loathe emerged winners after an election.
“If you vote, your vote may count, or may not count, but if you don’t vote, your vote surely may not count,’’ Iwu stated. He told the gathering that a fixation to continue to cast aspersion on successive electoral bodies would not solve any problem, until Nigeria addresses the problems responsible for election malfeasance.
“We can continue to look for an escape route, somebody to castigate, but it doesn’t solve any problem. Since 1922, when this country started through the Clifford Constitution, to trying to do election we have done things in a particular way. In 2006, I called the attention of the country to a phenomenon. I say, if you do the same thing in the same way, all the time, expecting a different result, either you are mad, or you are trying to deceive yourself.
“Before electoral reform became a political instrument of intimidation and abuse, we have started serious reform in Nigeria. We looked at how election have been conducted since 1959 and we realised that the whole idea of voters’ registration was faulty. Anytime there is election in Nigeria, whoever compiles the largest number of votes wins election. And since you don’t know how many people your opponent had as registered number of voters and voters cards, if you are lucky to have a riverine area, you bloat the figures overnight and you win elections.”
Iwu told the gathering that his efforts were undermined by the political elite in high quarters who moved against the INEC initiative to use electronic voters’ register to check election rigging through multiple thumb printings.
“There was what I called a national conspiracy against our move. Everybody knew it was happening, but nobody wanted to do anything about it. The commission took the bull by the horns and in 2003 attempted to use electronic voters’ register, but the same people who have everything to gain resisted it and said it was against our culture and religion to have human picture on a card.
“In 2006, we were able to convince Nigerians that the same people who are comfortable having their pictures on Nigerian passport to travel overseas feel uncomfortable to avail us of their pictures for electoral purposes.”
Sounding undaunted the INEC chairman declared that he has done more than any chairman of the electoral body in Nigeria before him to instil sanity in the electoral process.
Iwu reeled out his achievements to include, the introduction of customised ballot papers, and the establishment of the electoral institute, “the first of its kind in Africa, if not the world as a whole.
“We have won; they didn’t believe we could have election in 2007, but we had a successful election. Again, in 2011, we would have a successful election.”
The INEC chairman appealed to Nigerians, not to succumb to the antics of those who want to continue to subvert the conduct of election in Nigeria for their selfish gains.
“You must use every strength in you to challenge them in 2011. Not that they are more intelligent, but because they have the currency. You should rise against their tyranny. I am still very confident that this nation will overcome.’’ Also speaking on the occasion, Ambasador Ayilogo, congratulated the INEC chairman and hoped that the internal measures embarked upon to check electoral fraud would bring positive results.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
DRTV BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO BE RECONSTITUTED
The Delta State government has approved the reconstitution of the Board of Directors of the Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri.The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Oma Djebah who stated this while briefing the press on resolutions reached in a meeting by the State Executive Council in Asaba said that the Chairman of the former Board of the Broadcasting Station,
Ambassador Elizabeth Ogbon-Dey has been re-assigned while the former General Manager of the Station, Mr. Willy Sohwo has also been redeployed outside the station. He however, stated that Mr. Eric James remains the Acting General Manager of the Broadcasting Station.
Mr. Djebah said the decision of EXCO was based on report of a Panel headed by the Director of Information sometime ago to investigate the incessant conflicts between the part-time Board members and Management of the Station after the Ministry had made sprinted effort at resolving the conflict that was capable of paralyzing operations in the station.
He also said that EXCO approved the employment of a qualified accountant for the Service to assist in repositioning and total re-organization of the Accounts and Finance Department to enthrone proper internal control mechanisms in the service.
Mr. Djebah equally disclosed the one month suspension of Mr. O. Mukoro, the Chairman of RATTAWU for acts considered to be against the accepted ethics of Public Service and for masterminding the shutting down of the station without following the due process of Labour Laws and principle of collective bargaining.
The Commissioner also stated that EXCO considered the report and recommendations of the panel constituted by the State government to investigate the communal conflict between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Communities in Udu and Warri South-West Local Government areas respectively.
