The Nation Newspaper

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  • Tsvangirai, Babangida others celebrate with Okorocha at 50

    Tsvangirai, Babangida others celebrate with Okorocha at 50

    Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and former military President Ibrahim Babangida were among the dignitaries at the 50th birthday of Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    Others were Governors Peter Obi (Anambra), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Rotimi Amaechi (River).

    The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Rochas Okorocha Foundation.

    Markets, schools and public offices were closed for the celebration.

    The event caused traffic gridlock and attracted a huge crowd in Owerri, the state capital.

    The celebration began at 6.30am when dignitaries and well-wishers began to troop into Heroes Square, the venue of the event.

    Civil servants locked their offices at noon in line with a directive of the government. They adorned the customary black and white attire, which added colour to the event.

    Babangida hailed Okorocha for his philanthropic dispositions, addig: “Today, we are in Imo State to celebrate the eradication of illiteracy, poverty and the uplifting of the Nigerian child.”

    The former military leader urged the governor to always weigh

    everything he does and allow superior reasons to guide his decisions.

    He noted that criticisms are important aspects of governance.

    Tsvangirai, who was the guest speaker, hailed the Free Education police of the Okorocha administration.

    The prime minister urged African leaders to change their attitude towards the less privileged.

    He said: “What we have seen today is an individual dedication to the uplifting of the African child. It is commendable. It is our collective responsibility to take care of the less privileged among us and desist from prioritising arms procurement and heavy budgetary allocation to the Defence Ministry. It is to build a peaceful society where the poor will be given a sense of belonging.”

    Oguoma said the celebration and closure of markets amounted to misplacement of priority by the government.

    He alleged that over 500,000 residents, who were recently displaced by floods, were still sleeping under trees and left at the mercy of the weather.

    The politician said the state lost over N3billion following the closure of markets and other public institutions for the celebration.

    The Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Vitalis Ajumbe, berated the governor for closing down public institutions.

    He said: “Where in the world are governors shutting down their states to celebrate birthdays? This is a waste of public funds. He (the governor) should be reminded that government is not run as a private business.”

    Dignitaries at the occasion include Governors of Anambra, Delta, Kano, Bauchi, Katsina and River states.

     

  • Why I don’t blow my trumpet, by Orji

    Why I don’t blow my trumpet, by Orji

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji said yesterday he has not been blowing his “trumpet of performance” because he believes in working quietly for the people.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Ben Onyechere, the governor explained that because of his efforts, Abia State has avoided devastating floods that hit have other states.

    The statement reads: “Abia State is known as major flood-prone area but we are thankful to God that we are not witnessing the kind of devastation in other states that are susceptible to aggressive flooding, given the fact that our roads are affected by the climatic change.

    “The governor has deployed many options at tackling infrastructure challenges, particularly the impending demolition of illegal structures.

    “The negligence, which was perpetrated by the former administration, held the state hostage through powerful media hypnosis without anything to show.

    “This can also be complementary to the senseless war of attrition waged by the previous administration against the Olusegun Obasanjo-led Federal Government for which the state is paying dearly now in more ways than one.

    “But despite the shortcoming resulting from a lack of foundation and vision by the previous government for development, Governor Orji is undaunted. He wants to make history as not only the man who rescued Abia State from bondage of sorts but also as the one who brought the state into limelight.

    “This is the reason he is adhering to a well articulated road map for the achievement of set goals, which can be verified and measured.”

    The statement noted that the governor is “building a new Government House, which is surrounded by infrastructure befitting of a state capital of many years”.

     

  • Kalu can’t compare self with Awolowo, Abiola, says PPA chair

    Kalu can’t compare self with Awolowo, Abiola, says PPA chair

    THE National Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Chief Ken Gbalokoma, has criticised former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu for ranking himself with the like of the late Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Moshood Abiola.

    Awolowo was the Premier of the defunct Western Region, who ensured an unprecendented development of the area.

    The late Abiola was a renowned businessman and philanthropist. He was the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, which the military annulled.

    In a statement in Abuja, Gbalokoma noted that Kalu had no basis for comparing himself with the two national legends.

    According to him, because while the duo were political icons, the former Abia State governor was “a political liability and influence peddler”.

    The PPA chairman recalled that Kalu, in a recent statement, compared himself with Awolowo and Abiola because he offered himself for the leadership of the country but was rejected, like the duo.

