The Nation Newspaper

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  • Akeredolu accuses Mimiko of intimidating opposition

    Akeredolu accuses Mimiko of intimidating opposition

    The Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) of the Ondo State Action congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday accused the ruling Labour Party (LP) of intimidating opposition parties.

    It alerted the public to the worsening security situation in the state following the alleged arrest of a personal assistant to a monarch in Ilaje with explosives, over 100 AK rifles and other weapons by a detachment of the Nigerian Army in Okitipupa.

    ACO noted that “this is a dangerous dimension to the build-up to the governorship election in Ondo State”. The ACN had accused the LP of importing arms into the state.
    In a statement by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, ACO alleged that the LP had started distributing the weapons to its thugs in the local governments to intimidate opposition members and cause confusion before and during the October 20 poll.

    The statement reads: “We want members of the public to recall how the Labour Party members have been unleashing violence on the ACN such as Akeredolu’s convoy on Oba Adesida road Akure, Okeluse at Ose local government, members during ward meeting at Lafe in Akure, among others.

    “Indeed, a serving commissioner in the Olusegun Mimiko administration now goes about with a contingent of fully armed mobile policemen, who shoot sporadically into the air to create panic in the community.

    “Last week, during the community celebration at Igbaraoke, he was there with over 10 uniformed policemen and other private guards, who were armed with all kinds of weapons, thereby causing so panic during and after the event. They shot sporadically into the air. This is in a bid to intimidate members of the opposition.”

    ACO urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate the matter and fish out the security agents who work with Mimiko to cause mayhem in Ondo State.

    It reminded the governor and his co-travellers that Ondo State residents are not cowards and that no amount of intimidation would make them change their minds to vote out the LP on October 20.

    ACO said: “The people of the state are determined to vote for ACN, which has promised to replicate the massive infrastructural development of Lagos in Ondo State and provide 30,000 jobs within 100 days in office to stem the tide of the criminal neglect of the youths.

    “The ACN standard bearer is an honest man, with the pedigree and integrity. He is trustworthy. Ondo State people can trust him to fulfil his promises because he is another SAN with a sound mind.”

  • ‘We won’t allow fraudsters in Oyo civil service’

    ‘We won’t allow fraudsters in Oyo civil service’

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the weekend said his administration has very low tolerance for forgers and other misdemeanours in the civil and public service.
    The governor noted that to achieve this effectively, his administration would continue to ensure the enthronement of a civil service that would be efficient, effective and positioned for good service delivery.

    He promised to restore sanity into the system, warning that fraudulent workers and those with criminal records would not be allowed to stay one day longer in the state civil service.

    Ajimobi addressed a group of typists, who were promoted Grade Level 12, during a training session at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, the state secretariat in Ibadan.

    The govenor described the civil service as the bedrock of good governance and development. He said the service would be reformed to conform with the contemporary civil service, adding that in achieving this, human capital development would be accorded priority.

    Ajimobi berated critics of the recent sack of some workers with criminal records, saying they were merely exhibiting ignorance.
    The governor said he would not preside over a civil service that has suspected criminals.

    He said: “It is common knowledge that Oyo State civil service, which used to be a reference point in the country, is now at the precipice. But we are determined to bring the past glory back.

    However, in doing this, we will not allow thieves to stay in the system; we will not allow certificate forgers and fraudsters to be in the system.”

    Ajimobi explained that but for his administration’s benevolence, some of the recently sacked workers ought to be prosecuted because they had committed criminal offences.

    The governor noted that the initial number of civil servants alleged to have been involved in one act of malfeasance or another were over 8,000. He added that it was his intervention that reduced the number to less than 3,000.

    “But whatever it will take, we must improve Oyo State. And to improve the system is to improve the structure and human resources,’’ he said. Ajimobi congratulated the 300 typists who had stagnated on Grade Level 09 for several years but whose bar had been raised to Grade Level 12. The governor urged them to reciprocate the government’s gesture by rededicating selves to service and be more diligent.

    He added that going by the civil service rule, they ought to have been relieved of their jobs, having remained stagnated for more than three years.
    “But we don’t want to sack you; rather, we want to ensure that we assist you so that you can make progress in your careers.”

