March 29, 2008

Policemen Assault Ogun High Court Registrar

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00

A Principal Registrar with the Ogun State High Court, Mr. Yinka Oduwaye, had a close shave with death as policemen brutalised him on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Eight anti-riot policemen assaulted him on the premises of the court. The victim is receiving treatment at the Ijaiye General Hospital as a result of the beating.
The battle-ready policemen were on duty at the venue of the state Election Petitions Tribunal, which was expected to take the written submission of the counsel to the litigants in the April 14, 2007 governorship election in the state.
The Action Congress governorship candidate, Otunba Dipo Dina, is challenging the election of the incumbent governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, of the Peoples Democratic Party, who is running his second term in office.
The policemen were said to be manning the Armoured Personnel Carrier at the gate of the court when the registrar drove into the premises.
Trouble was said to have started when Oduwaye was ordered out of his office over allegation that he did not stop for the search being conducted by the policemen at the gate of the state Magistrate’s Court, which serves as the venue of the sitting of the Election Petitions Tribunal. The victim, who was rushed to the state General Hospital, Ijaiye, shortly after being manhandled by the policemen, told our reporter amidst expression of pain that he was duly passed at the gate before he drove into the premises in his green Datsun car.
The Court Registrar said, “While I was opening the door to my office, one of the policemen shouted at me saying, ‘Hey you, come back here.’ I thought it was a joke and I entered my office. A minute later, about three of them stormed my office and started pushing me around, charging at me why I did not obey their order. “Despite the pleas of my colleagues, the policemen, eight in number, started beating me with their belts and the butts of their guns. My head and body are paining me now.”
The doctor who attended to Oduwaye at the Ijaiye General Hospital, diagnosed “physical assault, well hydrated and little distress.”
The Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Mr. Femi Awoyale, however, blamed Oduwaye for refusing to be searched at the gate of the court.
“The man drove there in a taxi. Under the circumstance, the policemen will have to ensure the identity of the occupants before granting entry. But the man did not wait to be searched at the gate; he forced his way in. So, the policemen challenged him,” he said.
Awoyale, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, did not deny that the man was assaulted, and he did not explain the rational behind the deflation of the tyre of the car that brought the man after he was beaten.
Meanwhile, the Election Petitions Tribunal in the state has shifted the adoption of the written submissions of the counsel to Daniel, Dina and the Independent National Electoral Commission to Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

Posted by Publisher at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)

March 28, 2008

Bank Robbery: Police Arrest More Suspects, Recover Ammunitions

By Seyi Odubanwo, Reporter, Lagos
Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00

Barely two weeks after it foiled a massive bank robbery operation at a first generation bank in Lagos, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested more hoodlums in connection with the attack, recovering seven riffles from the suspects.

Disclosing this on Wednesday was the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone II, Lagos, Mohammed Abubakar.
He spoke when the Acting Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc, John Aboh paid him a courtesy visit.
While describing the arrest of the robbery suspects as morale booster for the police, Abubakar stated that intelligence work and interrogations have so far revealed that the gang was the brain behind some of the recent bank robberies in the state.
Abubakar, who described the successful intervention of the police in the robbery attack as an act of God, recalled that the armoured vehicle sent to the scene of the robbery as an emergency rescue operation was not in good shape at the time.
“Somehow, God was at work. Even with the bad engine and bad tyres, the armoured car got to the scene to assist in arresting the robbers”, he stated.
The AIG stressed the need for banks and the police to partner together in order to ensure effective security,
adding, “Security goes beyond acquisition of armoured vehicles and mere employment of security staff”.

Posted by Publisher at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2008

We Won’t Allow Political Assassinations Any More –Yar'Adua

By Sukuji Bakoji Bureau Chief, Kaduna
Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has vowed that his administration will not allow the country to drift back to the ugly past where political assassination was the order of the day.

According to the President, his administration will do everything possible to stop the trend which has started rearing its ugly head in the country.
Yar'Adua said this through the Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, at the formal launch of Kaduna State anti-crime outfit, “Operation Yaki,” on Wednesday.
"We use this opportunity to formally inform this country that this administration, headed by Yar'Adua, will never tolerate the ugly past where we had political murders in this country.
"Only few days ago, a couple of days ago, a local government chairman in Kogi State was murdered; and we believe it was a political assassination.
"We will do everything to make sure that the culprits are brought to book because we can never allow another round of political killings in our country."
Against this backdrop, he enjoined other state governors to form their own anti-crime outfits to combat the upsurge of violent crimes in the country.
"We cannot afford the recycling of criminals. Therefore I would suggest that due emphasis be placed on intelligence gathering and grassroots campaigns targeted at value reorientation," he stated.
Earlier, the governor, dressed in police uniform, asserted that the establishment of the anti-crime agency has become imperative because of the increasing rate of violent crimes and other related crimes in the state.
About 700 security personnel, comprising Army and the Police Force are involved in the anti-crime combat, with 75 Toyota Hillux vehicles equipped with communication gadgets and a helicopter from the police headquarters.

Posted by Publisher at 09:35 AM | Comments (0)

NGO Faults Nigerians On Rating Of Yar’Adua’s Rule of Law

By Femi Ogbonnikan Reporter, Lagos
Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00

Hasty conclusions on President Musa Yar’Adua administration’s respect for the rule of law, has been faulted by a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

CLEEN Foundation, at a press conference on “Indicators for Measuring Government’s Respect For Rule of Law in Nigeria” held at Lagos Travels Inn, Toyin Street, Ikeja, on Wednesday, said postulations by many Nigerians and civil society groups on the issue remained subjective, thus, did not represent the correct picture.
Rather, it said pessimists have failed to find out what progress has been made in the implementation of the policy.
The NGO recalled that at its inception of the present administration on May 29, 2007, it declared commitment to respect for the rule of law as its cardinal principle.
CLEEN declared that in demonstration of its commitment, the administration pledged to always obey court orders.
However, barely a year after, quite a few Nigerians and organisations had begun to notice how the administration appeared to be exhibiting a lopsided dedication to the rule of law.
Government’s interpretation of the rule of law appeared to favour corrupt politicians, who exploited legal loopholes to escape justice.
Executive Director of CLEEN, Innocent Chukwuma stated that when many Nigerians’ contact with the law and its enforcement agencies led to harassment, extortion, long detention without trial, torture and even extra-judicial killing, the rule of law is absent.
Chukwuma disclosed that his organisation was working in collaboration with a New York, USA-based group, Vera Institute of Justice and other partners in India and Chile, to develop a set of indicators for measuring government’s respect for the rule of law, which are currently being piloted in four countries, namely, India, Chile, Nigeria and United States of America.

Posted by Publisher at 09:33 AM | Comments (0)

March 26, 2008

Policemen Grumble Over Salary Deductions

Men and officers of the Nigerian Police are currently grumbling about perceived illegal deductions from their salaries.

By Wisdom Patrick, Senior Correspondent, Lagos
Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:16:00

According to Daily Independent sources within the Force, the deduction ranges from N1500, N2000 and N3000.
The source added that the cut only affect Policemen from the rank of Constable to Inspector.
It was further gathered that, attempt to get details about the rationale for the cut met stiff resistance from officials of the Mechanized Salary Structure (MSS).
The deductions started from January this year, and have continued till date.
In Lagos, it was alleged that even the former Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, was unable to find out the reason for the deductions.
Daily Independent investigation has revealed that the cut was solely, the handiwork of officials of the Police salary department.
Our source also said, some of the deductions were contributions to the Police Cooperative Society, Police Insurance Funds and Police Contributory Pension Scheme among others.
However, it was not clear why these series of deductions could not be spelt out for the men concerned.
A source at the salary office stated, “The policemen thought someone is toying with our money, making illegal deductions, but that is not true. Their money is kept for them because all savings they made would assist them tomorrow. For instance, with the Cooperative contributions, they can take soft loans. So they can not say someone is taking their money.”
Already, some affected officers are ready to writing the IGP about the development. They opined that the Police high command might not be aware of the development.
Another source said however that, there was no way something like that would happen and Louis Edet House would not be aware.
Effort to get the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Agberebi Akpoebi to comment on the matter was not successful, as his phone did not answer his calls.

Posted by Publisher at 02:28 PM | Comments (0)

August 02, 2007

How Senators, Reps Bought Committee Cars

Federal legislators who are committee members would soon take possession of a Peugeot 406 car each, valued at about N3.4 million, to facilitate the assignments of the total 126 committees in the National Assembly.

By Festus Owete and Adetutu Folasade-Koyi (Abuja)
August 2nd, 2007

Last session, cars procured for committees were boarded by members. Two were given to each of the 57 committees; one each for the Chairman and his Deputy. Each Senator is either a committee Chairman or a Vice Chairman.

A Senator who declined to be named confirmed that "the vehicles were bought for the committees but were boarded. When the issue of boarding the cars came up during a closed session before the end of last session, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, insisted that it would be handled by an external agency; that the Ministry of Works should assess each vehicle and prescribe how much each Senator would pay for his own allotment.

"Senators complained about the directive and asked that an internal mechanism be used to value the vehicles instead. Nnamani refused. He insisted on due process and called in the Works Ministry to conduct the valuation.

"The vehicles were individually assessed, based on the ‘wear and tear’ by each Senator. Some Senators paid N1 million, others paid N1.2 million, N1.5 million. The highest amount a Senator paid was N1.6 million. Our colleagues in the House of Representatives were lucky to have bought the cars at lower prices. Some of them were just asked to pay N600,000 while others paid N500,000. I believe that no external agency was invited for the valuation".

However, House Services Committee Chairman, Titilayo Akindahunsi, said cars bought in the last session were not meant for committees; rather, they were meant for members who bought them in line with the government’s monetisation policy.

