₦airaland Forum

ANGERED by allegations by the Presidency that former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar is playing politics with the nation’s economy by offering unjustified criticisms, the Atiku Campaign Organisation Friday brought up facts and figures to buttress Atiku’s description of President Jonathan’s leadership as one imbued with "Voodoo Economics".

Mr. Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, the Deputy Director-General (Operation) of the Atiku Campaign Organisation accused the Jonathan Presidency of deliberately distorting the ugly reality of its mismanagement of Nigeria’s economy.

"The Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation notes with regret the deliberate attempt by the Federal Government to distort facts and confuse Nigerians on the economic performance of the Goodluck Jonathan administration particularly in the implementation of the capital components the 2010 Appropriation Act as amended and supplemented.

It will be recalled that the 2010 Amended and Supplementary Budgets provides N2,669.01billion for recurrent non debt expenditure, N1,764.69 billion for capital expenditure, N542.38 billion for debt service and N183.58billion for statutory transfers.

"These figures as a percentage of the overall budget represent 52% for recurrent non debt expenditure, 34% for capital expenditure, 10% for debt service and 4% for statutory transfers respectively. Dr Aganga had informed the House of Representatives in plenary in the first week of November 2010 that of the entire capital budget, only the sum of N749billion had been released, cash-backed and available for Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government (MDAs) to draw from.

"This is however N1billion less than the N750billion he claimed to have released and cash-backed in response to Atiku’s statement. Dr Aganga has also been quoted to state that the federal government will increase the released and cash-backed sum to N900billion by the end of 2010, which will be an addition of N150billion.

"The Minister of Finance further informed the House of Representatives that of the N750 billion cash-backed, only N404.5billion has been accessed and utilized by MDAs.

Essentially what the Federal Government has released and cash backed is 42.5% of

the capital budget and what has been accessed and utilized by MDAs is 22.92% of the entire capital budget for 2010," he stated.

The Atiku Campaign Organisation said the Jonathan presidency is deliberately making fraudulent claims about its implementation of the nation’s budget.

"For the Federal Government to now lay a claim of having implemented the capital

budget up to 64.6% is nothing but a fraud. Nigerians should ask President Jonathan, 64.6% of what figure? The figures of capital budget implementation vis, 97.3% for Niger Delta, 96.7% for FCT, 86.7% for Agriculture, 86.05 for Defence and 67% for power attracts the same question; percentages of which figure?

"Essentially, the government has made up its mind to sabotage the implementation of the 2010 capital budget by setting a target of releasing only N900 billion which is 51% of the appropriated sum. Even these figures put forward by the Federal Government are doubtful considering that the minister and the Budget Office of the Federation have failed, neglected and refused to publish the 3rd Quarter Budget Implementation Report which in accordance with section 30 the Fiscal Responsibility Act is due within 30 days of the end of the 3rd Quarter.

"The most recent and available Budget Implementation Report is that of the 2nd Quarter of 2010 which shows a release of N404.819 billion as released and cash backed whilst N124,789billion has been accessed and utilized by MDAs.

"The depletion of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) without concrete improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians questions the prudence of the administration."

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/20092.html

Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoyo Oyinlola and Justice Bola Babalakin at a public lecture sometime ago.PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI,

THE sacked governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has described his removal as a rude shock. In a statement issued on behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, yesterday, the sacked governor said the judgment was a further test of the current democratic dispensation.

He said: ‘’We shave just received the report of the decision of the Court of Appeal awarding the governorship of Osun State to the Action Congress candidate in the 2007 election. That decision has come to us as a rude shock and we see it as a further test for this democracy.

‘’We note that the judgment went as predicted by the ACN, which had in the last couple of days inundated the media with what was going to be. Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as a law abiding citizen and a stakeholder in the Nigerian Project, wishes the ACN and the judiciary the best of luck.

‘’In the last seven and a half years, the administration of Prince Oyinlola did its best to lift Osun State from the morass of despondency he met it to a level which today is the envy of all. Prince Oyinlola gives God the glory for all he achieved in office as governor while thanking members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for their steadfastness and belief in what he stood for while in the saddle of governance in Osun State .

‘’He equally expresses his appreciation to traditional rulers, workers, market men and women, other Nigerians home and abroad, his legal team, the media and all well-wishers who rallied round him and his administration.

The future of Osun State is in the hands of God and He in His own way will continue to guide and guard our collective and individual destinies. As the state moves into another phase in its existence, Prince Oyinlola prays that the dreams of the founding fathers, which he kept alive and largely got fulfilled in his seven and a half years in power, will continue to manifest for the good of the people of the state.’’

Meanwhile, there were indications yesterday that the Appeal Court ruling, which ousted Oyinlola, took him unawares.

He was in his office at Bola Ige House, where he swore in the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs. Gloria Adegoke, when the news of his sack got to him.

He quickly rounded off the programme and left for his hometown, Okuku in Odo-Otin Local Government Area, where massive rigging was allegedly recorded during the controversial governorship poll.

He was forced to take the Ede route because indigenes of the state, who were in wild jubilation over the declaration of Aregbesola as the winner of the April 2007 governorship poll, had blocked the expressway leading to the Governor’s Office in Abere.

Olagunju, his Chief Press Secretary, confirmed that Oyinlola left for Okuku shortly after the judgment.

It was alleged that few hours to the judgment, some Toyota Hilux vans were sighted moving things out of the Osun State Government House

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/20095.html

By the gloating of officials of government of Anambra State, there has been headway in the ASUU quagmire. The lecturers will get 60 percent raise and the schools can push up the fees by 100 percent.
Even the man, who called me on 08036324173 - said he is Emma - but sounded far more intellectually sophisticated than he claimed, could not hide his elation.

He insisted I was too harsh on Governor Obi, the man he believed had come, not of perfect background, but better than the oligarchs that had ravaged Anambra State.

He was not alone. One UZ Madubueze, from PH, who communicated on 08032729508, was furious. “I am sorry that I came across your column very late. But I cannot keep mute on one of the vital issues raised, that you were accusing the governors of South East, particularly the language they chose to use. Yes, they are right by insisting because the issues are affecting the South East, not the national. Or, let me ask you, if it were in Hausa or Yoruba land, do you think that they are going to use English Language to address such vital issue as the strike.

