₦airaland Forum

“The heights by great men reached and kept were not
Attained by sudden flight, but they, while their
Companions slept, were toiling upwards
In the night”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow [1907 – 1882]
THIS quote is very apt and best described the Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Chukwuemeka Ngozicheneke Wogu, CON who has distinguished himself as a member of the Federal Executive Council of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for two consecutive terms.
His appointment as Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity must have been a divine ordination to coincide with deepening global financial and economic crisis. He is indeed a gift to all Nigerian workers.
Chief Wogu was born on the 29th day of January 1965 in Umuahia Abia State South East of Nigeria. He enrolled and completed both Primary and Secondary Schools. Chief Wogu proceeded to the then Imo State University for his legal study, and finished in 1986 and proceeded to the Nigeria Law School in 1987.
In preparation for the onerous task he is now saddled with, Chief Emeka Wogu was appointed a two-term Commissioner, at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission [RMAFC]. Where he served as one of the longest serving Commissioners, on the Board of the Commission. His assignments and responsibilities at the Commission honed his dispute resolution skills and sharpened his capacity to constructively engage on various national socio_economic issues.
The Administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR must have seen these sterling qualities, experience and credentials before reappointing the Aba-born arbitrator to be in charge of the teaming workforce of the federation. No wonder he is at home with reconciling the various conflicting labour management interest, conciliating, mediating and resolving disputes at the workplace to guarantee the nation industrial peace and harmony for economic growth and prosperity.
As a fellow of the chartered Nigeria Institute of Management, Chief Wogu has mastered the fine principles of conflict management and succeeded in institutionalising the concept and practice of social dialogue and consultation among the three social partners. As an impartial arbiter and strong advocate of ‘decent work and social protection’, the Honourable Minister was a member of the committee that negotiated and processed for enactment a new National Minimum Wage Act after 10 years.
The debate, rugged negotiation and understanding that culminated in the new wage regime are glowing testimonies to Chief Wogu’s commitment to uplifting the general welfare of Nigerian workers.
In the task of nation building through appropriate policy formulation and implementation, Chief Emeka Wogu has made his mark as evidenced in his role in the recently initiated removal of subsidy in the Premium Motor Spirit [PMS] policy of the federal government. He reasoned, dialogued and engaged the organised labour on the expected benefits of the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. While sharing due understanding on the anticipated short-term pains of the policy implementation, the Minister repeatedly appealed to members of his immediate constituent to trust government and give the policy chance to yield the envisaged massive derivatives.
It is on record that during his tenure as the Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity that pay relativity in salaries of the Federal Civil Servants have been restored.
This has put to rest the age-long struggles in the Service. Also to his credit is the enactment of the Employee’s Compensation Act 2010 which is an additional social protection floor for all workers who may sustain injury at the workplace. Under his leadership, a National Productivity Policy is at its final stage of approval and implementation.
National Policy on Productivity Measurement, legislative in the Oil and Gas industry with respect to casual and contract staffing, local content policy on employment among others.
At the international fora, Chief Emeka Wogu led Nigeria’s delegations to International Labour Organization Conferences [ILC] and other African Regional Labour Summits. His dream to create jobs and source for technical support in the area of job creation resulted in the visit of ILO Director of Employment Mr. Manuel Salazar to the country late last year. Chief Wogu did not forget the adage that “charity begins at home”.
Under his able leadership, the Headquarter of the Ministry is wearing a new look. He has provided basic working facilities, extra office accommodation for staff and a great deal of other incentives increase such as capacity building to improve staff productivity.
He was able to accomplish all these through the support and cooperation of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Anthony Ozodinobi, Directors, Heads of Parastals and the entire staff members of the Ministry who stood by him during the trying days of national strikes and lockouts.
The entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity as well as the workforce of Nigeria celebrate with our own high-flier on the occasion marking the celebration of your 47th Birthday
Mr. SAMUEL OLOWOOKERE, asst. dir.(Press) wrote from Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. culled from thejuristlaws..com

ABA—ABIA State government yesterday assured that it would complete the new Government House, international conference centre, secretariat, roads, and other projects already initiated by the present administration before its termination in 2015.
The government also promised to revive moribund industries to create jobs for teeming youths, as well as generate more revenue for its operations.
Permanent Secretary, Government House, Umuahia, Mr Nwachukwu Agomuo, disclosed this to newsmen while dispelling insinuations that the state government was embarking on white elephant projects that might be abandoned at the expiration of its tenure,
Agomuo said: “That is one thing with human beings, when not much was being done, they complained that nothing is happening.
“Now when much is being done, people are already complaining that this present government won’t be able to complete the projects.”
He stated that the governor had his plans and was bent on completing whatever project he initiated.
“For the governor to have woken up and decided to build a Government House, state secretariat, an international conference centre and other numerous road projects across the three senatorial zones of the state, you should understand that the man has his plans all these years and had been tinkering, not minding the problems he had in the beginning of his first term.
“Initially, he said he was in a hurry to develop the state and so should be given a credit. Let them complain that we have so much we are doing and Ochendo will deliver on them all at the specified time,” he said.
On the moribund industries in the state, Barrister Agomuo stated that the state government had set a machinery in motion to reactivate many of them.
He disclosed that a Malaysian firm had almost completed arrangement with the state government, through the state Ministry of Agriculture, to revive Ogwe Golden Chicken and palm industries in the state.
Agomuo stated that the state government would continue to create the enabling conducive environment for all investors in the state, stressing that “the government has no business in business but to make the state an investment heaven for all investors.” culled from thejuristlaws..com

”We are angry and strongly condemn the spate of killings going on in the country, especially as it affects Ndigbo”. South East Leaders
”We are angry and strongly condemn the spate of killings going on in the country, especially as it affects Ndigbo”. South East Leaders

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY SOUTH-EAST LEADERS AFTER THEIR

MEETING AT ENUGU ON THE 28TH OF JANUARY, 2012

”"

The South-East Leaders rose from a meeting held in Enugu on Saturday, January 28, 2012 and took the following decisions:



(1) We are angry and strongly condemn the spate of killings going on in the country, especially as it affects Ndigbo. We, however, commend the efforts of the Federal Government in containing the situation.