  • Ekiti spends N238m on community development

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi at the weekend presented N238 million cheques to 26 communities for the development of vital projects through the state’s Community and Social Development Agency (EKSCDA).

    The governor said he would continue to ensure that all communities enjoy the dividends of democracy.
    At the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the governor explained that the gesture was not just a proactive measure to improve the well-being of grassroots residents but also in fulfillment of his administration’s vision of reducing poverty as enshrined in its Eight-Point Agenda.

    Fayemi explained that the 26 communities would execute a minimum of three micro projects through the Community Development Plan.

    The governor expressed optimism that the projects would further enhance the development of the communities.
    He explained that about 78 projects with direct impact on the people would be financed through the initiative.

  • Dangote Cement opens more depots

    Dangote Cement opens more depots

    The Management of Dangote Cement Plc has approved the opening of more depots across the country to further take the products nearer to the people.
    The company said it has thus liberalised its distribution channels by widening its sales network.

    Dangote Cement said it is adding more lines to its existing plants with the expectation that it would lead to the reduction of its price.
    This, it said, would also ensure price stability and guarantee availability at the most reasonable price.
    The Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Devakumar Edwin, said the company had acquired 5,000 trucks to boost its logistics and pave the way for easier distribution of the product.

    According to him, having solved the problem of logistics, the next phase is to ensure a wider distribution depot and register more dealers and bring the product closer to customers.

    He said: “With Obajana’s 10.25mtpa and its fourth line under construction, the company’s production capacity will be far above the nation’s demand.”

  • Ogun economic summit begins today

    Ogun economic summit begins today

    The Ogun State Government will today begin a three-day business summit in Abeokuta to rejuvenate the investment landscape and ensure that the state attains the status of an industrial hub in the West African sub-region.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, said the summit, with the theme: Ogun State: Ready for Business/ Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Development, will hold at the Obas’ Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    The statement said the summit would feature presentations by seasoned economic and investment analysts on various topics, such as The Role of Foreign Direct Investment and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a Tool for Economic Development; Investment and Opportunities in Ogun State, among others.
    It added that the event would be opened by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

    The speakers, it said, would include Mr. Hamza Bello of the National Investment Promotion Council (NIPC); Ambassador E.O Oladeji; Mr. Yuanna Malo, from the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE); and Mr. Amos Sakaba, of the National Investment Promotion Council (NIPC).

  • Alaafin appoints ex-governor Olunloyo Balogun of Oyo Empire

    Alaafin appoints ex-governor Olunloyo Balogun of Oyo Empire

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at the weekend appointed a former Oyo State Governor Victor Omololu Olunloye the Balogun of Oyo Empire.
    At the ceremony, which coincided with the celebration of the maiden Oranyan Festival in the town, friends and well-wishers of the former governor gathered at the monarch’s palace for the honour.

    Olunloyo hails from Ibadan, the state capital.  The retired Archbishop of Methodist Church, Nigeria and an Oyo Prince, Ayo Ladigbolu, made the announcement on behalf of the monarch, to round off the week-long programme.

    Bishop Ladigbolu said: “The Alaafin has sent me to announce that Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo has been appointed the Balogun of Oyo Empire.”

    Cultural activities from various parts of the ancient kingdom as well as those from Republic of Benin were displayed.

    The grand finale of the festival generated controversies since the week long programme was made public.

    Olunloyo appreciated the honour, saying he would do whatever was expected of him as a chief of the ancient town.

    On the controversial statement credited to the people of Ile-Ife about the festival, Olunloyo noted that it was unnecessary.

    He said: “The Alaafin is the Sango; he is the Oranyan; he is the real Sango. The Ooni in Ife is not an Oba; he is an abore (priest) though he is my personal friend. He is my in-law.”

    Referring to the perennial feud between the monarch and his Isale-Oyo Chief (the Ashipa), Olunloyo said there was nothing like Ago-Oja which the Ashipa was claiming to be the original title of the compound.

    The former governor said: “Ashipa was misled. Tthere is nothing like Oloja of Ago-Oja.”

    Oba Adeyemi noted that Olunloyo has been supportive since he assumed office and that he deserved the honour.

    He said the Oranyan Festival has come to stay in the history of the town because Oranyan was the greatest warlord in the history of Yoruba land.
    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi described the Alaafin as the custodian of culture and tradition.

