NIS deports 4,738 illegal aliens in Page 2 Akwa Ibom
Kano mass wedding: 20 women dropped for testing HIV positive Page
April 5, 2013
NFA to intervene in Keshi-Yobo feud 2
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Vol. 3, No. 198
FG sets up ‘Amnesty’ Commitee for Boko Haram … to work with NSA
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s part of efforts to bring a lasting solution to the lingering state of insecurity orchestrated by the insurgence of the Boko
Haram Islamic sect, the federal government Thursday set up a committee on the proposed amnesty for members of the group.
Presidency sources after a meeting of the Security Council said the committee would work with the office of the National Security Adviser,
though names of members of the committee were not made public. However, the terms of reference for the committee Continued on Page 2
...Tinubu, Mu’azu lambast Jonathan, say ghosts don’t throw bombs By ISESELE EZEKIEL, Benin-City
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, former Governors of Kano and Yobe states, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Alhaji Bukar Abba Ibrahim during a visit of the National Rebuilding and Inter-Party Committee of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to Gov. Oshiomhole in Benin City.
Former governor of Lagos State, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the Niger State governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday took a swipe on President Goodluck Jonathan on his recent outburst over granting amnesty to members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect. Tinubu, who noted that ghost don’t throw bombs, also frowned at what he called the polarization of the Governors Forum by the president. He urged the federal government to Continued on Page 2
Rev. King challenges death sentence at Supreme Court
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eneral Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (aka Rev. King), has again appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking to reverse the death sentence passed on him by a Lagos High Court in Ikeja on January 11, 2007. Continued on Page 2
...Appeal Court hears Al-Mustapha, Shofolahan April 29 The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned till April 29, to hear the appeal by former Chief Security Officer to late General SanniAbacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, and former Personal Assistant to late AlhajaKudiratAbiola, LateefShofolahan, challenging the death sentence handed them by a Lagos High Court. Continued on Page 2
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Tinubu, Mu’azu lambest Jonathan Continued from Page 1` allocate more powers to the state just as he threw his weight behind the creation of state police which he said remains the panacea to the nation’s security challenges. The former governor made this assertion while speaking at the 60 th birthday celebration of Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on the theme “Deepening Democracy and Enhancing Public Welfare. He posited that from history ghost never throws bomb. They remain quite in the cemetery. You cannot arrest ghost. Those people in detention we need solution , we have been on lamentation for so long, we have made APC for them for so long , if they cannot do it we will leave it. On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, identified separation of powers as a precondition for deepening democracy in Nigeria. He said these indices are critical objectives, which are aimed at promoting democracy and eventually enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of citizens. Niger state governor, Alhaji Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who also spoke at the occasion, challenged the federal government to unmask those behind the
dreaded Boko Haram Islamic Sect from those suspects that have arrested. He said it is no longer fashionable to describe them as ‘ghost’ since some of the suspects are in the custody of security agencies rather than asking northern leaders to identify them. The Chairman of the event, Alhaji Aliko Muhammed, said the presence of the large crowd of well-wishers in Benin City in recognition of Oshiomhole’s worth as a leader and urged the governor’s mother to continue to pray for his success. Alhaji Aliko Muhammed said, “Nigeria is going to be a great country.’’ Other guest speakers like, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rt. Revd. Hassan Kukah, and a former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, eulogized the Governor for his doggedness and commitment to deepening democracy and commended his style of leadership. Gov. Oshiomhole while thanking the dignitaries for honouring his invitation even at short notice added that what he has succeeded in doing in governance was the transformation of state. The birthday colloquium had in attendance several state governors, and lawmakers from federal and state Assemblies.
Appeal Court hears Al-Mustapha April 29 Continued from Page 1` The lower court on January 30, 2012, convicted them on a charge of masterminding the murder of late Mrs KudiratAbiola. The appellate court, yesterday, adjourned for hearing, after counsel to the convicts applied for the regularization of their briefs of argument. The convicts had applied for leave to file their brief of arguments, which they served on the respondent. Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan, were arraigned in October 1999, on a fourcount charge of “conspiracy and killing of Alhaja Abiola on June 4, 1996 on the Lagos/ Ibadan expressway. The lower court found them guilty of the offence and convicted and sentenced
them to death by hanging. The appellants are contending that the death sentence handed by the lower court was unwarranted, unreasonable and a manifest miscarriage of justice, adding that the trial judge erred in law by arriving at the conclusion that they conspired to kill Alhaja Kudirat on June 4, 1996. The appellants are further praying the court hear the appeal, set aside the judgment, and discharge them of the charges of conspiracy and murder. They faulted the judge in the treatment of the contradictory statements of Barnabas Jabila (aka Sgt. Rogers) and Mohmamed Abdul, as well as the reliance on the testimony of Dr. Ore Falomo on the bullet extracted from late Kudirat.
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
Amnesty Committee for Boko Haram Continued from Page 1
ac cording to Presidential villa
sources are as follows: to consider the feasibility or otherwise of granting pardon to the Boko Haram adherents; collate clamours arising from different interest groups who want the apex government to ad-
minister clemency on members of the religious sect; and to recommend modalities for the granting of pardon, should such step become the logical one to take under the prevailing circumstance. The radical group has claimed responsibility for the killing of over four thousand
people and bombings, mainly in northern Nigeria. It is worthy to note that the federal government in 2009 granted similar amnesty to the Niger-Delta militants during their uprising that brought about the fragile peace the country is witnessing in the region.
Kano Mass Wedding: 20 Women Dropped for testing HIV Positive Kano State government has dropped 25 women billed to participate in the third-batch of the 1000 couple proposed for a scheduled mass wedding. This is as it was discovered 5 out the 1000 tested positive for pregnancy and 20 tested positive for HIV. In confirming the news, the Commander-General of the Hisbah Board in Kano, northern Nigeria, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa noted that it was taboo in Islam for preg-
nant women to participate in weddings. He further added that in each of the 44 councils – wedding prayer session for 21 couples would be held, while the mass wedding for the remaining 76 couples would be conducted in the state capital. 247ureports.com learnt that the Hisbah Board earmarked the sum of N10 million for dowries to the brides along with items such as furniture and other house-hold materials.
Rev. King challenges death sentence Continued on Page 2 The cleric, who was sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of a church member, is appealing against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos which on February 1, 2013 affirmed the Lagos High Court’s verdict. Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Lagos High Court had convicted and sentenced Ezeugo to death by hanging for the murder of Ann Uzoh, and attempted murder of five other devotees. The condemned cleric, arraigned on September 26, 2006 on six counts of attempted murder and murder, was said to have poured petrol on six devotees for an offence which he classified as “acts of fornication,” and set them ablaze. One of the victims, Uzoh, died on August 2, 2006, 11 days after the incident, as a result of the injuries she sustained from the incident. Ezeugo’s lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, confirmed to our correspondent on Wednesday, that he had filed a five-ground
notice against the decision of the appellate court which refused to reverse Oyewole’s judgment. He filed the notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos which will, in turn, transfer the records of the appeal to the Supreme Court in Abuja. The Supreme Court is to fix a date for hearing after then. Part of Ojo’s grounds of appeal was that the case of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions at the trial court was “an impossible and improbable one.” He also faulted the judgment of the Court of Appeal for its refusal to reverse the death sentence because the trial judge turned down Ezeugo’s request to adduce expert evidence on the inflammability of petrol. He stated, “The learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were wrong in not considering the issue raised by the appellant to the effect that the case of the prosecution was an impossible and improbable one, having regards to the highly inflammable nature of petrol.
Alhaji Isiyaka Rabi’u and the Governor of the Central Bank (CBN), Sunusi Lamido Sanusi had also donated N2 million and N1 million respectively to the new couples. Alhaji Gambo Danpass also donated 200 bundles of lace material for the participants, while GLO Mobile Telecommunication Company donated 2, 000 sim cards for distribution to the couples. S o u r c e : 247UREPORTS.COM
NIS deports 4,738 illegal aliens in Akwa Ibom
By MFON EKEFRE, Uyo The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Akwa Ibom State Command has deported about 4,738 persons through various authorized entry and exit points in the state. A release by its public relations officer, Mr. Effiom Effiom said within the same period, 4,328 persons successfully sailed through immigration processes in Nigeria. He stated that 7,199 applications for electronic passport were filed, processed, produced and handed over to respective owners. The NIS spokesman said 32 nationals of African descent were shown the way-out for various immigration offences, such as lack of valid travel documents and over staying their visitors permit. They include 24 Cameroonians, five Gabonese, one Ghanaian and one Gambian.
Education is catalyst for dev’t – Lecturer
By MATILDA ANEKE Education has been described as a catalyst for development in all countries of the world. Part time lecturer at the College of Education, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Dr. Vorbo Emmanuel stated this in a paper posted on-line. He posited that the dividends of education can be seen in the high literacy rate, improved standard of living, higher life expectancy, low infant mortality rate, reduction in poverty, production of skilled workforce and the creation of wealth and economic
development, among others, of any nation, that is why the National Policy on Education (2004) states that a “Nation’s policy on education is the government way of realizing that part of national goals which can be achieved using education as a tool,” adding that Education is the most important instrument of change. He said in order to ensure that children get qualitative education; there must be adequate funding and provision of infrastructure, instructional materials, recruitment of well motivated and qualified teachers as well as providing com-
fortable and enabling environment for learning. Dr. Emmanuel lamented that, it is disheartening that in spite of the crucial role education plays in the society; its delivery to citizens has been left in the hands of government alone. He therefore urged that all hands must be on deck if Nigeria is to achieve this desired goal. He called on other stakeholders such as the parents, community, corporate organizations and public spirited individuals to contribute in provision of qualitative education for children as government cannot do it alone.
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
news
Gov Obi sued for allegedly diverting N5bn state fund Former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Chudi Offodile, has dragged Anambra State government before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, alleging that a company owned by the family of Governor Peter Obi was used to divert about N5billion from the state treasury. The plaintiff, who listed the said company, Next International Limited and six others as defendants in the matter, further maintained that part of the siphoned funds were used by the governor to establish Sabmiller Breweries situated in Onitsha. Other defendants in the matter are Intafact Beverages Limited, Sabmiller Nigeria Holdings BV, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the suit which he filed through his counsel, Mr. Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, Offodile, was, among other things, seeking a declaration that the brewery (Intafact Brewery) established by the first defendant, Intafact Beverages
Limited, is a bon afide property of and wholly belongs to the government of Anambra State. He equally prayed the court for an order directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to render full and complete account of the operation including the costs of the establishment of the brewery, opened with monies belonging to the government of Anambra State and known as Intafact Brewery, Onitsha Anambra State. Besides, Offodile, further asked the court for an order directing the 5th defendant (Corporate Affairs Commission) to rectify the records of the 1st defendant by removing the names of the 2nd and 3rd defendants as the shareholders/directors of the 1st defendant. In what he termed as the particulars of the alleged fraud, Offodile averred that as at April 12, 2011, the 1st defendant did not have 300 shares of N100, 000 each purportedly allotted and as represented by the written resolution Akwa Ibom State of the Board of Directors of Intafact Beverages Limited dated April 12, 2012. Offodile further stated that “at the Commissioning of the
PUBLIC NOTICE JESUS INT’L OUTREACH MINISTRY LOKOJA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENE RAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. EVANGELIST GOWON EDIBO - CO ORDINATOR 2. EVANGELIST (MRS)AJARA EDIBO 3. EVANGELIST JOHN F.EDAH 4. PASTOR SAMUEL AMEDU 5. PASTOR SIMEON IDAKW OJI 6. APOSTLE ANDREW AROME CHAPI 7. EVANGELIST PHILIP EGBA 8. STEPHEN IGONO 9. MR.MOSES SALAMI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world. 2. To establish social services for effective spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 3. it’s a non denominational outreach ministry. Any objection to this REGISTRATION should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, MaItama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication. SIGNED: EVANGELIST JOHN F. EDAH
PUBLIC NOTICE SPIRIT SQUAD GLOBAL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. MR. ONEHI MARK YUSUF 2. MRS ABDULKARIM HASSANAT 3. MRS ASABE AGATHA SHAIBU 4. PROPHETESS (MRS) SARAH OYINE DAVID 5. PROPET DAVID OKWOCHE IPOLE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of Christ all over the world. 2. To establish Local Branches for the propagation of the Gospel worldwide. 3. To employ and deploy, train and ordain ministers for the furtherance of the work of the Church. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA W ITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY
Brewery, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Anambra State openly stated that the value of the investment
by the government of Anambra State in the Brewery is in excess of N2billion.” The matter has been
assigned to Justice M.L. Mohammed of the High Court who has fixed April 30 for hearing.
By ATI TERKULA, Makurdi
Ugo, (Vandeikya) and John Ngbede (Agatu). Others are Pharm Alexander Atime (Konshisha), Donald Amokaha (Ukum), Hon Igbiri Idah, Oju, Anthony Onuh, (Okpokwu), Justin Amase, (Kwande). The information was con-
tained in letter signed by Governor Suswam and presented to the State Assembly. Governor Gabriel Suswam said the cabinet shake-up was to consolidate the infrastructural development by the administration and to improve the life and well being of the people. He further promised to sustain the achievements of his administration by appointing credible persons to man the various ministries. It could be noted that recently, Governor Suswam dropped eleven commissioners out of 16 from which five commissioners including Mr Conrad Wergba of the Ministry of Information and Communication, Alex Adum, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Aondowadse Chia, Youths and Sport, Omadachi Oklobia, ministry of Finance and Terfa Hindan of Ministry of Commerce and Industry were left behind.
