The Nation Newspaper

Tag: accuses

  • New PDP accuses police of plot to frame members

    Members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State yesterday raised the alarm that the police had perfected a plot to frame them with bomb explosions.

    They accused the police of scheming to detonate bombs in some parts of the state capital and later blame the explosion on them.

    The members insisted that the police planned the criminality to arrest and detain some of former Governor Timipre Sylva’s loyalists.

    The interim chairman of the Karu Baraje-led PDP and former Security Adviser to Sylva, Richard Kpodo, alleged that the police were ready to detonate the bombs and accuse new PDP members.

    Kpodo claimed that they uncovered the development through a security report.

    He said the plot was designed to begin later this week, adding that the police would begin mass arrest of their members as part of the scheme.

    “We have gathered that the police are out to hunt our members and frame us up over bomb explosion.

    “We are aware that the plot have been activated and we want the world to know that the hunt down of our members have taken new dimension.

    “We want the police and the agents of government to know that it is our right to associate.

    “It is not against the constitution of the country. I have served as Bayelsa Governor Security Adviser and I kept people safe.

    “Why would they want to frame us up? I have the rights to support anybody and we hope to stop the acts of intimidation.”

    But the police denied the allegation and warned the proponents of the nPDP to stop dragging them into politics.

    Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe said the command was not aware of the existence of the New PDP in the state.

    “The proponent of such group should not involve the police in issues of politics. The allegation of the New PDP is untrue and frivolous.

    “This may have been what they are planning against the people of the state. But we want them to know that anybody who acts contrary to law and order would be dealt with by the law. Ours is to maintain law and order.”

  • Nasarawa community accuses al-Makura, others of fuelling Ombatse violence

    Nasarawa community accuses al-Makura, others of fuelling Ombatse violence

    Some alleged comments by Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko al-Makura were yesterday said to be responsible for the increased violence by the Ombatse group.

    Ombatse members were also accused of killing 21 and burning over 1,000 houses belonging to the Alago people of Assakio town in Lafia East Development Area of Lafia Local Government Area.

    Two federal lawmakers and a serving commissioner in Nasarawa State were listed among the alleged “promoters, sponsors, financiers, aiders and abettors of Ombatse in Assakio town”.

    The accusations were in a memorandum submitted by the Alago people of Assakio town to the Justice Joseph Fola Gbadeyan-led nine-man Judicial Commission of Enquiry.

    The panel is probing the killing of over 50 security personnel in an ambush, allegedly by members of Ombatse in Lakyo village on May 7, as well as other violent crises in the state.

    The Alago community’s counsel, Yakubu Hassan, read the memorandum yesterday. He also led the only witness, Prince Elayun Owara, in evidence before the panel sitting in Lafia, the state capital.

    The memorandum was jointly signed by Owara, Maji Elayo, Iliya Ashokpa, Usman Elayaba, Dantala Usman and Muhammed Osewoya.

    The community blamed the incessant conflicts between the Eggon and Alago people on the ownership of Assakio town, the payment of royalties on designated farmlands to the paramount chief of Assakio, the demand by Eggon people for a separate chiefdom and the personality clashes between Alago and Eggon chiefs.

    The residents advised that government’s pronouncements during a crisis or on sensitive matters be done with caution.

    The memorandum reads: “The Eggon militia group (Ombatse), from all over Eggon land and those in Assakio, launched an attack on Assakio town on Friday, June 1, 2012, in which lives and unimaginable property were lost. The entire Assakio town was razed.

    “The Wakilin Eggon (Umaru Avre Tsaku) alleged that the attack on Assakio was a reaction to an act of provocation by the Alago people in Assakio who lord themselves over Eggon people.

    “After the attack on Assakio, the Ombatse re-grouped again within Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area for their initiation rites. Security agents, who went there to find out what was going on, were attacked, injured; their arms seized and their vehicles burnt.