(2) We have set up a Committee to monitor the development as it unfolds and advise on future actions.



(3) We assure our people living in the North and other parts of the country that we are in constant touch with the various State Governments to ensure the security of their lives and property.

culled from www.abiastate.gov.ng

”We are angry and strongly condemn the spate of killings going on in the country, especially as it affects Ndigbo”. South East Leaders
”We are angry and strongly condemn the spate of killings going on in the country, especially as it affects Ndigbo”. South East Leaders

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY SOUTH-EAST LEADERS AFTER THEIR

MEETING AT ENUGU ON THE 28TH OF JANUARY, 2012

”"

The South-East Leaders rose from a meeting held in Enugu on Saturday, January 28, 2012 and took the following decisions:



(1) We are angry and strongly condemn the spate of killings going on in the country, especially as it affects Ndigbo. We, however, commend the efforts of the Federal Government in containing the situation.



(2) We have set up a Committee to monitor the development as it unfolds and advise on future actions.



(3) We assure our people living in the North and other parts of the country that we are in constant touch with the various State Governments to ensure the security of their lives and property.

culled from www.abiastate.gov.ng

Abia State Governor has consoled the Acting Inspector General of Police over the death of his wife.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, Chief
Orji described the death as painful. Chief Orji said that it is
disheartening that she died at a time the husband needed her motherly
care at the home front. Abia State Governor urged the Inspector
General of Police to bear the loss with fortitude.

In the same vein the Governor has condoled Hon. Emeka Stanley, former
House of Representative member on the death of the wife recently. The
Governor prayed God to continue to give Hon. Stanley the strength to
face this critical time in the family. He described death as an
inevitable end that every living being will experience one day.
UGOCHUKWU EMEZUE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
culled from http://www.abiastate.gov.ng

Abia State Governor has consoled the Acting Inspector General of
Police over the death of his wife.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, Chief
Orji described the death as painful. Chief Orji said that it is
disheartening that she died at a time the husband needed her motherly
care at the home front. Abia State Governor urged the Inspector
General of Police to bear the loss with fortitude.

In the same vein the Governor has condoled Hon. Emeka Stanley, former
House of Representative member on the death of the wife recently. The
Governor prayed God to continue to give Hon. Stanley the strength to
face this critical time in the family. He described death as an
inevitable end that every living being will experience one day.
UGOCHUKWU EMEZUE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

The Governor of Abia State was today ,commissioned 17 buses for Abia Line Network to improve on transportation system in the state. He also gave brand new vehicles to the LG chairmen and their deputies to enable them facilitate the run of official duties their various in the councils. In addtion to that, he made fund available for the 17 LG chairmen for the grading of roads and construction of culverts in the local communities to create access roads to the farmlands and streams in the communities.With utmost commitment ,he vouch to do more if all appointees put in their best in discharging off their duties.

the movement for abia re-union is quite a big organization with a massive set-goal, the distinguished personalities in the mainstream , their agenda is a grand resource tohat will help bring abia to a strong-knitted form of unionism.thanks to this gathering of elite, abia is great!

Abia Sports boss commends Enyimba
Abia State Director of Sports, Mr Ejikeme Ikwunze, has commended Enyimba for their impressive start to the season.
Enyimba are one of only three teams with a hundred percent record in the 2011/2012 Nigeria Premier League season after victories over ABS FC and Sharks.
The state sports boss told EnyimbaFC.net in an exclusive chat that he was delighted with how well the team have flagged off their campaign.
"I am happy with Enyimba for securing two straight victories," he said. "It's the perfect response after what happened last year."
"The important thing now is to maintain this momentum and get positive results away from home. This is what the team needs so they can emerge champions at the end of the day and return to the continent.
"It is good to win at home but they must get good results on the road to consolidate their standing on the table. If they do this, I tell you, they would be unstoppable."
He equally commended the club Chairman, Felix Anyansi Agwu for his great leadership qualities and urged him not to relent in his quest to guide Enyimba to more glories.
"He [Anyansi Agwu] has been fantastic. He has done an excellent job and Enyimba's achievements over the years are there to prove it," Ikwunze said.
The Sports Director, popularly known as Mr. Football, further thanked the Abia State Governor, Chief T. A. Orji for his tremendous support of the club, saying: "Enyimba are where they are right now due to how well the Governor has stood by the club. I must thank him immensely."
He finally called on every member of the club to remain strong and work hard to ensure the team returns to the top at the end of the season. CULLED FROM the juristlaws..com

AS an ardent reader of a column written by a former Southeast governor published every Saturday in a national newspaper allegedly owned by the former governor, the first thing I do Saturday morning is log on and read the column.

What is my interest in the column? Apart from being a Nigerian living abroad from Abia State, I am not only interested about events in Nigeria, particularly from my state but was about this columnist former governor.

One of the articles recently published in the column on Saturday January 21 titled “Paying Back Evil For Good” makes interesting read. At a first reading, one could know that the details in the copy were not factual but a mere fabrication, shocking and revealed the lamentations and confession of a man who had every opportunity for eight years to write his name in gold as leader of the people, but failed to do so, only to now become more philosophical and moralistic than the Pope, looking for whom to blame for his self-inflicted political woes.

The article which was full of innuendos, parables and teachings on betrayals of life was amusing and brought out the agony of man who is out of power, but instead of lying low, decided to expose the intrigues of the game he was a guru in. It is a crying shame that this governor columnist before now did not know that the only thing that is constant in life is change. Though, there were no name calling, but insinuations were made against those he believed had betrayed him after helping them. And the question is who betrayed who and why? That is if is any betrayal.

