The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Amaechi

  • 2015: Wike won’t succeed me —Amaechi

    2015: Wike won’t succeed me —Amaechi

    The race for the 2015 Rivers State governorship poll should be open to every ethnic group in the state other than the Ikwerre, Governor Rotimi Amaechi said yesterday.

    Gov. Amaechi who is Ikwerre said that it would be unfair if he were to be succeeded next year by another Ikwerre.

    He spoke when chiefs and elders of Ogu/Bolo paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

    He described Ikwerre politicians who are warming up to take over from him as desperate people.

    He said such politicians should be shunned at the poll.

    He mentioned no one in particular, but the Minister of State for Education,Chief Nyesom Wike,an Ikwerre, is aspiring for the office.

    Amaechi said:“For those who want to be governor, I will not by law be allowed to be governor again. I have served my two terms, so from next month, we just have 12 months to hand over.”

    He said the essence of his current political battle is to “give the Okirika man, the Ogu/Bolo man a voice after we leave office and I can tell you why I say so.

    “If the PDP is bringing an Ikwerre man to run for governorship when an Ikwerre man has run for eight years, it means that what the PDP is trying to do because Ikwerre has about 1.1 million votes in the four local government areas, then Ikwerre would dominate the governorship of the state.

    “It means that you will never have a chance of being governor again, that’s what it means because the reason for doing that is ‘oh they are claiming we have xyz number of votes in Obio/Akpor, xyz number of votes in Port Harcourt, xyz number of votes in Ikwerre and Emohua.

    “So only Ikwerre people, if they sit together they can be electing themselves always for governorship and I have told Ikwerre people that that young man whose ambition is blinding him must be thrown out, all Ikwerre people must rise against him and vote for a candidate from another ethnic group.

    “If you people allow him and he succeeds, then forget your children, they will never be governor again because all it will take is when he finishes, another Ikwerre man will say I will run and go and tell Ikwerre people: ‘I’m your son, don’t allow these people take it from me’ and Ikwerre people will back him, so we must show justice and ensure that it is equitably distributed even if you are one ethnic group of 20,000 persons, you have a right to the governorship of the state.

    “So Ikwerre people have had their turn and I’m an Ikwerre son, my mother is Ikwerre, my father is Ikwerre, I’ve no blood from any other relationship, so Ikwerre people can’t say I am not Ikwerre”.

    He said the Ikwerre people and other ethnic nationalities should work together to vote out the supposed Peoples’ Democratic Party governorship aspirant from Ikwerre ethnic nationality for next year’s election.

    Amaechi said even the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state would toe the line of justice and fair play by not fielding an Ikwerre as candidate for the governorship race.

    “I will not support governorship to go to Ikwerre in the APC, but as the governor of Rivers State and a frontline member of the APC, if I help to ensure that we don’t allow an Ikwerre candidate in the APC to allow others to take it, it means that the way to protect yourselves and your children is to vote for that candidate and not for the candidate they are bringing in the PDP because Ikwerre cannot govern for another eight years”.

    He gave assurance that the access road to Ogu/Bolo would be completed as the contractor would be mobilised next week to complete the project and other ongoing projects in the state.

    He also pledged to build a new model secondary school in Ogu/Bolo to advance education.

    Earlier, High Chief Jonah Tamuno, on behalf of Ogu/Bolo chiefs and elders thanked Governor Amaechi for his inspirational and courageous leadership.

    He expressed appreciation that the governor has demonstrated high level of liberality in providing democratic dividends for all Rivers people.

    While commending Governor Amaechi, High Chief Tamuno as well as Chief Frederick Anga and Chief Marshall Oforibo Kakaka who gave goodwill messages, assured the governor on behalf of the people of Ogu/Bolo to remain firmly in support of his administration and leadership direction, especially as next year’s election approaches.

  • Amaechi, NJC clash over Rivers’ CJ

    Amaechi, NJC clash over Rivers’ CJ

    The Rivers State Government yesterday dismissed as clearly partisan  and self serving, the  suspension of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Peter Agumagu, by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

     It insisted that the NJC,by its decision,  had chosen the path of unconstitutional bullying, lawlessness and injudicious racketeering and described Wednesday  as a dark day for Nigeria, when the most senior justices and lawyers in the country “ resorted to high-handed self help, instead of judicial redress.”

     Speaking for the state government in Port Harcourt,the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, also accused a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), O. C. J. Okocha (SAN) and an NJC  member   of influencing the recommendation of  Justice Daisy Okocha.

    Mr.Okocha, reacting,  said the Rivers State government’s allegation was nothing but  absolute balderdash, hogwash, nonsense, falsehood and totally irresponsible.

    Semenitari said the  NJC appeared   ”not to have taken into consideration the judgment delivered by Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High court, Port Harcourt in which it is a party.

     “The state government finds this position of the NJC rather curious especially as Justice Agumagu is the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary and a very respected judicial officer.

     “The Rivers State government had gone to the courts to seek interpretation of Section 271 (3-5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as regards the appointment of a chief judge of the state.  That section of the constitution clearly states that ‘A person shall not be qualified to hold office of a Judge of a High Court of a State unless he is qualified to practise as a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than ten years.’

     “To enable it to act within the confines of the law, the Rivers State Government sought the court’s interpretation. The learned Justice Akanbi, in delivering his judgment faulted the deliberate omission of Justice Agumagu’s name among the list of senior judges qualified to be Chief Judge of Rivers State.

     “Justice P.N.C Agumagu is the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary and was seconded to establish the Customary Court of Appeal in 2008.

