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The victory by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ayo Fayose, in last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State has stunned the leadership of the All Progressives Party (APC), which was certain that their candidate and governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, would win by a comfortable margin. The shocking defeat of Fayemi has forced the APC leadership, according to party sources, to go back to the drawing board to map out a strategy to ensure that APC does not lose Osun State scheduled to hold its governorship election on August 9, 2014. On paper, Fayemi had everything going for him: The incumbency factor, his laudable stewardship as governor for four years and the fact that he belonged to APC which supposedly had the South-west geopolitical zone firmly in its grip. The election, by all estimates, was his to lose.
But that was not to be, as APC party sources have confided in THISDAY that they the main opposition party lacked the funds to effectively execute the election in Fayemi’s favour. “The truth is that APC ran out of resources to effectively execute the election on Saturday. It was not a case of Fayose being more popular than our candidate. “We grossly underestimated the capacity of the PDP to upturn the tables against Fayemi and the fact the military stopped some of our governors who could have helped from entering the state during the final rally last week did not help matters either,” the source disclosed.
THISDAY, however, discovered that it was not just APC chieftains and governors who were prevented from entering Ekiti State on the eve of the election, as a source in the presidency revealed that the Minister of State of Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Abdul Adesiyan, among other PDP chieftains, who were initially allowed entry into Ekiti by the military, were asked to leave before the election. However, having lost Ekiti, the APC leadership has turned its focus on Osun and has sworn to hold on to the state come August 9.
The Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, though popular and is considered more of a grassroots politician than Fayemi, the party will not leave anything to chance given Senator Iyiola Omisore’s strength in the state.
According to the APC chieftain, “What happened in Ekiti was a mistake. But I assure you that we will not be caught napping a second time around. If PDP is pounding its chest that it has made inroads into the South-west by capturing Ekiti, then its celebrations are premature as APC still has control over the most populous states in the region.”
However, despite APC’s assurance to THISDAY that it would win Osun, a source in the PDP opened up on how the ruling party deployed all the arsenal at its disposal to win Saturday’s election in Ekiti. He said a leader of the PDP in the South-west, Alhaji Buriji Kashamu, played a significant role in influencing the outcome of the Ekit election by deploying 25 persons in every village in Ekiti as volunteers and agents in the state.
“Each of them was empowered with bags of rice and cash, which paved the way for them to canvass for votes and protect them.” He disclosed that Fayemi lacked the charisma of a grassroots politician willing to canvass for votes in every nook and cranny of the state. PDP, on the other hand, shed all airs of superiority and begged for the votes.
“Let there be no doubt, the PDP has made its inroads into the South-west and we shall not stop at Ekiti as we have Osun and other states in our sights. We will keep changing strategy as we go along while APC continues to make the noise,” he 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.
Eminent Nigerians at the weekend continued to throng the Oluwo Kekere Basorun Ibadan residence of the late billionaire businessman and Muslim leader in the South-west, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao, who died last Wednesday in London at the age of 69.
Among the dignitaries who visited included the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, who represented his boss, President Goodluck Jonathan. He described the death of Arisekola as a monumental loss to the nation. On arrival, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, his deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, the Deputy-Senate Whip, Senator Ayoola Agboola, Chief Olabode George, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Mr. Oba Otudeko, Ajibola Afonja, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and some children of the deceased, among others welcomed him into the palatial residence.
Sambo, who arrived Arisekola’s “Aso Rock Villa” at 5:20p.m. yesterday, was led into the estate where he spoke glowingly of the late Islamic leader and expressed Jonathan’s heart-felt condolences to the government, the family and the entire people of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
This came as Ajimobi again betrayed his emotion while receiving the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and his entourage who were on a condolence visit at the Ibadan residence of Arisekola-Alao. Ajimobi had temporarily relocated to Arisekola-Alao’s residence since the news of the businessman’s death broke out last Wednesday.
He had upon hearing of Arisekola’s death broke down in tears and continued same till Friday.
Ajimobi said Arisekola’s death was a challenge to all to do good at all times just as he likened the demise of the Islamic leader to Mandela, saying “people who knew me know that I hardly cry in public but Aare is worth crying for, look at his house, look at his children, is there anybody here that Aare has not touched his life?” In an emotion laden voice, Ajimobi said Aare made many lives and impacted positively on all those he came across,. “I pray that may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Ajimobi said Arisekola-Alao lived for only 69 years out of which 50 years were used by him in the service of mankind without expecting anything in return.