Suswam submits list of nominees for commissioners
G
overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State governor has submitted a list of nominees for appointment as commissioner to the state Assembly for screening. The new list of 12 commissioner nominees comprises seven persons from the previously sacked commissioners, while five are freshers. While there were eleven commissioners sacked, 12 names have been nominated due to the creation of one additional new ministry (Ministry of Urban Development and Environment). The commissioners are John Tondo from Guma, Eugene Aliagba (Gwer West), Elizabeth Alagh (Tarka), Dr Orduen Abunku (Gboko), Mrs M. Ajene, (Obi), Dr Elizabeth
Gov. Gabriel Suswam
accord classified PUBLIC NOTICE PENNINE EYE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION CLUB HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. DOCTOR TIJANI GARUBA - CHAIRMAN 2. DOCTOR SAMUEL OKUNGBOWA - MEMBER 3. MR.ISAIAH PRINCE UGOCHUKW U - MEMBER 4. DOCTOR OJUMAH RHODA NWAKAEGO - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. MRS.OLUWATOSIN AKINOLA - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To identify patients with visual impairment(s) who might benefit from low vision care and rehabilitation. 2. Evaluate visual functioning of a compromised visual system effectively. 3. Emphasize the need for comprehensive assessment of patients with impaired vision and referral to and interaction with, other appropriate professionals. Any objection to this REGISTRATION should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent,Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication. Signed: BARRISTER OLAJIDE OIWONLA (08037444474)
PUBLIC NOTICE INTER AFRICAN DISABLED SKILL ACQUISITION CENTER THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. EMMANUEL NKEREUWEM 2. PATIENCE ETIM ASUQUO 3. ANTHONY MATHIAS NKEREUWEM 4. KING SOLOMON DAVID ETE 5. MATHIAS UMOH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CATER FOR THE DISABLED IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO ENCOURAGE SKILL ACQUISITION IN DISABILITY
Any objection to this REGISTRATION should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY
PUBLIC NOTICE EDO LADIES PINNACLE CLUB THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. PRINCESS PAULA FEMI OKOJIE-BETULLI - CHAIRPER/FOUNDER 2. MRS.STELLA-MARIES ATAGAME - VICE CHAIRPERSON 3. MRS.MRS.DERBY ATALOR 4. MRS.ESTHER ESENE 5. MRS.ADESUWA FIASCO 6. MRS.EVELYN ASUE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster unity among members. 2. To train women and young in skills acquisition. 3. To assist widows,and less priviledged IN THE SOCIETY. 4. To promote harmonious relationship in the family/society. 5. To liaise with government at all level ,commission/agencies and organized private sector to eradicate the inequality of women in the scheme of things. Any objection to this REGISTRATION should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent,Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication. SIGNED: DENNIS ADONIS ALEOBUA ESQ (KSJI) SECRETARY/LEGAL ADVISER(08038943729)
PUBLIC NOTICE WE, T.M.T PLUS INTEGRATED LIMITED HEREBY GIVE NOTICE THAT THE NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS IS IN NO WAY INVOLVED IN THE SALE OF THE SAID COMPANY’S LANDS. ANY ACTION OR LIABILITY ARISING FROM THE SALE OF THE LANDS SHALL BE BORNE BY THE SAID T.M.T PLUS INTEGRATED LIMITED. HOWEVER, ALL TRANSACTIONS REMAIN INTACT AND VALID. ALL ENQUIRIES ON THE SAID PROPERTY SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE COMPANY’S OFFICE AT SUITE A25, AJB MALL, GUDU DISTRICT, ABUJA. SIGNED: MANAGEMENT.
THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE
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Friday, April 5, 2013, National Accord
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
2015: Benue Senators and the hustle to stay afloat
Senator Barnabas Gemade From ATI TERKURA, Makurdi
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s 2015 edges closer, politics in Benue State has taken a critical turn as politicians have begun realignments to remain relevant in the dicey political scene. This is even as it is not yet two years into the life of the present administration, there is already a fierce game of wits and maneouvres to remain afloat amongst those believed to be leading politicians in the state for their political future. As a result of the already established political imbroglio, the major players seem to be the three senators representing the state at the Senate, two of whom are principal officers of the red chambers. NATIONAL ACCORD has gathered that the primary reason for this early flexing of muscles is the need to remain politically relevant after their sojourn at the Senate in order to sustain their various grips on their believed political dynasties. This struggle for continuous claim to leadership of senatorial districts by these senators which has been viewed by pundits as feudal and cheapening of the players involved even as it undermines the political weight of the state and North Central political bloc as a whole, considering the fact the northern Nigeria is seriously angling for a Presidency which the Benue trio so fits into the struggle for this esteemed seat but has chosen to fall back to feudal politics amidst agitations from their peers in the zone for the same presidency. Research has revealed that leading the pack of Benue senators who are fighting to return is two-time party chairman, former Minister of Works, Senator Barnabas Gemade, who after
Senator George Akume
Senator David Mark
several attempts is finally representing the Benue North-East Senatorial district, has finally made it to the hallowed chambers. Gemade who unaguably is Benue’s politician with the richest political Curriculum Vitae having even attempted to run for presidency has been criticised for his desperation to remain at the Senate rather than move further up the ladder rungs especially now that the North-Central is believed to have legitimate rights to the Presidency. Chief Gemade who was erstwhile criticised for his tight-fistedness and non-chalance towards constituent yearnings has taken a U-turn as regards his benevolence. The senator who had publicly announced his inability to institute and influence citing of projects owing to his schedule of duties as a legislator and thus restricted to law making has all of a sudden found a way around his earlier restrictions to legislation and has aggressively begun implementing and influencing projects for his constituency. Only recently the minister of works was invited by the senator to flag up major road construction projects sited in his milieu, which was closely followed by the approval of several other road projects in the current budget, which have been attributed to the prolific senator, an ability he once denied having rights to exhibit. This new found gusto has been variously viewed by critics as his
response to booings and jeers from constituents in previous outings as well as widespread rumours of his newest albatross, Gov. Gabriel Suswam’s speculated interest in Gemade’s seat even as the latter has denied any of such allegations. Also engulfed in the game of wits for survival is the nation’s number three citizen of the state and three time senator, Sen. David Mark. This former military governor of Niger State and later, Federal Minister for Communications has been representing Benue South senatorial district since the re-inception of democracy 14 years ago and has been political lord and godfather of the senatorial district, deciding who even becomes councillor in his Idoma dominated senatorial district. David Mark, the experienced political war horse has been accused of selfishness and building hopes of budding politicians only to dash same as soon as they seem to vary in terms of power play within the zone. Although Mark has been applauded by his Idoma folk for his perceived struggle against Tiv superiority in a Benue which has always been ruled by the majority Tiv ethnic group, his Idoma brethren have seemingly seen through his perceived schemes which although have placed prominent sons of his ethnic extraction in positions of relevance as a scheme to always remain in power while giving his race the belief
This struggle for continuous claim to leadership of senatorial districts by these senators which has been viewed by pundits as feudal and cheapening of the players involved even as it undermines the political weight of the state and North Central political bloc.
of taking them to Uhuru. On the backdrop of the above deception is the constant propaganda and promise of emancipation of the Benue South Senatorial District, through the creation of Apa State. Most recently, it is believed that his constituents have been disillusioned by the farce of state creation as it has become obvious that it is a wild goose chase. Mark has also been criticised for shortsightedness as he is seen by the Benue people to possess the potential to become president but has been blinded by feudalism. Also accused of not being ambitious and insensitive to his primary responsibilities is Senate Minority leader and opposition backbone in the state, Senator George Akume. Akume, who after a successful eightyear-two-tenure as governor, was unanimously offered the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party on which he slid to the Senate to represent Benue North-West senatorial district even when it was not rightly his clan’s turn to produce one according the traditional Tiv sharing formula as practised. Akume who has returned to the senate on the wings of the opposition was previously known for his financial prudence, a reason for his recorded political success has all of a sudden been criticised of negligence. Most recently, the Senate minority leader has been accused of turning a blind eye to the plight of his constituents. Typically cited as an instance is the frequent attacks of his constituents by Fulani herdsmen resulting in numerous deaths and wanton destruction of pepperty, to which he has been unable call the attention of the senate or even visit such areas. According to watchers, Akume has in his bid to retain relevance in the national polity come 2015 taken to restricting himself to national politics and consolidating his grasp as an opposition leader thereby neglecting his senatorial constituent. Only recently amidst frequent attacks by Fulanis on his constituents the leader of the opposition in the state, Sen. Akume instead of paying sympathy visits and raising the issue on the floor of the senate as is expected, he rather preferred to visit Adamgbe the locality where there was a widely publicised mishap and generously donated nearly 3 million Naira at the occasion while his constituent faced derilious peril in the hands of invaders.
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
editorial
Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) The foremost Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, critic and politician, Albert Chinualumogu Achebe, died on March 21 2013 in Boston, the United States of America. In death, he became a rare melting pot in which the whole country turned up as one. Since he wrote his first novel, Things Fall Apart in 1958, he has grown to become a global intellectual giant. Things Fall Apart has been described as the archetypal modern African novel and the first African novels written in English to receive global critical acclaim. It is a staple book in schools throughout Africa and widely read and studied in English and non English speaking countries around the world. Chinua Achebe followed it up with a sequel, No Longer at Ease, originally written as the second part of a larger work together with Things Fall Apart, and Arrow of God on a similar subject. He also wrote A Man of the People 1966 and Anthills of the Savannah which he said did not feature Okonkwo's descendants, but are spiritual successors to the previous novels in chronicling African history. Raised by his parents in the town of Ogidi in Anambara State, he became fascinated with world religions and traditional African cultures, and began writing stories as a university student. After graduation, he worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) and soon moved to its headquarters in Lagos. When the eastern
region tried to break away from Nigeria in 1967, Achebe became a supporter of secession and acted as ambassador for the break away Biafra.
OUR TEAM Editor-in-Chief/CEO: Tom Chiahemen Managing Editor:
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OUR PHILOSOPHY The best way to protect the national interest and forge National Accord is to protect the interest of the Nigerian people, especially the weak and the voiceless in society, more so in our system that officially endorses the policy of majority and minority groups.
letters to the editor
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His last work, There Was A Country, is a personal, non fictional account of that war. It was published last year and generated a lot of controversy which was very much alive at the time he died last month. Controversy trailed his literally works. In 1975, his lecture, An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”, featured a famous criticism of Joseph Conrad as "a bloody racist"; it was later published amid some controversy. At the end of the civil war in 1970 and in the march towards democracy in 1979, he teamed up with Aminu Kano to found the People’s redemption Party. He soon resigned due to frustration over the corruption and elitism he witnessed. His experience formed the basis for another popular book – The Problem with Nigeria. He lived in the United States since 1990 after a car accident left him partially disabled. From 2009 until his death, he served as a professor at Brown University in the United States. Till death, he remained critical of Nigeria’s leaders. On two occasions, he declined National Honours awarded to him by Nigerian Presidents, arguing that he could not identify with those who had brought a great country to its kneels. If Achebe could not make our leaders change during his life time, the greatest honour they can do is to turn over to a new leaf in honour of his great works which will live for ever.
Things have further fallen apart!
meritus Professor and prolific writer, Chinua Achebe is dead. However, he is deceased only in the physical, his spirit and literary works live forever. Every English student from 195880 either read or watched the film “Things Fall Apart!” This novel was translated into more than 50 languages across the globe, and perhaps, the firmament. His other literary works are legion and ubiquitous in schools and public libraries, including my village – Korinya. The man nevertheless had hi frailties and foibles. His latest book, ‘There was a country,’ has a blaze of controversies. But
Achebe wrote what he saw and knew at the time. Moreover, he never expected to candour. He was poignantly pugnacious in calling a spade a spade. Several times the ‘Nobel Prize’ eluded him, but the prize is meant for any literary giant of Achebe’s status. It’s just like picking Messi ahead of Ronaldo, or picking any lecturer to be the VC. Please let’s not lampoon the dead, but rather canonise him. Achebe made Nigeria proud. His death is capable of wiping a whole chapter from the bible. Adieu, our colossus and icon, oga Achebe. Jimmy Texas Ajim, NNPC Towers, Abuja.
Late Prof. Chinua Achebe
National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
opinion Chinua Achebe: A personal tribute
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By ABUBAKAR DANGIWA UMAR
Mighty Tree Has Fallen – and, as to be expected, all those taking cover under its massive shelter are in mourning. In many ways, Professor Chinua Albert Achebe was not just a tree, he was a forest; a forest inhabited by that dwindling tribe of Nigerians that refuses to accept that nothing could be done to halt their country’s tragic drift to anarchy and chaos. For me personally, there are additional grounds for paying a special tribute to Professor Achebe. I feel privileged to be able to pay this tribute to the Prof for his many gestures of care and encouragement towards me. Our most recent contacts dates back to 2006 when the NGO, MOVEMENT FOR UNITY & PROGRESS, which I chair, invited him to participate in the national rally in Abuja to stop that reckless attempt by the then President Obasanjo to remain in office for a third and perhaps endless terms in office. Thereafter, we had remained increasingly engaged in discussions about what could be done about the
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many ‘Troubles with Nigeria’. Twice he had invited me to the annual Achebe Colloquium on Africa which he hosted at Brown University, USA, where he taught. Professor Achebe was an honest and courageous man who was not afraid to express his views on national issues. However controversial those views might appear to some people, there is no doubt that he expressed them out of intense patriotism so that Nigeria might emerge from her present challenges a better nation; a country from which his spirit shall be pleased to accept post humously the national honour which he had turned down in his life time. In frustration, Professor Achebe had on more than one occasion, turned down offers to have national honors bestowed on him because we betrayed the ideals which his generation grew up with, a betrayal that prompted his equally illustrious compatriot, the Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, to call us the wasted generation. As he takes his final bow, it must be his most ardent wish that fellow Nigerians shall bear in mind
what Nigeria is and what should be done to save her. Indeed we must keep repeating until we memorize what is clearly his last wish and testament contained in that inimitable tract which he titled: ‘WHAT NIGERIA MEANS TO ME’: Nigeria is a child. Gifted, enormously talented, prodigiously endowed and incredibly wayward. Nigeria needs help. Nigerians have their work cut out for them – to coax this unruly child along the path of useful creative development… We are parents of Nigeria, not vice versa… A generation will come, if we do our work patiently and well – and given luck – a generation that will call Nigeria father or mother. But not yet. May his soul find favour with God. Amen. Col. Umar (rtd) is former governor of old Kaduna State.
Easter and the Nigerian society
aster is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The innocent Son of God suffered a brutal crucifixion that was the climax of a short but remarkable life of commitment to love, truth, justice, humility, mercy, compassion, purity, peace and non-violence. In the course of passionately preaching and living out the truth as he knew it, condemning the injustices of the day and promoting a religion that emphasizes the spirit rather than the letter of the law, Jesus came in regular conflict with the status quo and those who benefited from it. Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples. He was denied by his closest associate. He was handed over to the Roman authorities by the chief priests of his religion. And he was condemned to death by Pilate the Governor. Death by crucifixion was the greatest symbol of the rejection of Jesus and everything he stood for by the religious and political authorities of the day. And to highlight this point even more, the crucifixion took place outside the walls of the city of Jerusalem. There is however a dramatic twist to the story of Jesus. Three days after the gruesome event of Calvary, the disciples reported that he had risen from the dead as he said he would, and some witnesses confessed that they had indeed seen him alive. This unprecedented event and the devotion that followed it marked the beginning of Christianity as we know it. The resurrection of Jesus is for believers a powerful testimony to the ultimate victory of good over evil, the eventual triumph of light over darkness, and the much hoped-for conquest of wickedness, aggression,
violence and death by the forces of love, peace, nonviolence and life. The Easter season therefore time to rekindle hope in suffering people everywhere, that evil will not continue to prevail; that truth cannot be silenced for ever; that all appearances to the contrary notwithstanding, ultimate victory belongs to the good, the just and the bearer of truth. The life and teaching, and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ put together, are a lesson on the efficacy of humility, service, selfsacrifice and true love, by which one is prepared to die not only for one’s friends but also for the higher values of truth and justice. Indeed Easter teaches that there are values worth defending to the point of death; that human life can be readily and voluntarily sacrificed for the sake of
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love and in defense of truth and justice. Nigerians can learn a whole lot from the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the glorious outcome of this sacrifice. Jesus taught his followers that those who seek to be first must make themselves last and servant of all. He stooped down to wash the feet of his disciples. Though he had the chance to be rich beyond measure, he chose to be in solidarity with the poor, the weak, the sick, the widow, the orphan and all the marginalized people. And finally he accepted a humiliating death on the Cross in order that his people may enjoy abundant life. These are powerful lessons, which Nigerian men and women of all creeds and ideological persuasions need to imbibe. The death and resurrection of Jesus challenges
Catholics re-enacting ‘Passion of Christ’ on Good Friday.