For eight good years, he was in-charge in a State as number one citizen, but instead of using the opportunity to better the lot of the people, the period and public resources was used to build a family political dynasty and the people were betrayed and impoverished.

Political propaganda, blackmail and gangsterism were the order of the day in the state. It was war of words everyday with the central authority while the state bled. Crisis within was overwhelming. Brothers could not see each other, how much more sit down to discuss or proffer solutions on how to move the state forward. Those in government were like rubber stamps without clear roles or functions.

Today however, this is not the case because the story is different. Comparing today and yesterday in the state is like comparing light and darkness. Apart from the massive infrastructure projects that have been completed and ongoing across the state which I saw during my visit at Christmas, there is peace and stability in my state now.

Our brothers and sisters are coming home more often unlike in the past and they are now sitting down to brainstorm on the way forward for the state. Who thought such was possible given the pervading environment at the time? All these were not possible in the past, because the state treasury and paraphernalia of power were in the hands of the family dynasty built and led by the now conquered mother Excellency ably assisted by the son.

So, who betrayed who? It is obvious now that our dear governor columnist has realised his mistakes, but instead of asking for forgiveness from God and those he betrayed, he took it to the village square. His is like the case of Okon who went around telling everyone what the villagers had done to him but refused to tell his listeners what he did to the villagers. He spoke about an agreement that was reached and breached? What agreement was this? Did it have a legal backing? Was it in the public good? He is the columnist.

If he is courageous enough, let him tell the public the nature of the agreement. Which confrontational approach is being referred to in the article? It is obvious to the people that confrontational approach has been tried against the present government in the state by forces against the people, but it failed because the government was able to match force with force.

For now, there is no hiding place for those who betrayed the people and the state for eight years and still have the guts to shamelessly shout on the roof top about betrayal. But for the leniency and humility of the present government in the state, a probe would have been made into the affairs of the state in the past administration and many would have been cooling off in jail now.

The possibility of one walking freely on the streets of the state now was made possible by the present government. It was not possible for the past government to provide such opportunity for their perceived enemies then who were chased out of the state for long till the present government extended an olive branch which they crabbed with both hands. One should ask why majority of those chased out of the state in the past by that government see reasons to identify with the present government in the state? This is enough evidence that there was a cog in the wheel of progress in the state which has been identified and taken care of for the good of the majority.

It is not betrayal, rather it is a right decision supported and applauded by the people, because government is nobody’s private or family empire as was the case. The people have the freedom and right to ask questions now without fear of state power being unleash on them like before now. So when one betrays oneself, one should carry the burden alone and avoid looking for whom to go down with, as the Holy book says, salvation is a personal race; or as one makes his bed, so he lies on it. CULLED FROM VANGUARD

OLUSOLA FABIYI writes that the nationwide strike that followed the Federal Government’s removal of petroleum subsidy might have exposed Nigeria as a country of divergent opinions

Second Republic is dead, but the memories of some actions of the politicians and political parties that played active roles during the ill-fated democracy would not be forgotten in a hurry. The slogan of the ruling party then, the National Party of Nigeria was: One Nation, One Destiny.”

However, the last strike and protests called by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, which was supported by the civil society groups, may have shown that Nigerians, though in one nation, have their different destinies. Agreeably, majority of the people would have thought that the protests, which were occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petrol, would be resisted by people from the six-geo political zones of the country. Such thought, according to Emeka Kalu, an engineer, was further fueled with the fact that Nigerians, no matter their status, region or tribe, patronise the same market to purchase goods. “After all, a musician waxed a record, in which he said this,” Kalu further explained.

It was probably based on such hypothesis that protesters trooped out in large number during the protests in some zones, while in others, sympathisers of government at the centre either stayed indoors or even organised their own protests to show support for the government.

Thus, in the whole of the South-West and the entire four zones in the northern part of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the strike was described as total. Economic and social activities were paralyzed. Rallies were also held to denounce the government’s action. In Lagos, the rallies and the protests assumed a carnival-like dimension as musicians, actors and actresses mounted the stage to add colour to the demonstrations. The entertainers, who hitherto saw President Goodluck Jonathan as the messiah derided him by calling him unprintable names. The convener of Save Nigeria Group, who was also a vice-presidential candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change during the last presidential election, Pastor Tunde Bakare, was visible at the event. His overbearing presence at the rallies made the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, to say that the protesters were members of Bakare’s Latter Rain Assembly Church.

Kuku and those who had such impression must have been stunned when the Muslims leaders led their members to Ojota, venue of the rallies for their jumat prayers. After listening to the sermon, the Muslims, who were supported by their Christian brothers and sisters, then went on their knees, for prayers. In Gombe, Kano, Ilorin, Lokoja, Yola, the situation was almost the same: protesters trooped out in large number to register their displeasure over the government’s action.

But the residents of Bayelsa, the home State of the President, shunned civil society groups’ protest. The civil society groups under the aegis of Civil Liberties Organisation in the state had called for public protest and had even gone ahead to sensitise the public not to sit on the fence but to come out en masse to protest against the Federal Government’s policy, which they considered as “anti Nigerian people.”

While the leaders of the civil society groups in the state blamed the failure of the street protest to hold on the refusal of the police to grant them permit for the rally, a senior police source dismissed the claim as untrue, saying the command even deployed policemen to provide the civil society groups protection, which informed the presence of security operatives at take off point of the rally and other strategic locations in the state capital so as to prevent miscreants from hijacking the process. It was, however, learnt that the President’s men succeeded in infiltrating the rank of the anti subsidy removal camp and the result was the failure of residents to turn out for the rally.

