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Tag: Cairo Ojougboh

  • Oshiomhole, Clark, Dickson, others pay tributes to Cairo Ojougboh

    Oshiomhole, Clark, Dickson, others pay tributes to Cairo Ojougboh

    • Ex-presidential aide gets glowing farewell on Night of Tributes

    Senators, former governors, top government officials, frontline politicians, and many other Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to a former member of the House of Representatives and a one-time presidential aide, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.

    The former lawmaker died on February 8 while watching the semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa during the last edition of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cote D’Ivoire.

    Speakers at the night of tributes, which held at A-Class Restaurant in Maitama area of Abuja, recalled the impactful life the late lawmaker lived.

    The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Night of Tributes and erstwhile Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff set the tone for the night’s agenda.

    He said it was difficult for him to get over the shock that Ojougboh’s death had caused him.

    Sheriff said: “He called me …that he was going to watch the football match and I told him that I was already in my sitting room. But one hour later, I got a call that he was dead.

    “If there was a gentleman I met in the course of my political journey, it was Cairo Ojougboh. He was trusted and loyal. There is never anybody that had ever made me free like Dr. Cairo.”

    He added: “I’m still shocked that Ojougboh is no more. He was one person you could trust and rely on. This was a gentleman I met in the course of my political career and he gave me an insight of Nigeria.

    “Ojougboh was a dependable ally. He was someone you would never regret having as a friend.

    “To the family, I want to assure all of you that I will be there for you anytime you call upon me.

    “He was one person I will not forget; he was one person I will remember all the time. He lived a good life worth emulating.”

    Sheriff said the fact that Ojougboh died watching a football match involving Nigeria showed that he was a true patriot, a nationalist.

    “We have to believe in and be proud of our country,” he said.

    Other speakers included Senators Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), erstwhile Sokoto East Senator Abubakar Gada, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah.

    Attah, who was the chairman of the occasion, prayed to God to comfort and strengthen the family. 

    He said: “God that provided you this husband, father and uncle will continue to provide for you. God will comfort you; God will give you the strength to bear the loss.”

    Oshiomhole described the deceased as a friend of all politicians across party divide, a man for all and a very sociable and amiable person.

    The former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president said he and the late Ojougboh met in the days of his labour struggle.

    He said: “He was a man for everyone. I met him when I was the president of Nigeria Labor Congress. When I met him as the chairman of NLC, it was one of those days when we put the country and the leaders on notice.

    “He paid several visits to my village to show his respect for elders; whether you invited him or not, if he considered you valuable, he would come.

    “There was a day he visited my mum in my small village without telling me. I was saying to myself, my mum cannot influence anything. So, why did he had to go there? After that, he visited several times. That is the type of man Dr. Cairo Ojougboh was.

    “Today, we are lucky to sit here and celebrate him. Who knows when it would be our time? Who will celebrate us?

    “He has made an impact and good impressions to lives. We pray that God forgives him all his sins and grant him eternal rest. 

    “To the family of our departed brother, you have every reason to be proud because he made a good impact in the lives of many people.”

    Elder statesman and Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, who spoke virtually, said Ojougboh was like a son to him.

    Clark said the late politician, who played a big role in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, was the only one that used to call him father.

    “He was very dedicated and faithful. Ojuogboh was very dear to me. Ojougboh played a leading role during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    Read Also: JUST IN: APC chieftain Cairo Ojougboh dies at 64

    “We have lost a fantastic young man. We pray God to accept him and pray God to take care of the family he left behind,” he said.

    Also, erstwhile Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye said: “His relationship cut across political divide because Ojougboh was one of the very few APC people that would have something to do and I would attend.

    “Cairo was a deteraised Nigerian. He was a very civil and socialable person and his relationship cut across politics division. If Cairo was with you, you could go home and sleep.”

    He added: “The truth of the matter is we can’t question God. Death is a garment that everyone right here wears. You can’t deny it. The day and time cannot be determined by you except you decide to commit suicide.

    “Today, Cairo is having a unique night. Wwe should ask ourselves: when you leave, what will you be remembered for?”

