₦airaland Forum

The Federal Capital Territory Ministerial Task Force on Sunday arrested a retired director in one of the federal ministries for allegedly patronising a commercial sex worker on a street in Abuja.



The task force was constituted by the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Muhammed, to clear Abuja’s streets of commercial sex workers, after the expiration of the ultimatum given to them to quit the city or face prosecution.



Also arrested along with the director were 60 commercial sex workers, who were picked up at different spots in the city during a major raid that lasted about five hours, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.



During the exercise, the team raided areas such as Lagos Street in Garki 11, Rita Lori, Gimbia Street, Ibiza and Wuse Zone 4, especially opposite Sheraton Hotel, as well as Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2, among others.



The retired director was arrested on Gimbia Street, Garki 11, where he was allegedly sighted negotiating with a call girl for about five minutes.



NAN reports that as he was negotiating with the commercial sex worker, he had no idea that members of the task force were standing in front of his Toyota RAV4 Jeep, which had tinted glass.



Upon his arrest, the unnamed man claimed that the lady was his daughter. At Wuse Police Station, he changed the story, claiming that she was his fiancee.



He was, however, furious at the police station and accused the FCT Minister of going beyond his limits.



“When I was a director, I knew Bala (FCT minister) then. He was a deputy director. How come now he wants to decide how we live our social life in the FCT?



“Bala should concentrate on the Abuja Master Plan and forget about the sexual lives of residents,” he said.



However, there was a twist to his fate when he attempted to call his wife on the telephone to contact his lawyer.



Commercial sex workers, who were listening to his conversation on the phone, interjected, shouting, “Madam, no mind your husband, na asewo he come look for wey dem arrest am.”



His wife immediately terminated the call, NAN reports.



One of the call girls, who gave her name as Kemi, an indigene of Kogi, told journalists that she had contacted a senator, whom she described as her “regular customer.” She said he had expressed readiness to secure her freedom.



But immediately she told the senator to hurry up because journalists were interviewing her, he switched off his phone.



NAN reports that relatives of the detained prostitutes, who flooded Wuse Police Station, instantly withdrew to the main entrance of the Wuse General Hospital on sighting journalists covering the spectacle.



Most pathetic among the arrested call girls were three pregnant ladies. They were said to be carrying pregnancies between two and four months old.



They lamented that their boyfriends denied the pregnancies leaving them with no option than to fend for themselves and their unborn babies.



The ladies were dragged before the Abuja Environmental Mobile Court but the presiding judge granted them bail as first-time offenders.



He warned warning that he might not be so lenient the second time they were caught and brought before the court.



The 60 ladies, however, expressed their willingness to be rehabilitated and trained by the FCT minister. They also filled rehabilitation forms, while promising to quit the trade.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201008094125487

Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has declared that nothing can stop him from contesting the 2011 presidential election.

Babangida made this declaration recently at his Minna Hill Top residence when a coalition of concerned and enlightened Nigerians residing within and outside Nigeria, known as The Diaspora Group, came on a fact-finding mission to get his personal confirmation if he would indeed run for the post of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2011.

The former military president assured the group that his contesting the forthcoming presidential election was a foregone conclusion, adding that he had made up his mind to throw his hat into the ring and as such nothing could stop him from doing that.

Speaking while declaring their unwavering support to the former president for the 2011 presidential election, the National Coordinator of the group, Barr.Alec Utieyin-Scott, maintained that only a Babangida’s presidency could guarantee sustainable governance for Nigeria at this stage of the nation’s democracy.

According to Scott, “Nigeria’s political trajectory is similar to that of the United States of America where the first president, George Washington was also a military-turned civillian. It is on record that other military turned civilians have become presidents. Examples include President Dwight Eisenhower of the United States of America, President Charles De-Gaul of France and the Head of the KGB-turned civilian president Vladimir Putin of Russia. In Africa, we also have President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana among others.”

Contributing, another leader of the group, Mr. Isah Saulawa Abdullahi, said their endorsement of Babangida for president in 2011 was not only function of his being one of Nigeria’s former military heads of state but a function of his leadership qualities, performance and dexterity that reshaped, rebuilt and redirected a seemingly stumbling Nigeria into the path of stability, unity and progressive growth during his eight-year rule.

A chieftain of the Diaspora Group based in Spain, Mr. Godwin Dumuje, enjoined Nigerians to take critical look into IBB’s administration and discover the justification for his choice as candidate for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2011.



http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/09/national-09-08-2010-019.htm

When the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) was delivered in 1998, it was christened All Peoples Party (APP) at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Some of the people who midwifed its birth were the late Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige (SAN), Senator Arthur Nzeribe, the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, the late Afenifere leader, Pa Abraham Adesanya, the late General Joseph Garba, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Senator Kofoworola Burknor-Akerele and Chief Ayo Adebanjo among several others.

Going by the observation of Ige, the party had all the potentials of becoming the most formidable of the century. Quoting the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ige reminded the gathering that Awolowo had once prophesised that a time would come, when politicians of progressive mind across the nation would come together to salvage the country.

He expressed confidence that the prophesy of Awolowo had come to pass with the Ikeja , Assembly. But things later fell apart when some South-West politicians felt uncomfortable with the involvement of some politicians whose roles in the annulment of June 12, 1993 election salutory. It is believed that Senator Nzeribe played a prominent role in the saga with his Association for Better Nigeria (ABN).
This opposition to some people led to the birth of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
The three parties that were eventually registered were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), AD and APP.
The general election of 1999 saw the PDP clinching the presidency, while the ANPP had nine governors and AD five.

Genesis of crisis
Since then, a lot of water has passed under the nation’s political bridge. AD as a party, was suspected to have been polarised by the PDP. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was suspected to be the brain behind the polarisation with the sole aim of killing the party for him to have the much-required home base relevance.
The two factions that emerged from the party were under the control of Chief Micael Koleoso and Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa. Since then, AD’s case could be likened to a proverbial fowl that perches precariously on a suspended string.

The devastating defeat suffered in its South-West base in the 2003 general elections led the AD to team up with other like-minded political platforms to form a political association called Action Congress of Democrats (ACD). However, it was not presented for registration. So, it died a natural death.

It was against this backdrop that the leadership of the party, under the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu put on its thinking cap and decided to abandon the AD and form the Action Congress (AC).
However, for strategic reasons, the AC leadership left behind Chief Mochael Koleoso and some members to struggle for the control of AD with a view to destabilising Akinfenwa’s faction. The truth of the matter, however, is that the present members of the AC are largely drawn from AD.

Now, with the number of political parties rising to an all record 54 and with the ruling PDP becoming too strong to contend with, some political players then put heads together to form a coalition of opposition that would be formidable enough to give the PDP a stiff battle. But all attempts to succeed were scuttled either by selfish interests or through the hatchet job of moles in the house. An example of such an attempt was the much touted Mega Party under leadership of the elder statesman, Chief Anthony Enahoro.

With the failure of the Mega Party which led to the dispersal of notable members like General Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Chief Olu Falae, another attempt was made recently which was led by Tinubu, General Buhari, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, Chief Olu Falae, Koleoso, Akinfenwa, Chief Bisi Akande and other former AD governors like Olusegun Osoba, Alhaji Lam Adesina and Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

Daily Sun learnt that there were consultations that took the stakeholders to Abuja, Ibadan, Lagos and other states in the country. It was learnt that one of the meetings in Ibadan facilitated the peace brokered between the two AD warring factions. During the consultations, Daily Sun learnt that an agreement was reached for a new name to be given to the party with a view to giving all the contributing platforms a sense of belonging.
So, what is happening today in Lagos is change of name in pursuance of the accord reached by the stakesholders in previous meetings. It will be a non-elective convention in preparation for an elective one tentatively slated for Edo State sometime in September.

Re-arrangement
If that happens, it means that the ambition of some aspirants would suffer a setback as both elective and appointive positions would be shared and redistributed to accommodate all the stakeholders.
It is against this background that palpable fear is noticeable among elective office seekers who want the ticket of the about to be defunct Action Congress (AC) as the party is set to change its name today to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Their fears, according to Daily Sun findings stem from the fact that negotiations would be entered into by all the platforms that will team up to own the new arrangement and it will also entail sharing and re-distribution of offices both elective and appointive across the country. A top chieftain of the party told Daily Sun on condition of anonymity that “the new arrangement will even start from the new Executive Committee that will be put in place immediately after the change of name.”
A source close to the leadership of the party confided in our correspondent in Oshogbo that “some of the aspirants who have already started mobilising for their ambitions would be asked to drop their aspiration for new comers as every member of the new party would be considered as equal joiner and equal founding and pioneer member.”