It was not only in Bayelsa State, where ethnicity reason prevailed. The President’s fellow Ijaw man and a former militant, Asari Dokubo, who is from Rivers State, led a peaceful rally of a small crowd, threatening to defend the position of President Jonathan. He said if PENGASSAN carried out its threat to shut oil production, he would rally former militants to take over and ensure that PENGASSAN did not return. In the estimation of the former militant, the move by many Nigerians against the FG was meant to discriminate against the leadership of a helpless minority of Ijaw decent. He ((Dokubo) threatened to personally spearhead the region’s mass protest to defend their son from the arrogant northern majority whom he claimed wanted to make the country ungovernable.

Also, a coalition that called itself Deltans Occupy Niger Delta Resources, in a communiqué, said it would take its resources back, by all legal means available to it. The release signed by Ankios Briggs, President Agape Birthrights and convener of NDONDR reads, “Niger Delta and oil resources found in the Niger Delta belong to Niger Delta people. All resources found in any other region of Nigeria belong to the people of such region. We call on all our Niger Delta people, for the sake of our future to look to our nearest neighbours, the Igbo for immediate and strong alliance, to enable the Niger Delta nations and the Igbo nation to face the obvious change that will come to Nigeria, in strength, justice, brotherhood and truth. If Jonathan, a Niger Delta son, is not good enough to govern Nigeria, the oil in his Niger Delta is not good enough for Nigeria. If the Niger Delta people are not good enough to be part of good governance in Nigeria then our oil and gas of the Niger Delta peoples is not good enough for Nigeria.”

Some ex-militants, who were known to fight on the side of the people before carrots began to drop from the government table, also stormed Yenagoa and protested along the Major Chief Melford Okilo way in total support of the FG’s action.

Before then, some prominent people from the South-South also took sides with government on the matter and even alleged a plot to assassinate the President and some eminent persons in his administration. The Ijaw leaders, under the aegis of South-South Leaders’ Forum, led by Chief Edwin Clark, met with a resolve to queue behind Jonathan on the removal of fuel subsidy while they accused anti-subsidy promoters from other regions of the country of plotting the downfall of their kinsman.

It was however gathered that the people of the South-East were persuaded to stay-off the streets during the protests with the hope that Jonathan would hand over to an indigene of the zone in 2015.

A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Tam David-West and the Action Congress of Nigeria however expressed their worry over the ethnicisation of the protests. David-West particularly said that it was wrong for some Ijaw leaders and persons from the Niger Delta to conclude that resistance against fuel subsidy removal was aimed at frustrating and possibly ousting President Jonathan. David-West, who described the fuel subsidy issue as a national one, reminded those who ascribed ethnic meaning to the strike, to recall that the President did not win the April 2011 election with only the votes from the Niger-Delta and the Ijaw. He said, “What they are doing is not good for the image of the President. Those protesting on the basis of ethnicity are merely interested in the money they can make from the president and also seeking relevance. Jonathan is the president of Nigeria and not the Ijaw. Jonathan only got 24 per cent of his votes from the South-South. He is able to occupy Aso Rock because of the votes from other parts of Nigeria. There is a serious need for people to be circumspect at this critical moment.”

The Action Congress of Nigeria, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, decried those reading ethnic meanings into the protests. The party said it was unfortunate that the President “that was purportedly given a pan-Nigeria mandate only a few months back is now being made to look more and more like a South-South President, who must be ‘protected’ by his ‘supporters and kinsmen’ against failed politicians from the other regions, forgetting that the same President won the last election because of the support of the other regions that are now been demonised.”

Bakare was particularly criticised for leading the protest in Lagos, and it was alleged that the protests he led were sponsored by some individuals. But the non-conformist cleric described the allegation as a misplaced propaganda, adding that it was not the first time that SNG would lead protests against unjust acts in the nation. He reminded Nigerians about the rallies the group staged to protest the denial of Jonathan the opportunity to act as President in 2010, when his late boss then, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua was terminally sick. But the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Alkali, said Bakare should no longer be looked at from the angle of being a pastor. “In the past, he belonged to SNG. Today as you know him in the political circle, he has ceased from being the Pastor he was because he was a vice- presidential candidate of CPC, that was defeated in the last general election by the PDP. He is a voice of CPC.” He said the PDP would not sit by and allow failed politicians misinforming innocent Nigerians. SOURCE>> PUNCHNEWSONLINE

visit abia state official website to see fundable projects that are being carried out by the abia state govt , >> http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/category/news/open-data/

Novak Djokovic (left) embraces Rafael Nadal at the net after the men’s final match of the Australian Open on Sunday

Novak Djokovic wore down Rafael Nadal in the longest Grand Slam singles final ever, winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 after 5 hours, 53 minutes to claim his third Australian Open title.

Djokovic wrapped it up at 1:37 a.m. local time on Monday, becoming the fifth man since the Open Era began in 1968 to win three straight Grand Slam finals.

Minutes earlier, at 4-4 in an electrifying fifth set, an exhausted Djokovic collapsed with his arms and legs spread wide after losing a 31-shot rally—the longest of the match. He seemed barely able to pick himself and his racket up, but he somehow lifted himself for one last effort, beating Nadal for the seventh time in a final since March.

The 24-year-old Djokovic tore off his shirt in celebration. He went to his support camp and repeatedly thumped the side of the arena in front of them in delight and relief.

As the players waited for the trophy presentation, Nadal leaned on the net, while Djokovic sat on his haunches. Eventually, a nearby official brought them chairs and water.

“We made history tonight and unfortunately there couldn’t be two winners,” said Djokovic, the winner of five Grand Slam titles and four of the last five majors.

Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Rod Laver are the only players to win three consecutive Grand Slam finals since 1968.

Nadal became the first man in the Open Era to lose three straight major finals. He was beaten in four sets by Djokovic at last year’s Wimbledon and U.S. Open.

“I think we played a great tennis match. I enjoyed being part of this event and this match,” Nadal said. “I am not happy to lose the final, yes, but that’s one of the losses that I am happier (about) in my career.”

Having reduced Roger Federer to tears when he won the title over five sets in 2009, Nadal managed to maintain his composure during the on-court speeches— and even managed a joke.

