Daily Archives: July 13, 2013

NIGERIA: WHY MY RELATIONSHIP WITH AMAECHI IS NOT CORDIAL – OPARA

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 How would you describe your current relationship with Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The governor recently alleged that you betrayed him?

I do not have a cordial relationship with Amaechi. I can say that clearly. I worked for PDP in 2011. I was the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee that ensured the victory of PDP in Rivers State in 2011. I was one of those who worked for the victory of PDP in Rivers State, but after that I have had no dealing with him. Amaechi claimed that he made me deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. That is very unfortunate. It is very sad. This is a statement I had initially waved aside, believing that nobody would believe such story. But since the lie is still being repeated, I felt I should respond to it. There is a saying in my place that when a lie is told many times, it resembles the truth. Some people would begin to believe it as the truth. How can a State Assembly member influence the choice of a presiding officer of the House of Representatives? It is unimaginable. The process of emerging as deputy Speaker or as a presiding officer of the House of Representatives ends in the House; on the floor of the House itself and Amaechi has never be a member of the National Assembly. So, he did not have a vote and he didn’t have a role to play at that level.

I will give to him what he did. He was one of those who spoke to Odili to support my candidature as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives in 2003. I repeat, he was one of those who spoke to Dr. Peter Odili to support my candidature. That was all Amaechi did. I have never heard even Odili, the then governor saying that he made me deputy speaker. After Odili agreed to support my candidature – please note, that was the position zoned to South-south – there were other South-south governors that were involved in the process. After that, we appeared before the National Working Committee led by Audu Ogbe. I recall that the person that was supported by South-east was rejected by the working committee. I went through that process then got to the floor of the House. Some of my colleagues, specifically West Idahosa and Temi Harriman said to me at different times that they were withdrawing from that contest because I was the candidate.

At what point did Rotimi Amaechi come in?
The only role like I said is that he spoke to Dr. Odili to support my candidature. Thereafter, he played no role. So, it is unimaginable that Amaechi would consistently tell such bogus lie that he made me deputy speaker. Now, he made me deputy speaker and I betrayed him. Where is the betrayal coming from? That I indicated interest to be governor of Rivers State? I have a right to contest an election. Unfortunately, on the day of the election, Dr. Peter Odili asked me to withdraw and I backed out of the election. But I can tell you and I put on record that we know what happened. The only person I have not heard that he (Amaechi) has accused of betraying him is God.

Let’s talk about the visit of the First Lady to Rivers State and the crises that followed. What actually happened?
We were at the airport to receive the first lady. Neither Amaechi nor his wife was there to receive the first lady. We received her and she went to town. She was in Port Harcourt for about 10 days. There was no sign of the Rivers State government. She spent her time in her home state and went back. That was precisely what happened.

How true is the claim that the crisis in Rivers State is being masterminded by the Presidency?
The problem we have in Rivers State is an internal affair. Rivers crisis is internal. Mr. President has never spoken to me about it. His wife has never spoken to me about it. It is our internal crisis.

Critics say some Wike loyalists are plotting to impeach Amaechi with five members?
I am not part of that. We said on several occasion that we are democrats. Five persons cannot impeach a governor in a House of 32. I am not aware of any plan by five legislators to impeach Amaechi.

There are speculations that pro-Amaechi elements in the Rivers State PDP are planning to dump the party for APC. Are you worried?
Clearly as we speak, Amaechi is not a member of PDP. He has been suspended; he is certainly not a member. Unfortunately for him, he has gone to court. So, the matter is in court. He has no business with the PDP. The earlier he leaves for another party, the better for him and the system. But I can assure you that Rivers is a PDP state and will remain a PDP state. Rivers does not need Amaechi or PDP does not need Amaechi to win Rivers State.

Is Amaechi not performing well in Rivers State?
In judging, there should be yardstick. How much has Amaechi realized from the federation account in the past six years? Over N1.6 trillion. The state is owing over N200 billion. You said Amaechi has performed; what is performance? The classrooms? I can tell you the principles behind the contract award of classrooms and the health centres. They were meant to patronize political associates and his loyalists. Where are the teachers for those classrooms? Where are the furniture? How many of them are in use today as we speak?

People say that “Abuja politicians” like you are being used by the First Lady to undermine the Amaechi administration. How would you react to this?
I said it earlier that the First Lady is not using me and she is not using any member of our group. Abuja politicians will go to Port Harcourt. I am in Port Harcourt every weekend. Let Amaechi come out for an election with me; we are in the same senatorial district then we will be able to determine who is more on ground. Forget the fact that he is a governor. I am an Abuja politician – good, but Amaechi was a Ghana politician. He was not even in Nigeria, he ran out of the country. So, if I am in Abuja, I am still within Nigeria, but he was in Ghana and I am sure that Ghana will be too close because he will go somewhere farther than Ghana.