Daily Sun however gathered that though AC might be the senior partner in the new arrangement, slots would be allocated and conceded in accordance with the strength of the contributing parties in their areas of operations.
For instance, former governor of Sokoto State and leader of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa might be allowed to nominate candidates for his catchment areas while the former Head of State and leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), might be given a free hand to nominate candidates from his own domain.

Another chieftain of the party from Kwara State, who doesn’t want his name in print also explained that “in Lagos State for example, the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) might be allowed to nominate candidates for offices in the Central Senatorial District because of the outstanding performance of its governorship candidate in the 2007 election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje.” The offices, Daily Sun gathered would include council seats, National Assembly slots, State of House of Assembly positions, commissioners as well as slots in the executive council of the party.

National Publicity Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr. Michael Popoola Ajayi, who confirmed that his party is part of the new order however said that “the issue of aspiration has not come up yet,” explaining that “the issue at hand now is to first consolidate the new party before talking about individual aspiration.”
Alhaji Lateef Raji, Chairman, Lagos state chapter of the AD disclosed to Daily Sun that “the two factions of the party (Mike Koleosho and Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa factions) have come together” saying “both sides have seen wisdom in closing ranks to form a formidable platform that would be strong enough to win elections.”

Both factions were present at a parley in Ibadan last week where all the former AD governors like Chief Akande, Adesina, Chief Segun Osoba, Adebayo and Tinubu were in attendance. Although the AD spokesman, said the issue of aspirations is not yet on the agenda, Daily Sun however gathered that there are behind the door manoeuvres to work towards pairing General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as presidential candidate and running mate respectively.

If the rumours making the rounds is anything to go by, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is being wooed to join the 2011 presidential race on the platform of the ACN. At the state level, a governorship aspirant from one of the southwest zone confided in Daily Sun that “though the race will be thrown open to every interested aspirant, there might be consideration for Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state for obvious reason.”

But another source stated emphatically that “since the birth of the new party would sound the death knell of all the separate parties that come together to become one, the field would be thrown open for every contestant to try his or her own luck without any form of hindrance.” Whatever the case, the next few weeks before the September convention would be interesting as who becomes what, would manifest for all to see.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2010/aug/09/newsbreak-09-08-2010-001.htm

‘Don’t call me Dimeji’
By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji


August 9, 2010 12:17AM
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A mild drama played itself out at a press conference organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ota, a town in Ogun State, at the weekend as a journalist, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji was verbally attacked by party members for being a namesake to the Speaker House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.

The meeting was organised by the party elders and collegiate council of the town, at a Town Hall in Ijamido, to castigate the Speaker over his recent face-off with the state governor, during the commissioning of a bridge. The journalist’s trouble with the party members started during the questions and answers period when, having taken the microphone and introduces himself as Dimeji, the countenance of the party supporters in attendance changed immediately.

And in a twinkle, it descended into shouting of “no, no, no, you are his name sake, you can’t ask questions here,” even as the reporter asked the protesters, if it has become a crime to share a name with a person.

The noise continued until some party leaders, including the local government chairman, Abayomi Tella and Tunji Akinosi, Commissioner for Agriculture called the protesters to order.

The reporter was thereafter given the opportunity to ask his questions.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5604519-146/dont_call_me_dimeji__.csp

The validity of the recently amended Constitution has been questioned by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, who said the document is not law until President Goodluck Jonathan signs it.

The National Assembly however insisted that the president’s signature is not required, since 24 of the nation’s 36 state houses of assembly have already ratified it, making a presidential assent unnecessary.

Genesis of controversy

Last week, Olisa Agbakoba, a human rights activist and lawyer, had gone to court over the legality of the document. In an originating summons filed at a Federal High Court in Lagos by his lawyer, Chijioke Ogham-Emeka, Mr. Agbakoba argued that the Constitution (First Amendment Act 2010) recently passed by the National Assembly cannot take effect as a law without the assent of Mr. Jonathan.

He said the amendment remained illegal and unconstitutional if it is not signed by the President and urged the court to nullify it on the grounds that it contravened Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution.

In the new constitution, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) is to conduct next year’s elections in January. The electoral body has begun to gear up for the election and has mounted series of activities and campaigns towards that.

However, Mr. Adoke, who is a co-defendant in the suit said the federal government has not yet decided to defend its position in court in spite of being joined as a defendant.

Despite this reluctance to join issues with Mr Agbakoba in court, the minister said the position of the government remains very clear - which is that a presidential signature is necessary before the amendments can become operative.

Mr Adoke said: “Our position on the necessity of an assent is very clear. It has been highlighted before now. I will advise you to search for some of the position documents and read it again.

However, on the issue of the suit, we have been listed as a defendant. But we are yet to take a position whether we will defend the case or not.”

Sources at the ministry said the minister’s response was more or less an attempt to douse the raging controversy over the proprietary of a presidential assent, which is threatening not only to delay the take-off of the newly amended Constitution but the 2011 general elections which is to be held in accordance with the amended Electoral Act.

The debate continues

The suit, which listed the Attorney-General of the Federation, the House of Representatives and the Senate as defendants, has heightened the disagreement and legal contentions over the necessity of a presidential assent before the new constitution could become law.

Already, two eminent lawyers and statesmen, Ben Nwabueze, a Professor of Law and Richard Akinjide, a former Minister of Justice, said for the constitution to become valid, it has to be signed by the president.

According to Kayode Oladele, a Nigerian lawyer based in the United States of America, the Constitution does not require the assent of the president. “Be that as it may, what makes the amendment effective is not the resolution or approval of the National Assembly per se but final ratification or approval of the same by two-thirds majority of the state legislatures presumably in the name of “The People”. What the National Assembly therefore does is actually to approve the proposal for the amendments and send the approved proposals to the state legislatures for approval.” He added, “Once the National Assembly receives the required approval of the State legislatures, it then sets a timetable for the effective date and commencement of the new constitution.

This process of ratification is what is contained in section 9 of the 1999 Constitution and no other meanings should be read into it. The reason is simple, what would happen if the president refuses his assent after being approved by the National Assembly and ratified or approved by the State legislatures as provided for under Section 9 of the Constitution? Can the president veto it because he has the power of veto? The answer is No.

Presentation of the amendment constitution to the President for assent is unsupported by law and may constitute an infraction of the constitution itself.

It should not be contemplated at all.”

This view is shared by another lawyer Kayode Ajulo, who in laying emphasis on what he called “gratuitous controversy over whether the just amended Constitution by the National Assembly requires President Goodluck Jonathan‘s assent or not,” said he disagrees with the stand of Mr. Nwabueze and Mr. Akinjide that the president has to sign before it becomes law.

He added that, “the need for the president’s assent becomes more repelling and laughable upon the consideration that if the president’s assent to the amendments as passed by the National Assembly is so required, it therefore behooves that nothing stops at least all the governors of the consenting state houses of assembly to assent to the resolution of their individual state.”

Another lawyer and constitutional rights campaigner, Ayo Obe agreed that a presidential assent is not necessary. According to her, “What happens if the President refuses to assent? Is it not with a two-thirds majority that his refusal is overcome by the National Assembly? And is it not with that two-thirds majority that the National Assembly passed the amendments to the Constitution in the first place? Why is it suggested that the President should have some kind of formalised veto over the constitution amendment process? I would also add that the constitution amendment process seems designed to specifically exclude the executive, and to involve only the legislatures. That is why state governors have no role in the process.”

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5604587-146/amended_constitution_needs_jonathans_assent_says.csp

Fear of another mass retrenchment continues to hunt workers employed by subsidiaries of some of the nation’s deposit money banks, as indications appeared recently that the regulatory authorities may make real their threat to shut down companies in the group considered as a distraction to the attainment of sound banking culture.

Reliable banking sector sources told Daily Sun last week that most of the subsidiaries established in the wake of the adoption of universal banking concept in Nigeria may be allowed to die naturally considering that the Central Bank of Nigeria recently dumped the universal banking model.
If the authorities decide to proceed with the idea as planned, then the affected banks may be compelled to either close down some of the existing subsidiaries or merge them as departments of the parent companies.

It would be recalled that under the universal banking model, banks were encouraged to diversify into such segments as insurance, mortgage, stockbroking, custodial services, trusteeship and allied services among others and in the process created jobs for thousands of Nigerians.
However with CBN’s recent decision to dump universal banking for a model that allows for specialization among banks, the apex bank believes it is time to do away with such organizations which many believe was no long in tune with the demands of the times.