Why are some of you in the press from Igbo land like to read the meaning of every statement made by the leaders in Igbo land to be demonic or politicized…you have to be polite in some areas in castigating your leaders, for posterity, because, you may be in that position tomorrow.”

Another, 08034760425, reads, “Igbonekwu, you got it all wrong. State universities are state affairs and the lecturers are state employees. FG can’t decide for the state. If any of my employees is not ok with my pay, he should resign not fight me. Family, community and state have the right to excuse any stranger and use whatever language they can understand better to solve the problem. Is their problem not that of the stranger? Now, the lecturers are fine and will be going back to the classroom because their salaries have been increased by 60 percent while the poor students’ fees will increase by 100 percent. They are just selfish and greedy. Please, be wise my brother.

This one did not sign any name.
But, indeed, prior to these communications, a caller had told me that I missed an opportunity of a question in the controversial article.

According to him, I should have raised the question, ‘Is this how the university – mark the word, “universe”, had been reduced in Nigeria that matters affecting it are now narrowed to the vernacular of one ethnic group?’
And, I had added, what if these lecturers had been non-Igbo as such is expected in a “univers(e)”ity?

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/periscope/2010/nov/27/periscope-11-27-2010-002.htm

A Presidential aspirant, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar yesterday mocked ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo over the loss of the South-West by the Peoples Democratic Party.

In what appeared a retaliation of Obasanjo’s swipe at him on Thursday, the ex-Vice-President also said that with the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, "We too dey laugh ooo!"

He said ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo should be blamed for the loss of states being controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West to the Action Congress of Nigeria.

He also asked Obasanjo to retire to his "huge fortune in Ota" instead of making a "fool of himself"

Atiku, who made his position known in a statement in Abuja through his Campaign Organization said the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division’s declaration of the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Rauf Aregbesola, winner of the 2007 governorship election in Osun State) was a "consequence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s mismanagement of the PDP in the entire Southwest.

The statement added: "We are reaping the consequences of Obasanjo’s gross mismanagement of not only the PDP in the South west but the entire country. We too dey laugh ooo!

"Obasanjo should just get out of the party so that we can rebuild the party we formed. All Obasanjo had done in his southwest zone was to tear down the party, cause divisions and force out credible and loyal party members," the statement said.

"The organization advised the former President to retire quietly to his huge fortune in Ota and Abeokuta rather than continue to make a fool of himself."

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/20091.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday arrested 11 top officials of Panalpina Group in connection with alleged $240million bribe scandal over importation and clearance of oil drilling equipment for Royal Dutch Shell.

The commission has also launched manhunt for some unnamed officials of Shell in Nigeria .

The top officials of Panalpina arrested yesterday are the MD of Panalpina in Nigeria, Trevor Burrell; Air Freight Coordinator, Mark Daud; Head of Finance, Buehler Alphonso; Willem Heck; Joseph Ikpong; Edward Iweannya; Augustine Ilevbaodione; Uche Ojogho; Udo Emmanuel; Moses Oyekunle; and Victor Adenedimoh.

Investigation by THE NATION revealed that although Panalpina withdrew from customs clearance and freight-forwarding services from Nigeria in 2008, the EFCC is investigating the alleged bribery case it was involved in between 2001 and 2006.

A top source in the commission, who spoke in confidence, said: "We have started investigation into how Panalpina offered bribe to some top government officials to gain customs clearance for a raft of oil field services.

"This is transnational bribery scam in which some government officials in the country have been implicated.

"The firm, which brought in some oil rig machines for Shell, has already admitted before the US Securities and Exchange Commission that it paid bribe to government officials in Nigeria , Saudi, Brazil , Libya , Angola and DRC.

"In fact Panalpina and Shell are expected to pay some fines in the US by the end of this month. But on the basis of the information available to us, we decided to the aspect involving some top government officials in the country.

"So far, we have arrested 11 top officials of Panalpina Group. They are presently undergoing interrogation.

"We are going to interact with some officials of Shell to determine the nature of the oil-rig haulage contracts given to Panalpina and their role in the bribery scandal.

"Our operatives are already out to invite the affected Shell officials for interaction.

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/20093.html

WITH a tinge of drama, ex-President Ibrahim Babangida Friday foreclosed his further participation in the 2011 presidential race.

He also said that he would abide by the decision of the Consensus Committee of the Northern Political Leaders Forum on the choice of ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the Northern candidate for the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Babangida drew the curtains on his 2011 presidential aspiration while addressing a gathering of his coordinators nationwide at the Hotel De Horizon in Abuja .

Although he laced his two-page with "We may rebound" clause, reporters at the event later picked him up on the import of it.

The dramatic encounter went as follows:

What do you mean by rebound?

Babangida: It is simple English.

Could you be more forthcoming, we don’t understand that?

Babangida: It is a straightforward language.

Are you coming back into the race?

Babangida: Give it any meaning you want. I know you are capable of doing that. So do that. I know what I said.

What did you say? Are you going to contest 2011 presidential poll under another party?

Haba! I am an honourable man. I told you there, I will abide by the decision of the Consensus Committee. I said so, I said so. So, the message is I am supporting the consensus candidate. Whatever meaning you give that I know that tomorrow, the headline will be: ‘I will rebound back-IBB.’ I didn’t say so.

Earlier in his address to all his campaign coordinators, Babangida expressed regrets that the decision on consensus came at a time that the indicators of his presidential campaign were positive.

But he urged his supporters to remain undaunted despite the turn of events.

Babangida said: "At a time like this, we need more than ever before, to hold ourselves together in a higher spirit. We need to sustain the spirit of goodness and belief in our commitment to the objectives which have brought us together in this organization.

"We must neither be overcome nor run-over by the burden of an unexpected political development.

"We have all been in the top gear of an historic political campaign; and all available indicators were positive and indeed encouraging. I believe it is a necessary agenda, one that was prompted by the fundamental challenges before our nation.

"Although a decision has emerged, the challenges remain relentless, dominant and problematic. This is both rational and essential for us to continue to be in good spirit and remain steadfast in our engagements. While we keep to the elements of the Consensus Agreement, we shall remain undaunted.

"I wish to place on record, my profound gratitude and appreciation to all and every one of you who have been involved out of sheer conviction and dedication, in my political and public affairs; especially so, in 2011 Campaign Organization.

