The Nation Newspaper

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  • I won’t increase tuition fees, says Akeredolu

    The Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said he will not increase tuition fees at the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) in Akungba-Akoko and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPOLY) in Owo, if elected in the October 20 governorship election.

    The frontline lawyer assured workers of both institutions and teachers in the state that their allowances, which have not been paid by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, would be fully paid, if he becomes governor.

    A statement by the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy of Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO), Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the governorship hopeful spoke in Ayegunle-Akoko, where he was hosted by members of the Omoluabi Forum.

    Responding to a question by a students’ leader, Akeredolu said: “I know the importance of education. Although some states increased fees because they have no money, God has blessed us with oil wealth in Ondo State.

    Therefore, I say today that my government will not increase tuition fees. That is final. You can quote me on that.”

    The ACN candidate promised to pay the allowances of AAU workers, which have not been paid in the last 32 months.

    He added that teachers too would be paid their outstanding allowances in full.
    Akeredolu said the bursary for Ondo State indigenes in the higher institutions would be paid, if he becomes governor.

    The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President said an ACN administration would pay special attention to indigent students, so that they can be well educated.

    He said his administration would not waste money on mega schools but renovate existing schools and build new ones in rural areas.

    Akeredolu promised to focus on health and job creation. He restated his commitment to the creation of 30,000 jobs within his 100 days in office and step up infrastructural development, among others.

    The Coordinator of Omoluabi Forum, Chief Gabriel Tolu Obaleye, said the group is supporting Akeredolu because of his vision for the state.

    He said the people of Ondo State are tired of the Mimiko administration, which he accused of building cosmetic projects, such as town halls, boreholes, markets and fountains.

    Obaleye said the residents’ essential needs are potable water, motorable roads, among other vital infrastructure.

    He said the ruling Labour Party (LP) administration has not inaugurated a road in the last three and a half years.

    Akerdolu explained that the development in Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun and Edo states indicate that Ondo State would witness massive development.

    The ACN candidate inaugurated the Independent Campaign Group of the forum and donated N1 million.

  • Ondo CPC in crisis over governorship candidate

    The crisis in the Ondo State chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has worsened.

    Its executive in 18 local government areas reportedly disowned a consultant with the European Commission (EC), Mr Soji Ehinlanwo, as its standard bearer for the October 20 governorship election.

    Ehinlanwo’s name has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the party’s Women’s Leader, Mrs Oluyemi Damilola, as his running mate.
    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Jayeoba Francis, the CPC said:

    “We want to state categorically that members in the 18 local governments did not take part in the kangaroo congress organised in the state where Mr Soji Ehinlawo was purportedly appointed the party’s candidate to contest in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.”

    The party said it was alerting the public to its position on the “congress” which, according to it, CPC members did not attend.

    It said: “To set the record straight, CPC was not aware of the time Mr Ehinlawo joined the party. Just as it was informed of his membership through the newspapers, Mr Lekan Obolo and his cohorts also succeeded in giving the CPC governorship ticket to Ehinlanwo on the pages of newspapers.

    “This is not known to the party and, therefore, invalid, unconstitutional and a flagrant rape on democracy.

    “We intend to inform the public that the so-called governorship candidate was handpicked by some disgruntled elements in the party, headed by the past Interim Chairman, Mr Obolo, and his cohorts for their selfish interest

    “We are stating categorically that Ehinlanwo does not possess the party membership card and he is not a registered member of the party in Ward II, Ilaje Local Government Area, his acclaimed ward.
    “It will be noted that the entire 18 local government chairmen, as a result of this act of disloyalty to the rules and constitution of our great party, did pass a vote of no confidence in the Obolo-led Interim Committee and unanimously appointed Mr Jimoh Amodu as the new Acting Chairman of our great party.

    “The appointment of the new Acting Chairman took effect on August 8, pending the time the party will hold its congress to elect new leaders in the state.

    “We want to make it clear that our decision is to let the people of Ondo State know that CPC in Ondo State chapter does not have any standard bearer in the forthcoming election. But very soon, we shall let the public know the candidate the party will support as we await a directive from Mr Jimoh Amodu, the new Caretaker Chairman of our great party.”