Besides, part of the reasons the regulators are favourably disposed to closing these companies was because some of them are believed to have been used as drain pipes through which management of the parent companies siphon resources of the holding companies. As a matter of fact, it is largely believed that some of these organizations have over the years existed as cost centres that contribute little or nothing to the group’s bottom line hence they are seen as a cog in the wheel of the current banking reform.

The regulators believe that incorporation of some of them were done not based on need but as a drainpipe that takes away funds from the parent companies. A source which prefers anonymity wondered what business some of the leading deposit money banks still have in microfinance banking sector which should have been left to small and medium entrepreneurs when actually their financial intermediation services to the Nigerian business community is still suffering serious neglect.

A fortnight ago the CBN governor Mallam Sanusi Lamido hinted that the apex bank was working with other regulators to set up a single non bank registrars department to forestall the abuse to which banks have subjected their registrars department.

First Bank of Nigeria, Union Bank of Nigeria, Afribank Plc and UBA Plc, Zenith Bank Plc are among the most diversified financial institution in the country, as their subsidiaries currently employ thousands of workers whose jobs may be on the line if the companies are eventually closed down.

Link;http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/09/national-09-08-2010-001.htm

On your "Marks", set, Go!! here we go again with the mad leaders we have in this country. Imagine this sort of nonsense! Thats their excuse to proplong the misery of Nigerian graduates for another year, he did not call for increase of their salaries, neither is he worried about the unemployement they would face even after 2 years service, Anyway what should we expect from a khaki guy who turned politician, imagine suggesting that additional one year for military training. Mark you are completely lost at sea!!

Did I just read Mark's comments of training Nigerain graduates on discipline, national interest, values & inculcation of patriotism, ideals of nationhood/development? Which of these values does Mark himself possess? Isn't it a known fact that Mark and his fellow thieves in government are busy collecting over N45,000,000.00 quarterly when an average Nigerian family can not even boast of a decent two square meal a day? The dooms day await all those that have plunged Nigeria to her present messy state.

Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, yesterday formally declared his intention to pick the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) presidential ticket for the 2011 election.
Shekarau declaration came just as posters of another ANPP stalwart and former National Republican Convention (NRC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, flooded the Abuja metropolis as an aspirant for the same exalted seat.

Giving explanation on the development in a telephone chat, Tofa disclosed that his loyalists who came for the party national convention, which had since been postponed and “some of them who are still in Abuja might have used their initiative to paste the posters, ahead of Mallam Shekarau’s declaration. There is no ill motive. That’s the beauty of democracy,” Tofa told Daily Sun.

Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, on his part, noted that time had come to put an end to what he called transactional politics which had undermined the nation’s growth and settle for transformational politics, which he assured ANPP supporters his presidency would offer.
“Fellow compatriots, 50 years is a long time, it is two full generations. It is long enough to resolve much of the decades old challenges that we are still grappling with. In spite of our failures to resolve our problems having survived 50 years, it is time to look forward with a positive attitude.

“It is time to ask Nigerians to participate in shaping the future of our nation. It is time for transformational politics, which is about electing someone committed to doing something about the challenges facing our country, and not transactional politics, which is about electing someone on account of instßant or future personal advantage.
“Today, I see clear signs that the country is ready for that kind of action; for that kind of leadership. That’s the only explanation one can give for the large number of people that are gathered here today.”
The ANPP presidential aspirant attributed the loss of hope in government by Nigerians to the uninspiring leadership that PDP had provided and assured the gathering of change.

“It is common knowledge that today, Nigerians of every standing and circumstances are struggling relentlessly to improve their lives. And they are yearning for an operating environment that is rule-based and transparent. “They are tired of a system that is weak and often unpredictable; a system of rent seeking, and a system where hardly anything gets done without some waste of resources. They are tired of a Federal Government that is not working for them; a government that couldn’t create jobs for the unemployed; a government that couldn’t fulfill its pledge to entrench rule of law; attain food security; deliver electricity in spite of repeatedly shifted deadlines and changed promises.

“Thus, what is lacking is a focused leadership that will do what it takes to tackle our problems. I am convinced that with discipline, sustained focus and by applying ourselves, we can address the challenges facing us as a nation.”
Earlier in his message, former chairman of the Party Board of Trustees (BoT) and aspirant for the party national chairmanship seat, Dr Harry Akande, observed that with the declaration by a politician of Mallam Shekarau’s pedigree for the presidential race, ANPP had showed genuine intention for the race.

“After the 1999 presidential election, ANPP has been posturing for the presidency. But today, I can now see seriousness. God told me this is our time; we are going straight to Aso Rock. “The South-West is 100 per cent committed to Shekarau. I have heard him, he has said that he would support whoever picks the party ticket, that’s the beauty of it all, he should be prepared for competitors within the ANPP,” Akande told the gathering.

Apparently making insinuation on the contentious zoning arrangement threatening the fragile unity within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Edo State governor, Chief Odigie Oyegun declared that God has planted confusion in PDP and admonished ANPP leaders to exploit it to the party advantage.
“Today, God has planted confusion in the midst of those who for long has been vandalizing this country. ANPP is prepared to be the vehicle for the salvation of Nigeria. “The conditions are right, Nigerians are yearning for change. ANPP under Shekarau presidency will be that agent of change, come 2011.” Oyegun declared.


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/06/national-08-06-2010-010.htm

“The allegations regarding the leadership and membership of the Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange are very grave and that is the reason why the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to take this step in exercising its power under the Investment an Securities Act and other applicable regulations”.

With the above words, the Director General of the apex regulatory body of the Nigerian capital market, Ms Arunma Oteh, explained reasons behind the removal of the management and leadership of the Exchange on Wednesday, insisting that it acted in the best interest of investors in the capital market.

“We firmly believe that the actions we are taking will lead to long term improvements in the state and activities of the Exchange, thereby safeguarding the interests of the investors. These directives reinforce the integrity of our markets and demonstrate commitment to accountability”, Oteh stated.
In a tension soaked media briefing at the close of business on Thursday, the SEC boss stated that the commission was mindful of the critical importance of integrity and reputation of the market, and therefore could not afford to sweep under the carpet weighty allegations such as the ones leveled against the NSE leadership.

The SEC DG who was accompanied by Mr. Emmanuel Ikhazobor, Ballama Banu and senior managers of the Exchange and some market operators stated that the removal of the leadership would pave way for full investigations into the allegations and also create enabling environment for the Commission’s transformation agenda of the market into a world class capital market.

She said “The SEC will be launching an immediate and transparent investigation into the Exchange and its staff to examine the alleged corporate governance lapses and the allegations of financial irregularity and mismanagement. The allegations purport that the Exchange is insolvent and may soon face bankruptcy and it will not be able to meet its financial obligations.

“The SEC has been able unable to determine the veracity of these allegations because the Exchange has not yet, as statutorily required, submitted its audited financial statements for the year 2009. A formal investigation will therefore serve to shed some more light on the situation. We therefore want all the allegations to be examined fully”, the SEC boss stated.

She expressed hope that the people welcome the developments as positive changes to the status quo and in the next few weeks, would unfold action plans that will shed some more light on some of the steps the Commission will be taking. Meanwhile, SEC yesterday announced the appointment of Mr. Ballama Manu and Emmanuel Ikazoboh as the Interim Head of the Council of the Exchange and the Interim Administrator of the exchange respectively.

The commission directed that the council member (Alhaji Aliko Dangote) elected as president of the exchange in defiance of the court order should cease acting as the president pending the outcome of the ongoing litigation.
The Director General of SEC, Ms. Aruma Oteh, said given the critical period of transition that the exchange is currently facing, the SEC has determined that given the critical period of transition that the exchange was currently facing, the commission has determined that it would be imprudent to leave the council without a designated leader.

Oteh noted that under the powers vested on the commission by ISA, it appointed Manu to steer the council and the exchange through this critical period of uncertainty on account of the pending litigation regarding the status of individuals and this crucial period of change at the helm of the exchange.
She explained that the commission had previously asked the NSE to develop and implement a credible and transparent succession plan which according to her Manu instantly focus on getting the succession plan back on track to ensure the timely appointment of the new director general.

Oteh said the Interim administrator will fill the role of the former director general who was notified yesterday morning about her removal until the conclusion of the recruitment and and assumption of duty of the substantive DG of the NSE, adding that by the nature of the interim role, he will be ineligible to compete or vie for the position of the director general.

She said the wealth of knowledge and experience Ikazoboh brings to the post will enable him to manage the affairs of exchange until the assumption of the substantive DG, adding that the interim period will be of limited duration and a succession plan currently being put in place.
“The NSE, started a transformation programme in 2008. Key aspects of the agenda relate to ensuring that a modern and world class trading platform is developed. In addition to addressing the immediate issues related to exchange, Mr. Ikazoboh will ensure that the transformation agenda of the exchange is not delayed in anyway,” she said.