    The governor said the festival showed that the effort of Yoruba heroes past would not be in vain.

    He added that Oranyan was the greatest warlord in Yoruba land, adding that he stood firmly to break all odds during his reign in Oyo town.

    Ajimobi said: “I want to appreciate Baba (the Alaafin) for deeming it fit to start this celebration in Oyo town. This has shown that the effort of our heroes past will not be in vain but will be transferred from one generation to another for recognition and appraisal.”

  • ‘Osun PDP should prove allegation against Aregbesola’

    ‘Osun PDP should prove allegation against Aregbesola’

    The Osun State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday said it would not dignify the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with an explanation on its allegation against Governor Rauf Aregbesola until it proves them.

    In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, CAN noted that the PDP allegations were made to attract undeserved attention to it.
    The statement reads: “We owe PDP no explanation as to how we run government because they have not demonstrated objectivity and a dependable ability to prove beyond all reasonable doubts their spurious allegations against Ogbeni’s government since he came to power in November 2010.

    “It is not in the public interest or that of civilised democratic practice for us to continually suffer fools that appear to abound in Osun.

    “If their spokesperson and informants have any sense of responsibility and seriously concerned that Ogbeni is doing anything in government that violates the law and diminish the ethics of civilised governance, they should go to court and seek redress; otherwise, they should stop this stupid business of making senseless noises to draw ignoble attention to themselves.

    “The ACN in the State of Osun sees the PDP as a pathetic collection of unserious and idle people who are not equipped with the normal sense and sensibilities to appreciate that politics is a lot more serious business than manufacturing lies against their political opponents to score base points.

    “Aregbesola’s trips outside the country are impacting significantly on governance and service delivery in the state of Osun. But if the PDP suffers such horrific impairment not to recognise it, they should not disturb public conscience with sick mentality.”

  • PHCN: Nnaji has declared war –NLC

    PHCN: Nnaji has declared war –NLC

    • Wants FG to withdraw soldiers

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the continued presence of soldiers on the premises of the Power Holding of Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Limited, the payment of workers, retirement benefits at gun point and Federal Government’s refusal to pay the July salary as a declaration of war on workers by the Minister of Power, Prof Bath Nnaji.
    The Acting President of the congress, Comrade Promise Adewusi, told journalists in Abuja that the Federal Government should create an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue to resolve the issues at stake by calling the minister to order and withdraw soldiers from PHCN offices nationwide.
    He warned that since the government is forcing the workers to retire and go into the labour market it should not take away their benefit, which could worsen the already catastrophic situation in the country.
    “We already have enough catastrophes in the nation, but as it is, in spite of everything, we shall not mortgage the welfare because the workers’ pension and gratuity is the thing you cannot take away,” he said.
    “Prof. Nnaji has declared a war on Nigerian workers. And when he has declared a war and nobody is calling him to order, we are ready. We are calling on those who have ears because tomorrow, it will be said that labour wants to curtail this government. Let those who have ears and the capacity to call him now to order to ensure an honest process of negotiation not with fixated mind.”
    According to NLC, the minister has criminalized workers asking for their legitimate retirement benefits by resolving to describe them as terrorists and mischievous.
    On the ongoing negotiation between the government and the congress over the PHCN workers’ package and the privatization of the company, the Acting Secretary General of the congress, Comrade Chris Uyot, revealed that the state councils have been mandated to raise committees in preparation for the nationwide strike.
    He said : “we do not need any organ meeting again because that power has been invested as our own organ met in Benin. So, what happens next can be determined from this labour House. We are opened. We believe that this matter can be more amicably settled within the precinct of collective bargaining, negotiation. And we come with an open mind, we are not fixated. If we are fixated, everybody knows what is in the mind of our workers; it is either that or nothing. How are we going to approach this? Are there things that can be done to save this nation the trouble of going through turmoil that nobody knows where it will end.”