incumbent and aspiring leaders in Nigeria to abandon the path of selfishness and greed, and the inordinate ambition for power at whatever cost, which have been the bane of our socio-political history. With Jesus’ commitment to a life of love, humility, service and sacrifice eventually vindicated by the event of the Resurrection, and celebrated annually at this time by believers through the course of history, Easter challenges Christians and nonChristians alike to embrace those higher values exemplified in Jesus that guarantee ultimate fulfillment for individuals and lasting peace for societies. In the midst of widespread criminality and corruption that thrive side by side with a vibrant display of religiosity in our land, Easter challenges Nigerians to take a close look at our social morality that is clearly at variance with our robust religious enterprise. The contradiction is a major source of embarrassment to our nation, and thoughtful Nigerians must spare some moments during this season to reflect upon it. The core of religion as taught by Jesus Christ whose resurrection we celebrate at this time, is not the outward display of empty ritualism where Nigerian worshippers seem to excel beyond all else. Beyond the popular crusades, prayer vigils, dry fast and miracle explosions, Jesus calls his disciples to the practice of authentic religion that is to be found in a passionate commitment to love, truth, justice, honesty, mercy, forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Rev. Father Ehusani is a former Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
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Friday, April 5, 2013, National Accord
news
Patience Jonathan honoured with ‘Global Women Leader for Peace Award 2013’ By GABRIEL GWAJIME The First Lady and Chairperson of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), Dame Patience Jonathan, has been honoured in Paris, France, by the Africa Youths and Women Network (AYWN) recently for her immense contributions and in recognition of her outstanding humanitarian services to women, youths and children in Africa with the meritorious and prestigious honour of “Global Women Leader for
Presidency disowns presidential directive ‘bromide’ on Tinubu, APC Presidency on Wednesday disowned the bromide of an alleged presidential order targeting the National eader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, and the proposed All Progressives Congress. One of the national newspapers had reported that it was in possession of a presidential directive, which showed that the Presidency had given the orders to frustrate the merger of the opposition parties. Following the Presidency’s denial of the order, the newspaper on Wednesday published the bromide of the directive. But in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the Presidency described the bromide as fictitious, saying it was designed to mislead the public and discredit the person and office of the President. Abati said a careful examination of the published document revealed what he described as “mishmash of deliberately arranged lies.” The statement read, “It is worth pointing out, again, that what is being bandied around by a section of the media as a ‘Presidential Directive’ on Tinubu, APC and other matters, is fictitious, designed to mislead the public, discredit the person and office of President Goodluck Jonathan and cause disaffection within the polity. Careful examination reveals a mishmash of deliberately arranged and concocted lies, presented to the public as evidence of a document emanating from the Presidency. This is not only dubious but raises concerns as to the length certain persons will go to perpetuate falsehood for the sake of their selfish ambitions. ‘Several interpretations of the purported Presidential directive appear to have been granted prominence by an all-toonegative segment of the media, supported by partisan political jobbers all on the premise of a suspicious-looking ‘bromide.’
Peace Award 2013.” A statement by, Consultant to AFLPM, Rhoda Sika, the award organizers singled out the First Lady for the honour due to her determined efforts at assisting and alleviating the plight of the less privileged, the upliftment of the women folk and her selfless sacrifice towards the children. According to the organizers, Her Excellency, has been on their watch-list since she assumed the mantle of leadership and has redefined the office of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) with her exemplary leadership skills,
coupled with her numerous achievements which are worthy of note. These include: the appointment of women in the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary arm of government, including the appointment of 13 women federal ministers in the federal cabinet and the 35 per cent Affirmative Action Policy of the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and others too numerous to mention. The First Lady thanked the organizers for the award given her and reiterated her commitment and dogged stance to the upliftment of women
across Africa. She also used the opportunity to inform the gathering of her intention of taking relief materials to flood victims in Sierra Leone and the almost completion of her hospital meant for children with heart-related diseases in Abuja. She however maintained that given the support of other African First Ladies to their spouses at the helm of affairs, Africa will be a great continent to be proud of, while advising leaders across the globe to support women empowerment, saying “educating a woman is educating a nation.” She
therefore pledged to give her all through her pet projects, the Aruera Reachout Foundation (AARF) and Women For Change Initiative (W4CI), to carry this children’s advocacy and mobilization of women to the doorsteps of all concerned.
Boko Haram insurgency: Niger Delta group predicts demographic crisis in FCT By JOAN ABEL
•L-R: Chris DNK Richards, News Editor, National Accord Newspapers, Abuja, being presented with the award of the IGP MD Abubakar/Ladi Lawal/NUJ Crime Reporter of the Year in Nigeria at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja by the Chief Whip of the Bauchi of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna on Friday, March 15, 2013.
National Accord man wins IGP MD Abubakar crime reporter of the year
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By MATILDA ANEKE
s part of efforts towards ensuring the highest standard in the practice of Journalism in Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the umbrella body of all practicing Journalists in Nigeria has rewarded as well as recognized excellence in both the print and broadcast media Journalism among all practitioners in the country. The award, held recently at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja, Tagged Ladi Lawal NUJ Journalist of the year award, is opened to all practicing Journalists in Nigeria, just as the best out of the winners of the 25 slated for the contest categories were named the NUJ Journalist
of the year 2012. Among the awardees was the News Editor of National Accord Newspaper, Mr. Chris DNK Richards, who emerged the best Crime Reporter of the year. The IGP MD Abubakar Crime Reporter Award was presented to Chris Richards by the Chief Whip of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna at the occasion. Present at the occasion was the Vice President Mohammed Namadi Samba, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who chaired the ceremony. Other guests present at the occassion included the Executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio represented by his Information Commissioner, Mr. Umana,
who made the Ladi Lawal Book Presentation while the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Sen. Bala Mohammed were equally represented among others served as special guests.
•IGP MD Abubakar
Largest youth organization in the Niger Delta region, Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), has predicted a demographic crisis in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) if structures are not put in place to accommodate the prevailing massive influx of people into the territory. Addressing journalists. Yesterday in Abuja, the newly elected President of NDYM, Prince Ajulisan Akumagba expressed fears that unless something is done quickly to carter for the larger number of people migrating to the FCT from other parts of the country, particularly the troubled spots, there may soon be a demographic crisis in the territory as existing facilities and services are being over stressed Although, he commended the achievements recorded by the present FCT Administration, particularly in the area of infrastructure development, he called for greater budgetary allocation to the FCT to enable the administration provide more facilities and amenities for the teeming population. This, the youth leader emphasized, becomes pertinent as the challenges of administering the FCT has tripled in recent years due to enormous population pressure on the city. While commending the FCT administration,s giant development strides, Akumagba singled out three key infrastructure projects – the inner southern expressway (ISEX), the Abuja Airport and the Zuba – AYA express roads as “uniquely transformative”. He said the three outstanding projects which are at advanced stages of completion would soon “change the face and visage of Abuja in a very radical manner”. “What we are witnessing today in the FCT in terms of unlocking the potentials of our national capital under this administration is revolutionary. The 10-lane express highway projects connecting the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport to the City Gate, the Zuba-Kubwa-AYA and the Inner Southern Expressway which dissects the city trafficwise are uniquely transformative. These projects are set to change to change the face and visage of Abuja in a very radical manner upon their imminent completion and takeoff,” Akumagba stated.
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
advertorial
A REJOINDER TO FALSEHOOD AND DELIBERATE PUBLIC MISINFORMATION RE – SENATE 2015: OPINION POLL FAVOURS GEMADE 02/04/2013
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t has come to the attention of the Zone ‘A’ Solidarity Movement for Suswam 2015 of a purported write-up by one Mr. Cephas Iorhemen with the caption: Senate 2015: Opinion Poll Favours Gemade, in People’s Times Vol. 1, No. 27 edition of March 25 – 31, 2013, pages 3 & 4, where in a lame-duck, unprofessional and mediocre fashion attempted a hatchet job to damage the tall and incontestable credentials of our dear Governor, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam PhD, CON. The write-up is a mere imagination of the author who has grossly displayed unprofessional and unethical code of journalism. The public is therefore urged to disregard the publication in its totality as false and deliberate attempt to heat the polity and cause disaffection between the cordial relationships that exist between Governor Gabriel Suswam and Senator Barnabas Gemade. It is therefore imperative to give the public a fair and balanced view of the issues. According to Mr. Cephas Iorhemen, his newspaper People’s Times conducted an opinion poll and “the outcome of the opinion poll saw Chief BAI Gemade having 60% against Governor Gabriel Suswam who carts away 25% out of the total number of respondents; while the remaining were undecided.” This report is dubious, parochial and a clear fabrication of his narrow imagination. Furthermore, Mr. Iorhemen compounds his problem because even though he rightly wrote that major elders and stakeholders in Zone ‘A’, Governor Suswam’s homeland endorsed him for that seat as far back as 2012. This alone would have made him understand that even before our governor has uttered a word, the preponderance of opinion is already heavily skewed in his favour; we must confirm that even though our Governor has not yet declared for the senatorial seat whenever he does so, it would be an easy ride to Abuja. He also cites the overwhelming support of the Idoma’s to our Senator in Zone ‘A’ and believes that these are his strongest points. Obviously these are the issues he used to fake those results of the so called opinion poll. But how is that tenable? How is the support of Zone ‘C’ people and their leaders relevant to the Zone ‘A’ Senate which only requires the votes of Zone ‘A’ voters? To set the records straight, one would ask, does Mr. Iorhemen not know that the Idoma votes are only useful for the Zone ‘C’ Senatorial seat and have no impact for a Zone ‘A’ Senator? Mr. Iorhemen further exposes his crass ignorance when he states that Zone ‘A’ has nine local governments out of which only two are for Suswam. One wonders whether he is referring to Zone ‘C’ because both Zone ‘A’ and ‘B’ the Tiv speaking areas of Benue have 7 local governments areas each making it 14; it is Zone ‘C’ the Idoma and Igede speaking areas that have 9 local governments areas. The allusion that Governor Suswam’s problems are also arising from his support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid is also a farce. We must note that President Jonathan has not declared his second term bid, and our Governor, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam PhD, CON, has also not yet told anyone to support any presidential candidate for 2015 general elections; this is cheap blackmail. Our governor should rather be praised for being a loyal friend to our president. Mr. Iorhemen also accuses Dr. Suswam of working against the Tiv political principle of “ya na aningbian” (which literally translate as: “eat and give to your brother”) on account of his consistent occupation of leadership positions. According to him, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam PhD, CON, spent 8 years at the Federal House of Representatives, 8 years as Governor and cannot be allowed to take another 8 years at the Senate, since this would be against this Tiv political principle. This allegation amounts to poor judgement, misinformation and as such baseless. The writer and readers should recall that, in 1979, Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa and his blood son, Hon. Simeon Mbakorkaa Tarkaa were both elected at the same time as Senator and member of the Federal House of Representatives. The Tiv people have what we call “Injo i gban” which means loaning an elective position. Which is in agreement with David Mark’s much talked about ‘Doctrine of Necessity’. For instance, in 2007, Buruku Local Government Area that was supposed to produce the next Senator for Zone ‘B’ loaned the seat to the former Governor, Mr. George Akume, from Tarkaa LGA. In 2011, the Sankera Federal Constituency seat was zoned to Katsina-Ala West (Loko) but they unanimously loaned the seat to Ukum Local Government Area which produced Hon. Emmanuel Udende, the incumbent. If we go by the logic of Mr. Iorhemen, Chief Gemade would also be accused of occupying too many leadership positions: former MD Benue Cement, former Minister of Works, former, Chairman of CNC, former Chairman of Five political parties, former Chairman of PDP, member of PDP Board of Trustees, among others; The wishes of Zone ‘A’ people are simple. We know all our sons. We love them. We know whom to send to occupy what position at any given time. Chief BAI Gemade told the electorate during his campaigns that he was only going to complete Chief JI Akaagerger’s term in 2011-2015. This was the hallmark of his campaign and there are living witnesses.
The superfluous allegation of a possible polarization of the PDP in the state because of a likely senatorial contest between Gemade and Suswam is an exaggeration and utter conflagration. The PDP in the state is, and would still remain solid and unperturbed by any likely contest that may ensue when the time comes. If the PDP remained intact and strong enough to win governorship and majority of seats in 2011 general elections when a former Governor moved his supporters away to a new party, why would it split into factions when an individual contests a zonal election with the leader of the party in the state? This write-up is not out to malign any of our sons or daughters who may likely contend for this position in 2015, when Governor Suswam eventually succumbs to pressure from his kinsmen to run, Mr. Iorhemen has succinctly concluded that Dr. Suswam’s candidature would sell more easily than any other opponent, including the incumbent, whom Mr. Iorhemen has described as suffering from an “egocentric lifestyle coupled with high profile inaccessibility” which Iorhemen concludes, “would work against him if he stands elections in the state”, whereas Dr. Suswam’s positive antecedents both in the past and present which would stand him in better stead in the people’s eyes. If the public is to go by this assessment then the contradiction in this write-up would become very clear. He has attested to the fact that going by the antecedents of Governor Gabriel Suswam he is certainly a better candidate for the job. On the strength of the above, the basis of his public opinion poll in favour of the incumbent has become highly questionable and appears to be an indication of confusion in his journalistic approach to issues. Our people in Zone ‘A’ have enormous respect for our sons and daughters. We must remember that, we have a culture of rewarding experience and hard work. When the former military Governor of Katsina, Col. Chief Joseph Akaagerger (rtd) came into democratic political limelight we rewarded him with the senatorial seat in 2007. This was to afford him the opportunity to serve our people in a democratic dispensation. He did his part well and left the scene; in 2011 Zone ‘A’ gave his elder brother, Chief Engr. Barnabas Gemade, an illustrious son of Nigeria, to complete the Jechira slot in 2015. It is in view of the above volume of evidence that we intend to send the very experienced and nationally accepted Governor Gabriel Suswam to the Senate in 2015. SIGNED BY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OFFICIALS: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
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politics
Who is the real Godfather?