He said the State Government resolved that the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development in conjunction with the State Boundary Committee are to commence the process of boundary demarcation between the two local government areas without prejudice to on-going court cases as well as construction of a new access road linking Ogbe-Ijoh with Warri Township Ring road, bye-passing Aladja town.
The Commissioner further said that government will acquire the stretch of land in conflict from the first culvert in Aladja to the second culvert at Ogbe-Ijoh for public purposes as a lasting solution to resolving the crisis, without prejudice to the court cases, adding that all forms of development by any individual or group in the area are prohibited.
Ambassador Elizabeth Ogbon-Dey has been re-assigned while the former General Manager of the Station, Mr. Willy Sohwo has also been redeployed outside the station. He however, stated that Mr. Eric James remains the Acting General Manager of the Broadcasting Station.
Mr. Djebah said the decision of EXCO was based on report of a Panel headed by the Director of Information sometime ago to investigate the incessant conflicts between the part-time Board members and Management of the Station after the Ministry had made sprinted effort at resolving the conflict that was capable of paralyzing operations in the station.
He also said that EXCO approved the employment of a qualified accountant for the Service to assist in repositioning and total re-organization of the Accounts and Finance Department to enthrone proper internal control mechanisms in the service.
Mr. Djebah equally disclosed the one month suspension of Mr. O. Mukoro, the Chairman of RATTAWU for acts considered to be against the accepted ethics of Public Service and for masterminding the shutting down of the station without following the due process of Labour Laws and principle of collective bargaining.
The Commissioner also stated that EXCO considered the report and recommendations of the panel constituted by the State government to investigate the communal conflict between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Communities in Udu and Warri South-West Local Government areas respectively.
He said the State Government resolved that the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development in conjunction with the State Boundary Committee are to commence the process of boundary demarcation between the two local government areas without prejudice to on-going court cases as well as construction of a new access road linking Ogbe-Ijoh with Warri Township Ring road, bye-passing Aladja town.
The Commissioner further said that government will acquire the stretch of land in conflict from the first culvert in Aladja to the second culvert at Ogbe-Ijoh for public purposes as a lasting solution to resolving the crisis, without prejudice to the court cases, adding that all forms of development by any individual or group in the area are prohibited.
DTSG POISED TO DEAL WITH KIDNAPPERS IN THE STATE
NO. DTS 0014 OF 19/01/10
As kidnapping incident has continued to rear its ugly head in the society, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has disclosed that hoodlums now recruit drivers, stewards, cooks and family members into the exercise.
Speaking while receiving reports from the committee set-up to look into the handover of schools in the state to their former owners, the Governor said that those who allegedly kidnapped Barrister Mariam Aluta, the daughter-in-law of the Chairman of the State Post Primary Education Board has been arrested.
He stated that security operatives were still on the trail of the remaining suspects and promised to ensure that they were apprehended in no distant future.
The Governor who said that victims would always be discouraged from paying ransom added that even when ransom has been paid, security operatives will still trail and arrest the criminals.
Dr. Uduaghan informed that his administration has adopted strong strategy that will check kidnapping incident in the state and charged Deltans to be vigilant.
He explained that it was as a result of the stringent measures put in place by the Police and other security operatives that reduced the rate of kidnapping in the state.
His words "I want to assure you that kidnapping is being checked in the state. We have mapped out strong strategy to check the incident and it is reducing."
Promising to ensure that perpetrators of the heinous crime will face the full weight of the law, the Governor enjoined parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their wards.
NO. DTS 0015 OF 19/01/10
COMMITTEE ON HAND OVER OF SCHOOLS SUBMITS REPORT
The committee set-up by the Delta State Government to look into the transfer of schools to their former owners has recommended the return of 40 secondary schools to the missions and communities.
Submitting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Bishop Jonathan Edewor said the decision to handover only 40 schools out of the 405 secondary schools in the state was reached after careful consideration of the request made by stakeholders.
