Three years after they were handed a clean bill of health by the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court, the Supreme Court, yesterday, gave the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the nod to prosecute erstwhile Senate President, Chief Adolphus Nwabara and former Minister of Education, Prof. Fabian Osuji, over alleged roles they played in the N55million money-for-budget scandal that rocked the upper legislative house in 2005.
Equally okayed for trial yesterday was Senator Ibrahim Abdulazeez who the anti-graft agency said was among the legislators that benefited from an initial N50million bribe that was offered to the then Senate by Prof. Osuji with a view to ensuring favourable passage of the year 2005 budget of the Federal Ministry of Education.
The accused persons were hitherto answering to a 15-count criminal charge bordering on bribery and corruption.
will be recalled that the ICPC had on April 12, 2005, arraigned the ex-Senate President alongside six others before an Abuja High Court presided by Justice Hussein Muktar who eventually granted the accused persons bail on self recognition after they each deposited N10million.
Aside the aforementioned persons, others who equally pleaded not guilty to the charge were Senators John Azuta Mbata, Emmanuel Okpede, Badamasi Maccido and one Dr Garba Shehu Matazu.
Nevertheless, shortly after they were arraigned, the accused persons urged the trial court to quash the charge against them, insisting that the proof of evidence did not disclose a prima-facie case capable of warranting their prosecution.
Following refusal of trial Justice Muktar to accede to their request, Wabara and four of his co-accused persons took the matter before the appeal court in Abuja, where they contended that the trial judge erred in law by granting the ICPC leave to prefer a charge against them when its application to do so was not accompanied by statement on oath disclosing sufficient evidence of commission of any offence.
It was also their argument that the application by the ICPC was not supported by statements of “Star witness” such as Senator Chris Adigbije whose three incriminating statements against them they said were not attached to the application.
Besides, they accused the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo of prejudicing the minds of the public including the trial judge through a national broadcast wherein he was said to have directed the trial judge to go ahead and jail them for their manifest corrupt tendencies at the legislative house.
In its verdict that was delivered by Justice Mary Peter Odili on June 1, 2010, the appellate court panel upheld the arguments of the accused persons and not only quashed the charge against them, but equally discharged all of them.
Meantime, before the appellate court could conclude the proceeding before it, two of the accused Senators, Okpede and Maccido, who were part of those that endorsed the appeal, died.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, ICPC, proceeded to the Supreme Court were it posed eight questions for determination, among which included whether the appellate court was right in holding that for the consent of the high court judge to prefer charge to be secured pursuant to section 340(2) (a) and (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, such application must be accompanied by statements on oath or otherwise disclosing sufficient evidence of the commission of an offence.
“Whether the appeal court was right to hold that the national broadcast by the President of Nigeria, was a communication to the trial judge by a person in command of influence over him and that the broadcast, was clear example of the manipulation of the judiciary and judicial process by the executive.
As well as “whether the appeal court erred in law when they held that the accused persons had not in any way been implicated in the proofs of evidence supplied with the application for consent.”
In their unanimous judgment yesterday, a five-man panel of justices of the Supreme Court led by Justice Dattijo Muhammad upturned the decision of the appellate court, saying “the judgment of the court below to the contrary is perverse.”
The apex court further relied on the decided case-law in Oniah v Onyia, 1989, 1-NWLR, part 79 and the case of Adebayo V Babalola, 1995, 7-NWLR, part 405, and held that after carefully examining the proof of evidence, statements of the accused persons, other relevant exhibits and documents tendered by the ICPC, it was satisfied that they disclosed “sufficient materials on the basis of which the trial court exercised its discretion judiciously and judicially.
“on the whole, I hereby allow the meritorious appeal, set-aside the judgment of the court below, restore the trial court’s decision and remit the case to the court for the trial of the respondents to be conducted and concluded expeditiously,” Justice Muhammad held.
The other Justices who concurred to the judgment yesterday were Justices Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, John Afolabi Fabiyi, Olukayode Ariwoola and Kumai Bayan Aka’ahs.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
South African athlete Oscar Pistorius "will have to live with his conscience" over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, her father has said.