What happened between the President and Amaechi in Port Harcourt?
The President arrived and he received everybody. Wike, everybody shook hands with everybody. Amaechi wanted the President to avoid some persons but the President said these are Rivers people and he shook hands with everybody and left. Let me tell you, Amaechi has gotten it wrong. Amaechi needs to retrace his steps. God favours Amaechi. The way he came in as governor has never happened in the history of this country. That alone should humble Amaechi and he should go back to God. He should not miss the track. In 1999, I was returned unopposed in the primaries. I was returned unopposed in the general election to the House of Representatives. Amaechi was contesting the state assembly. He lost the election in the state assembly. He went to tribunal and lost. He went to appeal and got judgment. At that point, I was already made. I was already a member-elect.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Battle for Osadebe House: Who’s next after Oshiomhole?

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ALTHOUGH the next governorship election in Edo State is expected to hold in 2016, preparations are already in top gear across the state’s three senatorial districts, as politicians search for Comrade Governor Oshiomhole’s successor.

However, going by the principle of zoning which has been entrenched into Nigeria’s political lexicon, Edo North Senatorial district would certainly be left out of the governorship race as the incumbent governor hails from the zone

So the coast is now clear for Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial districts to produce the next governor, and both districts seem to have drawn a battle line as far as the issue is concerned.

Since the advent of the current political dispensation in the state in 1999, Edo-South has presided over affairs for eight years in the person of Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (1999-2007) and  his Deputy, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe from Edo North.

Edo Central held the reins of power for one and half years under Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor (2007- Nov. 2008) with Mr. Lucky Imansuen from Edo South as his Deputy; while Edo North is currently having its eight years in office under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with Rt. Hon (Dr.) Pius Odubu from Edo South as his Deputy.

Against this backdrop, zoning of political offices, ethnic sentiments and horse trading are expected to play a major role in determining which of the aforementioned zones would produce the next governor of the state.

Having had a bitter experience following its defeat by the ACN in the 2012 governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would not play to the gallery this time around regarding the choice of who flies its flag in 2016. While the party would want to adhere to its zoning formula; its strength in each zone, voting population, contributions of individuals as well as party loyalty and discipline would also come into play as far as who turns out to be its flagbearer is concerned.

As for the Action Congress of Nigeria,if APC sails through the INEC registration, the question of who becomes its gubernatorial candidate after Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is already raising dust.  While some would-be governorship aspirants are already warming up for the coveted seat, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s high-flying performance, acknowledged even by the World Bank, is expected to be one of the yard sticks that will determine the party’s choice.

According to the former Chief of General Staff, SSG, to the Lucky Igbinedion administration and currently the National Vice-Chairman (South- South) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu at a recent lecture in Benin, “The fact is that the incumbent goveror, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has taken Edo State to a higher pedestal in developmental indices that was even acknowledged by the World Bank. Definitely, Edo people cannot accept anything less in the political credentials of those aspiring to that exalted office, as retrogression in development and lethargy in governance is now antithetical to the expected quality of governance in Edo State.

“Edo needs a grassroots political leader with a compassionate heart to connect with the suffering citizens and the under-privileged; a youthful face to reach out to the teeming youngsters seeking hope for tomorrow; a deeply religious politician as righteousness exalts a people and brings down the blessings of God; experienced enough to wisely dissect the counsel of the elderly in the political class, and popular nationally in the party to attract economic investments to Edo State”

Among those speculated to be interested in the race so far are: Dr. Joseph E. Ebidamiagbon, a UK-based Medical Doctor; Prof. Sylvanus Isi Oriakhi, based in the United States; Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, Senator Ehigie Uzamere and former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor. Also rumoured to be interested in the race is Arch. Mike Onolemenmen, current Minister of Worksand so on. There are several others who may indicate their interest in the race in the future.

Meanwhile, political pundits in the state are of the view that emphasis should be placed on prudence going by the loss of political equation Edo Central has witnessed as a result of the Court of Appeal’s ruling in 2008 when deciding prospective candidates by the parties.

Political observers also reason that following the drawbacks Edo Central Senatorial zone has experienced in the politics of Edo State in recent years, a possible consensus could lead to a formidable candidate from the zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even with the high-profile names that are being rumoured to have shown interest in the governorship race from the zone.

The rumour making the rounds is that Arc. Mike Onolememen is highly favoured by the political class in the PDP, given that he is currently a source of leadership inspiration in the party and has attracted so many people with his maturity as a Minister of State, Defense and Minister of Works. He is also said to be enjoying the full support of the political leadership in Edo cutting across various political divides. If that ‘permutation’ is anything to go by, then there could be hope for the PDP in the future politics of the state. This, no doubt, will be a major hurdle for would-be candidates from other political parties – especially the ACN which the PDP is waiting to take advantage of.