By EDDIE ONUZURUIKE
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uch has been said, written and commented on the withdrawal of the degree certificate awarded and withdrawn by ABSU. I strongly feel that it is strictly an academic issue where the institution has acted within its academic ambits and any quest for reversal should actually be realized through diplomacy or legal engagement of the authorities of ABSU by the aggrieved party. So many authorities have spoken! The daily and weekend papers were awash with opinions and verdicts from pedestrians to professionals. Academics who are the oracles on such events have been forthcoming, rendering professional and expert counsels. The University has the right to award and withdraw since as they claim, learning and conduct are elements of high consideration. For in-depth analysis sample these, Tunji Adegboyega, The Nation, page 17, March, 10, 2013. Segun Adeniyi, THisday, March 7, back page, Tunde Rahman, Thisday, Sat March 9. The Sunday Guardian, march 10, Leo Sobechi, page 22, Chijioke Iremeka and Gbenga Salau page 23, same Guardian, featuring Profs C C Agbodile, Alaide Abass, Solomon Akimboye and Dr Ayo Ojebode. On the contrary, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu has not made matters easy. It reminds me of a book or was it a story we read in the secondary school called One Week One Trouble. Kalu is unnecessarily controversial. Right from his days as Governor of Abia, it was from one controversy to the other. There were quick succession of deputy Governors, Abaribe, Nwafor and Acho Nwakanma. The exit of Abaribe now a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was an issue that shook Abia to its political foundations. Now Abaribe is giving a good account of himself in the senate and people wonder if it is the same Abaribe who was tagged as disloyal and over assuming. Abaribe’s impeachment controversy and the rumpus in the legislature polarized the state. The elders and stakeholders who refused to tow OUK’s line became instant enemies. Surprisingly, Kalu’s age when Obasanjo took up the reins of power as commander, Supreme Military Council was just 16 years. The yawning disparity in age and OBJ’s towering image as a national
Kalu nominated and assisted Orji. Yes! Nobody can deny that but we forget that T. A. merited it from previous favours he did to Kalu. That Kalu was in office for eight years would be credited to T. A’s cool headedness, not betraying Kalu for once, especially in his litany of controversies.
and military leader when Kalu was yet to put on his political nappies did not stop him from abusing Obasanjo profusely. His confrontation with Anenih who is now the BOT Chairman of PDP nearly dragged to the Olympian palace of the Oba of Benin. Later in 2009, there were verbal exchanges between Atiku and Kalu. ‘Atiku a chameleon and OUK a political liability’ – The Sun, Feb. 24, 2009. So, if I should ask, who is revered in Kalu’s life? Insulting an old man is a taboo in all Nigerian cultures but Kalu does this as a hobby. Kalu is midwiving a project he calls Njiko Ndi Igbo. Has Kalu left enough for Ndigbo to trust and invest in him? In 1999, Ekwueme was heartbroken at the PDP presidential primaries in Jos as he failed to garner all Igbo votes. Kalu having been elected Governor then, delivered Abia delegates against Ekwueme and the collective interest of Ndi Igbo. Same repeated in 2003, even after he went about speaking of Igbo presidency. These few controversy dominated instances have not endeared Kalu’s ambitions and political quests to any except the uninformed and those who are feeding fat on him. I have proffered my little advice in previous treatises. Power belongs to God. Kalu was anointed at a youthful age but due to my instances above of extreme radicalism, disrespect and disregard for constituted authorities, some argue that all of the above have dissipated the anointing. His case with the Abia State Government and his controversial return to PDP is a story for another day. Come to think of it, is OUK the only one who left the party and came back? In Abia Vin Ogbulafor, Nkechi Nworgu, Abaribe and Acho Obioma did and were received with open hands when they returned. Why should Kalu’s become a national issue? People make mistakes addressing Kalu as Orji’s Godfather. Wrong! It should be the other way round. The antecedents of Orji and governance style will bear witness for him. Orji, a consummate Civil Servant and Administrative Secretary of NECON gave a large dose of his goodwill to Kalu, packaged him for Governorship
when his opponents then wanted him discredited for so many unprintable reasons. Orji stood by him and made his dreams possible. Having noted the-above-board-character and invaluable experience, Kalu appointed Orji the Chief of Staff in return and T. A, gave a good account of himself, managing OUK like a brother. The evidence is clear. Kalu parted ways with deputies but Orji remained sturdily behind him for eight solid years bringing his administrative acumen to bear as many policy frameworks were put in place by T. A. In truth, T A was an OUK apologist, always begging, urging and assuaging OUK’s foes who grew geometrically. “One good turn deserves another” they say. Kalu nominated and assisted Orji. Yes! Nobody can deny that but we forget that T. A. merited it from previous favours he did to Kalu. That Kalu was in office for eight years would be credited to T. A’s cool headedness, not betraying Kalu for once, especially in his litany of controversies. As a matter of fact, Orji, like a snail glided through thorns and disarmed 100 soldiers armed with AK47 rifles. We need not go far in exposing the reasons for which EFCC detained Sir T A Orji. He only inherited the sins of another man. Kalu was linked and wouldn’t have been safe if Ochendo remained behind bars. When Sir T A Orji migrated from PPA to APGA it was a hard decision for him as he informed. It was like pulling a protective captain from a sinking ship. In his speech it was an emotional outburst when he stated that he was pushed beyond the wall. ‘I was pushed to the wall and beyond the wall. Any action I have taken is justified. It is only God who gives power and it should be for the good of the people….There comes a time you must listen to the yearning of the people, our people yearned for a change and as a leader, I have no option than to do their wish.’ How many governors who have the powers and authority will hesitate in employing such as T A did? Abia of today is quite different from Abia of yesterday. There is exemplary harmony between the legislature, judiciary and executive.
Uzor Orji Kalu
Gov. Theodore Orji
There were actually executivelegislative brushes during Onu’s tenure but it escalated to the unimaginable as the legislature was in turmoil yielding three speakers of different hues to the extent that the Enweremadu group took flight to Abuja. The stakeholders with oracular fellows like Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Adulphus Wagbara, Mao Ohuabunnwa, Onyema Ugochukwu all huddled in Abuja and were taunted at home as Talibans. These are not mere stories but verifiable facts. Kalu has age on his side and can still rebuild if he develops more time and interest in leadership instead of controversy. As a columnist in The Nation opined, he can go back to school and prove critics wrong. In my opinion, he should reengineer his structure and employ eggheads, ideal-hungry youths and matured minds who can boldly tell him the truth, strategizing without looking at his face. For him, it may not be difficult with his immense means. Involving in transparent charity work will boost his ego, Rochas Okorocha succeeded with that. As a master strategist, he should know these. Five to ten years will give him a different image. But can Kalu be patient to wait for five years without a major controversy? On the other hand, being in opposition or being a critic is no crime. Along our long walk to and from independence, many have taken the toga of critics and opposition chieftains. Among these are Malam Amino Kano, Balarabe Musa, Beko and Fela Ransome Kuti and Gani Fawyehmi. Unarguably Sage Awolowo was in opposition. He always took pains to analyze the national budget and protested the imbalances. At last he was proven right when the economy nosedived. He never insulted anybody for once. In multilingual, multicultural and religiously diversified Nigeria, one needs a lot of diplomacy. Each group needs the other in synergy and collaboration. Anybody’s interest should lean more on collective and not personal. We have noticed that in order to score political points and demean Sir T A Orji, Kalu has unleashed unethical propaganda machinery on the state. Among these are The Sun Newspapers where he has coerced all his staff to write negatively about Abia and Orji. Too many innocuous groups have emerged on his platform dishing out quantum lies on daily basis through bulk guerilla Short Massages Service. Kalu should be a statesman having governed a state for eight years. He should outgrow the boyhood onslaught with his faceless groups like Abia Voice, Ofo na Ogu, Abia Rescue, OUK Youths, and Olu BIAFRA that have gone haywire with no holds barred. We need peace in Abia. If Kalu needs to be accorded respect, he should know that respect is reciprocal. Too much controversy is hardly the palliative recipe. According to an Igbo axiom, where people are sincere in preparing a balm for the eye, pepper should not be part of the ingredients. Onuzuruike writes from Um ua hia. <eonuzuruike@yahoo.com>
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
politics Group routes for probe of SAN and Judge over Katsina CPC case
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By OGBU NGENE
pparently disturbed over the protracted crisis rocking the Katsina State chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), over which two factions lay claims to two Senatorial and eight House of Representatives seats, a pressure group called Restore Katsina Glory (RKG) has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe the activities of a Federal High Court Judge, Gladys Olotu and a Counsel to one of the factions, Yahaya Mahmud (SAN) alleging committal of unwholesome practices against the legal luminaries. In a statement issued by the group, signed by its National Co-ordinator, Alh. Abuabkar Inuwa, it expressed surprise at how both Justice Gladys Olotu, and Barrister Yahaya Mahmud handled the legal case involving the two factions of CPC. According to the statement,” We, being concerned people of Katsina State, after keenly observing the struggle by the two factions in the National Assembly, note with utmost dismay the ignoble roles of the Judge of Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Gladys Olotu, as well as the Counsel to one of the factions, Yahaya Mahmud, who is incidentally a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). While RKG is a non-political and non-religious organization that is not interested in the emergence or victory of any particular group in the struggle, we will not tolerate a situation where shabby things are done to pervert justice. This is because, not only that as it is said “a threat to Justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,”not only that the attitudes and dispositions of these legal luminaries constitute a threat to justice, they have the capacity and tendency to also threaten the fragile peace we have been having in the state owing to the protracted electoral issues that have not been resolved to date. Thus, to our utmost chagrin, while most Nigerians who soiled for the day were cooling down to a blissful weekend on Friday, January, 11, 2013 a Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, at about 5.45pm delivered a judgment ordering the re-instatement of a faction of the CPC members who were ousted out of the National Assembly pursuant to a Supreme Court judgment.”The group queried the circumstance that could have warranted the delivery of such judgme nt. Alh. Inuwa further pointed out in the statement that, “We also observed that while the faction of Senators Abubakar Yar’Adua and Hadi Abubakar Sirika, who applied for a copy of the judgment delivered by Justice Gladys Olotu, could not be availed with same for over fifty six days despite repeated requests, the other group led by Senator Yandomah was found to have served the two Chambers of the National Assembly with copies of the judgment and Court Order on the same day of the delivery of the judgment. This no doubt, cast a lot of doubt as to whether the group and their Solicitor (Yahaya Mahmud) were not privy to the judgment. It was also brought to our knowledge
Hon Umar that another attempt at pulling the wool over the Senator Yar’adua’s eyes was made when following an appeal for stay of execution filed by his side, the matter was fixed for Hearing on February 19 th , 2013, without any service to the Plainti ffs, o r the i r Solicitors, but mischievously and with i nte nt to mi slea d Y aha ya Ma hum d allegedly informed the Chief Justice a nd the A tto rney Ge ne ra l o f the Federation that the Plaintiffs refused to appear in Court, thereby abounding their appeal.” The pressure group de mand that the National Judicial Council wades i n to pro be wha t it describ e d a s “que sti o nab le ro le s pla ye d by b oth Justice Olotu and Mahmud, claiming tha t no t do i ng so would na tura lly encourage such ignoble acts by men of the judiciary. It would be recalled that the two factions of CPC have been entangled i n the b attle for the 10 N ati o na l A sse m bly se a ts, for whi ch the Yar’Adua side has had the upper hand, b ei ng the si de re co gniz e d b y the National Headquarters of the party as the authentic candidates We ce le b rate d D a nkwm b o’s milestone at the Gombe LG polls The m e mb e r re prese nti ng Yamaltu/Debba federal constituency o f Go mb e Sta te i n the House o f Representatives, Hon. Shuaibu Umar Ga la di ma , sa ys the re ce nt Loca l Gove rnm e nts Ele cti o ns i n Go mb e State, in which the Peoples Democratic Pa rty (PD P) cle are d a ll the
Chai rm anship a nd Co unci llo rshi p positions at the 11 Council Areas were a de m onstra tio n of the pe o ple s a dm i rati on o f the a chi e ve m ents o f Gove rno r Ib ra hi m Alha ssa n D ankwam b o . Ho n. Shua i bu Uma r Gala dim a spo ke to o ur N ati o na l A sse m bly co rrespo nde nt, OGBU NGENE. The excerpt: Ho w would you describe the rece n t Lo cal Go ve rn me nt’s elections in Gombe State? A:Well, the elections of February 23, 2013 stand out as some thing that has moved democracy forward in the histo ry of Gom b e State . The State Go ve rnme nt cre ate d an e na b ling, environment for all the people to go to their various Local Government Areas to elect people of their choice. So I can unequivocally say that we witnessed Local Government elections tha t he ld under very pe a ceful a tmo sphe re . I t wa s ho we ve r tha t peaceful because there was virtually no o ppo si ti o n to the pe o ple s Democratic Party (PDP). And this was simply because of how the State Go ve rno r, I b rahi m Dankwambo has performed in office. In my Constituency, which is the Y a ma ltu/D e bb a Lo ca l Go vernm ent, for i nstance , tho se who wa nte d to contest against the PDP withdrew on the i r o wn a s a result o f thei r appreciation of the achievements of the PDP-led State Government. W e ha d the tri o of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)
and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) interested in contesting the election earlier, but all of them later withdrew voluntarily to show their appreciation o f the a chi e vem e nts o f the State Go ve rnme nt. A ll o f the m ste ppe d do wn willi ngly. May one has a peep into such achievements that you refer to, e spe cially as it co nce rns your Constituency, Yamaltu/Debba? W ell, the fi rst pro je ct o ne m ust witness is the wonderful state of the road from Gombe to Shelleng through Debba. The road is a Federal road. And the first award of the contract for the road was in 1977. Since then the road was a ba ndone d, b ut i n a m i raculous manner, just wi thin one year of his a dm i nistrati o n, the Gove rno r ha s done the work in a very solid state. And I tell you that because of this road, all of the candidates of APGA, CPC, a nd A CN willi ngly wi thdre w from challenging the PDP. A ga i n, there wa s also a very pe aceful and co nduci ve atmo sphe re for the elections as a result of the fact that there were no opposite to our candidates. What is going to be your attitude as PDP towards these other candidates and members of the other political parties? Is luring them into the PDP on the table? Well, I am not in support of a oneparty system in Nigeria. This is because if you don’t have opposition, you can’t be careful in doing what you are supposed to do. So I believe in a democracy where there are opposition parties challenging the ruling party. If I am in office and someone is challenging me, it will make me to be more careful and try to be more productive. Given the of the growing fear that the newly formed All Progressive Congress (APC) is likely to take over most parts of the North, do you think that Gombe and or Yamaltu/Debba are not going to be affected? Gombe is part of the nation. Gombe is part of Nigeria, but we need to wait for that time to see what will happen. When the time comes, we decide on what to do. How do you advise the new Chairman of Yamaltu/Debba Hon. Abu Mohammed to pe rform in office? The Chairman is not a new person on the post. In 1999 he was the Chairman of the Local Government. In 2003, he was also the Chairman of the pla ce. This i s the thi rd ti me he is holding the position. So, he is not new on the post. I served under hi s administrati on a s a Councilor on two occasions. So, he has virtually mastered the environm ent and its people very well. He stated that Hon. Mutiu’s action through his agents against his client amo unt to fla grant vio latio n of his fundame ntal right as enshrined in cha pter 4 of the consti tutio n of the Federal Republic of Nige ria (as ame nded) and also nega tes the environmental policies of the federal governme nt a nd de mande d fo r a compensation to the tone N17million only as demanded by his client for damages and losses suffered by him from his servants actions, as well as unreserved apology to be personally signed the honourable himself within 7days of the notice.
