₦airaland Forum

thelastPope: His name is thelastPope.

redsun: Are you talking of genuine respect that good men Achebe deserve or nigerian kind of respect for bandits like obj?

afam4eva: WiliWily banned for 5 hours for trolling

she could not take a tour of the state to see for herself the transformation wrought by the medical-doctor-turned politician, she nonetheless followed his achievements through reports she read about the Mimiko-led administration before, during and after the October 20 election.

while about N15million cash which was realised from offerings and tithes were carted away by hoodlums who took advantage of the situation shortly after the demolition

pro01: How many did Okadas kill in the same period? Anyways, the solution is to ban Okadas completely nationwide. When you ban Okadas, all kinds of accidents and crashes - including vehicle and airplane - would automatically cease to occur.

k2039: Watch them for what?.

are the unseen hands that wield so much influence within the corridors of power in Jonathan’s administration. From the national assembly to the cabinet, down to the Presidency, there are individuals whose names ring bells.

cockyjay: RIP to the dead people

cockyjay: Ok. Jonasatan and his band of thieves

cockyjay: This is wrong. LASG shouldn't have demolished the building while the case is still in court

2013: The personalities to watch in Jonathan’s Government

It is no news that Nigerians voted for Dr. Goodluck in 2011 as their President. But what could be news now are the unseen hands that wield so much influence within the corridors of power in  Jonathan’s administration. From the national assembly to the cabinet, down to the Presidency, there are individuals whose names ring  bells. These personalities have so far played significant roles in the 19 months of Jonathan’s regime. In this special report, Saturday Vanguard’s JOHN BULUS x-rays the roles of some of these individuals vis-à-vis the avalanche of promises of taking the country to glory in 2013.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala
She is the Minister of Finance and doubles as the Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Her pedigree goes without questions as she has worked on both national and international scenes. The last of her assignment was at the World Bank where she worked as the Vice President. Prior to the time, she had also served the previous Government of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as Finance Minister and

later Foreign Affairs before her controversial resignation. She has the brain. She has knack and the resilience to stimulate national development and economic growth. Recall the subsidy removal saga in January 2012. She was mainly at the centre of the controversy. In fact, many dubbed her as the de facto President just as many said she ill-advised President Jonathan on the matter.



By virtue of her experience and position, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala remains a key figure in Jonathan’s administration and as such, very influential.  On several occasions, she has spurred up controversy between the Presidency and the national assembly to which she stood her ground based on her conviction to prompt a virile economy.

For instance, Dr. Iweala during the presentation of the 2013 national budget in October last year canvassed the need for the national assembly to approve the $75 per barrel oil benchmark.  Just recently, the Economist dropped a bombshell that her octogenarian mother who was kidnapped and later released in December was abducted by oil marketers consequent upon her position in oil subsidy matter. No doubt, she is a force and personality to reckon with in the present administration especially in 2013.

Deziani Allison Madueke
Bold and beautiful, she is the “powerful” Minister of Petroleum Resources. She presides over the Nigeria’s gold mine. About 90 percent of Nigeria’s revenue comes through her Ministry. She was not far from the oil subsidy controversy that engulfed the nation especially during the scary revelations that came to light on the heels of House of Representatives Adhoc Committees investigations that at a time.

Many had to call for her sack. She hails from Bayelsa State as President Jonathan and shares an affinity with him. Mrs. Madueke is undoubtedly a personality in the Jonathan’s administration. To many people, she remains untouchable as long as President Jonathan remains in power.

David Mark
He is a retired Army General turned politician. He has been in the Senate representing Benue South since the return of Democracy in 1999. Mark is currently the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position he has occupied since 2007. He wields much influence both in the national assembly and in the Presidency. That the gale of impeachments that defined the Senate prior to his ascendancy to the position of number three citizen in the country stopped was to the credit of Mark.

It may not be out of place to state, as it was widely acknowledged, that David Mark provided the thick skin for the Presidency during the Boko Haram insurgency last year. In several quarters, he was seen as the backbone of President Goodluck Jonathan. Mark speaks tough when the integrity of the Senate is undermined by anyone. Recall his stern rebuke to Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku when he (Maku) said that resolutions of the national assembly are not binding on the President.