Onolememen is believed to command a positive influence among the general public and he has endeared to himself a mature leadership ever since he became a Minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is also said to have displayed a high sense of leadership in the management of affairs even as a Minister of Works, and he could do better if given the opportunity as a Governor. In the words of the coordinator of Edo16 Network at the meeting, “Arc. Mike has shown enough competence right from when he was a Minister of State for Defense. Leadership is about vision and competence.”

In a position paper presented by a new pressure group, “Do 16 Network”, coordinated by Aihie Tom and Dr. Evans Uwadia at its inaugural meeting on Political Equation in Edo State recently, it posited that the emergence of any Governorship Candidate from the three Senatorial Districts should be of a great concern to every person that believes in the unity, fairness and progress of Edo State.

This, they believe, should be a lesson drawn from the crisis generated before, during and after the 2007 Governorship Election that eventually nosedived in 2008. The group, comprising members from the three senatorial districts in Edo, described Edo Central Senatorial Zone as the Political Wealth of Edo and wondered why a district with such a reputation should not be allowed to govern for two terms as experienced by the two Senatorial districts – Edo North and Edo South.

And for the ACN, Comrade Oshiomhole is very busy providing democratic dividends for the people of the state. For now, he is not thinking of grooming a possible successor although he has a major role to play in deciding who succeeds him.

The possible gladiators in the ACN are Oshiomhole’s deputy, Rt. Hon Dr. Pius Odubu, who is very loyal to his boss and has also paid his political dues in the state. Having served as a two-time lawmaker in the House of Representatives and another eight years as Deputy Governor, he has garnered enough experience and is  well equipped for the governance of the state if given the nod by his party.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is not a stranger in the politics of the state. As a former Chief of Staff and SSG to the Lucky Igbinedion administration, he knows the workings of government in and out. And as one of those who promoted the Grace Group, he commands a lot of followership and has the political sagacity to perform in office if given the opportunity.

As for Barrister Osarodion  Ogie, the current Commissioner for Works, many see in him another Babatunde Fashola who as former Chief of Staff to Ahmed Bola Tinubu, under-studied his master. Ogie, an unassuming and quintessential team player, is one man many should watch out for in the race for Osadebe Avenue.

Senator Ehigie Uzamere, the two-time lawmaker representing Edo South in the Senate, is not a pushover also. He has the capacity to do battle with others  for the plum office when the right time comes.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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PDP: We are not running a parallel NWC- Gana tells Tukur

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ABUJA- CHAIRMAN, Special National Convention Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Professor Jerry Gana yesterday declared that Committee was not in any way running a parallel National Working Committee, NWC contrary to reports that the Committee was at war with Bamanga Tukur led Executive.

Addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja, the former Minister of Information, who explained that the Committee was working in line with its assignment which has to do with conducting the Special National Convention, said that the functions of the Committee were not in any way conflicting with that of the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur led NWC.
Gana who also vowed that the Convention Committee will not in the course of its assignment go outside its terms of reference.
Flanked by the Secretary of the Committee and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Professor Gana disclosed that Special National Convention scheduled to hold at  Eagle Square, Abuja, will take place on Saturday, 31st August, 2013 while the South West Zonal Congress will hold on Saturday, 24th, August, 2013 with Ibadan as venue.

It will be recalled that the Special National  Convention was earlier fixed for 20th of this month while the South West Congress would have taken place yesterday, but it became imperative to shift the days as they coincided with the period of the Ramadan fast.

According to Gana, approved guidelines for both the Zonal Congress and the Special National Convention shall be released on Monday next week, adding that the appropriate Nomination Forms which had earlier been released by the Committee remain valid, “but more copies shall be made available as may be required by interested members. For the avoidance of doubt, all Nominatiin Forms earlier purchased and completed by interested members remain valid.”

When asked to comment on reports of complaints by PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur that his Committee was running a parallel NWC, Gana said, ‘’the answer to the question as to whether we are running a parallel executive is absolutely, no.  ‘’This is because, immediately we were inaugurated, we met and the primary assignment given to this committee was given to us by the NEC.  We read it out to our members and it does not in any way conflict with the functions of the NWC.

On the treatment at the Chairman’s residence where he was locked out with Ekweremadu, the former Minister of Information said, “We don’t want to speak on the speculated lock-out at the chairman’s residence.  We don’t want to speak on such an issue concerning a man we have great respect for.  Whatever it is, shall be  resolved, but not on the pages of newspapers.’’

It will be recalled that since the National Executive Committee, NEC of the party at its last meeting last month approved the Committee to conduct election and fill the post where some members of the National Working Committee, NWC resigned, Tukur has been having problem with the Committee.

The problem, Vanguard gathered first came up when Tukur complained of non inclusion of members of NWC as sub-committee members which then led to the inclusion of six of the NWC members.

The national chairman and members of the interim NWC, a source told vanguard are not happy with the Gana’s committee on the grounds that the committee was operating as a parallel NWC, whereas, the committee was  expected to take directives from the Tukur led NWC.