“Good morning, everybody,” Nadal said, earning laughs and loud applause from the crowd. “Congratulations to Novak and his team. They deserve it. They are doing something fantastic, so congratulations.”SOURCE >> PUNCHNEWSONLINE

South East political leaders rose from their meeting with the governors of the zone yesterday with a three-point communiqué condemning the spate of killings of Igbos in the northern parts of the country. However, Sunday Sun gathered that the meeting wasn’t exactly smooth, as the house couldn’t agree on the issues raised on the violence that has led to the displacement of Igbos living in some northern states.

Our source that was at the meeting lamented the cowardly stand of some of those who attended the meeting. “It was obvious that some people came to the meeting just to protect the federal government because of their political appointments. They came to protect Jonathan not their kinsmen. Our people are suddenly stranded and are now refugees in their own country.

You would have thought that a meeting of leaders and elders in the region would be talking about how to evacuate their endangered kinsmen from the North and a warning to the federal government. But no, they were all talking politics. It’s a shame and that was why the communiqué was short and watery.”

In a three-point communique read to newsmen by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra, the leaders said though they were angry with the development, they commended federal government’s efforts in containing the situation.
Obi announced the setting up of an advisory committee that’ll monitor developments as it unfolds and advise on future actions. “We assure our people living in the North and other parts of the country that we are in constant touch with the various state governments to ensure the security of their lives and property.”

Throwing more light on the closed door meeting, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria,CAN, South East, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, said the meeting was timely and he was happy that leaders in the region were finally speaking up.“We are very angry and the country must not take us for a ride. This is the time we must protect our image and we are letting the country know that we belong to this nation. We don’t want Nigeria to break up but we need to feel a sense of belonging.”

“Our people must be free to exercise their rights wherever they are. We want security to be tightened so we can feel safe anywhere we are. The carnage must stop.“That’s what we are saying, we are angry and we have set up a committee to monitor the situation and let the President know that we are angry. We have given him every support and we should not be marginalized or treated like people who don’t belong to this nation.”

Those at the Nike Lake meeting were the five governors of the zone, Mr. Peter Obi, Anambra, Chief Rochas Okorocha, Imo, Sullivan Chime Enugu, Martin Elechi Ebonyi and T. A Orji of Abia State. Others include former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme, National Chairman of APGA Chief Victor Umeh, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, former governor of Anambra State Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Others were Senator Ben Obi, Deputy Speaker in the House of Representative, Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Uche Chukwumerije, Chris Ngige, Paulinus Igwenweagu from Ebonyi, Christy Anyanwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chairman CAN South East Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, PDP National Vice Chairman South East Chief Olisah Metu, Professor Chinedu Nebo, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Bob Ogbuagu, Amb Ralph Uwechue, Barth Nnaji, Ebito Ukiwe, professor Joe Irukwu, Prof. Ben Obumselu, Emeka Anyoku, and Minister of Labour Emeka Nwogu, Chief Bob Ogbuagu, Speakers of the five States of the zone led by Enugu Speaker Rt. Hon Eugene Odo, Dr. Anagha Ezeikpe, HRH Dr. Agom Eze, Igwe Alfred Achebe among others.CULLED FROM thejursitlaws..com

TO achieve effective community policing and check the current security situation in the country, Abia State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Umeh Kalu, has advised the federal government to allow state police.
Speaking with The Nation in Umuahia, Kalu said governors are not in charge of the state in terms of security, which is why there are various security problems across the country, as they depend on the state police commissioners who must take orders from the Inspector-General of Police before acting.
Kalu noted that, “The state governors are not truly the state chief security officers of their different states and the only way to ensure they are really in-charge of their states is to allow state police to exist, which will make them to be fully in-charge for security to be effectives in their states”.
He said that the federal government police will always be there and be allowed to exist side by side with the state police, pointing out that they will complement each other, while security situation in the country will be greatly improved.
On the fear that governors may abuse state police, Kalu said “the governors will never abuse the usage of the state police, the state houses of assembly will always be there to monitor their activities and ensure compliancy”.
The Abia state judiciary boss said the courts in the state have been computerised, stressing that it has helped the judiciary to be up and doing unlike what has been happening before now and that it is very easy for the workers to access materials for any court case.CULLED FROM thejuristlaws..com

”South-East Governors are quite sensitive to the plight of Ndigbo residing outside the South-East” Gov.T.A Orji
”South-East Governors are quite sensitive to the plight of Ndigbo residing outside the South-East” Gov.T.A Orji
Abia State Governor Chief T. A. Orji says that contrary to
insinuations in some quarters, South-East Governors are quite
sensitive to the plight of Ndigbo residing outside the South-East. The
Governor who spoke in Abuja against the backdrop of the recent
killings of Igbos in the North argued that South-East Governors are
working with their northern counterparts to resolve these issues.
In a statement, by the Chief Press Secretary Ugochukwu Emezue,
Governor Orji hinted that the South-East Governors are also in touch
with town union leaders in the North over the matter.
Governor T.A Orji cautioned against inflammatory statements that may not be in the interest of the Igbos and the nation.
Chief Orji assured the Northerners in the South-East of their safety.
The governor while welcoming the Acting Inspector General Mohammed
Dikko Abubakar on board tasked him on the state of insecurity in the
land, urging him to go the extra mile to checkmate the activities of
Boko Haram.
UGOCHUKWU EMEZUE
Chief Press Secretary CULLED FROM http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/2012/01/south-east-governors-are-quite-sensitive-to-the-plight-of-ndigbo-residing-outside-the-south-east-gov-t-a-orji/

THE GOVERNMENT OF ABIA STATE IS CONTINUESLY CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIFUL TASK ,EXECUTING PROJECTS THAT WILL BENEFIT ABIANS.visit the abia state official website, whttp://www.abiastate.gov.ng, to learn more about the massive projects going on in abia state