Recall also, another rebuke to the Senior Special assistant to President Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe in the wake of the 2013 budget presentation where Okupe said that Mark’s speech at the presentation was both dictatorial and authoritative. Again, David Mark is a strategist who knows when to employ the tool of diplomacy. He is a must watch in 2013.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
He is the Speaker, House of Representatives. A Lawyer by profession, he hails from Sokoto and joined politics in 1999. He was elected the Speaker of the House in 2011 by his colleagues. He appears gentle, calculative and intelligent. He has brought stability in the hitherto rancorous House of Representatives.

Many Nigerians will remember the physical blows that members in the previous assembly led by the former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole exchanged. Though he is young, he has matured so fast in politics that he has assumed a leadership position in  northern Nigerian. Tambuwal also wields significant influence at the national stage.

Dr. Doyin Okupe
His is the Senior Special Assistant to President Jonathan on Public Affairs. By profession, he is a medical doctor but prefers politics. To some analysts, Okupe is the attack dog of the presidency. And to justify his pay, Okupe goes on to confront whosoever or whatsoever that challenges the presidency of Jonathan. He does not see anything wrong in whatever decision that is taken by the President. With that, he has earned himself a place in the heart of President which has made him a force to reckon with.

Mike Oghiadomhe
He is President Jonathan’s Chief of Staff. Though very little is known about the man in the public sphere, he is a very powerful hand in the Jonathan’s presidency. In some places, he is the dogged leader of “Edo cabal” in the presidency. He was the deputy Governor of Edo State during Lucky Igbinedion’s administration.

He wields so much power that he determines who sees the President and at what time. However, several controversies surround him. Speculations are rife that he was part of the reasons for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loss in the last gubernatorial elections in Edo state as he is said to be one of the godfathers behind the PDP’s candidate, Ihembvorarre.

Oronto Douglas
He is Jonathan’s Assistant on Documentation. He hails from Bayelsa State. Douglas may be an Assistant but many believe that he is more powerful in the presidency that most Ministers. Little wonder Governors and Generals trooped recently to Bayelsa State for his late father’s burial which unfortunately claimed the lives former Governor of Kaduna State, Late Mr. Patrick Yakowa and the former national Security Adviser (NSA), late Owoeye Andrew Azazi. By this, Douglas is said to command influence in many respects that even the military would allow its aircrafts to be used for his private ceremonies.

280 killed in road crashes during Xmas and New Year celebrations – FRSC



January 5, 2013 | 12:55 am

News

By Chris Ochayi, Abuja

A total of 280 people have been reported dead from various road traffic crashes that occurred in the nation’s highways between December 19  2012 and January 4, 2013.

Corps Marshall and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka who disclosed this to journalists at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his arrival from the final air surveillance of the traffic situation under the Operation Zero, said about 1,600 people were also injured from over 480 road traffic crashes recorded within the period.



*File name: Site of a road accident

Mr. Chidoka who noted there was improvement in rate of road crashes during  this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations compared to the previous year, attributed the success recorded to improved monitoring mechanism and current strength of the staff in the Corps.

According to him, “from  December 19, 2013 till today, we had over 480 road traffic crashes. It was an improvement over last year. We had about 1,600 people injured and we had about 280 dead arising from these crashes, between December 19th and today, so compared to last year there is a slight improvement and we hope this improving trend will continue.”

He said, “this is my final surveillance of the Operation Zero that we had from December 19, 2012 to date. The operation continues, it will terminate in another four days there about. So what I have done is to take a look from the Eastern part of the country.

We went through Enugu-9th Mile-Lokoja-Gwawgalada and then the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. And the traffic is moving freely. Our efforts in managing the traffic have been very successful in this year’s Operation Zero, coupled with the fact that the roads condition is virtually improved. So it was a very good outing for us.

On how would the air surveillance really help to check movement on the roads, he said,  “well, for those of the journalists who joined us on the air surveillance, they will explain that better to you because there was no way I could have monitored five locations in one day. With those that I went with, of course,we land in Onitsha, we land in Lokoja and we were able to give them the ideas of what was happening because we can get the best eye view of the road and then advise them appropriately on what to do.