    “Following this breakdown of law and order, the people of Nasarawa State, with good conscience, vilified the activities of the Ombatse. But Governor al-Makura defended them. He said as citizens of Nasarawa State and Nigeria, the Eggon people were free to practise whatever religion they wanted, including their tradition.

    “He added that it was wrong for the security agents to interrupt the activities of the Ombatse. This action of the governor further strengthened the activities of Ombatse.”

    The petitioners said three weeks after their initiation rites, the Eggon (Ombatse) attacked the Koro (Mighili) people of Gwandenye/Agyaragu. They blamed the attack on the alleged bid by the Eggon people to take over the administration of Agyaragu from the Koro people “who are the original owners”.

    The community added that from the various comments allegedly made by the national leaders of Ombatse in their open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, “it is clear that every member of Ombatse (Eggon militia group) is an Eggon person (though not every Eggon person is an Ombatse).

    “Ombatse is a cult and not a spiritual or religious body of the Eggon people. This is because no religion discriminates against women, children and other ethnic groups. The Eggon people have pent-up grievances, which they harbour against other ethnic groups within Nasarawa South Senatorial District (such as Alago, Mighili, Gwandara, among others).

    “Tthe Eggon people (through their militia group) are preparing for a showdown during the 2015 governorship election in the state, thus preparing to take it by force.

    “The Ombatse (militia group) has been uncomfortable with the security agencies in the state. The opportunity came their way and they took their pound of flesh at Alakyo village.”

    On the remote causes of the conflicts between the Alago and their Eggon neighbours, the community said: “Both the Alago people of Assakio and their Eggon neighbours have contended the ownership and first settler (status) of Assakio and, therefore, the paramount chieftaincy of Assakio chiefdom.

    “…Therefore, it was the question of indigene and settler that infuriated the Eggon to unleash terror on the Alago people of Assakio as a result of slight provocation.”

  • Family accuses police of killing kins man

    The family of a 28-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has accused the police of killing him.

    The deceased, simply identified as Lukman, was a night guard at Agodi Spare Parts Market.

    He was allegedly tortured to death last Friday by policemen at Gate 2 Division.

    The late Lukman, who also worked as a vulcaniser at Irefin Junction, was employed as a night guard at the ceramic and Aluminium section of the Motor Spare Parts Sellers’ Association at Gate.

    It was learnt that his employers accused him of taking part in a robbery at the market and reported to the police.

    The late Lukman was arrested and locked up, but he was found dead two days later, when his family visited the station.

    The police said the suspect committed suicide.

    His family and youths at Irefin, where Lukman lived, have questioned the police’s claim.

    Police spokesperson Olabisi Ilobanafor said Lukman committed suicide with the tunic he was wearing.

    She said: “His cell mates were there and they can testify to it. A physical examination of his body showed that his tongue was outside. How can anybody say he was tortured to death?”

    Ilobanafor said an autopsy was carried out, adding that the Police Commissioner, Mohammed Indabawa had ordered a probe.

  • Ogun PDP accuses Daniel of disloyalty

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has faulted former Governor Gbenga Daniel’s claim of being loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The party was reacting to Daniel’s statement that he is “irrevocably committed to the Goodluck Jonathan project and will support his aspirations wherever and whenever”.

    In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waliu Oladipupo, PDP said: “By his comments, Daniel seems to be giving another meaning to the saying that ‘if you love me, love my dog’. For, if he is truly committed to Mr. President, he would associate with him warts and all.”

    The party wondered why Daniel was pledging his loyalty, instead of reaffirming his defection to the Labour Party (LP).

    It said: “If he could leave the PDP after the party made him politically, he has already betrayed Mr. President and the entire party.”

    PDP urged the President not to be taken in by what it described as “Daniel’s Ziggy”, adding that “his only loyalty is to himself and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), which he wants to continue to use to mobilise support for the LP”.

    PDP said: “Daniel’s adventure to the LP was driven by ego and some parochial interests. He wants to have things his way at all times. Daniel moved from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the PDP, the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) and now the LP. If he does not get what he wants in the LP, you can be sure he will leave for another platform.”