    The former governor said this has resulted in the country’s present mess.

    But Gbalokoma said: “Unlike the respected Awolowo and Abiola, the Kalu we know is a political spare parts trader…”

    The politician urged Ibo leaders to spearhead the struggle for Igbo presidency.

    He cautioned that “leaving the advocacy to the like of Kalu would obfuscate the dream of the Southeast”.

    Gbalokoma said the former governor had no presidential ambition, adding that he was merely seeking relevance and credibility by declaring interest in the coveted position.

     

     

     

     

  • APGA chair: Court stops Umeh

    An Enugu High Court yesterday restrained Chief Victor Umeh from performing the functions of the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court.

    The court, presided over by the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezulike, also restrained Umeh, his agents or proxies, in an interlocutory injunction, from expelling any member of the party.

    Ruling on a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction by Jude Okuli, who is challenging the legality of Umeh’s position as National Chairman, Justice Umezulike noted that the motion was to be heard on July 29 but was stalled by various interlocutory motions brought by the defendant.

    He averred that since the defendant had not filed any defence, the motion remained unchallenged.

    Justice Umezulike said: “Therefore, the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction succeeds. The defendant is hereby restrained from taking steps as Chairman of APGA and expelling any member, pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

    The judge vacated an earlier order he granted on July 25, restraining Umeh from convoking a national, state or local government executive committee of the party or expelling any member of the party, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    He struck out two motions for stay of proceedings and his disqualification from the suit.

    Justice Umezulike awarded a N20,000 cost against Umeh on each of the motions.

    The judge adjourned judgment indefinitely on the substantive suit, adding that hearing notices would be issued to the parties when the judgment is ready.

    Umeh described the verdict as “travesty of justice”.

     

  • Lagos to employ 2,185 health workers

    The Lagos State Government will employ 2,185 health workers to provide 24-hour services at its flagship primary health care Centres (PHC).

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said PHCs were the bedrock of the health care system, and deserve attention.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the PHCs’ governing board in Ikeja.

    The 13-man board chaired by Dr Babatunde Sagoe, he noted, will be given necessary tools, including manpower to perform their function.

    He said 1,424 senior and 761 junior staff will be employed to provide services at the centres. Each centre will have 34 senior and 20 junior staff.

    Idris said the board’s responsibility is to manage primary health care in the state for the next three years, following the dissollution of the former board in June.

    He urged the members of the board to begin work in earnest to realise the objective of providing health care services at the grassroots.

    “The state has a vision of what the system should be in the next three years,” he said.

    He enjoined them to operate within the integrated system, adding that they cannot operate in isolation.

    The specialties of teaching hospitals, college of medicine, school of nursing among others, should be felt at the grassroots, he said.

    Idris urged them to look critically at issues of manpower.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, said the governor was determined to reduce the disease burden of the people and improve the health indices, especially maternal mortality ratio (MMR), infant and neonatal mortality ratio (INMR).

  • Avoid tight pants, paediatrician advises men

    A consultant paediatric surgeon, Mr. Osarumwense Osifo, has urged men to avoid wearing tight pants and sitting on vehicular engines to prevent undescended testes, which may result in infertility and cancer.

    Osifo spoke yesterday while delivering a lecture entitled: ‘Undescended Testis in awareness-poor sub-region’ during the monthly seminar organised by the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

    The doctor said the testes function at a temperature lower than the body temperature and wearing of tight pants and sitting on hot engines may lead to testicular malfunction.

    He said: “If you are wearing tight pants, you are likely to have testicular malfunction. The reason why testes are outside the body is to relieve them of high body temperature.

    “Every time the testes are plastered to your body, the body temperature would damage the testes. So, if you are wearing tight pants or sitting on hot engines, you are doing yourself a disservice.”

    Osifo said undescended testes is the major cause of cancer, especially when the testis is exposed continuously to high temperature.

    He said parents should not panic when they observe that their babies’ scrotums do not have testicles.

    The doctor said the testes may descend within seven months.

     

     

  • LP brings in thugs, ACO alleges

    LP brings in thugs, ACO alleges

    The Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) has alleged that a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) on Sunday night brought thugs to Akure and lodged them in two popular hotels in the town (names withheld).