He added: "Let me start by saying that I have not received the handover note. So, I don’t have enough facts about these things. As you can see, I have no office yet. But I don’t think the previous committees were given vehicles to work with. They had no vehicles with which to work.

"The vehicles for individual lawmakers were monetised. And I don’t want to go into that because I don’t know what is in the handover note. But money was approved for these vehicles. As I said, I don’t have facts now, and I want you to wait till I get the handover note. I will most likely get the note before we resume".

In any case, new vehicles are expected to be bought for the 54 standing committees, handled by the Services Committee of both Chambers.

At the inauguration of the Senate Services Committee last Thursday, its Chairman, Effiong Dickson Bob, told his colleagues that vehicles would soon be provided for the standing committees.

"Senators may wish to recall that during the last Senate, all special and standing committees of the Senate were issued with utility vehicles which were monetised at the end of the Fifth Assembly. Despite this, the committee would like to also assure Senators that we shall ensure that vehicles are provided for all committees of the Senate without delay, to enable them achieve their legislative functions", he stated.

Bob also disclosed that the N25 billion office complex for Senators would be ready next month.

"With all we have seen, the offices are in perfect condition; so, what we are going to do now as a committee is to start arrangements to allocate those offices to Senators so that most of them who are available in the country can move into their offices in the next few days".

He dismissed reports that the Senate would buy and allocate cars for its members, adding that Senators are responsible for their own accommodation under the monetisation policy.

The committee would, however, ensure that certain criteria are adopted before Senators rent their apartments.

It also emerged on Wednesday that President Umaru Yar’Adua may forward the 2008 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly when the Senate reconvenes on September 4.

Senate Whip, Kanti Bello, who made the disclosure, also said it would be ill-informed for the National Assembly to amendment the Constitution in 2008, as an early review may hinder the government’s agenda.

He stressed, however, that the presentation of the Appropriation Bill in September would guarantee a new budget by December 2007 to back up Yar’Adua’s economic policies.

"When we come back from recess", he added, "most of the Senate committees would be inaugurated and we expect the Ministers to brief the committees. That would take time because before committees start oversight functions, Ministries have to brief Senate committees to know exactly what the problems are. Of course, when we come back, there is also the issue of the budget.

"We hope that for the first time, we should be able to discuss the budget with the government and finish the budget before the end of the year. The idea of having budgets announced in February of a new year looks ridiculous. We should do our best to push the budget because that is one area that we need to work on immediately we come back. We have to finish the budget and all the committees have to look at the budget".

Posted by Publisher at 08:33 AM | Comments (0)

FG Laments G-8 Failure To Fulfill Pledge To Africa

Federal Government on Wednesday expressed concern over lack of concrete plan by the group of industrialised countries otherwise known as G-8 to fulfill their pledge of monetary package for Africa to fight malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

August 2nd, 2007
By Festus Owete,ASSISTANT EDITOR, Abuja

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Tijani Yahaya Kaura, expressed the concern while receiving a German delegation to the country led by that country’s Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Abuja.

Kaura, however, said the German Forum created by the German government has been a useful avenue for dialogue and fostering of the partnership, especially in the area of New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).

Recalling that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua met with the German business community at the meeting of the G-8 summit in Heilingendamn last month during which he invited the businessmen to invest in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as well as human resources training, Kaura assured the community of safety and protection of their investments in Nigeria.

He added that there would be a commitment to nurture, strengthen and expand the relations between the two countries.

Kaura told his visitor that the first priority of the current administration is the economy, stating that a seven-point agenda has been adopted by the Federal Government to ensure the rebuilding of physical infrastructure and human capital, the acceleration of economic and other reforms, creation of more jobs, overcoming the energy challenge, strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement agencies as well as resolution of the Niger Delta crisis.

Posted by Publisher at 08:32 AM | Comments (0)

FG Revokes Sale Of Conduct Tribunal Chairman’s House

Federal Government has revoked the sale of the official Residence of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja.

August 2nd, 2007
By Joe Nwankwo,Snr. Correspondent, Abuja

This is line with its policy of excluding essential houses from the sale of government houses conducted by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Constance Momoh, explained the government position in Abuja.

Family of late Justice Bashir Sambo, immediate past Chairman of CCT, had earlier alleged that the current chairman, Momoh, used her position to take over a house which they claimed had been duly bought by their bread winner (Sambo) during the sale of non–essential government houses.

However, in a statement by the Media Adviser to Momoh, Austin Braimoh, the tribunal explained that on April 3, government reached a decision not to sell the official residence of the tribunal’s chairman as it was an essential property needed by successive chairmen for the proper performance of their judicial duties.

According to Braimoh, the tribunal merely applied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for a residential accommodation for its new chairman.

He explained that following the said application, the matter of the sale of the tribunal’s chairman’s official accommodation was tabled at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, leading to the withdrawal of an offer letter issued to Sambo by the FCTA.

Braimoh’s statement reads in part: "In a letter dated March 16th, 2006, the Minister of the FCT informed the Tribunal that House No. 1, Aso Drive Maitama, Abuja had been exempted from the sale of non – essential housing units in Abuja and directed the recovery of the said house through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation".

Posted by Publisher at 08:30 AM | Comments (0)

CBN Awaits Panel’s Report On Excess Crude Account

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chukwuma Soludo, may have finally bowed to pressure from the state governments to share among them the revenue that has accrued to the nation’s excess crude account.

August 2nd, 2007
By Tom Chiahemen,ASSIST. BUSINESS EDITOR, Abuja

Soludo, who has been consistently opposed to the idea of sharing the excess fund in recent past, said in Abuja on Wednesday that government would soon take decision to see how the funds in the account should be shared.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the August meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Soludo disclosed that as at the last count, the excess crude account had yielded over $9 billion.

"I am aware that there is a committee set up by the President to work out appropriate modalities on how best to manage the funds in that account in a very transparent manner."

Soludo said it was too early to say what the outcome of the Presidential committee’s work would be.

He added, however, that if the excess crude revenue must be shared, it would be necessary to do it in a manner that would be "transparent and consistent with the need to maintain national macro economic stability and also respond to the needs of Nigerians for a successful building of infrastructure and other basic needs."

Posted by Publisher at 08:29 AM | Comments (0)

Lagos Yet To Receive LG Fund – Bamidele

Lagos State Government said it has not received the N10.8 billion seized fund due to its local government areas.

August 2nd, 2007
By Fabian Ozor,Senior Correspondent, Lagos

Commissioner for Information, Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this on Tuesday night while answering questions on how the funds would be spent.

President Umaru Yar’Adua recently ordered the release of the funds seized by his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The announcement was greeted with wild jubilation across the state.

However, Bamidele said the money would be used to develop the local government areas.

He added that since the money does not belong to the state government, it would only act as a clearing house.

But the government would ensure the money is adequately used for the good of the people.

The commissioner disclosed that Governor Babatunde Fashola would soon send a supplementary budget to the state House of Assembly to enable his administration execute some projects this year. The Budget Office, he said, is still working on the details.

Bamidele also disclosed that the government has raised the cost of extending the Isheri - LASU Road to a dual carriageway by N3.725 billion. The increase, he explained, is for additional work like provision of service lane, bus lay-byes, rail route due to the planned rail lines, among others.

The commissioner said the State Executive Council has approved N27 billion for the rehabilitation, construction and renovation of classrooms especially at the primary school level.

He said 2,500 classrooms would be rehabilitated at the cost of N6.250 billion while construction of 5,000 classrooms would cost N21 billion.

Posted by Publisher at 08:29 AM | Comments (0)

July 30, 2007

GNU Has Come To Stay, Says Ume-Ezeoke

Inauguration of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by President Umaru Yar’Adua is nothing but a confirmation that the Government of National Unity (GNU) has come to stay, according to All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Chairman, Edwin Ume-Ezeoke.

By Alex Emeje (Abuja) and Gbenga Faturoti (Osogbo)
July 30th, 2007

He explained at the weekend that the initiative is good for the country, and expressed happiness that the two people nominated by the ANPP were among the 39 Ministers sworn in.

The two are Tijani Kaura and Ibrahim Nakade. Kaura is Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nakade is Minister of State for Information and Communications.

Ume-Ezeoke said the ANPP would remain in the opposition, would be credible in its role, but would support the government, run by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in its efforts to raise living standards.

He described critics of his party’s participation in the GNU as people who are not politicians.

"In politics, there should be jaw-jaw and not war-war, and that is what the ANPP is doing".

In Osun, the ANPP Governorship candidate, Ismail Oladimeji Oginni, lamented Muhammadu Buhari’s staunch opposition to the GNU.

Buhari was the ANPP Presidential candidate at the last elections.

Oginni called him "a liability" because he has refused to allow the party have its way on a matter affecting Nigerians, even as the decision of the party should be binding on all members.

He said Buhari is the cause of the problems of the ANPP and urged the party’s leadership to do away with him.

"Buhari has never been an asset to us. His non-cooperation poses a great problem for the party. He has never been a good party man", Oginni charged.

But he cautioned the ANPP to ensure that those it chooses to represent it are "loyal and strong party members" who would not turn their backs against the party after joining the government.

"As a loyal party man, I have no option than to support the decision of my party. Much as I believe in a very strong opposition to make for a virile democracy, the only alternative one has is either to opt out of the party or support it".

Oginni expressed readiness to work with the government of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Osun if it is the decision of the ANPP to extend the working relationship with the PDP to the state level.

"If Oyinlola feels he can work with me, there is no problem in working with him. If he feels there are areas I can contribute to his government for the progress of Osun State, why not?".