  • ASUU accuses Fed Govt of insincerity

    ASUU accuses Fed Govt of insincerity

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the weekend accused the Federal Government of insincerity in the implementation of the agreement it reached with the union in 2009.

    The union said the government has not shown interest in addressing the problems of the Education sector.

    It also said the government was feigning ignorance about the union’s demands.

    The National Convener, ASUU Committee on Human Rights, Dr Sola Olorunyomi, spoke on a Splash FM programme, “Voices”, monitored in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    He said ASUU’s leaders, who met with representatives of the Federal Government, were shocked when the government feigned ignorance about the strike and its agreement.

    The academic explained that it was only when the representatives were shown the government’s signature on the document that the reality dawned on them.

    Olorunyomi said: “We are resolute this time. We are prepared to go hungry. You can’t believe that the people we met first feigned ignorance about the agreement. It was not until our team brought out the memorandum of agreement and then some of them saw their signatures. It was a drama of sorts. But you can only have that in Nigeria.”

  • NGF poll: Jang accuses Kwankwaso of deception

    NGF poll: Jang accuses Kwankwaso of deception

    Plateau State Governor Jonah David Jang yesterday described his Kano State counterpart Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as “morally bankrupt”.

    The Plateau governor was reacting to the acclaimed role played by Kwankwaso during the election of the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

    Commissioner for information and Communication Yiljap Abraham spoke on behalf of Jang in a statenment in Jos yesterday.

    Jang, who leads a faction of the Governor’s Forum, said: “Kwankwaso’s account of events during the Northern States Governors’ Forum, which led to the adoption of Governor Jonah Jang as the candidate of the region for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has thrown a moral glitz on Nigeria’s political turf.

    “His admission that he personally nominated Governor Jonah Jang and asked Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue to support his move only because “It was a game…, clearly showed a mind luxuriating in unethical lyrics.

    “That the Kano governor could walk cool out of the room wherein ‘they’ had decided to set up Benue and Plateau for a national ‘fall’ tells us a bit about why we may not capture back soon Nigeria’s political morality. That he could nominate Jang as consensus candidate and still not ‘vote’ for him showed an incredible double-speak!

    “Where was the porch of intergrity Kwanwasho had constructed as Nigeria’s Defence Minister?”

    Jang added: “Is this ‘game’ part of the crafted Kwankwasiyya curriculum that must be passed by those under the governor’s tutelage? Is crass deception now being introduced as part of a leader’s necessary attitudinal regalia in Nigeria’s politics? Will this form part of our national values as we trudge toward 2015…and the years beyond?

    He said, “As we reflect further on the implication of what Governor Kwankwaso has ‘divulged’, there is still a generation in Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Plateau and beyond that will reminisce on those glorious years of political brotherhood when Governor Abubakar Rimi and Governor Solomon Lar brought Kano and Plateau to an unbreakable and unshakeable bond of temperate unity (even though they belonged to different political parties and religions!) – a relationship that stood as an icon of national integration and regional mutuality.”

  • 2015: ACN accuses Fed Govt of plans to block free election

    2015: ACN accuses Fed Govt of plans to block free election

    There are plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government to create a chaotic environment and prevent a peaceful election in 2015, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alleged yesterday.

    The party cited some decisions of the government, which it said were directed at worsening insecurity and violence with the aim of ensuring that the election never holds or it holds in an environment that will prevent free and fair elections.

    ACN’s National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who addressed a press conference in Lagos yesterday, said though his party had earlier complained before now that the Federal Government was promoting crisis and working towards incapacitating known opposition leaders,with its eyes on 2015, the situation is “more alarming now.”

    Mohammed urged ACN supporters and other well-meaning Nigerians to be vigilant and prevent the breakdown of law and order. He said the PDP’s resort to such crude tactics was informed by its realisation that the electorate is ready to back the opposition.

    He also urged Nigeria’s foreign friends to prevail on the government and the ruling PDP to allow peaceful election come 2015.