Mr. Manu holds a First Class Honours Bsc Accounting Degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as well as Msc in Accounting and Finance from the renowned London School of Economics. He is currently the Chairman/CEO of the Sicom Capital Services Limited. Prior to this, he served as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services. Manu served in Union Bank as the Executive Director for Information Technology and Services.

He has previously held top management positions in organizations such as the Executive Director (Operations) in Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation. While Mr. Ikazoboh holds MBA in Financial Management from the Manchester University Business School as well as a Client Services Management degree from North Western University, Chicago, USA. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.

He has over 25 years of experience in Public Accounting and Financial Management and several years work experience in Project Management.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/06/national-08-06-2010-004.htm

Mr. Ebunoluwa Martins is the state coordinator of IBB Campaign Organization, Lagos State and the Acting Director, Media, South West for the IBB Support Group.

He spoke with TOYESE OLADEJO on why the former military president must be voted into power in next year’s presidential election and on sundry matters of national interest.

Ibadan IBB rally
“The IBB Oyo State chapter organized the rally. Most of us from other South West states only came to celebrate with them. We also expected them to come around when we would be having our own. IBB is very much at home in the South West. He has numerous friends, assocites and supporters there. You will be by his acceptance in the South West. He can never be afraid of South West.”

PDP zoning arrangement
“The zoning as far as we know and as members of the Peoples Democratic (Party), zoning is in our constitution of our party. We expect everybody to go along with it. It is this zoning system that brought about the Vice President to the exalted office of President and Speaker as well as the Senate President. Even the party chairman emerged from zoning.

“If you cannot honour your manifesto how can anyone trust you? It means we can’t honour the words and the spirit of the constitution. We should honour it and be faithful to zoning.”

View on IBB
“Let us be very honest with ourselves, Since IBB left power, those who took over what have been their achievements? It is zero. Have we improved on what IBB did? Have we created new jobs? Unfortunately, we can’t see anything. It is someone like IBB who has the experience, who understands what it takes to make the right decision. He has been involved. He is the right man to do the job from 2011 and beyond.
“Do you know how many people were employed through FRSC, NETIM, DFRI and MAMSER? Lagos was given 12 local governments by IBB.

The same local governments which my able, respectable governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu used over N12 Billion to establish, IBB gave us freely. “The country need an experienced president and IBB fits it. We don’t need a president who will be using the presidency to learn. We must move forward and plan for the future. Anger and unnecessary emotion won‘t help us. Let us allow IBB to rule the country. Of course, we need new blood but they must be mixed with the old. In this case, IBB is the right man.”

June 12 annulment
“It was the military government. It is different from civilian government. You should know that certain things occurred which would not be open to us. They came to power through coup detat. June 12 annulment was done by combatant soldiers. It wasn’t IBB’s handiwork, it was a collective decision of the military. Those who were using propaganda against IBB are only insincere. MKO’s vice president, Baba Gana Kingibe got ministerial appointment from Abacha. This only points to the fact that there was more to it than meet the eye in the June 12 annulment.

“June 12 has come and gone. IBB is no longer in the military. The man at the centre of the game, MKO Abiola was part of the military then. If they betrayed him, it was due to a quarrel among them. Why should we be using it as a political tool?”

President Goodluck Jonathan
“It would be wrong to start playing God. If you have luck and you stretched it too far, you would be disgraced. Before Jonathan became president, those now campaigning for him would not go near him, When he was VP, how many of them go to him? If he is my brother, uncle or father, I would advise him not to contest the election but to organize free and fair elections, let the North have their two terms. I know Jonathan is a very good man, he may not think of even contesting. He should be able to see how they misled Obadanjo. I am sure that he would be able to ward off the sycophants around him.”

Political class
“They have not done well. The economy has nosedived. Some people said IBB legalized corruption and I want to tell you that IBB detests corruption.”

Can we now say Jonathan legalized kidnapping?
“No, it wasn’t true. IBB has done much for the country. Look at the Better Life for Rural Women which threw the womenfolks into the front burner of our national life. Even when IBB was under tension, he performed well, and, creditably too.”

Political aspiration
“I am for my principal, General Ibrahim Babangida. But I want young men to come forward to contest elections as council chairmen, members of Houses of Assemblies and the National Assembly.”

Prof. Attahiru Jega
“The erudite professor is only an individual. Let us build a wide institution. Look at the institutions IBB built, they are still waxing stronger, years after he had left office. We should think of building virile institutions and not individuals.”

Advice to Nigerians
“They should go and register and also ensure that they defend their votes so as not serve people who their fathers served. They should vote for a good candidate and for now, IBB stands out as the only one that can rule Nigeria well. He is tested there are other good ones that are yet to be tested, those ones I can’t vouch for them. If Wole Soyinka can put up the idea of FRSC, late Tai Solarin brought the idea of Peoples Bank of Nigeria (PBN) and IBB accepted them and that means he is a good leader.

A leader that can accommodate people who have ideas. I want to appeal to all Nigerians not to listen to campaign of calumny. We should move over emotional bias for the sake of our country. The common man should not be drawn into what they do not know. The late MKO Abiola was part of the military then and the people should just see it at that. IBB remains the only candidate that can bail this country out of her multifarious crises.”


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/06/national-08-06-2010-005.htm

How are we sure that the FG effort to release #74bn would not be made futile at the end of the day ? Do we have what it takes to conduct credible election in this country when minds are still set for currupts?Its high time we embrace justice

A former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday said that no amount was too big for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct free and fair elections in the country.



Buhari, at a book presentation in Abuja, said Nigerians must know that elections must hold in 2011 and that INEC must not be allowed to have any excuse not to conduct an acceptable poll.



His reaction followed the views of some people that the N74bn demanded by the commission for voters registration was too high.



Jega had last week told the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters that INEC needed the amount to import 120,000 Direct Data Capturing machines for a new voter register.



He had warned that failure to release the said sum to the commission before August 11 might jeopardise the 2011 elections.



The INEC chairman had said, “To deploy the DDC machines in every polling unit, in a period of two weeks, we will need between N55.1bn and N74bn.”



A DDC machine is made up of a laptop computer, a fingerprint scanner, a high resolution camera, a back-up power pack and an integrated printer that produces high quality voter cards.



Jega described the process for purchasing the machines as complex and urged the government to waive the due process requirements for the commission in order for it to make a quick purchase.



According to him, he had told President Goodluck Jonathan; the Minister of Finance, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; and other stakeholders at several meetings that if the money was not made available within a reasonable time, INEC could not perform “any magic.”



Among those that believe that the amount is high is the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, who said that it (N74bn) would be difficult to justify considering the level of poverty in the country.



Members of the National Assembly, who began a two-month recess last Thursday, have, however been recalled to consider, the N74bn budget the production of a new voter registration.



They are expected to resume legislative business on Tuesday, when a request for the approval of the sum is expected to reach them.



The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Media, Ayogu Eze, who confirmed this, said the lawmakers were keeping with their resolve to provide the necessary legislative support to INEC ahead of the 2011 elections.



He was, however, not sure if the National Assembly would approve the entire N74bn figure.



But Buhari, who spoke with journalists after the public presentation of the book titled “Praxis of Political Concepts and Cliches in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic,” said, “If INEC needs N100bn to conduct a free and fair election and Nigeria can afford it, so be it.



“We must know that election must hold next year. There is no doubt about that. We need to have election next year.”



The book launch was also attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other prominent Nigerians.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201008063101495

A visually impaired man, and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Yinka Ibidunni, yesterday officially announced his intention to contest against Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello for the Ogun Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2011 polls.


Mr Ibidunmi, a known critic of the state Governor, Gbenga Daniel, before he was appointed as Special Adviser on Physically Challenged People, made this known in Abeokuta. Declaring his senatorial ambition at his campaign office, located in Kugba area of the town, Mr Ibidunni who is eyeing the seat for the third time, said his ambition is to create positive effect and influence in people's life. "I want to ensure that people enjoy the dividend of democracy, and doing this is for the electorates to vote the right persons into political offices, in the next dispensation, in which I am qualified," he said.

"I am not ready to give a kobo to any delegate before getting the party slot, nor will I part away with any money as condition for the electorate to vote for me," he said. "But what I will say is that, let us put the right person in right position." The aspirant assured the electorate that if voted in as senator, he would be transparent and spend his constituency allowances judiciously. "Let us put the right driver in the right driving seat," he said.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/5603401-147/physically_challenged_man_contests_for_iyabo.csp

In a rare display of frankness, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Mohammed Ndume, yesterday acknowledged former president, Olusegun Obasanjo's charge that lawmakers are corrupt, but questioned Mr Obasanjo's basis for blaming legislators, who often have "justified" reasons to pilfer.


