The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on House Services and Special Duties, Ipoola Omisoore, has said that the multi-party system adopted by the nation was detrimental to its democracy.

Mr. Omisoore said in Lagos on Tuesday that a two-party system was best for the country.

Lagos State is preparing to mark the 20th anniversary of the June 12 1993 Presidential election, conducted under a two-party system.

The 1993 election was believed to have been won by the late Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who contested against a candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Mr. Omisoore (ACN-Ifako-Ijaiye I), added that the multi-party system presently adopted in the country would allow for “political prostitutes”, which he said would affect the nation’s democracy.

He explained that only a two-party system could bring “a replica of a free and fair election like that of June 12, 1993 presidential election”.

“If only the country can return to the two-party system, it will allow us to have the type of election we desire.

“Two-party system will eradicate ethnic coloration and religious sentiment, just like it did on June 12, 1993,” he said.

Also, Segun Olulade, Chairman, Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, said that June 12 of every year was the genuine democracy day for Nigeria.

Mr. Olulade (ACN-Epe I) said that the importance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election could not be relegated in Nigeria.

“June 12 represents the collective will of Nigerians and a demonstration of the people’s preference for democracy in lieu of military dictatorship.

“All well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of truth will readily admit that June 12 takes priority over any other date in the history of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr. Olulade also reiterated the need for the country to a adopt two-party system to advance democracy. He said such system would proffer lasting solution to ethnicity and tribal problems in the country.

Another member of the house, Bisi Yusuf (ACN Alimosho Constituency 1) said that the two-party system would be the option for the present democratic system in Nigeria to grow.

“Two political parties would give this country the best we want in democracy. It will allow people to debate more on issues not on individual and it would also allow the best candidate to emerge, “ he said.

Rotimi Olowo, Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructures, urged both the leaders and followers to have the fear of God while carrying out their various duties.

Mr. Olowo (ACN-Shomolu I), said that only the fear of God could bring development to Nigeria’s democracy.

The Assembly would hold a special parliamentary session in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of June 12 and 2nd Anniversary of the 7th legislative assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday.

A Zuba Grade 1 Area Court on Tuesday sentenced one Mustapha Hashimu, 20, of Zuba Fruit Market, near Abuja, to six months imprisonment for assaulting a woman.

The Judge, Alhassan Kusherki, sentence Mr. Hashimu after the convict pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of criminal force and assault.

Mr. Kusherki also ordered that the convict be given twelve strokes of the cane and an option of N20, 000 fine.

Prosecutor Momoh Ibrahim told the court that on June 6, Mr. Hashimu went to Polygon Hotel Zuba-Abuja to drink.

The prosecutor said it was while Mr. Hashimu was there that arguments ensue and he assaulted one Binta Abubakar of the same Fruit Market.

The prosecutor said that the convict slapped the complaint twice on the face.

He said the offence contravened Section 268 of the Penal Code.

(NAN)

The Peoples Democratic Party , PDP, on Monday accused the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria , ACN, of trying to use the press as a subterfuge to hide its support for insurgents and to whittle the current efforts by the Federal Government to end acts of terrorism in the country.

The ruling party, which threw its weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan, said contrary to the claims by the ACN, no part of the Presidential Order proscribing terrorists groups, directly or indirectly violated any provision of the constitution or impinged on the freedom of the press in the country.

The party was reacting to a statement by ACN on Sunday alleging the Presidential Order was aimed at gagging the press.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, PDP described the allegation by the ACN as not only despicable but a clear indication of how far the opposition party can go to distort facts to support violence and cause disaffection among Nigerians.

“This deliberate distortion of facts clearly betrays ACN’s support for such groups as well as the heinous attempt to whittle efforts by the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to end insurgency in the country,” the PDP said.

Quoting a section of the constitution that supports its rebuttal, the ruling party countered that the ACN is seeking to weaken the fight against the insurgency and has only succeeded in betraying its support for the acts of terrorism.

“Section 5 (1), of the Order which the ACN is kicking against prescribes a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years ”for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support for the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group.”

“By all indications, it is clear that neither this section nor any other section of the Order for that matter, infringed on the rights of Nigerians and the freedom of the media as guaranteed by the constitution.

Rather the section clearly seeks to stop incitements to commit a terrorist acts,” the ruling party said.

The party said it is solidly behind Mr. Jonathan in his efforts to ensure an end to acts of terrorism in the country. It commended the president for the order which it described as a welcome development adding that “those who have nothing to hide need not be afraid”.

It urged Nigerians to continue to go about their legitimate businesses and also as note the activities and interests of parties such as the ACN.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said it would soon start the distribution of permanent voters’ card nationwide ahead of the 2015 general elections. The permanent cards will replace the temporary voters’ card issued during the last elections in 2011.

The Federal Executive Council had approved the INEC budget for the printing of the permanent cards.