    But a chieftain of the party, Olu Falarungbon, described those against the Ehinlanwo’s candidature as political dissidents.

    He alleged that such members were being sponsored by some desperate politicians to perpetuate themselves in power.

  • ACN candidate ‘didn’t incite varsity, poly workers against LP’

    The Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) of the Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday debunked the allegation by the ruling Labour Party (LP) that opposition parties were instigating the workers of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) in Akungba Akoko and the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo (RUGIPOLY) against the government.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, ACO said: “To us, this is a panic measure on the part of the unpopular government in the state. If an opposition party has such a capacity to influence government workers against the so-called grassroots administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, then they are on their way out.”

    The organisation said Ondo State residents should ask the ruling Labour Party (LP) if it was the opposition that has refused to pay the allowances of workers of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) in the last 28 months.
    It also asked if it was the opposition that has refused to pay the 27 per cent allowances to teachers in the state.

    The statement added: “In fact, it should interest the people why it took Mimiko over two years to show interest in the widows and children of the Labour unions’ representatives who died in a motor accident on their way from Akure after a meeting with Mimiko to negotiate for the welfare of workers.

    “Till now, the agreement reached has not been implemented. The entire campus wears a mourning look as claims that subvention has not be released is all over the air.

    “Is this also the work of the opposition? Is it an opposition party that has neglected the welfare of the workers in both institutions? Is it the opposition party that has been victimising the workers of these institutions? Is it the opposition that has been forcing civil servants to Mimiko’s rallies across the state against their wish?”

    ACO noted that the latest series of protests against the Mimiko administration is an indication that it has lost the confidence of the Ondo State residents.

    It expressed confidence that Mimiko and his LP would be rooted out by the people on October 20.

  • Group begins SMS voting on candidates

    Gallop Polls Nigeria Limited yesterday began an empirical opinion poll to sample the popularity of the 12 governorship candidates participating in the October 20 election in Ondo State.

    The opinion poll is based on Short Messaging Service (SMS).

    Three most popular political parties in the state; the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), will be represented by Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Chief Olusola Oke and Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
    The opinion poll allows registered voters to participate.

    Addressing reporters in Akure, the state capital, the Principal Consultant of Gallop Polls, Chief Anthony Chigbo, said the voting began yesterday and ends on Friday.
    He said the organiser would announce the result on September 28.

    Chigbo said the goal of the poll is to use eligible registered voters to generate data and develop the content that enables empirical prediction of voter leaning and behaviour on Election Day.

    He said voters on MTN network would be allowed to vote, adding that they would be charged N10 per SMS.

    The consultant explained that the organiser pitched its tent with MTN because it accounted for 60 per cent of registered phone users in the state.

    Chigbo said: “We have created different alphabetical codes for the four most popular parties in the state. The other eight parties will share one code. Anyone who wants to vote for ACN will text “ONDO AK” and send it to 31077; PDP, “ONDO OK” to 31077; CPC, “ONDO HE” to 31077; LP “ONDO OM” to 31077″ and others political parties “ONDO AA” to 31077.

    “Already the 12 political parties are aware of the event. Though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not collaborating with us, but it is aware of the opinion poll.

    We did same thing in Edo State (during the July governorship election) and during the fuel subsidy crisis in January. All these were successful.

    “We are promising to be fear to all parties. There will not be multiple voting from a single person. Underage children will not be allowed to vote, because we have a data base that originated from Ondo State and which provided us with the total number of voters in the state and all registered MTN SIM cards.”

  • Preacher arraigned for alleged N209m fraud

    An Anambra State preacher, Jide-jisos Ejie (47), has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly defrauding his flock of N209,035,000.

    He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate C.N Chinwuba of the Ogidi Magistrate’s Court in Idemili North Local Government Area.

    Ejie allegedly collected the money from both members and branches of the United Nigeria Chaplaincy (UNC), nationwide, under the pretence that they were going to have a peace summit with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

    Chief Magistrate Chinwuba remanded him in prison custody and adjourned the hearing till December 18.

  • Imo police disown text message

    The Police in Imo State have debunked a text message circulating in Owerri, the Imo State capital, that the state has been invaded by kidnappers.

