The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Agagu

  • 11 things about Embraer 120 Brasilia

    11 things about Embraer 120 Brasilia

    Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia is a twin-turboprop commuter airliner. It is produced by Embraer of Brazil. This commuter airliner yesterday crashed in Lagos while conveying the remains of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, his son Feyi and 26 persons to Akure, Ondo State. It was reported to have crashed after two minutes of take-off.

    Below are 11 things you should know about Embraer 120 aircraft:
    – Amount varies between: 8,500,000 – 11,000,000 USD (2013)
    – Carrying Capacity: 30 passengers
    – Length:  65ft 7 1/2 in
    – Maximum speed: 608 km/h
    – Manufactured by Embraer in Brazil
    – First ever flight: 1983
    – The name given to the first set of airliner was: EMB-120 Araguaia
    – The name EMB-120 Araguaia was changed in 1979
    – Its current name since 1979 is: EMB-120 Brasillia
    – Also produced with EMB-120 Brasillia were: EMB-123-Tapajós,EMB-121
    Xingu,EMB-121
    -Since September 19, 1986, EMB-120 Brasilia has been involved in 16 accidents
  • Air mishap: Lagos Emergency Agency confirms 11 dead

    Air mishap: Lagos Emergency Agency confirms 11 dead

    … Four injured

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Authority  said on Thursday that 11  people died and four others injured in the early morning air crash at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja.

    The plane crashed shortly after take-off at about 9.30 am local time. It had 20 passengers and seven crew members on board.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has confirmed the crash of an Embraer aircraft operated by Associated Airlines with Reg No SCD 361 at the Lagos airport.

    The minister said in a statement that emergency rescue operations commenced immediately by a combined team of Fire Service and security personnel .

    “Some persons pulled out from the aircraft have been rushed to the hospital while a few dead bodies have been recovered. The rescue operations is still on-going, ” she said.

  • Politics stripped us of privacy, says Agagu’s daughter

    Politics stripped us of privacy, says Agagu’s daughter

    • ‘He taught me how to sew buttons’

    The first daughter of the late former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, Mrs. Solape Hammond, yesterday reflected on her father’s life.

    She said his foray into partisan politics was “very difficult for the family” because it robbed it of its privacy.

    In an exclusive interview with The Nation at the late Agagu’s Bodija home in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Mrs. Hammond said no member of the family wanted their patriarch to go into politics but it was difficult to stop him from doing so, given his passion for the well-being of his people.

    She said though her father never sought publicity, his activities brought him to the limelight, particularly his geological surveys as a lecturer at the University of Ibadan (UI).

    Mrs. Hammond said at that time, her mother used to cook for over 30 people daily, stressing that there were never less than 10 people in the house at any point in time.

    She said children of friends living abroad and extended family members were living in their home.

    Mrs. Hammond said her father taught in three universities at the time because of his passion for working and caring for others.

    Despite his several engagements, she described her father as a devoted family man, who always created time for his family.

    Mrs. Hammond said: “He was a great man, an inspiration to many and a selfless worker, who was passionate about his country and people. He loved his country and people and sought to do good every day.

    “He sat with me to check my results up to the university. He checked the courses I registered for every year and we planned my career together. He used to call it our career. Despite his tight schedule, he taught me how to sew buttons and remove stains from a white shirt. That was the kind of father he was.”

    She said her father taught them how to sail through difficult situations, adding that he lived through many of such.

    Mrs. Hammond said: “There is no situation in life that he has not given me advice on or that I have not seen him live through. Is it disappointment, betrayal by people or people not appreciating what you are doing? He would just smile and remind us that Jesus was betrayed.”

    On what she wishes her father should have done differently, she said: “I wish he did not go into politics because we are very private people. But he was passionate about his people. We are getting a lot of accolades now but it was not like that at the time. That is something I wish he did not go through.”

    Mrs. Hammond described the loss of their privacy as the sacrifice the family made for their patriarch.

    She said she wished her father lived longer, so that she could return his love.

    Agagu died on September 13 at 65.

  • Agagu, an exemplary leader, says Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has condoled with the family of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

    He said the ex-governor, who passed on last Friday, was an exemplary leader, who would be missed.

    Governor Fayemi, who was received at the Ibadan home of the late governor by his widow, Olufunke and two of his children, Feyi and Solape, described the late Agagu as an advisor, mentor and a committed political leader, who operated in a manner that was above board.

    The governor added that the deceased was not a political bigot as he lived above pettiness, rancour and the usual acrimony that is pervasive in the nation’s political system.

    “He was an advisor, a mentor, a committed political leader and operated in a manner that was above board. He was above pettiness, above rancour, above the usual acrimony that is pervasive. In all of this, he did it with grace, civility and panache, compassion and commitment to the people of Ondo State of which we were once a part in Ekiti. Many might say he belonged to the other side, but for Agagu, there was no other side. There was no enemy in politics. He was a quintessential gentleman,” Fayemi said.

    Asserting that Agagu was supportive of the Fayemi-led administration in Ekiti, the governor said he conceived the eight-point agenda, which has received encomiums from far and wide from Agagu’s plan while running for office in 2003, and how he organised his government when he eventually emerged governor.