"The Director-General, National Directors, Zonal Coordinators, State Coordinators and the numerous stakeholders have all been exceptional in their sacrifices including the exposure of their lives, families and businesses to extreme threats and danger.

"I wish to also sincerely recognize the huge assistance by our security personnel, gatekeepers, office staff, drivers, media men and women in the print, broadcast and online network. I appreciate your efforts in the firm belief that our relationship are likely to grow beyond this phase of my political enterprise; indeed, for some of you it has been a continuing life-long relationship for which I am deeply obliged.

"I wish to especially thank the youths and the women, as individuals and as organized associations; and all the numerous Pro-IBB groups and admirers all over the length and breadth of this great nation.

"While their activism may be unduly affected by the current state of affairs in the political campaigns, their commitment is certainly not lost to me or to history. Who knows: for at a time like this, we may rebound!

"Beyond the current political campaigns, I am in due course, going to address the processes of sustaining our vision and commitment to Governance, National Development and the Values of a Productive Economy and a Caring Society.

"At a time like this, we shall continue to give hope and optimism, not despair and resignation as the driving forces of our continued involvements in the affairs of our country.

On his part, the Director-General of the IBB Campaign Organization, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, asked all coordinators to remain at their duty posts while awaiting further directives.

He said: "We are working out the modalities for the collapse of all the campaign structures and how to integrate everyone into one formidable campaign Organization."

The brief ceremony was attended by die-hard loyalists of Babangida like ex-Speaker Ghali Na’aba; ex-Governors Peter Odili and Abdulakdir Kure; ex-Ministers AVM Hamzat Abdullahi(FCT); A.B.C Nwosu(Health); Chiwe Obaji(Education); Mohammed Gusau(Mines and Steel); Sam Oyovbaire(Information); and Musa Elayo(Justice).

Others were ex-Deputy Governors Abiodun Aluko(Ekiti) and Azeem Gbolarumi(Oyo); ex-Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Abdul Ningi; former National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bibi Farouk; former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Bawa Buhari; Tajudeen Kareem; Kenneth Kobani; Augusta Iradiri; Chidi Nwankwo; Woroko Sanni Woroko among others,

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/20094.html

Only very few Nigerians may be famaliar with the name Patrick Obasi. But many would be familiar with the name Patty Obasi. Whether it is Patrick Obasi or Patty Obasi, we are talking about the same person. He is the musician, who used music to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
One of Obasi’s songs, Nwa Mamiwota, (mermaid’s child), was well received and many Nigerians related with it. Interestingly, that was not the only successful album of this budding gospel musician. There were many others.

Recently, Saturday Sun ran into Obasi and he spoke about his career, among others.

For sometime now, you have been out of the music scene. What is going on?
Well, a lot of factors contributed to that. Piracy is one of them. I was not getting the dividend for my labour; people market my product and don’t give me the money. Therefore, I don’t get enough money to invest on another album. The major problem is piracy. With piracy, I cannot continue.

As a musician, what motivated you?
I went into music to spread the gospel. The gospel was gaining ground. The effect of the gospel on people was glaring. But marketers spoilt the show. Some of them were working for pirates. They have abused the industry, so much so that many people have been frustrated out. We were using music to preach the gospel, but marketers turned the whole thing into a masquerade (Atilogwu) show. When you see them dance and perform it, you will know that this is not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. And you know the world likes corruption. They became a spectacle.

With such brand of music, they were not converting people to the Lord. Before you can convert anybody to the Lord, you will be converted yourself. The Lord will have a grip on you. He will take control of your conscience. You must have the fear of God. But when you see homosexuals performing gospel music, it makes you sick. Such people may make wave, but the music, no matter the lyric, would not bring anybody close to God. The reason is simple. The way they dance it is a study in corruption. To say the least, the present gospel musicians are far from God.

How long have you been in the music industry?
I have been in the music industry since 1980. I have over 15 records in my name, which made waves and are still making waves today.

At a point your records were in almost every home. What is the secret?
Anointing is what popularised my music. Anointing breaks the yoke.

How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered, as someone who played music that touches the soul. I want to be remembered as someone who produces albums that brought about righteousness in the society.

What role does your wife play in your career?
My wife sings, also. When I have multiple invitations, my wife represents me, in some. We work together.

Is there any of your children taking after you?
Well, they are still young, still growing.

I would recall that one of your tracks, Nwa Mamiwota (mermaid’s child), made waves. Could you tell us the effect of it?
Well, it made a resounding hit because people related with it. It was happening then. The effect of the album was that those involved in mermaid practices became ashamed of themselves. People started repenting of their sins, in that regard. Many people confessed about their exploit in the marine world.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/nov/27/national-27-11-2010-009.htm

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday burst into laughter and kept on for about three minutes when asked by State House correspondents to react to the emergence of former vice president Atiku Abubakar as northern consensus aspirant for the presidential primaries of the People Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2011 general elections. Obasanjo in his usual comic nature said sarcastically in pidgin English, “I dey laugh!”

The two-time former president who attended the National Council of State (NCS) meeting, when cornered during break after the first session of meeting to comment on the emergence of his former deputy while in office, first adjusted his white Agbada, took up his Vicks inhaler, inhaled repeatedly on the inhaler, and laughed, before saying: “I dey laugh !”

“I am full of joy and I wish you (journalists) and Nigerians the fullness of joy. I wish you peace and joy always”; and reporters chorused: “Amen”.
Also commenting barely 24 hours after his counterpart in Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda declared that the North would not betray the South-south because both had enjoyed harmonious political relationship, Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State said the North would soon speak on the selection of Atiku by the Ciroma-led committee.
Below are excerpts from the interview with Governor Shema

What’s your view on Atiku?
He is a presidential aspirant.

But, he is standing in for the North?
You have to ask the North.

But you are a key member of the North?
Yes, I am, but you have to ask the North because I am not the only person in the North.

What’s your personal view?
My view, the North will talk.
Meanwhile, Vice President, Namadi Sambo has said there is no such thing as consensus candidate from the North. Apparently, he disregarded the recent emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the anointed person of the northern region by the Adamu Ciroma-led committee.