Responding, the Sultan thanked Ajimobi for all he did for Arisekola’s family since his death on Wednesday, saying it was an honour well-deserved.
Abubakar, who double as President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged all to emulate the good legacies left behind by the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland by doing good to all. The Sultan also urged the government of Oyo State to immortalise Arisekola-Alao by naming a monument after him in honour of his memory.
Also, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday visited the family of Arisekola-Alao.
Tukur was accompanied on the visit by Aare Alaasa of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, Seyi Makinde, who is seeking to contest the governorship ticket in Oyo State and some members of the party in the state.
After a prayer session with the deceased family, which Tukur led, he told reporters that Nigeria had lost a great leader who combined philanthropic work with bringing peace to his domain.
“We have lost a good friend and a great leader who acted like father to all those who sought his help. We will miss him greatly. I was here a few months ago to deliver a message to him. He was in his usual self joking and expressing his interest in the development of the nation’s economy. I have known him for a long time and I personally will miss him,” said the former PDP chairman.
In his own reaction, Makinde described Arisekola as father from the same area of Ibadan whose shoes would be difficult to fill.
Other notable Nigerians who paid condolence visit to late Arrisekola’s house and paid glowing tribute in honour of his memory included Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla, Adeniyi Akintola, Dele Belgore, Santor Jibril Aminu, and a host of others.
Also, the Soun of 0gbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, has described the late business mogul as Allah’s gift to humanity. This was contained in a condolence letter sent to the state governor, Ajimobi and the family of the decease.
Oba Ajagungbade III said in the letter that the deceased lived a life of selfless service to humanity. The royal father added that Arisekola impacted positively on humanity through humility, industry and philanthropy. Ajagungbade urged the governor, family members and well wishers to see the death of the deceased as a call to higher service and thus take solace in the fact that he (Arisekola) is resting in aljanah.
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.
Senate President, Senator David Mark and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu as well as the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi yesterday congratulated Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose for his victory at governorship election held at the weekend in Ekiti State.
Similarly, the senator representing Kwara Central in the Senate, Bukola Saraki and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, joined them to celebrate the victory of Fayose and commended him for his doggedness, which they said, earned him victory at the poll. Fayose defeated incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship poll.
Mark in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, urged the governor-elect to use his mandate to promote massive development of Ekiti and also carry along all interest groups in the state without short changing or marginalising any of them in the running of his government.
“Your victory at the poll shows that the people of Ekiti State clearly endorsed your candidature. It is therefore your responsibility to reciprocate this mandate by serving them honestly and effectively.
In his own statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu described Fayose’s victory “as an important win for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the South-west,” stressing that the free and fair electoral processes that threw up the winner was vital for the growth of democracy in the country.
He said: “I send my hearty congratulations to Mr. Ayodele Fayose and our party men and women who worked hard for this important victory. I equally commend all the candidates, the good people of Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society, security agencies and other democratic structures and institutions that ensured the election was peaceful, free, fair, and credible.”
Ihedioha on his part, hailed the victory of the PDP in the poll and congratulated the winner and party’s candidate, Fayose.
Ihedioha, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oke Epia, described the victory as a strategic bolster to the PDP not just in the South-west geopolitical zone but also in the entire country and a foretaste of what is to come in the general elections, especially in states controlled by the opposition.
Noting that the election was widely observed to be free and fair with massive turn out of voters, he commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for doing a thorough job in ensuring a winner emerged through a transparent electoral process On his part, Saraki hailed Fayose over what he described as his doggedness and closeness to the grassroots over the years.
He also congratulated Fayemi whom he said took the path of honour by conceding defeat and congratulating Fayose on his success.
“With this show of sportsmanship, it is my belief that other politicians will respect the wish of the electorate and do the same in future elections, devoid of violence and political bickering as demonstrated by the peace loving people of Ekiti.
Also, Obi, who congratulated Fayose on his victory at the poll, said: “The victory of Mr. Ayo Fayose is yet another testimony that democracy is taking roots in our country. The people have spoken; the preferred candidate has won.”