Posted by Publisher at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)

Group Lauds Yar’Adua’s Achievements In 60 Days

Yar’Adua International Initiative for Good Governance (YIGG), a group out to promote activities related to President Umaru Yar’Adua’s government, has said that the President’s first 60 days in office have shown that the government is one with a clear vision.

By Tom Chiahemen, Assistant Editor, Abuja

July 30th, 2007

National Facilitator/Promoter of the YIGG, Felix Idiga, who made the observation in a statement in Abuja at the weekend, noted that the President has demonstrated that he is an independent thinker and team player who believes in the philosophy of "servant leadership".

According to Idiga, some of the positive steps taken by Yar’Adua within the last 60 days include the public declaration of his assets, ordering of strict obedience to the rule of law, formation of an all-inclusive government and initiation of the process for the construction of the Lagos Mega City project.

Idiga listed other achievements to include obedience of the Supreme Court judgement on the three-year seizure of N10.8 billion Lagos local councils’ funds, ordering of immediate re-opening of the shut Ibeto Cement Factory, and ordering of immediate reinstatement of Peter Obi as Anambra State governor within three hours of the Supreme Court verdict on the disputed governorship seat.

Posted by Publisher at 08:59 AM | Comments (0)

PPA Gets Ag Chairman, Suspends Scribe

Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has approved the appointment of its Deputy National Chairman (North), Adamu Song, as the acting national chairman. It has also announced the suspension of its National Secretary, Iboko Imo Iboko.

By Adetutu Folasade-Koyi, Senior Correspondent, Abuja
July 30th, 2007

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olu Akerele, said Iboko was suspended for breaching article 12 of the party’s constitution on discipline while Song would act in that capacity until the return of the substantive chairman, Suleiman Ahmed, who is said to be out of the country on medical check-up.

Akerele stated that the appointment is pursuant to article 11 of the PPA’s constitution.

National Working Committee (NWC) of the party reached a decision to suspend Iboko because "he was fanning embers of discord within the leadership of the party and encouraging parallel executives in states’ chapters of the PPA."

Posted by Publisher at 08:58 AM | Comments (0)

Mark Canvasses Common African Travel Document

Senate President, David Mark, has canvassed a common travel document among African countries.

By Adetutu Folasade-Koyi, Senior Correspondent, Abuja

July 30th, 2007


He has also called for the dismantling of all barriers that hamper movement of goods and persons in the continent.

Mark stated this at the weekend during a meeting with visiting parliamentarians from Namibia led by Deputy Chairman of Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, Lucia Basson.

The Senate President reasoned that elimination of artificial barriers would enhance exchange of goods and services needed to improve co-operation and development among African countries.

"We must work towards eliminating visa problems within our continent. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has started it and it must spread round Africa so that traveling within Africa is made easier", he added.

He noted that European countries have adopted measures that ensure uniform practice in all they do, including a common currency and travelling documents, which he stressed, facilitate easier business and economic transactions.

Earlier, Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, had called for exchange programmes among African parliaments to improve legislation and democracy in the continent.

Also speaking, Senate Marine Transport Committee Chairman, Gbemisola Saraki, said Nigeria is gradually moving towards an appreciation of the role of women in governance.

She praised the Senate President for appreciating the role of women, pointing out that the Senate leadership gave women a reasonable number of committee headship.

In her response, Basson called for stronger unity among African countries, especially in guaranteeing sustainable democracy and good governance.

Posted by Publisher at 08:57 AM | Comments (0)

Senator Indicts Dep Governor Over Kogi Crisis

Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District on the platform of Action Congress (AC), Otaru Salihu Ohize, has blamed Kogi State Deputy Governor, Philip Salawu, for the political crisis rocking the state.

By Adetutu Folasade-Koyi, Correspondent, Abuja

July 30th, 2007

The police had arrested Ohize and two members of the House of Representatives, A.K. Salihu and Suleiman Abdul Kokori, both of them of the AC, representing constituencies in Kogi State, at the weekend.

They were arrested in connection with the violent crisis which has continually engulfed Kogi Central since after the polls.

Reacting to the weekend arrest, Ohize absolved both himself and the AC of the crisis, insisting that the deputy governor should be held responsible instead.

Speaking with Daily Independent, Ohize stated that the crisis in the state started before the last general elections and only escalated after the polls.

He accused Salawu of working against the interest of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

"The disturbance in the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State is purely political. It started with traditional titles and extended to the April elections, although political differences might have crept in later.

"However, we have tried to use politics to solve it.

"The deputy governor, even though he is from the Central Senatorial District, doesn’t have the courage to confront the governor.

"Instead, he regales the governor with negative stories about us and condemns his own people.

"The deputy governor is not living up to his responsibilities as a leader. Instead of him to live up to his respected position, he is even a participant in the crisis. He hasn’t made attempts to caution those involved in the crisis in the state", Ohize regretted.

Posted by Publisher at 08:55 AM | Comments (0)

July 17, 2007

Kalu, Turaki Remanded In Prison

Former Governors Saminu Turaki (Jigawa) and Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), standing trial on allegations of money laundering and concealment, were on Monday ordered to be remanded in prison custody until July 23 and 25 when their applications for bail would be heard.

July 17th, 2007
By Joe Nwankwo, Snr Correspondent, Abuja

Former Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau is to stay in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until July 19 when the court would entertain his own application for bail.

However, the EFCC’s search for former Governor Abdulahi Adamu of Nasarawa continues, having declared him wanted for failing to respond to its letter of invitation dated July 5.

It got a court order on July 10 to declare him wanted.

Monday’s proceedings, amid tight security, saw Turaki breaking down and weeping profusely when the application by his counsel, Olajide Ayodele, that he be remanded in the custody of the EFCC was refused by Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Judge ordered that he be kept in prison custody instead.

At the resumed trial of Dariye before Justice Babs Kuewumi, counsel to the EFCC, Joseph Nzor, had asked that the 14 counts against him be read to him to enable him take his plea.

Some of the charges against him read:

• That you … Dariye in Abuja did transfer N180 million belonging to the Plateau Government to buy a property in London, an act punishable under Section 14 (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.

• Transferred N5 million from the All States Trust Bank for the purchase of landed property.

• Transferred to an unregistered account N3.8 million and concealed the source of the money.

• Transferred N492.8 million to Ebenezer Riefnam Ventures monies belonging to the state government.

• Transferred between August 13 and 29, 2003 in Abuja, £20,000 into your accounts being proceeds of a crime.

• Transferred in October 2003 in Abuja $110 million through one Umaru Farouk, which represents the proceeds of a crime.

Dariye is standing trial for allegedly laundering over N2 billion. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

His counsel, Conrad Joseph, who appeared along with Olumide Ayeni and Victor Ababasiaka Ekim, told the court that the offences are bailable as the minimum punishment is two years in prison and the maximum three years.

"In the light of this we would be applying for bail for my client, there is a compelling reason to admit him to bail; unless a good reason to the contrary is adduced we would be asking for bail".

Uzor countered that "they just filed the bail application this morning, we would not be admitting to all that they said in the affidavit, it would be unfair on the part of the prosecution not to react to the depositions in the affidavit.

"Based on the principles of fair hearing we are entitled to react and there is also no affidavit of urgency attached to the application. We need some time to react to this application, and the application is not even ripe for hearing".

Turaki and Kalu, arraigned before Nyako, both pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them.

Turaki’s counsel, Ayodele, had told the court that they have an application for bail as the prosecution is entitled to two days within which to respond.

He asked the court to allow counsel to file their written addresses which would be adopted on the next adjourned date. He also prayed the court to allow his client to remain in the custody of the EFCC.

Nyako granted the application for written addresses but refused the application that Turaki should remain in the custody of the EFCC.

Turaki is alleged to have collaborated with three companies, Alkel Construction, INC Construction, World Cat Natural Resources, as well as Ahmed Ibrahim (now at large) to launder over N38 billion belonging to the Jigawa Government, contrary to Section 14 (1)(b) of the Money Laundering Act.

Kalu, standing trial over an alleged laundering of about N3 billion, was represented by Livy Uzokwu, Orji Nwafor, and Mike Ozokhome.

Some of the charges against him are:

• That you … Kalu, Emeka Abone (now at large) and Eunice Agwu (now at large) on or about July 7, 2005 … did transfer N12,500,000 from Abia Government’s account with Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank) to Slok Nigeria Inland Bank’s account (a company solely owned by Kalu … and members of his family), which sum you knew represented the proceeds of crime, with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds … and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(i) of the Money Laundering Act.

• Kalu, Abone and Agwu on or about July 7, 2005 … did transfer N18,300,000 from Abia Government’s account with Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank) to Slok Nigeria Inland Bank’s account … which sum you knew represented the proceeds of crime, with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds.

• Kalu, Abone and Agwu on or about July 7, 2005 … did transfer N20 million from Abia Government’s account with Manny Bank … to Slok Nigeria Inland Bank’s account … which sum you knew represented the proceeds of crime, with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds.

There was drama near the court as two groups protested the arraignment of Kalu.

One, led by O. C. Williams, comprised traders from the South East who carried placards calling for his release, the other consisted of the West African Students Union (WASU) and Abia State Indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), whose placards expressed support for the EFCC.

Posted by Publisher at 02:44 PM | Comments (0)

New Osun Police Boss Pledges Fairness

New Osun State Commissioner of Police, John Moronike, has assured all registered political parties in the state that the command will provide a level playing field for them to operate.

July 17th, 2007
By Gbenga Faturoti

Correspondent, Osogbo

Addressing newsmen in the state shortly after meeting all divisional heads and heads of department in the command, the new police boss allayed the fear of the opposition parties of his possible romance with the ruling party at the expense of others.

He pledged to ensure that the command is neutral in the politics of the state.