     “The Rivers State government is well aware that there is no constitutional provision compelling the Governor to appoint a Chief Judge based on his or her seniority or even the arm of the judiciary to which such a person belongs. What the constitution requires is a minimum of 10 years post-call qualification.

     “This is evidenced even by the appointment of the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu, who was appointed Chief Judge over his senior at the bench. At the time of Justice Ndu’s appointment, Justice Sotonye Denton-West was the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary, yet the NJC did not compel the governor at the time to announce her as Chief Judge.”

    But Mr.Okocha, responding to the broadside from the Rivers State government, said: “As at the time when in July 2013, NJC met and took a decision to recommend Justice Okocha (Daisy) over Justice Agumagu, I was not in the meeting. I had to excuse myself.

     “Everybody knows that in keeping with due process, if you have a personal interest in a matter and of course, the personal relationship is enough to indicate that OCJ Okocha must have a personal interest. So, I left the room.

     “The allegation by the Rivers State Government that the NJC has been hijacked by political jobbers for selfish interest is absolute balderdash, hogwash and absolute nonsense. NJC is constituted by the most eminent judges in this country. The CJN is the chairman.

     “If they are accusing the entire NJC of being politicised, let them point to the particular member that is believed is a politician or being influenced by politicians. It is absolute falsehood and a totally irresponsible statement.

     “Agumagu is now being investigated. While his investigation is going on, it is only fair and right that he has to step aside, to allow for due process to be carried out. Agumagu is being investigated for what the NJC considers to be a bridge of his oath of office and a bridge of the code of conduct of a judicial officer. He has been asked to step aside and I hope that at the end of the day, we will all hear the outcome.”

      The Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha,  said that the NJC acted in error over Agumagu’s suspension, which he said would not stand, in view of the pending suit at the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, filed by Daisy.

     Chief of staff also noted that the NJC, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, should have waited for the decision of the appellate court, accusing the council of taking

  • Suspension of Rivers CJ: NJC is clearly partisan – Amaechi

    Suspension of Rivers CJ: NJC is clearly partisan – Amaechi

    The Rotimi Amaechi’s administration in Rivers State has described the National Judicial Council (NJC) as clearly partisan, self-interested and self serving, over its suspension of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Peter Agumagu.

    It insisted that the NJC had chosen the path of unconstitutional bullying, lawlessness and injudicious racketeering, describing Wednesday, when the council members took the decision to suspend Agumagu, as a dark day for Nigeria, when the most senior justices and lawyers in the country resorted to high-handed self help, instead of judicial redress.

    Rivers government also accused a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), O. C. J. Okocha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and an NJC member, who is a younger brother to Justice Daisy Okocha, recommended by the NJC as the Rivers chief judge, of influencing the council’s decision.

    The SAN (OCJ), in his reaction Friday in Port Harcourt, however, described the Rivers government’s allegation as absolute balderdash, hogwash, nonsense, falsehood and totally irresponsible.

    Amaechi’s administration, through the Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, Friday in Port Harcourt, also accused the NJC of highhandedness and intolerance, unacceptable for a body charged with the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the judiciary.

    NJC’s Acting Director, Information, Soji Oye, in Abuja on Thursday, declared that the council would not recognise Agumagu as the chief judge of Rivers state; would not deal with him in that capacity, in addition to suspending him as a judge.

    NJC, according to Oye, also issued Agumagu a query, directing him to explain in writing, within four days, why he should not be removed from office as a judge for his alleged failure to abide by his oath of office to uphold the Constitution and Laws of the country, especially for going against Section 271 (1) of the Constitution.

    The Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, however, stated that the NJC acted in error over Agumagu’s suspension, which he said would not stand, in view of the pending suit at the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, filed by Daisy.

    Chief of staff also noted that the NJC, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, should have waited for the decision of the appellate court, accusing the council of taking sides.

     

    Agumagu, the then President of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal and the most senior judge of the Rivers judiciary, who earlier acted as Rivers chief judge, was cleared on March 18, through the judgment of Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.

    The suspended judge was immediately screened by the members of the Rivers House of Assembly and subsequently inaugurated at the Government House, Port Harcourt on the same day by Amaechi.

    Semenitari said Friday: “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement by the Spokesperson of the National Judicial Council purporting to suspend the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice P.N.C Agumagu by the NJC.

    “If this is true, then clearly, the NJC appears not to have taken into consideration the judgment delivered by Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High court, Port Harcourt in which it is a party.

    “The state government finds this position of the NJC rather curious especially as Justice Agumagu is the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary and a very respected judicial officer.

    “The Rivers state government had gone to the courts to seek interpretation of Section 271 (3-5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as regard the appointment of a chief judge of the state.  That section of the constitution clearly states that ‘A person shall not be qualified to hold office of a Judge of a High Court of a State unless he is qualified to practice as a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than ten years.’

    “To enable it to act within the confines of the law, the Rivers State Government sought the court’s interpretation. The learned Justice Akanbi, in delivering his judgment faulted the deliberate omission of Justice Agumagu’s name among the list of senior judges qualified to be Chief Judge of Rivers State.

    “Justice P.N.C Agumagu is the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary and was seconded to establish the Customary Court of Appeal in 2008.

    “The Rivers State government is well aware that there is no constitutional provision compelling the Governor to appoint a Chief Judge based on his or her seniority or even the arm of the judiciary to which such a person belongs. What the constitution requires is a minimum of 10 years post-call qualification.

    “This is evidenced even by the appointment of the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu, who was appointed Chief Judge over his senior at the bench. At the time of Justice Ndu’s appointment, the Justice Sotonye Denton-West was the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary, yet the NJC did not compel the governor at the time to announce her as Chief Judge.”