    Dickson said the late Ojuogboh was a loyal man who was also faithful to friendship.

    “He did his best within his short sojourn on earth. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    Also, a judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Mabel Segun-Bello, described the late Ojougboh was an accomplished person and was truly legacy conscious.

    She said the human legacy is the footprint they leave on earth after death.

    “At a point, he was involved in reconciliation and harmonisation activities. That is one of the legacies he left behind.

    “Let his legacy be a prompter unto us to leave better legacies, those that will impact people of now and years to come,” Segun-Bello said.

    One of Ojougboh’s widows, Ruth, said she was still finding it difficult to process the death of her husband.

    She described the late Cairo as a confidant and good husband and father.

    “I’m still in disbelief this is even happening. I struggle to find the words for the depth of loss that I feel.

    “I find solace in the words of Ecclesiastes Chapter Three verses One and Two. It reminds us that there is a time for everything – a time to be born and a time to die.

    “My beloved husband lived a life marked by love, strength and unwavering faith. He was indeed a warrior who faced life’s challenges with courage and resilience.

    “Though we mourn his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he now rests in eternal peace,” Mrs. Ojougboh said.

    The late Ojougboh was born on September 8, 1959 in Agbor, Delta State.

    Throughout his illustrious career, Ojougboh served in various political capacities, including Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

  • JUST IN: APC chieftain Cairo Ojougboh dies at 64

    JUST IN: APC chieftain Cairo Ojougboh dies at 64

    A former Executive Director, Project, of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, is dead.

    Ojougboh, who represented Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, reportedly died in Abuja while watching the Nigeria versus South Africa semi-final AFCON match.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns late Cairo Ojougboh

    “The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to massive heart attack when SA scored,” a source said.

    As of the time of filing this report, his family is yet to issue a statement on his death. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have offered their condolences.

    The former lawmaker was born on September 8, 1959 in the Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

    He was a medical doctor and the Chairman and Founder of Ojougboh Foundation.

    Details shortly…

  • Tinubu mourns late Cairo Ojougboh

    Tinubu mourns late Cairo Ojougboh

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Executive Director, Project, of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Cairo Ojougboh, who died on Wednesday evening. 

    Ojougboh, who once represented Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, reportedly died while watching the Nigeria versus South Africa semi-final AFCON match. 

    Mourning the vocal APC chieftain in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Ojougboh family and the Delta State Government. 

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: Tinubu  leads  praises  for gallant Super Eagles

    “It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who died on Wednesday.

    “Dr. Ojougboh was a member of the House of Representatives (2003-2007) and a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

    “President Tinubu condoles with the Ojougboh family and the government and people of Delta State over this tragic loss.

    “While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforts his family and urges them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain,” the statement reads. 

  • Delta APC elects new chairman

    Former Deputy Chairman, Delta State, All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Cyril Ogodor on Monday emerged as the state chairman of the party at a congress which  held in Asaba- the State’ s capital.

    The congress which held at the play ground of the temporary site of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, was peaceful.

    Ogodor polled 731 votes to defeat Mr. Fred Obe who polled 99 votes in the delegates’ election.

    The other positions were returned unopposed through voice affirmation.

    The congress was conducted by a five-member committee from the national secretariat of the party. Members of the committee include Eugene Odoh (chairman), John Dabwan (secretary), Jonathan Jibril, Ibrahim Nagogo and Mezia Linus (members).

    Meanwhile, the incumbent state chairman, Jones Erue retained his seat at a parallel congress conducted weekend by the Gbenga Obadara-led committee at St. Mulumba College, Okpanam, a suburb of Asaba.

    The new chairman, Mr. Ogodor extended olive branch to his opponents as well as those of the faction led by Senator Obie Omo-Agege, saying that now was the time to unite the party ahead of the 2019 general election.

    Leader of the party in the state, O’tega Emerhor who addressed newsmen at Monday’s exercise described it as the authentic congress, saying that the presence of party chieftains testified to it.