According to him, "every police officer by virtue of his professional callings should not be partisan in the discharge of his duties", adding that the police was expected to be neutral to all.

"In the discharge of my duties in Osun State as commissioner of police, I will be very, very neutral to all. This is because I don’t have any favourite political party.

"We shall have smooth relationship with all parties. Police will remain neutral but at the same we are to follow electoral laws to the letter.

"My doors are open to all political parties. There will be level playing ground for them to be able to operate freely within the ambits of the law; so opposition parties need not to entertain any fear," he added.

Posted by Publisher at 02:43 PM | Comments (0)

Don’t Sell Trade Fair Complex, Lagos House Tells FG

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have called on the state governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), to take "all legal and constitutional means" to stop the Federal Government from selling the International Trade Fair Complex and other edifices that are built for public interests in the state.

July 17th, 2007
By Titilayo Ibraheem

Trainee Reporter, Lagos

Reacting to a letter to the Clerk of the House, Taiwo Olatunji, by some concerned citizens of the state, the Majority Leader, Kolawole Taiwo, described the selling of the edifice as "an insult and a slap on the faces of Lagosians", adding that anywhere in the world, international trade fair serves as the pivot of economic growth.

"It is a fountain of business activities and its (the complex) sale can be equated to economic suicide. It is advisable that President Umaru Yar’Adua should not be teleguided negatively by the immediate past administration," he stated.

In their contributions, Ahmed Omisore and Babatunde Ogala, urged the people of the state to also help the House by agitating against the selling of the property, saying it is a way of denying them their right.

The other members who opposed the proposed sale of the complex are Olowo Rotimi and Olawale Alawiye-King.

They were of the view that the "House needs to be proactive in its decision", noting that the Federal Government must to be advised to concede some of these structures to the state government.

Meanwhile, the Chief Whip, AbdurRasaq Balogun, hinted that the Lagos State Government can inscribe "Caveat Emptor" on some of the structures with a view to scaring away prospect buyers of the edifices.

Posted by Publisher at 02:43 PM | Comments (0)

‘AC Chairmen Not Persuaded To Back GNU’

Action Congress (AC) on Monday debunked insinuations that the 36 states chairmen of the party were summoned to Lagos early this month to coerce them into accepting the Government of National Unity (GNU) proposed by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

July 17th, 2007
By Lekan Sanni

Asst News Editor, Lagos

Lagos State Chairman of the party, Henry Oladele Ajomale, at a press briefing, said the position of the party on the unity government is well known to all Nigerians.

According to him, "it is only mischief makers that go about peddling insinuation that the party chairmen were invited to Lagos by former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu" of the state to be persuaded to support the unity government .

Ajomale said the state party chairmen were only invited to join in the reception organised in honour of both Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on July 1, pointing out that this was done because Lagos is the only state where the party is in government today.

Ajomale noted that at a meeting in May, the chairmen had proposed that they be invited for the May 29 handover celebrations, being the only state where the party won.

But he said that this could not be done because many people were invited throughout the country for that particular event.

Ajomale said that the chairmen did not hold any meeting with the former governor throughout their two-day-stay in Lagos, adding that the only time they met him was at the open party, which held at the Eko Hotel.

Posted by Publisher at 02:42 PM | Comments (0)

Power Outages Cripple Businesses In Ondo, Ekiti

Social and business activities in some parts of Ondo and Ekiti states have been paralysed for four days running following the cut off of electricity supply to the areas.

July 17th, 2007
Yemi Akintomide

Correspondent, Akure

The towns affected by the blackout since last Friday are Akure, the Ondo State captal, Owo, Emure, Use, Ose, Iju, Ita-Ogbolu and Ikere in Ekiti State.

Artisans and other residents of the affected towns who spoke with Daily Independent have made a passionate plea to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to restore power supply to their areas, stressing that their businesses have been badly affected by the four-day blackout.

At the Akure District Office of PHCN, Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the district, Adegoke Ademola, told our correspondent that the cause of the blackout had been traced to the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo in Osun State.

Ademola disclosed that PHCN engineers are already in the field trying to trace the fault on the power lines that supply electricity from Osogbo NCC to the affected areas.

He said though, the engineers are yet to detect the fault, the PHCN is doing its best to restore power supply to its customers as soon as possible.

Posted by Publisher at 02:41 PM | Comments (0)

Ekweremadu Canvasses Co-operation of Executive, Legislature

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has advocated for cooperation between the legislative and executive arms of government so that the present administration could deliver dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

July 17th, 2007

Ekweremadu, who spoke at a dinner organised to celebrate the re-election of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State by his committee of friends at the MicCom Golf Hotel, Ada, Osun State, at the weekend, said the advice became necessary in the interest of the people who elected them into office.

He urged state lawmakers to follow the footsteps of the present members of the National Assembly who, he said, have decided to work in harmony with the executive arm of the government.

He said what the electorate expects at this point in the nation’s political evolution is development in all its ramifications which could only materialise in a rancour-free environment among the organs of government.

The deputy Senate President cautioned state Houses of Assembly against unnecessary bickering, declaring that healthy discussions would always produce desirable results.

Ekweremadu described Oyinlola as one of the nation’s political assets and promised good working relationship between him, members of the National Assembly from Osun State and the state lawmakers.

Meanwhile, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo of the Kingsway Church , London , who was present at the event also described the present leadership in Osun State as God-sent, calling for continued peace and harmony in the state.

Posted by Publisher at 02:41 PM | Comments (0)

‘Why We Want Ondo House Standing Order Reviewed’

A member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Afolabi Akinsiku, has reiterated that the current agitation for the review of the House Standing Order by the opposition was not a campaign for the removal of the Speaker, Bakkita Bello.

July 17th, 2007
Yemi Akintomide

Correspondent, Akure

Rather, according to Akinsiku, the opposition were interested in restoring sanity into the operations of the House.

Akinsiku, who represents Ondo West Constituency I, on the platform of Labour Party (LP), said the opposition members would continue to boycott the plenary session of the Assembly until the Standing Order is amended to reflect the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

A motion sponsored two weeks ago by Akinsiku had ignited the crisis in the House over the existing rules guiding the operation of the House.

He had called the attention of his colleagues to numerous constitutional deficiencies in the said standing order.

But Akinsiku said his aim in sponsoring the motion was not targeted at the Speaker as being speculated, pointing out that "but we cannot continue to support illegalities because the said standing order was made pursuant to Section 79 of the 1989 Constitution which has already been abrogated.

"All the past activities, including motions and resolutions of the House since inauguration on June 1, are illegal, null and void.

"The standing order is supposed to be our instrument of office to guide our conducts and dealings in the House; that was why a copy of the Order and the 1999 Constitution were handed to us on the day we took our oath of office", Akinsiku said.

Posted by Publisher at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)

Quantity Surveyors Fault Composition Of Procurement Committee

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Francis Adetola, has described the committee set up by the Federal Government to oversee the operations of the newly passed Procurement Bill as not only faulty but a negation of the spirit of the document.

July 17th, 2007

According to him, the composition of the members of the committee does not align with the spirit of the initiators of the document.

Adetola said that only one professional body out of the seven that make up the built environment was included in the committee.

His words: "We have a bill that will not be administered by professionals in the built environment. Politicians will now operate a bill that has to do with the built environment. This is rather unfortunate and the anomaly should be addressed without much delay"

The NIQS helmsman expressed regret over a situation whereby a bill that was meant for the built environment had only one professional body, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), as a member, while other members were politicians.

He advocated for an urgent review of the membership of the committee, adding that unless this was done, the purpose of enacting the bill would have been defeated.

Adetola said that the bill would go a long ay in addressing the anomaly being experienced in procurement in the construction industry.

Posted by Publisher at 02:39 PM | Comments (0)

UNAAB VC Restates Importance Of Biotechnology

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, has urged the National Assembly to pass the bio safety bills now before it to give Nigeria the necessary push in food security.

July 17th, 2007

Declaring open the 9th UNAAB Course in Practical Biotechnology at the Alabata campus of the university on Monday, the vice-chancellor also said Nigerian scientists must work hard to develop insect and virus resistant cowpea, maize, cassava, cotton in addition to developing home grown genetically modified crops for domestic consumption and foreign exchange.

Scientists from all over Nigeria are converging on the university campus for one week to discuss "Plant Transformation Techniques" as the theme of the yearly discourse.

Balogun’s views tally with that of the Director of the Biotechnology Center of the university, Sylvia Uzochukwu, who also tasked the Nigerian stakeholders, particularly the relevant government agencies at all levels "to pay more than just lip service to the biotechnological development in the country.

"Our summer courses in biotechnology constitute a call to Nigerian scientists to retool, so that our country is not left behind in the on-going biotechnology revolution.

"We are in the knowledge age, the biology century. If the authorities in charge of the entity call Nigeria do not begin to pay more than lip service to biotechnology development in the country, Nigeria will be poorer than the present poorest countries in Africa in 20 years time," Uzochukwu stated.

Posted by Publisher at 02:38 PM | Comments (0)

Bauchi To Receive $5.4m World Bank Loan

Bauchi State Government has been assured of a $5.4 million World Bank loan to strengthen its economic base.

July 17th, 2007
By Godwin Egbara

Reporter, Bauchi

Beside, the state is among the three expected to enjoy an investment of $18.1 million meant to ensure good governance and capacity building in public service. World Bank task team, George Larbi, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy call on the state governor, Isa Yuguda, at the Government House, Bauchi.

Larbi disclosed that the financial institution was presenting $2.5 billion towards implementing 22 programmes in Nigeria. He said the project was designed to support capacity building in the public sector to improve governance, ensure transparency and accountability as well as due process in the running of government affairs.