He said: “in the last ten years, the FRSC has successfully brought down crashes within the December period year . And this is another year that we have successfully brought down crashes rate. In terms of our enforcement activities, over thirty six thousand vehicles were stopped and only about thirteen thousand were booked for various road traffic offences, the rest twenty six thousand were cautioned and allowed to proceed on their journey.

“About thirteen thousand were booked and one person was sent to prison by a mobile court and about three hundred and seventy were fined for various offences. Twenty five were discharged and acquitted by the mobile court. So all in all this has been a very good outing. In terms of travel times for those who travelled this year, many of them are commending the activities of the FRSC and praising that we have made it possible for them to get to their destination in time.’’

But who are the enemies whether real or imaginary? He stressed that it was surprising that while most of men of God Christians alike, far and near came, and called to commiserate with the church, “our brothers at Lord Chosen here who are very close to us did not show up neither did they call to express sympathy.”

Lagos govt, churches on war path over demolition

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January 5, 2013 | 1:01 am

Just Human

By Ishola Balogun

…Church property worth N3billion destroyed as hoodlums carted away over N15million offering, tithes money
For a moment, it looked as though the demolition of the altar and the entire building that housed over 20,000 worshipers of the Bride Assembly was a joke unfolding in a manner that insulted the sensibilities of the onlookers, but it turned out to be real as members watched helplessly how the sacred house of God was cruelly demolished.

The Church which was located on Endeavour Crescent, Odofin, Park Estate, Off Ijesha, Bus-stop, a stone throw to the Lord Chosen Church, Lagos, was demolished early December, by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

When Saturday Vanguard visited the place, members were seen packing and sorting through the debris. A few of them however who managed to utter a few words said: “Who could have ordered this assault on God’s altar? Why would the demolition be so maliciously done? Why would you demolish a place of worship or any other place without notice, especially when the matter concerning the property is still pending in court?” they queried.

But the leader and General overseer, Pastor Moses Alu including the members appeared to be set for a legal battle to seek redress on the injustice perceived to have been done on them by those who according to them, illegally orchestrated and carried out  demolition of the church and properties worth over N3billion.



The remains of once bubbling edifice

According to the Public Relation Officer of the Church, Deacon A . Eric, “at about 9am, what could be likened to an army of occupation invaded the church. They came in a convoy of cars, buses, hiluxes and a black maria (from Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development). They were given protection by about 40 armed policemen and when we asked if there was any notice, they said they have sent a notice a copy which they could not produce.”

He said over N3billion property were destroyed while about N15million cash which was realised from offerings and tithes were carted away by hoodlums who took advantage of the situation  shortly after the demolition.

“They came with about forty policemen in a convoy or cars, with a trailer carrying a caterpillar which they used for the demolition. They rushed to the General overseer’s office and that was the first place they demolished. All the bullet proof doors were destroyed, including 20 other offices. We watched helplessly, as there was no prior notice to take away our properties. Most of our equipments, television, monitors among those things we used in our broadcast were destroyed.”

He disclosed that the church had petitioned Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola while the Church lawyer, Barrister Ozoan was preparing for a legal battle.

Narrating how the church acquired the land, Deacon Eric said: “In 2005, we paid N50million to acquire this place from the Onitire family represented by Oloto who is well known here.

“When we came here, it was not habitable because there were different kinds of reptiles here. Besides, all the roads leading to this place were done by the church. Sometime in 2009, we were told that this place had been allocated by the government to one Alhaji Kamorudeen Bolarinwa. We were suprised and so we went to court. Since that time, the mater has been in court, until that Wednesday, December, 5.”



Some members were seen packing and sorting through the debris

He continued: “Leading the assault was a bulldozer which a trailer in their convoy had conveyed to the place. Before the church security men could ask any question, some frightening and armed youths, who were part of the demolition squad headed straight for the block which housed the offices of the Overseer, Deputy Overseer and their personal assistants.

“These young men who were on a mission and who seemed to know what they were instructed to do, in a commando style brought down the bullet-proof doors to the office, destroying everything in sight.