    Mohammed commented on the award of a multi-billion contract for the protection of oil pipelines in the Southwest. The move by the contract’s major beneficiary to resuscitate the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the arrest of some Boko Haram suspects in Lagos confirm the party’s fear.

    Mohammed cautioned that no nation can survive a combination of ethnic and religious conflagration, and that those who will instigate crises to push a personal and selfish agenda risk being consumed by it.

    He said: “It is no longer a secret that the PDP-led Federal Government has failed the nation in all ramifications.

    “In the provision of social amenities and standard infrastructure, ensuring the security of lives and property, provision of jobs for our teeming unemployed youths and generally ensuring better life for our people, the party that has presided over the affairs of our nation since 1999 has fallen short.

    “To make matters worse, the party itself is imploding as a result of its own failings, and its tattered umbrella can no longer provide shelter from the elements for its increasingly disenchanted members.

    “Against this background, the PDP is keenly aware that it has totally lost the confidence of all Nigerians, and the long-suffering people of this great country are now ready and eager to vote out this clueless party.

    “Keenly aware of this fact, the PDP has now realised that if indeed the 2015 elections are free and fair and conducted in a conducive environment, there will be no chance for the party.

    “What is the way out for the PDP? The party has decided to go for broke: Either there will be no elections in 2015 or the polls will be conducted in an atmosphere of chaos, thereby paving the way for the PDP to do what it does best – rig the elections!

    “Since the Boko Haram crisis broke out in some parts of the North, it has been largely restricted to those parts. This has made it possible to say to prospective foreign investors and others that the whole country has not been engulfed in violence and insecurity.

    “But now, the areas that have been largely peaceful are being targetted by those who will only be happy when the whole country is in turmoil. Three recent events, all at the instance of the Federal Government, raise the red flag.

    “A multi-billion naira contract has suddenly been awarded for the protection of oil pipelines in the region.The main beneficiary of the contract has suddenly realised that the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), formed by the respected statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is no longer in existence, and has thus decided to revive it.

    “Just about the same time, suspected Boko Haram members have been arrested in Lagos, specifically at a house belonging to the government of Bayelsa State.

    “The questions that arise are: What is the real intention of the Federal Government in awarding this oil pipeline protection contract?

    “Is it a mere coincidence that the main beneficiary of the multi-billion naira oil pipeline protection contract is also the same fellow who is promoting the revival of the UPN?

    “Could the huge contract have been meant to provide the seed money for the promoters of this party?

    “Is it true, as it is being alleged in certain quarters, that the essence of the contract is to recruit 30,000 youths who will ostensibly protect the pipelines, but in the real sense are ready hands to foment violence on demand in the Southwest?

    “Is it true that the so-called revival of the UPN is to provide a platform for anarchists and end-gamers in the Southwest to infiltrate the ranks of the progressives and throw the region into chaos?

    “Why is it that suddenly, Boko Haram suspects are popping up in Lagos, and some of those who have been arrested were residing in a building owned by the Bayelsa State government?

    “Is the Bayelsa State government aware of this and if so, what has it done to evict them from the building? Who are the ragamuffins paraded by security agencies as Boko Haram suspects working for?

    “Why have some people in the Southwest been engaging in Boko Haram baiting in recent times, vociferously warning that if Boko Haram comes to the region, they will be crushed? Is it a coincidence that this Boko Haram baiting has become stronger since the oil pipeline contract was awarded?

    “Who are the brains behind the continuous efforts to sabotage the merger of the progressives? Who bankrolled the tatterdemalions, the disreputable people who are parading themselves as African Peoples Congress?

    “Only this morning, it was reported that a new group is trying to register APCN, in continuation of the sabotage attempts. And who are the real faces of the so-called ANPP stakeholders who have been making spurious claims concerning the All Progressives’ Congress (APC)?

    “We are also concerned by the allegation that the Federal Government may be promoting a policy of inciting some parts of the country against the other, as well as Christians against Muslims. We sincerely hope this is not true.