     

    The Amaechi’s administration also stated that the refusal of the NJC to abide by the recommendations of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission on the appointment of the state’s Chief Judge and its insistence on a particular candidate (Daisy) was a cause of worry for the Rivers government.

    Semenitari said: “Such insistence may appear to mark the NJC out as clearly partisan, self-interested and self serving, in a case in which it is a party. The NJC has shown such over-weaning personal interest in this matter, thereby raising serious and fundamental questions as to how justifiable is it for the NJC to interpose itself in a case in which it clearly has more than  a passing interest. It is a well known principle of administrative law that a party cannot be a judge in its own cause.

    “When Honorable Justice Akanbi of the Federal high Court, Port Harcourt struck down the decision of the NJC to preclude Justice Agumagu from consideration  for the position of the Chief Judge, the Rivers State Government fully expected the NJC, as a law abiding institution, to choose the path of civility and appeal if it was dis-satisfied with the decision.

    “Rather than do so, the NJC has chosen the path of unconstitutional bullying, lawlessness and injudicious racketeering. It is a dark day for our country when the most senior Justices and lawyers in our country resort to high-handed self help instead of judicial redress.

    “The Rivers State Government finds that the decision of the NJC to suspend Justice Agumagu, despite a decision of the Federal High Court on the issue of who should be Chief Judge of Rivers State suggests a highhandedness and intolerance that is unacceptable for a body charged with the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the judiciary.

    “The attitude of the body has laid credence to the fears of the Rivers State Government that the body has been influenced by one of its members, O.C.J Okocha (SAN), who has filial ties with the NJC’s preferred candidate, Justice Daisy Okocha.

    “The impression is that the NJC in using its old boys and influence networks and could not be bothered about the propriety or constitutionality of usurping the role of the governor of Rivers state in the appointment of a chief judge for the state or respecting the niceties of separation of powers. The NJC seeks to unleash an assault on the fundamental value of separation of powers in our constitutional system.”

    The Amaechi’s administration also restated its respect and admiration for the judiciary, but respectfully reminded the NJC that it is a statutory body, not a court, while requesting the council not to allow itself to become a tool in the hands of advocates of nepotism and sectional interest.

    The Rivers state government also urged the NJC to respect the ruling of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt and indeed the constitution of Nigeria, which it insisted the council had a responsibility to uphold, in the interest of justice, fair play and fair mindedness.

    Amaechi’s administration maintained that by the way it had acted, the NJC sought to put itself above the law and respectfully reminded the council that it was not above the law, stressing that the path of legality for the NJC was to seek redress in the courts.

    The former president of the NBA (OCJ), who is a Port Harcourt-based lawyer, said: “As at the time when in July 2013, NJC met and took a decision to recommend Justice Okocha (Daisy) over Justice Agumagu, I was not in the meeting. I had to excuse myself.

    “Everybody knows that in keeping with due process, if you have a personal interest in a matter and of course, the personal relationship is enough to indicate that OCJ Okocha must have a personal interest. So, I left the room.

    “The allegation by the Rivers State Government that the NJC has been hijacked by political jobbers for selfish interest is absolute balderdash, hogwash and absolute nonsense. NJC is constituted by the most eminent judges in this country. The CJN is the chairman.

    “If they are accusing the entire NJC of being politicised, let them point to the particular member that is believed is a politician or being influenced by politicians. It is absolute falsehood and a totally irresponsible statement.

    “Agumagu is now being investigated. While his investigation is going on, it is only fair and right that he has to step aside, to allow for due process to be carried out. Agumagu is being investigated for what the NJC considers to be a bridge of his oath of office and a bridge of the code of conduct of a judicial officer. He has been asked to step aside and I hope that at the end of the day, we will all hear the outcome.”

    It will be recalled that Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), while inaugurating Agumagu as the substantive chief judge, urged him to be dedicated in the official discharge of his responsibilities.

    Recalling that Agumagu was inaugurated after series of legal battles, the NGF chairman pleaded with the new chief judge to see beyond the contest and be fair and treat everybody equally.

    The Rivers governor said: “My Lord, let me congratulate you on this your appointment.  The actual phrase would be ‘at last’ and to say that I was a bit worried with the way people in the judiciary fought over who would be the Chief Judge of the State.

    “I was more than worried when there was an attempt to take away the power of the governor to appoint a Chief Judge and rest it somewhere else and I was wondering if there was no need to ask for the interpretation of the constitution.

    “We recognise and accept in total, the judgement of the Federal High Court of Nigeria and we say to you congratulations.

    “Do not forget that in every office in Nigeria, not even a bishop is appointed without a contest. So, I hope that you would see what happened as a mere contest and treat everybody equally and be fair and ensure that you remain as dedicated as you have always been”.

    Amaechi also lauded the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt for ensuring that justice was done on the matter.

    The NGF chairman said: “I would on behalf of Rivers State thank the Federal High Court for helping us out of this bondage.  I would say to the Federal High Court that our brothers, who by privilege of their position in high office, should not abuse their office again.

    “They should learn to treat such things on merit not based on cronyism and hope that this will settle once and for all the challenges and disagreements in the judiciary. I pray that political interference will not come in any more”.

    Agumagu promised to ensure that justice delivery would be given its pride of place.

    The new chief judge said: “My agenda for the judiciary is to see a better judiciary, to make sure that justice delivery is given the pride of place and also to make sure that all staff of the judiciary get the best during my tenure.”

