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 Politics › Sss, Others Intercept Rocket Launchers, Bombs In Lagos ! by wales(op): 6:49am On Oct 27, 2010 |
Shock greeted the news on Tuesday evening that a combined team of security agents had impounded 13 containers suspected to be loaded with arms and ammunition at Apapa Wharf in Lagos. The discovery was made barely two weeks after a consignment of electronic equipment suspected to contain toxic materials was seized at the same port. The ship that brought in the consignment, however, disappeared from the port. Almost four weeks ago, twin car bomb blasts killed 16 people and injured 66 others in Abuja on October 1. An intelligence source told THE PUNCH that senior security officials swooped on the port, based on information that a suspicious cargo had been brought into the country from Iran. The source said top officials from the Police, the State Security Service, the Directorate of Military Intelligence and Naval Intelligence participated in the operation. It was gathered that the clearing agent had raised suspicion when he allegedly offered to “pay any amount” to get the containers transferred from AP Moller Terminal to an off-dock terminal. The agent reportedly pleaded for the containers to be screened outside the ports. But his attempts failed, as information was passed to the relevant quarters on his suspicious actions. It was at this juncture that security agents were called in to search the containers. The unidentified importers of the consignment were said to have described its contents as building materials. It was gathered that when the first container was opened, the security agents found various sizes of grenades, rocket launchers, bombs, assault rifles and heavy machine guns hidden in 24 crates of building tiles. However, the source said, “We cannot quantify the contents yet. All we know for now is that they are concealed in tiles.” The SSS Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, confirmed the seizure to our correspondent on the telephone, saying the weapons were concealed among crates of floor tiles. “On opening the first container, operatives discovered rocket launchers, grenades and other explosives,” she said. She, however, declined to provide the identity of the vessel that brought in the containers and its final destination. Ogar confirmed that the containers’ manifest indicated they contained building materials. She said security agents would search the containers through the night. Ogar said security agents got information after the October 1 twin bomb blasts in Abuja that “arms were being brought into the country.” When contacted, the spokesman of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, said, “As I speak with you, the first container is still being examined. We understand they are 13 in number. The contents of the first showed it had mortals, bullets and such related items.” Attempt to obtain a reaction from the First Secretary, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Sadeghazadeh, on Tuesday night failed as he did not answer calls to his phone. He did not also respond to an SMS. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta claimed responsibility for the blasts that cast a slur on Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary celebration. MEND leader, Mr. Henry Okar, is facing trial in a Johannesburg Magistrate court in South Africa, for allegedly being the mastermind of the blasts. His brother, Charles and five others are also being prosecuted in Abuja for their alleged roles in the incident. Most kidnap cases, oil platform seizures and disruptions in the Niger Delta are known to have been carried out by the group whose sources of arms and ammunition have largely remained unknown. The National Task Force Combating Illegal Importation of Goods, Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons had on October 18, impounded a lorry load of arms and ammunition in Onitsha, Anambra State. The lorry was reportedly parked inside a compound in the city. But with the help of the police, the driver of the vehicle and the suspected importer were arrested. It is believed that arms-build up was fuelling the violence in different parts of the country this year. On January 17, clashes between Christians and Moslems in Jos, Plateau State, left at least 26 people dead, hundreds injured and thousands displaced. In the same Jos, attackers wielding machetes and other dangerous weapons killed hundreds of people on March 7. A Plateau State official reportedly said the death toll could be more than 500, but police sources put it at 55. In Warri, Delta State, two car bombs exploded some 200 metres away from the state Government House Annex, venue of a two-day post amnesty dialogue on March 15. Similarly, there was a car bomb explosion along INEC Road in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on May 2. The bomb exploded few metres away from a hotel belonging to the then deputy governor of the state, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi. Also, gunmen men in four speedboats attacked Ebebi’s home with improvised explosives, killing a private security guard on July 23. On September 7, suspected members of an Islamic sect, Boko Haram, set the Bauchi Central Prison ablaze and freed members of the sect who were jailed in connection with the 2009 violence that rocked the state and some other states in the northern parts of the country. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101027372145
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| Politics › Presidency: Jonathan Deserves Northern Support –tafida ! by wales(op): 6:33am On Oct 26, 2010 |
…His matter is already settled in heaven –Jang Against the background of moves by the Northern Elders to mobilize support in favour a northern candidate, Director General of President Goodluck Jonathan campaign organization, Dr. Dalhatu Seriki Tafida has declared that 2011 should be payback time for the South-south region. Governor Jonah Jang also stated that the issue of Jonathan/Sambo presidency is already settled and sealed in heaven adding that others are just dissipating their energy in vain. Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Jang in Jos, Plateau State, Dr Tafida noted that political romance between the people of the North and the South-south is dated to the first republic. He recalled that for the Northern Peoples Congress CPC and NPN to get national acceptability both in the first and second republics, the Northern politicians had to extend their hands of friendship to the people of South-South who gladly accepted them. Dr. Tafida said since one of the South-south emerged through the act of God; he deserves the support of the North.’ God put him there, who will fight the act of God if we try to deny him this position. ‘Who will find himself in that position and after a few month and walkway?; he asked “We have seen leaders in this country who fix a day for their exit and yet still want to remain in power. This man has just spent only five months. The constitution did not prevent him from seeking presidency because he is part of the late Yar’ Adua ticket, why should we not encourage him” In his remark, Governor Jang of Plateau State said President Jonathan is God sent adding that by that reason, the matter of his presidency in 2011 is settled both in earth and in heaven. “The matter Jonathan/Sambo presidency in 2011 is already settled both in heaven and in earth. I don’t play politics with my spiritual life, I only say what the Holy Spirit direct me to say. We pretend too much in this country that we are religious people but when it comes to talking the truth about the direction of God is going, we started playing politics” he said. He implored Nigerians to give president Jonathan their maximum support to pilot affairs of Nigeria towards the right direction; urging them to vote wisely. Hesaid his achievements in the past five months in office are enough to convince Nigeria on what he can do. http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/oct/26/national-26-10-2010-007.htm |
| Politics › Obasanjo Never Benefitted From Pdp Zoning – Sen. Okon ! by wales(op): 6:30am On Oct 26, 2010 |
