Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State Friday replaced four commissioners in a cabinet reshuffle but retained 15 and appointed one Special Adviser.
Commissioners of Education, Mrs. Eunice Thomas, Health, Dr. Bassey Antai,; Science and Technology, Barr. Comfort Etuk, and Dr. Clement Bassey of Culture and Tourism were dropped.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Umana Okon Umana in a statement said the Governor, approved posting of Commissioners and Special Advisers in the State but was silent on why the four Commissioners were dropped.
Also, Umana said “as part of the re-restructuring of the machinery of the state administration, His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State has approved the establishment of the Bureau of Sports and Youth Development.
“The new Bureau of Sports and Youth Development is to take over the ministerial responsibilities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. With this development, the Ministry of Youths and Sports is here by abolished”.
The new Commissioners sworn in are Prof. Atim Antai for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Bassey, Health, Engr. Iboro Ekanem, Science and Technology, Dr. Glory Emmanuel Edet, Women Affairs and Social Welfare while Prince Godwin Ntukude is for Bureau of Political and Legislative Affairs.
Nine of the Commissioners retained their portfolio while six others swapped positions. Akpabio had while swearing in the new Commissioners and the Special Adviser warned them to “derobe” themselves of the fanciful idea of power and influence but to join hands in building a state that would create conditions and opportunities for indigenes of the state to fulfil their aspirations.
“We have reached a critical point in our journey as a people. We have built a state in the last six years, which exceeds the dreams and expectations of our forefathers. We have done this by the application of the Akwa Ibom virtues of industry, integrity and diligence.
“In doing, this we have built a momentum for development which is exacting and demands sacrifices from those of us who are the custodians of public trust.
“Let me use this occasion to pay tribute to all those who served in the last Executive Council. The good people of this state owe you a debt of gratitude for all your contributions to the development of our state. Your contributions to the uncommon transformation of our state shall remain indelible in the annals of our history; and when posterity shall look back at this time of our history, they would surely remember that you were part of our historic team'', he stated.
Continuing, Akpabio said, “To those of you whose services would no more be rendered on a cabinet platform, I wish you well in all your future endeavours and hope you will continue in the path of service to our state and humanity in your different fields of endeavour.
“Take pride that you were able to contribute to the building of a cohesive and progressive state founded on the principles of meritocracy, social justice and compassion.
“To those who are joining us today, whether as new members of this cabinet or returning member, we extend our hand of fellowship to you, but with the caveat that to whom much is given much is expected.
“As our Lord Jesus Christ said, he who puts his hand to the plough and turns back is not worthy, and anyone who puts his hand to the work of our state and turns back for his own personal comfort or aggrandizement, is not worthy of being in this cabinet''.
In what sounded like a homily, he said, “If you came with fancy ideas of power and influence, I warn you that the principles of our administration are founded on loyalty, dedication, integrity, service and humility.
“With these attributes, we expect you to join hands with us to keep building an Akwa Ibom State that will create conditions and opportunities for all Akwa Ibom persons to fulfil their aspirations.
“If you are a politician, remember that as from today you have disembarked from the boat of politics and joined the ship of statesmanship. You are not the Commissioner or Special Adviser of your political party or your community, you are to serve the interests of all Akwa Ibom people in line with the sacred oath of office which you have sworn to today. You represent a state where diversity is our strength, and where the common good supersedes regional, personal and tribal interests.
“We have come a long way from where we met the state in 2007. We have moved our state from the fringes of our national life to the epicenter of national acclaim. The uncommon transformation of our state was made possible by uncommon devotion to duty, uncommon self-sacrifice and uncommon work ethic by everyone in government. Let us build on this foundation and consolidate on our gains in the two years still left for us to bear the burden of our people’s expectation.
“I expect you to work with your respective permanent secretaries and the staff of your ministries or bureaus (as the case may be) in discharging your duties. If you think that with this appointment you have entered into rest, let tell you, with regret, that you are mistaken. In this job, you will be expected to work around the clock. That is how we succeeded in building the landmark infrastructure, which have been incorporated into the folklores and legends of our country''.
He charged the Commissioners and Special Advisers to deepen their sense of common purpose and commitment to the Akwa Ibom story. “Join us to make Akwa Ibom a haven and citadel of peace and development in our country. Let us work together to make our state a place of love, a blessed home, and a source of pride to our children”.