The team leader said when implemented, the project would restructure and redefine the civil service and ensure that public administrative duties are done accordingly.

He added that the project would be redefined to suit the needs of each of the participating states of Kaduna, Cross River and Bauchi.

According to him, the World Bank would support the project with fund and guidance, requesting the state government to set up committees to work along with his team in implementation of the report.

Responding, Yuguda described the intervention of the World Bank as timely, especially now that the state government was trying to carry out reform programmes in its civil service.

He added that the issue of good governance and capacity building are welcome development and that his administration would be willing to implement to the letter, the financial regulations in order to improve the accounting system and give the people value for their money.

Meanwhile, following an invitation by the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to form a government of unity in Bauchi State, former political aides of Adamu Muazu have given conditions for their participation.

According to them, they are willing to support any move geared towards bringing development to reduce the hardship and suffering of the masses. Though skeptical about the sincerity of the call, they, however, pledged their support to any move that would bring development to the state.

The former governor’s political aides who signed a press statement to this effect include, Adamu Hussaini, Chindo Abdu and Danlami Baban Takko.

Conditions given by them include settlement of their gratuity; a revisit of the current ANPP administration plan to review contracts awarded by the former administration, which they consider "ill-motivated"; discontinuation of the campaign of calumny and blackmail aimed at witch- hunting and discrediting the administration of the former governor; that the ANPP government should refrain from baseless criticism and attacks on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, among others.

Posted by Publisher at 02:37 PM | Comments (0)

Senator Calls For State Of Emergency On Roads, Electricity

Senator Anthony Agbo has stressed the need for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the state of roads and electricity supply in the country.

July 17th, 2007
By Felix Uka

Correspondent, Abakaliki

Describing the situation in these vital areas as ‘national disaster’, Agbo argued that wasting time and money on maintenance of the roads would not solve the problem, as according to him, "there are no roads to be maintained".

Agbo who spoke to newsmen at his Abakaliki residence, said: "although the Senate has passed a motion asking the Federal Government to rehabilitate the roads, to me, the situation has become a disaster that demands declaration of a state of emergency".

He continued: "In this country, you cannot get a 200-kilometer road that is smooth; the Senate views this with seriousness; it has gone beyond the bureaucratic process of ministries. It has created a lot of problems and the economy cannot get really better when it takes two days to freight goods from Lagos to Onitsha and such other places".

The Senate, he said, would not stop at raising the motion, but monitor how the executive arm goes about ensuring that the current situation of roads and electricity supply is reversed.

"Many fellow Nigerians have lost their lives on account of the terrible state of the roads; it is not just a matter of saying that the South-East or Northern roads are deplorable; it is a national problem. You see Nigerians stranded on the roads everyday and armed robbers have been taken advantage of the situation", he lamented.

Posted by Publisher at 02:36 PM | Comments (0)

LG Poll: No Imposition Of Candidates – Delta Speaker

Ahead of the local government poll fixed for between August and September by the Forum of States Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON), Speaker of Delta State Legislature, Dr. Olisa Imegwu, has affirmed that there would not be imposition of unpopular candidates on the electorate.

July 17th, 2007
By Harris-Okon Emmanuel

Special Correspondent, Asaba

While giving the assurance, Imegwu said the electorate would be allowed unfeterred opportunity to choose who represents them.

He stated this while reacting to an address of the President of Ukwuani Development Union, Prof. Okecha, who led a delegation to his office to felicitate with him on his election as Speaker.

Imegwu said he believes in justice, fair play and equity, adding that he would not usurp his position to foist any aspirant on the community.

He called for unity in the area, as otherwise, the community would continue to play second fiddle in the scheme of things.

He promised that he would do everything within his power to ensure that the area gets its fair share of infrastructure and other government patronage.

Okecha had in his address, informed the Speaker that the council has not fared well in the past years, given the fact that ''all sorts of shady characters'' were made council bosses.

The unversity don stressed that the people of the area have resolved ''never again to have stark illiterates, semi-illiterates, touts, thugs and unrepentant rogues without any vision and sense of mission, to serve as chairmen of our God-given council''.

Said he: "we sincerely appeal to you to assist us, using your office, to ensure that only our people are allowed to choose who becomes the next chairman of Ukwuani Local Government in the interest of peace, justice and fair play''.

Posted by Publisher at 02:31 PM | Comments (0)

November 15, 2006

Why Ojukwu Dumped Obi

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, is silent on the sack of Governor Peter Obi because he thinks it is pay back for ignoring his advice on how to run the affairs of Anambra.

15th November
By Maxwell Oditta, Asst Politics Editor, Lagos

A close aide of Obi disclosed that Ojukwu believes the manner Obi was removed is unconstitutional but wished he had listened to the counsel he gave him in Awka a few weeks after the Election Appeal Tribunal declared him elected.

Ojukwu had urged Obi to continue with the work of former Governor Chris Ngige, especially the road projects.

He had wanted to prevail on him to re-contest for the governorship under the APGA platform, rather than resort to litigation for a four-year tenure or, worse, defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The source narrated that Ojukwu "felt let down when Obi gave the impression of abandoning the road projects. Each time he was taken to task on the projects, he would explain that the work would resume after the rainy season, an explanation that left everyone unimpressed."

Obi’s adversaries removed him from office just when the rains were over. But not before he received President Olusegun Obasanjo who came to flag off several projects, including roads, even when subsisting ones lay fallow.

The source stated that Ojukwu is critical of the fraternal relations Obi appears to have struck with Obasanjo, which many Igbo leaders believe is responsible for his ouster.

Obasanjo told Obi during the reception held in the President’s honour in Onitsha that he and Senator Ben Obi would not get a second term.

Obi took what Obasanjo said as a light-hearted way of trying to persuade him to join the PDP.

Besides, Ojukwu did not appreciate the manner Obi sought his good graces. For instance, many Igbo think that Aso Rock instigated the hostilities between the Obi administration and members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

Ojukwu condemned the ‘shoot at sight’ order Obi gave the police during the face-off between MASSOB members and those of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Despite the reservations he has about Obi’s government, Ojukwu and the party leaders reviewed his removal and decided that the alleged constitutional breaches were thumped up to reach a contrived end.

They encouraged Obi to file an application in court challenging his impeachment, while his Deputy, Virginia Etiaba, takes over as Governor, to prevent the state from sliding into anarchy.

Anambra APGA Chairman, Ikechukwu Onyeabo, dismissed reports that the party has suspended Obi over allegations of abuse of office.

He said Obi has not done anything to warrant him facing a disciplinary committee, let alone being sanctioned, and described the report as the hand work of disgruntled elements.

He took a swipe at factional APGA Chairman Chekwas Okorie for spreading the rumour.

Posted by Publisher at 09:55 AM | Comments (0)

November 13, 2006

Airlines Lobby Minister With Free Tickets

Panic has broken out among airlines since Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode told them last Thursday to prepare for top down changes that will include the review of their licences.

13th November
By Paul Mumeh (Abuja) and Rotmi Durojaiye (Lagos)

They have resorted to lobbying him with free tickets, but the man talks tough, and says he cannot be bought. He has the backing of the Villa.

Aviation workers too are gripped by fear. The unqualified are to be replaced with professionals.

Since the meeting, the operators have been sending emissaries to Fani-Kayode, pleading with him to tread softly.

One (name withheld) wrote to him on Friday, with a promise to offer free economy tickets to him, members of his family, and staff, throughout his tenure.

"I don’t take Greek gift," he snapped in reply. "It is against government anti-corruption crusade, it is against my personal philosophy. Anytime I or any member of my family or staff want to embark on any journey, God is ready to fund it. We do have the means to fund our journeys. I am happy God has not failed us in this regard. So, keep your gift to yourself."

Fani-Kayode has cautioned his staff not to entertain any airline operator not on appointment in his office, according to sources.

It was learnt that President Olusegun Obasanjo at the weekend also warned him not to succumb to pressure.

"If I send a note to you on behalf of any operator, tear it," the President was quoted as telling him at the Villa.

During his meeting with the airlines in Abuja last week, Fani-Kayode said a new government policy on aviation would determine how licences are issued and whether the right people issued them.

It would also determine whether licencees should continue to operate.

Any operator or personnel found to have committed criminal acts would be prosecuted and the licence of such an airline withdrawn.

To Fani-Kayode, it is time for consolidation in the industry, and those who cannot raise their capital base should be prepared to bow out.

"I am not here for a debate, I am here to give you a new government directive on how to sanitise the aviation industry. It is either you abide by the rules or you quit."

He urged them to buy new aircraft as the government may ban old ones.

As part of the clean up, the government is set to lay off about 4,000 aviation workers, as recommended by the Presidential Task Force on Aviation, headed by Air Marshal Paul Dike, the Chief of Air Staff.

Obasanjo last week ordered the Ministry of Finance to immediately release N19.5 billion to the Ministry of Aviation to facilitate implementation of the proposal. Part of the money will be used to pay severance packages.

In its report, submitted in June, the task force recommended a major restructuring of aviation agencies to weed out unqualified staff and inject professionally competent personnel, so as to raise efficiency level and fulfill the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Among those targeted are the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET); and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

The Ministry of Aviation will equally lay off some.

Ill health, indiscipline, and old age are part of the yardsticks for the redundancy.

The task force recommended the disengagement of corrupt personnel, professionalisation of all directorates and removal of ageing workers, those whose productivity have stagnated, dwindled or those incompetent or not transparent in the conduct of official business.

The task force was set up by Obasanjo last December following the rash of air crashes. It probed the accidents and recommended measures to make Nigerian aviation more vibrant and competitive.

The recommendations covered the rehabilitation of infrastructure, funding, airline recapitalisation, accident investigation and reporting, insurance, bilateral air service agreements, manpower development, personnel, licensing, and restructuring of the NCAT.