Speaking with aviation correspondents yesterday evening on his arrival in Lagos, Sambo said the frenzy over a northern consensus candidate was unnecessary because the party’s constitution had no such provisions.
“Who said that there is a consensus candidate for the North? Who says so? We are not aware of any northern consensus candidate because our understanding differs and the North has no consensus candidate for this election for the PDP. PDP has constitutional avenues. We have our constitution of the party on how we select our candidate for our different positions for election and just two days ago, INEC presented the timetable which I can assure you the PDP will follow that time table.

The PDP will follow the constitutional processes for the election of our candidate and I can assure you Nigerians, including yourself, I believe right from the time that we declared for election, that it is time for Nigeria to be transformed and the Jonathan/ Sambo is the ticket for this country to be transformed for future development to see that Nigeria becomes one of the most developed countries in the world”, he explained.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/nov/26/national-26-11-2010-001.htm

As opposition parties condemned the staggered elections as announced on Tuesday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its fresh election timetable, the commission has explained why it could not change the polls order.

Though, the INEC appreciated the fact that having a one-day elections would have saved it of the much needed fund, logistics, time and personnel, as being canvassed by the opponents of the staggered elections, but that it was constrained by the electoral law.

Opposition parties which said the commission had done well by not waiting perpetually for the National Assembly to pass the law before embarking on certain activities that have little or no bearing with when the law is passed, insisted that the staggered elections and the departure from the bottom-top arrangement detracted from whatever intention for credible elections Professor Attahiru Jega might be planning for.

Press secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu explained that INEC was handicapped in the choice of the order of elections because it was provided for in the Electoral Act 2010 and the commission could not do otherwise. Said he: “We know of complaints and argument from some quarters but it is not our fault. Everything we do is as provided for in the Act and the Constitution. You will see that each activity in the timetable as scheduled is backed by law and the chairman was quoting the relevant sections that guided our action.

“We can’t go out of our way to do anything that is illegal, everything we do is as contained in the extant electoral law,” he stressed. However, the political parties felt that part of the amendments INEC should have proposed to the National Assembly should have been to change the order of elections to start from lowest office to the highest as done in previous election. Secretary General of Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Willy Ezugwu said with the new timetable nothing had changed other than the timing, warning that the NASS members might end up being a clog in the wheel of credible elections in the country.

He explained that the need to change the order of elections which had potential for bandwagon effect had been over emphasized and that the opposition parties had thought that the fresh amendments to the Electoral Act provided opportunity for the change. “So what are we saying, it’s the same game plan, but God won’t let them succeed.
Leading a pack of 16 parties on a solidarity visit to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) National Secretariat, Chief Maxi Okwu, the National Chairman of Citizens Popular Party (CPP) told Daily Sun in an interview that it was not good to have top-bottom elections, alleging that the lawmakers did it so for their own interest.

He explained that Nigeria usually had elections from the least offices and peaked at the highest office in the land so as to sustain the excitement. “But now they have coerced the INEC to take their course. What that means is a big challenge to the opposition parties and that is one of the reasons why we have come to confer with the ANPP leadership because power must change hands in 2011,” National Publicity of ANPP, Emmanuel Eneukwu said the band wagon effect of the arrangement was what the ANPP has been citing as possible consequence and that “we have said it over time that these election be held same day.

“If we have all the election same day, it will minimize rigging and whichever one comes first will no longer matter because whether the president or the governorship, all the elections will be in one day and as such there won’t any bandwagon effect as being feared. Eneuwku stated that the National Chairman of his party, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made this position known to the lawmakers when he gave a position paper at the public hearing on the Electoral Act amendment, adding “but since they have refused to listen, we will all go into the election, but they will be shocked.”
In his own reaction, National Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwayanwu, whose party had earlier threatened to sue the INEC and NASS over the order of the election, expressed disappointment at the new timetable provision for elections.

He explained that his party was still studying the situation to know the next line of action because the Act was yet to be passed and his party would not like to beat the gun.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/nov/25/national-25-11-2010-001.htm

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FORMER chairman of Nigeria Football Association(NFA), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has expressed delight after being nominated by The Glasshouse for a seat in the executive committee of Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Galadima stated in an interview with brilafm.net that he feels honoured and humbled by the gesture, while imploring football stakeholders to see it as national assignment and not otherwise.

“We give glory to God and I am quite fulfilled by this development. I thank the federation for finding me fit to give me this responsibility.

“Not because I’m the best for the job but because it is destined for me to be the one. It is a call to service. I, therefore, call on all Nigerians to give me their support. It’s a Nigerian project, not Ibrahim Galadima’s project. We’ve been talking about flying the Nigerian flag and the good name of the country has to be maintained.

“Everyone has a role to play, even by offering prayers and providing goodwill. Mine is only to serve Nigeria and I’m ready to serve Nigeria in any capacity I’m asked to serve,” the Kano State-born administrator submitted.

Galadima was reacting to earlier reports that Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) acting general secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu confirmed that The Glasshouse had already nominated an undisclosed person for the position of CAF executive member.

Amadu told brilafm.net that the NFF had originally nominated Dr Amos Adamu for the position but, following his three-year ban last week, it became imperative for the football house to forward someone else for the 33rd CAF ordinary General Assembly next year.

Meanwhile, as alarm bells continue over the possibility of Nigeria missing out on a seat in the CAF executive committee, after Monday night’s expiration of nominations for the election in February, renowned technical instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde has explained why he did not make himself available as an aspirant.

Onigbinde stated in a down-to-earth chat with brilafm.net that the current predicament of Dr Amos Adamu would make any Nigerian aspiring for the CAF executive post appear as a detractor of the embattled administrator, who was last week banned by FIFA.

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/football-golf-boxing/19782.html

THERE were more facts Tuesday on how former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerged the North’s consensus candidate.

The Consensus Committee of the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) on Monday resorted to secret voting to pick its choice, The Nation learnt.

Atiku polled four, of the nine votes.

The nine “wise men” dumped their plan to go for a second round of voting, apparently because they felt the voting was keen.

They opted to pick Atiku who had simple majority of the votes.

An investigation by The Nation revealed the standing of the aspirants: Ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida (three); ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar (four); Governor Bukola Saraki (two); and former National Security Adviser Gen. Aliyu Gusau (Nil).

According to findings, a member of the committee, Mallam Magaji Dambatta, suggested open voting in making the final choice.

But, it was learnt, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Audu Ogbeh, urged members to protect the sanctity of voting through secret balloting.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Dambatta suggested that the voting should be by open ballot.