     

  • States should emulate Osun feeding scheme, says Amaechi

    States should emulate Osun feeding scheme, says Amaechi

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said other states should emulate the Osun school feeding programme, tagged: “OMEAL.”

    He said it would reduce the number of children who drop out of school.

    Amaechi spoke yesterday at the main campus of the Osun State University, Osogbo, at a lecture, titled: “Higher education and good governance in Nigeria: The way forward.”

    The chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said he was amazed by the projects executed by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration.

    He said good governance was not limited to roads, but includes education.

    Amaechi said: “Every serious governor should emphasise on education. It is common for governors to want to concentrate on roads because people will praise them, but that alone is not enough. That is not the case with your governor. His achievements in other aspects of development, including quality education, is commendable.

    “His school feeding programme deserves applause. Other states must emulate this programme because it will reduce the number of out-of-school children and Nigeria ranks among nations with the greater number of out-of-school children.”

    Aregbesola said despite dwindling allocation from the federation account, his administration continued to execute projects.

    He said N5.4 billion had been used to augment salary since last July when the allocation from the Federal Government dropped from N4.6 billion to N2.8 billion.

    Aregbesola said he would carry on with his Six-Point Integral Action Plan.

    On his commitment to education, he said: “Basic education is not negotiable. That is why we’re doing what we’re doing, considering the neglect the sector suffered. It is our concern to give it its quality.”

    Aregbesola said a university was not only established for knowledge, but for the generation of knowledge to impact positively on the society.

    He said: “I think UNIOSUN is sensitive to this responsibility, which is getting its due attention.

    ‘’It is my view that a university, among other considerations, is a unique device invented by the human society as part of its tools to solve its problems.

    “What this means is that helping society to confront and overcome its challenges is part of the founding mission of the university. It is a mission in which it cannot afford to fail. I do hope UNIOSUN will sustain this tradition of academic excellence tailored towards social relevance.”

  • ‘Why I wrote a play on the Amaechi / Mbu saga’

    ‘Why I wrote a play on the Amaechi / Mbu saga’

    The lawyer and playwright, Mr. Clinton Dan-Jumbo, gives insight into a play he has released on the Rivers crisis. He spoke to ROSEMARY NWISI, in Port Harcourt.

    What is the play, Amaechi Mgbu all about?

    The play is about my conversations of happenings in Rivers State, my state and Nigeria, my country.

    Looking at the title, ‘Amaechi Mgbu’, two popular names in the recent Rivers political crisis. Has the play anything to do with that?

    Just as I said earlier, the play is all about my observations of happenings in my state; it is not about any individual or particular institution. Am sure as journalists my job as a writer is to mirror the society which I live in and Nigeria is that society, I will therefore be failing in my duties if I don’t write about the things I see in my country.

    So what is your objective of writing the play?

    My objective here is to make my leaders to learn not to politic with our moral values. The issues of 16 being greater than 19, as stated in my work and 5 greater than 26 or 27 touches on our moral values, as it makes our leaders liars and by extension teaching the younger generation that it is alright to lie or distort facts.

    By the way, you sound as if you are a card carrying member of a political party.

    Yes. But my political tie with any party has nothing to do with this work. I try to devoice my political tie to any party from my work. My work is on the society I live in and the things going on in it.

    Did anybody or group sponsor this work?

    Neither the state government nor any group sponsored the work. I can say that in any case giving my profession. I am a bit comfortable and can afford to sponsor my work. Whether Amaechi, President GoodLuck Jonathan or any other person has seen the work, I do not know.

    But how do you imagine that Amaechi will sponsor a book that has balanced view of issues like this one. To a large extent, the book throws punches at him also. Some of the things he has not done well were identified in the work, and the areas the president has equally not done well were also captured in the play.

    Before now have you had any work to your credit?

    Yes. ‘The Snatched Verdict’ and ‘Broken Pedigree’ were my original works.

    Are these books in the market, and is their rate of acceptance?

    The Snatched verdict was my final year project; it was later adopted into the Nollywood movie. While the Broken Pedigree was used for the NYSC 1996 yearly national competition of art.

    Apart from being a lawyer, what else would you have done?

    I am also a playwright as I said earlier, and I love it. I must confess here that I lost the muse at a point, but I have found and recovered it.

    In a nutshell what is the play all about?

    Amaechi Mgbu is a play that Ex-rays large number of unresolved questions in the minds of people, within and outside Rivers state of Nigeria.

    It encapsulates events of happenings in the state on one hand and showcasing its concomitance effects on Nigeria polity on the whole.

    Interestingly, the word “Mgbu” is an Igbo term meaning pain. I have already stated in the introduction that should anybody suggests any other meaning to that word that is the person’s own opinion. In this sense, “Amaechi Mgbu” simply means Amaechi’s pain.

    The play blends fiction and facts. The facts are based on what I gathered from the media. It also captures arguments for and against parties in the imbroglio. It allows the readers to decide for themselves who has the superior argument in this whole drama.

    The work attempts to force those who maybe partisan in the imbroglio to play the characters in it, by engaging in common questions and answers, dialogue, without recourse to physical attacks from anybody or carrying arms to disrupt rallies; that is what all this work is all about.

    Why is the scenario of the drama on a “Mama Put”, eatery joint?

    Well, I needed to gather the facts and the facts I gathered were from those areas. The arguments are more in these areas, including the airports. In fact, as we are granting this interview now I can bet you that arguments are going on concerning this whole drama we are talking about here.

    This is a period we are talking about politics, are you a political office hopeful of any political party.

    I have not contemplated contesting any election, so the question will be addressed much later, time will tell, but for now, I don’t have any such ambition.