National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
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interview
State govs are stealing LG funds Comrade Pat Okoranlen is the outgoing President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Edo State. His tenure terminates on April 20. In this encounter with our Correspondent ISESELE EZEKIEL, Comrade Okoranlen spoke on the raging agitation for local government autonomy, the forthcoming NULGE state delegates’ conference, as well as his moments of travail and glory in the past four years. To many people, local g o v e r n m e n t administration in Nigeria has become synonymous with corruption. What is your take? I want to say that, to the best of my knowledge the issue of corruption is not peculiar to local governments. In Nigeria society you find that corruption exists at federal, state and local government. I will not subscribe to the fact that corruption abound in local governments. That is why we are clamouring that local government should be given a pride of place, autonomy. The Nigerian people at the grass roots should be allowed to determine who should govern them, why financial autonomy should be allowed and granted to council. You will agree with me that today we are in democracy, the country is ruled by the President under a democratic process. The state is also governed by the governor, at the local government level you have majority of them being run by care-taker committees or sole administrators. So, if the people are allowed under a democratic process to choose who their leaders should be at the local government council, they will perform credibly well. Besides, the fund that is being channelled through the states now should be stopped. That is why we are canvassing autonomy for the local government council. The problem we are having now is that the money meant for the local governments is being channelled to the state governments. Each state is expected to contribute 10 per cent of Internally Generated
Revenue (IGR) into the state/ local government joint account in accordance with section 162 of the Nigeria constitution. All the states, except Rivers, take local government money. All other states tamper with the funds met for local government, and that is why all the states rallies we have attended and the last one in Abuja we canvassed that autonomy should be granted to local government. What would you say are your achievements, challenges and successes as your administration draws to a close? My administration came into being on 30th April, 2009. Before we came into office there were challenges because some of the aspirants who contested with me knowing full well that they were not on ground decided to forment trouble and they also wanted to use some government machinery to thwart the efforts of that delegates’ conference. Because of the facts that NULGE is very organized and principled, we were not budged. As God would have it we were voted in and took off on a bright note. They went to the court and as God will have it the court ruled in our favour. Even those that took us to court are now with us. The beauty of democracy is that we disagree to
– NULGE boss
Comrade Pat Okoranlen agree. Some of the challenges has to do with the issue of non-payment of salary as at when due, that was almost causing a kind of dissatisfaction within the rank and files of the local government workers So, we thank God that immediately after the dissolution of the caretaker committees, then the leadership of our great union met with the Comrade Governor to discussed our problems with him vis-à-vis the payment of our workers salaries and then he assured us
that before the end of the year he would affect the payment and true to his words he marched words with action. As I speak to you now majority of the local government workers receive salaries as and when due, we can beat our cheat that we receive salaries on and before 25th of every month but I will say that it is only three local government councils now that are still unable to level up, they are Orhionmwon, Ovia North East and Esan West Local Government councils but I
As I speak to you now majority of the local government workers receive salaries as and when due, we can beat our cheat that we receive salaries on and before 25th of every month but I will say that it is only three local government councils now that are still unable to level up.
was also told just three days ago that the allocation they shared, there is no local government that will not be able to pay local government workers or level up. All local government have been paid, there is none owing any salary. I also want to say that as part of my achievement by way of capacity building, training and re-training of workers of local Government council is being vigorously pursue by my administration. The one per cent of the training fund allocated to local government service commission is judiciously used for organizing workshops and seminars for the workers of local government councils. The labour leaders have also benefited from this capacity building. We have gone to Michael Imoudu institution in Continued on Page 15
National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
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interview
‘State govs are stealing LG funds’ Continued from Page 14 Ilorin, Badagry and we have equally carried out seminars and workshops outside the state, prior to these training. That is why you find there has been industrial harmony both in the council and in the state. I also want to say that as part of my success and achievement, promotions are carried out as at when due. The senior staff and junior workers get their promotions as at when due. The local government service commission saddles with the promotion are also doing that. I don’t think that there is any local government that is lacking in that aspect. Outside that during my stewardship I also want to say the local government has recruited both junior and senior staff as far as local government is concern, we don’t lack manpower with the exemption of two local government councils Outside that I have been able to purchase a parcel of land for the union which is even at the back of this our secretariat I have been able to use the little finance that is coming to our confer from our little union dues brought some vehicles to enable us carry out the day to day activities of the union . Almost all the local government councils were given buses to enable them carry out their daily union activities with the exemption of two local government and I have the belief that by the time the new executive comes they will be able to buy for those ones. How would you describe your relation with the Comrade Governor Oshiomhole amidst your recent outburst over the refusal of the Governor to pay the 10 per cent Internally Generated Revenue into the State/ Local Government Joint Account The 1999 Constitution stipulates that the state government should remit 1 per cent of its internal generated revenue to the State/Local Government Joint Account before been shared and that has not be done in Edo State. Outside Edo State some states are not also complying with the constitution. Only Rivers that is not tempering with the
local government funds and that is why we are saying that the local government should be given autonomy. We have written to the Comrade governor that he should contribute the 10 per cent to the local government confer in line with section 162 of the 1999 Constitution and that he is not doing and all the states government are owing the local government. We are still calling on the comrade government to comply. The local governments are made to seek approval from state government before carryout projects, while the states don’t see approval from the federal government before carrying out projects. A situation where Local Government seek approval from state I think this is actually one of the problems, and the only way local government can get out of the quagmire is granting them autonomy. Some governors don’t want local government to be granted autonomy. Why do you think they are kicking against it? It is because of the fact that they are using Local Government fund that they don’t want to allow the local government to be free. They
Gov. Rotimi Amaechi
are using local government funds and a situation where local government election is not conducted. What they do is to put care taker committees, who are only appointees of the governors. They only do what their masters tell them, you equally find out that they embarked on some projects at the local government level without input from the people. What is your take on the decision of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) opposing to council autonomy? Those NUT members who are kicking against local government autonomy are greedy and selfish. I think they are happy that the local government workers who are supposed to be the major beneficiaries are now in cap in hand begging. The leadership of our union has condemned the statement accredited to the leadership of NUT. What will you like to be remembered for and what are your regrets, those things you would have liked to do which you couldn’t do? Thank you very much. I want to say that what I will be remembered for is left for the
workers to decide. Because people are my mirror and what I have achieved so far is in the lips and mouths of every local government worker. Within the period of four years, in spite of the court tussle which we went through for the period of three years I was able to achieve all that I earlier enumerated. If not for the short time, because very soon I will be retiring from the service and that is to say that even If I contest now I will not be able to complete my tenure and should I re-contest my thinking would be to build a modern NULGE Rest House and a NULGE Club where all the workers from local government can always relax. My greatest regret was when precisely on the 5 th of November 2010 a decision was taken by the State Executive Council while some branch chairmen, six of them from Edo south went back to disassociate themselves, that was a very painful aspect of what I experienced of which I will never forget in my life, where a decision was taken and some persons were called back, engaged themselves in anti-union activities. My other regret is the issue of tenure elongation were some people who have benefited from the system went to school, m a i n t a i ne d their seniority, promoted and at the end of the day, they are occupying a very sensitive position and when it was time for them to retire from the service, they kicked against it because they attempted N C E sometime ago, whereas when they went for NCE they did not tendered the certificate to the local government council, but when is time
for them to disengage from the service, they now tendered the results and we are saying it cannot happened. I did not bother even though they meant blackmailing me. All the workers were solidly behind me and I think I am very, very proud. History has it that incumbent exact great influence as to who eventually succeed them. Who have you penciled down amongst the contestants? I believe that it is God who gives power to whom he wishes. When I came on board it was because God’s finger was upon me, many people did not like me and it was not because I was the most intelligent but because of the grace of God who chose me. Who is to succeed me lays in the hands of the local government workers in Edo State. It is possible that some people would want to dictate who succeeds them and that is the bane of the problem we are having in Nigeria, without allowing the people to decide and have a say as to who governs them Advice to council workers as you finally take a bow from the service come April. One good turn deserves another. If the Governor is paying us as and when due, it is only fair that the workers reciprocate by being industrious. Come to work early and do their job. For the incoming administration my appeal to the workers of the eighteen local government is to cooperate with me to ensure that the forthcoming delegates conference is conducted in a free environment where the outcome will be taken as no victor no vanquished, and that they should also ensure that the welfare of our workers are pursue to the letter and that they should not only sustain the achievement we recorded but try to improve on it. I also want to advise that since the state government has decided to conduct local government election, council workers should not engage themselves in politics, they should remain neutral and vote for those persons they think are capable of giving the people dividend of democracy.
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
METRO FCTA to overhaul public health care facilities Stories by JOAN ABEL
T
he Federal Capital T e r r i t o r y Administration has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring a world-class health care delivery in the territory. The Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide gave the assurance while declaring open a free training organised for biomedical technicians and engineers by the FCT Administration in collaboration with a nonprofit organisation in the United States of America,
Medshare. Over 50 biomedical technicians and engineers drawn from the public, private, military, police and para-military are participating in the training from 2nd April to 5 th April, 2013. Akinjide , who was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Development, Mrs. Uchenna Nwafor, said the provision of quality and affordable health care delivery remained a top priority of the Administration. “The FCT Administration is committed to ensuring that the residents of the territory have the best quality of
Tangaza vows to redouble FCTA revenue through AGIS The newly appointed Director of Abuja Geographic information Systems(AGIS), Hajiya Jamila Tangaza has vowed to redouble the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) accruing to the FCT Administration through the (AGIS) to justify government’s investment in the agency. Tangaza gave this assurance while officially taking over the mantle of leadership of the organization on yesterday in Abuja. She further assured that her tenure will witness new partnerships and collaboration that will further increase revenue coming into the coffers of the FCT Administration to help the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed provide more infrastructure and services to Abuja residents. Hajiya Tangaza reiterated that in order to realize this, utmost attention would be given to capacity building on
Senator Bala Mohammed
the part of the staff for increased productivity. She emphasized that her tenure will build on the lofty policies and programmes of her predecessors to improve the services of AGIS to all Nigerians and particularly the residents of the Federal Capital Territory. The new Director called for closer cooperation from all the staff; stressing that she will carry everybody along in her quest to achieve the mandate given to her by the FCT Minister. Earlier, the former Director of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems who is now at the FCT Archives and History Bureau, Dr. Isa Jalo recalled that his tenure was able to execute the presidential directive for FCT administration to take over AGIS II Contract from Julius Berger in December 2010. He said AGIS under him has been able to secure financial transaction through full automation of revenue collection and management systems. His words: “We successfully designed, developed and implemented secure electronic payment solutions involving eight revenue collection banks”. It would be recalled that the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed on Wednesday March 27, 2013 commenced the first phase of repositioning of the FCT Administration, through the redeployment of some staff which according to him is for improved service delivery to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
healthcare at the various levels of care. The Administration is determined to achieve all of the health related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in FCT by 2015 and the transformation agenda of Mr. President,” she stated. She explained that the training of biomedical technicians and engineers was in tandem with the Ad mini stra tion ’s transformation agenda of providing world-class and affordable health care delivery services from primary to tertiary health care facilities. According to her, “Effective and efficient medical practice is dependent on availability of
skillful human resources, functional diagnostic medical equipment and hygienic working environment. “It is my utmosts believe that this capacity building programme will generate ripples of change among biomedical technicians and engineers in handling and maintenance of our medical equipment and ensure their optimal functionality.” The Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretariat in the FCT, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya, reiterated the commitment of the FCTA to ensuring a holistic overhaul of all the public health care facilities in the FCT.
Olajumoke Akinjide
Onakomaiya, who was represented by Mr. Niyi Oduneye, said the Administration would support the provision of relevant equipment and capacity enhancement of health workers to deliver quality and sustainable health care services. He commended the FCT Minister of State for facilitating the grant from Medshare for the training of biomedical technicians and engineers. He admonished the participants to keenly learn and make the best use of the opportunity to develop themselves and build capacity in handling of the equipment. The Director of Biomedical Training & Technical Services of Medshare, Mr. Eben Armstrong, disclosed that his organisation would distribute medical equipment to hospitals in the FCT. Medshare, a registered as a non-profit organisation in the USA, works in the Health sector to bridge the gap between demand and surplus through the collection of surplus medical equipment and supplies from manufacturers, distributors and hospitals, and the redistribution to qualified healthcare facilities in developing countries. Since its inception in 1998, Medshare has donated over $93million worth of medical supplies and equipment in more than 700 forty-foot containers to hospitals and clinics in the economically developing world
FCT farmers urged to enroll for GES scheme Farmers in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) have been urged to come out enmasse and register in the ongoing Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme data capturing exercise for farmers. The Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi, who gave the advise in her office, said the essence of this exercise is to ensure that real farmers both subsistence and commercial farmers have direct access to farming inputs like fertilizers, improved seeds and seedlings, implements and modern farming information techniques. Madayi said the exercise will equally help the Secretariat to adequately come out with effective, comprehensive and workable plans for the distribution of these farming inputs for the benefit of the
farmers. "To key into the drive by the Goodluck Jonathan's transformation agenda to transform agriculture into a commercial venture which will steadily lead to economic empowerment of the farmers, there is need to capture a comprehensive data of farmers and farming families residing in the Territory so as to take adequate care of them,"she said. This was as she called on the traditional rulers and chiefs across the territory to sensitize their subjects to turn out in large numbers and register in their various wards as those not captured may find it difficult accessing farm inputs during farming season. She, however, expressed satisfaction on the level of cooperation so far received from FCT farmers ever since she became the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.
The Secretary also used the occasion to thank the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and the National Assembly members and staff of Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat for their support and presence during her recent installation as the Tikulti Bachama kingdom by His Majesty, Hama Bachama, Homum Honest Stephen (Kwire Mana Kpafrato11) in Lamurde in Adamawa state. National Accord It. recalls that the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme registration exercise is targeted at capturing data of about 80,000 to 100,000 farmers before the closing date. About 53,400 farmers have been registered so far in various wards across the six area councils in the territory in the exercise which began on the 18 th March, 2013 and expected to end next week.
National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
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Farmer tackles Hon. Mutu for destroying his economic trees
premises following a series of invasions and incursions by notorious hoodlums and lawbreakers known to operate from the said bush, purporting that there had been several cases of theft coming from around the said bush and intriguingly that all these theft cases had been reported to the Apo Legislative Quarters police. The barrister concluded that his client will not allow the construction of any farm or garden around his premises no matter how any one chooses to look at it.
Base on this premise, Sidi Ali’s lawyer, Barrister Amobi Nzelu on 10th December, 2012 wrote to the honourable saying that it is pertinent to state that his client is a law abiding citizen of this country and have been farming on the land in question since 1988 without any interference from anybody and have never received any complaint whatsoever of invasion by hoodlums through his farm land. Nzelu stated that it is therefore amazing how his client’s farm land which he has been farming on peacefully over the years could suddenly become a safe path for criminals to carry out their activities, noting that his client feels highly dismayed and equally amazed at this malicious and unjustifiable destruction of his crops and farm land which action negates the trust and confidence he repose on him as an honourable member of the House of Representatives. He stated that Hon. Mutu’s action through his agents against his client amount to flagrant violation of his fundamental right as enshrined in chapter 4 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and also negates the environmental policies of the federal government and demanded for a compensation to the tone N17million only as demanded by his client for damages and losses suffered by him from his servants actions, as well as unreserved apology to be personally signed the honourable himself within 7days of the notice.
Oguekwe who represented Leadership said he has nothing to say on the ruling. The Court of Appeal holding at the Abuja Judicial Division presided over by Justice Z.A. Bulkachuwa and assisted by Justices J.O. Bada and H.Muktar recently strucked out an application filed by the Leadership Newspaper Ltd for an order staying the proceeding in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/ 207/11 of the Leadership Newspapers Limited versus Supol Titus Ndawa (Ret) by Justice Adejumoke Adejoh of the High Court of Justice, Wuse II, pending the determination of the Appellant/Applicant appeal against the ruling of the aforesaid court delivered on May 11, 2012. Leadership had, in a suit No. CA/ A/280/M/M/2011 cause 10 of July 4, 2012, sought the Appeal Court to stay proceedings of the High Court on the matter the High Court’s ruling affirming that Leadership Newspapers Ltd has a case to answer on the libel matter brought against the Newspaper and directed Leadership Counsel, Bar. Jideofor Nwosu to appear on June 26, 2012, to put up his client’s defence. When the case was mentioned for hearing at the Court of Appeal on June 25, 2012, neither the Defendant/ Applicant’s counsel nor the defence counsel was in court to respond to the application. In her ruling after conferring with her colleagues on the way forward on the application, the Presiding Judge, Justice Z. A. Bulkachuwa, pronounced that the Leadership application dated 18th of May, 2011 and filed on 19th May, 2011 is hereby struck out for want of diligent prosecution.”