The vice chairman of Arik Air and member of President Goodluck Jonathan campaign organisation, Senator Anietie Okon, is a founding member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),, in this interview with our Correspondent, kicked against zoning, describing it as a strange political culture in Nigeria, feudal and democratically anomalous. Excerpts: Let me describe zoning. First, zoning describes the degree of exclusivity. And it is anomalous to democratic practice that in a general election, you should create a design that excludes a number of sections of the country from exercising their rights to vie for an office, not to talk of the highest office in the land. I believe to a large extent that it is a feudal practice began in the ancient time. It was a platform of exclusivity. And because it narrows the political space, it restricts participation; it also denies any given political group or community the right of choices. Now today they talk about zoning and as far as I’m concerned, I think that it is antiquated and has no place in the current lexicon and dynamics of Nigeria’s political realities. Why do I say that? It is envisages a pendulum swing across some hypothetical divide that was created by Lord Luggard. I prefer to call it the pendulum swing across the Luggardian line that resorts to divide the country between the North and the South, and are called the Northern and the Southern Protectorates. If you look at Nigeria’s system, that was the first structured colonial administrative arrangement. And it came into force for convenience of the colonial masters; it came into force in 1914. In the year 2010; that is in four years, that Luggardian line, that political arena will be 100 years old. And you find that you cannot situate it in the realities and dynamics of current political and administrative arrangement in the country. As far back as 1954, even before then under the Macpherson constitution, Nigeria had been redesigned administratively into three regions which were again later being divided into four regions. By 1967 it had become 12 states; and of course we have seen that we moved into 36 states. By 1994 constitutional conference, that conference had recommended, had adopted the geopolitical arrangement for ensuring cohesion in the country; a geo-political arrangement which the states where on the basis of proximity and affinity, a residual administrative arrangement that they had some commonality. They were arranged into 6 zones. So we are living today in the realities of that constitutional recommendation which was given administrative fiat. And in routine individual parties different strategies were adopted. The 1998 emergence of Obasanjo wasn’t a result of zoning. OBJ was never a product of zoning Obasanjo emerged because there was a consensus in the country that the zone from which he emerged had been short-changed by the military junta led by Babangida who annulled an election that was judged to have been the fairest and most transparent in the country even by the admission of the man who annulled it. And so there was a perception that the West which is that particular section of the country that they had received the rough end of an act of injustice. And there was also the feeling that they did by count themselves as part of that democratic process that was being ushered in. And in order to ensure an acceptable and substantial degree of inclusiveness in that election, a concession was generally understood; it was a conventional rather than a legal act. It was a political conventional law which you find that most presidential candidates came from the Western region; what we now know as the Southwest zone. Falaye and Obasanjo were the two credible candidates for that election. The country displayed for once, just as they have recently displayed over the assessment of the fact by their common conscience that somehow the Niger Delta, comprising substantially, the South-South, had suffered years of deprivation. So in 1998, the general mood in the country was to compensate the South-West for the arbitrariness that resulted in the annulment of the June 12 election. There was nobody including those to day that are earlier stated who did not concede that Abiola who came from the South-West won that election. That was the basis of Obasanjo and Olu Falaye emerging as credible candidates for that election; it was a one-stop exercise. PDP never zoned presidency to geo-political zone In 2003 that they are laying claims, the fact bears testimony to the non-existence of the zoning arrangement. Who were those who convicted and marketed themselves against Obasanjo even within the PDP for the party’s ticket? There were the following: Gemade Rime – Gemade himself has thrashed out zoning by stressing that point that if there was zoning he would not have competed for the party’s ticket just as Rimi also competed. Zoning unrealistic So the issue of zoning, first, it is antithetical to the urgencies and the aspirations of Nigeria. What is the ideological content of zoning? They all talk about zoning. What comes with zoning? What makes up your zoning package? What are the policy thrusts that will address the vexatious conditions of the country, leading nationwide to a general feeling of discontent whether you are from Northeast, Northwest or wherever. the general cry as of today is that the country has not served its citizens well. So as we go into a new jubilee, as you step into the next 50 years, like, El-Rufai and the rest have pointed out, it is an assault on our senses that people should be talking about the exclusions. They are asking that each and everybody called to this context with clear ideas, with positions that hold out hope for the Nigeria citizens. They should tell us how they tend to address the debilitating conditions that have remained an albatross to the citizens. They should tell us how they intend to raise the condition of the Nigerian citizen. When they talk about zoning, I do not know what that implies. With Sambo, zoning is intact Let us now go back to the issue particularly as it affects Jonathan, the president. Even if you make any concession to the existence of that anomalous facility, how does Jonathan not qualify to stand elections? First, it is assumed that there was some zoning to the North-West, because you begin to make arrangement only after the first position has been ascertained then other things are on quid pro quo basis. Yar’Adua emerged as the president of the country, he comes from the North-West. He picked Jonathan from the South-South, that immediately became the ticket; and by the unfortunate circumstance of life, the president passed on. Jonathan assumed the position as president of the country as prescribed for in the constitution. It is there clearly stated that in circumstance, the president the vice-president takes over the office of the president. Those who are talking about zoning, are they therefore asking that president Jonathan, not in anyway disabled by the constitution, that he should have had to abandon his right under this constitution so that he will satisfy some nebulous zoning which is situated no way in the bill of rights of the Nigerian statute books? Furthermore, who are really those in breach of the zone? Jonathan returned the presidency to equilibrium by picking his vice from the North-West. If the presidency is one single ticket; it is the same coin, it means that Jonathan was one side of the coin, just as he was one side of the same ticket, and as compelled by the constitutional provisions, to assume the position of the president, he has kept faith by picking his vice from the North-west, the same vice president he has proceeded to announced as his running mate for this election. So those clamouring for zoning are they from the original pairing. Atiku is from North-East, Babangida is from the North central, were they parts of the original pairing? So, if we have to descend to pedestrianism of the argument as promoted by this people, it is Jonathan who has done more to preserve zoning. They are those breaching their much vaunted zoning. Presidency not IBB’s birthright Babangida claimed that Jonathan was an opportunist. But where is the element of logical rationalization between the Babangida’s definition of opportunism; he who took violence constituted authority by acting in concert with rebellious elements in the military to overthrow the government of Shagari; he who shed his constitutional projects, constitutional premise to wage war against a legitimate government and overthrow that government and took it over because they had guns; and he is the one accusing Jonathan. If he accusing Jonathan of opportunism, the question arises: is it Babangida’s birthright to be president? If Jonathan is being opportunistic, is it because it is Babangida’s birthright. Because if you in accuse a man that is conducting within his constitutional vestment of opportunism, then you must have a claim to the presidency of Nigeria other than by the processes prescribed by the constitution. That is why the issue of birthright arises. Mega party claims of potential election fraud: Until they are registered we do not know what they are talking about. Do they think that it is beyond Nigerians to conduct free and fair election? Or do they think that it is not within our character to be fair and transparent? They are talking now on the real inert politics of a true and average Nigerian. The president has repeated consistently that for him whether he is a candidate or not, his legacy will be an election that is adjudged by all to be free and fair. And that is the president of Nigeria talking. You must not today begin to question the integrity of that commitment. 