Speaking further on the Special Convention, Gana promised that the Committee would ensure that the Convention was conducted in transparent, free, fair and credible manner, even as he stressed that founding fathers of the party strongly desired the restoration of democracy in Nigeria through which governments shall be freely elected by the people in free, fair and credible elections under the rule of law.

“Democracy was thus central to the formation of the PDP, without which it may lose essence and meaning. This is why the Party is making every effort to sustain internal democracy.”

The Chairman of the Convention who explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had been notified of the convention prior to the change of date, said that what the party will do would be to give INEC additional information on the new dates, adding, “It was several years back that the party resolved that for each convention, we have a special convention planning committee.  This is just like what is happening in the country.  You cannot have a situation where the Federal Executive Council organising a national election.

“That is why we have an INEC.  It is part of fairness, it is part of democracy; it is part of making sure that democracy is not truncated by selfishness.  So, we are not in any conflict.  The assignment given to us was communicated to us again by the NWC.  I assure you that we will never go beyond what we have been assigned.

“On the letter to INEC informing them of this development, a letter was signed by the national chairman of our great party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, to inform the INEC about the convention.  Because of the Ramadan fasting, we shifted the date.  So, the national chairman has already informed INEC and given the mandatory 21 days notice.

“The notice has already been served.  We have already informed them and we have done that before the 21 days period and so, we have fulfilled the law.  Just for the purpose of emphasis, it was not the secretary (Ekweremadu) or me that signed the letter; it was our national chairman that signed the letter.

On letter from the former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola  complaining of the South West Congress that the office was not vacant, Gana who admitted that the Committee received the letter from him, said, “immediately we received the letter since we have legal advisers in the party we referred the letter to legal advisers. We as a committee will receive the report when the full committee meets and whatever is advised in accordance to law we will abide.

“In the meantime, in order not to cheat any body of their privilege those who want to purchase the form before the expiration of the date will be allowed to do so because if we don’t allow them and at the end it is ruled that they can purchase forms then there is no time. So an office can only be contested for only if it is vacant. If in the end the ruling is clear that it is not vacant of course we will give them their money and they too will see that it was not our fault. So we are allowing them so that they will not excluded unfairly.

Speaking on the list of delegates to the Special Convention, Gana who stressed that the list of 2012 would be used because the forthcoming convention was not a fresh one, but to remedy the wrong, said, ‘’when we met last, we sent the list to the states for verification not ratification. Because the National Executive Committee has already taken a very clear decision that this is a repeat convention. So the delegates list will be in accordance with the 2012 convention. ‘’But in the event where some people have passed on or are no longer members of our party only the state formation of the party will be able to advise us that certain persons are no longer in the party or have died.”That is the verification.

‘’Once they return the list, it is not for election at all, we are not going to do an election of new delegates, so we want to assure that delegates will be very appropriately constituted in accordance with directive of the National Executive Committee as already sent to the state the published list of delegates.

He assured that the state party formations will not tamper with the delegate list knowing that “we the master list with us.’’, adding that an accreditation committee has been set up to verify the list and ensure that members are protected and if there are issues we will send it to the committee and they will do accreditation.

He said, “We want to assure you that no one will be cheated out of his or her right.”
On the zoning of offices to geopolitical zones, Senator Ekweremadu said, “just for the sake of clarification, in the first place all the position due to respective zones will remain in those zones. But for respective zones the states will now meet if there any need to rearrange the position.

‘’But as much as possible we encourage that the states would maintain what was given to them. We think that it is fair but the zones are at liberty as long as there is consensus and they really agree. The main thing is just for fairness. Unless it becomes necessary then what they”

On the crisis rocking Rivers State, Gana, stated that while the crisis was outside their purview as a convention committee, he expressed confidence that the  appropriate bodies saddled with the responsibility of looking into to matter were  doing so.

He said, “I am sure you know that it is not part of our assignment, but I want to assure you that the appropriate body including the National Assembly are already looking into it and they will take the necessary steps to look into the matter. Fortunately I am very privileged to have the deputy Senate President as the Secretary of this committee and he has assured me that they are doing their very best to assure that these issues are resolved.

But it is not part of the responsibility of the national convention committee.”
When asked on the number of persons that have so far collected forms and how much was the budget, Gana however declined to state the number of people that have collected and submitted form so far.

He however said people were free to buy their forms, adding that when the accreditation committee was through with its assignment, names of those that have indicated interest and qualified to stand for the election would be published accordingly.

He explained that sub committees were setup to assist them in the process adding that it was the usual practice by the party.

– See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/pdp-we-are-not-running-a-parallel-nwc-gana-tells-tukur/#sthash.GT886KSb.dpuf

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Nigeria: We need a high profile scapegoat too

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A big fish was spiked out of the muddy waters of politics and government in China early this week and hung up to dry.

Mr Liu Zhijun, the Minister of Rail Transportation was given a suspended death sentence for alleged corruption while in government.