Leadership Newspapers was alleged to have on Friday January 21, 2011, on page 2 carried a story reported by one Baba Yusuf, captioned ‘’Group Calls for overhaul of Environmental Task Force,’’ indicted both the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and its Security Liaison Officer, Mr. Titus Ndawa, a retired deputy superintendent of police, of corrupt practices. The group, Arewa Youth for Peace and Security, through its director of publicity and intelligence, one Mr. Salisu Dantala Mohammed, had alleged that AEPB and DSP Ndawa, extort money from environmental offenders and, in most cases, raped and arrested prostitutes who could not offer monetary requirement for bail. It is alleged that the Leadership Newspapers did not reach out to the officials of the board before going to press. When the Security Liaison Officer of the board, Mr. Titus Ndawa, got the news, he went to the then editor of the newspaper, Ali M. Ali, to protest this write-up from his reporter and the editor promised to retract the story but failed before the court action was instituted. The case was adjourned to March 8, 2012 to enable both parties to arrive at a compromise which was unsuccessful hence the plaintiff’s counsel, Barr. Alex Akunnebu went ahead to file his client’s case for proper hearing. Mr. Titus Ndawa who was on his sick bed at the time of the Leadership Newspapers’ report, in a chat, said he is pursuing the matter for posterity sake and balance reportage from pressmen.
Stories by CHRIS DNK RICHARDS
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n 9th October, 2012, one Mr. Isa Sidi Ali, a former police officer had gone to his farm located under the PHCN high tension wire behind the Apo Legislative Quarters beside the Gudu Cemetery, as usual to harvest some of his farm produce for the family’s use as a people who predominantly depends on farming for their means of livelihood. But behold, Sidi Ali to his utmost surprise saw a leveled farmland as all the standing edible plants as well as economic trees in the garden were cut down on the purported directives of Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, one of the federal legislators representing Delta State, whose fence is directly behind the farm in question. The honourable did not stop there but extended the teeth of saw machine to other areas of the farm. Our findings reveal that every effort made by the farm owner, Mr. Sidi Ali to reach Hon. Mutu who represents Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State proved abortive as one personal aides of the honourable simply referred as Mr. Philip told him that they reported the matter to the NASS Quarters police out post instead of Garki police station that the place falls within its jurisdiction. Sidi Ali added that Philip claimed he is going to see the honourable on his behalf and feed him back which he objected to. Isa Sidi Ali told our correspondent that apart from Hon. Mutiu infringing on his fundamental human rights as a person who has been maintaining that particular area as his garden for over ten years, that the honourable’s action equally negates the well thought out intentions of the founding fathers of the territory as it relates to the creation of Green Areas and the beautification of the city of Abuja. He maintained that the honourable’s action is unenvironmental friendly in view of government’s campaigns on the need for the maintenance of a sustainable environment through the planting of trees, plants and crops for a friendly ecosystem in the territory. He therefore requested for the payment of N109million as compensation to the damages done to his families means of livelihood, emphasizing that the Parks & Recreation of the FCDA, Abuja Municipal Area Council as well as Abuja Environmental Protection board are all aware of their existence there over the years. He argued that if there is anything adverse to be done on the said area in question that he and his family, the owners of the crops and economic plants supposed to be informed first, to know how they can remove their crops and the economic plants and not unilaterally destroying them as if it is a no man’s property in a lawless society. The poor farmer’s travails was taken before the following offices via personal memos ref: ‘’RE: REPORT OF CASE OF TRESPASS AND MALICIOUS DAMAGE OF OUR MATURED CASH CROPS AND ECONOMIC PLANTS WORTH ABOVE N17 MILLION AGAINST HON. MUTU NICHOLAS EBOMO OF NO. 1 YUSUF BALA CLOSE, APO LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS FOR THOROUGH
Some of the economic plants destroyed by Hon. Mutu’s aides. INVESTIGATIONAND PUBLICATION’’ for their intervention to avoid a breakdown of law and order but to no avail. The offices are: Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives; The Hon. Cha irman, Ho use Committee on Environment; The Hon. Minister of the FCTA; The Cha irma n, Na tiona l Human Commission; The Chairman, Public Complaints Commission; The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command; The Director, Parks and Recreation; etc. But upon all these, only the Public Complaints Commission in their response letter ref: PCC/ HQ/2012/C.46/1646/19 of 11 th February, 2013 signed by one Akindunde, A. O (Mrs.) for the Hon. Chief Commissioner which reads: ‘’I have the directives of the Honourable Chief Commissioner to acknowledge yours above dated 22nd October, 2012 and to further inform you that the Commission cannot entertain this case, it is not within its purview as it is an issue between two individual which makes the matter a private one,’’ was the body that even show a little concern over the pathetic matter between the elephant and the mouse in a society that is being guided by law and order. When our correspondent extended his findings to the Garki Police station, both the DPO and his DCO exhibited an unfriendly posture to the matter. But at the Command headquarters, we learnt that CP directed the Legal Department to handle the rejected case by Garki. We learnt that both the honourable and his aides were invited to the FCT police command headquarters to ascertain their level of involvement on the matter where Sidi Ali said they agreed to settle him but up till date nothing has happened. He narrated that this necessitated his invitation to Barrister Amobi Nzelu Chambers to seek for redress as every peaceable means employed to make the law maker to see reason for his prayers fell on deaf ears of the authorities concerned, lamenting that the law would have taken its cause if he had taken it into his hands.
Hon. Nicholas Mutu in his response through his legal adviser, Barrister A.N.C. Ikoro to the above memo which was equally served on him via his secretary at his National Assembly office, in a letter dated 19th November, 2012 stated, ‘’we are in receipt of yours of 22/10/2012. He alleged that Sidi Ali was economical with the truth when they rushed us with the allegation. He confirmed that Hon. Mutu, his client instructed his staff to supervise the clearing of an adjoining bush around his
Libel suit: Counsel abandons case
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n Abuja High Court holding at Wuse II has adjourned to 15th April, 2013 for the cross examination of principal witnesses in a libel suit between the Leadership Newspaper and DSP Titus Ndawa (Ret). This was as a result of the abandonment of the 3-year-old case in court by the Leadership Newspaper’s counsel, Barrister Jideofor Nwosu. Drama ensued when the presiding Judge, Hon. Adejumoke Ajoke, mentioned the case for a definite defence by the Newspaper house counsel, but was told that the barrister had written a letter of withdrawal from the matter which allegedly was not properly filed. National Accord learnt that at Jideofor’s place, a 5-man team of barristers representing Leadership Newspaper were in court to take over the matter whose 4-time ruling went in favour of the retired DSP. It is interesting to note that after a 2time adjournment in the month of February, 2013, the Judge , touched by the unnecessary delays and adjournments at the instance of the Leadership Newspaper’s counsel, fixed 26th and 27th March, 2013 for their defence. She said though the publication mentioned the Abuja Environmental Protection Board as a corporate body she however confirmed that the Security Liaison Officer of AEPB, Mr. Titus Ndawa’s name was equally indicted hence he as every other Nigerian deserves his right. Commenting, plaintiff lawyer, Bar. Alex Akunnebu commended the ruling as being in the interest of justice and fair play while his opponent Bar.
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National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
community news
Day Ichama community hosted the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro T he sleepy town of Ichama in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State went agog recently, when prominent sons and daughters of the ancient town hosted one of their own, Comrade Abba Moro, the Minister of Interior, to a thanksgiving service/civic reception, which took place at the Saint John Catholic Church and Central Primary School, Ichama respectively. As early as 7.30 a.m on March 2, 2013, the high and mighty as well as the people from the town, thronged the country home of Comrade Moro in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu, to accompany him in a convoy to the venues of the events. The thanksgiving service at St John Catholic Church was conducted by the Catholic Bishop of Oturkpo Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Michael E. Apochi, who delivered the sermon, while extolling the organisers of the civic reception for commencing the event with a thanksgiving service. According to him, “thanking God adds nothing to the greatness of God, but it makes us greater in different dimensions.” The Bishop lamented the state of insecurity in the country which he attributed to failure to adhere to the norms guiding the society. The thanksgiving service was full of pomp as melodious Christian songs were rendered by various choral groups in church. Also on hand to entertain the guests were students of Saint John Nursery and Primary School, Ichama. The thanksgiving service was rounded off with a fund-raising for the church building with Comrade Moro directing affairs. Done with the thanksgiving service, Comrade Moro, a title holder in Idomaland, made a brief stopover at the palace of Ada Enone 1 of Idomaland, Chief John O. Ali, where he paid traditional homage and was showered with royal blessings alongside the guests that accompanied him to the royal palace. The road leading to the Central Primary School playground slated for the reception was crowded with state-of-the-art vehicles. The arrival of Comrade Moro, who trekked to the event, shunning the comfort of his official SUV to the venue of the reception, charged the atmosphere. A large crowd also surged forward to catch a glimpse of him
as he made his way to the venue of the reception. Clad in a white trouser and white top and a white panorama cap to match, the Minister, who was the cynosure of all eyes, was greeted with thunderous chants of his name, while the trumpeter blew Moro’s cognomen. As soon as the Minister took his seat, accompanied by his wife, Mrs Lucy Moro, the event took off with side attractions such as cultural displays by the town’s masquerades that treated guests to acrobatic displays as well as the local Omabe dance. In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mr Agbo Idoko , said the Ichama community was highly delighted to celebrate and showcase Comrade Moro’s invaluable contributions to the Ichama community in particular and the Okpokwu people in general. In his speech, the Chairman on the occasion, AVM (Chief) E. R. Ejeh, Agwu 1 of Ichama, noted with excitement that the Minister’s rise had defied any logic, even as he described Comrade Moro as a destined child of God. Recalling the tortuous journey to where he is today, AVM Ejeh recalledthat when Comrade Moro indicated his interest to contest for the chairmanship position of Okpokwu LGA in 1995, he was frustrated by his detractors and ‘’as destiny child of God’’ that dispensation was truncated. However in 1999, he was elected as Chairman of Okpokwu, and he served for two terms as Chairman and also as Caretaker Chairman. Continuing, AVM Ejeh said the same scenario played itself out in 2007 when his detractors came up with unsubstantiated allegations which also denied him of a federal appointment, but he was eventually rewarded when he was appointed as Minister of Interior which the Chairman of the occasion described as a strategic ministry. AVM Ejeh also commended the Minister for using his position to attract the dividends of democracy to the people of the area through employment and other social amenities The Guest Speaker, Mr Clement Adikwu, a don at the college of Education Oju, in his lecture said, “We are not here to celebrate the rising political profile of Comrade Abba Moro, we are not here to celebrate his successes, instead we are here to celebrate is ever expanding
Comrade Abba Moro
ripples of relevance and commitment to cause of the downtrodden, when he was Chairman Okpokwu Local Government Area , as his achievements out rivalled all the achievements of all those who were ever profiled as chairmen one way or the other before his time and after his time, as he did when he held otherb positions.” In his remarks, the Senate President, who was represented at the impressive occasion by Honourable Hassan Saleh, member representing Ado/ Okpokwu /Ogbadibo federal constituency, while commending Moro for his rising political profile, applauded the people of Ichama Community for hosting the Minister to such an elaborate reception. The Senate President also showered praises on Comrade Moro on his numerous and silent achievements as Minister of Interior. He also expressed his gratitude to Comrade Moro for his untiring efforts during his electioneering campaign and eventual election into the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly. Comrade Moro, while delivering his vote of thanks,
said: ”For the first time in life, my strength have escaped me, I am at my wits’ end, trying to figure out what I can do to the emotional outburst that have been bottled in my mind occasioned by the mammoth crowd that have gathered today in this small community called Ichama one of the greatest fear I had before in refusing to accept the day of Ichama community was because Ichama community is the youngest of the communities in Okpokwu LGA, and is made up of two council wards instead of four as we have in other council areas. And because this political time where crowd adds to the momentum of expression of strength, I was wondering whether I was going to have all these combined together to have a crowd in this place.” But I think, today, you will agree with me that Ichama deserves to be described as a giant killer in political terms, we have in Ichama today, the gathering of who is who in Okpokwu politics and the Nigeria political landscape which symbolises what anybody or politician can take to the political war and win handsomely.” The Minister who appreciated the people of Ichama community
for the honour accorded him further captured the event in this manner. “I see very excited old women and men who are gathered here, who have come from all the way far and near all of them in a bid to catch a glimpse of the event that is unfolding here today, I want to say therefore if I say I am short of words, because it is in the nature of bees, that the bees will never leave the honeycomb, whenever we find ourselves especially like-minds gathered together, it is always an expression of excitement and expectations. And so as we gathered especially as the storms gathers towards 2015 it in the hope that people who have been privileged to be supported by the ordinary people of this society will today seize any opportunity to express their expectation on the dividends of democracy from such people And of course for people of conscience it is also a moment for all us to reflect and see whether in the discharge of our responsibilities we have be able to meet the expectation of the people. And so it is happening in Ichama today, that is the third in the series of gathering of reception for me by the rare the privilege, and by divine providence that I should preside over the Ministry of Interior at the Federal Executive Council. It is an opportunity not only to thank the Ichama community and the Okpokwu people, but to thank all my well-wishers.” Comrade Moro promised not to let down the people of Ichama and assured them of dividends of democracy. “Every moment that I see their support demonstrated in this manner, I am emboldened to go further and do more, this moment is a rare privilege for me, all that I can say to you is that l will not disappoint you. Comrade Moro, also used the avenue to expressed his worries over the uneasy calm pervading the PDP family in Okpokwu after the local government elections, when he said ‘’I am aware and you are aware that in recent time, the peace and tranquillity the comradeship, the brotherliness that have been the bond of the politics of Okpoga, okpokwu have somehow eluded us.” To drive home his point he admonished all party faithful to forget about their differences, so that the party will continue to reenact its winning streak in the coming Okpokwu council elections. George Udoh is the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Interior.