His argument was that as old men, they should be seen not to be afraid of anything as they are rated as wise men.

“But Audu Ogbeh and Gen. David Jemibewon (rtd) said they should do secret balloting.

“Ogbeh took about 10 minutes to address the committee on the imperative of secret ballot and why it would assist them to make their free choice.

“At the end of the day, they were all persuaded by Ogbeh’s argument and they opted for secret voting.

“Then, ballot papers were circulated to members to write their choice of consensus candidate before it was later compiled.

“After the compilation, the results indicated that Atiku had four votes; Babangida scored three; Saraki had two and Gusau had none.

“It was really a slim victory for Atiku.

"And his saving grace was that they ignored the initial rule to go for second round of balloting where it was a close contest.”

Members of the committee, it was learnt, insisted on burning the ballot papers to “avoid any of the aspirants tracing their writings through forensic analysis.

“So, before the decision was made known to the aspirants, the committee burnt the ballot papers.”

But the voting pattern later got leaked from those assigned the responsibility of burning the ballot papers.

According to the source, those who voted for Babangida are: Mallam Adamu Ciroma; Senator Jibrin Salihu and Magaji Dambatta.

For Atiku are: Bello Kurfi; M.D. Yusufu; Buba Yaro Mafindi and Amb. M.Z. Anka.

Saraki got his votes from Audu Ogbeh and Gen. David Jemibewon.

As at last night, all the aspirants were aware of the pattern of voting and those who voted for them.

Asked why Atiku had an edge over others, the source added: “The members were aware of yet to be proven allegations against Atiku but they rated him as a ‘strict and aggressive fighter’ who could put the campaign for power shift to the North on the front burner.

“I think the wise men saw that the battle ahead against Jonathan on zoning might be rough and a rugged politician, who could go in and out of court several times, like Atiku, should be given a chance.

“There is a larger picture that Atiku can fight to the finish without being rough or rocking the boat. The NPLF leaders are passionate about power returning to the North next year.

“The opinion of members of the committee before the Sallah break on who should be the consensus candidate was different from the final outcome.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/19810.html

Ahead of the amendment to the 2010 Electoral Act, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday rolled out a fresh time table and schedule of activities for staggered 2011 elections begining with the National Assembly elections on April 2, 2011.
The Presidential election now holds on April 9 while the Governorship and State Assembly elections have been scheduled for April 16, 2011.

Announcing the new election time table at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja last night, INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega said the new time table superseded the one earlier released on September 7, but had to be discarded due to loss of time.

Sounding a note of warning that the Commission would not tolerate any infraction of the rules and regulations guiding the election at a press conference attended by National Commissioners of the Commission, Professor Jega disclosed that the political parties were free to start their campaigns from December 1, 2010. Registration of Voters will be carried put between January 15 and 29, 2011.
Citing relevant sections of the expected Electoral Act amendment, the INEC boss said all the arrangements are in tandem with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the anticipated amendments to the Electoral Act.

In the 26-item programme of electoral activities, the Voter’s Registration exercise begins on January 15, 2011 and ends on the 29th,
The first electoral activity begins with the issuance of notice of election on January 23, and the commencement of conduct of party primaries running through January 26 to 30th, 2011

The political parties, Jega said could embark on campaigns in public places as from December 1 and end the campaigns 24 hours to the day of each election.
Registration of voters which has been scheduled for January 15 will end on January 29 with the display of Voter’s Register for claims and objections coming up between February 3 and 8, 2011.

The last day for the withdrawal by candidates and substitution of withdrawn candidates by political parties will run from February 14, for National Assembly candidate, February 21, for Presidential candidate and February 28 for Governorship and State Assembly candidates.
INEC will publish the final official Voter’s Register for elections on March 2, 2011.
Collection of nomination forms is between February 7 and 10, 2011 while the publication of nominated candidates will run from March 2 to 16, 2011
Run offs for governorship and Presidential elections, if any, will be held within seven days after the announcement of the results of the respective elections in line with sections 179 (4) (5) and 134 (4) (5) respectively of the Constitution,

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/nov/24/national-24-11-2010-001.htm

Ex-vice President: I’m Humbled

FORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is "humbled" by the decision of the Consensus Committee, which chose him as the North’s candidate for President.

Atiku, who signed a statement, which was released barely five minutes after the announcement, paid tributes to his co-aspirants –former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Gen. Aliyu Gusau and Governor Bukola Saraki.

The statement said: "A short while ago, the Consensus Committee of the Northern Elders Political Forum announced me as the consensus candidate from among the four who submitted themselves to this process to endorse  a candidate to contest the forthcoming primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

"This came after what were obviously wide-ranging and painstaking consultations across the length and breath of this country.

"I am humbled by this endorsement, and I accept it wholeheartedly, with humility and sense of responsibility.

"I commend the Consensus Committee for this endorsement and for their sacrifice, their patriotism, their commitment and their integrity.

"They have made an important contribution to the unity and stability of this country.

"I am profoundly grateful to the other aspirants who were screened by the Consensus Committee for their commitment to the consensus process. All three of them, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former National Security Adviser, General Mohamed Aliyu Gusau, and Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State are eminently qualified for the office of President.

"Their decision to abide by the decision of the Consensus Committee is a further testimony to their patriotism, honour, service and selflessness.  Nigerians will forever remain grateful to them for their contribution to the peace, unity and stability of this country. I will continue to count on their support in the campaign to win the PDP primaries and the 2011 presidential election.

"I commend Nigerians for their patience, understanding, support and prayers.  I shall need the support of all as I seek the mandate to be the flag-bearer of the PDP in the 2011 presidential election.

"This is a time for sober reflection on the challenges facing our country and the immense opportunities that exist for us to address them.  I hope that the conclusion of this consensus process will mark an end to the divisive politics which our opponents have been promoting.

"In the days ahead I shall be addressing the press, and will continue to unfold my agenda for providing good governance and building a new Nigeria for all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or sectarian affiliations.  With your support and prayers we shall make good things happen."

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/19703.html

Six trucks mainly used for military combat maneuvers and some military uniforms, a carton of bullets, an automatic pistol, military boots and tents have been impounded by the operatives of Nigerian Navy. The navy said the hardware were impounded last weekend at the Tin Can Island port during examination of a container from the United States.

