The political crisis in Cross Rivers State reached new highs Friday, when police, acting on the instructions from "above" disrupted the ceremony for the inauguration of the Women and Children Hospital built in Calabar by wife of former governor of the state, Donald Duke, Onari, taking him away for interrogation midway into the ceremony.

Mr Duke was driven away in his car, sandwiched between some senior police officers, to the state police headquarters at Diamond Hill where he was interrogated and afterwards released. He returned to the venue of the ceremony just when it was over to the palpable relief of his wife and admirers. He did not witness the cutting of the tape at the reception of the hospital.

A detachment of anti-riot policemen, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police [operations], arrived at the venue and went straight to the master of ceremony and demanded to know who were the organizers and upon being referred to Mrs. Duke, engaged her in a discussion which attracted the husband's attention.

The former governor was told in clear terms that they have orders from above to stop the ceremony and would want him to follow them to the state headquarters of the force to answer some questions. The drama between him and the police took place beside the Murtala Mohammed Highway, where the hospital is located.

There were two version of Duke's arrest. One version has it that the police were acting on a court order stopping the ceremony from taking place while the other said the law enforcement agents swooped on the venue because it was an unauthorized political meeting summoned by Mr Duke.

MORE ON: http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/5574305-146/police_arrests_donald_duke.csp

The anti- Corruption crusade has started.

fine it is selcteive, but as long as one big thief is going down, i really do not care.

is someone offended by the building of a women and children hospital?

Girl friend it goes deeper than that,

No be the same donald duke wey announce say im wan run for presidency next year (2011), in London, March 5th 2010,


http://www.modernghana.com/news2/266712/1/as-donald-duke-eyes-presidency-again.html

Na same dude oh.
I am sure all these are to frustrate him.

Nenum:

The anti- Corruption crusade has started.

fine it is selcteive, but as long as one big thief is going down, i really do not care.

This has nothing to do with anticorruption. This is the silly, pathetic and outright crazy behavior of successive governments in Nigeria using state apparatus to settle political points. The zombies must do what they are told as Fela sang. We need a complete overhaul of our laws, but more importantly a movement to demand every single right that belongs to us as individuals - by force if it must be. We have zero checks and balances, power flows from one source and one source only.

^^^^^^ u just made the point i was abt streessing. this is not abt anti-corruption attempt by the powers in the corridor of present day calabar. all the same, let us wait for the full scale reporting on this case because this is just the beginning like in our limitless films in the nollywood

naijamini:

This has nothing to do with anticorruption. This is the silly, pathetic and outright crazy behavior of successive governments in Nigeria using state apparatus to settle political points. The zombies must do what they are told as Fela sang. We need a complete overhaul of our laws, but more importantly a movement to demand every single right that belongs to us as individuals - by force if it must be. We have zero checks and balances, power flows from one source and one source only.

[size=14pt]ROFLMAO!!![/size]

Duke Denies Being Arrested
By Yemi adebowale in Lagos and Ernest Chinwo in Calabar, 05.29.2010

Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke has dismissed speculations that security agencies stormed the launch venue of Calabar Women and Children Hospital, arrested him and took him to Abuja for interrogation, stating that “as I speak, I am in my house; I was never arrested by any security agency for whatever reasons.”


Narrating what transpired at the event yesterday from his home in Calabar, Duke said the hospital launch organised by his wife, Onari was well underway when armed policemen condoned the venue brandishing a purported court injunction from an Akamkpa High Court to stop the ceremony.


He said since he knew that an Akamkpa High Court had no jurisdiction over Calabar Municipality, he disregarded the purported court injunction and proceeded with the ceremony, adding that he yielded to entreaties from an Assistant Commissioner of Police who invited him after the event had ended to see the state Commissioner of Police with whom he had an enlightened discussion on the circumstances surrounding the disruption after which he left for to his abode.