His trouble started when there was a train collision a couple of years back which called for a probe. The probe also coincided, unfortunately for him, with the President’s determination to rid China of corruption.

So you could say he was a scapegoat; a high profile tokenism in a corrupt ridden system.

Mr Zhijun had spent over 20 years in government and ironically, his tenure witnessed a rail revolution of sorts when better, faster trains were built.

In other climes, particularly in Nigeria, he would have been described as a performing Minister and given a plethora of awards. It took an accident to unearth some undercover deals that eventually put him away.

On the same day that Mr Zhijun was facing his suspended death sentence, our own ex Transport Minister, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode was in court to defend himself against allegations of corruption. He has been trying to extricate himself from the EFCC net since 2008 according to his lawyers. A case of two countries and two Transport Ministers you could say.

One got a death sentence while the other is enjoying the hide and seek game of a politically unserious regime. What does Mr Zhijun’s case say to the world about China’s promise to fight corruption? What does Mr Fan-Kayode’s case say?

There are a few lessons to learn from Mr Zhijun’s case as well. It is instructive that there were no elders and tribal warlords proclaiming political harassment.

Whilst it is possible that there were political undertones in his arraignment and prosecution, Mr Zhijun is, according to law, guilty as charged having broken the 11th commandment which says ‘thou shall not be caught’. At this point, political and ethnic considerations must take a back seat if you really want to fight corruption and clean up your country.

That Zhijun played a key role in the rail revolution of his country did not stop him from soiling his hand; a lesson we must bear in mind in assessing those few governors we call performing Governors or the Ministers who are recipients of local and even international awards. How much is the civil society or even the press doing to hold these people to the minimum standard of accountability and transparency?

We used to say Nigerians would demand more transparency from their leaders once they started paying commensurate taxes. Now we pay taxes. At least much more than we used to pay. Yet as far as the profligacy of our leaders is concerned, it is more of the same.

So why for goodness sake, do we allow our leaders to steal our money and get away with it because they have tarred some roads and built a few hospitals? Why do we also allow them to make governance so attractive for themselves and their offspring that it has become a family business? An ex governor who should actually be hiding his head struts about a State as if he owns it and talks about democratic dispensations as if we are all fools who can’t see or feel.

At the last count, he has installed key members of his family and friends into prominent and lucrative positions. Nothing he has achieved —as a dogged political fighter, June 12 activist or Governor—entitles him to appropriate (or misappropriate) the commonwealth and demand a slice of every juicy pie. We hear and see things, and what we hear and see are damaging to say the least; especially to those who see him as a role model.

We should also commend the courage and speed of the Chinese judiciary. Here, we have not made a head or tail of those who were indicted in the oil subsidy scam early last year. That prominent House of Representative official who was said to have collected bribe over a year ago, is still walking free and probably preparing for the gubernatorial election of his State.

The pension thieves who have sent many retired people to their early graves are still enjoying the warmth of their wives. When will justice be done to these people?

Also the length of the sentence shows not only the seriousness of the crime, but the seriousness with which it is viewed in China. Compared to this, our plea bargaining in Nigeria, makes us nothing but a laughing stock to the rest of the world.

When are we going to have a high profile case decided in a manner that will give us hope? i.e from indictment through prosecution to judgement within a period that shows some seriousness without the monarchs, elders and tribal warlords inputting ethnic, religious and political colouration to what is usually a simple case of daylight robbery?

The saying ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’ is never truer than in Nigeria. Here, justice is initially delayed and eventually denied. And so, out again they go— with their colleagues— to sin some more.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Nigeria: God’ll see Eagles through Brazil 2014 qualifiers – Onazi

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Onazi Ogenyi has had a steady climb from the Under-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets from where he shot into prominence when he featured for Nigeria in the U-17 World Cup which Nigeria hosted in 2009 to earning a place with the Super Eagles.

Following his superlative performance at the Africa Nations Cup in South Africa where Nigeria emerged eventual winners, the midfielder has become a news maker of sort. Recently supers-port.com engaged him in an interview session while he was on holiday before the Serie A resumes.

Tell us who Onazi is?

I was born in Jos and come from a family that has three brothers and I’m the last born in the family. I pretty much grew up in Jos and that is where my career started.

How has the experience been so far in the green and white shirt?

It’s a great opportunity and great experience that every footballer wants to get and I always give thanks to God for giving the grace that has seen me manage to secure a chance to feature in this level for my country.

You were focal in Afcon which saw your team win the title, was that your greatest achievement as a player?

It is certainly one of my greatest achievements since I started playing football and I’m happy I got the opportunity through God’s grace to feature in the greatest competition in the continent. The country was in search of the title that evaded them for a while and we managed to bring it back home.

Well, every player has a role model out there, who makes you tick and why?

I can’t single out any individual. There are great people out there who inspire me and I manage to pick certain aspects from all of them.