The National Economic Council (NEC) Thursday reached an agreement with the Federal Government to refund about N350 billion owed states for the construction and maintenance of federal roads across the country.
To facilitate the exercise, the Council directed the Federal Ministry of Works to speed up the verification and harmonisation of the claims so that the Federal Government could raise the money for the payment.
Briefing journalists after its meeting, Governors Theodore Orji of Abia State, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, and Shehu Shema of Katsina said the meeting agreed that the verification was to ensure that states were reimbursed their expenditure on federal roads.
“In the effort towards ensuring better maintenance of roads across the country, the Federal Government has mandated the Federal Ministry of Works to speed up work on the verification and harmonisation of claims on states spending on federal roads to ensure that the states are reimbursed their spending in this regard.
“A special provision is being made by the Federal Government to raise the money for the payment which stands at over N350 billion. To ensure proper maintenance of federal roads, states are encouraged to continue with routine maintenance of such roads provided they comply with new procedures for such intervention,” Orji who spoke on the issue said.
On the power sector reform, Shema said states had been given the nod to work with accredited distribution companies while National Independent Plants (NIPP) would be on completion, adding that privatised, states, Federal Government and the Nigerian Electricity Commission would hold 49 per cent equity after due evaluation of the companies had been carried out.
However, they are not expected to play any management role in the total equity of these companies which would retain the present 11-company structure, while the core investors would enter into a shareholders’ agreement with the federal and state governments.
"The state that desires to establish or build independent electricity distribution networks within the areas of its states not currently served or being served by the distribution companies, is free to do so by obtaining a franchise. This will be subjected to obtaining a licence from NERC without any delay," Shema said.
On agriculture, Nyako said they agreed to deepen cooperation between federal and state governments to boost agriculture which would also include completion of existing dam projects in their joint bid to ensure food security.
In addition, Ondo, Plateau and Adamawa States were asked to submit their agricultural and productivity enhancement plans in order to access funds from Commercial Agricultural Loans Scheme following their presentation.
"Following a comprehensive presentation on Agric Productivity Enhancement Practices jointly made by Adamawa, Ondo and Plateau States, each state has been asked to submit proposals on their comprehensive agric plans to be able to access funding from Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) administered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources and CBN are collaborating towards funding the necessary agricultural developments in the states with available funds," Nyako said.
The plan to decentralise the Ministry of Agriculture, Nyako continued, would kick off with the creation of regional state offices in accordance with the promised agricultural reforms expected to engender effective monitoring of agricultural processes in the states.
"Those offices will be on ground to work directly with farmers in implementing agricultural value chains. Other areas of reforms being implemented include public, private sector collaboration in fertiliser procurement and distribution, setting up of marketing corporations, the establishment of agricultural investment framework and transmission of a bill on 40 per cent cassava flour content to ensure compliance," he said. CULLED FROM thejuristlaws..com

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has said that he has quit partisan politics, but added that he will, henceforth, provide advisory services to the nation as a statesman. He made the disclosure at the Daily Trust 9th Annual Dialogue at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja Thursday.
Drawing inspiration from former US President Richard Nixon who once told the US media he would no longer be in the public glare for bashing, Babangida said: "I have news for you my media friends: you will never see Ibrahim Babangida again. Today, my dear media friends, although I will continue to be involved by playing advisory role, I have decided never to seek political office in this country again."
He added that though, he had left office more than 20 years ago, "I am still a substance for bashing from the media."
Chastising the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, for departing from his known radical bent to public policies while he (Maku) was a student leader, Babangida said Maku had changed and had become the champion of government’s deregulation policy.
He said: "I have my brother here, Labaran Maku, who was a young student leader always leading demonstration against Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), always demonstrating against minor increases in fuel prices. Today, he is in government, he is now government spokesman.
"Maku was also one of the restless reporters against IBB transitional programme, I hope Labaran Maku will use his wealth of experience to reverse all the hot phrases and coinages used by protesters, the Lagos youths, critics and civil right activists. Most of the phrases used in the protest were coined by Labaran, as a student."
Also speaking at the event, Senate President David Mark said the African continent has no alternative to democracy, as it remains the only platform for sustainable development.
Mark, who was represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), added: "Democracy is a must for Africa. The Senate has shown its commitment to both democracy and the media by enacting the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act."
Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, on his part, urged the media not to give priority to profit making at the expense of national interest.
The governor further said that the exigency of national security should compel the media to work hard so as "not to allow Nigeria go under”, adding: “when national interest is at stake, I think there is need to ask questions".
Representative of the Minister of Information, Kingsley Isadalor, said the duty of the media is to embrace the profession in such a way that both the led and the leaders become beneficiaries of the development of journalism.
Chairman of Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, told the gathering that this year’s event was organised to x-ray the role of the media in politics, and how it affects governance and development. CULLED FROM THE juristlaws..com

The Niger Delta Development Commission has begun work on the second batch of the 29 mega projects sited across the region.
Two of the projects are in Abia State, eight in Akwa Ibom, two in Bayelsa, one in Cross River and seven in Delta State. Edo State has one, Imo and Rivers have four each .
Speaking at a meeting between officials of the commission and the projects contractors and consultants, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Christain Oboh said the commission has put all machinery in motion to ensure the effective implementation of the projects.
Dr Oboh, who was represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Engr Edikan Eshett, warned the contractors against indulging in sharp practices that will impede the successful execution of the projects.
“Where contractors choose to circumvent laid down procedures and execute their projects below expectations, they shall be demolished at their own expense” Oboh warned.
The NDDC boss frowned at incidents of variation, warning that where requests for variation are not justified such projects shall be determined, re-advertised and re-awarded to serious contractors.
He implored consultants and resident supervisors to ensure that their staff were not only qualified but always around to monitor progress of work by contractors.
“Where consultants choose to send inexperienced or non engineers to supervise engineering projects, such contracts shall be terminated without notice, same fate applies to consultants in other fields” Oboh further warned.
Also speaking, the Director, Projects Monitoring and Supervision, Arch Alex Okenwa stated that for smooth implementation of projects, contractors must work with the Directorate of Community and Rural Development particularly in areas of site handover and takeover to avoid friction with benefiting communities CULLED FROM thejuristslaws..com