Some old Commissioners who have retained their portfolios are Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, Justice; Mr. Don Etim, Works; Hon. Eno Akpan, Lands and Town Planning; Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Information and Communications; Mr. Enobong Uwah, Environment and Mineral Resources; Albert Akpan, Finance; Martins Udoinyang, Commerce and Industry; Godwin Afangideh, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Sunny Anyang, Economic Development.
Commissioners re-deployed are Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem who is moved to Special Duties; Barr. Bassey Dan Abia posted to Housing and Urban Renewal; Barr. Austin Udo Mbeh, Transport; Barr. Effiong Abia, Rural Development; Hon. Adasi Ubulom, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Ita Umoh Udo is in-charge of Culture and Tourism.
Special Advisers are Engr. Etido Inyang, Technical Matters; Mr. Senas Ukpanah, Investments and Industrialisation/Chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation; Godwin S. Udom, Labour and Productivity; Mr. Uwem Ita Etuk, Co-operative and Food Sufficiency while Samuel George Frank is re-deployed to Sports and Youth Development.
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.
Not even the adverse weather conditions in Russia is enough deterrent for Nigerian human traffickers as no fewer than 200 Nigerian girls are trafficked every month to Russia for prostitution, says Nigeria’s ambassador to Russia, Asam Asam.
Asam, who spoke against the backdrop of consular challenges faced by the embassy, disclosed this in an interview with the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Berlin.
An investigation revealed that the crime has declined in Western Europe following strict laws on illegal migration, and joint efforts by Nigeria and the governments of those countries to curb the menace.
However, attention has shifted to Eastern Europe as the new destination for the trade. In the last decade, Italy had seemed the capital of human trafficking, especially for young girls who were lured to the country by a mafia gang under the pretext that some house keeping or floor sales jobs had been arranged for them. But they ended up serving as prostitutes on the street of many European countries.
According to Asam, “The major consular challenge we face in Moscow is the influx of trafficked persons from Nigeria, not less than 200 girls are trafficked every month, and we have so many of them exposed to danger.
“Some are thrown out of the window and treated harshly, there must be a way of stopping these racketeering; these girls are not tourists, students or government officials, yet they are given visas from the Russian embassy in Abuja.
“So far we have deported over 240 girls since 2012. You will be shocked at the extent of resistance from the girls. We tell them Russia is not a destination for prostitutes, yet they still come.”
He said the mission tries to curb the menace by arranging deportation exercises for those caught, but the challenges are enormous.
According to NAN, the envoy said such interventions would be more effective at the point of entry, saying “the strategy is to stop them from Nigeria, and fish out those involved in the trade.”
“For instance a well-known Russian human trafficker who has been in the trade for about 20 years was caught in Nigeria. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) was on the verge of releasing her before I filed a protest from Moscow to the Comptroller General of Immigration,” Asam stressed.
He said even the parents of those trafficked encourage their children. “I spoke to the mother of one of the girls and she said her daughter should remain in Moscow and try to survive the ordeal, this is very sad indeed coming from one’s parent,” he said.
He tasked the media on sensitising the public on the dangers of trafficking in Russia, saying: “This East European nation has become a new destination for them, and believe me it is a very big crime here.”
Asam, however, said other Nigerians who reside in that country were students and professionals in various fields. Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) aside from NAPTIP have been involved in the crusade against human trafficking in Nigeria.
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.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Muhammad Dangogo, yesterday bemoaned the crisis bedevilling the party, blaming it on the C.
Dangogo said Tukur had created confusion and disaffection within the ranks and file of the PDP.
Speaking with THISDAY in Sokoto, Dangogo decried the Tukur-led administration, is handling of the party's affairs saying he had brought the party to its knees, as many party members were dissatisfied with his style of leadership. He maintained that the PDP national chairman was busy fighting governors instead of working assiduously to unite all members ahead of the 2015 elections.
The PDP stalwart expressed dismay that the party was drifting and was heading towards the precipice, if nothing urgent was done by President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue it. “We are currently in a difficult situation due to the myriad of crisis rocking the PDP in various states of the federation. I am afraid that PDP may disintegrate, if the President fails to intervene to rescue the party.