    Port Harcourt has been adopted as the World Book Capital for the year 2014, what is your view concerning knowledge application and reading in the state?

    I thank God for Port Harcourt being made World Book Capital. To a large extent I believe that it will take this state to another level. You will agree with me that reading culture died a while. Like, how many people are still visiting the Port Harcourt Library?, but with what was kick started by the “Rainbow Book Club”, in which children were gathered together to appreciate reading culture equally positioned Port Harcourt to winning this honour.

    I believe also that it will engineer more book writers, that is my thinking.

    Who are your target audience?

    To me, this book is for everybody, pupils, students, teachers everybody at all provided you can read. It is devoid of any form of in-umbrage, it is made easy to read by everybody.

    It is even targeted more by the younger generation, because some of the things happening in the polity of this country currently affect them. They are the ones who are learning from it.

    The question of 16 being greater than 19, 5 being greater than 27 as mentioned in the book are questions that would disturb their minds at a time. They will be asking around it, some may even want to accept it as a norm; this book tend to answer their mind agitations by saying no, this is not the norm or right thing, this is the reason for the book.

    The event that led to the writing of this book took place in this environment within eight months and the book is already out, how long did it take you to gather the facts played out here?

    There is no one writer that can capture everything on a particular event. But in this case I can say that I captured so much. It took me approximately one month and half to capture and put these together.

     

  • Amaechi, Fashola, Ribadu, others tackle F G on corruption, insecurity

    Amaechi, Fashola, Ribadu, others tackle F G on corruption, insecurity

    Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), as well as former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday in Lagos declared that the Federal Government is off the course in the fight against corruption in the country.

    They spoke yesterday at the Third Retreat of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, according to them, is not just doing enough to tackle the daily occurence of corrupt practices across the country.

    They also deplored the rising level of insecurity in the Northeast, especially against the backdrop of yesterday’s invasion of Maiduguri by Boko Haram insurgents.

    The Chairman of the NGF, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi, insisted that Nigerians wanted explanation on the alleged missing $20 billion oil money.

    He said that effort by anyone to sweep it under the carpet would not work.

    Exressing shock at yesterday’s invasion of Maiduuri by Boko Haram insurgents, Amaechi said the state of insecurity in the nation had become worrisome.

    He told the Federal Government to wake up to its responsibility and deal with the incessant threat to the nation’s stability by terrorists.

    Almakura said: “The issue of insurgency has become a routine in the country. Everyday you wake up to hear that people are slaughtered without any sign that it will abate. Lives are being taken with impunity, nobody is sure of what will happen to him in the next minute.”

    Ribadu said that the tendency by the generality of Nigerians to indulge in corrupt practices would be minimised if leaders lived moderate lives.

    “Show us how to behave and we will follow you. If we have less private jets,we see you live in moderation, we will follow and copy you, “ the former anti-graft boss said.

    He said that corruption was a major threat to development, saying Nigeria would be far better fighting it.

    Ribadu advised state governments to put in place mechanisms to check corruption in their respective states.

    He described corruption as a deep-rooted malaise which could not be fought by centrally-controlled agencies alone.

    He said that the active involvement of the states in the fight against corruption would check leakages and promote development.

    “The states can do more and achieve more in the fight against corruption because they control a substantial amount of development resources.

    “If they leave the fight to centrally controlled agencies alone, we will not get the desired results.”

    On the Maiduguri attack, he said: ”As I am talking to you now, part of Maiduguri is under attack and people are being killed. This is a sad note for our country. I believe security is not what you can restrict to internal mechanism alone. We have reached the level where the country should seek international assistance to end the killings in the country.”

    Governor Fayemi said there would always be a problem “when the gap between abject poverty and inexplicable wealth is so wide as you have it now in the country.”

    He added: ”Any society that has problem with economy always ends up with insecurity. It is unfortunate that after many people were killed recently, the Federal Government still went ahead to host the centenary celebration.”

    Speaking on Building System and Institutions that Prevent Corruption, Governor Fashola said corruption in the country has reached a level where everybody must rise to nip it in the bud.

    His words: “People’s social status is incompatible with their income. They host social parties every weekend, feeding about 150 people and spraying money without recourse to the negative effect.

    “If you can step on your own sweat, something is fundamentally wrong. There is a leakage somewhere that bankrolls the reckless spending. We reward people for no honour achieved. The police are corrupt because their pension had been looted.”

    Governor Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to rise and fight corruption, noting that the dysfunctional effect of corruption is visible in all departments of the country’s national life.

    “If we all judiciously make use of the resources at our disposal, there will be less cases of corruption and those factors that induce corruption will be minimal, “ he said.

    Also speaking, former Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offenses Commission and Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, stressed the need for the political will to fight corruption. Building system and institutions that prevent corruption, he pointed out, should be given adequate attention.

    He said: “When Nuhu Ribadu, former EFCC chairman and I were fighting corruption, we knew it was possible to take anybody to court. But the story is different today. When the former Aviation Minister, Mrs Stella Oduah was accused of corrupt practices, it took government a long time to remove her from office. But in the case of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the President did not waste time to suspend him.”

    He maintained that any person who must be a leader or president must be transparent in the discharge of his duties to the people.

    Prof. Akin Oyebode of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said: ”It is an unwarranted assault on the nation’s integrity which needs to be fought to the hilt if Nigeria is to survive. While it continues to threaten our national survival, no effort should be spared to bring it to the heel.

    “Nigeria has enough laws and institutions to combat corruption. The architecture of the war against corruption seems adequate even if there might be the need for re-tooling here and there.