He said: “Occasions like this provide an opportunity for Nigerians to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to democracy, which has seen us move rapidly from the era of victory through electoral malpractices to victory through the choice of the people.”
Also reacting to the victory, the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, commended President Jonathan for the political will to make available, the enabling environment, which made possible, the successful conduct of the election.
Mimiko hinged the generally adjudged credibility of the election to the sincere demonstration of Jonathan’s determination to ensure results of elections in the country reflects the true wishes of the people by ensuring the conduct of a free and fair election.
Congratulating Fayose on his emergence as the governor elect in the election in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko commended President Jonathan for creating the enabling environment, which made it possible for a free and fair election that led to the emergence of the governor elect.
PDP Governors Congratulate Fayose The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has said the landslide victory recorded by the candidate of the party, Mr. Ayo Fayose, in the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State has shown the confidence that Nigerians have reposed in the ruling party. PDP also pledged that governors elected on the platform of the party would continue to execute programmes that would better the lives the people. The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who spoke on behalf of other governors, said: “The forum congratulates President Goodluck Jonathan for his electoral reforms and commitment to the principle of one man, one vote, which have led to the free and fair election in Ekiti State as attested to by local and international observers.”
Orji Congratulates Fayose on Victory The Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, for his hard earned victory at the just concluded governorship election in the where he defeated the incumbent, Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Fayose polled 203, 090 votes; Fayemi came second with 120, 433 votes, while Labour Party’s Opeyemi Bamidele was in distant third. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Orji who expressed happiness over Fayose’s landmark victory, thanked the people of Ekiti State for remaining peaceful during and after the governorship election. While commending the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Police and other security agencies for the professional manner they discharged their duties, he said the people of Ekiti State made the right choice by voting massively for the PDP candidate, Fayose.
Imoke Congratulates Fayose Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has congratulated Fayose on what he described as his landslide victory at the governorship election, noting that it was democracy in action, as the outcome was a reflection of the wish of the people of Ekiti State. In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, Imoke said: “There is no doubt that the people of Ekiti State have spoken in an unmistakable terms about the choice of who they want to lead them. Their votes for you which ensured your landslide victory on Saturday are a clarion call to offer responsible, purposeful and people-oriented leadership.”
Omisore Congratulates Fayose The Osun State People Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has congratulated the Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose, on his victory at the governorship poll, describing his emergence as “the true reflection of the wishes of the Ekiti people.” Omisore, in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Strategy of his campaign organisation, Diran Odeyemi, noted that for Fayose to have emerged amidst “overt and covert evil machinations” against him by the All Progressive Congress (APC) spoke volume of the determination of the Ekiti people to “free themselves from the shackles of the ruling APC.” According to him, “the doggedness and character shown by the Ekiti State governor-elect and the rejection of APC at the poll by the people have laid a solid foundation for the struggle by the people of South-west region for freedom “from anti-masses reigns of APC in the region.”
Kwara PDP Advises APC to Accept Fayose’s Emergence The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday counselled the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to accept the victory of the new governor-elect of the state, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, in the just concluded governorship election in good faith. Also, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Mr. Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), has urged Fayose to reflect over the massive support given to him during the election and ensure the people get rewarded for their loyalty by delivering the people-oriented programmes to them. The PDP in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday and signed by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Rex Olawoye, said: “The governor-elect of Ekiti State, Fayose, against all odds and intolerant incumbent, has weathered the storm of the elections by defeating the incumbent Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in a landslide victory which is a welcome development.
Fayose’s Victory, Signals Rejection of APC Former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Oluwole Oke, yesterday said the overwhelming victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s standard-bearer in Ekiti governorship election, Mr. Ayo Fayose on Saturday has signalled the outright rejection of the All Progressive Congress (APC)’s government in the South-west geo-political zone. Oke, a former gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the PDP in Osun State, in statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Yemi Giwa congratulated Fayose and the entire people of Ekiti over their love and support for the PDP. According to him, “the hypocrisy of the APC and their anti-people programmes had been exposed and that is why they were flushed out of Ekiti State.” Oke likened the emerged scenario in Ekiti to a proverbial woman, who had tasted two husbands’ and now prefers one, saying that “the people of South West now see the PDP as the better and preferred alternative. “What happened in Ekiti State was a positive signal to what is expected in Osun State come August 9, 2014. There is need for us the PDP members in Osun State not to under estimate our opponents”, he added, praying that, “the Lord that saw Fayose through would see our popular and credible PDP governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore through during the election”.