2011, Jonathan first or second term? Why do not you ask that before the constitutional experts? I think that is something that will be clearly determined, there are institutions in the country that is .vested with authority to make pronouncements on those things. As far as know, Jonathan is going to election as president in 2011; 2015, if the constitution permits. I have heard all sort of that he cannot be sworn in twice. But I am not legal or constitutional expert within that sphere. I believe that he is a man of great integrity and it will play out what is right, legal, proper and moral. Jonathan wouldn’t fall into past presidents’ mistakes We are determined that Jonathan’s government does not fall into the condition of relapse. The relapse trap was the beginning to pander to policies that were not in tune with the hopes and expectations of Nigerians. That for accounted for the failure. We cannot say that there had not been such degree of the betrayal of trust. Because we recognize that, we will continue to say that Jonathan’s government from 2011 will be a first term into the new quarter of government dedicated first and foremost to the people of the country; committed to address their wants; committed to reversing the conditions that have generally make the populace depressed and lose the trust in government. Jonathan, a reluctant president? There is no reluctance about Jonathan. He is risen to the challenge that is imposed on him first by the constitutional provisions; second, he’s fired up by the challenges which is exposure to the presidency has to him as realities of our true conditions. Do you expect him to turn back; do you expect him to say these are insurmountable challenges? I believe that he is more than ready to face up to those challenges. I believe that with determination and commitment he will lead the country towards a new age of satisfaction; a new age of delivery on the areas of responsibility that ordinarily governments are expected to exercise. http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/oct/26/national-26-10-2010-0015.htm |
| Politics › 2011: Efcc Can’t Stop Me – Kalu ! by wales(op): 6:27am On Oct 26, 2010 |
Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cannot stop him from contesting the 2011 general elections, Kalu is aspiring to contest next year’s presidential election on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Emeka Obasi, the former governor said the EFCC seemed out to truncate the political ambitions of perceived vocal members of the opposition. According to him, “it is also strange that the EFCC has gone ahead to draw up a list of Nigerians, most of them innocent bonafide citizens, who should be denied their constitutional rights of vying for positions in the 2011 elections. Among the names on the list are Dr. Kalu, former Health minister Prof. Adenike Grange, and former minister of state in the ministry, Chief Gabriel Aduku among 52 others. ”For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Kalu has been in court trying to clear himself of trumped up charges by the same EFCC and remains innocent until a court of competent jurisdiction proves otherwise. And because the law permits him, he is very free and most willing to pursue his political ambitions. The EFCC is not a High Court of Justice and can never be one.” ”Better still, we have had cases of people winning election from the prison yard. Nobody stopped them from contesting in the first instance. And nobody, except God wills it, can stop Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu from hearkening to the pleas of his supporters,”he added. He further stated that though Prof. Grange and Chief Aduku had since been cleared by the judiciary, the duo are still being hounded by the EFCC. “While the world deemed it fit recently to honour Grange, the first African woman president of the International Pediatrics Association, a group of shadow- chasing Nigerians is bent on turning the law upside down. ”The truth of the matter is that the EFCC must show that it is not the gestapo arm of some interests in Abuja. And there is a lot to be picked from the recent Ekiti judicial roadmap, which ended Mr. Segun Oni’s tenure as governor only when the Appeal Court intervened. The presidential hopeful said though democracy thrives on the altar of fair play, the law of the land is supreme, there are indications that the anti-graft agency “may be floating in the murky waters of politics in the bid to thwart the political ambitions of some perceived vocal members of the opposition including former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.” http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/oct/26/national-26-10-2010-003.htm |
| Politics › Re: Lamido Criticises Northern Presidency Advocates ! by wales(op): 6:26am On Oct 26, 2010 |
Politicians insisting that the North must produce the next President come 2011, yesterday came under the hammer of Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who stated that the advocates had no moral justification to pursue their agitation. Lamido also insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family must defend the Goodluck/Sambo ticket, which is a fallout of their hard-earned 2007 electoral victory. Speaking yesterday when he received the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation in his office in Dutse, the governor explained that the proponents of the Northern presidency never supported their own in office, noting that the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was among the best ever leaders Nigeria produced, but faced serious opposition from the region. “What is that thing you called northerner more than Yar’Adua. We had him, Nigerians believed in him, he restored the confidence of governance because Nigerians saw in him a very honourable person and yet, it is us here who were undermining him. And God took him away, so when you are talking about a northerner, which northerner are you talking about,” he queried. According to him, the ranting and the noise about northern presidency is myopic thinking and hypocritical of the northern politicians, who do not wish the region well. The same people kept fighting him up to the Supreme Court, so the crisis was purely a northern crisis; it was a northerner fighting a northerner from his own home state, in Katsina,” he declared. “God gave you a northerner, you didn’t support him, what else do you want? We have to be very honest. Lamido explained that the Jonathan/Sambo ticket was part of the PDP victory of 2007 and therefore, Nigerians must defend that fortune and the victory, saying no one should use any primordial sentiment to deny Nigerians the best. “So to me, what I see in Jonathan/Sambo is a PDP victory of 2007, a PDP fortune which we must defend,” said the governor, pointing out that politics of ethnicity or religion is very dangerous to the survival of the country as one indivisible nation. He said for the country to grow and prosper, there must be internal cohesion, noting that the North or South politics must be discarded if the country was to move to the next level. “We shall not allow this kind of division; the North, South, Christian, etc. and other debates. It is dangerous for us. First, we need to come together because if we do not unite, there is no way that Nigeria can grow. Lamido frowned at the agitators of the northern presidency, who he said abandoned the party (PDP) in 2007, fought it up to the Supreme Court and now because of their personal interest, they were calling for a northern presidency. Those talking of the North, where were they in 2007, even those who were in the PDP in 1999, by 2007, they had abandoned it and now out of double standard they are making.” Earlier, the Director-General of the organisation, Senator Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, had commiserated with the people through their governor over the flooding that ravaged some parts of the state recently. He also lauded the governor for numerous developmental projects which he said were exemplary on how business of governance should be conducted. http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/oct/26/national-26-10-2010-001.htm
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| Politics › Re: Shake-up In Nigerian Air Force ! by wales(op): 6:22am On Oct 26, 2010 |
Always posting officers around,when will the Air force acquired some really hardware to protect Nigeria Air space?you guy has more generals than the number of fighter in your Squadron’s.Is a sham that a country as big and rich like Nigeria only has some 15 cheap Chinese J10 fighters to protect itself. |
| Politics › Shake-up In Nigerian Air Force ! by wales(op): 6:21am On Oct 26, 2010 |