    “A situation where anti-corruption agencies are denied the wherewithal to sustain the anti-corruption crusade smacks of a calculated attempt to disembowel and incapacitate them.”

    Also present at the retreat were Senator Bukola Saraki; Governor Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto); Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere; Dep. Governor of Osun State; Grace Laoye-Tomori; Governor Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Governor Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa); Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Moses Adeyemo; Dep. Governor of Ogun State, Segun Adesegun; Prof. Grace Alele Williams; Governor Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Deputy Govenor of Kwara State, Elder Peter Kishira and Governor Abdullazeez Yari (Zamfara).

    In a communique at the end of the retreat, the Governors’ Forum said that the anti-corruption battle should be “anchored on a massive programme of national value-reorientation involving the state sector, private sector and civil society.”

    According to them, the “debilitating impact of corruption on national development and the adverse human development indices requires a concerted effort to combat corruption in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

    They added that the fight against corruption “needs strong political will, moral leadership, certainty of sanction and commitment of governors to succeed and pledged to fill the role.”

    On security, the governors reiterated their commitment to “pursue cooperation on security management, including sharing of information and placing emphasis on human security needs of our people.”

    They called for the reintroduction of teacher training colleges across the country as part of the effort to enhance educational quality and access.

    The forum adopted its Strategic Plan for 2014-2016.

  • 2015: Rivers Ijaw seek support to produce Amaechi’s successor

    2015: Rivers Ijaw seek support to produce Amaechi’s successor

    It was tagged a sensitisation symposium. But, its theme “The Eastern Delta in the Political Development of Rivers State: Past, Present and Future” shows that this event organised by the Eastern Delta People’s Association (EDPA) is about the future of Rivers State. Any doubt about this was erased when speakers began to mount the podium at the Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt. The riverine communities of Rivers State, at the symposium, demanded to produce the successor to Governor Rotimi Amaechi in 2015.The event, which attracted persons across party lines, had in attendance the cream of Rivers Ijaws from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, elder statesmen, political office holders, religious leaders, women, youths and students. Interestingly, despite the political crisis in Rivers State, which has divided the people along party lines, the political elite still came under one roof to demand that riverside communities must produce the next governor.

    Since 1999, this part of the state has been unable to produce the governor, despite its huge economic contributions to the state and country. The Eastern Delta people spread across the coastlines in the over ten local government areas of Andoni, Opobo-Nkoro, Bonny, Okrika, Ogu-Bolo, Port Harcourt (South), Asari-Toru, Degema, Akuku-Toru and Abua-Odual and so on agreed at the event that the time had come to discard parochial interests to agitate for the state’s number one seat.

    The Chairman of the Steering Committee of the EDPA, Deacon Lawrence Jumbo, said the Eastern Delta People’s Association is a non-aligned socio-political group that seeks to promote unity, peace and progress among the people of all Ijaw- speaking communities in Rivers State and set the agenda for human and infrastructural development of the Ijaw communities of Rivers State and the state at large. He said the group also pursues the protection and preservation of the ideals of equity, fairness and justice as it relates to the Ijaw speaking people of the Eastern Delta. He said the symposium was the first step in a series of socio-political actions to actualise these objectives. Jumbo added that there was an urgent need for the people of the Eastern Delta to have a platform to articulate their interest ahead of the next political era. He said nature had so made it that the Upland/Riverine dichotomy in Rivers State was undeniable, adding that it would only be fair and just for both distinct geographical and cultural groups to produce the governor of the state successively. Jumbo added that the symposium provided a veritable and non-aligned platform for Rivers Ijaws to articulate and realise their dream of leading the state after a long wait of sixteen years.

    He said: “This long wait is gradually affecting the collective psyche of the riverine people of the state to the extent that their place in the polity and the socio-economic development of the rather challenging coastline areas of the state is not sufficiently guaranteed.”The Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador S. M. K. Taribo, the Co-Chairman, Rear Admiral O. P. Fingesi, the keynote speaker, His Highness , Alabo Dagogo Fubara, who is also a professor, and the two paper presenters, Faye Dikio (SAN) and Dr. Okere Iragunima, called for unity among Rivers Ijaws and bridge building with their neighbours and brothers in order for the dream to be realised. They expressed dismay at the dwindling educational and economic fortunes of the Eastern Delta, despite the educational strides and economic advancements in times gone by due to early contact with the Europeans. They, therefore, called for all people of goodwill and means in the Eastern Delta to both initiate and/or support any effort that would bring back the glorious days of excellence in education and commerce. Former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, a former Commissioner in Rivers State, Alabo Paworiso Samuel Horsfall, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, all spoke extensively on the need for equity, fairness and inclusiveness in the governance of Rivers State.

    Rivers State Commissioner for Information Mrs. Ibim Semenitari and a member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Dawari George, also buttressed the need for unity among the Ijaw clans of Rivers State, noting that that all Rivers Ijaw sons and daughters irrespective of their political affiliations should embrace every effort to address the challenges of the coastal communities and the state.

    Toby stressed that care must be taken to ensure that the effort of uniting the people of the Eastern Delta behind a common agenda was not truncated as was the case in the past.

    Sara-Igbe called on the political class in the state not to renege on the unwritten code of rotation of power between the upland and riverine peoples of the state. Alabo Paworiso called for the unity of all Rivers Ijaws and stressed that they must uphold the tenets of politics without bitterness and the ‘pulling down syndrome’.