You missed out on the Confederations Cup, what’s the extent of your injury?

I suffered a knee injury and it wasn’t that terrible and by the grace of God I’ll be going back to club since I’ve recovered.

As a young Nigerian footballer, what do you think the upcoming players should do in their bid to thrive?

Most important thing they should value is hard work, discipline and pray to God and they should as well play as if everything is dependent on them on the field of play.

How has Serie A treated you so far?

It’s been a perfect experience for me and it’s a good platform for young players to learn with every chance given to prove your worth because if you fluff you chance you lose your opportunity.

What do you do when not playing football?

I’m a good gospel musician and I play instruments. This is one of the things that make me stay indoors, I love music.

What do you make of Nigeria’s World Cup chances?

We are not there yet, all I can say for now since we are in the campaign is that God’s grace will see us excel and go through to the tournament.

What do you make of African football?

African football is really progressing and I was surprised that Cape Verde eliminated Cameroon to qualify for Afcon. Other countries also played well like Burkina Faso and that highlights how greater they climb up in terms of level of play.

– See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/godll-see-eagles-through-brazil-2014-qualifiers-onazi/#sthash.ZOATrVak.dpuf

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Domestic Violence: A society biased against males?

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While the majority of domestic violence victims are women, male-oriented abuse occurs more often than many think. Naturally, men are stronger than women but that does not necessarily make it easier for them to have their way all the time.

According to a 2010 National Survey by the Centres for Disease Control and U.S Department of Justice, in the last 12 months, more men have been victims of intimate-partner physical violence than women.

The survey also indicates that men were also more often  victims of psychological aggression.  It is not also impossible that gender-biased individuals have overtime managed to sway society into believing that there are more female victims of domestic violence than men.  Yet, men are being ignored and threatened by a double-edged sword; they are victimized by partners who also complain about being abused.

Also, an abused man faces a shortage of resources, skepticism from Police and other major legal obstacles, especially when it comes to gaining custody of his children from an abusive mother. Could it be natural or was it designed by men themselves?

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, Israel Obi, who was a victim of hot vegetable oil bath by his wife, narrated his ordeal: “I got married to Victoria May 2005 and settled in Odorasanya in, Ijebu Igbo of Ogun State. It all started when my wife influenced me about our relocation to Lagos and I did not know it was the beginning of my trauma. Victoria, influenced by our new environment (hustle and bustle in Lagos), started coming late from her shop. And anytime I cautioned my wife, she turned the situation into an argument. She changed from  my loving wife to the abusive spouse calling me different names.”

On that fateful night, Israel and his wife had an intense argument and around1.00am,Victoria went into her husband’s room and poured hot vegetable oil on him. Israel lamented, “It was our neighbours from the other flats that took me to a hospital and I was there for a whole month.”

After his discharge from the hospital, Victoria pleaded for forgiveness and they were together again. But barely two weeks after, Israel was receiving a phone call from a distant aunt and his wife thought it was a conversation with an unknown mistress. Victoria accused him of infidelity. “Before I knew what was happening, she smashed my phone to the ground and started destroying all the gadgets at home. When I tried to stop her, she became more aggressive and stabbed me with a knife,” he revealed.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Nigeria: Wife turns husband to house help

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In this shocking but all-too-familiar tale of domestic violence,  Onyemma, a 29-year-old businessman, told this reporter how his uncle became a dummy house help in his own house at the hands of a nagging  and brutal housewife. He says his uncle, Mr Gideon, has been stripped of his self-confidence as a man and his marriage has become a living nightmare.

Mr Gideon’s story

A few years after their marriage, Gideon was like a little god to his wife but things took a different turn when he lost his job with a paint company.  His wife suddenly became the bread winner, calling the shots in the house.

In his words, “The once happy home changed to something else when my uncle lost his driving job in the 90’s. The wife became a terror in the house. She would send him on errands, demand that he perform menial chores like fetching water, sweeping the house, etc. My uncle was doing it because he thought he was helping his wife, but little did he know that was the beginning of his trauma. Anytime he fails to carry out these home chores, he now gets the beating of his life. He has been stripped of his self confidence and dignity as a man.

“This humiliation was so much to the extent that the elders of my kindred summoned her to know why she was treating their brother in that manner.  But the intervention of the kindred did not yield any result as the wife had turned her husband into her property, manipulating him at will.

“As family members, we rarely visit my uncle in his house because we have found out that their relationship is dotted with incessant assaults and the silly attitude of a domineering wife.  All manner of interventions for a loving relationship have proved abortive. So, if you ask him, he would not hesitate to tell you that men are mostly the victims of domestic violence.  That is if his wife does not hear him say so, because he will get another beating of his life.”

 

Mrs. Janet, a 40 year-old trader who is also a mother of two, is always ready to tell the story of her husband who threw caution to the wind and slept with their only daughter, putting her in the family way against tradition.