Barry Steenkamp was speaking a day after the Paralympic champion was freed on bail pending his trial.
Mr Pistorius, 26, admits shooting Ms Steenkamp, 29, but denies murder, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
"If it didn't happen the way he says it did he must suffer and he will suffer," her father told Beeld newspaper.
"It does not matter how much money he has and how good his legal team is, he will have to live with his conscience," Mr Steenkamp said.
"But if he speaks the truth, I can perhaps some day forgive him," he added.
Reeva Steenkamp was a model and law graduate with a burgeoning television career.
She was shot dead in the toilet of Oscar Pistorius's home in the early hours of 14 February – Valentine's Day.
Mr Pistorius admits firing the shots through a locked door but says he thought he was firing at an intruder, not the woman he says he loved.
He was released on bail on Friday after eight days in police custody.
A magistrate ruled that the state had not made a case that he would flee, or that he had a violent character.
The next hearing is set for 4 June.
My own view is that, even by his own account of events, Oscar Pistorius displayed the most extreme recklessness in firing blindly into a closed door, without even the most basic appreciation of who or what might lie behind it.
Perhaps he is being punished enough by losing the woman he told friends he thought might become his wife.
Having sat just over a metre away from him for the last four days in court, I can tell you he is a broken man.
But still, it is hard to imagine he will walk away from a trial without some form of sanction, and with his life and career changed forever by four shots fired into a toilet door.
Mr Pistorius is currently staying at his uncle's house in the upmarket suburb of Waterkloof in Pretoria.
His uncle Arnold said his family and friends felt "immense relief" on hearing he had been granted bail.
"What happened has changed our lives irrevocably," Arnold Pistorius said.
"Oscar will never be the same, having lost his love and at the same time having to live with the knowledge that he caused the death of the woman he loved," he said in a family statement.
Arnold Pistorius said the family was "acutely aware" that this was the start of a long road to prove he never meant to harm Ms Steenkamp.
"We realise the law must run its course, and we would not have it any other way," he said.
Reeva Steenkamp's mother June told Beeld that she had received a bouquet of flowers from the Pistorius family.
"But what does it mean?" she asked. "Nothing".
Pistorius bail conditions
Must hand over 1 million rand: 100,000 rand in cash up front, and proof that the rest is available
Must turn in passports and any guns that he owns
Cannot leave Pretoria without permission from probation officer, nor can he return to his home
Forbidden to take drugs or drink alcohol
Must report to police station between 07:00 and 13:00 every Monday and Friday
Argument?
During the bail hearing, which began on Tuesday, both prosecution and defence laid out their cases.
Both sides agree that Oscar Pistorius shot through the bathroom door four times, hitting and killing Ms Steenkamp.
But prosecutors allege the shooting happened after the couple had an argument at Mr Pistorius's home in the early hours of 14 February.
The athlete says he woke in the middle of the night, and thought there was an intruder in the bathroom.
The prosecutors sought to portray him as man with a history of violence who was likely to flee the country.
But the defence argued it would be impossible for him to flee because his prosthetic legs would be noticed wherever he went.
Oscar Pistorius, 26, won gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004, in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.
In London he made history by becoming the first double-amputee to run in the Olympics, making the semi-final of the 400m.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
TV personality, and bosom friend of late Goldie Harvey, Denrele Edun is still mourning the demise of his friend and pal, Goldie Harvey.
Denrele reportedly witnessed the sudden demise of Goldie at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos, last Thursday. Since her demise, former Sound City VJ has been out of reach as he switched off his cell phones.
Showtime however managed to contact him on phone during the week. But unlike Denrele, he declined comment on the death of his close friend and pal.
“I don’t want to answer any question please,” he snapped. All attempt by showtime to get his comment on Goldie’s last moments on earth met a brick wall, as he suddenly handed over the cell-phone to the late songstress’ manager who muttered, “Right now, we don’t want to say anything at the moment because there are too many dramas already, and journalists won’t allow us rest.”