The Nigerian Air Force on Monday announced the redeployment of some of its senior officers. A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, said 12 Air Vice Marshals, 36 Commodores and 27 Group Captains were affected. It said AVM G.A.F. Adekunle had been moved from his position as the Principal General Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff to that of Air Officer Operations. AVM A.S. Badah also moves from Defence Headquarters to NAF Headquarters as Air Officer, Policy and Plans. The statement said AVMs I. Salihu and I.A. Kure were now Air Officer, Inspection and Air Officer, Administration respectively at the NAF Headquarters. It said AVM G.B. Odesola had been made the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, while AVM E.J. Aprekuma is the new Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna, and AVM H.A. Na-Shehu, Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command. It also said AVM A.T. Mu’azu had moved from the NAF Headquarters to Armed Forces command and Staff College as commandant while AVM C.E. Aroriode would take over as the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre. AVM W.A. Oguejiofor was also appointed the Managing Director of the Air Force Foundation, the statement added. Air Commodore J.C. Ifemeje was named the Air Secretary at the NAF Headquarters while Air Commodore A. Mamu became the Managing Director of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Ltd. It also named Air Commodore A.A. Ogunnaike as the Director of Policy, NAF Headquarters; Air Commodore H.R. Mohammed, Director of Air Engineering; Air Commodore A. Maisaka, Director of Medical Services, and Air Commodore O.A. Morgan, Director of Evaluation. Others are Air Commodore O.A. Idowu, Director of Safety; Group Capt. G. Truman, Director of Air Intelligence; and Group Capt. S.A. Yushau, Director of Finance and Accounting. Also redeployed were Group Capt. S.S. Adamu, Director of Works; Group Capt. S.J. Wukangha, Director of Administration; and Group Capt. A. Shehu-Othman, Director of Legal Services. The statement named Air Commodore O.T. Oguntoyinbo as the Commander, 99 Air Combat Tactical Group; Air Commodore U.J. Atiku, Commander, 81 Air Maritime Group; Air Commodore M. Magaji, Commander, 88 Military Airlift Group; and Air Commodore S.O. Abosede, Commander, 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna. Air Commodore I.M. Pawa was named Commander of 204 Wing; Air Commodore J.M. Gbum, Commander of Strike Group; Air Commodore F.M. Makinde, 333 Logistics Group; and Air Commodore A.J. Bolajoko, Commander, 45 Nigerian Air Force Hospital. Group Capt. H.K. Tukur, was named Commander, NAF Detachment; Group Capt. O.C Oguejiofor, Commander, 104 Personnel Management Group; and Group Capt. O.A. Ogunjobi, Commander, NAF Detachment, Calabar. The statement also said the postings were with immediate effect. Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission on Monday in Abuja promoted 12 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police. The elevation which took immediate effect, was based on the recommendations of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim. The officers are Abubakar Mohammed; Ibrahim Ahmed; Christopher Ola; Saidu Daya and Bukar Maina. Others are Danlami Yar’Adua; Atiku Kafur; Muhammed Abbass; Aloysius Okorie; Shehu Babalola; Madueke Uzu and Charles Cole. The commission stated that the promotions were in line with its vision of re-focusing and re-positioning the Nigeria Police Force to meet the challenges of policing a democratic nation in the 21st century and beyond. A statement from the PSC Chief Information Officer, Ferdinand Ekpe, explained that the promotions were approved at the 18th Plenary Meeting of the commission which was chaired by Mr. Parry Osayande, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. It said that the body deliberated on various issues pertaining to the smooth running and effective administration of the NPF and took far-reaching decisions in its attempt at transforming the organisation. The commission while congratulating the officers, urged them to re-double their efforts in the discharge of their duties to the nation. It also called on all officers of the Force to re-dedicate themselves to the service of providing adequate security for the nation. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010264152853 |
| Politics › Re: 2011: Reps Committee, Inec Agree On 150 – 30 Days Time Frame ! by wales(op): 6:18am On Oct 26, 2010 |
Conducting free and fair election in 2011 is paramount to all Nigerian. if the extension of time would guarantee that, we all welcome the amendment.Enough of this debate let see action now. time is not on our side. The earlier INEC start the voters’ registration excise the better. |
| Politics › 2011: Reps Committee, Inec Agree On 150 – 30 Days Time Frame ! by wales(op): 6:17am On Oct 26, 2010 |
The House of Representatives on Constitution Review and the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday agreed that the 2011 elections could be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days to the May 29, 2011 handover date. The committee and the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Atahiru Jega, agreed to the time frame at a public hearing on the request by the electoral body for time extension in Abuja. Sections 5, 10, 11 and 17 of the 1999 Constitution (First Alteration) are to be amended to reflect this time frame. However, there is a slight variation from the initial proposal by INEC, which sought to conduct the poll within a time frame of 90 or 30 days. The committee increased the ‘upper limit’ (90 days) to 150 days, which was the original limit the National Assembly passed in July when it included a time frame of 150-120 days in the constitution. It left the lower limit at 30 days, implying a time frame of 150-30 days. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Alhaji Usman Nafada, who is also the chairman of the committee, said the 150 days time frame was inserted to take care of future elections. He explained that whenever it was convenient for INEC to conduct elections four to five months before the handover date, it (INEC) would not need to seek another amendment to the constitution. Speaking further, Nafada stated that “150 days and not later than 30 days is our proposal. In future elections, INEC can choose to conduct elections five months earlier so that we won’t have to continue to alter the constitution.” Describing the amendment as ‘transitional,’ Nafada added that the House would complete its part of the work this week by voting on the proposal on Wednesday (tomorrow) and passing the bill on Thursday. “As a National Assembly, in conjunction with the Senate, we shall pass the constitution over to the speakers of state houses of assembly to play their own part,” he said. He estimated that the whole process would be completed within two weeks, adding, ”The constitution will be gazetted in the next two weeks.” In his submission, Jega told the committee that he was satisfied with the proposal. He assured the committee that INEC could review the voter’s register and conduct the 2011 elections within the new time frame with ease. The INEC chairman said, “We now have a sufficient leeway to address our immediate problems and also take care of future challenges. “This is commendable on the part of the House of Representatives.” Under Section 9 of the constitution, a bill for the amendment of the constitution must secure the endorsement of two-thirds of all members of each arm of the National Assembly. In the case of the House, 240 of the 360 members must vote to approve the amendment on Wednesday. With the concurrence of the Senate, the bill will be sent to the 36 state houses of assembly for the endorsement of two-thirds (24) of them. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010264135268 |
| Politics › Re: Lamido Criticises Northern Presidency Advocates ! by wales(op): 6:15am On Oct 26, 2010 |
His Excellency,the Governor of Jigawa state, you are a true democrat and we are all proud of you.if only your other colleagues(Governors and all other Politicians) in the North can share ideas like this, Nigeria will be a better place for all of us.keep it up! |
| Politics › Lamido Criticises Northern Presidency Advocates ! by wales(op): 6:14am On Oct 26, 2010 |