    He added that he read the late governor’s plans and what he was to achieve at intervals.

    Fayemi said the deceased was a different breed from other politicians, perhaps because of his antecedents in the academic world.

    Agagu, according to the governor, was an “intellectual giant, who left that comfortable world of academics into the murky waters of politics” in order to serve the people of his state.

    The governor, however, urged people, who see the late governor as a true leader, to play politics in an above- board manner, a corruption-free manner.

    “In all my opportunities to discuss life, politics and academics with him, he always had something to teach me at every point in time and for me, there was another dimension to the loss. He was the intellectual giant, who left that comfortable world of academics into the murky waters of politics. He was a pioneer in the field, he was one of the very early generation of politicians from the academic world. Maybe that was why he was different. For him, it was about the work.

    “I read his plan before he became governor, he knew what he was going to do in six months and 12 months. There was an 18 months plan, 24-month plan and that guided me when I was running for office in Ekiti. That’s where a lot of what people now associate with us in the eight-point agenda came from. I learned a great deal from the way he organised government, the lean manner, the focus on people rather than on politicians. He was a kindred spirit in many ways and we shall sorely miss him,” Fayemi said.

  • PDP factions, NGF, Atiku, mourn Agagu

    PDP factions, NGF, Atiku, mourn Agagu

    The Bamanga Tukur-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Abubakar Baraje’s New PDP, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have joined other notable Nigerians to express shock over the death of a former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

    In a condolence message by the National Publicity Secretary of the Tukur- led PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party described the late Agagu as a patriot and a brilliant technocrat who discharged his responsibilities both as minister and governor with finesse.

    “His patriotic and knowledgeable personality was outstandingly expressed as minister and governor. We wish to put on record, his pioneer contributions to the groundwork of the current power reforms of the federal government.

    “On behalf of the National Chairman of our great party, Dr. Bamaga Tukur, we send our sincere condolences to his immediate family and to the government and people of Ondo State. May he find rest in the bosom of the Lord”, Metuh added.

    Also, a statement by the National Secretary of the Baraje-led PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, yesterday described Agagu as a committed, reliable, honest politician and an idealist.

    ‘’He was always committed to his chosen goals and agenda to a fault and was a blunt and consistent personality who was always prepared to shoulder responsibilities, particularly concerning those related to development and progress of our dear country.

    “The news of Agagu’s sudden exit sounded rather incredible considering the fact that Chief Agagu was a committed, reliable and honest politician and credible idealist who never left anyone as to which side he belonged in any political divide.

    “Chief Agagu was an elder brother whose wise counsel proved very useful at the decision-making level in the South-West chapter of the PDP during our relatively short but eventful political relationship.

    “As a minister in the cabinet of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Agagu will be credited with contributing phenomenally to the revitalisation of the power sector during his tenure as Minister of Power and Steel”, Oyinlola stated.

    The NGF described the late Agagu an excellent family man, a consummate politician, an academic and elder statesman.

    A statement by the chairman of the Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, regretted that the former governor died at a time the country needed his invaluable service most.

    Amaechi said: “Dr. Agagu’s departure is deeply painful. But we take solace in the fact that he lived and died well. He dedicated his life to serving his people and country. We are especially proud that the former governor lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

    “Although, we cannot but grief over the death of this public spirited community man, we are sure that Dr. Agagu will long be remembered as a diligent, humble, patriotic, honest and philanthropic community organizer and leader.

    “We commiserate with his family, friends and associates, the people and government of Ondo and Nigerians in general, and pray God to give us all the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

    Atiku Abubakar described the late former governor as a consummate politician who would be missed for his sagacity and skilfulness both in politics and public administration.

    In a message by his Media Adviser, Garba Shehu, the former vice president noted that Agagu’s death came with a personal pain to him because he was a friend, and a brilliant strategist.

    “Agagu not only sat eminently among politicians of note in the country, his contribution to Geology, his area of specialisation is also very impressive.

    “Be it in politics, scholarly undertakings or public administration, the late Governor Agagu was a first class material. I will miss him as a friend, but the country will miss him as a worthy citizen and leader.”

  • Jonathan,Tinubu, Northern govs, others mourn Agagu

    Jonathan,Tinubu, Northern govs, others mourn Agagu

    PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday led prominent Nigerians to pay tributes to former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, who died at 65 last Friday.

    He described the ex -Minister of Aviation and Power, Dr Olusegun Agagu, as a man whose exemplary decorum, poise, urbanity, finesse and loyalty in the conduct of politics will be greatly missed.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Dr. Agagu’s family, the government and people of Ondo State, as well as Dr. Agagu’s friends, political associates and colleagues in Ondo State and other parts of the country.

    “The President joins them in mourning the distinguished academic whose exemplary decorum, poise, urbanity, finesse and loyalty in the conduct of politics will be greatly missed by all, especially his colleagues and associates in the Peoples Democratic Party.”

    Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described his death as a blow to the renewed struggle to restore sanity to the nation’s politics.