Meanwhile, a posh helicopter worth N2.7 billion will be delivered to the Presidency on November 27.

This was announced at the weekend by Stephen Oronsaye, Principal Secretary to the President, during a budget defence session with the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Governmental Affairs.

The cost was factored into the 2006 budget for State House, which has a total allocation of N19,457,027,780 this year, but reduced to N14,999,999,396 in 2007.

Oronsaye told the committee that the warrant for all monies for the last quarter of the year has been released.

Committee Chairman, Ike Ekweremadu, said although he is yet to see the helicopter, the committee has been assured that it is one of the best available.

"Remember that on 29th of May 2007, Obasanjo would be leaving office and handing over to someone else. I cannot see him handing over a second-hand plane to someone else," he said.

He denied that the National Assembly is pampering Obasanjo by approving both a plane and a helicopter for him.

"Don’t forget that Mr. President is the symbol of this country, and, so, we cannot endanger his life. As he goes in May, he will not go with the helicopter. Some of the ones we are using presently were purchased during the Shagari era (1979 to 1983). We cannot compromise the life of our President."

Posted by Publisher at 02:00 PM | Comments (0)

November 05, 2006

Nnamani Offered EFCC N55m Bribe, Says Ribadu

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, has alleged that Enugu State governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, offered a bribe of N55 million to operatives of the commission ostensibly to cover up the graft in the state.

By Chinelo Ezinwa,Special Correspondent, Abuja
5th November

Ribadu who made the allegation in Abuja on Saturday said the governor offered the bribe through a legal practitioner whose names he withheld.

The EFCC boss spoke at a workshop the commission organised in conjunction with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) as part of activities marking the "Fix Nigeria Initiative".

But in his reaction, Governor Nnamani debunked the allegation.

Speaking on his behalf in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Saturday, Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Igbonekwu Ogazimorah said Ribadu had been making the allegation for a long time and that it was obvious that he was lying.

His words: "He is not saying the truth. We don’t know who approached him or what place the purported bribe was offered."

Notwithstanding the frustration of the commission in the battle against corrupt officials, Ribadu assured that all those fingered would soon be tried before the courts.

Although he expressed respect for lawyers, he however accused them of playing roles that provides cover to corrupt officials.

On the work of the EFCC, he said: "We are human, we are not perfect. We have made some mistakes but we are doing our best to stamp out corruption in Nigeria".

Lawyers at the workshop however denied collusion with corrupt officials with the NBA President, Olisa Agbakoba, saying that the association was determined to wear a new image, part of which is partnering with organisations like the EFCC.

The workshop which was tagged: "The EFCC Act and other Related Instruments: The Role of Lawyers" is aimed at identifying and defining the role of legal practitioners in the battle against corruption in Nigeria with regard to the administration of justice.

Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of the Lagos High Court who presented a paper on "The Role and Duties of Lawyers", said that lawyers had a historic responsibility to fight corruption and uphold justice.

Posted by Publisher at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)

October 31, 2006

Anambra CJ Swears In Panel Members

Impeachment roller coaster got to the South East and the North Central on Monday at different speed levels, but with glaring implications Washington is not comfortable with.

31st October
By Okey Maduforo (Awka),Chukwujekwu Ilozue (Onitsha),Onojo Audu (Jos) and Chinedu Offor (Washington DC

Anambra State Chief Judge, Chuka Okoli, swore in the panel charged with probing the allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Peter Obi, in the hope of getting him fired.

Deputy Governor Virgy Etiaba is also under investigation.

In Jos, the committee investigating Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State began sitting.

Panel Chairman, John Nark Samchi, declared that no body is on trial, that the assignment is just a probe which will be conducted in public as long as those who attend the proceedings do not cause distraction.

He urged the people to pray for Dariye, the legislators, and members of the panel for God’s guidance.

That provided the man in the eye of the storm little assurance against human bias.

Dariye gave a "notice of appearance in protest" even though he repeated through his counsel, Pius Akubo, that setting up the panel violates the Constitution.

The allegations in Anambra are being levelled by a faction in the state Assembly, led by Speaker Mike Balonwu, whom another faction reportedly replaced with Ben Chuks Nwosu last week.

Nwosu and his camp have asked Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, to arrest Balonwu for parading himself as the Speaker.

Okoli reiterated at the swearing in ceremony on Thursday that he had just concluded his function "in line with the Constitution, and that of the learning process of our democracy, and we will continue to work until we develop it.

"If the panel finds the allegations true or false it will look into the Constitution and take the necessary legal action. The office of the chief judge is to appoint the (panel members) and administer the oath and see that what they do is done faithfully and impartially.

"The Constitution will grow if these processes can be allowed to continue so that we will know that it is this Constitution that is the grund norm that governs our land, and, so, there is nothing peculiar or particular about it."

The panelists are Chinedu Oranuba (Chairman), Ifeanyi Udenze, Ijemma Okwu, Irene Okonkwo, Ehimezie Mbaonu, Brawn Ofeme, Emma Chuka Ifeadike and Ralph Okey Onunkwo (Secretary).

Oranuba announced the invitation on Tuesday of Obi and Etiaba; as well as the police commissioner; Assembly clerk; permanent secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing; permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance; Tenders Board chairman, and the accountant general.

He said "we have a constitutional duty to perform, and by the grace of God, and with your support, we will do it."

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Onitsha branch Chairman, Onyechi Ikepazu, told reporters that "according to (Okoli), the panel mambers are people of proven integrity, and they are, and I urge Nigerians to find out what they are made of and if it can be justified by their actions."

However, the Nwosu faction of the Assembly passed a resolution which requested the "erring legislators (led by Balonwu) and (Okoli) to retrace their steps and stop the violation of the Constitution."

They urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to sanction their colleagues for refusing to heed advice to stop the impeachment move.

"Those people you see in Asaba have no interest of Anambra people at heart but a selfish interest. You can’t be elected into Anambra Assembly by your people and you go to Asaba to stay," Nwosu stressed.

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) expressed regret that Okoli inaugurated the committee despite two court orders restraining him and the lawmakers pending the determination of the substantive suit.

State CLO Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, said the organisation was not entirely surprised, given the manner Okoli has shown that he does not obey court orders.

He added: "Now that members of the Assembly are bent on impeaching Obi, Anambra indigenes and others who reside in the state should brace up for the worst."

The stage could be set for emergency rule in Anambra, as Abuja may have persuaded Washington and the international community that it has to remove the elected leaders as the last measure to prevent "the entire area from drifting into lawlessness."

A letter from Aso Rock to the American State Department claimed that all efforts, including intervention by President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the top hierarchy of the PDP, have failed to stop the "descent into anarchy."

The letter cited the burning of Government Lodge in Onitsha, rising tension between factions and the re-emergence of members of the separatist Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and road transport touts as evidence the situation in Anambra is dire.

Abuja’s reach out to Washington arose from the international outrage and American displeasure with the appointment of an administrator for Ekiti State.

Sources said Washington argued the criteria for a state of emergency should be a "clear and present danger" and the Ekiti crisis did not amount to that.

The pressure from the United States informed Obasanjo's decision to brief lawmakers on his decision to declare an emergency rule in Ekiti.

Top officials in Washington said Abuja is seeking the support of the U.S. by arguing that the Anambra case is capable of "precipitating a crisis of the entire eastern region."

Sources in Aso Rock disclosed that some lawmakers from the South East have been briefed about Obasanjo's intentions and that Abuja is awaiting the outcome of "a last ditch" mediation by Igbo personalities.

A former military administrator of Anambra and the head of an important health agency are being considered for the post of an administrator if peace moves fail.

Posted by Publisher at 08:48 AM | Comments (0)

NITEL Sacks 7,140, Pays N72b

Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) disengaged 7,140 of its 11,200 workers on Monday with a hefty N72 billion pay out.

31st October
By Aaron Ukodie,IT.Telecom Editor, Lagos

The pruning, carried out by the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE), will smoothen the way for Transcorp to take over the first national carrier (FNC).

NITEL shed 7020 employees, 120 were sacked from its subsidiary, M-tel, which has fewer than 500.

Territorial and general managers of NITEL got the order last Friday to distribute the redundancy letters to the workers, whose union does not oppose the action.

The union on Monday only asked its members to confirm that the payments have been lodged in their accounts with United Bank For Africa (UBA).

"That is the agreement we reached with government officials and we directed the workers that they should not collect any letter except they confirmed that the payments were in their accounts", said Joseph Ajayi, acting General Secretary of the National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Workers (NUPTE).

BPE Spokesman, Joe Anichebe, stressed that the workers do not have any reason to complain because the action "was not forced on them. It was a negotiation. Everybody agreed on the way to go."

A source confirmed that those in the Lagos zone have started receiving their letters and that their severance packages have been lodged in their bank accounts.

According to Ajayi, only the three months’ arrears of salary are being paid for now, as well as furniture and housing allowances and three months’ salary in lieu of notice.

Gratuity of about N72 billion would be paid in 30 days’ time once what is due the workers is correctly computed.

Regardless, Ajayi said the union would not rest on its oars until everyone’s due is paid.

The salary arrears, severance pay and gratuity come from the $500 million paid by Transcorp for a 51 per cent stake in NITEL.

Transcorp is expected to pay the balance $250 million to control 75 per cent of NITEL and M-tel.

Officials declined to disclose when the hand over of NITEL to Transcorp would take place.

There are, however, signs that this could be in the next few days.

Posted by Publisher at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)

October 21, 2006

I’ve Nothing Against IBB, Says Oshiomhole

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Adams Oshiomhole, has declared that he has nothing against former military President, Ibrahim Babangida.