The court injunction was issued by Justice Maurice Eneji of Akamkpa High Court in Suit No., HK5/2010 instituted by Mr. James Ebri to stop the launch of the hospital organised by the Child Survival Organisation of Nigeria promoted by Mrs. Onari Duke.
The storming of the event by agents alleged to have been sponsored reportedly embarrassed local and international donors and invitees including officials from the World Health Organisation, United Bank for Africa, Flour Mills, Shell, Wampco, Chevron, Exxon-Mobil, NAIRDA, Mikano who waited patiently to the end of the ceremony despite the attempt to disrupt the event with a spurious court injunction.


There is no concrete evidence to suggest the state government had a band in the plot. But Governor Liyel Imoke’s reported cancellation of a planned conferment of an honourary doctorate degree by the state university on his predecessor, Duke last weekend has further swelled speculation of a frosty relationship.


Commenting on the incident, consultant and former commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Dr. Joseph Ana said the project is for the betterment of the people of Cross River State and it is going to improve healthcare delivery in the state.


He said the project is not just an ordinary hospital but a specialist hospital with wired internet facilities that will capture the patients once they step into the hospital till they are diagnosed.
According to him, “Once a patient is diagnosed, the doctors here have access to other specialist hospitals and institutions affiliated to them around the world. This will afford the doctors exchange ideas and information with a view to finding medical solution for the patient.”

i said , i will getting clearer by the munites. the guy has denied being arrested but i am sure the police was there on the instruction to ghet him off the shine in cross river state since imoke could not dwarf his record. what a shameless sitting governor

naijamini:

This has nothing to do with anticorruption. This is the silly, pathetic and outright crazy behavior of successive governments in Nigeria using state apparatus to settle political points. The zombies must do what they are told as Fela sang. We need a complete overhaul of our laws, but more importantly a movement to demand every single right that belongs to us as individuals - by force if it must be. We have zero checks and balances, power flows from one source and one source only.

when i said anti-corruption crusade, i didn't mean Jonathan's anti corruption crusade (2011 mission to aso rock).

Lets look at it this way, we want change, now let me ask you, how would this change come about.
let me guess, when we eventually go to the poll (like June 12) and vote our beloved candidate (that is if he survives the EFCC's initial scare).

My dear, why did you think the former president died on the seat (with all the rumoured spiritual protection for our leaders). are u willing to go on the street to ensure your rights (like the red shirt for months)

My best bet is that sumone among these thief's would do the bidding by hanging all his political enemy (we all agree that they are criminals) and then when the time is right, the right person would get to the presidency (i have not yet figured how yet) but my guess is, this is what i forsee happening.

Let your hearts not be troubled citizens of the democratic state of Nigeria. This is merely decree 101 taking its normal course of events. That man is just too handsome and eloquent not to pose a threat to our leader's political ambition, so he has to be dealt with. Do not think the leader is playing o! Why do you think that the gap-toothed ex-general has been silent since? We showed him a file, the same type of file we just showed Onari's husband. The leader is not here to play, there is work to be done and an extra tenure is needed to complete the task.

bibiking1:

Let your hearts not be troubled citizens of the democratic state of Nigeria. This is merely decree 101 taking its normal course of events. That man is just too handsome and eloquent not to pose a threat to our leader's political ambition, so he has to be dealt with. Do not think the leader is playing o! Why do you think that the gap-toothed ex-general has been silent since? We showed him a file, the same type of file we just showed Onari's husband. The leader is not here to play, there is work to be done and an extra tenure is needed to complete the task.

Precisely . Add charisma and panache to the list as well. Duke has been ruffling feathers to no end of late . I doubt he has anything to hide because he is acting more like Gani Fawenhinmi of late . Speaking vehemently against the PDP and Jonathan (more or less calling him a coward) during the recent cabal hijack of the Nigerian Presidency means , in Nigeria's where politics of blood and vengeance overrides good governance,  Duke must now pay for his "insolence".

Jonathan is now slowly showing his hands as some of us suspected he would. Mr. Beaf (Jonathan's main propagandist on Nairaland) where you at ? I don't know when Nigerians , including some who are very intelligent , will learn that accidental and/or selected leaders rarely ever make good leaders.

justice my foot.
under obasanjo, donald duke was the best gov and just because he is indicating his interest the presidency, justice has come.
even the fashola we are all seeing is facing justice why govs who refused to change even dead electricity buld in their states are walking free and enjoying ministerial and ambassadorial appointments.
this is what we call justice and an slowpoke is here to announce that a big thief is caught.