    The Director, Media and Publicity of the organisation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, alleged

    that the thugs were brought into Akure in batches in a green CRV Sport Utility Vehicle with registration number MM 22 ABJ.

    He alleged that the hoodlums, numbering over 300, were brought in to rig the October 20 poll.

    Ajanaku said: “ACO urges the Commissioner of Police and other security agents to take note and investigate the matter because Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) members will not allow themselves to be molested by the thugs brought in by a chieftain of the LP from the eastern part of the country.

    “Ondo people have a reputation of repressing oppression. Not even the late General Sani Abacha could cow them and their leader, the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, who led the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).”

     

  • Alleged N1.051b subsidy scam: EFCC to arraign four more suspects today

    •Four suspects in trouble over N2.9m scam

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said four more suspects will be arraigned today in Abuja for alleged N1.051billion fuel subsidy scam.

    AIhaji Saminu Rabiu, Jubril Rowaye and two companies, Alminnur Resources Limited and Brila Energy Limited – are to face trial.

    EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said the suspects allegedly collected the subsidy to purportedly import 10,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    The EFCC said the suspects would be arraigned before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the FCT High Court on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy and fraudulently obtaining N1, 051, 030, 434, 63 from the Petroleum Support Fund as payment for the purported importation of 10,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.

    “Thirteen suspects were arraigned before Lagos courts on Friday, October 5, on similar charges. They are Aro Samuel Bamidele, Abiodun Kayode Bankole, Ifeanyi Anosike, Emeka Chukwu, Ngozi Ekeoma Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Maula, George Ogbonna and Emmanuel Morah. The five companies involved are A.S.B. Investment Company Limited, Anosyke Group of Companies Limited, Dell Energy Limited, Downstream Energy Sources Limited and Rocky Energy Limited,” he said.

    The EFCC has arraigned the duo of Uzoma Loius Jerry Okonkwo and Okonkwo Ugochukwu alongside their companies – Mayor Global Resources Investment Limited and Okonkwo Energy Solution Limited – before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos , on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

    Louis Jerry Okonkwo, Ugockukwu, Mayor Global Resources Investment Limited and Okonkwo Energy Solutions Limited were said to have on September 8, 2009 in Lagos obtained from Dezern Nigeria Limited under the false pretence that the money was the cost of 33,000 litres of DPK, knowing this to be false.

    The offence is contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act Cap 77, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1990 read in conjunction with section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.”

    When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.

    EFCC counsel Anselem Ozioko prayed the court to remand the accused persons in prison custody, pending the hearing of the case.

    Defence counsel Frank Ndigwe, however informed the court that he had filed an application for bail for the accused persons and urged the court to consider the application.

    Justice Okechuku Okeke adjourned the matter till October 29 and November 1, 9, and 19. He ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

     

  • INEC assures on prosecution of voter’s cards suspects

    •Confirms involvement of worker

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday assured the public that it will prosecute those caught with voter’s cards in Ondo State, regardless of their status or party affiliations.

    A statement issued by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Akin Orebiyi, hailed the Ondo State Police Command for taking a proactive step in arresting the suspected electoral offenders.

    He vowed that the electoral body would get to the root of the matter to fish out the political party behind the electoral fraud.

    The REC confirmed that a worker of the commission, whose name he refused to mention, was involved in the electoral fraud and he had been arrested by security operatives.

    The statement reads: “The attention of INEC has been drawn to the arrest of a man with over a thousand voter’s cards issued by INEC purportedly given to him by a junior staff engaged as a security man by the commission, who has also been arrested by the police.

    “Save for the voter’s cards and campaign materials of two of the political parties contesting the October 20 poll, no other electoral materials were found in possession of the suspects. For the purpose of emphasis, no ballot papers were found in their possession.

    “Preliminary investigation by the commission indicates that some people did not collect their voter’s cards after registration last year. The unclaimed cards are in the custody of the Electoral Officer.

    “Collection by proxy is prohibited and it is not part of the security man’s duties to handle, distribute or in any way deal with voter’s cards.”

     

  • Kuku accuses Mimiko of planning to rig poll

    Kuku accuses Mimiko of planning to rig poll

    The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, yesterday decried the desperation of Governor Olusegun Mimiko to win the October 20 election.