Mr Ndume spoke at a media conference Thursday, where he rebuked the former president's claim that federal lawmakers maintain questionable earnings and frequently pad national budgets sent to them for approval.

He said while he does not totally disagree with Mr Obasanjo, he would have favoured such allegations to be extended to "Nigeria or politicians" in general.

"To single the legislature out," he said, "I think he is not being fair." Again, even where the lawmakers are corrupt, Mr Ndume said, they have more "legitimate reasons", and Mr Obasanjo is least qualified to question that.

"Is it not Obasanjo who bred corruption in this country? It was during his tenure that corruption moved from low level to high level. It was during his tenure that he gave N50 million each to members of this House to extend his tenure," he said.

"Go and look at his account when he came out the prison to become the president and look at his account now. That will answer who is corrupt.

"It was during his tenure that NAFCON, NITEL, refineries, etc, were sold to girlfriends and cronies. What was that? When you look at that, you will have the answer as to who is truly corrupt," the Reps leader, who doubles as the House All Nigeria Peoples' Party (ANPP) leader said.

Speaking at an event in Niger State Wednesday, Mr Obasanjo accused the lawmakers of high level corruption during his years as president, detailing how he failed to know their true earnings and how legislators often stuffed federal budgets, without request from the executive arm of government.

He recommended the abolishing of the heavily-criticized constituency projects of the members, calling it a "conduit pipe" for corruption.

Correct on allegations

Mr Ndume said the blame should be laid on the government which has failed in providing amenities to its citizens -- a failure he said informed the creation of the constituency projects. "He is correct to say we are padding the budget, but that is a result of government failure. If the government built hospitals, schools, roads, there will be no need for constituency projects.

"If you bring a budget that has nothing for my constituency, I will not support it. I will insist that projects be put for my constituency and that is the padding. And if I have my way, I will even determine the contractor. If we have a project in Borno State and I see someone who has been unemployed, I will give him the job. I will not allow someone form Lagos to do it.

"The politicians can be legitimately corrupt because they are the closest to the people and have more needs. But people talk too much about their own corruption and forget about the real corruption at the MDAs and the executive," he said. Mr Ndume, however, admitted the failure of the legislature as an institution, and condemned a perennial national budget style that heaps funding on recurrent plans.

"I don't have the qualification to assess ourselves, but honestly and to be fair, we have not performed enough over the years. The legislature has not lived up to or performed to the expectations of Nigerians," he said.

On the budget and the performance of the present administration, he said, "80 per cent of the budget goes to about 1 per cent of the country made up of the Presidency, National Assembly and the MDAs through the recurrent expenditure.

"After the budget, we received communications that reduced the budget by 40 per cent, and later he brought supplementary budget which still raised the amount back to its original value and still gives 80 per cent to recurrent expenditure.

"The supplementary budget has not even been signed into law few months to the end of the year, not to talk of the implementation. Is that a government that is performing?"

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5603497-147/obasanjo_bribed_lawmakers_to_extend_tenure.csp

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory woke up on Thursday morning to behold big, bold and beautiful posters of Bashir Othman Tofa announcing the taciturn businessman's presidential aspiration for the 2011 general elections under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).



From the posters, it appears that Mr Tofa decided to reignite his presidential ambition the same day the incumbent governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shakarau, flagged-off his presidential campaign in Abuja.

On June 12, 1993, Mr Tofa contested the presidency of Nigeria on the platform of the now defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) against the late Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who is believed to have won the election.

Mr Tofa contested the election with the former labour leader, Pascal Bafyau, as his running mate. The election was later annulled by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida.

Grand campaign

As at the time of going to press, NEXT was unable to get the politician's reaction to the development. However, sources close to him said he was preparing to unveil his campaign in a grand way in the days ahead.

The ANPP, Nigeria's main opposition political party, had during its National Executive Council meeting last week, announced that it is zoning its presidential ticket to the north while the south-east is to produce the party's national chairman.

Just as the issue of zoning is threatening to tear the nation's ruling party apart, ANPP's zoning formula has already started generating internal crisis in the party that has twice shifted its national convention before now.

In 2003 and 2007, the ANPP presented Muhammadu Buhari, a former military Head of State, as its presidential candidate. Mr Buhari has since created his own platform, the Congress for Progressive Change.

Until yesterday, Mr Shekarau was the only presidential aspirant on the platform of the ANPP.

A source at the ANPP secretariat said that Mr Tofa's decision to flood the federal capital with his posters was aimed at frustrating the ambition of his state governor. The source said that there is no love lost between Mr Shekarau and Tofa and that the latter is being used by some members of the party against the governor's ambition.

In 2007, Mr Tofa showed interest in the position but later stepped down for Muhammadu Buhari, who flew ANPP's flag that year. He was later named the chairman of the reconciliation committee of the party. When asked in an interview three years ago if he had his eyes on the presidency again, Mr Tofa said, "Four eyes. All the four eyes."

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5603499-146/bashir_tofa_relaunches_presidential_bid_.csp

The Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday named Emmanuel Ikhazobor as interim administrator to oversee the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) pending the appointment of a new director general, but sources say Yvonne Fasinro, JP Morgan Chase Country Lead for Nigeria, will soon be named the substantive director general. Mrs Fasinro, a seasoned banker, has an impressive pedigree. Her husband is Habeeb Fasinro, the House of Representatives member representing Eti Osa federal constituency, Lagos State whose father is the first town clerk of Lagos City Council. Her father, Christopher Kolade, was Nigeria's former high commissioner to Britain, and a management expert.


When contacted yesterday, Udoma U Udoma, the chairman of the stock exchange said, "I am not aware of that so I cannot confirm it. I am not the spokesperson for SEC or stock exchange." Similarly, a SEC official was reluctant to confirm the appointment yesterday.

Mrs Fasinro is a Senior Vice President at JP Morgan Chase, one of the world's biggest financial services institutions with assets worth $1.1 trillion and operations in more than 50 countries. She is an Ernst and Young trained Chartered Accountant who holds a BSc in Economics. She joined JP Morgan in 1994 and in that time has worked in the private bank, investment bank, and in a variety of roles in the fixed income, credit, equity,and equity derivatives businesses.

Investigation commences

Meanwhile, the SEC has commenced investigations into the activities of the stock exchange over allegations of financial irregularities in the exchange. The commission's director general Arumah Otteh who addressed a press briefing to officially announce measures taken by the commission to address integrity and governance concerns that has plagued the NSE in the last two years, said:

"Like all of you, the commission has closely followed the development in the Nigerian Stock Exchange,

particularly with the ongoing litigation, implementation of the succession plan, allegations about financial impropriety and corporate governance lapses at the exchange." She said in view of its immediate findings, it was in the best interest of the market for the commission to take drastic measures in order to restore sanity into the system.

"The allegations purport that the exchange is insolvent and may soon face bankruptcy and it will not be able to meet its financial obligations." She said. Mrs Otteh explained that the commission has not been able to prove these allegations as the NSE has not yet submitted its audited financial statements for the year 2009 as statutorily required. "A formal investigation will therefore serve to shed more light on the situation." She said, adding that the removal of Ms Okereke-Onyiuke and president of the NSE council, Aliko Dangote was to stop the drift in the stock exchange.

Mr. Dangote, after weeks of infighting, last week declared that the NSE was insolvent due to mismanagement and lack of corporate governance. He therefore called for an investigation into the financial records of the stock exchange to determine its true state as a going concern.

Ms Otteh announced Mr Ikhazoboh as the interim administrator and Balama Manu, former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as interim president of the council of the NSE. She also said the interim administrator will run the exchange until a substantive director general is appointed. "By the very nature of an interim role, he will be ineligible to compete or vie for the position of the director general of the exchange," she said. Mr. Ikhazobor is the immediate past chairman and CEO of Akintola Williams Delloite, for West and central Africa which also acts as external auditors for the NSE.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5603517-146/fasinro_to_take_over_at_stock.csp

David Mark, my grandfather and father did not do NYSC and they were one of the most disciplined souls in that ever lived. Mark’s thinking is very very shallow. The lack of discipline has so many facets that CANNOT be solved by NYSC. In fact abolishing NYSC might be a better option, it has not achieved its purpose after 37 years and truth be told, it cannot!

Senate President David Mark has called for the extension of the National Youth Service from one year to two years.



Mark spoke at the Dinner/Award Night organised by the National Defence College for its graduating course participants on Wednesday in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.