But she would always have herself to blame as she narrated that her prolonged absence from home created the gap that not only ruined her marriage but destroyed what was left of her daughter’s life.

“I  was not always around.  At a time when my daughter needed motherly care and advice, I was not around.  At the time she had her first menstrual period, my husband was at home with her and gave her the necessary care.  But it turned out to be a sordid experience as the man took advantage of his growing daughter.

He began to sleep with her afterwards, telling her if he didn’t do that, the menstrual blood would continue. That continued without my knowledge until I discovered the girl was ill. I got the shock of my life when I was told my daughter was pregnant.  More devastating was the fact  that her father had been sleeping with her,” she lamented.

According to her, the husband initially denied responsibility.  But after the intervention of their village head, he confessed to the crime. “He was interrogated by the police, but he denied.  Our king intervened and also interrogated him and he later confessed to the crime,” she stated.

On the punishment meted out to him, Janet said as is customary in the African culture, he  was banished by the king from the community.  “He has been banished from the village, leaving me  to take care of the 13 children,” she said.

Lamenting how she has been taking care of the children, she said the punishment should also have included taking care of the 13 children she has from the marriage.  “It has been very excruciating, a more severe punishment should have been given to him to take care of the children rather than leaving me all alone to care for the 13 children. Although the man was not really doing anything serious before the incident, he supported from the little pension he collected from his former employer,” she disclosed.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Nigeria: N5bn pension Scam: Ex-Director secures N500m bail

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Having spent thirty-nine days at Kuje Maximum prison, a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to the former Director of Pension Accounts in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, Dr Sani Teidi Shaibu, to the tune of N500 million.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola further directed the ex-pension boss who was said to have connived with a former manager with the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc, Mr Udusegbe Omoefe Eric, and diverted about N5 billion meant for  pensioners across the federation, to produce two sureties in like sum..
Likewise, the court also released his alleged accomplice, Eric, on the same bail terms, stressing that the sureties must be owners of landed property with the jurisdiction of the court.
Besides, the sureties are to deposit the title deeds of their property with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
According to the judge, “The accused persons should equally deposit their travelling documents with the court registrar and must not travel without the permission of the court. If the travelling passports are already with the court, they should be transferred to the registrar of this court.”
Before adjourning hearing on the substantive case against them till October 23, Justice Adeniyi directed that in the event the accused persons fail to meet the conditions upon which they were granted bail yesterday, they should be returned to Kuje prison.
It  will be recalled that the court had earlier suspended ruling on their bail application indefinitely sequel to a petition the ex-pension boss wrote against the presiding judge.
Teidi, who was said to have acted without the consent of his lawyer, wrote the Chief Judge of the High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, accusing the trial judge of deliberately allowing him to remain in prison custody despite that he had filed his application for bail.
It was the contention of the accused person that the judge had on several occasions thwarted efforts by his legal team to secure his release.
Consequent upon the petition, Justice Adeniyi adjourned the case in order to answer to respond to the petition as he was directed to do by the CJ.
The duo who are answering to a 22-count criminal charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, breach of public trust and obtaining by false pretense, were on June 7, arraigned before the high court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
EFCC had maintained that the accused persons used nine companies and siphoned pension funds.
It gave names of the companies accused of complicity in the pension scam as Gozinda Enterprises, Bashinta Nigeria Ltd, Haleath Enterprises, Uthatak Nigeria Ltd, Krasiva Nig Ltd, Badawulu Ventures Limited, Ebunu Attah Investment, Muha Millennium Motors Limited, Ribaile Petroleum Ltd.

EFCC had earlier revealed before the court how the accused persons used seven Bureau De Change operators and stole pension funds, adding that during the investigation process, one Mohammed Muhamud, owner of Muha Motors, who it said volunteered statements on 16/2/2011 and 31/5/2011, confessed that Dr Shaibu, at various times, used his bank accounts to transfer huge sums of money to another account operated by one Chief Anthony Azewaputa, who EFCC said facilitated the purchase of “Brifina Hotel”, for the 1staccused person.
The agency told the court that the offence which it said ran contrary to sections 1(1) (a), 7(1) (b) (i), 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under sections  1(3), 7(2) (b) (i) of the same Act, was committed between 2009 and 15 March 2010.

More so,  EFCC, alleged that the remanded pension boss, siphoned money from the pensions department and purchased plot B59 Dawaki Extension Layout in Abuja from one Stanley Obioma Iwu, with the intent to disguise the ownership of the proceeds of the illegal transaction, as well as, looted monies and purchased 100 units of Lifetime 32-LCD Television, 100 units of Samsung Refrigerators, 70 units of Samsung 1.5 HP Air-Conditioners, 30 units of Samsung Split unit 1.5 HP Air Conditioners, 15 units of 3HP Package unit Air-Conditioners from Iwu, Chikwado Ezenwoye and Essential Gadgets Ventures

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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River State saga: Impeach Goodluck Jonathan now – Accord Party

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BENIN CITY-THE National Leadership of the Accord Party (AP) has urged the National Assembly to immediately commence impeachment process against President Goodluck Jonathan, over what it described as the presidency’s perceived role in the political crisis in Rivers State. National Secretary of the Party, Dr Samsom Isibor, in a statement in Benin City yesterday, declared that the seeming intolerance of President Jonathan towards the opposition political parties is a danger to the nation’s democracy.