Bibi King, i agree with your views. Put simply, it is the usual abuse of office by people in power. He was their darling years back and untouchable too. Now that he has left the PDP with all the secrets he shared with them in the good old days and speaking openly about his resentments of the pdp, he is a threat and must be silenced before he gets too big for them to control. I agree they must have concocted lies and flashed a "shut up and put up or die if you won't file" in his face.

I am not sure where his wife got the money to build the hospital but i cannot condemn her because she recognised that instead of using any stolen government money to buy gold and jet off on holidays, it is best to give back to the people that need it. She is not like many who would rather build hospitals in South African and help their economy when we are dying. at least people will be treated and employment will be created for the unemployed. They should watch their back though. These people are desperate and lethal in every respect. That said if he needs legal protection i know a very young hungry, angry but very intelligent Nigerian lawyer who wants to take the government for any reason and i will connect them. She is very intelligent but wholly ignorant when she thinks that someones right is under threat or has been eroded. these are difficult and dangerous times and those who are surrounded by enemies must guard their lives. long live Nigeria and love to all of you who give me reason to feel that there is need to smile every time i read your postings.

What do you expect from imoke. He squander 18 billion dollars meant to provide electricity for Nigerians, while he enjoys 24 hours electricity even when he is in his official ride. Is it because he can not performed what donald did. Why are you harassing him because his wife built a standard hospital that imoke has not been able to even designed on paper talkless of even building. Can imoke tell us where he went for medical treatment when he sustained injury in an accident, was he not rushed abroad for medical treatment, he now want to stop somebody that want to build a good hospital for the common people. May the GOD of the common people attack him with all his arsenal. May he not be successful in his future endeavours. Ole. Where is the electricity you promised us.

this is just a sample of what to expect in 2011. It is very doubtful if more violence will not erupt in that beautiful state, You need to see what duke has done in that state, its enviable.

oluwabamis:

this is just a sample of what to expect in 2011. It is very doubtful if more violence will not erupt in that beautiful state, You need to see what duke has done in that state, its enviable.

Indeed. The "do-or-die" politics that Jonathan , regardless of any pretense, is very much a part of . They are all scared of Duke to include Jonathan himself. His chances may not be good , as per incumbent leaders using state apparatus to terrorise opponents , but Duke remains the type of progressive leader even Western nations want for us. Not many of us know that Donald Duke was one of the Africans selected as a monitor for the historic US election that brought Obama to power.

Gbawe:

I don't know when Nigerians , including some who are very intelligent , will learn that accidental and/or selected leaders rarely ever make good leaders.

just like Charlse logan in the series 24, who came to power after the death of the president and started going out against anybody who is not of same mind set with him.

Our so called leaders are always against good deeds. Is dis an Encouragement 4 development.THIS COUNTRY WILL CERTAINLY GO DOWN.fela said it& i agree.

Our so called leaders are always against good deeds. Is dis an Encouragement 4 development.THIS COUNTRY WILL CERTAINLY GO DOWN.fela said it& i agree.

war of fire arms is looming

Nenum:

when i said anti-corruption crusade, i didn't mean Jonathan's anti corruption crusade (2011 mission to aso rock).

Lets look at it this way, we want change, now let me ask you, how would this change come about.
let me guess, when we eventually go to the poll (like June 12) and vote our beloved candidate (that is if he survives the EFCC's initial scare).

I didn't get up today to be served hogwash . . . lol

Kobojunkie:

I didn't get up today to be served hogwash . . . lol

hmmmmm, just wondering, what would a super early morning constructive breaking news be for you.
just wondering***********

i was only trying to state the obvious, don't believe in building castles as the previous ones have all been abandoned

(1993,1999,2004,2007 and surely 2011 unless a miracle happens)

Nenum:

hmmmmm, just wondering, what would a super early morning constructive breaking news be for you.
just wondering***********
i was only trying to state the obvious, don't believe in building castles as the previous ones have all been abandoned
(1993,1999,2004,2007 and surely 2011 unless a miracle happens)

No you were not! We all know who is running the ANTI-CORRUPTION scheme this time around.