    “May we also use this opportunity to restate our stand, that the Boko Haram crisis – which by the way is a social rather than a religious problem – has festered either due to the ineptitude of the Federal Government or because it fits into the game plan of those who are bent on erecting a road block on the path of free, fair and peaceful polls in 2015.

    “We make bold to say that the stand of the PDP is that having seen the handwriting on the wall, the party realises it cannot win free and fair elections in 2015.

    “PDP and its stalwarts are therefore perfecting a sinister plan that will make free and fair elections impossible in 2015, or if at all the elections will be held, they will hold under curfew to give the party the cover it needs to rig the polls.

    “Also being considered is a plan under which emergency rule will be imposed on most parts of the country, following which elections will be put in abeyance, paving the way for tenure elongation. Instigation of violence in hitherto peaceful parts of the country is one of the means to achieve this plan.

    “We are, therefore, alerting the good people of Nigeria as well as friends of the country around the world to closely monitor events as they unfold in the days ahead, along the lines that we have enunciated above.

    “On our part, we will be keenly watching events as they unfold, either in the Southwest or elsewhere. After all, it is said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. In this regard, we call on all our supporters, all progressives and indeed all Nigerians to be vigilant.

    “We will also like to warn that no nation can survive a combination of ethnic and religious conflagration, and that those who will instigate crisis to push a personal and selfish agenda risk being consumed by it.

    “We say no to violence! We say no to do-or-die politics! We say no to any anti-democratic measures as a means of retaining power at all cost.

    “And lest we are misunderstood, the constitution of our great country allows freedom of association and anyone who so desires can form a party. But where the purpose of the party being formed is to instigate chaos and scuttle democracy, every right thinking person must be concerned!” the ACN spokesman said.

  • 2014: Osun ACN accuses PDP of plot to rig polls

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plans to “massively rig” the 2014 governorship election.

    The party alleged that the PDP was working with the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to create chaos before and after the election, but the PDP debunked the claim.

    In a statement by its Publicity Director, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, ACN alleged that the NLC leadership has been bought over by the PDP. The ACN said: “At a meeting in Osogbo, the state capital, at the weekend, PDP leaders gave graphic details of how to tamper with the voters’ list in each polling unit, effect the mass transfer of non-corrupt security personnel outside the state and orchestrate massive ballot box-snatching like they did in 2003, when former Governor Bisi Akande was rigged out of office.

    “We also have the privileged information that PDP is planning to set aside huge cash to influence labour unions to go on strike shortly before and until the end of the election process.

    “The grand design of this plan anchors on collaboration with criminal elements in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abuja headquarters, and the exercise of federal power over the police to destabilise the tight security that has been put in place by the state command in conjunction with the state government.

    “The PDP leaders at the meeting were said to be unanimous in their belief that with the tight state of security in the state, it would be impossible to create the kind of mayhem the party would need to rig the 2014 election.

    “The PDP has put in place mechanism to ensure that Abuja displaces the current security arrangement in Osun state, just before the election, and gets INEC to disorganise the voters’ list in each polling station to create maximum confusion and disenfranchise thousands of ACN supporters, whose name would have been transferred from their voting centres.

    “A committee has been set up the PDP in each ward to copy the list of names in the register of each polling unit for transmission to Abuja, where a fake register would be compiled.

    ACN warned that any attempt to rig the election would be resisted.

    In a statement by its Publicity Director, Prince Diran Odeyemi, PDP said: “The allegation is funny. We have not even picked a candidate out of the six aspirants. How can we be planning to rig when we have not had our primary?”

  • Erijiyan-Ekiti killing: ACN accuses top govt official of intimidation

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ekiti State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a top official of the Federal Government, who is from Ekiti, of using the “federal might” to persecute ACN members.

    It said the detention of its Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, over the killing of Mr. Ayo Jeje last weekend in Erijiyan-Ekiti, is aimed at clamping down on the opposition.