Asked why the decision to keep mum on Goldie’s death, the late singer’s manager replied; “We don’t want anymore drama about her demise. Her family members would appreciate it, if you all allow things to be. Already, a lot of stories have gone viral on the internet and newspapers.”
However, before her sudden demise, Goldie and Denrele had planned to debut with own reality TV show this February called – Goldie and Denrele: True Friendship.
The show, which is being produced by Tee Jay Star, is about two friends in the volatile Naija entertainment industry, and how they supported each other, had disagreements, their quiet moments, and their day to day struggles. They had already shot some episodes.
Beside this, Goldie was also billed to make a special appearance on the set of Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin. Her death has generated a lot of controversies. First, the uploading of their wedding pictures online by her Malaysian based husband, Andrew Harvey, the emergence of a woman who accused the late songstress of snatching her husband from her and of course, the Kenyan rapper and former BBA housemate, Prezzo who has been accused of causing the bereaved family a lot of pain.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
31-Year-Old Black Stars of Ghana defender John Paintsil has been arrested for stabbing his wife in the eye.
According to Greater Accra Police, Paintsil stabbed his wife after a quarrel over money. The wife, Richlove Paintsil, jumped the wall of their home into their neighbors home to escape the assault. John allegedly followed her into the neighbours house and assaulted the people who tried to stop him from hitting his wife.
Paintsil was later picked up by the police after neighbours called them .He is being held for assault and causing harm.
Paintsil was part of the Ghana Black Stars team that came fourth in the just concluded AFCON 2013
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Controversial Senator representing Anambra Central, Dr. Chris Ngige, has come under fire for allegedly coveting the wife of Mr. Peter Obi, the man who defeated him in the epic political battle for the governorship of Anambra State, South-East Nigeria.
The diminutive Ngige was accused of ‘crossing the boundary’ when he “forcefully took over the seat meant for Governor Peter Obi beside Gov Obi’s wife” at a church funeral service on Friday.
In an article entitled “Sinator Ngige Crosses the Boundary,” prolific Anambra writer Mazi Odera castigated Ngige, saying: “At All Saints Anglican Church, Irefi, Oraifite, Anambra, during the burial service for the late Dame Irene, Nneka Mmachukwu, Okwuosa, the mother of Azuka Okwuosa, Dr. Chris Ngige forcefully took over the seat meant for Governor Peter Obi beside Gov Obi’s wife.”
The article published on several online communities was accompanied with a photograph (reproduced here) that had as caption: “Look at the picture. Her Excellency was thoroughly embarrassed, while Ngige looked defiant.”
The article spoke of how Mrs. Obi’s security details attempted to stop Ngige but the governor’s wife, not wanting to create a scene, prevented them from doing so. It said that the senator justified his action by claiming that one man does not marry a woman in Igboland.
According to Odera: “We understood that Dr. Ngige abandoned his wife in Maryland USA for reasons best known to him, but for him to openly defy shame, for him to show this childish lust, for him to be this desperate to take over the wife of a sitting Governor . . . it is more than shameful and absurd. “As security people attached to Obi’s wife tried to stop him, the woman, as humble and well-mannered as her husband, restrained them. Maybe she must have noticed that the man had no shame and may even want to wrestle the woman if she dare get angry, she showed class and maturity. “The ever witty Ngige, not to be beaten in his own game, said: ‘It is not ordained that her husband must seat by her side, after all, in Igbo land, ofu onye anaghi anu Nwanyi.’ Though everybody was angry at Ngige’s lack of manners and respect, but what he said provided the much-needed comic relief in an environment charged by Ngige’s indiscretion.”
“The question,” according to the writer, is: “If he must lust after married women, must it be after the wife of a sitting governor of a state he desperately wanted to govern?”
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Governor Babangida Aliyu’s recent revelation that President Goodluck Jonathan signed an agreement with PDP and state governors to serve only a single 4-year term was like opening pandora’s box – now creating unexpected confusion and problems over the incumbent’s eligibility to run in 2015 for second term.
Based on this agreement, (yet to be seen and substantiated), Aliyu insisted that the purported bid of President Jonathan to contest in 2015 should be seen as mere speculation.