A naval intelligence source told Daily Sun that the weapons were discovered by its operatives during examinations of importedgoods loaded inside containers. and imported into the country.
The trucks Daily Sun learnt had been taken to the naval base Apapa. It was gathered that the container was laden with communication equipment and military generators used to provide electricity for troops in theatre of war.

The naval intelligence officers who spoke, but declined to mention their names said the hardware were allegedly imported in the container tagged personal effect but which contents turned out to be weapons when proper examination was conducted.

detected in the container were two vehicles and other house hold items, including a 10 KVA generator and other personal effects.
Daily Sun also gathered that when the examination was being conducted, men of the Nigeria Police, Tin Can Island Command took away the automatic pistol imported along with the bullets and camouflage uniforms.

When Daily Sun requested that the pistol be exhibited alongside other arrested materials, it was revealed that the policeman who kept the gun had left the station.
However, four men alleged to be importer and agents of the military hardware were paraded alongside the hardware, but the men said the hardware was not imported for war purposes.
Although the importer declined to talk much on the items, he told Daily Sun that he never expected the parade. He said he was in the United States Marine and that the items belong to him.

“These are my personal effect, this whole issue is so unnecessary; it is almost like a stage event. It is almost embarrassing to call myself a military man among the kind of thing that is happening right now,” the importer who was identified as Sheidu explained.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2010/nov/23/newsbreak-23-11-2010-001.htm

WIFE of former Delta State Governor James Ibori has been convicted and sentenced to five years in prison by a Southwark Crown court in London, United Kingdom.

Mrs. Theresa Nkoyo Ibori was convicted on two counts related to money laundering. It was gathered that the former First Lady has since been transported to Holloway Prison in north London.

Also, James Ibori’s United Kingdom lawyer Mr. Bhadresh Gohil, who was on trial with Mrs. Ibori, has been found guilty on all counts of money laundering.

He has been remanded in police custody. Mr. Gohil will be sentenced after the conclusion of another trial involving the laundering of proceeds of V-Mobile shares by James Ibori, Henry Imashekka, David Edevbie and former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah. The trial starts on Monday.

The London Metropolitan Police had on November 1, 2007 arrested Mrs Ibori. She was picked up at the Heathrow Airport in London.

Mrs Ibori and her husband had been a target of an extensive money laundering investigation by British law enforcement. A short statement released by Andrew Newman of the Metropolitan Police press office stated: "At approximately 20.50hrs on November 1, 2007 officers from the Proceeds of Corruption Unit arrested a 39-year-old woman at Heathrow airport in connection with an ongoing money laundering enquiry. She remains in custody at a West London police station."

In a previous trial, the court had also sent to prison Ibori’s sister, Christine Ibori-Ibie; and his mistress, Udoamaka Okoronkwo-Onuigbo. Ibori himself awaits extradition to the UK to face three set of trials relating to money laundering and theft of Delta State resources.

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/19700.html

“It was like one of those Hollywood movies. Out of the blues comes a queen dressed in an expensive attire reminiscent of an age-long strategy employed to woo and conquer the queen, you as the lead actor plot and wait for the fruits of your efforts, hoping for the best. Alas! You wake up with a startle and realize that those tall wishes were actually a dream and you wonder why?”

This scene aptly captures the triangle of co-incidence that trailed yours truly’s desire to meet with an actual queen or better still queen of hope.
Succinctly put, one of the most pleasant experiences in life is a sweet coincidence that actualizes your heart’s desire and this appropriately describes my Blackberry chat session, which connected me with someone I so cherished to meet but doubted ever meeting.

Nkiru Silvanus, a household name and one of the most popular and celebrated actresses in Nollywood sprung a surprise appearance with her cherubic beauty, which certainly is captivating and complemented by the very engaging and memorable roles she has fittingly played in top ranking movies such as “A Cry for Help”, “Divine Punishment”, “Cry Baby”, “Green Snake Under Green Grass”, “Annabelle and Evil Forest”, etc. It is therefore to be expected that such a role model will be swamped by numerous fans some of whom wittingly or otherwise will be lurking around to sweep her off her feet.

With such retinue of fans, supporters and admirers she is curiously not expected to have the time or patience for anyone including yours truly! This was a predicament and a pre-occupation that haunted my mind repeatedly and more so after watching her movies which are so much in high demand aired regularly on virtually all leading TV and cable channels. Despite the pain of unrequited admiration I remained literally hooked on Nkiru Silvanus, adoring her in my mind as a means of exclusive refreshment.

It must, however, be acknowledged that Nkiru Silvanus is not your typical Nollywood diva whose self-conscious indulgences for fame and fortune overwhelm their personalities and rob them of any distinguishing profile. Her choice of roles to play and the type of characters that she is at her best in, portraying her true nature, all indicate a refinement, a sense of mission and a more humane vision of an actor’s place in the society which is unique and superior. Without meeting her, I was completely convinced about her being such a special human being on a special mission to set the pace in a positive transformation of both acting and the world at large.

When earlier this year she was named the new Face of Hope in the charity concert organized by Rochas Foundation in support of the less privileged people I was thrilled at the recognition accorded the apple of my eyes. never be fulfilled! Nothing on earth could have raised my hopes of meeting Nkiru Silvanus that day as I browsed on my Blackberry and almost absent-mindedly joined an on-going chat session.

I started a dialogue with someone in the session named Kisil and got interested in chatting on but all the time presuming my chat partner to be another bored man seeking virtual company on the net. In fact at a point I referred to my partner as “bros”! But much later my heart almost leapt out of my chest when the soothing beauty image of Nkiru Silvanus emerged on the screen as the identity of my erstwhile chat partner and I couldn’t believe it was real until subsequent chats with her confirmed I had indeed finally and unexpectedly established not only contact but dialogue with the screen colossus!

Hardly had the ovation that greeted that experience died down when I found myself under the same roof with the shining silver a few weeks later. This time it was in far away London where I had gone for an official trip which afforded me the opportunity of attending the ZAFFA Awards for actors and actresses that have distinguished themselves in their chosen endeavor in Africa, and behold, under the dazzling lights of the hall stood the ravishing personality of Ble-Ble as she is fondly called by her fans, in apparent reference to her role in the popular movie Cry for Help. Radiating elegance, beauty and composure in her unique way!