“As far as I am concerned, Tukur has not been steering the affairs of the party well because he failed to carry all along. Tukur has failed to bring unity in the party rather he is busy fighting governors. In fact, this is the first time that a governor was suspended by a party without recourse to due process,” he said.
Dangogo, who is the chairman of the Forum of PDP Chairmen in the 23 local government areas in the state, expressed dismay that an elder in the mould of Tukur had failed to provide purposeful and visionary leadership since he was elected as the national chairman of the PDP.
He noted that since the creation of PDP, the party had never faced the level of crisis and disharmony like what was currently happening in the party.
The PDP chieftain emphasised that the PDP had never witnessed a controversial national chairman such as Tukur in the last 15 years, describing him as a disappointment to the people of the north.
“As an elder from the North, we expect the PDP national chairman to use his experience and wisdom to handle the affairs of the party. But Tukur has disappointed the North with his style of leadership which has brought disaffection and confusion in the party.
“So, we are not in support of Tukur because we realised that he is pursuing his personal interest at the expense of the people of the North and we are really disappointed in his style of leadership,” Dangogo averred.
He commended the national leadership of the party for lifting the suspension slammed on Governor Aliyu Wamakko, saying it was an indication that truth had prevailed over falsehood.
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.
The long-awaited meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ended in an anti-climax Thursday without a single word of dissent against the beleaguered national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
THISDAY gathered that Tukur was able to retain his job due to the last minute horse-trading and lobbying that took place throughout Wednesday to ensure that the chairman was not removed.
Sources close to the presidency said the governors loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan ensured that they had most of the G84 members, especially the state party chairmen, locked in by Wednesday night, with most of them pledging not to upset the apple cart at yesterday’s NEC meeting.
One presidency source said it was easy to get the commitment of most of the members because the anti-Jonathan governors such as Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), were rudderless without the support of opposition governors from other parties.
He said: “The truth is that these so-called anti-Jonathan governors are in the minority in the party. During the election of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), they derived their support from the opposition. “But without them (opposition governors), these governors could not muster the numbers to remove Tukur.
"They had made Tukur’s removal a pre-condition for them to support Jonathan. But after what happened during the NGF election, it was best to err on the side of caution as they could not be trusted.”
He said Aliyu Wamakko, the Sokoto State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, and the deputy governors of Jigawa and Kano States were all at yesterday’s NEC meeting but failed to utter a word with respect to Tukur during the 45-minute meeting.
However, there was tension prior to the meeting as members walked in to take their places. But the governors who had perfected the plans for the meeting’s outcome did not arrive the venue until about 30 minutes to the time it was scheduled to commence.
Following their arrival, the president arrived at about 2.06 pm and was received by Tukur and other party officials. Delegates who were expecting a heated debate at the meeting were disappointed as the NEC meeting was conducted without anyone raising a single eyebrow.
Instead, the NEC meeting accepted the resignation of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and their deputies following a report of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that their election did not comply with the party’s guidelines.
The NEC, in accepting their resignation, immediately instituted an interim NEC to help Tukur manage the affairs of the party till July 20 when a special national convention would be conducted.
Briefing the press after the NEC meeting, the Chairman of the Special Convention Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, said the new interim members comprise the acting Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, who was deputy speaker in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003; acting National Secretary, Dr. Remi Akintoye; acting Deputy National Secretary, Senator Emma Agboti; acting National Organising Secretary Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar; acting National Publicity Secretary Tony Ceaser Okeke; acting National Legal Adviser Simon D. Jok; and acting National Youth Leader, Mr. Tanko Beji.
Others include: acting National Woman Leader Oyibo Nwaneri; acting Deputy National Legal Adviser Yau Kwadon; acting Deputy National Youth Leader, Hon. Peter Adefunmilayo; acting Deputy National Auditor Nasiru Ibrahim Birchi; acting Deputy National Women Leader, Mrs. Torkwase Ajoh; acting National Treasurer Mohammed Dandari; and acting Deputy National Organising Secretary Onyemaechi Ikechukwu Jideofor.
Other interim members are acting Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Awalu Gwalabe; acting Deputy National Treasurer, Chief Augustine Lugbenwei; acting Deputy National Publicity Secretary Calib Yahaya; acting Ex-Officio, Chief Akin Taiwo; acting Ex-Officio Tope Ademiluyi; acting Ex-Officio, Chief Mike Akinfenwa; and acting Ex-Officio, Hon. Gbenga Oduwaiye.