He recalled, during a radio programme, that at the time Jonathan was about to declare for 2011 presidential election, all the PDP governors were brought together to ensure that they were all in the same frame of mind.
That given the circumstances of the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and the zoning arrangement of the PDP, it was expected that the North was to produce the president for a given number of years. It was then agreed that Goodluck Jonathan will serve only one term of four years and so the governors signed the agreement.
Aliu stated that since President Jonathan has not declared a second term ambition, “so it’s all speculation based on those who are benefitting from the campaign.”
Apparently hitting back at the Niger state governor who had foreclosed Jonathan’s hidden intention to contest 2015, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the president, cautioned that it would amount to violation of the constitution as President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure began in May 2011 to end in 2015 and so eligible for re-election in 2015.
Gulak argued that it’s only the president himself who can decide whether to run or not to run in 2015 and therefore can not be intimidated.
A cursory look at the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chapter VI The Executive.
As regards Tenure of Office of President, it was stipulated under 135 (2) subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the president shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the date, when – (a) in the case of a person first elected as president under this constitution, he took the oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office; and (b)in any other case, the person last elected to that office under this constitution took the oath of Allegiance and Oath of office or would, but for his death, have taken such oaths.
(3)If the federation is at war in which the territory of Nigeria is physically involved and the president considers that it is not practicable to hold elections, the National Assembly may by resolution extend the period of four years mentioned in subsection (2) of this section from time to time, but no such extension shall exceed a period of six months at any one time.
As regards Disqualification – 137 (1)A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of president if –
(a)Subject to the provisions of section 28 of this constitution, he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or, except in such cases as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, he has made a declaration of allegiance to such other country; or
(b)he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections, or……
However, the PDP seemed to have thrown its weight behind perceived President Jonathan’s re-nomination to run on the ticket of the ruling party in the 2015 race.
Yet, Governor Aliyu’s claim of an agreement limiting Jonathan to a single term can not be substantiated for now as no one, even the other governors, have not come out to acknowledge existence of the pact. Either Aliyu is keeping it tightly to his chest waiting for the most appropriate time for release or could be mere consultation or discussion of understanding between two parties, a moral code, without legal force or identity.
Political analysts who spoke with Saturday Vanguard argued that the governors have not debunked the claim nor affirmed so as not to overheat an already heated polity. “You can see that most of the governors are not fully loyal or supportive of the president. They have one or two grievances with Jonathan over funds not adequately coming from the federal government.
The governors are not happy but cannot come out in the open to show their grudge,” a political science teacher in one of the universities submitted.
According to a former legislator of northern stock, Junaid Mohammed in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja recently, he said the controversy over the one-term pact signed by Jonathan was unnecessary as the president was not qualified to seek re-election in 2015, advising him and his advisers to seek judicial interpretation of his tenure rather than engage in banal war over 2015 which he was yet to make up his mind.
He frowned at people who made promises and cannot abide by such promises.
For President Jonathan himself, it seemed as if he has made a u-turn, considering that during the 2011 electioneering campaigns, he reportedly told the electorate that he intended to run for a term. Even former Presidnet Olusegun Obasanjo supported him based on single tenure. But today, things have dramatically changed. Jonathan had contended that he was capable of seeking re-election in 2015. Many ordinary Nigerians who spoke on the matter with Saturday Vanguard want him to stick to his one-term promise to ensure a peaceful democratic change of leadership in 2015.
A secondary school teacher, Patience Omawunmi said 2015 must not be crisis-torn if this nation is anxious to successfully tackle the insecurity situation that has gripped our nation since the Jonathan presidency.
“Nigerians will decide come 2015. PDP is not the only political party in this country. There are other parties who can field their own candidates and run in the presidential election. If PDP still wants Jonathan to contest, it is left for the party to decide. The electorate will make the final choice”, Omawunmi affirmed.
An engineer, Stephen Amedu wondered why our leaders are only interested in the next election and not achieving developmental goals.