    The message, which was alleged to have emanated from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adisa Bolanta, reads: “Owerri is on red flag as regards the deplorable security situation. Present CP said citizens should totally avoid lonely places, driving exotic/flashy cars, especially Jeeps. A group of 16 kidnappers is in the state. The police are battling to track them down, but no success yet”.

    In a statement, Police spokesman Vitalis Onugu urged the public to disregard the text message.
    He said: “The text message is the handiwork of hoodlums and people, who are poised to destabilise the state and blackmail the police, but we have begun investigation into the matter.

    “We urge residents to go about their legitimate duties without fear, as the police are poised to ensure crime-free ember months.”

  • Robbers kill Ebonyi Govt House worker

    •Police shoot dead suspect

    worker at the Ebonyi State Government House, Mr. Pascal Ugadu, was yesterday shot dead by a five-man robbery gang on Afikpo Road, Abakaliki, the state capital.

    An eyewitness, who pleaded for anonymity, said the robbers invaded Nnoli Filling Station about 9:15am and shot at a Toyota Hilux van, BDG 899 AG, which was refueling.

    The witness said the van was conveying some government officials to Ishiagu for an election into the Ishiagu Community Development Union (ICDU).

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Celestine Nwali, Commissioner for Border and Security Donatus Ajah and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Mr. Collins Agbo, were at the filling station when the incident occurred.

    The eyewitness said the robbers, who operated with Cater motorcycles, carried sophisticated weapons.

    The witness said they stole an undisclosed amount of money from the station and robbed the employees of their phones.
    The eyewitness said: “We were heading to Ishiagu for the ICDU election in the company of some top government officials, who were expected to monitor the election. On getting to Nnoli Filling Station, we stopped to buy fuel.

    “We saw about five young men on motorcycles coming towards us with speed. On getting to where the Hilux van was parked, they immediately opened fire on the van, killing Ugadu, who was sitting at the back of the vehicle. The driver escaped unhurt.

    “We took Ugadu’s body and the vehicle to the Government House Clinic, where sympathisers, including the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Fidelix Mbam, and other top government officials wept uncontrollably.

    “About 12:30pm, the body and the vehicle were taken away from the Government House Clinic by a security team led by Mr. Godwin Okeke of the Government House Criminal Investigation Bureau.

    “We suspect that the aim of the hoodlums was to kill Agbo, in whose van the deceased was riding, but Agbo was not in the vehicle when they struck.”

    It was learnt that the body had been deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
    Police spokesman Sylvester Igbo confirmed the incident. He said one of the robbers was shot dead by a team of mobile policemen and soldiers, but the others escaped.

    Igbo said one AK 47 rifle, one shot gun, expended magazines, two motorcycles and other items were recovered from the hoodlums.
    Secretary to the State Government Mr. Fidelis Mbam described Ugadu’s death as “tragic, painful and unfortunate”.
    He urged the police to apprehend Ugadu’s killers.

  • NHIS: Govt to stop cheating of patients

    The Federal Government has promised to resolve the conflict in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme. (NHIS).
    Many subscribers are believed to have been short-changed by health institutions administering the scheme.
    Speaking at a Subscribers’ Forum in Abuja- a session aimed at creating awareness for beneficiaries, the Acting Executive Secretary of NHIS, Dr Abdulrahman Sambo, said many enrollees had been short-changed by institutions administering the programme because they lack knowledge about the scheme.
    He said: “Most of the enrollees are cheated, short-changed and segregated against by institutions providing health insurance as a result of enrollees’ insufficient knowledge; many want to capitalise on the lack of knowledge to short change beneficiaries.
    “The scheme will continue to ensure improvement in service delivery to enrollees and foster the enabling environment for robust interactions necessary for the smooth operation of the programme.”
    “This, we believe, will reduce the tensions and conflicts among stakeholders and enhance the desired satisfaction from the enrollees necessary for the sustenance of the scheme,” Sambo said.
    At the forum, one of the enrollees, Mrs Altine Ijogi, an official of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), said one of the greatest challenges confronting enrollees was procedural means of accessing healthcare.
    She said: “Apart from procedural issues facing the scheme, the programme in real sense has been encouraging.”
    Mrs Ijogi urged NHIS officials to expedite action towards ensuring that health institutions implementing the scheme adhered strictly to the modus operandi.
    Enrollees at the forum were expected to be acquainted with the modalities involved in the full implementation of the programme.