Gana, who announced that the special national convention would take place on July 20, said he had been appointed chairman of the convention committee, with Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio as deputy chairman. He also said Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu will serve as the secretary of the special convention.
He added that zonal congresses would take place only in the south-west on July 11, while all the delegates of the national convention of March 24, 2012 would remain delegates to the July 20 special convention.
Gana said other members of the special convention would be announced later. According to Gana, “The committee will by Friday write a letter informing INEC of the decision of the PDP NEC-in-session and also write to inform the commission of the special national convention in line with the Electoral Act, Section 85 states that any political party holding convention must give 21 days notice.”
The former Minister of Information added that the former deputy senate president, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, moved a motion of vote of confidence on the president’s successful mid-term report, adding that the motion was successfully adopted by all the delegates at the NEC meeting.
In the confidence motion moved by Mantu and unanimously adopted by all members at the NEC meeting, the party commended Jonathan’s “resolute and decisive tackling” of Nigeria’s security challenges which, it said, had curbed terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the north-east geo-political zone.
“The PDP also applauded ongoing reforms and development in the country, especially those in the agricultural, aviation, transportation, and education sectors,” he said, adding that it was apparent that the president’s agenda for national transformation was being diligently implemented and that Nigerians were better for it. The party also commended Jonathan’s strict adherence to the rule of law as well as his protection and defence of the constitution.
“The president is discharging his mandate to the appreciation of Nigerians that overwhelmingly voted for him in the 2011 general election.
“It is therefore in view of the above that members of the National Executive Committee of our great party do hereby pass a vote of confidence on the President, Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR,” the motion stated.
One thing that was evident from the body language of the NEC members was that the NWC members and their deputies who had resigned would most likely get re-elected on July 20.
Confirming this, a source said: “What we did by accepting their resignation is to abide by the INEC report and allow them to go back and re-contest.
“This is why the NEC approved that all the delegates of the March 24, 2012 national convention be ratified as delegates for the July 20 convention.”
The NEC meeting was attended by the governors of Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Kogi, Taraba, Kaduna and Niger States, and deputy governors of Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kwara, Kebbi, Gombe, Bauchi and Cross River States.
Only the governors of Enugu, Ebonyi, Adamawa and Benue States were absent, while the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, was absent because of his suspension by the party.
Nyako was also not at the meeting, while the state faction loyal to the governor and led by Kaugama Mujinjwa was not allowed in, as only the Joel Madaki faction was allowed into the meeting.
Other members of PDP in NEC at the meeting included the Senate President, David Mark; Ekweremadu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, among others.
Meanwhile, at the commencement of the meeting, the president had advocated a two-party structure in Nigeria, explaining that it would help stabilise the polity and end the unnecessary quest for the registration of new political parties before elections. The president said: “We will encourage political parties to come together more. We want a situation where it is PDP versus one. In that case, the polity will be more stable.
“Even our members will be more loyal to the party because you will have nowhere to go, because right now, immediately we disagree in PDP, somebody is picking a form in one PPP or DDD party and contesting for the state House of Assembly or House of Reps or Senate.
“But when we have only two parties, before you get there, other candidates would have occupied that place. So, even if we disagree, we will make up our differences at the end of the day and it will even help to build a stronger party.
“So Nigerians should commend PDP. If PDP were weak, people wouldn't have gathered together. There wouldn't have been any reason for parties to come together to fight PDP.
“But when you have so many parties on their own, they know they cannot face us until they come together, then you know that we are formidable.”
The president said the party has to work to ensure that it has more than 23 governors in the next election, saying: “We must build up. At the time of formation of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the focus was slightly different. In every organisation, over the years, there must be some change in direction.
“So looking at the number of PDP governors vis-a-vis the total number of governors, it became very clear that the PDP needed to have its own forum because we realised that some of the other political parties, their governors used to meet before coming for general NGF meeting.
“But PDP being the elephant did not really bother much. But over time, we have realised that there is need for PDP governors to also meet because politics is politics. Politics is a game of interest.
“I remember the first time I read Obasanjo's book, My Command, in 1981 and he said in the book that in politics, there is nothing like permanent friends or permanent enemies but permanent interests.