The National Commissioner of INEC in- charge of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti States, Lai Olurode, made this known on Monday on an official visit to the commission’s offices in Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, and Odeda Local Government Areas, LGA; as well as the South-West Zonal Data Storage Centre at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

He charged staff in the different LGAs to be more dedicated to their official duties, adding that all preparations are in top gear for some upcoming gubernatorial elections and the general elections in 2015.

Among those in the entourage were the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Ogun State, Sam Olumekun; the Administrative Secretary, Dickson Atiba; and the Head of Department, General Administration & Procurement, Musbau Biobaku.

The Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, on Thursday declared that it is not a terrorist group and should not be likened to Boko Haram and their activities.

The group made this known while reacting to statement credited to some northern leaders calling for the ban of OPC and some other groups.

“It has come to (our attention) that some prominent people from the Northern part of the country who are not happy with the determination of the Federal Government to put a stop to the wanton killings in the North have decided to cast aspersions on the OPC by equating it with the Boko Haram sect. We have decided to remain neutral and maintain our peace since the orgy of killings started. But we have taken note of statements credited to some prominent Northern leaders, especially since the crack down on the Boko Haram sect,” the National Coordinator of OPC, Gani Adam, said.

While justifying his group’s existence, Mr. Adams explained that OPC is not a faceless group like Boko Haram, adding that the addresses of leaders and members are known all over the country. He added that the organisation is known worldwide for working positively towards a genuine cause.

He expressed disappointment in the former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Abubakar Tsav, who he fingered as the arrowhead of the call for the ban on OPC. According to Mr. Adams, Mr. Tsav, while condemning the Federal Government’s all-out attack on Boko Haram, wondered why the president failed to ban other groups including the OPC because the groups are involved in acts of terrorism.

“We state here as a matter of fact that the OPC is a visible organisation, with known addresses all over the country. Its leaders are also known and accessible to all Nigerians, including security agencies. We draw our strength from our membership of more than seven million. It is also on record that we don’t engage in clandestine activities, since our activities are known to all and recorded for history by the vibrant and courageous Nigerian media and therefore is in no way a security threat to the country,” Mr Adams countered.

Mr. Adams also pointed out that in 2002 and 2005, some leaders of the OPC including himself and Fredrick Fasehun were arrested for unlawful association and organisation; but were acquitted of the charges by separate courts.

“The first was time was at the Federal High Court, Lagos, where Justice Dan Abutu struck out the matter and discharged and acquitted us of all the charges. The second case was at the State High Court, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Justice Charles Oluremi Jacobs (OFR) also struck out the case, discharged and acquitted us. The government still took us before Justice Sybil Nwaka of the Lagos High Court. The honourable justice also struck out the case, discharged and acquitted us. But surprisingly, we were taken before Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court, Abuja. On 19th of December, 2006, the honourable judge ruled in our favour, while discharging and acquitting us. ‘You will agree with us that these four rulings are enough proof that the OPC is not an unlawful organization or a threat to national security,” he said.

Mr. Adams said that it became necessary for the congress to refute Mr. Tsav’s claims so that its silence may not be viewed as guilt. He added that the group’s activities in the Southwest in the last ten years speaks of its peaceful nature.

According to the OPC leader, the group is in the forefront of the propagation and promotion of the Yoruba culture and values beyond the shores of Nigeria, adding that its involvement in traditional festivals such as the Osun Oshogbo festival in Osun State; the Oke Ibadan festival in Oyo State and the Olokun Festival in Badagry, Lagos State, has helped put these festivals on the global cultural map.

Mr. Adams also added that the group has continued to promote cordial relations with other ethnic groups and has been part of the Federal Government’s peace initiatives.

“‘It will also be recalled that Otunba Gani Adams was a participant at the National Peace Forum, organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-party Relations, in 2004. The OPC leader was later appointed as a state Peace Envoy. In the same vein, the OPC also participated at the African First Ladies Peace Mission meeting, organized in Abuja by the office of the First Lady in 2012,” he said.

Emphasising that the OPC is Yoruba organization, formed with the basic aim of promoting the cultural values and protect the interest of the Yoruba people, Mr. Adams said, “Nobody can fault our activities. Rather, unlike the acts of violence raging in other parts of the country, the south west has been very peaceful, with no single act of terrorism recorded on our soil.”

Reports indicate that heavy fighting is ongoing in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Rukubi is a village at the boundary between Nasarawa and Benue states.

A resident claimed on phone that several houses have been razed, and many people killed or injured in the clash.

Another resident, who claimed to have narrowly escaped being killed, told PREMIUM TIMES via telephone that many residents are holed up in their houses afraid for their lives.

Doma local government has witnessed some violent clashes recently, largely between herdsmen and farmers.