The Niger Delta Development Commission has begun work on the second batch of the 29 mega projects sited across the region.
Two of the projects are in Abia State, eight in Akwa Ibom, two in Bayelsa, one in Cross River and seven in Delta State. Edo State has one, Imo and Rivers have four each .
Speaking at a meeting between officials of the commission and the projects contractors and consultants, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Christain Oboh said the commission has put all machinery in motion to ensure the effective implementation of the projects.
Dr Oboh, who was represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Engr Edikan Eshett, warned the contractors against indulging in sharp practices that will impede the successful execution of the projects.
“Where contractors choose to circumvent laid down procedures and execute their projects below expectations, they shall be demolished at their own expense” Oboh warned.
The NDDC boss frowned at incidents of variation, warning that where requests for variation are not justified such projects shall be determined, re-advertised and re-awarded to serious contractors.
He implored consultants and resident supervisors to ensure that their staff were not only qualified but always around to monitor progress of work by contractors.
“Where consultants choose to send inexperienced or non engineers to supervise engineering projects, such contracts shall be terminated without notice, same fate applies to consultants in other fields” Oboh further warned.
Also speaking, the Director, Projects Monitoring and Supervision, Arch Alex Okenwa stated that for smooth implementation of projects, contractors must work with the Directorate of Community and Rural Development particularly in areas of site handover and takeover to avoid friction with benefiting communities

the government of abia state have sworn to leave no stone unturned as they embark on massive road construction to reach out every corner of the state both urban,suburban and communities this is to enable abians enjoy good roads. visit http://www.abiastate.gov.ng

the government of abia state has sworn to leave no stone unturned embark on massive road construction to reach out every corner of the state both urban,suburban and communities this is to enable abians enjoy good roads. visit http://www.abiastate.gov.ng

Abia state governor chief Theodore Orji has advocated for a new Federal Emergency Road Maintenance (FERMA) That will carry out its mandate to the satisfaction of the people.
Speaking when he received in audience members of the house of representatives committee on FERMA who were in the state on official assignment, governor Orji lamented that FERMA as it is today has performed poorly in Abia  and the entire south East states.
The governor regretted that non of the Agency roads given to FERMA has been done including the Ohafia –Arochukwu road, the Enugu-PortHarcourt Road, among others, adding that most of the roads are in a state of disrepair.
According to him, the money budgeted to FERMA should be advanced to state governors for judicious use in putting federal roads in good shape.
Chief TA Orji said that Abia has suffered seriously in terms of bad Roads ,maintaining that it was for that reason that his government has taken the challenge of repairing some federal roads in the state including those that were given to FERMA to do inorder to alleviate the suffering of the people.
He therefore appealed to the committee to prevail on FERMA to sit up and observed that people have lost confidence in the outfit.
The governor thanked the Abia representatives in the house for moving a motion on the poor state of the Ogbor Hill bridge and requested that pressure should be mounted on FERMA to do the job.
Speaking earlier, the chairman House of Representatives committee on FERMA, Hon Prince Offor Chukwuegbo said that they were in Abia to accertain the present condition of Ogbor Hill bridge in Aba  which he said is in avery bad shape and  almost collapsing as well as to check the state of the entry points into Abia state.
According to him, the committee has directed the engineer incharge to look at the bridge and report back to them by Friday this week and commended the governor on his effort s atgiven federal roads in the state a face lift.
END25/1/12

The government of Abia state has reiterated it's effort towards completing on-going road projects in the state and also initiate new ones for the benefit of all Abians
CULLED FROM thejuristlaws..com

Abia state governor chief Theodore Orji has advocated for a new Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) That will carry out its mandate to the satisfaction of the people.
Speaking when he received in audience members of the house of representatives committee on FERMA who were in the state on official assignment, governor Orji lamented that FERMA as it is today has performed poorly in Abia and the entire south East states.
The governor regretted that non of the roads given to FERMA has been done including the Ohafia –Arochukwu road, the Enugu-PortHarcourt Road, among others, adding that most of the roads are in a state of disrepair.
According to him, the money budgeted to FERMA should be advanced to state governors for judicious use in putting federal roads in good shape.
Chief TA Orji said that Abia has suffered seriously in terms of bad Roads ,maintaining that it was for that reason that his government has taken the challenge of repairing some federal roads in the state including those that were given to FERMA to do inorder to alleviate the suffering of the people.
He therefore appealed to the committee to prevail on FERMA to sit up and observed that people have lost confidence in the outfit.
The governor thanked the Abia representatives in the house for moving a motion on the poor state of the Ogbor Hill bridge and requested that pressure should be mounted on FERMA to do the job.
Speaking earlier, the chairman House of Representatives committee on FERMA, Hon Prince Offor Chukwuegbo said that they were in Abia to accertain the present condition of Ogbor Hill bridge in Aba which he said is in avery bad shape and almost collapsing as well as to check the state of the entry points into Abia state.
According to him, the committee has directed the engineer incharge to look at the bridge and report back to them by Friday this week and commended the governor on his effort s atgiven federal roads in the state a face lift.
CULLED FROM http://www.abiastate.gov.ng