Fayose’s Victory for Ekiti People The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the October 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, also described the victory of Mr. Ayodele Fayose in the Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State as the victory for the people of the state. Oke, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Communication, Mr. Kunle Adebayo, said the landslide victory of Fayose was a confirmation that the people of Ekiti and indeed the Yoruba people have always loved and preferred the PDP as the most credible driver of true development, opportunities and change. Oke, who is the former National Legal Adviser of the PDP said the success of Fayose was “not surprising considering the fact that the people of Southwest and Ekiti state in particular have tasted the tenures of the two parties, and have gone back to the basics and chosen a candidate, whose records and antecedents show performance, originality and true love for the people”. He said Fayose, as the only PDP governor in the south-west, would provide an effective and genuine platform as well as credible rallying point for the entire PDP in Yorubaland.
APC Loss, Opportunity to Rebuild Says Ojudu Senator Babafemi Ojudu, representing Ekiti Central, says the loss of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded governorship election in the state is an opportunity to rebuild the APC and build a party that will subscribe to ideas and ideals. “We have to re-organise our party. Mistakes have been made and lessons have also been learnt. It appears that a few of us who are leaders seem to be miles ahead of our people. It is time for us to build a party that will subscribe to our vision” Ojudu urged members of the APC not to give in to despair or be distraught, noting that democracy is about the majority, which has spoken clearly about their preference. Ojudu congratulated the governor-elect, Fayose, expressing the hope that he would not see his victory as a whip against perceived opposition, but rather as an opportunity to correct mistakes of the past and plan a better future for Ekiti State.
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.
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said with the victories of Super Eagles over Bosnia at the World Cup, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ekiti State governorship election, good things are in the offing for Nigeria.
The president dropped the hints at his investiture as the grand patron of the Boys’ Brigade during a Church Service held at Aso Villa Chapel.
“I am particularly happy today because of the two events that happened on Saturday. First was the election in Ekiti State. I’m quite happy not necessarily that my party won the election.
“Yes as a leader of the party I’m supposed to be happy, but it is beyond that, I was told that there may be crisis in Ekiti State because the report I got before the election, the feeling is that yes, one party might win or lose, but there will be fire and brimstone. I have to commend the Nigerian police and other security agencies,” Jonathan said.
He further disclosed that “those of you who watched the late night match, the Super Eagles made us proud I only see this as a sign of a great nation coming, Nigeria will surely take its rightful place in the comity of nations, all the challenges will surely pass away.”
He expressed optimism that the country would come out stronger, in spite of its security challenge. The president said: “Good will overcome evil, no matter the darkness, light will overcome.” The Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, Obioma Onwurumba, in his message titled: ‘Stewardship of Life’ said life was about service to God and humanity and not about positions.
According to the cleric “When you are faithful, God promotes you. We will account for every gift from God.” The National President of the Boys Brigade, Yandev Amaa-Bai, while making his remark, disclosed that it was stipulated in brigade’s constitution that its Grand Patron must be a serving president of the country.
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 power transmission substation at Adiabo in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State meant to boost power supply in Calabar and its environs was last Saturday inaugurated by the Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil.
The new 2X150MVA, 330/132/33KV transmission substation is a terminal station conceived to deliver power from Alaoji transmission station to Calabar and beyond.
The Federal Ministry of Power had awarded the contract to Alstorm/Areva in October 2001 at the cost of nine million pounds off shore and N307 million onshore for a duration of 18 months.
The second phase of the project which deals with the onshore aspect was re-awarded to MBH Power Limited in August 2006 at a revised onshore price of N401 million with a completion duration of eight months and since its completion in 2013, there has been pre-inauguration test transmission. The minister in his speech explained that the substation was one of many power projects being completed by the present administration in its determination to expand the entire power sector so that citizens will eventually enjoy constant power supply for the socio-economic development and growth of the nation.
“The new transmission substation is a terminal station conceived to deliver power from Alaoji power station to Calabar and its environs. This substation is very significant because it would feed transmission projects such as the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) transmission substation among others. In addiction it will also serve as a hub for power evacuation to the almost completed Niger Delta Power Holding Company power station at Odukpani.