    Mrs. Seminitari also chronicled the achievements of the administration of Amaechi, such as the ongoing construction of the Andoni-Opobo Unity Road,Okrika ring road, Bolo bridge, shore protection of Egbomung Andoni, the award of the Trans-Kalabari Road and the land reclamation project at Opobo Town, numerous model primary schools and health centres spread in Ijaw communities of Rivers State and challenged all Rivers Ijaws to give their support to only eminently qualified men and women who have a good grasp of the development challenges of the coastlines and are committed to ensuring even development across all communities in Rivers State.

    In another breadth, Dr. George challenged the people of the Eastern Delta not to allow oil economics and boundary matters to divide them as justice and truth must be the foundation for addressing such matters. At the end of deliberations, the session adopted a seven- point communiqué, which emphasized the unity of all Rivers Ijaws towards the security and development of the coastline areas and the demand for the chance to produce the next governor of Rivers State. The session was, however, careful to note that the aspiration of the Eastern Delta can only be actualised through the support and goodwill of other ethnic nationalities of the state. They thus appealed for the understanding and cooperation of all ethnic nationalities for a chance to lead the state.

     

  • NBA urges NASS to amend constitution, electoral act

    NBA urges NASS to amend constitution, electoral act

    •Amaechi heads electoral committee

    The Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) last week in Ekiti State, called on the National Assembly to amend the nation’s constitution and relevant sections of the electoral act to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the country.

    NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN) made this statement at the opening ceremony of the just concluded National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NBA in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital.

    Wali said: “As Nigeria prepares for another round of elections, especially with the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun States, NBA calls on the appropriate authorities, especially the legislature, to embark on a speedy amendment of the constitution and the Electoral Act with a view to ensuring free and credible elections in Nigeria.”

    He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite action in putting the necessary structures, policies and plans in place as part of the preparations for the 2015 general elections, adding that voters’ education must be taken seriously as voter apathy remains one way of getting wrong people into public offices .

    He said: “As we march towards 2015, the NBA will be collaborating with INEC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in series of enlightenment campaigns . The citizenry must be aware of the powers of the ballot box and that they can make all the difference with their votes. We must stop the attitude of sitting in the comfort of our homes on election days only to complain later. This is the time to enter judgement on the activities and action of politicians.”

    H e frowned at the attitude of lawyers, who address the press wearing their wig and gown. He said: “ The Bar has watched with high level of disgust as some of our members, who are conducting cases in courts, emerge from court sessions in their full regalia to start addressing media men on issues that are still subject to litigation in courts. Some times, these lawyers even appear on television screens with law books to address points that are still part of cases pending in courts.”

    The NBA condemned the recent killing of pupils of Federal Government College, Buni, Yobe State by Boko Haram terrorists, commiserated with their families and relatives, and observed a minute silence in their honour.

    It called on the Federal Government to go back to the drawing board and review the strategy to fight against terror because the current strategy is not working optimally. The NEC restated the position of the NBA not to participate in the forthcoming National Conference unless the delegates slot of the association is increased from the current one slot given to it.

    It also called for financial autonomy of the judiciary, stating that the independence of the Judiciary must be guaranteed and secured. It called for the funds approved for the judiciary to be released to it as soon as the budget is passed into law by the appropriate authorities

    Wali informed NEC members that contractors working on the NBA building in Abuja have gone back to site because the association has secured all the necessary building approvals from the relevant government agencies. He equally informed them that the NBA seven storey building in Lagos is likely to be inuagurated in June this year and that the Nigerian Law School has been granted access to the building through Adeola Hopewell Street.

    Meanwhile, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Abia State, Mr. Okey Amechi (SAN) at the NBA NECmeeting appointed chairman of the NBA electoral committee to oversee the election new officers to take over from the incumbent administration whose tenure expires in August.

    Other members of the committee are Safia Balarabe- Secretary, Ibrahim Aliyu Nasarawa, Leo Ohagba and Nasiru Maidiyia

    In a chat with The Nation, Amechi (SAN ), said: “We are going to conduct the election based on the constitution of the NBA. We are not going to depart from the constitution neither would we allow any candidate to depart from the constitution. When we talk of the guidelines or code of conducts, we are only talking about playing according to the NBA constitutional provisions whatever it forbids, we forbid it and whatever it approves, we approves it that is all. That is all we are saying, nobody is going to be harassed unnecessarily or be subjected to an unfair treatment, no there will be level playing field for all the contestants in the election no matter the offices they are contesting for.

    On when the guidelines will be out, Amechi (SAN) said: “ Very soon, after our first meeting which may be in the next one week or two weeks. Remember that the NEC has to ratify it, so it may be approved by the next NEC, we cannot just release the guidelines like that. Everything will be ready before the next NMEC and if we have reasons to contact any of the candidates before then we will definitely do so. But I am assuring you that it is going to be free and fair and we are going to waste time this time around. I seriously believe that on the election day, before 1.00 we have released the result and gone.”

  • Jonathan, Amaechi divide UNIPORT alumni association

    Jonathan, Amaechi divide UNIPORT alumni association

    The feud between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi has crept into the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, which they both belong to, reports Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

    President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi are alumni of the prestigious University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). Their feud has now divided the institution’s Alumni Association.

    The President is seeking re-election in 2015 and the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, is at the forefront of the campaigns.

    Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), is accused of having vice-presidential ambition in 2015, which he has denied, stating that he would prefer to return to his alma mater (UNIPORT) to lecture in the English Department.

    Jonathan and his foot soldiers are still in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while the Rivers governor and four other governors recently defected to the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), vowing to produce the president in 2015.

    The National President of the UNIPORT’s alumni association, Chief Ike Chinwo, insists he is still the helmsman, but some members of his executive claimed he had been replaced with the First National Vice-President, Chief Edward Ngene.