He said that particular attention was given to the fears expressed by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Parents Teachers Association (PTA) over the welfare of the staff of such schools.
Bishop Edewor further said that the exercise should be done in two ways namely full handover with adequate grant and secondly partnership with school owners where government pays salaries and wages while proprietors manage the schools.
The bishop stated that the committee recommended a gradual handover process which will span over one year so that the state government could establish parallel schools in areas where schools are to be handed over to allay the fears.
He explained that the report compiled in two volumes contains the terms of references, methodology, findings, recommendations and memoranda of other interest groups.
The Chairman disclosed that the committee faced several challenges which ranged from logistics to many others and that these contributed to the delay in submitting the report.
Bishop Edewor expressed the hope that" his 11 -man Committee's recommendations would be implemented so that the protracted debate on the issue would move to the next level.
In a brief remark, the state Governor assured the Committee members in particular and Deltans in general that his administration would look into the committee report with a view to implementing its recommendation as quickly as possible in order to put to rest the protracted issue of handover of schools to their former owners.
His words "I assured you and Deltans that the state government will quickly work on the report and implement it."
The governor explained that government alone cannot successfully carry out the onerous task of ensuring excellence in the education industry and called on Private ownership of schools in the state to continue to partner with the state government so as to achieve the objectives set for the industry. He commended the committee members for working together as a team to produce the report.
As kidnapping incident has continued to rear its ugly head in the society, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has disclosed that hoodlums now recruit drivers, stewards, cooks and family members into the exercise.
Speaking while receiving reports from the committee set-up to look into the handover of schools in the state to their former owners, the Governor said that those who allegedly kidnapped Barrister Mariam Aluta, the daughter-in-law of the Chairman of the State Post Primary Education Board has been arrested.
He stated that security operatives were still on the trail of the remaining suspects and promised to ensure that they were apprehended in no distant future.
The Governor who said that victims would always be discouraged from paying ransom added that even when ransom has been paid, security operatives will still trail and arrest the criminals.
Dr. Uduaghan informed that his administration has adopted strong strategy that will check kidnapping incident in the state and charged Deltans to be vigilant.
He explained that it was as a result of the stringent measures put in place by the Police and other security operatives that reduced the rate of kidnapping in the state.
His words "I want to assure you that kidnapping is being checked in the state. We have mapped out strong strategy to check the incident and it is reducing."
Promising to ensure that perpetrators of the heinous crime will face the full weight of the law, the Governor enjoined parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their wards.
NO. DTS 0015 OF 19/01/10
COMMITTEE ON HAND OVER OF SCHOOLS SUBMITS REPORT
The committee set-up by the Delta State Government to look into the transfer of schools to their former owners has recommended the return of 40 secondary schools to the missions and communities.
Submitting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Bishop Jonathan Edewor said the decision to handover only 40 schools out of the 405 secondary schools in the state was reached after careful consideration of the request made by stakeholders.
He said that particular attention was given to the fears expressed by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Parents Teachers Association (PTA) over the welfare of the staff of such schools.
Bishop Edewor further said that the exercise should be done in two ways namely full handover with adequate grant and secondly partnership with school owners where government pays salaries and wages while proprietors manage the schools.
The bishop stated that the committee recommended a gradual handover process which will span over one year so that the state government could establish parallel schools in areas where schools are to be handed over to allay the fears.
He explained that the report compiled in two volumes contains the terms of references, methodology, findings, recommendations and memoranda of other interest groups.
The Chairman disclosed that the committee faced several challenges which ranged from logistics to many others and that these contributed to the delay in submitting the report.
Bishop Edewor expressed the hope that" his 11 -man Committee's recommendations would be implemented so that the protracted debate on the issue would move to the next level.
In a brief remark, the state Governor assured the Committee members in particular and Deltans in general that his administration would look into the committee report with a view to implementing its recommendation as quickly as possible in order to put to rest the protracted issue of handover of schools to their former owners.