“With the successful completion and commissioning of this substation, power supply to Calabar Municipality and environs has witnessed tremendous improvement both in capacity and integrity. The issue of low voltage as was previously experienced due to the long distance transmission line from Alaoji to Calabar, has been addressed.
“This would further stabilize as soon as the 2X60MVA substation in Adiabo is completed. Indeed improved power delivery would impact positively on the tourism industry and other commercial activities in the state. “Vandalism one of the major problems facing the power sector and I hereby call on all stakeholders to join hands in the fight,’’ the minister said.
“Wakil appealed to the government and people of Cross River State especially the host community of the new power project to support and cooperate with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in ensuring the protection of power installations and equipment located in their area.
“Let us join hands in the fight against unscrupulous vandals of power installations and individuals who persistently encroach on TCN right of way as well as miners of laterite near the foundation of our towers,” he said.
A Director of MBH Power Limited, Mr. B. Mukhi, said they were ready to strengthen its partnership with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and NIPP under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company in the quest to ramp up transmisiion facilities to evacuate 20,000 MW power by the year 2020.
He revealed that the Adiabo, Calabar 330KV substation was the ninth substation to be officially handed over by MBH Power to its partners, TCN.
Mukhi said the substation was a dual purpose facility as it was designed to receive power on 330KVA voltage levels from Odukpani and step down to 132KV voltage levels for onward transmission to Itu. “However, currently the substation functions in the reverse flow until Odukpani generation is operational. Calabar with current potential of about 550MW power generation can in the near future also become an important switching station for the rest of Nigeria besides adding new power generation.
This substation was also designed and planned in a manner that in the existing spare bay, 300MW capacity can be installed in a short period,” he said. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Mr Mack Kast, said the station is the which is the first 150MVA, 330/132/33KV transmission station in Calabar, would serve as a hub for power to the existing Economic Processing Zone 2X60MVA, 132/33KV substation as well as others that are being constructed. Kast, who was represented by Mr. Tom Uwa, emphasised that the greatest challenge in achieving the country’s plans for the power sector was vandalism.
“This act is perpetuated by citizens who for selfish reasons destroy our transmission lines and towers to make personal gains at the detriment of national development. The nation’s transmission system cannot truly expand as planned if the nefarious activities of these people are not checked,” Kast 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.
A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday expressed his concern over the act of granting state pardon to convicted political office holders.
El-Rufai, while delivering a lecture on the topic “Corruption, and the Challenge of Good Governance’’ at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said such act of pardon would encourage corruption. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the lecture which was organised by “The Companion,’’ an association of Muslim men in business, el-Rufai said giving state pardon to convicted political office holders would encourage many corrupt Nigerians.
He said it would also particularly give the youths the impression that corruption was something good and which people should get involved in.
“Pardoning convicted corrupt persons in Nigeria is sending a wrong message to the young ones,’’ the former FCT Minister said. El-Rufai said the nation was undergoing an interesting time, particularly with the insecurity situation in the northern part of the country.
He, however, said every concerned citizen should push for a society that is good for all. The former minister pointed out that the insecurity situation in Nigeria was as a result of the failure of intelligence agencies which were also affected by corruption.
El-Rufai said corruption would always affect good governance when it was not checked, saying it had already affected basic societal necessities, such as electricity, infrastructure, water and security, among others. He said the root of corruption should be tackled, by improving the welfare package for members of the police force, a good wage for public servants, and punishment for corrupt persons.
“We should make it difficult for corruption to be consummated by reducing cash going round. We should remove what can push a honest person to corruption,’’ the former FCT Minister said.
The President of “The Companion,” Mr. Misbaodeen Oyefesor, said the lecture’s theme was due to the association members’ concern regarding the increasing rate of corruption in Nigeria. “There is the need to check the spread,’’ he said.
Oyefesor said in spite of efforts of governments at all levels, it seems nothing was happening to check the trend. On the Boko Haram insurgency in the north, he condemned the sect’s activities and described them as a barbaric group, saying his association has no relationship with them. Oyefesor called on the political class to avoid violence during elections, while he commended INEC for a free and fair election in Ekiti.
“I want to urge INEC to do the same for the 2015 general election,’’ he said. The association president called on Nigerians to support the government to fight insurgency in the country. The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Lateef Owoyemi, advised that studies in how to avoid and stem corruption should be introduced in schools.