    Read Also: Delta APC and re-alignment of forces

    His words, “I am here, Victor Ochei, Cairo Ojougboh, Hyacinth Enuha, Pat Utomi is on his way, Dr. Leroy, we are here. The minister, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu would have been here but he travelled.

    “We cannot afford the bickering and division among ourselves. After today’s congress, we will reach out to others who feel aggrieved because we have the People Democratic Party (PDP) as a common enemy in the 2019 general election to contend with.

    “But one thing is that anything outside this exercise is null and void. You can see the democratic process as conducted by the assigned committee from Abuja and witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

  • Delta APC knocks Okowa over N13bn contract

    The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has knocked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over a N13.6 billion contract for the construction of new secretariat building for the state’s civil servants.

    At a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, a governorship aspirant of the APC in Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, described the contract as inappropriate, saying the state government should, rather focus on payment of salaries and pensions arrears to civil servants in the states.

    “The Delta state government that has not been able to pay salaries, pay pensioners, construct any single road in the state, suddenly became interested in building secretariat that the civil servants do not need, for the sole purpose of enriching the person of the governor”.

    Ojougboh alleged that the indigenous firm, North China Construction Nigeria Limited, which was awarded the contract has not undertaken any construction work in the country

    According to him, the company, which was incorporated in 2014 with a share capital of only N20 million, should have no business with a contract worth N13. 6 billion.

    He blamed a new generation bank for granting the company loans running into billions of Naira, elegant that the entire contract was shrouded in secrecy.

    Ojougboh said, “Our submission is that the drawings and bills of quantity for the contract should be handed over to an independent professional team of quantity surveyors for vetting and all the companies that participated in the bidding should be made known with their individual profiles.

    “While the contract schedule was dated December, 2016, we discovered that since the agreement was signed and till date, disbursements of the contract money has continued unabated without commensurate work on ground. Not even five percent of the contract has been done.

    “The annoying part is that from start to completion of this project, the total repayable is N21 billion of taxpayers’ money of a contract of N13.6 billion. This is wicked, irresponsible and act of war against the people of Delta State.

    “Our hearts go to the civil servants, who have not received salaries in the past months and who have worked hard to promote the state. 95 percent of them are opposed to this contract, even the commissioners of the state. We learnt that more than 90 percent of them opposed the contract, which they believed would mortgage the future of the state.

    “The future of Delta people is what we are discussing here, we will not fold our arms and see one person destroying our state. Enough of this waste and pilfering by a man, who is supposed to show concern for the welfare of our state”.

     

  • ‘Okowa perpetuating monumental fraud in Delta’

    ‘Okowa perpetuating monumental fraud in Delta’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and spokesperson for the APC Delta state Leaders Council, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has accused Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa of perpetuating monumental fraud in the state and usurping the powers of the state House of Assembly to appropriate funds for government expenditure.

    Ojougboh told newsmen in his office in Abuja that the governor has been running the state like a private enterprise since he assumed office in 2015 and challenged the governor and his team to show the world a copy of the 2016 and 2017 appropriation act approved by the state House of Assembly.

    He also accused the governor of unilaterally increase the governor’s approval limit from N50 million limit enjoyed by the Ibori and Uduagham government to N250 million without consultation with the State Executive Council.

    Ojougboh who was Deputy National Chairman to the Ali Modu Sherrif faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the governor has also failed to present the budget of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission to the State Assembly for approval for the past two years and also failing to account for the Paris Club refund.

    “We want to use this opportunity to explain to Deltans how the ongoing fraud in Delta State was structured. During the tenures of His Excellencies, James Onanefe Ibori and Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the expenditure approval limits for Governors were Fifty Million Naira (N50, 000, 000). 

    “On the 17th August 2015 immediately after inception, the Delta Government issued a circular without seeking the approval of the state Exco jerking up the Governors approval threshold from N50 Million to N250 Million. The Governor also immediately increased the threshold of the ministerial and State tender boards, but barred them from exercising their power in paragraph two after the said circular: 

    “The reviews presented above pertain only to the costs of projects in view. All other extant supportive processes for procurement will continue to apply. This includes, for instance, the requirement for MDAs to obtain the prior approval of His Excellency, the Governor, before applying the instrumentality of Ministerial Tender Boards to projects that come within their scope. Similarly, the practice of obtaining the prior approval of the State EXCO for projects in category C will continue to apply.”