    Awe was invited on Tuesday and was quizzed by the police at the Command Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.

    He was reportedly moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

    In a statement, ACN’s Publicity Secretary Prince Tunde Adeleke said: “The police’s investigation has been manipulated and skewed against the ACN’s chairman and other members of the party by a top official of the Federal Government, who is a governorship aspirant and factional leader of the PDP in Ekiti.

    “We view the latest development as an abuse of the official’s office. It is a reminder of the dark days of dictatorship and impunity and we shall resist all attempts to intimidate ACN members under any guise.

    “We call for the immediate release of Awe, who has been detained for the Erinjiyan-Ekiti killing since Tuesday.”

    The PDP has called for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Sotonye Wakama.

    It alleged that Wakama was “aiding and abetting lawlessness”urged the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy him, as well as probe Jeje’s killing.

    In a statement by its Media Director, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, PDP said: “The spate of robbery and politically-motivated crises in the state is worrisome. The CP appears compromised and helpless.”

    A socio-political group in Osun State, De Raufs, has urged the police to expose Jeje’s killer(s).

    The group urged the police to extend their investigation to the camp of a former Ekiti governor and the PDP, “as opposition politicians carry out heinous crimes to implicate the ruling party”.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Mallam Musiliu Oladimeji, the group said Awe was a man of integrity and cannot be involved in “such a dastardly act”.

    Calling for a proper probe of the matter, it warned the police against being used by the PDP-led Federal Government to clampdown on the opposition.

    De Raufs alleged that the crisis was caused by PDP members to discredit the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration as the 2014 governorship election draws near.

  • AMCON accuses Ogboru of refusal to repay loan

    The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has accused a former governorship candidate in Delta State, Great Ogboru, of being a chronic debtor, who is always unwilling to pay his debt.

    AMCON made the assertion yesterday before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, at the resumed hearing of a suit it instituted against Ogboru’s company, Fiogret Limited.

    Its lawyer, Kunle Ogunba (SAN), while reacting to Ogboru and his company’s motion, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit, alleged that Ogboru and Fiogret take delight in accepting loans from banks without paying back.

    The alleged practice by Ogboru and his company, Ogunba allaged, they reason they always run to court to get injunction to stop debt recovery processes.

    The court had is the earlier granted AMCON an order, affirming Ogunba’s appointment as receiver/manager over Fiogret’s assets purportedly pledged by Ogboru as security for a loan obtained by the company from Equitorial Trust Bank (now part of Sterling Bank), a development that prompted Ogboru and his company’s motions.

    The first motion seeks an order vacating the earlier order affirming Ogunba’s appointment as receiver/manager over Fiogret’s property situated on Plot 43, Norma Williams street, Ikoyi; Plot 230-234, Owotu-Ikorodu and Plot 15, Layi Ajayi-Bembe Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.The second motion challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

    Upon the court’s permission, Ogboru’s lawyer, Professor McCarthy Mbadugha argued the second application. He contended that the suit was an abuse of court process because there was a pending suit before Justice Adamu of the Federal High Court, Abuja on the same subject matter.

    Mbadugha said the Abuja court had earlier issued a perpetual order, restraining AMCON from taking over Ogboru’s property. He also faulted Ogunba’s appearance in the case, saying the lawyer already has financial interest in it, having been appointed as receiver/manager.

    Mbadugha urged the court to dismiss the suit.

    Ogunba, while responding, recalled that Ogboru once agreed that N33 million, which formed the principal of the loan was outstanding.

    “He (Ogboru) has not paid, but wants the court to determine the interest. The action of people like Ogboru wrecked some banks in Nigeria,” Ogunba said.

    He also faulted Mbadugha’s argument that he was not qualified to appear for AMCON in the case, saying there was no specific prayer to that effect by the defendant in the motion paper. Ogunba argued that Ogboru’s motion was misconceived, and ought to be dismissed.

    Justice Abang adjourned the case to March 22 .