  • Air ambulance not to promote foreign interest

    Nigeria’s premier air ambulance service provider, Flying Doctors Nigeria (FDN), has said it is not promoting foreign medical tourism. Its primary aim is moving patients from a point of need to the nearest medical facility.
    Its 26-year-old Managing Director, Dr Ola Orekunrin, said getting a patient to the right facility in good time is its main focus. “We do this by landing directly at our partner hospital sites. We are the leading authority on pre-hospital and emergency care in the country, with more coverage. My vision is to indigenise and thereby boost the health sector,” she said.
    FDN said it has repatriation services for patients who wish to be taken abroad for there are limitations to the services offered in the country, despite the improvement in health care over the past years.
    “The company has a VIP Cover scheme. A scheme in which dignitaries can be flown to anywhere to receive state-of-the-art management treatment right from the pick-up point,” she said.
    FDN is the only air ambulance provider in West Africa with vast experience in medical and aviation industries.
    Dr Orekunrin, who specialises in Accident and Emergency, trained also as a pilot-said her organisation’s service is completely physician-led, which means that complex, life-saving procedures can be carried out in the helicopter en route to the hospital, if required.
    For instance, as organ transplantation procedures become more common in Nigeria, Flying Doctors provides assistance to transplant coordinators within Nigeria and across Africa. By placing air ambulances and a medical crew around Nigeria, it provides prompt response service to all requests.
    Dr Orekunrin said: “FDN provides services to top health institutions, corporate bodies and private individuals across the continent.
    “Air ambulances are extremely vital and necessary especially within Africa as they avoid high traffic areas, decreasing the waiting time for critically ill patients which in turn increase the patient’s chance of survival. The medical staffs are highly trained to international standard and the majority of the team have experience having worked abroad. This guarantees that the best treatment is received.”
    FDN is a more cost effective solution for corporate companies as costs are controlled by an assessment of treatment and avoiding unnecessary expenses in the process. The local service response time can be as little as 30 minutes for clients in Nigeria and Ghana.
    It also provides other vital healthcare services for corporate companies like health and safety assessments, medical advice, malaria regimes, health checks, free first aid training, procurement of medical equipment to offshore/remote facilities and advanced training for medics working in these locations.

  • RMAFC chair: Anambra‘ll enjoy derivation if …

    The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has said Anambra will benefit from the oil derivation fund, if the mineral resource from the state contributes to the Federation Account.

    RMAFC Chairman Mr. Elias Mbam spoke yesterday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, at a workshop on Economic Diversification, organised by the commission and the Delta State Government.

    Mbam said though crude oil production had begun in the state, becoming a beneficiary of the monthly allocation, based on the 13 per cent oil derivation, was not “automatic”.

    He said: “The derivation fund is clearly defined in the constitution. The law does not say you must start benefiting when we discover mineral in your place.

    “You only benefit when that mineral resource contributes to the Federation Account and what you benefit is the value of its contribution to the Federation Account. So the existence of a mineral resource does not make Anambra an automatic beneficiary of the 13 per cent derivation fund.”

    On August 30, President Goodluck Jonathan announced the listing of Anambra as an oil producing state.
    The President made the announcement at the inauguration of the first oil refinery in the state, built by Orient Petroleum Resources Plc in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.

    Following the president’s pronouncement, the Kogi State Government announced that it would also be a stakeholder in the refinery because oil wells that would service the refinery were located in Odeke, Ibaji Local Government Area of the state.

    Mbam said the commission was yet to receive any complaint over the ownership of the oil wells.

    He said: “We have agencies of government charged with the responsibility of ensuring that boundary issues are settled. We have the National Boundary Commission and the Surveyor-General of the Federation, who are charged with the responsibility of delineating boundaries.

    “There is no need to dissipate energy now, because once they start contributing to the Federation Account, the commission will request the boundary commission and the Surveyor-General to go and establish where that oil wells belong.”