By Paul Mumeh,Assistant Editor, Abuja
21st October

Oshiomhole was reported as saying "IBB’s stolen wealth surpasses Nigeria’s debt" at this year’s edition of Sanyaolu Memorial Lecture in Kaduna.

He was said to have been represented by former Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President, Dr Festus Iyayi.

Babangida, had fired back, saying Oshiomole lives above his earnings.

Babangida’s Media Assistant, Kazeem Afegbua, had said on Thursday: "Our initial inclination was to ignore Oshiomhole since we know that he is a political hireling but for his choice of speaking through a no mean personality than Festus Iyayi, who holds the exalted position of President of ASUU.

"We owe Nigerians a moral duty to respond to this allegation in order to correct this obvious misconception and blatant falsehood.

"One thing that baffles us is the level of ignorance being exhibited by people who, ordinarily, should, by their training and background, know the simple indices of developmental economics and the challenges of a developing nation like ours.

"It is our considered view that rather than advertise falsehood and unverifiable statistics to give … Babangida a bad name, … Oshiomhole should concern himself with his new challenge of trying to present himself for election as a governorship aspirant in Edo State".

He said much as they did not have any problem with Oshiomhole’s qualification to seek election, "it will also interest the electorate to know how (he) came about his stupendous riches, particularly as a labour leader, to warrant his rather ostentatious life-style, much of which is done in pretence at the expense of the masses.

"Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Beyond the characteristic austere look of Oshiomhole lies his acquisitive demeanour to the extent that he owns choice houses in Kaduna, Abuja and Edo, yet portraying a pro-masses labour leader on the one hand, while exploiting them on the other hand as an agent of the ruling elite.

"The masses have become more alert to the pranks of those who profess to be doing their bidding under pretence, and will be more than prepared to demand accountability when the time comes."

Insisting that it was not in Babangida’s character to join issues with his subordinates, Afegbua: "We owe the electorate a duty to present facts that are verifiable for the sake of history, rather than making careless, libellous, bogus and outrightly unsubstantiated remarks in the name of academic scholarship.

"It is rather unfortunate that those who are supposed to be informed have also been carried away by sheer sentiments and sensationalism in the name of seeking public relevance.

"Iyayi should take time out to question the source of wealth of Oshiomhole instead of making bogus claims that apparently undermine his intellectuality".

But the NLC boss denied making the statement yesterday in Abuja.

The statement, he stressed, could at best be properly credited to the author, Iyayi, who represented him at the lecture.

Oshiomhole, who spoke through his Special Assistant, Olaitan Oyerinde, stated that he did not hold such views nor had any evidence to prove that Babangida’s alleged stolen wealth was more than the nation’s debt.

Posted by Publisher at 02:37 PM | Comments (0)

October 16, 2006

GSM Operators Take War To Regional ‘Roaming’

Regional ‘roaming’ is the next turf in the quest for supremacy by GSM operators now kitted to the hilt in price war.

16th October
By Aaron Ukodie, IT.Telecom Editor, Lagos

Such makes it possible for a subscriber to use his or her line acquired in Nigeria in other West African countries without roaming call charges or having to pay to receive calls.

And it may be raised to the continental level.

This is different from existing international roaming all the operators currently offer.

Also, it is not the same as number portability that enables a subscriber retain his number on a given network if he moves to another network.

International roaming service attracts special rates and customers are surcharged for incoming calls.

Like the price slash going on, the aim of regional roaming is to attract more subscribers and retain them. Both MTN and Celtel are in on the act.

Though Celtel, which acquired Vmobile, is yet to react to the price war, it is the first to indicate that the next battle line is drawn on regional roaming.

Free roaming is already possible within Celtel’s East African networks.

Described as the first-ever borderless mobile network in the world, subscribers can make calls at local rates, receive calls free of charge and top-up pre-paid phones with locally-bought airtime cards.

Celtel’s prepaid customers may top up their accounts with airtime cards brought from home networks, whether in Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda.

Regional roaming, the One Network service, is automatically activated upon crossing into one of three countries. Prior registration is not required, likewise sign-up fee.

Celtel Marketing Director, Norman Moyo, said regional roaming would soon be extended to the Nigerian operation.

This may be part of the pricing and competition packages in the offing which the company may announce soon.

MTN would not be left out, its Group Chief Executive, Phuthma Nhleko, quickly riposted.

He confirmed at the weekend that the Nigerian operation is considering roaming and seamless movement of people within West Africa where subscribers do not have to change their number.

Beyond providing backbone for its services in Nigeria, MTN may be able to have, on a commercial basis, some level of resale of capacity to other operators, he added.

He recalled that MTN has put in huge investment into the Nigerian market to give the company its current lead role.

"We do not fear competition at all. In fact, competition stimulates the market; because with the other people, there is now increased penetration and far more traffic. This is good," Nhleko stated.

According to him, the over $300 million invested in the transmission network launched last week forms 10 per cent of total investment in Nigeria.

Without transmission backbone, "you are not going to have any amount of penetration of services you can have while maintaining a reasonable level of quality."

Two processes are at play in the acquisition of the shares of local owners of MTN.

"One is partly local partners that began coming with us as early as 2001. Some wanted to realise part of their investment after five years, which is not unusual.

"What we have also said is that as part of the process we would like to broaden the participation of Nigerians in MTN Nigeria, and there are a number of exercises and processes we are looking at. This helps as there are shares that can now be put into a larger process."

The Group has not decided on when to put MTN on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

"The principle is, we want to do it and we shall do it; but we really have to apply our minds to how we are going to do it."

Posted by Publisher at 02:53 PM | Comments (0)

October 14, 2006

Obasanjo Will Be The Loser –Osoba

Former Ogun State Governor and chieftain of Action Congress (AC), Segun Osoba, has taken a critical look at the face-off between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and concluded that at the end of the quarrel Obasanjo would land on the wrong side of history.

By Sam Egburonu Assistant Politics Editor
14th October

He told Saturday Independent in an exclusive interview in Lagos that the revelations would ultimately smear the "Mr. Super Clean" image Obasanjo had built over the years.

"If you look at the antecedents of these two people, the President has always been the one that has presented the image of Mr. Super Clean. He is the one that has presented the image of a born-again Christian, who every morning goes to fellowship in the chapel. Of course, I have always known him for this. Before he became the President for the second time, he used to attend such fellowships every morning in Abeaokuta. So, it is not something new to me. I have always believed in him as a born-again, as a man who is frugal, who is tight-fisted even with his own money. I have been a witness to him, counting every Kobo, when he was giving house allowance to his wife, Stella, like an old Egba man.

"But, certainly, that international image, as a founding member of Transparency International, is not the same again", he lamented.

To that extent, he said, "I am not happy for him, because he had spent all his life like a Mr. Clean. He had presented an image of the old brigade, only for us to be hearing unprintable stories today."

In the case of Atiku, who has been indicted by an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) report, currently with federal lawmakers, he said, "Atiku would not be the loser. I do not see any serious court agreeing to all these claims of indictment as a result of pronouncements made by some junior officers, I mean appointed ministers, after trying an elected Vice President of Nigeria, and also conducting their investigations within 24 hours."

Describing the process through which the indictment of Atiku was made, Osoba asked, "what is the difference between this and the six legislators wanting to impeach Dariye? What I am against is that anything anybody is going to do, it should be done according to the legal provisions. There should be fairness. We must start to build institutions if we want this democracy to survive. This (illegality) is what I am opposed to. Secondly, I do not agree that the President and a few ministers should sit in one room and determine for me, who is qualified to rule this country. Let me be the one that would vote Atiku out if I believe that he is corrupt.

"Let them come to the public arena and campaign and tell us why they should be voted for and why anybody should not be voted for and let the people be the final judge. This is how it should be, not for a few ministers to sit down somewhere and decide that somebody is corrupt and so cannot rule the country. Is that democracy?"

The arrest and detention of some of Atiku’s aides, including Shehu Garba, also drew the ire of the former governor.

He queried, "why did he (Obasanjo) fight General Ibrahim Babangida’s government then for disqualifying the 23 presidential aspirants? Remember that they hung coup on the neck of President Olusegun Obasanjo. So, if they didn’t grant him pardon, would he be President today?

Osoba said today’s leaders must learn to be fair in their dealings and allow democracy to take roots in the country.

It would be recalled that the prolonged misunderstanding between Obasanjo and Atiku peaked recently when EFCC report indicted the Vice President.

Atiku has since dared the President to prove his innocence in the financial scandal. The matter is still with members of the National Assembly.

Posted by Publisher at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)

October 08, 2006

2007: Inec Commences Voter Registration

The voter registration exercise ahead of the 2007 general elections began Saturday with thousands of Nigerians displaced from Bakassi Peninsula, trooping out to Ikang Central to enlist as voters.

By Chuks Ehirim,Sule Lazarus, Bassey Inyang, and Rafiu Ajakaye
8th October

But in Adamawa State, offficials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were attacked during the training of registration staff for the registration exercise.

The developments came just as indications that some parties are angry over alleged plot to sack Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu.

This followed the revelation by the electoral body that the N20 billion cheque in its honour could not be cashed at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

But the registration exercise may have offered a ray of hope to the displaced people from Bakassi to the effect that they will soon be resettled and rehabilitated economically.

Since Bakassi was handed over to Cameroon July 14 this year at a ceremony performed in Archibong Island, now part of Cameroon, the people of Bakassi have continued to gaze endlessly to the yet to be fulfilled promise of resettlement promised by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

However, the displaced people kept the trauma of the loss of their ancestral homeland at bay and trooped to the Town Hall, Ikang Central in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State to register as voters for the 2007 elections.