“I believe even in local politics, interests matter a lot. There is no permanent friend; no permanent enemy but permanent interest and as long as people have different interests, there must be disagreements. “But as a member of a political party, we must know that no matter what, the party's interests must supersede any other interest. At the end of the day, all our interests will converge to one interest, that is the interest of PDP.”
The president promised that he and his deputy, Namadi Sambo, as well as members of their team, would not disappoint the party.
“We must make sure that anytime PDP has any reason to campaign, we must have a reference point, we have solid materials to show. We have not reached where we want to go, no doubt about that. But we are totally committed that we must move this country to where we want our children to be and we need the maximum cooperation of every member of our party,” he said.
Tukur, in his welcome address, charged members of the party to ensure discipline at all times and rededicate themselves to the affairs of the party.
He said: “In our efforts to achieve success, we must rededicate our genuine political beliefs, change our attitudes and identify our political needs.
“These good values cannot be realised without accepting the supremacy of the party constitution as a key instrument that ensures progress, stability and internal discipline.”
Tukur, whose speech was interrupted with applause, added: “We must strengthen our democracy through determination not personalisation, correction not manipulation, collectivism not individualism, and sacrifice not disservice.
“If these pronouncements are substantial, then, the party should quickly take urgent steps to achieve higher levels at least by coming to terms with democratic norms and practices.”
On the challenges facing PDP as a political party, Tukur said: “It is important to note that the party all this while struggles for support to effect the necessary changes that can stop cases of disrespect to party decisions, which has become the norm.
“Internal communication has considerably declined over the past few years. Glaring apathy to party funding by members is rife and I hope it is not a deliberate attempt to weaken the party leadership.
“Open confrontation with political administration exposes our political weaknesses. Fighting the party from within is unhealthy and dangerous for our image and aspirations. Overheating the polity because of inordinate ambition contradicts our perception for democratic orderliness.”
Tukur lauded the president, describing him as “our symbol”. He said the president must be respected and treated with dignity, as “undermining the leader for no just reason cannot bring us good results.
“This observation is necessary to remind PDP members that we owe ourselves a duty to protect, project and support our president to leave behind a lasting legacy for Nigerians.”
In his speech, Akpabio assured Jonathan of the support of all PDP governors, explaining that as the governors respected the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, so the respect must be extended to him.
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.
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, Thursday expressed disappointment with the crises in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Babangida, who is one of the founders of the party, told THISDAY in an exclusive interview at his residence in Minna, that he and other founding members of the party were not happy about the trend in the party.
He also wondered why it was difficult for governors to abide by the rule they set for the election of the NGF chairman to enable them conduct a free and fair poll.
Babangida blamed the PDP crisis on indiscipline, adding that for the party not to lose everything it had struggled for in the past years, the leadership of the party have to go back to the drawing board.
He said: "The crisis in the PDP is surely giving some of us who are founding fathers of the party great concern and it’s just because maybe at a certain stage, party disciple broke down completely but the truth is that I feel really disappointed with the way things are happening now.
"I am looking forward to hearing that members of the party will realise their mistakes and say come on, we have not lived up to the expectations of the people, let's come back to the drawing board."
According to him, if the party does not start to solve its internal problems early enough, the consequences will be bad for it in 2015. "Let's sit, talk and ask what we did wrong so we can right those wrongs and also re-establish the confidence that the people have in us. If we don't do it, there will be grave consequences," he added.
Also speaking on the NGF crisis, the former president said it was disappointing that 36 people could not coordinate themselves and conduct a free and fair election.
He said: "I think I feel a bit disappointed about these issues going on within the governors’ forum because if we should have to abide by the policies of all 36 of them as people from their states, then they should also be able to abide by simple rules too. Since they have chosen to democratise the chairmanship of the forum, then they should abide by it.
"It is unfortunate to state that if only 36 of them, not two million or three million, cannot manage themselves, then something is really wrong".
He also added that it was unfair for anyone to think that President Goodluck Jonathan was interfering in the NGF crisis, saying in the first place, the forum is just an association of governors, which was not in the constitution, wondering why anyone should lose sleep over the NGF.
"I think it is unfair to say the president is interfering in the NGF. These governors are elected just like he was so what is he interfering for?