“They were quickly followed by the bulldozer which tore down other offices including the administration office. The next action was to start knocking down the pillars of the auditorium (an auditorium that seats over 20,000 people), and the auditorium fell. Not satisfied and under further instructions, the bulldozer went ahead to smash and destroy everything of importance – roofing sheets, chairs, Plasma and flat screen television sets, ceiling and standing-fans, computers, laptops, printers, water dispensers,among others. Twenty other offices, which included the children’s auditorium, the Ministers’, IT/TV, choir, Library, medical and press offices were also destroyed.

“At the end of the invasion, what was once a beautiful environment lay in ruins and the demolition squad left the way they came.”

He stated that while this was going on, the members most of whom had finished a vigil prayer watched helplessly while the whole place where they congregated to worship went down in ruins. He attributed the calmness of the members present during the demotion as reflection of the peace message of the General Overseer on a weekly basis.

“If there was anything worth commending, it is the spirit exhibited by members of the church. Though painful, no member was violent, even in the face of a sudden attack by about forty hoodlums who unleashed mayhem on a helpless congregation on the third day of the programme, before the timely intervention of the police who arrested some of the hoodlums. They showed oneness and resilience. This exemplary conduct is no doubt, due largely to the peace message churned out weekly from the pulpit.”

He continued: “We began the evacuation and clearing of the debris. This was completed the following day, Thursday, preparing the ground for the Friday vigil which was held under the tent. And as if to shame the enemy, an unprecedented crowd turned up for the vigil.

“It was believed that the intention of the enemy was to frustrate the camp and they were doing all they could to stop the programme, ‘but to God be the glory’; church members declared ‘the plans of the enemy frustrated’. Since then, the annual December camp (6 nights of vigils) opened on Monday,10th December and other programmes have witnessed very large turnout of worshippers with the Lord visiting His children with miracles, signs and wonders. How else could God manifest Himself when a larger crowd turned out on the 3rd day of the camp which was held in the open (without tents).

But who are the enemies whether real or imaginary? He stressed that it was surprising that while most of men of God Christians alike, far and near came, and called to commiserate with the church, “our brothers at Lord Chosen here who are very close to us did not show up neither did they call to express sympathy.”

All attempts to get the reaction of Lord Chosen church, proved abortive. The Public Relation Unit of the church declined comment while attempt to speak with the General Overseer also failed. Saturday Vanguard was told that only one pastor Chidi could facilitate a chat with the Overseer just as the telephone number made available to the reporter remained switched off.

As members of the Bride Assembly defied the discouraging situation and yet congregate under tents and canopies day and nights for worship, a member who had apparently spent more than 24 hours repairing some of the damaged ceiling fans and clearing some debris, was prompted by Saturday Vanguard to comment on the perceived enemies, he enthused: “what else can I say, but certainly, the bride will triumph and the Lord’s name will be exalted.

kinisoo?:
Will you just shut up there? No wonder someone called Nairaland "Nigeria's Online Beer palour." For your information, a comprehensive nation-wide population survey was carried out between 2010 and 2011. I got to know because I worked very closely with the ADPs and the real rural interior farmers themselves when I did my field survey for my just-concluded Masters programme at the University of Ibadan. It will interest you that Ogun state alone had over 200, 000 active rural peasant farmers. I'm not defending spending billions anyhow but let no one come here to spew rub.bish.

alj harem: Yes only at the FG level not state. We need different strong opposition parties in each state of the federation if we are to maximize our leaders potential. If not we would just be creating another plague of which would be getting strong after each turn.

Osiris.211:
These are sore losers and must have been rewarded by ACN and CPC. Only the blind, deaf and dumb won't see the super transformation of GEJ.

Well, whether they like it or not, GEJ must complete his second term.

NO VACANCY IN ASO ROCK!!!

Akanbi_edu: These ND guys are busy using funds meant to develop their region to buy up properties in Abuja.

When they get out of federal power, they will start disturbing us again about underdevelopment in their region.

Onyenna: I know the divers are supposed to be vigilant but in a situation where the pool becomes over crowded, their job becomes difficult.......
......If you wanna swim, don't drink.....

malc619: Being an Ex-con makes Alams a political leper that all sane public officers must avoid fraternising with in Public.

Is GEJ sane??

CFCfan: Though she hasn't made significant contributions to Senate debates, her poise, charm, charity causes and her excellent political skills makes her frontrunner in d race to succeed the indefatigable Governor Fashola.