From the distance, I fine-tuned my focus to capture a memorable cherished view of a most cherished person live and direct and not through the limited and edited TV screen. The protocol and the crowds at the event helped to accentuate her entry with a standing ovation, however yours truly was quite satisfied to make do with the “eye-service”, assuring myself slowly but surely, that at the next available opportunity, I shall have a closer contact that will expose her innermost modesty. Basking in the euphoria of that chanced meeting, I surprised her with a “welcome back” message on the precise day of her return which was quite amazing to her as she kept on wondering how I knew she was out and arriving then. Perhaps, to her, it must be one person with the power of clairvoyance or had the services of a crystal ball.

The string of coincidences and chance meetings that I have experienced in my on-going virtual voyage in meeting with the Nollywood star informed my decision to go public with my unfolding story. Far from any suggestions of obsession or other perverted interest in this gentle colossus of Nollywood, I have all along been captivated by a combination of all the fascinating facets of the ever-shy lady of modest background which defines her personality, popularity and perfectionist perspective on her outstanding acting career.

I cherish her because of her humanity and her humane concerns about the injustices, cruelties and several other inequities that abound in our culture and conduct. The finesse of her physique and natural beauty blend perfectly with her divinely-inspired world view as depicted by her career roles and active involvement in charitable activities of empathy and support for the less fortunate citizens all around us. I should be excused for expressing what I feel and stating it here for all to know that Nkiru Silvanus is the silver lining of Nollywood and the quintessential queen of hope! Bless you Nkiru, till we meet again!

•UMAR SANI is at 30, Panama Street, Ministers Hill, Off IBB Boulevard, Maitama, Abuja.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/abujareports/2010/nov/22/abujareports-22-11-2010-002.htm

The quest of the Igbo to ascend the presidency seat in 2015 brightened yesterday as facts emerged that the tribe may have extracted a commitment from President Goodluck Jonathan to handover power to them in 2015.
This much was revealed at a South-east Town Hall meeting held at the Nike Lake Hotel by prominent Igbo sons and daughters. The meeting aimed at drumming support for President Jonathan ahesd of the 2011 polls.

The meeting chaired by Justice Eze Ozobu (rtd), a former president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, saw Professor Anya O. Anya spilling the bean when he said he had evidence of the Igbo leaders meeting with the President, insisting that he would not be that foolish not to have seen what would be coming to Ndigbo in details before joining in the support for Jonathan in 2011.

Anya said those who knew him in the last 73 years knew that he would not come to stand in a podium to drum support for any politician if not for what was on the table, saying that he had come out and times had changed.
He pointed out that the situation in the country was not normal, saying that it was important that the Igbo began to think strategically and respond tactically now that the country was at a defining moment.

Anya noted that five years ago nobody would have believed that Jonathan would be President neither woud anyone from South-south zone, urged Ndigbo to support him in 2011 as that was the easiest way for the Igbo to clinch the presidency in 2015. The professor pointed out that Jonathan had been sworn in once as president and would only be sworn in again in 2011 according to the Constitution.

He, therefore, disclosed that they had evidence of their discussion with Jonathan on the 2011 Igbo presidency project, but said that “it was only a foolish family that discussed the secret of the family meeting in a public place.”
Anya said the South/North rotation of the presidency had long died in 1914, saying rotation among the six geo-political zones of the country is more appropriate.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Igbo, comprising political, social, opinion leaders, activists and other citizens of the South-east said: “The Igbo nation believes in, have worked for and shall always support all peoples, leaders and forces that promote the ideals of our nation as a country that offers security; political, economic and social justice to all its citizens and constituent units.

“We urge our leaders and polity to pursue peace and unity, embrace faith and progress through sustained principles and policies – of power and practices – that advance justice; and that seek to specifically redress past and present imbalance in our national affairs; to ensure fair representation and access to national power of all groups in Nigeria .
“We particularly welcome all proposals in trend and under discussion to specifically address the place and future of the Igbo in national politics in 2011 and beyond.

“However, the town hall believes that the only lasting recipe to tame the struggle for power in Nigeria and make our politics more gentle; would be a constitutional provision that guarantees the rotation of power between the zones of Nigeria. In fact, the need to rotate power in Nigeria is now a settled issue; but the implementation remains problematic, hence the current balance.

“We believe that rotation of power should be conducted on the basis of existing geo-political zones; and not on the pre-1914 North-South divide. Furthermore, the principle of rotation of power should be binding on all political parties as a reflection of the unique history, needs and imperatives of the Nigerian federation. “Henceforth, rotation of power should be designed to immediately accommodate the zone that has not exercised the power of the presidency and then, it should next continue to those that have exercised such powers for the least periods of the time in the past.

“This means that the South-South should be supported for the presidency in 2011, and that South-East should follow next. This is the position of most of our leaderships, Ohaneze Ndigbo, as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, and most Igbo.”

Other prominent Igbo leaders at the meeting included former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe; former Aviation Minister, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi; for PDP guber candidate in Abia, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; former Information Minister, Chief Nnia John Nwodo; former FCT Minister, Chief Chuka Odum; former NMA MD, Chief Ferdinand Agu; Prof Sam Ukpabi, Chief Tony Emekam, Chief Ugochukwu Agballa, Senator Emma Anosike, among many others.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/nov/22/national-22-11-2010-003.htm

Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi has called on natives of the state resident outside the state to partner with his administration to develop the state. Obi made the call at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa Lagos at a special dinner meeting with Ndi Anambra in Lagos at the weekend.

The dinner, an initiative of the Anambra Investicorp and the League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) was geared towards mobilizing indigenes of the state outside the state, especially those in the private sector to start investing in the economy of the state.

Governor Obi who addressed the people on the activities of his government said Anambra State under his watch in the past four years had made remarkable progress and called Ndi Anambra living in the Diaspora to partner with the government to enhance developmental efforts of his administration.

He said though there were enormous developmental challenges when he assumed office in 2006, things were changing for the better in the state. According to him, the government apart from addressing the problems in the educational sector had equally improved the sector leading to the accreditation of health institutions in the state.
Speaking further, Obi said, Anambra was the only state that had` adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). That he said, the stated was pursuing through its Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS).
Besides, the governor said his administration had developed master plans for Awka, Ontisha and Nnewi, which are the three main towns in the state.