Government Primary School, Ikang is another spot where the voter registration will last for ten days beginning from yesterday.

Only four electronic voting machines were used for the exercise which commenced at about 11.00am in the area.

Some of those registered expressed ignorance over the reason for their participation in the exercise which was near hitch free.

They told Sunday Independent that they trooped in from different locations, especially from homes of friends and relatives residing outside Bakassi to participate in the exercise.

Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of Akwa Ibom State , Mr. Soyebi Adedeji who facilitated the exercise said it was a proof that the people of Bakassi had been given a sense of belonging.

Adedeji said the registration exercise was hitch-free and that the initial gains will be sustained.

Clan head of the area, Etinyin Antigha Cobham who commented on the exercise said it was a step in the right direction.

The traditional ruler, however called for speedy resettlement of the displaced people of Bakassi to enable them have homes they could call their own.

At press time, council chairman, Ani Eric Esin and some of his councillors as well as paramount ruler of Bakassi Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, had not registered.

In Adamawa , INEC officials were attacked by youths in Mayo-Belwa local government area.

The youths who went berserk during the training of the registration staff also destroyed INEC equipment.

Confirming this to Sunday Independent in Yola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa, Mr. Moses Ogbe, said it was unfortunate that the exercise was successful in all the areas except for Mayo-Belwa town where it was least expected.

He said it took the timely intervention of the security agents and some elders in the area for his men to escape, adding that he had met with the council chairman and other prominent persons in the area over the matter.

Ogbe however warned that the commission would not condone any further attack on its men and property as the security men have been briefed to take action if such a thing happened again.

He appealed to the people of the state, particularly the youths to desist from any act capable of derailing the peace the government had worked hard to sustain.

The INEC boss assured that there was nothing to fear about the registration exercise.

He added that it would still continue at the local government levels for those who missed out earlier.

"We are determined to make the exercise work and we will treat everybody equally, hence people must give peace a chance to make sure that we have peaceful state".

The Presidency’s alleged plot to sack Iwu and his team has ingnited reaction from some of the parties.

Speaking with journalists over the issue, the chairman of the All Peoples Liberation Party (APLP), Chief Emma Osita Okereke, confirmed that there were moves to sack Iwu and some INEC commissioners.

" We have heard rumours that the INEC Chairman and some commissioners may be removed", he said and added, "My party is saying that no such thing should be contemplated at this point in time".

Okereke noted that such a move should not be contemplated now that the parties were beginning to enjoy good relationship with INEC.

"There should be no reshuffle because we believe that this INEC leadership wants to conduct a free and fair election in 2007. If Iwu is removed, it means that there will be no election in 2007", he said.

He called on the Presidency to give INEC free hands to run its affairs. " There should be no due process interference in INEC. If INEC is independent, there should be no interference from government, not to talk of due process", he added.

According to the party chairman, many of the registered political parties would protest any attempt to sack Iwu or any of the INEC commissioners.

Meanwhile a faction of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) led by Dr. Olapade Agoro, has threatened to drag the CBN and the Budget Monitoring Price and Intelligence Unit ( BMPIU), and Due Process office to court if they refuse to clear the air on the INEC N20 billion cheque that bounced.

In a press release by a member of the group and National Chairman of Citizens Popular Party, the body said, " It is a shame and a criminal offence for INEC’s cheque to bounce in the Central Bank of Nigeria".

The statement added that , " we are urging them to resolve their differences and come out with a clean bill of health."

Posted by Publisher at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)

Impeachment: Unseen Hands Behind Plateau, Ekiti Drama –Osoba, Lar

Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomon Lar, human rights activist, Bamidele Aturu, and Action Congress (AC), have described the impeachment notices served on Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State and Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State as unfortunate.

By Sam Egburonu,Onoja Audu, and Rafiu Ajakaye
8th October

Osoba told Sunday Independent at the weekend that there were some unseen hands behind the Plateau drama, arguing that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), could not possibly do what it is doing unilaterally.

"It is most unfortunate and very disgraceful," he said, adding, "It is a bastardisation of the 1999 Constitution because that constitution provides that one-third of the members of the House must vote for an impeachment notice to be served. The House also requires two-third majority vote to request the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel."

Lar also on Saturday berated the Presidency and the EFCC over the same incidient, describing it as absurd.

Aturu spoke in the same vein when he described the development as an absurdity that contravenes the provisions of the Constitution.

According to him, "at least one-third of the lawmakers must append their signatures to the notice, failing which the process becomes null."

Plateau State has 24 lawmakers, but seven, instead of eight members signed the impeachment notice.

In its own reaction too, the AC said the way the Plateau State matter was handled amounted to an unacceptable show of shame, describing it as democracy of coercion.

Lar expressed worry over the development in Plateau at a press briefing in Jos on Saturday noted that EFCC had continued in its familiar terrain of reckless, lawless and unconstitutional conduct despite the fact that some well-meaning Nigerians had had cause to caution the anti-graft body over its actions in the recent past, which he said posed grave dangers to the survival of the country’s democracy .

The elder statesman regretted that rather than heed to advice, "EFCC has continued to carry out its ignoble engagements in which they were law unto themselves.

He further expressed disgust at the preferential treatment extended to some members of the Plateau House of Assembly by the EFCC when all of them should be facing the same charges of collecting constituency allowances.

He stressed that the recent act of EFCC demonstrated clearly that all they wanted was the impeachment of governor Dariye through the back door.

While calling on the presidency to call EFCC to order, Lar said that the whole idea of taking his statelegislators to court was a deliberated ploy to add to their suffering and make them yield to the whims and caprices of the commission.

He lamented that the members were not being punished for an offence they had committed, but for finding out that the EFCC had no case against the governor.

Said Lar: "Nigerians should know that EFCC up till today has failed to answer the simple question of who refunded the N100 million governor Dariye gave to PDP. The whole world now knows the answer to the simple question the EFCC evaded answering, yet they faulted the state assembly for throwing away their complaint. The inconsistency and hidden agenda is best illustrated when we recall that they had similarly arrested all the members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly for receiving N100 million as constituency project allowance, but as soon as they agreed to impeach their governor, the case fizzled out and has not been heard ever since."

Aturu accepts that corrupt persons be pushed out of public offices, but warned against politicians "raping the law" to achieve their motives.

Because the number of legislators that signed the Plateau impeachment notice was not up to the number that should sign for an impeachment notice, Aturu maintained that the impeachment plot from its foundation, was an illegality. "It is a violation of the unambiguous provision of section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and so, of no effect whatsoever," he said.

He described the action of some members of the Plateau Assembly as a national embarrassment; an indication that certain people were bent on disrupting the democracy, and a challenge to democrats to step up their campaigns against unconstitutionalities.

The activist added: "We will not be tired of insisting that while all corrupt government officials must be removed, the removal must be done through due process. We will not tolerate or condone rape of our laws. We are in a country under the rule of law and not under the whims and caprices of certain individuals. It is corruption to fight corruption through unconstitutional means.

"My message to the impeachment merchants in Abuja and the EFCC, which regrettably seems to be facilitating the nonsense in Plateau, is that we will not surrender this country to their authoritarian and Gestapo methods.

AC condemned the tactics employed by eight members of Plateau State House of Assembly on Thursday, October 5, 2006, in commencing an impeachment proceeding against Dariye.

The party said the way the matter was handled amounted to an unacceptable show of shame.

Describing the action of the lawmakers as "undemocratic tactics," AC warned that "abandoning due process in handling alleged corruption and other cases, just to achieve some pre-determined goals, is tantamount to democracy by coercion, which does not augur well for our fledgling democracy."

Lai Mohammed, Chairman, Media and Publicity of AC said a situation where eight of the 24 Plateau lawmakers, guarded by over 400 policemen and officials of the EFCC, were ferried from Abuja to Jos to meet and pass resolutions to remove the Speaker, Mr. Simon Lalong, and to serve a notice of impeachment on Governor Dariye, was undemocratic and therefore unacceptable.

He said, "While AC will like to state, for the umpteenth time that we are against corruption under any guise, we will also like to warn that resorting to underhand, undemocratic and dangerous tactics to remove a democratically-elected official, ostensibly over corruption allegations, could endanger our hard-earned democracy."

Posted by Publisher at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

October 03, 2006

14 Soldiers Feared Killed By Militants

Fourteen soldiers were feared killed on Monday in an encounter with Niger Delta militants on the Cawthorne Channel in the Kalabari axis of Rivers State.

3rd October
By Odudu Okpongete, Senor Correspondent, PH

Military authories however confirmed five dead and nine missing in action.

The soldiers were escorting a convoy of barges and boats carrying supplies of water, fuel and other materials to Shell fields in the Ekulama area when the militants arrived in boats, opened fire on them, sank the vessel and sped off.

Army Public Relations Officer of the 2nd Amphibious Brigade in Port Harcourt, Major Sagir Musa, confirmed the incident but added that some soldiers escaped.

He said efforts are on to locate those missing.

Apart from the soldiers, it was gathered that one boatman was also killed while 25 contractor personnel and three boatmen were equally abducted.

Shell also confirmed the incident. "An SPDC convoy taking fuel and other supplies to swamp locations was attacked today (Monday) by an armed group. We’re investigating incident and can’t give further details", an SPDC official volunteered.

The Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) – comprising NDPVF, MEND and The Martyrs Brigade – claimed responsibility for the attack; a warning to the authorities to release its leader, Muhajeed Dokubo-Asari, or face more violence.

A statement posted online by the JRC stressed that "the key victims of this confrontation were soldiers who at one time or the other attacked our communities and assaulted our people. This judgment will be continued, on-going and sustained.

"We will scale up this campaign with every show of insincerity on the part of the Nigerian state and those that lord over it.

"The purpose of this cele