    He said: “Once again, the cold hands of death have snatched an illustrious man of great character and devotion to country.

    “Agagu was a good man, a bridge builder who never let the bitterness of defeat or political disagreements rob him of his patriotic spirit.”

    Tinubu described Agagu as a man with a noble heart and a politician who placed national interest above self interest.

    “His death will slow down this new movement but others will pick up from where he stopped.”

    The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) also paid tribute to Agagu, saying his death marked the end of a glorious era.

    Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, described the late Agagu as a true nationalist.

    A statement by Aliyu’s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo, said: “From Agagu’s stint as a lecturer at the prestigious University of Ibadan, through his tenure as Minister of Aviation, to his election to the position of the Governor of Ondo State and his life in retirement, the former Governor remained with the people.”

    Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, described Agagu’s death as regrettable.

    The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, said: “He died at a time when the nation should have benefited more from his wealth of experience as an intellectual, politician and public servant.”

    The governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, said Ibadan, the South West and indeed Nigeria had lost one of their most cerebral and intellectual politicians ever.

    Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, recalled that Agagu left imperishable legacies in Ondo State where he was governor between 2003 and 2007.

    According to him: “Dr. Agagu can never die; when the people tread those roads constructed by his administration in Ondo State, when they pass by those imperishable legacies he left.

    “The foremost Geology teacher will live in their hearts and they will confront his great love for the people of the state afresh, even decades to come.”

    Former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, said: “His exit at this period was a great setback for the nation due to his wealth of experience in political engineering.”

    A former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, described Agagu as a consummate politician, who played a key role in the socio-political development of Nigeria.

    Orji, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, said: “No one can take it away from Agagu that he did his best as governor of Ondo State.

    Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, expressed grief over the demise. Imoke, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, recalled his time with the late governor as Minister of Power.

    He described the deceased as an astute administrator, a consummate professional and a team player.

    Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the death of Agagu was a “blow below the belt” for the political class.

    He said: “He served as a very loyal deputy governor under our revered father, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, and the legacies of that administration are still there for all to see.”

     

  • Mimiko’s report on 2007 poll tribunal fake, says Agagu

    Mimiko’s report on 2007 poll tribunal fake, says Agagu

    The security reports which the ruling Labour Party (LP) purportedly submitted before the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal in 2007 have been found to be fake.

    Sources said the State Security Service (SSS) and the police have discovered that the reports purported to have emanated from the SSS were forged.

    Former Governor Olusegun Agagu, who was sacked through the Appeal Court verdict on February 23, 2009 in Benin, in May 2010 petitioned, alleging that Governor Olusegun Mimiko forged the security reports on which the tribunal and the Appeal Court, Benin Division, based their judgment, which nullified Agagu’s election.

    Agagu wrote the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJ) on the basis of the findings of the the Police Special Investigation Panel which discovered that the security reports were forged by the LP.

    Agagu said in the petition: “My grouse about the verdicts of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal is on the acceptance by the two tiers of courts that elections in 10 local governments where I won were marred by irregularities, while the votes cast in the seven local governments where the LP won were retained.”

    He said: “In both judgments, (Tribunal and the Court of Appeal) the decision of the judges was based on the security reports purportedly written by the SSS.

    “The security reports, which have now been pronounced to be forgeries by the SSS and the police, were the basis for the verdict.”

    Agagu said: “Mr. Chairman Sir, my counsel objected to the admission of the fake SSS reports more so that the SSS officer who was subpoenaed by my opponents stated on oath that the service did not originate or possess such reports.

    “The PDP lost more than 62,926 votes through this flaw in two local government areas (Okitipupa and Irele) where the fake SSS reports were used in the judgment and could have influenced decisions in other local governments.

    “You will agree with my Lord that it is against public interest for a party in a suit to produce fraudulent evidence to deceive the court into giving him a favourable judgment.

    “On ground of public policy and equity, he should not be permitted or allowed to profit or continue to enjoy the fruits of such fraudulent victory or judgment, particularly where it has to do with a sensitive political office such as the exalted office of the governor of a state.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    T

  • Mimiko accuses Agagu of ‘profligacy’

    Mimiko accuses Agagu of ‘profligacy’

    The Olusegun Mimiko Campaign Organisation (MCO) of the ruling Labour Party (LP) yesterday criticised former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu of extravagance.

    In a statement in Akure, the state capital, by its Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Mr Kolawole Olabisi, MCO alleged that the Agagu administration was a hallmark of high-level profligacy and abandoned projects.

    The statement reads: “Agagu is ever wont to tell the world that he left N38billion in the coffers of Ondo State for Dr Olusegun Mimiko. This is nothing but a bare-faced lie and an admission that he did not even know the finances of the state he presided over for six years. No wonder he never even handed over, despite the fact that he had over six months to do so between the Justice Nabaruma-led Tribunal Judgments of July 2008 to February 23, 2009 when he was finally sent packing.

    “The true position is that Agagu left behind N34.2billion, but sadly, he left for the in-coming government a debt profile and other liabilities that stood at a staggering N117billion! This is, about 300 per cent over and above the value of the liquid assets…”