He appealed to Anambra indigenes in Lagos to complement the efforts of his administration in its developmental drive by setting up cottage industries in the state. He promised that the state government would support any industrialist willing to build industry in the state. The Anambra State chief executive said that apart from providing land for the industrialist, the government would also would also build a road to the industry and provide water.
“What I am saying is that you should support the state government. You should return home and invest. Our doors are open. We are ready to listen. Anybody interested in building industry should come. I will support the person.
“I will build road and water to support any industrialist,” he stated.

Responding to a question on security challenge in the state, the governor said things were getting better. He pointed out that Anambra indigenes resident in Lagos contributed immensely to improve the security situation in Lagos State. He said that they could do it for their home state by thinking home in their investment. Earlier in a welcome address, Dr Cosmas Maduka, who chaired the event, said the problem with Nigeria was the sharing of the national cake. He stated that Nigerian leaders were more concerned with the sharing of the national cake, instead of how the cake would be baked.

According to him, “ the problem of Nigeria is sharing of the national cake. Most of the leaders have paid undue emphasis on the sharing of the cake, and less emphasis to the baking of the cake on individual and corporate level.”
Maduka urged Anambra indigenes in Lagos to always identify with the state and their communities. He pointed out that they could never divorce themselves from the success and failure of the state. He said all hands must be on deck to develop and transform Anambra State and make it a modern state that would be one of the best in the country.

“We cannot continue to run away from Anambra,” he added. The event was attended by the captains of industry, professionals in various fields of endeavor and the crème of Anambra state resident in Lagos.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/nov/22/national-22-11-2010-011.htm

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in Anambra state Chief Uchenna Okoli has pledged his support for the state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi over the postponement of the earlier proposed local government elections in the state.

Okoli, who also aspires to be Chairman of Aguata Local Government, told Daily Sun in Lagos that “Governor Peter Obi, I know, will not take any step without putting the interest of his good people in mind.”

According to him, the shift might not be unconnected with preparation for new voters’ register by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards the 2011 general election, stressing the importance of such a document for the much desired free, fair and credible election in the country.

The chairmanship aspirant who appealed to the people of the state for understanding reasoned that “what is worth doing at all is worth doing well,” enthusing that “the third tier of government in the state would soon have democratically elected executive leaders.”
While urging the aspirants to entertain a little more patience and go about their preparations peacefully, Okoli also advised the government to step up efforts at sensitising the populace about policies that have direct bearing on the people to avoid unnecessary anxiety apprehension.

The APGA chieftain then seized the opportunity to commend the state governor Peter Obi for his good job that he said has been transforming the state asserting that “even a blind man can feel the impact of the performing governor across the length and breadth of the state.”

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/nov/22/national-22-11-2010-021.htm

AS part of preparations for free and fair polls in 2011, the Independent National Electoral Commission has concluded plans to install Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in polling units.

It will, however, not be in all the 120,000 polling units but in critical units where malpractices are likely to occur.

It was learnt that over 12,000 units might be affected nationwide.

Since 1999, Nigerians have been voting in 120,000 polling units with the voting population between 56million and 62million.

About 56million Nigerians actually voted during the 2007 elections which were rated as "flawed" by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

The breakdown of the 120,000 polling units nationwide is as follows: Abia (2678); Adamawa (2612); Akwa Ibom (2982); Anambra (4623); Bauchi (4074); Bayelsa (1805); Benue (3691); Borno (3933); Cross River (2283); Delta (3625); Ebonyi (1784); Edo (2629); Ekiti (2195); Enugu (2958); Gombe (2218); Imo (3522); Jigawa (3527); Kaduna (5108); Kano (8074); Katsina (4897); Kebbi (2398); Kogi (2548); Kwara (1872); Lagos (8465); Nassarawa (1495); Niger (3188); Ogun (3221); Ondo (3009); Osun (3010); Oyo (4783); Plateau (2631); Rivers (4441); Sokoto (3035); Taraba (1911); Yobe (1714); Zamfara (2410) and FCT (562).

Past experience of outright rigging through the stuffing of ballot boxes, declaration of poll results without voting, snatching of ballot boxes, and many forms of malpractice in some states as reflected in verdicts by Election Petitions Tribunals and security reports are guiding INEC to give CCTV system a trial.

Also, it was discovered that although about 40 to 41 per cent of population in most states voted during general elections, the 2007 poll reflected 70 to 80 per cent voting in some states.

According to findings, INEC had initially planned to reduce the polling units but this was suspended when Prof. Attahiru Jega came on board because of time constraint and the distraction the reduction could cause for the electoral body.

INEC is contemplating "the use of CCTV cameras in critical polling units based on intelligence reports from security agencies."

A highly-placed source in the commission, who spoke in confidence, said: "We may use CCTV cameras in some strategic polling units but it will not be in all the 120,000 units. We cannot afford the logistics.

"The whole idea is to make every vote to count. The era of stuffing ballot boxes, scaring away voters from exercising their rights, or unleashing mayhem on innocent Nigerians is gone.

"We have not identified the polling units that might be affected but they will certainly cut across all the six geopolitical zones in the country.

"The intelligence service is already assisting in isolating or identifying the critical polling units and the affected states after which INEC will decide how to go about it.

"We are looking at about five to 10 per cent of the nation’s polling units at the pioneer stage. Some are even suggesting a pilot plan of about two to three per cent of the polling units. And these CCTV cameras will be strategically installed in such a manner that nobody will know except INEC and security agencies.

"If we succeed with this pilot scheme in critical areas, it will assist in future polls. Also, we would have laid the foundation for e-voting process in the country."

The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Publicity, Chief Solomon Soyebi, confirmed the plan.

He said: "We are just trying to explore the possibility of using the CCTV cameras at the next polls in specific units.

"If we are going to use the CCTV cameras, it will not be in all the 120,000 polling units because it is capital intensive and it is electricity and technology-driven.

"So, we are considering this option but there is no concrete decision on it yet."

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said: "The commission, of course, has a comprehensive plan to monitor proceedings at the polling units towards ensuring the integrity of the process.

"Part of the plan is the installation of CCTV cameras. Do not forget that the Chairman of INEC has said plans are under way to establish an electronic, real-time monitoring of the voters’ registration and elections with the possibility of integrating high quality video."

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/19607.html