“This will help to check the trend from the grass roots,’’ he said. The UNILAG main auditorium was filled to capacity by Muslim men and women. These included the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Rahamon Bello, and Muiz Banire, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Environment.
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 Government at the weekend issued a final ultimatum to commercial bus operators, which it said, had not complied with its public transport management system.
It added that it would begin total enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Law, asking the business operators to register their business with the government or stop doing business in the state with effect from July 1.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, gave the deadline at a news conference he addressed in Alausa, putting the deadline for registration for all commercial bus drivers and conductors at June 30.
According to him, total enforcement would begin in earnest from the first day of July, directing that any commercial vehicle not registered after the deadline should be impounded.
Opeifa lamented that since the commercial bus operators were asked to document their business since November 2013, many of them had not complied despite series of extension granted to enable them register their business free of charge.
“Even though we recorded achievement by documenting the owners, drivers and conductors of commercial passenger vehicles, the compliance level from the stakeholders is still low. This is not out of ignorance but out of disrespect for the rule of law and regulations.
“This is evident in the number of owners of commercial passenger vehicles, drivers and conductors that have complied with the policy and registered with either the Vehicle Inspection Service or the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that out of the estimated 80,000 commercial passenger vehicles and drivers in the state, only 24,257 vehicles and 28,902 drivers had registered with the government, while 7,637 taxis had also complied with the documentation of commercial passenger vehicles.
Opeifa said in spite of the extension granted, the government was unimpressed and disappointed with the low level of compliance which had slowed down the needed reform in the public transport sector which is intended to create jobs, wealth for existing operators and enhanced sustainability to improve service delivery.
“The state government is committed and ready to implement this policy to the letter having waited for another six months to ensure strict compliance. The full enforcement must commence immediately as transport unions with their documentation had made us believe that there are only 24,257 vehicles, 28,902 drivers, 591 conductors and 7,637 taxis in the state. “To this end, with effect from July 1, only the registered drivers and conductors on our database are permitted to operate commercial passenger vehicles in the state and all others found on our road ways will be apprehended.
“All law enforcement agents, such as the VIS, LASTMA, the police and the FRSC have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the law. While the documentation exercise is supposed to be at a cost to the operators, we have for the last eight months provided the services free of charge,” he stated.
Opeifa added that with effect from 1 July 1, operators who were yet to be documented would do so at the stipulated cost of N20, 000 for the commercial vehicle owners, leaving N5, 000 for drivers and N2, 000 for conductors accreditation.
“In addition, apprehended offenders will be fined the minimum of N20, 000 as stipulated in the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012. I implore those who have complied with the documentation to feel free to go about their normal business activities at the commencement of the full enforcement,” he 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.
The Turkish government has offered to support the federal government in the ongoing humanitarian interventions in the communities affected by security challenges through partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The target of the proposed relief package is to bring more succour to the displaced persons in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. According to a statement issued by a Press Officer with NEMA, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, the pledge was made by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mustafa Pulat, at the weekend during his visit to the headquarters of NEMA in Abuja.
The envoy said as part of the desire to support the humanitarian efforts, a delegation from his country would soon arrive Nigeria towards the actualization of the kind gesture.
He requested the partnership of NEMA with the Turkish authorities to identify the priority areas of the humanitarian needs to assist the affected communities, especially to support the displaced persons.
The statement said the ambassador acknowledged the efforts of the federal government in addressing both the security challenge as well as providing succour to the affected communities, stating that the offer of support by Turkey was in the spirit of international solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria.
While receiving the Turkey ambassador, the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, said the offer of support from the Turkish government as well as the other international bodies would further relief the affected communities and persons and quicken their recovery. He also cited the recent humanitarian assessment jointly carried out by NEMA with the United Nations agencies, saying that from the findings, some of the displace persons were living in camps, while most of them have chosen to live with relations and friends in various host communities.
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 Progressive Forum for Youth Civil Organisations (PFYC) and some non-governmental organisations have issued a two-week ultimatum to the All Progressives Congress (APC) within which to reconsider the election of an alleged 52-year old Dasuki Ibrahim Jalo as its national youth leader.
The coalition suggested that the youth leader should resign his position honourably in the interest of the party. PFYC however warned that the party would be faced with massive protest vote by the youths in 2015 if it fails to remove the youth leader from office.