“They are always thinking about who becomes the next president or Governor. They are not thinking about how jobs can be provided for unemployed masses, what number of roads have been constructed, housing units built, good hospitals and standard educational institutions provided, water and electricity not interrupted, availability of food, peace, justice and security assured.
“Our leaders should be contesting among themselves who can best provide welfare and development for the nation, reduce poverty, hunger and disease. Not just about who becomes president without delivering dividends of democracy to the people.”
Codewit investigation showed that the people only desire a credible, free and fair election in which their votes won’t be compromised, and be allowed to take their destiny in their hands, ensuring sovereignty of citizens and accountability of elected leaders for good governance.
In a belated reaction to the one-term pact, the presidency said President Goodluck Jonathan will not be distracted from his commitment to transform Nigeria by premature comments concerning whether or not he will seek re-election in 2015.
According to presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, this is neither the time nor the season to begin electioneering or related discourse for the 2015 presidential election and so President Jonathan will not jump the gun.
“He will therefore stoutly resist any disguised or open attempt to drag him into any debates, arguments or political discussions relating to the presidential election in 2015.”
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
For the first time since the 1999 presidential elections, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP may be given a good fight at the polls if leaders of the All Progressive Congress, APC did their home work.
Leaders of the APC, an amalgam of four opposition parties – Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP; Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, said they have joined forces to rescue Nigeria from the deadly grip of the PDP.
The leaders said they were aware of the formidable challenge the PDP constitutes and would do the needful to surmount the hurdle.
Currently, the ruling party has 22 governors, 71 senators and 211 members of the House of Representatives. If the APC merger sails through and it gets registered as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, it would have 12 governors, 32 senators and 131 Representatives. The figure would have been higher if other opposition parties like Labour Party, LP; Democratic Peoples Party, DPP; Accord Party, AP; Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN and the rival faction of APGA were part of the merger.
The LP has a governor, four senators and seven Representatives. DPP has one senator, Accord Party has five Reps; and PPN, one Rep. APGA has two governors, a senator and seven Reps but only one governor and two Reps are currently not part of the merger process.
How it started
Although leaders of ACN, CPC and ANPP have been talking for over a year now, the merger efforts received a big boost on February 5 when 10 of the nation’s 14 opposition governors stormed Lagos and vowed to actualize the merger moves. Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, whose party was not originally in the picture also attended. With representations from the six geo-political zones of the country, the governors vowed to join forces to ‘rescue Nigeria’ from the ‘iron grip’ of the ruling PDP, which has been ruling at the centre since the return of democracy on May 29, 1999.
Since the Lagos meeting, there have been claims and counter-claims between PDP and APC leaders over the viability of the nascent political association. While PDP top shots said there were no losing sleep over the issue, APC leaders said they would thrash PDP at the polls.
A day after the Lagos congregation, the joint merger committees of the parties led by Chief Tom Ikimi announced the formation of the APC, which 12 opposition governors endorsed the following day in Abuja. Governors Peter Obi (APGA) of Anambra State and Segun Mimiko (Labour Party) of Ondo State are the only opposition governors not involved in the merger.
Past alliances
Nigeria’s political history is replete with failed alliances and mergers. In the First Republic, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) consisting mainly of the National Council for Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) and the Action Group, AG could not stop the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) because UPGA leaders could not sink their ambitions and differences. In the Second Republic, the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and the Great Nigerian People’s Party (GNPP) formed the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) which also failed to click against the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). In 1999, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which had swept the South-West in earlier polls aligned with All Peoples Party, APP that dominated elections in the North with the intention of beating PDP at the presidential polls. It gave the PDP a good fight but failed to win the election.
In 2007, about 15 parties came together and formed the Action Congress, AC but the party made little or no impact in the presidential election. A move by ACN and CPC to join forces in the 2011 polls did not yield dividends.
Will merger work this time?