National Accord, Friday, April 5, 2013
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National Accord, Friday, Apiril 5, 2013
FG plans tax regime for informal sector Stories by EWACHE AJEFU
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harmonized presumptive tax regime for operators in the informal sector is being planned by the Federal Government, Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Chairman Joint Tax Board, Mr. Kabir Mashi has said. In his address at the stakeholders sensitization workshop on Presumptive Ta x Re gime in Nigeria held Thursday in Abuja, Ma shi said taxa tion in the informal sector and particularly persons and businesses that are not properly structured, or do not kee p proper or detai led records of their business transaction, is a challenging issue, not only in Nigeria, but also in most developing nations of the world. He sa id that di fferent countries have fashioned out
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he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has expressed its readiness to grant financial assistance to deserving primary mortgage banks (PMBs) and microfinance banks (MFBs) as pa r t of i ts e ff o rts at repositioning the sub-sector for gre a te r pe r fo rm a nce o f the financial services system. The NDIC Ma na gi ng Director, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim m a d e th i s r e m a r k i n A b u ja when the Board of Directors and Management of the Federal Mo rtga ge B a nk o f N i ge r i a (FMBN) paid him a courtesy visit. He di sc lo se d tha t the Co rpo rati o n wa s a lrea dy developing the framework for granting the financial assistance b ut stre ssed that stri nge nt conditions would be put in place for deserving MFBs and PMBs to comply with. He reiterated in his warning that MFBs and PMBs tha t we re de li b era tely mismanaged by their owners would not be eligible for such accommodation bill, adding that details of the novel framework would soon be made known to stakeholders once it is approved by the Board of the Corporation. W hi le e m pha si zi ng the stra tegi c ro le o f m ortgage financing in the development of the financial services sector, the MD/CE stated that the Federal Mini stry o f Fi na nce (FMF), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) a nd the Corpo ra ti on were working on possible measures
different strategies to effectively tax individuals in this category of informal sector, stressing that some countries in dealing with this issue have leveraged on the experiences of othe rs, while others decided to fashion out their own specific strategy. He said that the apex tax authority has decided to adopt a hybrid in developing a workable presumptive tax regime having looked at experiences of other countries in order to tailor it to Nigeria’s local circumstances, adding that the regime would help drag a lot of people in the informal sector that had been evading the payment of tax into the tax net. Mr. Mashi emphasized that the the country has a large pool of taxpayers and potential tax payers in the informal sector which can contribute a significant amount to tax collection if they are properly assisted to comply with tax laws. Mashi further stressed that “ such a large pool of taxpayers
cannot be ignored by any tax system which seeks to make taxation the pivot of national development”. According to him, one of the major reasons for the amendment of the Personal Income Tax (PITA) was to bring it to date with existing realities of the Nigerian economy, especially in relation to how the Act impacts on low and middle income earners. He urged the stakeholders to brainstorm on ideas on the most suitable approach or approaches to taxing the informal which will serve as input and materials needed to work with in drafting relevant legisla tion or ame ndment to existing legislation. He said the development will not only grow the tax base across the three tiers of government, but more importantly improve tax collection from no n-o il tax revenue, which will ultimately contribute to the overall
Alhaji Kabir Mashi, Acting Chairman FIRS development of the Nigerian tax system and indeed the economy.
NDIC set to grant financial assistance to eligible PMB/MFBs aimed at reviving the sub-sector towa rds a chi e vi ng the transformation agenda of the Federal Government in the area of affordable housing for all taking cognisance of the huge deficit existing in the industry. He pointed out that some of the m ea sure s include am o ngst o the rs, the CBN ’s re vise d supe rvi sory gui deli ne s fo r
Umaru Inrahim Managing Director
NDIC
prim a ry m o rtga ge b a nks, refi nanci ng sche m e i n the m o rtga ge secto r a nd the proposed review of the land use act. The NDIC boss disclosed the commencement of liquidation of seve n o ut o f the 25 PMB s recently closed by the CBN with payment of compensation to their depositors. He lamented the difficulti e s b e ing encountered by the Corporation in the liquidation process as many of them merely existed as paper institutions. He said the seve n we re those the Corporation could identify after frantic search at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to determi ne the ma na ge me nt, board, shareholders and other details of the closed PMBs. He hinted further that it was difficult for the Corporation to determine the PMBs’ deposit liabilities due to their failure to render statutory returns to the CBN a nd pay m anda to ry premium to the NDIC. He said tha t the de ci si o n o f the Corpo ra tio n’s B oa rd to rei mb urse depo si to rs o f the seven identified PMBs was part of its unwavering commitment to the protection of depositors of all licenced insured institutions.
He urge d managem ents of PMBs to see the recent extension of de adline on the recapitali sa ti on fo r prim ary mo rtgage ba nks by the CBN fro m April 31, 20 13 to December, 2013 as a window of opportunity that must be well utilised. He warned that more drastic action may be taken at the expiration of the deadline. In his remarks, the Chairman, B o ard of D ire ctors, Fe dera l Mortgage Ba nk o f Ni ge ri a (FMB N), Mr. B isi Ogunjo bi state d tha t hi s i nsti tuti o n decided to pay the courtesy visit to the NDIC to explore areas of m utua l co lla b ora tio n, partnership a nd e ffe cti ve information sharing between the two institutions with a view to enhancing their service delivery and improved efficiency in the pri m a ry mo rtga ge b a nks to wards e nsuring a ffordab le housi ng to N i ge ri ans. He commended NDIC’s effort at sanitising the sub-sector and reiterated the need to enforce compliance with regulatory and supervisory guidelines by the o pe ra to rs i n the mo rtga ge i ndustry. Mr. Ogunjob i emphasized the need to compel the PMBs to render statutory returns on regular basis.
NCP approves transitional committees for 15 PHCN successor coys In compliance with Share Sale Purchase Agreement (SSPA) approved by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), transitional committees for the 15 Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies whose preferred bidders have paid 25 % of the bid value have been constituted. The committees were inaugurated by the Chairman, Technical Committee of NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside. Earlier, the Acting DirectorGeneral of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki, explained that each successor company has a threemember committee. The members are each from the BPE, the management of the successor company and the preferred bidder. The BPE nominee is the chairman of each committee. According to Dikki, both BPE and the new owners have a mutual interest in ensuring the companies operate in a way so as to maintain the value of the company during the transition period, adding that the transition period could be within a month or a maximum of six months depending on full payment. Transitional arrangements will allow a platform to ensure that both the companies and purchasers are ready for the handover process. He emphasised that the managements and boards of the successor companies will continue to exercise their functions during the transition period without interference from the transitional committees. The terms of reference for the transition committees are to facilitate the smooth transition and eventual handover of the management and operational control of the successor companies to the purchasers, allow purchasers access to the companies in order to prepare for the implementation of their business plans laid out in the proposals submitted to the Bureau of Public Enterprises. Others are provide a forum for purchasers to engage with existing management and employees to ensure a smooth transition and handover; and allow BPE and the purchasers to monitor the on-going operations of the company to ensure they are operating in an efficient manner and in compliance with the terms of the Share Sale Agreements. It would be recalled that Share Sale Agreements were executed between the preferred bidders and BPE on February 21, 2013.
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National Accord, Friday, Apiril 5, 2013
business
JICA an ally in critical sector development – Igali
Oyo, Ogun enjoy improved electricity supply- TCN Stories by BENJAMIN UMUTEME Residents of Oyo and Ogun states now enjoy improved electricity supply courtesy of a recent commissioning of a new 150MVA, 330/132/33kV power transformer in Ayede by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The move was part of the ongoing deployment of transformers to various parts of the country to improve power supply. Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, said residents in these states are now enjoying improved power supplies. He said the successful installation and commissioning of the transformer had further increased the nations’ grid capacity by 150 Mega Volt Amphere (MVA). Ifabiyi said that the new 150MVA power transformer was provided by the World Bank, through the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, (PHCN’s) project monitoring unit. “The newly commissioned transformer replaces a previously failed 150MVA, 330/132/33kV power transformer in the same transmission station,” he said. According to him, the installation of the new transformer was successfully carried out by Areva Alston Engineering, in conjunction with TCN engineers, thereby increasing the wheeling capacity of the Ayede transmission station from 300MVA to 450MVA. He further said with the increased capacity of the Ayede transmission substation, it can now wheel more electricity to Ibadan Metropolis as well as the Shagamu and Ijebu Ode 132/ 33kV transmission substations. “This will translate into a more stable electricity supply for the socio-economic wellbeing of electricity customers in the benefiting states,” he added.
L-R- Fred P. Hochberg, Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States; Afreximbank President Jean-Louis Ekra; and MD/CEO, NEXIM Bank, Mr. Roberts Orya at the 2013 USEXIM Annual Conference, April 4-5, Omni Shoreham Hotel - Washington, D.C.
Uduaghan calls for review of Revenue Allocation
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overnor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has called for an upward review of the federal revenue allocation to the Local Government Councils to enable them adequately meet the developmental needs 0f the people at the grassroots. Uduaghan, who made the call when the National body of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba Thursday, said if more funds were allocated to local government councils it would enable them to not only pay primary school teachers’ salaries but also build infrastructural projects in the council areas. He decried the enormous burden the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries was having on the finances of the L o c a l G o ve rn m e n t co u nc i l s and called for the allocation of more funds from the federal allocation revenue to enable t h e m m e e t u p t h e i r s o ci o economic responsibilities. “ I f w e wa n t th e l o c a l g o ve r n m e n t c o u nc i l s to succeed in Nigeria, the Federal revenue allocation should be reviewed and more funds given to them to enable the council pay primary school teachers’ sa la ri e s a nd ca rry o ut the i r other developmental needs. It is a big responsibility on the council,” he said. A c co r d i ng t o G o v e rn o r Uduaghan, “Over 80% of Local Government Council funds are expended on the payment of p r i m a r y sc h o o l t e a c h e r s ’ salaries. This is not healthy for the development of the council a re a s . I f t he co un c i l s m us t c o nt i n ue with th i s r e sp o n s i b i l i t y , t h e n t h e re v e nue a llo ca ti o n to Lo ca l Government Councils needs to b e re vi ewe d upwa rds o r the
responsibility should be taken from them to enable the council carry out infrastructural projects and meet the developmental needs of the people at the grassroots.” While imploring the Secretary to State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay to expedite action on the release of vehicles pro m i se d th e Un i o n, D r Uduaghan asked the Ministry of W o r ks t o ca rry o ut the construction of the road leading to the NULGE suites in Asaba sta ti ng i t wa s pa rt o f hi s a d m i ni stra ti o n’s wa y of strengthening the bond between the state and NULGE. Th e go ve rn o r w ho appreciated the collaboration and unity existing between the National and State Councils of NULGE, commended the state co unci l o f N UL GE f o r i ts co n ti nu o us supp o rt a nd co o pe ra ti o n wi t h th e st a te government and promised that hi s a d m i ni stra ti o n wo u ld continue to be workers’ friendly and deliver the dividends of democracy to Deltans. “I want to thank the National Council of NULGE for the show o f lo ve a nd uni ty e xi st i ng b e t we e n he r a nd the sta te council. I also thank the state ch a pte r o f N UL GE f o r t he support they have given so far to this adm inistration a nd I pr o m i s e to li v e up to m y re spo n si b i li ty o f pro vi di ng more dividends of democracy to Deltans,” he said. Go ve rn o r U dua gha n a l so decried the plight of widows in o ur so c i e ty e sp e ci a lly the obnoxious cultural practices against them and called for a ca m pa i g n a g a i ns t th e se practices. He commended the state council of NULGE for its widow empowerment initiative which was flagged off yesterday and called on them to continue to support the widows in the
society. He noted that his wife was a gre a t s uppo rte r o f wi do ws through her pet project “I Care” and tha nked NULGE for the award which they bestowed on he r at the flagge d o ff of the NULGE Widow Empowerment Programme. “M y wi fe a nd I a re gre a t supporters of widows because of the ill-treatme nt our culture meted out to them. They are being accused that they kill their husbands. All these obnoxious practices should stop. I strongly su ppo r t th e c a m pa i gn to improve the lots of widows in our society,” he said. I n a b ri e f a d dre s s, t he National Deputy President of NULGE Comrade Jones Ofunne a p pre c i a te d Go ve rn o r Ud ua gh a n for his developmental strides in the state especially the magnificent Government House complex. He thanked the governor for the rich bond that has existed between the Council and the state government stating that the body will continuously support the Uduaghan administration. Comrade Ofunne reminded the governor that the promises of constructing the NULGE Suite Road and providing vehicles for the National body have not been redeemed. He also informed the governor that the National Council identified with the choice of an award to Her Excellency, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan for her contributions to the welfare of widows. ‘’The National body has found the first Lady Deaconess Roli Uduaghan worthy of an award for tireless efforts and contributions to the well-being and welfare of widows across the state. We also pledge our allegiance to the state government and we will continue to carry out our duties without complaints”.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of power, Mr. Godknows Igali, has described the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as one of Nigeria’s most reliable and dependable partner, as the body has intervened in education, water, health and now power. Speaking at the opening session of a one-day interaction platform with the JICA Advisors for Power Developing Planning and Power Ministry top officials in Abuja, today, Dr. Igali, said that available record shows that the JICA team has made significant progress in identifying some areas of assistance in the power sector but added that more assistance would be required in the area of rural electrification. The Permanent Secretary also acknowledged the contribution of the agency in the extensive review of the engineering design of the Zungeru and Mambilla hydro power projects, so also its positive contribution to the Road Map on power sector reform, National Load Demand study and the competitiveness of combined cycle power plants. He assured the gathering of the determination of Government to leverage on all the technical inputs from the Japanese, “For us to achieve the aims of the power sector reform, we are required to take advantage of opportunities for training especially of our young ones as Japan has a lot of experience in hydro and other renewable energy mix”. Other areas of required assistance apart from power generation, he said, the desire to build a work class power sector, has brought to fore the need to provide infrastructure for the optimal evacuation of power produced hence nongrid power sources would be explored, thus JICA assistance is required. While responding to the Permanent Secretary address and setting the tone for the workshop, JICA’s Country Director, Seki Tetsuo expressed optimism that the forum would be fruitful and informative as it would move JICA’s efforts in Nigeria forward. He promised that JICA would redouble its intervention efforts in Nigerian just as he assured the gathering that JICA will assist to plough the unspent fund from water projects into critical area of need in the power sector.