Politicians insisting that the North must produce the President in 2011 were on Monday upbraided by Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who stated that the advocates had no moral justification to pursue their agitation. Lamido also insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party family must defend the Goodluck/Sambo ticket. Speaking when he received the Goodluck/Sambo campaign organisation in his office in Dutse, the governor explained that the proponents of Northern presidency never supported their own in office, noting that the late President Umaru Yar’Adua faced seriously opposition from the region. “What is that thing you called northerner more than Yar’Adua? We had him, Nigerians believed in him, he restored the confidence of governance, because Nigerians saw in him a very honourable person; and yet it is us here who were undermining him. “And God took him away; so when you are talking about a northerner, which northerner are you talking about?” he queried. According to him, the agitation for Northern presidency showed that such politicians did not wish the region well. Lamido explained that the Jonathan/Sambo ticket was part of the PDP victory of 2007. “So to me, what I see in Jonathan/Sambo is a PDP victory of 2007, a PDP fortune which we must defend,” the governor said. He pointed out that politics of ethnicity or religion was very dangerous to the survival of the country as one indivisible nation. He said for the country to grow and prosper, there must be internal cohesion, noting that North or South politics must be discarded. He said, “We shall not allow this kind of division, North, South, Christian etc and other debates. I mean it is dangerous for us. “First, we need to come together because if we do not unite, there is nothing that Nigeria can grow.” http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010260524176 |
| Politics › Re: Bode George: Appeal Court Reserves Judgment ! by wales(op): 6:11am On Oct 26, 2010 |
Life is nothing but lesson to everyone alive. We should all remember that there is one person up there who is watching all our deeds. Also whether we like it or not we shall one day pay for our attrocities. I could not belief that Chief Bode Geroge will serve a day jail term in Nigeria, as I was still in disbelief that Chief M. K. O. Abiola could die in prison. Please do not laugh at these people but we should take a lesson from their lives and their end. When you are entrusted with public money |
| Politics › Bode George: Appeal Court Reserves Judgment ! by wales(op): 6:10am On Oct 26, 2010 |
The Court of Appeal in Lagos on Monday reserved judgment in the appeal by the former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Chief Olabode George and five others. Three Justices of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Clara Ogunbiyi had adjourned the matter indefinitely, following the conclusion of adoption of briefs of arguments by the lawyers to the parties. The appellate court added that the date of the judgment would be communicated to the parties accordingly. Justice Joseph Oyewole of a Lagos High Court in Ikeja had on July 26, 2009, convicted George and five others and sentenced them to two-year jail term without an option fine. The other convicts are the Managing Director of the NPA, Aminu Dabo, O. Abidoye, Abdullahi Tafida, Zanna Maidaribe and Sule Aliyu. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had prosecuted the convicts just as Justice Oyewole found them guilty of corrupt practices, contract splitting and willful disobedience to constituted authority. But the convicts had appealed against the decision of the lower court and urged the appellate court to set aside their conviction. Lawyer to George, Chief Tunji Ayanlaja(SAN), had in his submission, urged the court to allow his client’s appeal on the grounds that it was only the Lagos State Attorney-General that had power to prosecute the convicts while they were charged under the criminal code of Lagos State. The senior advocate said, “ The lower court having discharged the appellants on counts one to seven, other counts in the charge falls under the criminal code of Lagos State, as Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution only allows the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute offenders in respect of offences created by an act of the National Assembly”. Ayanlaja also claimed that since what was alleged to have been misappropriated or splitted were properties of the Federal Government, the idea of prosecuting the appellant under the Lagos State Criminal Code was improper. Lawyers to the other appellants also aligned with Ayanlaja’s submission, asking the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court. But the EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, had in his argument, urged the appellate court to take a judicial notice of the fact that it was too late for the appellants to complain about any defect in their arraignment. Keyamo said, “Where there is an objection regarding defect in the face of the charge, it must be raised before plea is taken”. The EFCC’s lawyer also faulted the argument of Ayanlaja that the Federal Government could not prosecute under the Criminal Procedure Law of Lagos State, saying that the position was contrary to the law of the land. Keyamo added that emphasis should be placed on where the offence was committed and not the status or portfolio of the convict. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010265473185 |
| Politics › Re: Only Obasanjo Can Resolve Ogun Assembly Crisis –monarch ! by wales(op): 6:08am On Oct 26, 2010 |
I dont think Obasanjo should be dragged into the mess created by Daniel for his own personal selfish reasons.Baba is a great leader among the yoruba’s & The nation he has stay clear. |
| Politics › Only Obasanjo Can Resolve Ogun Assembly Crisis –monarch ! by wales(op): 6:07am On Oct 26, 2010 |
the Ayanperuwa of Sotubo, Orile-Ijagba, Sagamu, Ogun State, Oba Abiodun Ajayi, has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo, remains the only personality who can reconcile warring legislators of the state house of assembly. Oba Ajayi, who spoke with our correspondent in an interview on Monday, expressed deep concern that “a matter that can easily be resolved has been allowed to be heading towards a state of anarchy.” The monarch believed that with Obasanjo’s political and societal’s stature, he could intervene in the legislative logjam and facilitate peace in the assembly. He said, “After (Obafemi) Awolowo, the only true father and leader that we have in Ogun State and the South-West is former President Obasanjo. You must agree with me God has been very merciful to him. He was the Head of State and holds the record as one of the first African military leaders to successfully hand over power to a civilian regime. “From (Gen. Sani) Abacha’s prison, he became the president. One could still relate with his achievements and contributions; even his role in ending the Nigerian Civil War. “In other words, Obasanjo has played many parts, especially in ensuring that Nigeria remains one and is progressing. Ogun is his state and I believe that he holds the key to resolving the political crisis in the assembly. “That is why I want to appeal to him to step into this matter and help us to put an end to the impasse in the assembly.” Oba Ajayi noted that the enviable position of the state as the most peaceful in the South-West and Nigeria had come under threat as a result of the political logjam in the assembly, warning, that the stand of the House of Representatives to take over the Assembly might not resolve the crisis. The monarch said, “You can see that the two sides have been holding to their positions without bending despite the intervention of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, who is currently the Chairman of State Traditional Council. “I agree that the gentlemen in the House of Representatives want peace in Ogun State but the method may lead to chaos in the Assembly. The two sides may continue their struggle to hold their meetings simultaneously in the House and this will not augur well for anyone.” http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010264201590 |
| Politics › Re: Pdp Nwc Members Report Nwodo To Jonathan ! by wales(op): 6:03am On Oct 26, 2010 |
In fact that PDP N/Chairman and the family members should leave our Governor alone, because when he was Governor of Enugu State, he did not do any thing, the roads was bad,corruption and joblessness every where, now our Governor is working, try his very best, that no Governor in Enugu State since it creation have do what he have done in Three year now. he and his family is now creating useless problems in Enugu against the Governor, He is not using his office very well, he should be carefully. |
| Politics › Pdp Nwc Members Report Nwodo To Jonathan ! by wales(op): 6:03am On Oct 26, 2010 |