  • EFCC moves against two CJs

    EFCC moves against two CJs

    FIVE judges, two of them State Chief Judges, may have fallen foul of the law against corruption.
    They   are now under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly keeping fat accounts.
     The anti-graft commission has already obtained the statements of accounts of the affected judges and how funds were wired into their accounts.
    It was gathered yesterday that they may be arrested for questioning.
     In addition to the chief judges, there are three judges of the Federal High Court.
    A source familiar with the matter said: “This investigation has to do with alleged financial crimes committed by the judges, especially issues bordering on suspicious lodgements into their accounts.
    “These slush funds were paid over time into their various accounts by litigants and their lobbyists to allegedly influence judgments.
    “We have obtained the statements of accounts of the affected judges and our investigation teams have been analyzing ‘curious’ lodgements into the accounts.
    ‘So far, there are appreciable traces of suspicious lodgements in the accounts of these judges. We have requested the banks for further details of the transfer of these funds.”
    Asked if the investigation was at the instance of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the source responded: “We are talking of financial crimes, not judicial matters, which are within the jurisdiction of the EFCC.
    “Whatever our findings are the law will take its course. We are likely to arrest the affected judges soon for interrogation.”
    The names of the judges were not disclosed.
    Continuing, the source said: “We do not want to start revealing their identities in order not to jeopardize the on-going investigation. But we are closing in on them.”
    It was learnt that immediately the judges are arrested, they might be suspended by the NJC pending the conclusion of their trial.
    And in the event that they are found guilty, the NJC will be expected to invoke Section 292 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.
    The section says: “A judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstances- (a) in the case of (i) Chief Justice of Nigeria, President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal  Capital Territory, Abuja, Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and President, Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate.
    (ii) Chief Judge of a State, Grand Kadi of a Sharia Court of Appeal or President of a Customary Court of Appeal of a state, by the Governor acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly of the state, praying that he be so removed for his inability to discharg the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct.
    “(b) in any case, other than those to which paragraph (a) of this subsection applies, by the President or, as the case may be, the Governor acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council that the judicial officer be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct.”
  • N5, 000 banknote: Senators, Reps plan showdown with Sanusi

    N5, 000 banknote: Senators, Reps plan showdown with Sanusi

    A  show down is looming between the National Assembly and the Governor of the Central Bank (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi over his insistence to introduce the N5000 banknote.
    The two chambers are due to resume from their annual recess on Tuesday with members determined to stop the introduction of the new banknote.
    Influential members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are said to have been meeting to strategise on their move following the pronouncements of the CBN governor to forge ahead with the plan and his description of critics of the banknote as bad economists.
    It was gathered that the NASS members are likely to first approach President Goodluck Jonathan to prevail on Mallam Sanusi to have a rethink on the policy.
     The lawmakers, one source said, are angry that in spite of the opposition to the new note, the CBN is pressing ahead with its proposal to introduce the larger bill and convert the N20, N10 and N5 bills into coins as from 2013.
    According to findings, the Senators and Reps met in Abuja last Wednesday and Thursday and resolved that their position on the matter has been strengthened by a recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
    The survey confirmed that 75.1 per cent of Nigerians are opposed to the currency restructuring. Only 16.1 per cent of the populace are in strong support of the CBN policy while 4.04 and 4.62 per cent are partially in support and against the currency restructuring policy respectively.
    The anti-N5000 banknote federal lawmakers resolved to make the new note a major issue upon resumption from recess.
    A source at the meetings said: “We have met and concluded that since the new note is unpopular, we will ask the CBN to stop the minting of the new currency.
    “We won’t be part of any policy that will lead to inflation because the consequences will be too much for the economy. In a country, where people live on less than $2 in a day, it is not ideal at all.
    “Definitely, we will overrule the CBN on this policy which is a contradiction of the cashless policy of the government.”
     A principal officer of the House said: “Some of us have been meeting because the NBS survey has shown that it is not a popular policy. The economy is better run based on the interest of the citizenry.
    “Why will a good government go against the popular wish of all Nigerians? We want to lay the card on the table on why the new note policy is ill-timed.”
    A Senator from the South-East said: “Most of us prefer mass employment to minting of new notes. There is no point having a higher note without empowering Nigerians to spend it.
    “The cost of producing the new note and coins, whether locally or abroad, can provide many jobs. This is a question of opportunity cost.”
    On his part, a high-ranking Senator added: “Some of us are trying to prevail on the leadership of the National Assembly to hold dialogue with President Goodluck Jonathan to reverse the policy because it will hurt the economy.
    “We want to try as much as possible to avoid a fresh row with the Executive. But if the President does not listen, we will pitch our tent with the masses.”