    Related: ‘Okowa running State without budget’

    He said further that “the impact of this fraudulent increase in approval threshold is not lost to Deltans. The Governor then proceeded armed with this “dangerous weapon of mass destruction” to initiate the greatest fraud ever seen in the history of Nigeria. 

    “For the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years, he did not present budget details for the state budget and DESOPADEC budget. The government has failed since the 4th October 2017 till date to produce the state and DESOPADEC budgets for 2016 and 2017. 

    “The government then went for the bailout funds. Delta State Government has received N76 billion till date. The government also passed the hangover loan from the previous administrations to the Federal Government as bonds, so there are no liabilities to this present administration on previous loans. 

    “In the process, the Paris Club refund of N20 billion was paid to the Government. This again disappeared, not accounted for the list. Delta State is one of the lucky states that receives enormous monthly allocations, eg, the State received N14 billion for the month of September 2017 which was the highest in the federation. Internally generated revenue brings an additional of N10 billion monthly. 

    “Looking at the above, one can see that Delta State has no business with poverty and since the inception of the present Government, Delta has received N840 billion in allocation, loans, IGR and grants.  

    “The truth of the matter is that apart from a questionable monthly wage bill of N4 billion and with unpaid salaries and pension of up to 24 months, the government has completely mismanaged, misappropriated, misapplied and looted the state dry.  

    “With the approval threshold of N250 Million, the Government uses only four (4) memos to syphon one billion with criminal and malignant impunity.  

    “Truth they say is stranger than fiction, only yesterday the Commissioner for Finance posited that 2203 political office holders are paid N330 million naira, this again is not true. Each earns N250,000 and common sense shows that the monthly wage is N550 million. Is there any truth in this Government? 

    “It has, therefore, become necessary to call the attention of the public to the motion on the floor of the house where the Governor was purported to present 2018 budget when he had not presented the 2016 and 2017 State and DESOPDEC budgets. 

    “The practice is that as soon as a budget is presented to the house, the Speaker causes the budget breakdown to be circulated to all members. The standing Committees of the house becomes Sub-committees of the Committees of Finance and Appropriation. The various Sub-committees submit their report to the Appropriation Committee and collate them into the appropriation report. 

    “We challenge any member to present a copy of the 2016, 2017 State and DESOPADEC budgets. We also encourage members of the house to obtain copies of the 2018 budget and return to their constituencies to discuss the budget.  

    “The Delta State APC is very worried about the unfortunate destructive fraud pervading our state and hereby call on Mr President to act on our earlier letter to investigate this fraud and the Traditional Rulers and Clergy in Delta State to intervene to stop the bleeding of the State, otherwise, the consequences will be grave.  

    “The APC implore Deltans to note the sorry state of our cities and the complete darkness now enveloping the previously well-lit cities of Asaba and Warri. Poverty yawns in Delta State. 

    “We again call on the State House of Assembly to stand up to be counted. The State House of Assembly should suspend the sales of Delta line and investigate the criminal handover of our commonwealth to private individuals in Government. For us Deltans, change has come to the state and the APC is waiting to change the course of history and bring development to Delta.”

  • PDP mourns Suntai, former Taraba governor

    PDP mourns Suntai, former Taraba governor

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the late former governor of Taraba, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, as an outstanding and professional man.

    Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, the Deputy PDP National Chairman in Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff’s faction, said this on Wednesday.

    “We are proud of late Suntai. He left his profession and became a politician in order to bring quality to governance.

    “This, he exhibited, while in office until the unfortunate plane crash incident.
    “Suntai represented PDP well and are very proud of him.”

    Ojougboh said that until his death Suntai never gave up as he was involved in the struggle for the progress of PDP and Nigeria.

    He said that the PDP commiserated with the family of late Suntai, the people and government of Taraba state on the great lost.