"If something is happening in their states that will eventually affect the nation like the security challenges and his declaring a state of emergency, then we can understand; but I don't think it is fair to say the president is interfering," he added.
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.
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, and the Vice-Chairman of Conference of Speakers, South-west zone, Hon. Adewale Omirin, has called on state legislatures in the country to support the ongoing effort at ensuring financial autonomy for state assemblies.
Omirin made the call while receiving members of the State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI) who paid him a visit in Ado-Ekiti. The SAVI delegation were in Ekiti State as part of its tour of states in the South-west geo-political zone to sensitise members of the legislature on the need to support the ongoing constitution amendment aimed at granting financial autonomy to the legislative arm of government in the country.
He said the 1999 constitution of Nigeria prescribed the principle of separation of powers between the legislature, executive and the judiciary, hence financial autonomy would fully guarantee the independent of the legislature.
According to him, dependence of the legislature on the executive may result in inefficiency, noting that financial autonomy for the state assemblies would ensure effective discharge of the constitutional roles of the legislature.
The Ekiti Speaker advocated proper procedure for the removal of presiding officers of Houses of Assembly in the nation’s constitution. He said proper procedure in removing speakers and other officers of state assemblies would guarantee a stable legislature.
Also, the Speaker of the Osun State House of assembly, Hon. Nojeem Salam, who was in Ado-Ekiti as part of the visit, expressed support for financial autonomy for the legislative arm of government. He said financial autonomy would guarantee the position of the legislature in the constitution.
His Ondo State counterpart, Hon. Adesina Samuel Ajayi, described as an aberration for an arm of government to depend on another one, despite constitutional provisions. The Ondo Speaker said the citizenry stands to benefit more from financial autonomy for the legislature.
According to him, civil and political rights of the people would be enhanced if the legislature does not wholly depend on the executive arm of government.
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.
The Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “a pack of irredeemable critics who have no value to key in into Lagos politics except nursing a childish hope of cornering Lagos for milking.”
ACN was reacting to the statement allegedly made by the state PDP calling for the recall of Senator Oluremi Tinubu for describing herself as a rookie in the senate recently.
In a statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, yesterday, the party said PDP, “with each passing day, in its futile desire, tried to add Lagos to its vassal, dishonored territory.
“Lagos PDP continues to degenerate into a band of irredeemable jesters who must open its mouth on any issue, even if it must embarrass itself, as it did in the instant case. It advisable that Lagos PDP quit exerting itself from creating motion where there is none and creating substance where there is no substance.
“The PDP is a group of idlers, gossipers and clowns that needed to call for the recall of the senator. We wonder why Lagos PDP in its celebrated emptiness feels that sounding so bland on issues it cannot grapple with is the best way of fighting a battle for the soul of sophisticated people of Lagos. We dare ask, must the Lagos PDP open its mouth and embarrass itself, as in the present case, just because it wants to keep appearance and get noticed?”
The state ACN therefore alleged that frustration was causing the state PDP a huge embarrassment “even unto itself and this remains the shame of a party that covets power for the power it grants it to loot and lay its vassal states bare.
“We urge all Lagosians to ignore the PDP and its many rants and these are borne out of the frustration that it is not gaining any stranglehold on the politics of Lagos.
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.
Satisfied with the level of work carried out by army engineers in the reconstruction of internal roads within the Barracks at Onitsha, Governor Peter Obi yesterday presented another cheque of N100 Million Naira to the Army, bringing it to 200 million given to them so far for the project.
Presenting the cheque, the Governor said it was in line with the policy of his Government to work with all the Federal agencies in the State on the reason that all of them ultimately serve the good of the State and her people.
He regretted that before he became Governor, it was cat and mouse relationship between Anambra government and Security agencies in the State and that the State suffered because of that.
“If you remember, in those reckless eras, the State was in 2004, burnt down. But I can assure you that with the level of civility we have restored, such a thing would not happen again”, he assured.
Presenting the cheque, Obi urged the army to continue to utilize the funds properly. He said that Government was about collaboration with organizations of goodwill that were willing to make sacrifices for the good of the people.
Using the Church as one organization working closely with the State, he said that since schools were returned to the Church and money given to them directly to rehabilitate the schools, that the State had never been the same again.
The Governor who said that his Government was committed to the upgrade of Onitsha said that besides the roads, that he would be back to the barracks for the rehabilitation of their schools.