According to a communique issued at the end of its meeting weekend in Abuja, PFYC observed that the election of Jalo was retrogressive, discriminatory and undemocratic.
The chairman of the coalition, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, insisted that the issue was not a party affair as it affected the youths of the country. He also said ignorance of the ideal age bracket for youth leaders in political parties should not be an excuse to flagrantly violate the rights of youths.
According to him, youth groups resolved that more seats, in addition to the office of the youth leadership, should be reserved for young, competent persons who would bring their creativity, dynamism and innovativeness to bear in furthering the development of party politics and administration in the country.
Other recommendations include the 30 per cent affirmative action for into elective and appointive positions in political parties considering that the youths account for more than 70 per cent of their voting population and volunteers during elections. “If the party is really serious in winning election in 2015, they must reconsider their step. What we are interested in is the right of youths. If they rescind their position, everything will die down.
We are not people that can be bought over, We are going to look for a party that upholds the yearning of youths if APC fails to rescind its steps on election of an aged youth leader and I believe the party will not want to make that mistake,” he said.
Meanwhile the Muslim and Christian Youth Integration (MYC) has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Jama’atul Nasurul Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over their critical stands against terrorism. The National Coordinator of the group, Aliyu Ibrahim in a press release weekend in Abuja, said the leadership of the two major religious bodies had made efforts to curtail insurgency in the country.
“Therefore, we the members of Muslims and Christians Youths for good leadership hereby pass a vote of confidence in Jama’atul Nasurul Islam he leadership of CAN, traditional institutions, international partners, friends of Nigeria against terror and all security outfits in Nigeria in their effort and fight against insurgency of any kind in any part of Nigeria, whereas, we join our voice with millions of Nigerians to plead with the abductors of the Chibok school girls for their timely and unconditional release to join their loved ones and families,” he 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.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused the federal government of single-handedly running the affairs of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), stating that this was the reason why billions of naira claims on subsidy for petroleum products las year cannot be accounted for.
This is as the association also accused the government of lacking the desired commitment in getting the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) passed as the National Assembly was foot dragging on the passage of the bill.
The outgoing President of PENGASSAN, Mr. Babatunde Ogun, who stated this at a press conference in Lagos, alleged that government deliberately refused to reconstitute a new board for PPPRA two years after it dissolved the board of the agency.
This, he said accounted for why it was impossible for the government to ascertain the amount of subsidy it claims for petroleum products.
“It is curious to note that two years ago, the federal government dissolved the Board of the PPPRA and have up till now not reconstituted the board. What this means is that government has decided to run this agency alone without stakeholders input. Thus, making it impossible to ascertain the amount of subsidy it claims for petroleum products. We call on the government to immediately constitute this board,” Ogun said.
Speaking further, Ogun lamented that excitement that greeted the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as a reform that can improve the oil and gas sector has started waning as a result of undue delay in its passage by the National Assembly.
The union leader called on government to harmonise the grey areas noted in the bill by various stakeholders so as to quicken its passage of the Bill.
“Our association has been vociferous on the petroleum sector reforms through our participations and representations at different stages and fora. There are grey areas noted in this bill by various stakeholders and we have advised government to harmonise these issues so as to quicken its passage.
“NUPENG and PENGASSAN have gone a step further to engage the OPTS (Oil Producers Trade Sector), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as representative of government to address those controversial issues as it relates to costs, profits, royalties, taxes and fiscal investment among others.
“PENGASSAN has worked with NUPENG to adopt a common position on identified industry and labour issues in the bill, which was presented to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. “Despite all these efforts on the part of the unions, it seems the executive arm of government has not exhibited any seriousness in getting the bill passed, as the National Assembly is foot dragging in the passage of the bill,” he explained.
He equally condemned vehemently the attempts by government to sell the four state-owned refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri after several failures to do Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on them. He said government was insincere in implementing the agreement reached with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and PENGASSAN during the January 7, 2014 meeting on the sale of refineries.
“We are watching closely all the subterranean attempts by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to go ahead with the sale of these refineries in spite of our engagement and agreement with the government. We earnestly yearn for stronger commitment and push to improve and increase local refining with specific date to end importation of petroleum products and gas flaring,” 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.
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