    Suntai, 56, who has been receiving treatment in hospital across the world since he was involved in a plane crash in October 2012 died in Houston, Florida, in the United States on Wednesday.

    Mr. Emmanuel Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Darius Ishaku on Public Affairs had confirmed the incident to NAN on telephone on Wednesday.

  • Defamation: Court dismisses PDP chieftain’s application

    Defamation: Court dismisses PDP chieftain’s application

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi on Friday, dismissed a preliminary objection challenging a civil suit filed by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Pius Anyim.

    Anyim had alleged in the suit that a former Vice Chairman of the South-South zone of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Cairo Ojougboh, had defamed his character.

    The ex-SGF said Ojougboh defamed his character by describing the Centenary City Project of ex- President Goodluck Jonathan`s administration which he handled as “crime personified.”

    He also claimed that the PDP chieftain had accused him in several newspapers that he was threatening his life.

    Anyim demanded N1 billion as compensation and unreserved apology for the embarrassment the publication had caused him.

    He also urged the court to grant an order restraining the defendant from making further negative publication about him.

    He raised two issues to challenge the preliminary objection among which was whether the originating processes used in commencing the instant suit were competent for the purpose of vesting jurisdiction on the court.

    He wondered if the court could hear and determine the suit (preliminary objection) as it was presently constituted.

    Ojobor, who filed the preliminary objection through his lawyer, Mr. Usman Sule, contended that the substantive suit before the court did not contain the exact defamatory words the plaintiff claimed was used.

    He also claimed that the substantive suit before the court was not signed by the registrar of the court.

    At the resumed sitting on the matter, Justice Usman Musale, dismissed the preliminary objection filed by Ojobor on the ground that it lacked merit.

    The court also adopted the issues raised by Anyim on the preliminary objection.

    The judge adjourned the matter till October 30 for hearing.

    NAN

     

     

  • May Day: PDP will pay better wage from 2019 – Sheriff

    May Day: PDP will pay better wage from 2019 – Sheriff

    Abuja, May 1, 2017 (NAN) The National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, said the party would pay reasonable minimum wage to workers if it returned to power in 2019.

    In a statement signed by his deputy, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, on Monday in Abuja, Sherriff congratulated the workers on the 2017 Workers’ Day, and urged them to put in more efforts in making Nigeria great.

    He said that the appeal was important as the country needed everyone to be involved in the rebuilding process that would take it to greater heights.

    “When we take over power, we shall address minimum wage that will ensure workers’ pay will not only take them home, but will be able to also cater for the families and pay school fees.

    “We understand the difficulties the nation is going through at the moment, but a government can only be changed through the ballots.

    “2019 will be another opportunity to change power; then, the workers will know what it means to have PDP back in power,” Sheriff said.

    He said that the PDP was not just seeking to take over power, but was also looking forward to partnering Labour to emancipate citizens, no matter their tribes or religions.

  • Edo: Sheriff rejects INEC’s acceptance of Ize-Iyamu as PDP candidate

    Edo: Sheriff rejects INEC’s acceptance of Ize-Iyamu as PDP candidate

    The camp of ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has rejected the recognition given to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the party’s candidate in the September 10 governorship election in Edo State.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had during the week accepted Ize-Iyamu’s nomination as PDP candidate in Edo State.

    Ize-Iyamu’s name was submitted by the Ahmed Makarfi led caretaker committee.

    But speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, a key member of Sheriff’s faction, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, described INEC’s decision to accept Ize-Iyamu as a “mere rumour.”

    Ojougboh spoke while receiving a delegation of professionals from the South-South geopolitical zone who called to declare support for the Sheriff camp.

    Ojougboh said, ‎”We heard a rumour making the rounds that INEC has accepted another person as candidate of the PDP for the Edo State governorship election

    “I hereby dispel the rumor and categorically state that INEC has not yet communicated the decision to us.”

    According to him, INEC was still considering all judgements and court orders arising from the party’s lingering leadership crisis

    He stated that the Federal High Court in Abuja had specifically asked the INEC to recognise only candidates presented by the Sheriff camp.