All may not be well within the ranks of members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party. THE PUNCH learnt in Abuja on Monday that some members of the party’s highest organ were expected to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday night to report what they considered as the excesses of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo. Details of their grievances against him were not very clear, but a member of the NWC, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development. He said it was true that some NWC members were scheduled to meet with the President on the issue, but refused to give details of what they would discuss with the President at the meeting. However, it was learnt that a three-man committee from the NWC had been appointed to meet Jonathan on the matter. The members of the NWC, who were asked to meet with the President, were the PDP Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Haliru Bello; National Secretary, Alhaji Kawu Baraje; and National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke. Apart from the way Nwodo has been handling the crisis in some states, he was also being accused of running a ‘one-man show.’ He was also said to be encouraging the factionalisation of the party in some states, among others grievances against him. The source said, “Well, the man is not carrying us along. Majority of us do not like his style of leadership. “He does things his own way without carrying us along. For example, when he was going to introduce the e-registration, he did not carry us along. “Now, election is coming, he is busy encouraging the factionalisation of party executives in some states by attending to anyone that comes to the party’s headquarters to lay filmsy excuse. I think it is either he changes or he gives way.” But when contacted, Nwodo’s media aide, Mr. Ike Abonyi, said he was not aware of the development. Nwodo is currently on holiday in the United States, where Abonyi, said he would observe some rest. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010264192810 |
| Politics › Re: We Can’t Act On EFCC’s List – PDP! by wales(op): 5:57am On Oct 26, 2010 |
This is a welcomed development and a step in d right direction in d fight agains corruption which is bedevilin our country. At dis level, like in fifa, we need a zero tolerance approach. The time is here 4 pdp to redeem its image, if they dont consider this list then one can say their tolerance for corrptn is 100%! God is watchin them! |
| Politics › We Can’t Act On EFCC’s List – PDP! by wales(op): 5:55am On Oct 26, 2010 |
The Peoples Democratic Party on Monday said it would not undermine the judicial process by acting on the Economic and Financial Crimes advisory list on alleged corrupt politicians.http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010264125521 |
| Politics › Akingbola’s Trial Begins Today ! by wales(op): 6:39am On Oct 25, 2010 |
TRIAL in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s alleged N364bn financial crime against the former Chief Executive officer of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola, is expected to begin today before a Federal High Court in Lagos. The EFCC is prosecuting Akingbola before Justice Mohammed Idris on an alleged 22-count charge of theft, market manipulation, insider trading, abuse of office and economic crime of about N346bn. The former CEO had, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the alleged offence while the court granted him bail on August 30. But Akingbola’s lawyer , Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN) , had in a statement of defence , faulted the EFCC’s charge on the grounds that the figures being mentioned was never entered as amounts allegedly stolen by Akingbola . He added that the development was that of the media trial of his client. The senior advocate also claimed that there was nowhere in the reports of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation and the EFCC that Akingbola was accused of taking any money for himself, his firm, and any firm or individual related to him. He also claimed that the CBN had investigated the bank four times before Akingbola’s removal in August 2009, saying that after his removal, three further forensic investigations were conducted by a joint team of CBN, NDIC, EFCC and forensic experts. He further claimed that the purpose of the findings was to know whether or not Akingbola benefited from the transactions, saying that no such incrimination was found against his client. Fagbohungbe also alleged that the investigations revealed that throughout his 20 years in bank, Akingbola never took any loan from bank either directly or in favour of individuals and firms he was related to in spite of the fact that the regulatory provisions in banking industry allowed such with THE CBN approval. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010252221278 |
| Politics › Re: 2011: Efcc Submits Corrupt Aspirants’ Names To Pdp ! by wales(op): 6:34am On Oct 25, 2010 |
No matter what those bootlickers says, Its a good omen for our democracy. If there is any way to shut the door against these corrupt leaders I think we should do it. Many of these corrupt leaders and some of these forum members are the on feeding fat on our commonwealth. And God in his infinite mercy shall hook them down. |
| Politics › 2011: Efcc Submits Corrupt Aspirants’ Names To Pdp ! by wales(op): 6:33am On Oct 25, 2010 |
Shock awaits many politicians hoping to contest the 2011 general elections on the Peoples Democratic Party platform as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has submitted the names of members it found to be corrupt to the leadership of the party. THE PUNCH’s findings over the weekend showed that 55 politicians, including six serving governors, are on the list. Three of these governors are from the South, while the other three are from the North Two of the governors in the South are seeking re-election while only one of the three governors in the North wants to return to the Government House. However, the affected governors, who are not seeking re-election, plan to contest other elective posts in the forth-coming elections in 2011. A source in the PDP, who made this known to our correspondents, reiterated the party’s decision to stop its members suspected to be corrupt from contesting the general elections on its platform. He said, “There is no way we will allow our members with corruption cases hanging on their necks to stand for elections in 2011. Doing so will not be good for our image. Since the Federal Government controlled by the PDP is serious about stemming corruption in the country, it will be wrong for us to allow people with questionable character to stand for elections next year.” Asked to confirm the names of the serving governors and the other politicians, the source, a senior official of the PDP, replied, “There is no way I can tell you that. You have to wait until the party takes a final decision on it. You know it is a sensitive matter. We don’t want them to begin to pile pressures on our party and the EFCC.” The source, who insisted on anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case, did not say exactly when the list was submitted. “We got the list shortly before our chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, travelled to the United States recently.” When contacted, the spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development. He said, “Of course, the list is part of our advisory list on those who are standing trial for corruption. “What we did was to remind stakeholders about the corrupt cases against politically- exposed persons. “These are the people who are still standing trial for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices just as their cases are still ongoing in various courts.” Nwodo is in the United States following medical advice from his doctors asking him to observe some rest. The PDP National Working Committee had at a meeting with the EFCC in Abuja on September 27, 2010 requested for a list of corrupt members of the party seeking elective positions. A member of the NWC, who was at the meeting told one of our correspondents on the condition of anonymity on Sunday, that the EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, complained that many of the people currently being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency were aspiring for elective positions. Waziri was said to have noted at the September 27 meeting that majority of the affected political aspirants were hiding under the PDP umbrella. According to the source, the anti-graft agency chief expressed disappointment that such people were also using their money to stall the cases against them in courts. The source said, “The commission has submitted the list to our chairman. This is because, the chairman of the EFCC, at our last meeting, complained that many members of our party who are standing trial are also warming up for election. “The PDP must set the standard by ensuring that we do not field such persons again. Besides, these politicians are rich and are hiring senior lawyers to frustrate the commission at the courts.” The source said when Waziri was asked why the commission could not halt these politicians, she allegedly said that if it (EFCC) had instituted fresh cases against them, it would be tagged “political victimisation.” Investigations by our correspondents on Sunday, further revealed that the EFCC chairman had asked the PDP leadership to use its “in-house mechanism” to stop some of the politicians. However, it was learnt that the National Legal Adviser of the party, Chief Olusola Oke, told Waziri that it would be difficult for the NWC to stop such politicians on the “mere suspicion that they are corrupt.” Oke, it was learnt, also reminded the NWC that even those that were being prosecuted were free to contest elections since they were yet to be convicted. Oke reportedly reminded the committee members that the Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, had been elected while in prison. Apart from Orji, he also noted that Sen. Iyiola Omisore, had been elected into the Senate while in Agodi Prison, Ibadan, as he was being tried for the murder of a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige. Omisore was later discharged and acquitted. However, the members of the NWC are said to be waiting for Nwodo’s return from his trip before a decision would be taken on the list. But the Special Adviser to Nwodo on Media, Mr. Ike Abonyi, said on Sunday that he was not aware of the list. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101025384223 |