Details later…

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked the All Progressives Congress, APC, to be more concerned with the ‘quarrels’ among its leading members, rather than throw jibes at the ruling party.

The PDP’s statement on Monday was a response to the claim by the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, a member of the APC, that the ruling party was jittery of its merger.

The PDP spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, said in a statement that “our attention has been drawn to a statement sponsored by opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in which it once again engaged in vicious attack on the PDP.”

Mr. Metuh said the ACN statement is a mere cover-up for the divisions, quarreling and dissensions that marred their Monday meeting in Abuja.

“Instead of unnecessarily attacking the PDP, the ACN and its co-traveller, the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC should be bold enough to tell Nigerians the outcome of their meeting where their members were sharply divided over comments by their leader, General Muhammadu Buhari, condemning the decision by the Federal Government to
root out insurgency in the country and describing it as an attack on the north,” the statement said.

PDP allege that many APC members have now realized that they are in the wrong boat “captained by insensitive religious and tribal bigots”.

According to the statement, what happened at APC’s meeting “vindicate the PDP which has continued to caution Nigerians against being deceived by wolves parading themselves as saviors”.

“In any case, it is clear that the opposition parties have nothing to offer. The barking of 20 dogs can never scare an elephant. These frustrated tribal cum religious associations can never be equated to a national party,” the PDP said.

The House of Representatives has ordered the immediate suspension of the $40 million (N6 billion) internet surveillance contract awarded secretly by the Nigerian government to an Israeli firm.

A house resolution approved Thursday, said no further action should be taken on the controversial spy project, which has sparked national fury, until three house committees complete an investigation in three weeks.

The clandestine project, exposed by PREMIUM TIMES, was awarded by the Jonathan administration to Elbit Systems, an Israeli Info tech firm, to spy on millions of Nigerian internet users. It is seen as part of the government’s widened clampdown on free media, and unrestrained use of the internet to attack government officials and policies.

But the authorities, which have not officially commented on the contract despite its extensive attention, passed the project off as an intelligence gathering effort in the face of growing insecurity and fundamentalist threat.

In a motion initiated by Ibrahim Gusau, the House said the project will infringe on the privacy of Nigerians and argued that the so-called intelligence gathering, “may not be the solution” to the nation’s security troubles.

The House also questioned the secrecy surrounding the contract award, which lawmakers agreed violated federal financial regulations relating to contract awards, as stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

Three committees, namely, Information and Computer Technology, Human Rights, and National Security, are to conduct inquiry into the project and make its findings known in three weeks.

Justice Ibrahim Saulawa of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, has withdrawn from the three man judges’ panel hearing the appeal filed by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha challenging his death sentence for the murder of Kudirat Abiola.

Mr. Saulawa referred to his experience in a previous “similar case” as the reason for his withdrawal.

Mr. Al-Mustapha was sentenced to death by a Lagos court for his involvement in the murder of Mrs. Abiola, wife of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections, Moshood Abiola. Mr. Al-Mustapha, a former chief security officer to late dictator, Sani Abacha, challenged the death sentence at the appellate court.

Details later…

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra on Wednesday granted amnesty to 21 prisoners drawn from Awka, Onitsha, Aguata and Enugu prisons, as part of activities to mark the Democracy Day.

This is contained in a statement signed in Awka by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mike Udah.

According to the statement, the exercise was in compliance with the constitutional powers of the governor.

The statement noted that three inmates: Chidiebele Okolisa, Nafiu Mohammed and Kenechukwu Nwobodo, were released from Awka Prison; while Chibuzo Ekweizu and Chukwudi Okonkwo were released from Aguata Prison.

“The beneficiaries from Onitsha Prison are Mmaduabuchi Ojimba, Dick Iboro, Ikechukwu Nnamani, Amaechi Oloh, Chukwunonso Igbomalu, Sunday Udezulu and Ibrahim Ahmed.

“Other lucky ones from Onitsha Prison are Chinedum Ephraim, Adebayo Damilare, Christian Okeke, Julius Nweke, Sundy Ogugua, Chijioke Oforkalu, Nnamdi Nwabunwanne and Donatus Obioha.

The statement said that from Enugu Prison, Kennedy Okechukwu Okolonta and Onyeka Abugu had their terms reduced to 21 years from life imprisonment from the dates of their sentences, while Nnenna Obi from the same (Enugu) prison was also released.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh, on Tuesday in Abuja called for the scrapping of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Mr. Umeh, who was reacting to the crisis that trailed last Friday’s chairmanship election of the forum, said “the existence of NGF has no constitutional basis’’.

The APGA chairman, who spoke on the sidelines of the launching of a book titled “The making of an oracle’’, said the forum was threatening democracy and peace in the country.

He accused the governors of losing touch with the realities in their respective states partly because of their insatiable crave for power both in their states and at the federal level.