While pointing out that the refusal of the President to accept the result of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, which Governor Rotimi Amaechi won after he polled 19 votes as against the 16 by Governor Jonah Jang, was an impeachable offence, the party said impeaching the President is the best thing for the nation in order not to distort this democracy.

According to the statement, “President Jonathan is supposed to be the custodian of our constitution and for him to accept 16 as against the popular 19 votes is unconstitutional. A situation where minority of 5 lawmakers out of 37 were backed by the presidency with all the federal might including Police and Military declared that they have impeached the House speaker with majority of 27 members supporting him were driven out and tear-gas by security agencies is condemnable”. The party therefore backed the two resolution adopted by the House of Representative on Wednesday which declared it was taking over the function of the River State House of Assembly and the call for the immediate redeployment of the River State Police Commissioner , Mr Joseph Mbu over his alleged role in the Crisis. “

Accord Party, therefore resolve that the House of Representative should go further and impeached the President for his mis-governance, and disobedience of the rule of law and overheating the polity because of his intolerance of the opposition due to his 2nd term ambition, so that our nation can move forward” it stated.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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Nigeria: Victory at last – Al-Mustapha’s lawyer

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In a terse statement by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, said:” For now, we cannot make comments about the judgement. Copies of the judgement are yet to be issued by court. I need to study it before making my comments.”

The Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan, spoke in the same vein on telephone with Saturday Vanguard.

Head of Abiola family, Alhaji Mubashiru Abiola yesterday expressed shock over the judgement of the Court of Appeal,  Lagos which discharged and acquitted  Major Hamza Al- Mustapha,  former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, for  conspiracy and murder of Kudirat Abiola.

Bashiru who spoke in Abeokuta, said that the family was hearing the news for the first time.
He  however, emphasized that the family would not make any statement over the matter for now until a meeting of the family over the Appeal Court judgment which had not been fixed.

Kudirat’s first daughter,  Hafsat Abiola-Constello also commenting on the judgement of the Appeal Court, said, the family would soon come up with a press release on the issue.

But for  Mr Olalekan Ojo, Al-Mustapha’s Counsel. “It was a victory against injustice. “The Justices of the Court of Appeal in Lagos have brought sanity to the criminal justice system of Nigeria. They were unanimous in condemning the attitude of the learned trial judge in the handling of the case.

“Again, they said that the learned trial judge shut her eyes to the facts and evidences placed before the court and chose to rely on sentiments and politics of the South-West and that criminal conviction cannot be secured based on such evidences.

”I am happy that at last,  justice has been done, but I am sad because of two things. For 14 years, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was held  in custody for a case that was doomed from the beginning. The case that was not     properly     investigated. A case where the evidences of prosecution witnesses were contradictory. The appellate court said, it was fool-hardy for the learned trial judge to have said there were no contradictions in the evidences by the prosecution witnesses.

Al- Mustapha’s mother died because of conviction:
”However, it is sad that  Al-Mustapha’s mother died because of his conviction. From the day her son was condemned, she went into coma and never came out of it as she died less than two months.
”Now, that  is an irreparable loss to the family because of the perverse judgment of the trial court. I use this opportunity to call on those charged with the administration of criminal justice to eschew gossip, religious bigotry among others in the adjudication of any criminal case brought before them.”

Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN.

“I don’t know how they arrived at their conclusion. The law is an ass, I must say. It is surprising, very surp-rising and shocking. And I believe the state will appeal that judgement. Honestly, it is surprising and shocking how they arrived at the conclusion that he is not guilty. Because the facts are there.

“Sometimes, I don’t understand what is going on with all my long years in the inner bar. I am not suggesting any impropriety or that there is some foul play but it is shocking unless the state prosecutor  hopelessly messed up the case; otherwise, I will say it is shocking.”

Mr. Yinka Odumakin, a chieftain of Save Nigeria Group, SNG.
“The judgement is a direct license to murderers to shed innocent blood knowing that they will escape the long arm of the law. The killers of Kudirat Abiola will know no peace because her spirit will continue to torment them for the rest of their lives.”

Mr Richard Akinnola, Rights activist:

”Al-Mustapha’s acquittal, despite all the plethora of evidence against him, to me is more political than judicial. With due respect to the Appeal Court justices, it was a perverse verdict which the Lagos State Government should appeal.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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.
ionyclaret@gmail.com
https://www.codewit.com
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