His words "I assured you and Deltans that the state government will quickly work on the report and implement it."
The governor explained that government alone cannot successfully carry out the onerous task of ensuring excellence in the education industry and called on Private ownership of schools in the state to continue to partner with the state government so as to achieve the objectives set for the industry. He commended the committee members for working together as a team to produce the report.
DTSG TO TRAIN 150 YOUTHS AT THE NAVY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
NO. DTS 0013 OF 19/01/10
Delta State Government is to -train 150 Youths in the Navy College of Engineering, Sapele. Announcing this in Asaba, when the Commandant of the Navy School of Engineering, Rear Admiral T.J. Lokoson paid him a courtesy call in his office, the State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said the Youths to benefit from the training have been interviewed and selected.
Dr. Uduaghan disclosed that provision has been made in this year's budget for the training programme and promised that it would be a continuous exercise.
He said his administration will continue to redirect the energy of the Youths from violence to meaningful ventures especially on projects that will alter their lives and improve their living standard. The Governor commended the Navy for assisting in ensuring peace and security in the state and urged the Commandant to co-operate with the State Government in the present programme.
His words "I know the strategic role the Navy is playing and apart from the school, it is doing a lot of security job. This school will help our youth to acquire skills and we shall utilize."
Dr. Uduaghan disclosed that no State in the Federation has the kind of Navy formation Delta has and frowned at the insinuation that the State has no sea port.
He therefore urged the commandant to dismiss such speculations and resist the move to relocate the college. Speaking further he said "people are insinuating that there is no sea port in the State and as such the college of engineering should be relocated. Don't let this disturb you and please inform your chief of Naval Staff that the Navy is assisting the State a lot. We do not want the college relocated."
He promised to continue to assist the school in its" effort to train youths in the Country. The Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral T.J. Lokoson said the school has so far trained 150 youths in the Country. Rear Admiral Lokoson stated that the College has the capacity to train middle and low level manpower.
He invited Delta State to take advantage of the location of the school and benefit from the skill acquisition programmes in the college. The Commandant disclosed that the college has many experts and uses them to assist in improving the manpower needs of the Nation. Rear Admiral Lokoson appealed to the Governor to continue to assist the college to enable it meet its mandate.
Delta State Government is to -train 150 Youths in the Navy College of Engineering, Sapele. Announcing this in Asaba, when the Commandant of the Navy School of Engineering, Rear Admiral T.J. Lokoson paid him a courtesy call in his office, the State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said the Youths to benefit from the training have been interviewed and selected.
Dr. Uduaghan disclosed that provision has been made in this year's budget for the training programme and promised that it would be a continuous exercise.
He said his administration will continue to redirect the energy of the Youths from violence to meaningful ventures especially on projects that will alter their lives and improve their living standard. The Governor commended the Navy for assisting in ensuring peace and security in the state and urged the Commandant to co-operate with the State Government in the present programme.
His words "I know the strategic role the Navy is playing and apart from the school, it is doing a lot of security job. This school will help our youth to acquire skills and we shall utilize."
Dr. Uduaghan disclosed that no State in the Federation has the kind of Navy formation Delta has and frowned at the insinuation that the State has no sea port.
He therefore urged the commandant to dismiss such speculations and resist the move to relocate the college. Speaking further he said "people are insinuating that there is no sea port in the State and as such the college of engineering should be relocated. Don't let this disturb you and please inform your chief of Naval Staff that the Navy is assisting the State a lot. We do not want the college relocated."
He promised to continue to assist the school in its" effort to train youths in the Country. The Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral T.J. Lokoson said the school has so far trained 150 youths in the Country. Rear Admiral Lokoson stated that the College has the capacity to train middle and low level manpower.
He invited Delta State to take advantage of the location of the school and benefit from the skill acquisition programmes in the college. The Commandant disclosed that the college has many experts and uses them to assist in improving the manpower needs of the Nation. Rear Admiral Lokoson appealed to the Governor to continue to assist the college to enable it meet its mandate.
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