Given past failures, the polity has been awash with debates on whether or not the current move would stand the test of time and achieve results. Proponents of the merger said that they have the political wherewithal and public support to sink the ship of the PDP. They also boasted that they would avoid the pitfalls that derailed similar exercises in the past. For instance, the main drivers of the process such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of ACN and veteran presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari of the CPC, have pledged to sacrifice their ambitions for APC’s collective good. Buhari is known to have always contested the presidential election on the platform of any party he joined since 2003, twice with ANPP and once on CPC banner. Speaking on a Kaduna-based Desmin Independent Television (DITV) last weekend, Buhari said he would willingly offer himself for the next presidential race if the APC members and his supporters gave him the opportunity again, adding that only death would stop him from aspiring.
However, He said APC would follow due process in selecting candidates for elective positions.
His words: “Many people especially from my party are really disturbed. The joyful thing is that I didn’t say I quit politics. I will never quit politics as far as I am live. I only said that I will not present myself to contest but if my party members said they want me to remain in the race. I will.
“Since I am in the new party as a member, if after consultations they included me among their aspirants, I will not reject their offer. This is what I want people to know. I want people to be patient with what we are doing now. They should allow the merger to succeed first. I am sure the new party leaders will know those that are relevant and saleable to Nigerian electorate.”
Hurdles before APC
To realize their objective, APC leaders have to surmount some hurdles. Currently the factional crisis in APGA is affecting the consummation of the merger with the committee battling with the issues of logo, symbol and other paraphernalia. The division in APGA has made it difficult to include APGA’s symbol in APC’s proposed symbols to avoid litigation.
APGA not part of merger – Peter Obi
Governor Peter Obi has distanced his faction of APGA from the merger. Expressing surprise and insisting authentic leaders of APGA were not part of the merger, Obi reportedly said: “As far as APGA faithful are concerned, there is no merger because, ab initio, APGA has not even discussed such a matter not to talk of consummating the process,’ Obi stated.
The governor was speaking for the first time since the announcement of a merger said that he had refrained from making a spontaneous comment as a father and a leader intent on reaching out to the APGA family to know if any consensus was even reached without his knowledge.
“I consulted widely on the matter. I called the party leadership and they said they heard it on the media. I called notable foundation members one after the other. When I got the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Bianca Ojukwu who is the wife of our late leader and hero, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and who from the onset was part of the entire process; she expressed outrage at the development.
I called the only Board of Trustees member of APGA (BOT), Dr. Tim Menakaya, who said he was not aware. I called the Nigerian Ambassador to Burundi, Odi Nwosu, who was the closest person to Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu who also expressed shock. I called other notable foundation members of APGA and they expressed the same sentiments.
“I also decided to call our recent notable members, namely, Sen. Chris Anyanwu; Former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili; former Ambassador and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Frank Ogbuewu; some other National Assembly members, namely, Hons. Uche Ekwunife, Eddie Mbadiwe, Chris Azubogu, Emeka Nwogbo, Victor Ogene, Cyril Egwuatu. I also called Chief Reagan Ufomba, a former governorship candidate in Abia State; Chief Chuma Nzeribe, a former House of Representatives member as well as Senatorial candidate, among other members and they all said they were not aware of the development that led to the so called merger.”
The INEC hurdle
To be able field candidates for elections, APC has to pass the INEC test by meeting the conditions stipulated in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 before they can be registered as a new party. It has to pass through the rigours of being registered as a new party.
Speaking on the issue recently, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said any party that planned to contest an election must have been on INEC’s record long before the commission issues a notice on the election. “If a political party is to participate in an election, the party has to be on INEC’s register before INEC issues such notice. If a party is not on INEC’s register by the time the commission issues a notice, such political party cannot contest in that same election.”
Section 25 of the Electoral Act says INEC should issue a notice of election 90 days before an election
Idowu said that under Sections 222 to 225 of the 1999 Constitution, political parties cannot approach the commission for re-registration or registration as another party.
“If political parties want to form a merger and they coalesce into an association, they would come to INEC with the identity of that association they have coalesced into not with their individual identities. The constitution stipulates the conditions that associations must meet before they can be registered as political parties. Once they meet the conditions, they are eligible for registration.”
Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution states that, “No association by whatever name called shall function as a party, unless the names and addresses of its national officers are registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission. The membership of the association is open to every citizen of Nigeria irrespective of his place of origin, circumstance of birth, sex, religion or ethnic grouping.
“A copy of its constitution is registered in the principal office of the INEC in such form as may be prescribed by the INEC; any alteration in its registered constitution is also registered in the principal office of the Independent National Electoral Commission within 30 days of the making of such alteration
“The name of the association, its symbol or logo does not contain any ethnic or religious connotation or give the appearance that the activities of the association are confined to a part only of the geographical area of Nigeria; and the headquarters of the association is situated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”
However, APC leaders said they would iron out grey areas in the merger talks, approach INEC for registration within two weeks.
However, the APC governors are upbeat and have raised a six-man committee to coordinate the sensitisation of Nigerians on the new merger arrangement. They also formed zonal contact committees after a meeting in Abuja, penultimate week.
The zonal contact committees have six state governors drawn from the six geopolitical zones as coordinators.
The zonal heads of the mobilisation committee include, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State (North-east), Nassarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura (North-central), Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari (North-west).
Others are the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha (South-east), Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, (South-south) and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi (South-west).
The meeting which was hosted by the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, at the Lagos Lodge in Abuja, had 10 opposition party governors in attendance, including those of Ekiti, Oyo, Borno, Edo, Lagos, Osun, Imo, Ogun and Nasarawa.
Addressing journalists at the end of the over three-hour meeting, the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, said the governors had expressed their support for the choice of APC as the name of the merger party.
He said the new party captured the spirit and vision of the opposition coalition’s intention to redress the decay in the country.
According to the communiqué, the party would focus on radical social, economic and political reformation of the country, overseeing agricultural development and providing free education, jobs, affordable health care services, power supply and poverty eradication.
It said: “Given the desire of Nigerians for change, our party will undertake to facilitate radical social, economic and political reformation of the country.
Our programme priorities shall be agricultural development, job creation, free education, affordable health care, infrastructural development, adequate power supply, eradication of poverty and corruption and rapid technological development and industrialisation. “We shall pride ourselves as social democrats that are committed to organise our society based on the values of justice for all and individual freedom where everyone’s basic needs are fulfilled.”
Speaking on the task before the committee, Al-Makura said they would mobilise support for APC across political, social, religious, ethnic and professional interest groups in the country.
The Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, who despite his party’s objection to the merger attended the meeting, said he represented the real APGA in the merger arrangement. “Let me say emphatically that APGA is in the merger talks and we have our little challenges and we are just trying to sort out about who are the APGA-APGA and APGA PDP.” Also speaking against the background of his absence from the previous meeting of the governors, Oshiomhole dispelled fears that he was not fully behind the merger, insisting that he had always advocated the need for a credible opposition.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
EVERYONE who has ever been to a Vacation Bible School has sung the old song, Peter built the Church on the rock of our faith ……Catholics believe, however, that it was Jesus Christ who built the Church on the rock of Peter’s faith, going so far as to give his disciple Simon the name Peter, which means “Rock.”
Christ didn’t just give Simon a new name—he gave him a new job. Peter was the first pope, a fact which we celebrate today, February 22, in the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. The Papacy has continued, unbroken, down through 265 popes of the Roman Catholic Church over two millennia. The length of time that this institution has survived is a remarkable achievement—and, one might argue, itself proof of the divinely ordained nature of the office of the Vicar of Christ.
In 2013, the celebration of the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter is, of course, bittersweet, in light of Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement of his resignation, effective at 8:00 p.m. Rome time on February 28, 2013. Yet even as Catholics prepare for the Chair of Saint Peter to become vacant, they know that in March the College of Cardinals will meet in conclave to elect a new pope, who will most likely be installed before Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday.
These are troubling times for the Church, and no one believes that Benedict XVI would have resigned if he had felt physically and intellectually up to the task of guiding the Church through rough waters.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN president, Solomon Ogba has declared that Lagos is desperately in need of a world class marathon race, after the Lagos International ½ Marathon was rested in 2009.