I write to update you on recent developments that many of you may already be aware of and explain what they hold in store.  You will likely have heard that I have formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria.


The idea of representation is at the heart of this quest for redemption, as it is the heart of democracy.  Over the past fifty years, we have failed to reach the places we were entitled to at independence.

On our fiftieth anniversary of self-government, we haven’t even come close to achieving our true potential. I certainly wish to be an embodiment of our collective hopes for Nigeria.

To achieve this, we must sensitise, mobilise and encourage first time voters, and an apathetic and disillusioned electorate.  We must assure them that this time we can make the change needed to move our country forward.    

Accordingly, we are embarking on an extensive nation-wide tour, carrying our message along as we do, on Billboards, print and electronic media, sms and through such other social media as facebook and twitter.  

The idea is to reach out to every Nigerian above the age of 18 years in every state of the nation.  We have enlisted a volunteer network of over
5,000 young men and women in all the states of the federation.  


No effort is being spared.  
The effort to regain the soul of our country will cost our time and resources because the rot is very deep, indeed.

But, let’s face it: this exercise, as conceived, will be expensive.  The huge cost of the exercise would cover travels, logistics, materials, overheads etc.

Some may say it is not our responsibility. But indeed, it is. It is a civic charge to ensure that we have governance at all levels that is truly representative.

I refer you to www.donalddukeorganisation.org,  a forum that will enable us listen and interface with you.  It would also allow you to make contributions and invite others to join the cause - your cause, our cause. Beyond your contributions, spread the word and pass the message on to others.  

Your enthusiasm, commitment, participation and donation are the lifeblood of this organisation and effort.  Please give freely of your heart. Failure would be in doing nothing in the face of opportunity.

We shall, throughout this effort, consistently update you on what we receive and how it is spent.  We shall at all times be transparent and accountable.

Let us, together, take our country back and move it forward. It is the right thing to do and the time is now!

Sincerely,


Donald Duke

Donald Duke is a good man! Targeting the wrong people.

I have met him personally, and many of my family members know his family. This is injustice in the highest order!  

Why disrupt the ceremony? At least her wife used the monry to build a the Women and Children Hospital. What didi others do with their loot? What did the likes of Ibori, IBB, Abacha, Abdusalam, Anyim, etc do with their own loot? If you embezzle and still invest the money in Nigeri, it is better than capital flighting them abroad for other countries to use and develop their own economies. make dem release the man o.

EzeUche:

Donald Duke is a good man! Targeting the wrong people.

I have met him personally, and many of my family members know his family. This is injustice in the highest order!

what non-sense, do u know one of the nicest hearted persons to rule Nigeria was IBB (you ask his close family member's, Junior military officers, friends and those that had a once in a life time opportunity of meeting him - like Tai Solarin)

Kobojunkie:

No you were not! We all know who is running the ANTI-CORRUPTION scheme this time around.

My point is not who is leading the crusade as for me i am in the "i don't care" Nigerian group. as long as i don't have water running down my taps, electricity in my house without hearing crazy sounds form my neighbour's "generator plant house", that is if i am able to afford a soloar source of energy.

I strongly believe If Jonthan dares contest for the 2011, it would be his biggest political decision (since he never really had one) and disaster.

Let him just carry on with his witch hunting crusade (at least they are not hunting the innocent or are they?)

Because i know when the time is right and i mean before 2011, he would also[b] fall [/b] in line just like his predecessors.

EzeUche:

Donald Duke is a good man! Targeting the wrong people.

I have met him personally, and many of my family members know his family. This is injustice in the highest order!  

Nenum:

what non-sense, do u know one of the nicest hearted persons to rule Nigeria was IBB (you ask his close family member's, Junior military officers, friends and those that had a once in a life time opportunity of meeting him - like Tai Solarin)
)

No mind am. He just wants us to know that he knows somebody