    He said in a statement: “The realisation of an impending defeat at the polls has prompted a naked dance in the full glare of the public by Dr. Mimiko and his fast dwindling band of Labour Party (LP) apologists and supporters.”

    Mimiko, through his campaign organisation, issued a statement, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to call Kuku to order over his alleged activities in the riverine communities of Ondo State.

    He alleged that the Presidential Adviser was attempting to use his position as the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to “subvert the October 20 election in favour of his (Kuku’s) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

    But Kuku said: “It is pertinent to respond to this unwarranted attack from the governor, if only to set the record straight and for the nation to be aware of his brand of deceitful politics in the state in the last four years.

    “On the Presidential Amnesty, let me remind Mimiko as he feigns ignorance that the programme and office have beneficiaries and officials from Ondo State with different political affiliations, be it LP,PDP and ACN or persons with no political affiliation.

    “Nobody involved in the amnesty programme has been discriminated against on account of his or her political party preference.

    “It is therefore absurd to accuse me as the Presidential Amnesty Programme Chairman of partisanship, considering how sensitive the amnesty programme is to the economic well-being of the nation.

    “In truth, it is this sensitivity to politics and the ability to manage men and the resources at my disposal that have accounted for the widely-acclaimed successful implementation of Nigeria’s home-grown Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme.

    “It is laughable for Mimiko to attempt to splash mud on and unduly drag the amnesty programme into Ondo politics ahead of the governorship election.

    “It is not a secret that I’m one of the PDP leaders from the state in government at the federal level. Before now, I had been an official of my council, Ese-Odo Local Government and later a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, where I represented my constituency for one term between 2003 and 2007.

    “Today, by God’s grace, I’m an Ijaw leader from Arogbo community. But I also hail from a unit, a ward, a federal constituency and a senatorial district that have felt the impact of a PDP-led government in the state.

    “The PDP-led government under Dr. Olusegun Agagu had a track record of performance compared to the Mimiko administration. I challenge Mimiko to point to any project he has executed in Arogbo and its neighbouring communities. Let him tell the world.

    “In the riverine communities between Ese-Odo and Ilaje councils, the state government projects completed were those executed by the Agagu administration. Mimiko has not only abandoned the projects he inherited from Agagu, but has gone ahead to abandon the ones he initiated in both local government areas.

    “The fact of the matter is that Ondo State gets its largest revenue from the oil resources in these two local governments. So what have the councils and indigenes done to Mimiko to warrant this crass neglect?

    “Why has his administration decided to institutionalise underdevelopment in these riverine communities? Instead of the governor to face these issues, he is busy pursuing shadows and trying to distract attention from his woeful performance.

    “ Mimiko is my friend. But I cannot sacrifice the development of my area and the well-being of my people on the altar of friendship. My position on the October 20 governorship election is beyond friendship.

    “For the PDP in Ondo State, me and the people of my area, Mimiko has performed woefully and we cannot afford another four years of his mis-governance and litany of unfulfilled promises. Performance should determine who wins the election and not Mimiko’s recourse to blackmail.”

    Kuku said Mimiko is pointing accusing fingers elsewhere when it is a fact that the real person threatening the peace in the Ondo coastal communities is himself.

    “How else can one explain the commencement of his politically-motivated security contract (which operates like the infamous and outlawed Famou Tangbe in Bayelsa State) in the riverine areas just a few months to the election? The governor doles out N70 million monthly to his hired goons in the two local governments in the guise of ensuring security in the coastal communities.

    “We have since found out that the money is being deployed to arm and compromise some of the youths that have embraced the Federal Government amnesty and he is planning to use them to rig the October 20 election.

    “Some of these youths have been engaged in areas with naval and marine police presence and have been patrolling the rivers and creeks, causing tension.

    “The people of these areas have vowed to resist them on the election day if they attempt to rig or steal their votes.

    “It is not out of place to alert President Jonathan and Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar to the nefarious activities of this Mimiko-hired security outfit and to call for its disbandment if the October 20 poll is to be skirmish-free. Let me restate that Mimiko plans to use this so-called security outfit to rig the election.

    “The PDP in Ondo State is convinced that given Mimiko’s miserable scorecard in the last four years, the electorate are determined to send him packing from the Government House on October 20.”

    The presidential aide urged the security agencies to ensure that the will of the people is not subverted by those who do not mean well for the state.