    While addressing reporters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Chinwo expressed surprise over his purported removal.

    He said the attempt by some members of his executive committee to excuse him from performing his functions and that by the doctrine of necessity, the first national vice-president should act, amounted to an impeachment, which, he insisted, the executive committee lacked powers to do, as enshrined in its constitution.

    He said: “The process of impeachment of the National President and indeed any National Officer is clearly spelt out in Article 11, Section 2 of our constitution, which we all swore to uphold.

    “It is pertinent to state that none of these steps has been taken, neither was any written allegation received at the last executive committee meeting held on February 7, 2014 at the national secretariat.

    “Even if any allegation was received, in line with the provisions of our constitution, it is only the National Executive Council, comprising the Branch Presidents that can initiate any of those processes.

    “Worse still, it was shocking to read from the papers that my only offence is my membership of a political party, other than their preferred one, which they all belong.

    “My fundamental right of association and holding of political opinion is enshrined and protected in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

    “It is nonsensical and smacks of impunity for anybody to want to punish me by whatsoever guise, for exercising that right. It is an assault on my integrity and that of our unique Alumni Association and must be condemned by all and sundry.”

    Chinwo also stated that the alumni association is a non-partisan, non-religious, non-ethnic and non-profit organisation, with members of varied background and opinion.

    He noted that since his election on February 16, 2013, he had tried to reposition the alumni association, but had personally been very careful and mindful of the sensibilities of the members and avoided acting in a partisan political fashion in the performance of his duties.

    The national president also said: “I wish to state that I remain resolutely committed to the wishes of the entire members and the goals of the Alumni Association.

    “I call on all members (of the Alumni Association) to discountenance the ill-advised statement by some members of the executive committee, purporting to imply removal, suspension or whatever name so called, as they lack the powers and their actions, procedurally defective.”

    Chinwo also pleaded with all members of the UNIPORT’s alumni association to remain steadfast, assuring that attempts were being made to call everybody to order and resolve all the issues amicably.

    Eleven aggrieved members of the executive committee of the alumni association, who mostly hail from Bayelsa State or are Ijaw as President Jonathan and loyal to the Otuoke, Ogbia LGA-born politician, had earlier announced the removal of the national president.

    The aggrieved executive members include Ngene; the Second National Vice-President, Don Nwabueze; National Secretary, Chris Adokeme; National Treasurer, Kate Wilcox; National Financial Secretary, Yusuf Aminu and Provost, Chief R. O. Olorunshola.

    Others are the Public Relations Officer, Chris Oji; National Organising Secretary, Paul Abbey; National Ex-Officio. Uduak Ewitat; Assistant National Secretary, Frank Agharra and the National Editor-in-Chief, Mark Tony Nwakile.

    Copies of the communiqué of the aggrieved officers’ meeting were sent to the Chairman of the UNIPORT’s Governing Council; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka; and the university’s Registrar.

    Others copied were the UNIPORT’s alumni association’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), alumni representative on the governing council and all state chapter presidents.

    The aggrieved executive members of the alumni association said: “Our National President, Chief Ike Chinwo, be excused from presidential functions, to enable him pursue his political ambition.

    “The UNIPORT Alumni Association can no longer stand by and allow the destruction of the association, as a result of the deep and embarrassing partisan political activities of its National President.

    “While Chief Ike Chinwo has the indisputable fundamental rights to associate with any political party of his choice, such rights cannot be expressed to the detriment of the overall interest of the association. The association restates its commitment to fiercely remain a politically non-partisan organisation.

    “The National Executive Committee has lost confidence in the ability of Chief Ike Chinwo to pilot the affairs of the association along non-partisan political path and thus pass a vote of no confidence in him.

    “Subsequent upon our decision, we ask Chief Chinwo to proceed on sabbatical and in line with the Doctrine of Necessity, the First National Vice-President, Chief Edward Ngene, is to act as the National President, pending the approval by Council and Congress.”

    The aggrieved executive members also urged the members of the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the 2014 Appropriation Bill, while lauding President Jonathan and the National Council of States for the approval of the national conference.

    They commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the early release of the 2015 electoral time table, while expressing confidence in the commission’s ability to organise free, fair and credible elections.

    Politicians should sheathe their swords and stop heating up the polity, in order to move the nation forward.

     

     

  • Rivers revenue drops by N5b monthly, says Amaechi

    Rivers revenue drops by N5b monthly, says Amaechi

    Rivers State revenue has dwindled by at least N5 billion as the nation’s finances sink deeper, Governor Chibuike Amaechi said yesterday.

    According to him, the financial crisis has adversely affected economic planning, development and payment of bill, by the state government.

    He described the loss of revenue by the state and other states as a disaster. He spoke to members of the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disasters, led by Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, who visited him.

    “I must say that at different occasions, you have risen to defend democracy. You have a big assignment. The assignment is not only natural, but also man-made disasters. The disasters include those in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states. We are living in a disastrous country, where there are disasters everywhere.

    “There is even disaster in the revenue that we are sharing. You won’t believe that from N18 billion to N20 billion allocation that we have being receiving from the Federation Account, we now receive only about N13 billion monthly.

    “The meaning (of this) is that our wage bills are now affected, including social development. That is a disaster too,” he said.

    Amaechi, added that Nigerians are extremely hungry without positive response from the Federal Government. He warned that the nation is gradually slipping from democracy to dictatorship.

    He urged the members of the National Assembly to apply political and parliamentary activism, as part of their oversight functions to protect the nation’s democracy from further disasters and that the federal lawmakers were voted into power to help the citizens when the need arose.