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Mourinho happy with Real professionalism display Page 23
Keshi to recall Haruna, Eneramo
•Keshi
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said he could recall Lukman Haruna and Michael Eneramo for next month’s friendly against Mexico. The African champions face Mexico in a warm-up game on May 31 in Houston, Texas, ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in June. Former Togo and Mali boss Keshi said he is considering the return of Dynamo Kiev
Maigari orders intervention in Keshi, Yobo row
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FF President Aminu Maigari yesterday morning ordered the Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chris Green and his Committee members to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the on-going war of words between Super Eagles’ Head Coach Stephen Keshi and captain Joseph Yobo. An unhealthy exchange of words between the two princi pal characters in the Nigeria squad has dominated the media in the past few days, as Yobo expressed unhappiness with the coach over his exclusion from last month’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar. ”This is a highly untoward development and the NFF and entire Nigeria football family are disturbed. Less than two months ago, we lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in a blaze of glory, and this was made possible by hard work and tea m-work in an atmosphere of peace, unity and tranquillity. ”The recent exchange of words between Coach Ke shi and Captain Yobo is worrisome, at a tim e tha t we have so m any important matches and major com peti tion (FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013) ahead of us. I have ordered the Chairman of Technical Committee and his members to immediately intervene and restore sanity,” Maigari said yesterday. The NFF President also cautioned the nation’s vibrant media against over-sensationalism with regards to the Keshi, Yobo issue. ”Journalists remain important stakeholders in the game and we charge them to avoid over-playing such negative tendencies. Such issues attack the fabric of the team
and tend to destroy team spirit, which is key to achieving set goals and objectives.” Nigeria, champions of Africa, have a jumbo schedule of possibly, 10 matches in six weeks between the end of May and mid-July. The Super Ea gles take on CONCACAF champions Mexico (rated 15th in the world) in a prestigious international friendly in Texas, USA on May 31, travel to Kenya and Namibia for 2014 World Cup qualifiers within a fortnight after, take part at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, where they could play five matches if they progress beyond gro up stage, before a 2 014 African Nations Championship two-legged fixture against Ivory Coast.
midfielder Haruna and Eneramo, who features for Sivasspor in the Turkish top flight. “We need to get some players who could add value in our rebuilding process,” said Keshi. “Haruna and Eneramo are some of the players we are considering at the moment but we still have about a month to decide that.” Former Nigeria U-17, U-20 and U-23 skipper Haruna last featured for Nigeria at the 2010,
while Eneramo’s last appearance for the team was against Madagascar in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Calabar. Both players have told MTNFootball.com they will welcome their recall. “I will be glad to return to Eagles. I have been there before and didn’t disappoint. I am ready for the call. I will give my best to the team as usual. I am waiting for the call,” Eneramo
Heartland forced to shelve trip to Gabon
•NFF President, Aminu Maigari
Pistorius not back in training – Family South Africa amputee runner Oscar Pistorius has not returned to competitive training, his family said yesterday in response to an article which features a photograph of him on an athletics track. South African newspapers had published a grainy photograph, reportedly taken by a visiting schoolgirl, of the double amputee in running gear and wearing his carbon-fibre blades on a Pretoria University running track last month. “Oscar is not back on any official training programme,” the family statement said. “This may change in future, but this will be a decision taken by Oscar and Oscar alone. “At this point Oscar is still in an extremely traumatised state and has made it clear to all of us that he is not able or willing to
told MTNFootball.com. The former Esperance striker has scored nine goals in the Turkey top league and five in the Cup. He has scored four goals after 10 caps for the Eagles. Haruna said: “I think I have not enjoyed myself in terms of glory and consistency in the Super Eagles and that is why I will be back for glory with the Eagles. I know it’s just a matter of time before I’m back.”
even contemplate this issue at this stage. “Oscar has been out running on a number of isolated occasions in the days following the relaxation of his bail conditions, but each time has been very difficult and he has ‘struggled immensely’ with the decision to even leave the house, it added. The family said they had encouraged him to start exercising as a way to help deal with the trauma and “stabilise him emotionally”. Pistorius, who won worldwide fame by reaching the semi-finals of the 400m at last year’s London Olympics, had his bail conditions relaxed on March 28. The 26-year-old was granted permission to travel abroad and told he no longer needed to report to a probation officer.
The move opened up the possibility that he could return to competition this year, including the world championships in August. Pistorius cancelled scheduled appearances in March, April and May in Australia, Brazil, the United States and Britain after his arrest for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day (February 14). Prosecutors said he committed premeditated murder when he fired four shots into a locked toilet door, hitting 29-year-old Steenkamp as she cowered on the other side. She suffered gunshot wounds to her head, hip and arm. Pistorius has said the killing was a tragic mistake and that he had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder and opened fire in a blind panic.
Heartland FC of Owerri were on Thursday forced to shelve their trip to Gabon for a Confederation Cup fixture against US Bitam FC, due to lack of seats in the aircraft, according to a club official. Heartland’s Media Officer, Cajetan Nkwopara, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that there was not enough space for its 33-man contingent. It would be recalled that Heartland had defeated their Gabonese opponents 2-1 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. “We were scheduled to leave on Thursday, but there were not enough seats to accommodate our 33-man contingent. “So we are banking on doing so by Friday and the airline too has promised to provide enough space. “It could not even accommodate the players, much less the officials, but they have given us their word and we are hoping on that,’’ he said. When asked whether the delay could have an adverse effect on the team’s preparation for the match, Nkwopara told NAN that the team would be able to weather the storm. “If we leave here early tomorrow and get to Gabon on time, then fatigue will not set in. “We didn’t plan it this way, but based on what is on ground, we can’t do more than what we have done,” Nkwokpara said. (NAN)
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National Accord, Friday April 5, 2013,
SPORTS
Ferguson expects van Persie revival Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Robin van Persie to find his goalscoring form and insists the striker does not need a rest. Van Persie, 29, has gone nine games without a goal for United. But Ferguson is confident that the Netherlands international, who has hit 23 goals for the club this season, will soon start scoring again. “He doesn’t need a rest that’s for sure, he’s a strong lad with great physique,” Ferguson said. “The goals will come, all strikers have dry spells and you hope it ends quickly, it’s part of being a striker.” Van Persie, who joined United from Arsenal for £24m last August, has scored 19 Premier League goals this season, second only to Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, who has 22. His last United goal came in the 2-0 Premier League win over Everton on 10 February. The striker’s shot led to the winning goal in United’s 1-0 victory at Sunderland last Saturday, but it was recorded as a Titus Bramble own goal after flying in off the defender’s knee. Ferguson also confirmed that Wayne Rooney is back in training ahead of Monday’s derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. The England striker, 27, has missed United’s last two matches with a groin injury sustained on international duty. Brazilian full-back Rafael da Silva, who missed Monday’s 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final replay defeat at Chelsea with a groin problem, has also returned to training. Defenders Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans remain doubts with knocks picked up during at Sunderland, but Ferguson is hopeful that both will resume training soon.
Ibrahimovic: PSG would be right for Rooney
Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Wayne Rooney should join Paris St Germain if the England striker decides it is time to leave Manchester United. The Premier League leaders have been adamant that Rooney is not for sale, and plan to offer him a new contract, while Swedish striker Ibrahimovic claims PSG would be the obvious choice of club if 27-yearold Rooney ever leaves Old Trafford. According to The Sun, Ibrahimovic said of Rooney: “If he wants to be part of the best project in football then there is only one club to sign for. Only he knows the decision he is going to make in the summer but the project we are trying to build here is clear.” He added: “We are not content with being the dominant force in France, we want to be the top club in Europe as well. ”I can understand why the owners are interested in Rooney, he is in the top 10 of strikers in Europe.” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi this week said there had been no approach for the former Everton player, but admitted he admires Rooney’s talent. Rooney continues to be linked with the wealthy French club, who attracted Ibrahimovic from AC Milan last summer and are building a team designed to challenge for the Champions League title every year.
Mourinho happy with Real professionalism display R
eal Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was delighted with his side’s professionalism as they all but secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Galatasaray on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain got the goals for the hosts, but Mourinho was just as happy with the defensive side of their performance in the first leg of their quarterfinal. “The team played a serious and well-balanced game, he said. “We defended well and counter-attacked with danger. The players knew at this stage of the competition small details can define the games but we played very well. “Higuain and Benzema scored a goal and this is good for their confidence.” Indeed, with such a comfortable lead to take to Istanbul next week, the Portuguese admitted his biggest task will be to ensure his troops are not complacent. “They need a miracle but there are miracles in football. So why can’t they dream of a miracle?
•Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho “I have enough experience to know we have a very good result and will try everything to convince my players that it is not over and try to play with the same mentality as tonight.” Sergio Ramos and Xabi
Alonso both picked up yellow cards in the second half that will see them miss the second leg, but Mourinho denied they had been pre-planned to ensure they would be free to play in the semifinals and
2012 in the wake of the side’s poor performance at the last Africa Women Championship (AWC) in Equatorial Guinea. Okpodu said the side’s alltime poor performance at the biennial African women’s football tournament should serve as a wake-up call on the football house to urgently name a new coach for the side to start immediately commence the rebuilding process. “The NFF should immediately appoint a new coach for the Super Falcons, the delay in naming a replacement to coach Kadiri Ikhana is not doing the team any good. “The NFF shouldn’t wait until there is competition in sight before hurriedly naming a coach. They should appoint a coach and allow him or her ample time to rebuild the team now they’re no more the best side in Africa. “I think the side’s failure at the Africa Women’s
Championship in Equatorial Guinea should have been the compelling reason to fill the vacuum created by Ikhana’s resignation. “While we’re pretending that we have all the time in the world to toy with, other countries are seriously working ahead. We should be seen doing what others are doing especially if they’re doing the right thing. “The Falcons failed at the AWC in Equatorial Guinea because coaches were hurriedly hired without time for the coach to scout for players. “We’ll be gainers if the NFF named a coach immediately for the side with clear mandate and time frame to work with,” said the former Nigeria winger to supersport.com. The former Bendel Insurance player guided the Super Falcons to win gold at the 2005 Africa Women’s Championship which was played host to in Delta State, Nigeria.
Okpodu wants substantive coach for Falcons Former Super Falcons’ coach, Sam Okpodu has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to name a substantive coach for the side without further delay. The six-time African champions have been without a head coach after Kadiri Ikhana resigned his appointment in November
Former Super Falcons’ coach, Sam Okpodu
claimed their presence will be missed. “They are important absences for the next game. Xabi and Ramos will play on Saturday when they weren’t going to do so, but it has complicated my plans for Istanbul.” Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim meanwhile accepted there was a gulf in class between the sides, but claimed the Turkish champions had been very harshly treated when Norwegian referee Svein Oddvar Moen showed Burak Yilmaz a yellow card for diving rather than awarding a penalty when he was clipped by Ramos in the second half. “Maybe the Real Madrid name affected Galatasaray and the referee didn’t have the courge to show a card when he had to,” he said. “I think the referee made many mistakes, the whole stadium could see that Ramos stood on Burak’s foot. “Many of our players have a lot of experience, it is hard to play in Real Madrid’s stadium in front of so many fans but the difference in quality between both teams is noticeable.” The former AC Milan coach also lamented his side’s defending and inability to take their chances in what was a very open first half.
THE ACKPAGE
Friday, April 5, 2013
Sule Lamido:
The lone Comrade “I have seen a light at the end of a very dark tunnel and I am prepared to walk into its full circle – alone – or with whoever cares to come with me.” — Malam Aminu Kano in his letter to British colonial authorities resigning his office as a school teacher to join the anti-colonial struggle in Nigeria, November 1950.
Kano and Balarabe Musa in Kaduna- were still spitting fire like he did in his 1950 letter to colonial authorities. Sule Lamido and other young he life and politics of Malam EMMANUEL YAWE radical legisAminu Kano qualifies him to be lators at the identified as the only politician of note in Nigeria who expressed and of Aminu Kano in the colonial era and national assembly took sides with the tried to implement revolutionary in the First Republic. But he was one governors against Aminu Kano. of the notable young radicals that The whole drama came to an end ideas. His views were rather heretical teamed up with him to form the when the military sacked politicians and full of contempt for traditional Peoples Redemption Party, the PRP, and banned all political parties in the institutions and the indirect rule in when the military started the march end of year coup of 1983. With poliwhich they played a pivotal role. In back to the barracks and out of poli- tics in the military cooler, Sule his letter of resignation quoted above, tics in 1978. In 1979, he was elected Lamido returned to private life until he stated among other things that “I into the Federal House of Represen- it was time to form parties under Babangida. He was among the fanatically share the view that Native tatives. politicians who put together the Administrations, as they stand today People’s Solidarity Party, (PSP), one with all their too trumpeted “fine traof the political parties that were disditions,” are woefully hopeless in banded by the military regime in solving our urgent educational, sofavour of two parties – the National cial, economic, political and even reRepublican Convention, NRC, and the ligious problems. I cannot tolerate Social Democratic Party, (SDP), in them because of their smell…” 1989. He then emerged the pioneer In the beginning, he was not alone. Chairman of the Party (SDP) for Kano While in Sokoto, he became a memState. ber of Jam’iyyar Mutanen Arewa, a With the creation of Jigawa out of Northern Nigeria cultural association the old Kano State, Lamido became that later evolved into a political the pioneer Chairman and later the party and became the dominant governorship aspirant of the party party in Northern Nigeria during the until the Military disqualified him. In Nigerian First Republic. However, in late 1992, Sule Lamido was elected the 1950, he led a splinter group of young National Secretary of the Social radicals from Jam’iyyar Mutanen Democratic Party, (SDP). He was thus Arewa, and formed the Northern Elea core actor in the victory of Chief M. ments Progressive Union (NEPU). K. O. Abiola in the 1993 presidential The journey to the dark tunnel had election which was, however, anbegun. He was harassed, his follownulled. ers beaten, imprisoned and even In 1994 under the Abacha governkilled. He was often rigged out of elecment, after the two parties were distoral victories. banded, Sule Lamido became the That did not stop him from spreadChairman of the Board of Directors of ing his revolutionary views which the Nigerian Agricultural and Co-opsoon positioned him as the leader of Gov. Sule Lamido erative Bank, NACB, his first major the talakawa, commoners. The But the honeymoon was short political appointment in life. rough tactics of the leading party deIn 1995, he went onto the National pleted his followership. Military in- lived. There was a great rift between tervention in 1966 banned NEPU to- Aminu Kano and the two governors Constitutional Conference as an apgether with the other parties of the elected on the platform of his party. pointee of the Federal Military GovWhile Aminu Kano’s radicalism was ernment but the seeming romance Dirst Republic. Alhaji Sule Lamido was perhaps tampered by age and exposure, his between the politician and the militoo young to be one of the followers two governors- Abubakar Rimi in tary terminated too abruptly once the politician became a critic of self-succession. It culminated in his arrest For the whole one hour or so that we spent together, the and detention in early 1998 by the governor refused to be dragged into the topic. For a jourregime. nalist, I left his house a sad man. Here is a man with a When Sule Lamido was released from detention in l998, he rejoined rich political CV – rare to find among the governors of his political group in the national platthe north and even south. There is hardly a governor form called the G-34. Subsequently, today who has held to his beliefs about the common man the group formed the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, under which he and gone through the vicissitudes of democratic policontested governorship of Jigawa tics in the pursuit of those beliefs like Sule Lamido. State in 1999 but lost.
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Friday Columnist
That same year, he emerged the Foreign Affairs Minister. He returned to Jigawa State in 2003after serving as Minister and went straight into opposition leadership against the ANPP Government. He later clinched the gubernatorial candidacy of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) emerging the governor on May 29, 20 07 . I consider Kano – which to me means the present day Kano and Jigawa states as my second home. I lived a good four years in Kano as a young journalist with the Kano State owned Triumph Newspapers, then a very popular newspaper. I became an editor for the first time in my career in Kano in the mid 80’s. I have not however been to Jigawa since he became governor in 2007. Last week I was ‘home’ and was privileged to go round and see the giant strides the state has taken under his leadership. His performance in mass mobilization, education, rural development, infrastructure, agriculture etc is stellar. Later at the end of my ‘home’ visit, a brother arranged a dinner with the governor. It was a sumptuous dinner. Unfortunately he kept ‘commiserating’ with me because there was no bera, rat meat (a special delicacy of my Tiv people) on the menu. I soon discovered that this frequent ‘commiseration’ with me over bera was a clever way of dodging penetrating questions about his political future. There have been speculations of late about his candidacy in the next presidential elections and anytime our discussions veered to that issue, he returned to bera. For the whole one hour or so that we spent together, the governor refused to be dragged into the topic. For a journalist, I left his house a sad man. Here is a man with a rich political CV – rare to find among the governors of the north and even south. There is hardly a governor today who has held to his beliefs about the common man and gone through the vicissitudes of democratic politics in the pursuit of those beliefs like Sule Lamido. He stands alone among his comrades. Nigeria should not allow his vast experience to waste after 2015.
QUOTE Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. – Barack Obama
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