The scheme, established in 1973, is to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, as well as to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural and social background,



“NYSC at the moment is a one year programme where we train all our graduates and give them two to three weeks drill; and that is all they do.



“I suggest very strongly, that the NYSC should be expanded to two years where the first one year is devoted entirely to military training.”



“The lack of national discipline in this country is because people have not been drilled in any form when they go to various universities,” he said.



He attributed the numerous problems bedevilling the country to indiscipline exhibited in the public and private lives.



Mark also called for the upgrading of the National Defence College to a university.



He said, “If you look at the subjects which you offer and the experience you bring in, we actually desire to upgrade NDC,” he said.



NAN reports that some distinguished members of staff of the college and participants received awards on the occasion.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201008062382187

The Action Congress on Thursday said it was partnering with the Democratic Peoples party, the Integrity Group of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and some members of the Peoples Democratic Party to form the Action Congress of Nigeria.



In an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, AC‘s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the party‘s new name would be ratified at its national convention slated for Monday, next week, in Lagos.



According to Mohammed, the partnership is more of a change of name than a merger.



He said, “The change of name must be seen beyond the party; this is a mass movement- a lot of people who have been sitting on the fence have now indicated their willingness to join the party. It is a sort of revolution; and those involved have agreed to a name change.



“At the convention, the party will consider and approve the amendment of its manifesto as well as change of motto, emblem, flag and slogan.”



He noted that the convention had been slated for Monday in order to ‘put things in order before the Ramadan period, which commences next week, moreso, we are not sure if the Independent National Electoral Commission will go ahead to conduct the general election in January 2011.



“We have, however, given adequate notice to INEC and the party’s delegates about the convention.”


http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010080622135

A former legislator in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Hamisu Wazata was on Monday arraigned before a Kaduna State magistrate court for alleged certificate forgery and perjury.



Wazata represented Giwa West Federal Constituency in the state legislature between 2003 and 2007.



Wazata who is now the assistant secretary II of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, according to the First Information Report was alleged to have falsified his West African School Certificate Examination result.



The FIR also alleged that he forged a WASC examination result purported to have been issued from Government Day Secondary School, Zaria in June 1988 with centre and candidate examination number 12426/407 which he used to seek election into the state house of assembly on the platform of the PDP.



But the examination result which he claimed belonged to him was later discovered to be that of a female student of the school named Samba Kande.



The prosecuting officer, Inspector David Agie said despite that, the accused went ahead and swore an oath at the Kaduna State High Court, claiming that all the purportedly forged documents in his possession were genuine, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 364, 368 and 164 of the Penal Code.



The accused however pleaded not guilty to all the charges while the defence counsel, Mr. Shehu Uba Soba prayed the court to grant the accused bail from the police custody.



He was later granted bail by magistrate Nasiru in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum.



Hearing on the case was adjourned to May 28.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2008050713261771

why are you talking now? You people know that OBJ is a very strong man in speaking the truth even if he is involved, so you people should be ready to face the music. It is a matter of time.

Members of the House of Representatives under the aegis of the Minority Caucus on Thursday accused the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo of promoting corruption.



They spoke against the backdrop of media reports on Thursday in which Obasanjo was credited as saying that the members of the House were corrupt.



Obasanjo, in the report, also said that members of the National Assembly padded budgets and in some cases, budgeted for ministries and agencies what they did not ask for.



He was also credited as saying that with the connivance of bureaucrats, such funds were usually withdrawn from budgets for projects that did not benefit the people.



But the leader of the Minority Caucus in the House, Alhaji Mohammed Ndume, described Obasanjo’s comments as unfair and uncharitable.



Arguing that the lawmakers would not have bothered if the former president had said that Nigerian politicians were corrupt, they said he lacked the moral standing to accuse them.



They accused Obasanjo’s government of doling out N50m to each member of the National Assembly to support his failed bid for a third term in office.



They also claimed that it was the Obasanjo administration that sold national assets such as Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nigeria Telecommunications Limited to his cronies.



Speaking on behalf of the caucus at a news conference in Abuja, he said, “If Obasanjo had said that Nigerians or Nigerian politicians are corrupt, that would have been right but for him to just single out the National Assembly I think he is not being fair.



“Even if that is the case, the National Assembly has 80 per cent Peoples Democratic Party members in the Senate and in House of Representatives and Obasanjo is the father and grandfather of PDP.



“If that is true, then it means, if the children are corrupt, then the father and grandfather; you know what it means.”



“We all know the level of corruption in this country. It was during his eight-year rule that corruption moved from a low level to a higher level.



However, Ndume admitted that corruption was a criminal offence; but he gave reasons why politicians or some lawmakers could be found wanting.



On budget padding, he said, “Are we saying that the National Assembly is sterile when it comes to corruption? I won’t say that. But if you look at the nation’s budget which he is talking about, padding budgets and giving contracts out, yes, that is true.



“As a member representing my constituency, if the budget comes and there is nothing in my constituency for my people, I will definitely not support that budget without having something for my people; because what will I go back and tell my people?”



According to Ndume, the level of corruption in the National Assembly is less than the level in other arms of government.



Further, he explained, “If you look at Obasanjo in 1999 when he came out from prison to be president of this country, go and look at his accounts, go and look at his assets and his disposition, and then you will get the answer to who is corrupt; whether it’s the National Assembly or the whole country.



“Am not saying there is no corruption, but if you want to address the issue of corruption in this country and you say you choose to start with the National Assembly, so be it.”



On zoning, the caucus said it was surprised that an issue that was an internal affair of the PDP had become a national issue.



Ndume also scored the National Assembly low in performance.



He said, “The legislature has not done well in the last three years. We have not performed to the expectations of Nigerians.



“I don’t want to give any excuse for failure or non- performance, but the truth of it is that the legislature, just like the government, has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians.”



Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission has initiated action to investigate the allegations by Obasanjo against the lawmakers.



It added that it had started investigation into how members of the national and state assemblies utilised funds released to them for constituency projects.



The chairman of the commission, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (retd.), made this known at the sixth edition of ICPC “Chairman’s Guest Forum,” in Abuja on Thursday.



A statement by the ICPC’s Resident Consultant, Media and Events, Mr. Folu Olamiti, quoted the chairman as having said that the anti-graft agency would use Obasanjo’s allegation to probe the allowances of the lawmakers.



Ayoola said, “We will commence investigation on the legal propriety of the size of the allowances. We want to know whether any criminal offence has been committed on the size of the allowances.



“If we do not find anything (unconstitutional), we will report and if we find something, we will tell the world what we have found.”

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201008063212998

Director-General of the Friends of Democracy for Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Cairo Ojugboh on Thursday said that he was yet to be issued any directive to discontinue campaign for President Jonathan against 2011 thus he has not in any way flouted any law.
Ojugboh spoke just as the Chairman of the organization and Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji, also announced that President Jonathan would contest in 2011 with Vice President Namadi Sambo as running mate.

President Jonathan had on Tuesday directed his aides to stop campaigning for him towards 2011 general elections while he was yet to make up his mind.

However, Dr. Ojugboh, who was addressing members of the Friends of Nigeria for Goodluck Jonathan equally said the President was shy to participate in the 2011 elections owing to his belief in the rule of law. In his remarks, Senator Abba-Aji said the fact that President Jonathan would contest the 2011 election was no longer in doubt, adding that even if the President was initially not interested, the huge support of Nigerians in his favour would certainly make him to have a critical examination of the matter in order to accept the wishes of the majority of the people.

According to Senator Abba-Aji, “majority of Nigerians want President Jonathan to contest the 2011 election. We are not talking about zoning or no zoning, but concerned about having someone that mean well for the country to contest the 2011 election in the interest of the majority of Nigerians.”
Speaking earlier, Dr. Ojugboh, who is also the Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters (Senate) said that it would be unfair for some few powerful groups that had held the nation for too long to want to stop a divine cause. He thus enjoined Nigerians to join the campaign to get President Jonathan to contest the 2011 presidential election.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Mobilization Committee of the Friends of Democracy for Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Ibrahim Mantu urged members of the organization to go to their various zones and establish zonal committees, saying the next level of the campaign would be moving to the grassroots.
Senator Mantu said President Jonathan being a grassroot politician, would prefer to meet people in the rural areas and not the urban centers with large concentration of those that are clamouring for the retention of zoning arrangement that had been overtaken by political realities.

Members of the group that gathered in Abuja for the one day general meeting and formation as well as expansion of sub-committees were drawn from all the states of the federation.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/06/national-08-06-2010-001.htm

The Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Ndidi Okereke-Onyuike, has been fired.