| Politics › Jonathan Is Weak -buhari ! by wales(op): 6:31am On Oct 25, 2010 |
Former Head of State and Presidential aspirant, General Mohammadu Buhari has commended the Senate for taking side with the people by throwing out the “selfish” amendment bill forwarded to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the proposal was a reflection of the deceit with which the executive has been ruling the nation.http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/oct/25/national-25-10-2010-001.html
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| Family › Re: . by wales(m): 9:00am On Oct 19, 2010 |
Your mum did the right thing abi no be so? |
| Politics › Ex-agf Elected Africa’s Rep. To Uk’s Arbitrators Institute ! by wales(op): 6:28am On Oct 18, 2010 |
A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), has been elected as Africa’s representative at the United Kingdom’s Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. With this development, Ojo, who is currently Nigeria’s representative at the International Law Commission, Geneva, an arm of the United Nations, has made history as the first Nigerian to occupy such position. The election of the former AGF was contained in a congratulatory message sent to him by the Institute’s Director of Administration, Ms. Claire Hughes, on Friday. Ojo defeated Justice Charles Kajimanga of Kenya for the only slot available to Africa. The former AGF has been the head of the Institute in Nigeria and the West African representative of The Netherland-based Foundation for International Commercial Arbitration. Those who contested for the single East Asia region slot were Chow Fong, John Luk, Sundra Rajoo and Colin Wall. Contestants for the Middle East/ Indian subcontinent region single slot were Chandrakant Kamdar and Nayla Comair Obeid. For the United Kingdom’s three vacancies, the contestants included Bruce Kettle, Rod O’Driscoll, Michael Stephens and John Wright An online statement by the Institute said, “Elections are not required in the regions of Americas, Australia and Europe as the existing Trustees have not reached the end of their term of office.” http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101018364581 |
| Politics › Re: Ekiti: Pdp Jittery Over S’west ! by wales(op): 6:24am On Oct 18, 2010 |
PDP, the days of rigging elections are over. In the coming elections, you will have to earn the vote of the people if you deserve it. So let the people decide, we pray for fair and free elections at all levels, amen in JESUS NAME |
| Politics › Ekiti: Pdp Jittery Over S’west ! by wales(op): 6:23am On Oct 18, 2010 |
There were indications on Sunday that the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West had gone into panic mode over the declaration of the Action Congress of Nigeria candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, as the governor of Ekiti State. Investigations by THE PUNCH on Sunday showed that the PDP feared that if the crises in its Ogun, Oyo and Osun state chapters persisted, its might lose more governorship positions in the zone. It was gathered that to avert losses in the 2011 governorship poll, the PDP leadeship had mandated its members in the zone to ensure that all factional crises were resolved, so that its aggrieved members would not defect to opposition parties. In the 2007 governorship elections, the PDP won five states in the South-West —Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun. It has, however, lost two—Ekiti and Ondo States following judgments of the Court of Appeal on petitions filed by the ACN and the Labour Party. Investigations further revealed that the first in the series of meetings aimed at resolving the crises , which mostly arose from disagreements over the choice of PDP governorship candidates, took place in Osogbo, the Osun State on Sunday. The meeting was attended by all the governorship candidates of the party in the state, except Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode. Sources told one of correspondents that the meeting which began at 1pm and ended at 5.30pm on Sunday was inconclusive. It was consequently adjourned to October 31. Our correspondents learnt that although the PDP had been making moves to reconcile the warring factions in Osun State, Sunday’s meeting was urgently convened, after the Court of Appeal ruled that Mr. Segun Oni of the PDP was not the validly elected governor of Ekiti State. “The Osun’s case is considered the most precarious because efforts to resolve the crisis over the governorship ticket of the party did not bear fruits as opposing camps refused to yield ground. With the development in Ekiti, it is feared that aggrieved members may defect to the Action Congress of Nigeria,” said a PDP chieftain, who pleaded anonymity. He added that some of the governorship aspirants in the state had alleged that the prominent members of the party had concluded plans to adopt the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Chief Iyiola Omisore, as the governorship candidate of the party in the state. It was gathered that during the Sunday meeting at the private residence of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Osogbo, other aspirants said that the party’s leadership had not provided a level playing ground for them. Investigations also showed that the aspirants warned that a lack of internal democracy would have negative consequences on the party in the 2011 elections “Leaders of the party are worried that in 2007, when the party was united, the ACN won seats in the state House of Assembly. Now that the party is enmeshed in a crisis, you can imagine what will happen,” the party chieftain said. When contacted on the telephone, the Chief Press Secretary to Oyinlola, Mr. Kayode Oladeji, said that the Osun PDP was not jittery over the 2011 elections and the petition filed by the ACN governorship candidate in the 2007 governorship election, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola. THE PUNCH also gathered that the party was concerned about the crisis in Ogun State where some aspirants, whose chances of winning the PDP’s tickets were slim, had started approaching the ACN. The state PDP is divided into two factions with one headed by the Minister of Commerce, Jibril Martins-Kuye and the other led by Governor Gbenga Daniel. While Daniel’s group prefers the former chairman of Gateway Holdings, Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka as the party’s governorship candidate, the other group is rooting for the former military administrator of Ekiti State, Gen. Adetunji Olurin (retd.). THE PUNCH gathered that both factions would meet this week to find ways to resolve their differences. Commenting on the crisis, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Tunji Egbetokun, warned that the disgreements could affect the party’s chances in next year’s elections. Egbetokun said “With the kind of politics we are playing today, freedom of movement to political parties is not so rigid. So you cannot be sure that people will not move out of a party once there is no internal democracy and once their interest is not fairly and justly protected. “As for me and my members of my group, we believe the PDP still remain the part to beat in Ogun State and we are not contemplating leaving the party. But we would like to call on the National Executive of the PDP to wade in by ensuring that the state’s executives are harmonised in the interest of the party in the state.” But the Director of Publicity for PDP in the state, Mr. Deji Kaleaiye, told one of our correspondents that the party was one. He described the crisis in the state as “part of the elements of democracy.” Investigation by our correspondent in Ibadan, Oyo State, showed that some members of a faction of the PDP opposed to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala were considering contesting the 2011 general elections on the platform of other political parties in case the Chief Dejo Afolabi-led executive did not give them its tickets. Two of such parties, reliably gathered, are the ACN and the Congress for Progressive Change. A source in the ACN said in confidence on Sunday that a former governor of the state had, at a time, discussed the possibility of contesting the next governorship election on the ACN platform. She also claimed that some National Assembly members from the state as well some of the members of the state House of Assembly currently at loggerheads with the leadership of the House have also reached out to the ACN. A former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, had at a lecture by his associates to commemorate his birthday recently vowed to contest the forthcoming governorship election “with or without the PDP.” The ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, confirmed that some PDP members have been approaching the party for its tickets to contest the 2011 poll. “They have not been coming as a group. They have been coming individually, ” Mohammed said. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101018475251 |