Abia State Governor Chief T.A. Orji has described the death of Mr. Eneche Akogwu of Channels Television Camera who was killed in Kano yesterday as series of explosions rocked the ancient city, as very disheartening and unfortunate. In a statement by his
Chief Press Secretary Ugochukwu Emezue, Chief Orji lamented the exit of this young journalist who died in the course of duty. According to
the Governor, the death of Channels TV camera man has again brought to the fore the issue of insecurity in the northern region of the country occasioned by the activities of the Boko Haram sect, and urged the Police and the Military High Command to do everything possible to stem
this ugly trend.
The Governor used the opportunity to condenm friday’s killings in Kano that claimed lives and property. Chief Orji particularly commiserated with the management and staff of Channels Television, especially the CEO of the Television Station John Momoh over the death of their staff.
The Abia State helmsman who commended the media for the good work done in ensuring that information gets to the people, urged practitioners not to be discouraged by this death.
For the Governor”Journalists should not be deterred in any way, as Nigerians are praying for them daily for God’s protection as they do their job”.
UGOCHUKWU EMEZUE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR .CULLED FROM http://www.abiastate.gov.ng

Abia State Governor, T.A Orji has assured the people of the states that funds realized from petroleum subsidy will be invested in people oriented projects in the state such as Roads, transportation, Education and other areas that will improve the lots of the people.

Other area of target for the Governor includes, Agriculture, Environment and infrastructure development.

The Governor in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Ugo Emezue , said that the Governor will invest the funds in transportation, education, housing, roads, health, agriculture and the environment.

The Governor stated that in the Transportation sector, more mass transit buses that will ease the transportation needs of Abians will be provided. He said more buses will also be injected into the free school bus programme to ensure that pupils and students in Abia go to school without hitches.

The Abia Governor promised that as soon as funds from the subsidy are released to the state, the Government will role out the packages for the people of the state to improve the living standard of Abians CULLED FROM http://pointblanknews.com/new/news

Another Tranche of four billion Naira released to Road Contractors
Another Tranche of four billion Naira released to Road Contractors
Abia State Governor has released the sum of 4 billion Naira to contractors handling over fourty roads projects across the State.
In a press statement in Umuahia, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ugochukwu Emezue hinted that Governor Orji stated that the little delay in the release of the money this month was as a result of the strike embarked upon by the organised Labour over the removal of the Oil subsidy.
Now that the second tranche of the money for the projects has been released, Chief Orji wants the contractors to intensify work. So as to complete the projects before the rainy season sets in.
Chief Orji directed contractors yet to return to site to do so immediately.
According to the Governor, these road projects are very dear to the people of the state; hence all efforts must be made to meet the deadline.
The Governor disclosed that, he will continue to physically monitor these projects to ensure they are not only completed, but built to the required standards and specifications.
“These days I don’t stay in the office again, I inspect these road projects daily to ensure that I satisfy the people that elected me. I’m sorry those who come to see me in office these days may be disappointed”
The Governor appealed to those who are experiencing difficulties as these projects go on, especially road users to be patient while the construction lasts.
Ugochukwu Emezue

Chief Press Secretary . CULLED FROM http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/2012/01/another-tranche-of-four-billion-naira-released-to-road-contractors/

Financial market experts at Standard Bank had predicted that Nigeria would post a current account surplus of 11.2 per cent of her Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year.
Current account is one of the primary components of balance of payments (BoP). It is one of the two major metrics of the nature of a country's foreign trade. A current account surplus increases a country's net foreign assets.
Standard Bank stated this in a report titled: “African Markets Revealed, January 2012,” a copy of which was e-mailed to THISDAY Wednesday.
The report showed that Nigeria’s current account to GDP stood at 8.2 per cent as at the end of 2011.

However, the international bank expressed concern that official trade statistics had remained problematic in the economy, “because of the continued disconnect between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) time series and an unexplained surge in imports in 2010.”
It argued: “This spike pushed down the aggregate trade balance and current account surplus to record low. Unlike the NBS data, CBN figures point to an improvement in the trade balance in 2011. We expect the import discrepancy to be eventually addressed and see Nigeria posting a current account surplus of 11.2 per cent of GDP in 2012.
“The magnitude of the errors and omissions category in the financial account mitigates its relevance, although we still anticipate some modest pick-up in Foreign Direct Investment and portfolio inflow this year. The key challenge on the BoP side will be to rebuild forex reserves and fiscal savings in the medium term, which will require the effective launch of the sovereign wealth fund (SWF) and improved naira confidence.”
Although the report acknowledged that certain sectors and indicators in the economy had recorded appreciable growth, it insisted that the adjustment in the fuel subsidy regime might put them under pressure due to “substitution effects within the private consumption category.”

“The government and unions agreed on a 50 per cent increase in fuel prices following a nationwide strike in January 2012 to protest the full deregulation of the sector. Nevertheless, the authorities still see the removal of the fuel subsidy as a key step to boost private sector participation in the refining business and address major fiscal and economic distortions.
“Nigerians are also awaiting promised reforms in the power sector that should ultimately smooth electricity shortages. Clearly, 2012 will test the administration’s ability to deliver in these areas. Meanwhile, security issues have also come to the fore, given the continued and increasingly sophisticated attacks by the Boko Haram group in the northern and central regions,” it said further.

Source: Thisdaylive.culled from the juristlaws.blog spot .com

Chief Don Ubani, has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan for exhibiting sensitivity and responsiveness to the plight of Nigerians
Chief Don Ubani, has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan for exhibiting sensitivity and responsiveness to the plight of Nigerians

The Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Don Ubani, has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan for exhibiting sensitivity and responsiveness to the plight of Nigerians in the face of absolute necessity to remove subsidy on fuel and deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. Chief Ubani stated this in a release he issued in Umuahia shortly after the President announced a significant reduction of price on petrol to ninety-seven naira per liter. Chief Ubani commended leaders of the Organized Labour and Civil Society Organizations for appreciating the liberal commitment of Mr. President by calling off their protest which the Commissioner believes has inflicted untold hardship not only on the economy of the country but even more devastatingly on Nigerian masses. The Information boss admonished petroleum marketers to adhere strictly to the new price regime in order to save Nigerians from further economic torture.

Chief Don Ubani (KSJ)

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy.culled from http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/