Ogba stated that it was regrettable that the Lagos International ½ Marathon has gone into oblivion, but added that discussions are on with the Lagos State government to revive the event, which received recognition from the world athletics ruling body IAAF and attracted top athletes from around the world.
“Lagos is a popular City and it is a destination for tourism. It is rather unfortunate that the Lagos marathon was allowed to die, it is a window of opportunity for visitors to explore the City.
“However, we have plans to revive it. We are in talks with the Lagos State government and when the time comes we will see how it goes.”
“Besides, there is a need to have a marathon culture in Nigeria. This is because we have countries like Kenya coming into our traditional strong holds and so we must make every effort to have athletes in the long distance events too,” said Ogba.
Telecoms company MTN sponsored the Lagos ½ Marathon for five years. The AFN signed a new deal with rival brand Globacom, but that romance seems to have run into cold water. Ogba stated that the contract with Globacom has expired and the AFN is looking for a new partner.
However, an official of Globacom disclosed that they still have a contract with the AFN.
“We only have issues with the AFN and we are still in talks. It was the death of Sunday Bada that stalled the talks,” he said.
The last edition of the Lagos international half marathon was held in 2009 with world elite runners like Lornah Kiplagat, Hilda Kibet starring in the women’s category, while in the men’s event, athletes Luke Kibet, Tsegaye Kedebe and Dieudonne Disi were in attendance. Ethiopia’s legend Halie Gebrselassie was a guest.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Despite the regular cases of crashing of marriages in Nollywood, which has almost become synonymous with the industry, these couples have been able to prove to the world that something good can come out of the industry. Hear what they have to say about their marriages….
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva
One of Nollywood marriages that has become a reference point in Nigeria today is that of Olu Jacob and his wife, Joke Silva. The couple keyed into each other, and look at each other like partners in progress, not rivals. Olu Jacobs, a veteran actor and his wife, also an actress of great repute, have become role models to many young people in Nigeria.
They have been able to build a nearly perfect union that is worthy of emulation. Unlike most Nollywood marriages, the union has been scandal free and very blissful. The marriage has been in place for well over 25 years with children.
Olu has this to say; “It is always good when God gives you your friend as spouse, when you meet your friend as your wife, life would be much easier because when others fail, you would succeed with friendship. Joke is more than a friend to me, she is a mother, a friend and a very caring, generous and deep persona.”
Jide and Henrieta Kosoko
Another celebrated marriage in Nollywood is that of Jide Kosoko and his plum wife, Henrietta who is also an actress. Jide and Henrietta have been able to make their marriage stand the taste of time despite the odds. The fact that the actor is a polygamist has not made a mess of his love for his Delta State-born wife.
Norbert and Gloria Young
Norbert and Gloria Anozie-Young have been married for over 11 years without any regret. Their marriage which has produced three beautiful kids was initially trailed by criticisms. But today, the union has stood the taste of time. Gloria was one of the very few top actresses who adorned the screen in the 90s.
Her colleague in the industry accused her of snatching her husband from her, and went all out to discredit the marriage. But despite her criticisms, Gloria and her beau have moved on, enjoying the best that marriage life can offer them.
Zack and Ngozie Orji
Zack and his wife, Ngozie have successfully lived as a perfect match. Overtime, they have learnt to place their marriage above individual interests. They have been married for 23 years and are blessed with three lovely children. His first son, Leo’nel is making a career in music.
In one of his interviews, Zack owes the success of their marriage to mutual understanding and their determination to make it work. “What has us going is our resolve to make it work. We decided that it had to work and we made serious efforts to make it work. If you agree as a couple, God would make it work. We realised a long time ago, that as man and woman, we lacked the power to make it work on our own. We make sacrifices, especially as a children are involved,” he says
Patrick and Ireti Doyle
married for some years now and still have the newness of love blossoming in their union. Patrick sought the hand of Ireti in marriage after he lost his former wife to the cold hands of death some years back. Interestingly, both Pat and Ireti are making a living out of acting. The couple is blessed with six children, four from Pat’s earlier marriage.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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