| Politics › Re: Dubai Court Orders Ibori’s Extradition To Uk ! by wales(op): 6:19am On Oct 18, 2010 |
Good, justice should start from Ibori as he’s witnessing now. Thereafter, others will join for sure no hidding place for them, if not now then. Nigeria will survive !!! |
| Politics › Dubai Court Orders Ibori’s Extradition To Uk ! by wales(op): 6:17am On Oct 18, 2010 |
A Dubai court of First Instance in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday ruled that a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, had a case to answer in the United Kingdom. The court, therefore, ordered that Ibori be extradited to the UK to face charges of money laundering, credit card fraud and official theft. A United States-based Nigerian online news agency, Saharareporters, quoted a source as saying that Ibori was distraught by the verdict as some of his friends in Dubai had promised him that they could reach the judge and get him a favorable ruling. But the source said that the former governor would appeal the ruling. “I can assure you that Chief Ibori will ask his lawyers to file an appeal before the appellate court in the UAE,” said the source. He has 30 days to file for and receive an appellate decision. Another US-based Nigerian news agency, THE WILL, reported later on Sunday that Ibori had appealed the ruling. It added that the battle might probably end up at the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. According to THE WILL, it might take about eight months before the matter would be decided at both the appeal and the supreme courts. Ibori’s associates in Nigeria, according to Saharareporters, had expected a positive outcome for him. It added that he (Ibori) had ordered the renovation of his country home in Oghara, Delta State, for his return. But a UK prosecutor reportedly told Saharareporters after the court ruling that, “The day of reckoning for this fugitive in a UK court is near at hand.” Ibori fled to Dubai after he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on April 13, 2010 over N44bn fraud and other corruption charges. He was accused of selling Delta State shares in the Oceanic International Bank Plc and spending it to purchase shares in a United States oil servicing company, Wilbros. The former governor, was, however, arrested by the Interpol on May 12 following a UK warrant of arrest. He was initially quizzed but granted bail by the Dubai court. But the bail was later revoked by the court on suspicion that he might escape from the oil-rich emirates. The Federal Government had reportedly threatened to revoke the operational licence of Emirates Airline in Nigeria, following the UAE authorities’ apparent lack of interest in cooperating with Nigeria to extradite the former governor to UK. Also, the conviction of Ibori’s sister, Mrs. Christine Ibori-Ibie, and one of his associates, Udoamaka Okroronkwo-Onuigbo, by the Southwark Crown Court in London on June 7, 2010, was said to have played a crucial role in the reversal of UAE’s initial stance. Ibori-Ibie and Okoronkwo-Onuigbo are serving a five-year imprisonment each for assisting Ibori loot the treasury of Delta State during his eight years in office as governor. Ibori’s wife, Theresa , and one of his lawyers, Bhadresh Gohil, are also currently facing trial in the UK. Meanwhile, the EFCC which along with the Metropolitan Police of London, insisted that Ibori be extradited to the UK has welcomed the decision of the Dubai court. The commission, in a text message by its spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, to our correspondent, said on Sunday that the weight of evidence it brought to assist the Met. police helped the court to arrive at its decision. According to the EFCC, the judgment showed that justice is universal and can be served anywhere. It said, “The Dubai court ruling is not unexpected in view of the weight of evidence provided by the EFCC to support the processes filed by the Met. Police. “This is also an affirmation of the fact that justices is universal and can be serviced anywhere.” Before Ibori fled the country, the EFCC had appealed the judgment of an Asaba Federal High Court, which discharged him of wrong doing while in office. The commission had earlier arraigned him over 170 state counts, which involved N9.2bn. A court granted him bail since 2008 before the Asaba court discharged him. http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010101849817 |
| Politics › Re: I’m Ready For Probe, Says Oni ! by wales(op): 6:14am On Oct 18, 2010 |
What Dr Fayemi intends to do by probing the “financial activities” of his predecessor should not be seen as witchunting.Rather, it should be seen as a good omen for the pople of the state, it is the right step in the right direction.I aslo want to enjoin the amiable governor to make sure that he also focusses his attention on the revenue generating units of the state. A situation where civil servants are siphoning the meagre revenues of the state is unpalatable and serrious.God bless. |
| Politics › I’m Ready For Probe, Says Oni ! by wales(op): 6:13am On Oct 18, 2010 |
Ousted former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Segun Oni, has challenged his successor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to probe him if he can. Oni, who spoke through a former Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Segun Ilori, in Abuja on Sunday while reacting to a statement credited to the new governor, said his “performance while in office was nationally acknowledged, adding that such a probe would be mere “shadow-boxing.” He said the first challenge facing Fayemi, who was sworn-in on Saturday following the nullification of Oni’s election by the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, should be how to complete the numerous projects he (Oni) initiated during his three and half years in office. He said, “We welcome the statement credited to the new governor to probe the administration of Oni. “The intending probe will be mere shadow-boxing and scapegoatism. This is because it is on record that Oni operated a transparent and accountable administration up to the point that the governor was labelled ‘Mr. Due Process.’ “However, we see it (the probe) as a preparation to divert attention of the people from the real essence of governance. “Instead of chasing shadows, Fayemi should commit himself quickly to ensuring the completion of several ongoing projects initiated by the last administration for the benefit of the people of the state.” Ilori, who is also Youths Director of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 campaign in the South-West, further stated that Fayemi’s promise to introduce free education in the state meant nothing to the people. He said the former administration had initiated the programme, adding that pupils in the state enjoyed free education up to Junior Secondary School Three. According to him, “The free education and health for children are already in place by the Oni administration. “In Ekiti State today, education is free from primary to JSS3. So, there is nothing new in Fayemi’s promises. As at today, young children and the aged receive free health programme. We see those promises as mere rhetorics. “We can only call on him as a true son of Ekiti State not to leave Oni’s numerous projects as abandoned projects.” The former governor also faulted the appellate court for cancelling the votes in Ido-Osi, which is his stronghold. He said the cancellation showed that all the opposition needed in the future was to unleash terror in another candidate’s popular area knowing full well that the tribunal would go ahead to cancel votes from the area. He said, “The Court of Appeal allowed the ACN to benefit from the destruction and terror which it unleashed on Ido-Osi on the day of election, to prevent Oni from having a deserved home advantage.” http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010183581240 |
which would have allowed for the a political appointee to be an automatic voting delegate at the convention or congress of a party for the purpose of nomination of a candidate to fly the flag of the party at elections.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 (of 89 pages)