Her sack was announced in a statement signed by the Assistant Director/Head Media of the Commission, Lanre Oloyi. The statement also announced the removal of the embattled President of the NSE Council, Aliko Dangote.

Mr. Oloyi, in the statement, said the decision was taken in response to "the developments in the Nigeria Stock Exchange, particularly with respect to inadequate oversight of the Exchange, ongoing litigation, allegations of financial mismanagement, governance challenges, and the inordinate delays in the implementation of the succession plan for the Exchange."

Mr. Dangote had on Tuesday accused the Director-General of mismanaging N11 billion which led operators in the capital market to protest her continued stay in office.

In a petition to the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh, Mr Dangote had urged the regulatory authority to investigate irregularities in the accounts and finances of the NSE.

Mr. Oloyi said that "given the gravity of the allegations around financial mismanagement of the Exchange, the Commission has also directed the conduct of an independent investigation into the allegations."

According to the statement, the affairs of the Exchange will be managed by an interim administrator appointed by the Commission pending the selection of a new Director General.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Money/Business/5603002-146/securities_and_exchange_commission_sacks_okereke.csp

Signs of what to expect in the days ahead as politicians prepare for the 2011 general elections manifested at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday. That day, pandemonium broke out at the party‘s headquarters in Abuja as policemen attached to the party seized charms from a member of the party from Osun State.



The member (name withheld) was surprised when policemen attached to the party insisted on conducting security checks on all of the party members before being allowed inside the party premises. On sighting the objects, the policemen were taken aback as some of them beat a retreat.



However, one of them who summoned courage moved swiftly to the politician and demanded to know why he had to come to the party office with such objects. Responding, he said the charms were for self -protection. This answer did not satisfy the policeman as he prodded further. This made the politician to say since he was coming from a far distance, he needed to fortify himself against any danger. Not interested in further discussion, the policemen asked him to wrap the charms, which he did and placed under a sofa at the security post within the premises.



This, however, did not go down well with the staff of the party and some visitors, who wondered whether it would be safe for people to sit on the sofa with the objects under it. A policeman later agreed to hold the charms, telling the politician to come and pick it from him anytime he was ready to leave.



Shaking his head several times, a police corporal turned to our correspondent and said he and his colleagues, especially those that would be part of the 2011 general elections needed to be ”fortified” ahead of the elections. Maybe, Jega needs to reverse his budget for the election to make provision for this miscellaneous item.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201008051193454

Former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one-time Speaker, Kaduna State House of Asseembly during Balarabe Musa’s administration, Alhaji Mamman Abubakar Dan-Musa, has accused former military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) of destroying Nigeria’s politics. He spoke to Daily Sun in Kaduna.
Excerpts:

Zoning and rotation of power
“The zoning issue in the PDP is not a gentleman’s agreement, as some people want us to believe. The agreement is entrenched in the PDP’s constitution under Section7 (2C), unless, amended at the party’s national convention, the PDP members are duty-bound to follow that provision. The whole issue of zoning has got something to do with equity, justice and fairness.

“The provision is also in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All those who are saying zoning is not a constitutional issue, they are wrong, it is entrenched in the constitution. Under that Section 14, the federal, states and local governments are enjoined to ensure equity, fairness and justice on how they share things among their own people. It is only a Nigerian funny way of doing things. Some people are so dishonourable.

They are so dishonorable that are denying the existence of a decision, they were part. I am surprised as to how they are into this nuisance. But whatever they are doing is a PDP affair and I am not a member of the PDP. But I have a right to comment.”

Can the aggrieved members challenge the issue in court?
“Oh, certainly! They can, because it is a constitutional provision in the PDP. It is illegal to ignore it unless there is a pronouncement by a competent court of law or there is a national convention where that provision is amended.”
Northern Governors’ Forum on zoning

“To be fair to most of the northern governors, 10 of them stated that the stakeholders in their states voted for the retention of the zoning, so which means majority of the northern people voted for the retention of zoning. So that is the stand of the northern people that zoning should be retained. But as to the right of Jonathan to contest, of course, yes, as a Nigerian, he is free to contest, but then, there are certain obstacles on his way because the constitution of his party has a provision for zoning.

What’s CPC’s stand on zoning?
“As far as we are concerned, zoning does not exist. But practically, the provision of Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution is quite clear so whether you say it or not, we have to be fair and just to the people, Nigerians, that is just it.”

Will PDP zoning controversy strengthen CPC’s chances of winning 2011 election?
We are really not bothered by the zoning issue. The issue is, change has come to Nigeria. Whether there is zoning or no zoning, it is not the CPC’s problem. We know what happened in 2007 cannot be repeated in 2011. The sleeping masses are being mobilized. This time around in 2011, we are not going to go to court even if there’s rigging. We will take to the streets.

If you see the way people turn up en masse whenever our leader, Muhammadu Buhari, makes an outing, you will know that it is an indication that people want change and there is responsible leadership. As far as the CPC is concerned, it is not our problem. We have nothing to do with it at the party level. It does not give us any opportunity because time has come for change in Nigeria.”

What made you abandon PDP for CPC?
“I am not Iro Abubakar Dan Musa, I am Mamman Abubakar Dan Musa. Iro Abubakar Dan Musa, a very prominent member of the PDP, is my senior brother and is still a member of the PDP. But I am the one who used to be the Speaker of the defunct Kaduna State House of Assembly in the Second Republic.
“I had a short stint in the PDP, from 2001 to 2005. When Obasanjo started to behave abnormally, doing whatever he likes in the PDP, removing Audu Ogbeh without any reason, it was then I said it was high time for me to quit. Since General Buhari, the man I respect is in the ANPP I went to the ANPP not because I believe in the party, but because I feel Buhari is a leader.”

People see Buhari as a former military leader, who is undemocratic.

Do you think he has transformed into being a democrat from the time he left office as Head of State?
“Somebody, who is not very close to the General would think that he is undemocratic. I can assure you it is not so. Even this morning, there was a very crucial issue and I went to him and told him this is an important issue and these are my views, these are the ways how things should be done. He is always ready to listen to people. I assure you he always goes by the majority view. He is not a dictator. He is a real democrat. You need to be very close to him. You know if he is a dictator I cannot be close to him because right from my childhood, I always speak my mind. I don’t believe I should be told what to do.

“I always believe that we should discuss and at the end of the day allow the superior ideas, superior arguments carry the day. Those people who are accusing Buhari don’t know the General. He is a real democrat and he is somebody whose word is his honour. Whatever you agree on, he will not go back.”

Your assessment of politics since 1979
“Certainly, it is the military under Babangida which destroyed politics. Because Babangida wanted to remain in power perpetually, he engaged in bogey transitional programmes just to deceive Nigerians. At the end of the day, he just unilaterally, without any public debate, imposed two parties on the system. He manipulated them, because he did not want to leave, but was only forced to leave.

The newbreed which he brought, brought about incompetent and irresponsible people in leadership, and that was what distorted the Nigerian politics that we used to know. The so-called new breed, have no political base and they don’t care about the masses, so this is the problem.

Also, the subsequent military regime of Abacha, wanted to perpetuate himself except that he died. The transition of Abdulsalami Abubakar was meant to install another military man in the person of Obasanjo, so that’s all. Our misfortune was partly because there are always people who always believe that they have to be part and parcel of any government. They can do whatever it takes to be near the government. This is what is killing the whole system.”

Nigeria at 50
“There are certain positive things that we can celebrate. But if there had been responsible leadership over the years, the development would far exceed the one we have today.”

Relationship with Alhaji Balarabe Musa
“Very cordial, even on two occasions when he was giving his daughter in marriage, and also when his son was getting married, he invited me. We have very cordial relationship (this is one of his aides, Alhaji Mannir, pointing to the person seating next to him). In politics, there is no permanent friend or permanent enemy. It is only personal interest that is what is important.

Now we are all in the progressive camp. I have no problem with Alhaji Balarabe Musa. What I did was not on personal basis. I had a duty to perform and I did it and I have no regret whatsoever.
You know very well that it cannot happen now, because when money is the consideration, nothing positive can come out. I doubt much if it can happen at all today. When we carried out ours against Balarabe Musa, money was not the consideration at all.”

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/05/national-08-05-2010-007.htm

The lingering debate over zoning by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may soon be put to rest when leaders of the Northern Forum pushing for the maintenance of zoning meet with the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and members of the executive on a date yet to be decided.

It is expected that the desirability or otherwise of zoning would be thoroughly discussed at the meeting. Chairman of the Northern Forum, Mallam Adamu Ciroma confirmed that the Forum had applied for a meeting with the chairman of the party. However, the party had not replied the letter requesting for a meeting. Sources said the need or otherwise for the meeting was part of what the national executive decided at its meeting last Wednesday.