Receiving the cheque, the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika said he decided to come in person, because the Governor Obi was doing remarkably well for the his State and the Army. He said he had received tremendous support from him since his appointment. Unlike in the past, he said that Anambra State was now enjoying peace under the leadership of Governor Obi.
The Chief of Staff commended the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment under the Command of Col TA Gagariga, under whom old vehicles were rehabilitated. He assured that his Office would continue to offer support to all military formations in the country.
Besides the presentation of the cheque, the Chief of Army staff extolled President Goodluck Jonathan for his dedication and support to the Nigerian Army. Thereafter, he commissioned some refurbished military vehicles in the Barracks, including Prime Movers, Ammunition Carriers and Command Post Vehicles.
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.
The seeming crack within the northern socio-cultural organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), came to the open Thursday, when the chairman of the forum, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, openly expressed disappointment with some of its members asking President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015 election.
Besides, Mohammed alleged that the presidency was employing the ‘divide and rule’ tactics against the North ahead of the 2015 elections. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the forum, which was held at its secretariat in Kaduna Thursday, Mohammed said it was sad that the presidency had employed the divisive tactics against the North.
He stated that it had, become very glaring that the Presidency was employing ‘divide and rule’ against the North “because we noticed with dismay that some members of this organisation had gone to the President and assured him that he must contest for 2015 election.”
According to him, “we are really surprised that some members went there are also members of ACF. I am speaking particularly of two gentlemen; the two gentlemen I am referring to, one is ACF member and the other is a member of Northern Elders Forum (NEF). The ACF member is retired General Lawrence Onoja. He was actually part of the group that went to see the President. Also, one of the elders, Senator John Wash Pam, was there.
“We were surprised that really they have gone to see the President, particularly Onoja who is our member in ACF.”
Onojo, who is from Benue State and Pam, a former Deputy Senate President in the Second Republic from Plateau State were said to be among the middle Belt and South-south leaders, who recently visited President Jonathan and asked him to contest for re-election in 2015.
The ACF chairman noted that Onoja had been a committed member of the ACF, who had been very active in the activities of the forum and had facilitated the discussions the forum held with the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) with the ACF in Maiduguri.
“We went to Maiduguri together, when we went to see Dr. Ahmed Datti, Onoja was with us. He also made it possible for us when we went to Maiduguri to meet the leaders of the JTF and we had a long discussion till the early hours because the military had problem with the people and we think that if we intervene, things will be better.
“We have gone with Onoja to every meeting we have held, and for him to turn round to say the President must contest in 2015, using the word, “must” is very surprising…They went and told the whole world that the North is now divided…”
The ACF chairman also decried the crisis rocking the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), maintaining that the forum would intervene to ensure that governors of the northern extraction work together as a united entity.
“I think it is very necessary now for ACF to really intervene in what is happening within the NSGF…two governors had already withdrawn. It is something that we have to reconcile. “I come from Bauchi State, I feel really unhappy that my governor has withdrawn from the NSGF,” he said.
He explained further that it was necessary for the North to come together for a common vision, goal and strategy, needed to negotiate from the position of strength and secure a favourable camp ahead of the 2015 elections.
He disclosed that the ACF and the NEF were collating a list of all the groups in the North with a view to working for a common goal, stressing that a joint committee headed by Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie and Prof Ango Abdullahi, had been set up to identify all the northern groups.
Mohammed also advocated for all elections in 2015 to hold within one day in order to achieve free and fair election and to reduce cost. “We have noticed that in order to have free and fair elections in 2015, we think that there should be only one election day. In Kenya, there was one day election for seven elections that is the presidency, Senate, House of Representatives, state Assemblies as well as local government. I can’t see any reason why Nigeria will not do that.
“We also feel that it is going to be cheaper, and all the security and other arrangements will be done same day. So if Kenya can do it, I see no reason why Nigeria cannot do it.
“I am of the view that we will pressure Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to really think about our view and hold elections on the same day,” Mohammed said.
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.
It was an anti climax Thursday at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ended without any single word of opposition against the national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
There was tension at the NEC hall of the party as members walked in, discussing the possible outcome of the meeting. But the governors, who had allegedly perfected their plan to remove Tukur, did not arrive the venue on time.
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.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