Ciroma maintained that the party settled for the zoning formula in 1998 and agreed that the south should produce the president for 10 years. The agreement was what made northern leaders to support former President Olusegun Obasanjo who ruled for two terms of eight years, he said.

The ascendancy of the late president Umar Musa Yar’Adua was in accordance with the spirit of zoning. The unfortunate death of Yar’Adua who was succeeded by his deputy in accordance with the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution has, however, thrown up a new challenge as many are canvassing for the setting aside of the zoning formula to enable President Goodluck Jonathan contest the 2011 presidential election.

Should president Jonathan who is from the south contest; the party would have abandoned the principle of zoning.
“We have sought appointment with the national chairman and we are waiting for his reply. There is no need to consider options before us when discussion is ongoing. But whatever decision the party takes, it will pay a price because of the consequences,” Ciroma said.

Asked why the North is divided on zoning, Ciroma said northern leaders canvassing for the party to abandon zoning are entitled to their opinion adding “…they have the right to take the decision they took. Nobody can tell another person what to do.” He maintained that president Jonathan has the right to contest the 2011 presidential election as pointed out by the northern governors adding that the question of whether or not it is morally right should be left to the people to decide.

Ciroma denied meeting with the 19 northern governors before their meeting two weeks ago saying:” they are very important people.” According to Ciroma, the Forum had also written to the Senate President, senator David Mark to seek for an audience with him. Mark has not replied the letter.

The meeting held with the speaker of the House of Representative, Honourable Dimeji Bankole was to sensitize him on the need for the party to respect the agreement reached on zoning by party leaders. The reaction of Bankole, according to him, is not supposed to appear on the pages of newspapers.

He expressed his satisfaction with the strength of character of those appointed as chairman and commissioners of INEC saying; “I happy with those appointed as leaders of the INEC. I am optimistic that they will do a good job.”

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/aug/05/national-08-05-2010-001.htm

Convener of the Save Nigeria Group, Dr. Tunde Bakare, has said there is no truly democratic and progressive political party in Nigeria, but only political platforms used by politicians to achieve their ambition.



He spoke on Tuesday in Lagos at a media roundtable with the theme: “Towards future credible elections’’, organised by Voters Awareness Initiative.



The clergyman stated that politicians in the country use their political platforms to attain personal pursuits without caring about the plight of the people.



He said, ‘‘I am yet to see a truly democratic and progressive party in Nigeria.



All we have are political platforms which people use to realise their ambition not the ones to save the people. As far as this moment is concerned, I don’t see any difference in any political party in Nigeria. You may blame the Peoples Democratic Party or the Action Congress for all you want to blame them for. And when you differ in opinion, they will plot your exit. That is not the kind of party we want.”



Bakare also stated that there was much work to be done in raising the level of awareness of the electorate towards the realisation of a truly democratic Nigeria.



“If there is going to be change in Nigeria, the citizenry must be awakened.



“Politics is too serious to be left in the hands of those who hate us but who continue to rule over us. We need to let our people know that credible election is not a privilege but a right,” Bakare said.



He further added that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, must ensure that he did his best in the conduct of the 2011 elections, saying “He is the eleventh chairman of the commission at the nation’s critical eleventh hour.”



Speaking, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere Renewal Group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said Nigeria needed the kind of zoning which would allow public offices to be zoned to competent and credible individuals.



Odumakin said, ‘‘We want zoning. We need zoning. But the kind of zoning we want is the one in which all public offices in Nigeria would be zoned from thieves, garrulous people and non-performers to competent and credible individuals.’’



In her contribution, former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Dr. Peace Obiajulu, stated that the 2011elections must allow the electorate to ‘‘freely choose those who will deliver on their promises.”



The President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, said Nigerians must vote for credible individuals in 2011 notwithstanding the contentious zoning arrangement of the PDP.



Earlier in his speech, President of VAI, Mr. Wale Ogunade stated that Nigerians must ensure that election riggers don’t have their way in the forthcoming elections.


http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100804126815

Senate President, David Mark, yesterday said that the National Assembly would proceed with the creation of new states despite criticisms mounting against the exercise.

Mr Mark told new state campaigners from Katsina State on Thursday, that lawmakers will not bow to criticisms that the current 36 states be maintained, but will press on with the exercise to “meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.” He said despite the condemnations, he finds the requests which have been made by several groups “genuine, desirable and necessary to address some imbalances in the present structures.”

“The more state we have,” he said, “the more there will be healthy competition between and among states, which will ultimately usher in meaningful development.” The new group, led by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari, is advocating the creation of Karaduwa State, out of the present Katsina State.

The proposed area holds 11 local government councils out of the state’s total 40, and according to Mr Masari, is endowed with human and material resources, and would be economically and politically viable. The area is also rich with agricultural and mineral resources, he said.

Criticism

Critics have denounced the planned exercise which the National Assembly has assured will be accommodated during the next constitutional amendment.

They have urged the lawmakers to refuse the requests, which currently total over 30, on the grounds that the new states will compound Nigeria’s problems, since many of them would lack the capacity to sustain themselves economically.

The lawmakers have also been accused of seeking to set the record as the first legislature in the nation’s history to create states.

Mr Masari admitted that the option of new states “cannot” solve Nigeria’s problems, but said that “it is the shortest way to solving them.” The Senate President, Mr Mark, said the National Assembly will not back down on the exercise, and described the question of self-sustainability as “untenable”. He said the true intent of the exercise is to draw the people closer to the government, and development.

“It will bring unity and harmony between and among federating states,” he said. On the economic strength of the proposed states, the Senate President said rather than condemning them, “we must find out why they are not doing well.”

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5602463-147/senate_favours_state_creation_says_mark.csp

Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state, may emerge as the joint presidential candidate of the Action Congress (AC) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) during the 2011 elections, if the alliance talks between the two parties sail through.

Mr Buhari, who was the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate in the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections, may run on the same platform with a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, who is reportedly being considered as his running mate.

This calculation will, however, become a reality only if the ongoing negotiation with the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, fails.

As at last month, Mr Ribadu was reportedly being considered to fly the AC ticket.

A source told our reporter in Abuja on Tuesday that the AC and CPC have held series of meetings where the issue of the joint presidential candidacy of Mr Buhari was raised. One of such meetings, was held at the Yar’Adua Centre on Wednesday last week.

It was gathered that part of the reasons why the AC changed its name to Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) was to accommodate the interest of the CPC and a splinter group of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) led by Jeremiah Useni and former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa.

The new name of the party, as well as the colour of its flag, will be ratified at the national convention scheduled for Monday in Lagos.

The change of name is in deference to the recommendation of a seven-member technical committee set up by the national leadership of the AC on May 12 to look into the issue of integrating structures of other parties for the purpose of the presidential election.

The report of the committee was considered and adopted by an Advisory Committee which met on July 13.

“After careful consideration of the report of the CAN Technical Committee, the Advisory Committee agreed with the proposal to commence the process of integrating all structures of the parties involved,” a document signed by AC Secretary, Usman Bugaje, which was obtained by NEXT, said. According to our source, during the discussion with the CPC, AC leaders rejected a proposal to change its name to ACPC as suggested by the former. It also refused to change its symbol, declaring that this would affect it since it had formed the government in some states.

The CPC representatives were said to have not only sought the change of AC logo but also canvassed a name which will revolve around “ACPC” but the AC leaders rejected the proposal, saying they are the senior partners in the alliance.

Nnamani as vice president

On the choice of Mr Nnamani as Mr Buhari’s running mate, it was learnt that discussions with the former Senate President have already commenced and reached an advanced stage.

It was learnt that former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, who had wanted to run with Mr Buhari, was persuaded to step down and contest for the Senate. Mr Tinubu will represent Lagos West senatorial district, if elected. Ganiyu Solomon currently represents the district.

“Nnamani is showing interest,” the source said, adding “We think he will be a good pair with Buhari. That is why Tinubu had to step aside.” Mr Buhari did not answer repeated calls made to his mobile telephone yesterday. Repeated calls to his aide, Buba Galadima, were also not answered.

Spokesperson of the AC, Lai Mohammed, denied that the AC, as a party, is aware of plans to offer Mr Buhari its platform. Mr Mohammed said the party would be informed if there is any such plan.

When asked if the change of the party name is not aimed at accommodating certain interests of the CPC, the AC spokesperson said, “Don’t say certain interests. If you say so it will look suspicious. We are accommodating DPP and some members of ANPP who belong to the Integrity Group in the House of Representatives.”

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5602450-146/buhari_may_fly_ac_cpc_joint.csp