The Nation Newspaper

Tag: chair

  • Council chair decries Utako Market rot

    The Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Abdullahi Adamu Candido has bemoaned the deplorable state of Utako ultra-modern Market.

    He said the market is generally in a poor state, and “this is not the intention of the initiator of this concept, so we must come back to the real intention of the market.”

    To this end, the AMAC chairman urged the management of the market, the unified managers in the market and associations of the traders to do all it could to fix the market within the next three months.

    Speaking while leading top AMAC officials on an unscheduled inspection of the market, Candido lamented that the market had become very dirty and unorganised, which the council  can’t tolerate any longer.

    He said, “From the findings by the management committee we set up for the market, our assessment has not changed, as the market is still in its deplorable state.

    “Therefore, we have decided that we cannot continue to allow this market initiated with good intention to go the other way round, so we have to ensure that there is proper measures will be put in place, in order to bring back the lost glory of the market.

    “Also, you are hereby urged to ensure that all the identified makeshift shops put in place in the market through fraudulent acts, should be done away with. Get us the payment tellers, and let’s see whose account got money from the concerned traders; and their money must be refunded back to them.

    “Because it was a fraud, and whoever was behind the erection of makeshift shops will be prosecuted, irrespective of status or position, in as much as we have discovered that it was fraud, as it was never designed and approved by the council. We will never allow our traders to be shortchanged.”

    He continued, saying, “I will hand over the market to the standing committee on market of the Legislative arm, because they make the laws, which we abide by. The elected councilors will be working in synergy with the Council Market Management Committee, to tidy up and standardise the market.”

  • Ekiti deputy speaker, panel chair incur Fayose’s wrath

    Ekiti State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Olusegun Adewumi and Information Committee Chairman Gboyega Aribisogan may have run into trouble for allegedly meeting with those perceived as an enemies of Governor Ayo Fayose, it was learnt yesterday.

    They were accused of meeting with Senator Buruji Kashamu,  former Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary Temitope Aluko,  Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, activist, lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and a new entrant into Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Yinka Akerele last Saturday in Lagos.

    Adewumi, who represents Ekiti West Constituency I, was said to have been impeached on Fayose’s alleged order at plenary and replaced with Ekundayo Akinleye representing Ijero Constituency

    Aribisogan, who represents Ikole Constituency I, was said to have been suspended at the session.

    The plenary was yet to hold by noon  when reporters visited the assembly, but the lawmakers led by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, were said to be meeting with Fayose at press time.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti is polarised. The faction loyal to Fayose has Gboyega Oguntuase as chairman; the other faction loyal to Kashamu is led by Williams Ajayi.

    Fayose and Kashamu, who used to be allies are now battling for PDP soul in the Southwest.

    Adewumi could not be reached for comment but Aribisogan denied being suspended.

    Aribisogan, who spoke on phone, claimed that he was in Abuja. He said he had not committed any offence to warrant suspension.

    Speaker Oluwawole debunked insinuations of a leadership crisis in the Assembly, saying whatever might have happened at plenary was a “family affair.”

    Oluwawole said: “Nothing of such happened. I am not aware of any impeachment or suspension plot. The Deputy Speaker is still there as my deputy.

  • Appeal Court denies foul play in case by ex-Rivers council chair, Amachree

    The Court of Appeal has denied an allegation of foul play in its decision to change the panel of Justices of the Part Harcourt division of the court  hearing the appeal filed by a former Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government of Rivers State, Ojukaye Flag Amachree, accused of murder.

    The court’s Media Officer, Sa’adatu Musa said, in a statement yesterday, faulted claims in a recent publication by a Rivers State-based group, as Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative (IFTPI), to the effect that changing the panel to hear the bail application by Amachree amounted to abuse of judicial powers.

    She said the decision of the court’s President, Zainab Bulkachuwa to consttitute a fresh panel to hear the application was informed by a request to that effect by Amachree’s lawyer, Ken O. Atsuwete.

    Mrs Musa said: “On 13th June, 2016, a letter was received by the office of the Hon. President from one Ken O. Atsuwete, Esq. a Solicitor in the Law Office of K. O. Atsuwete & Co. located at No. 42, Isiokpo Street, D/Line, Port-Harcourt, Rivers and representing the Appellant in the case of Ojukaye Flag Amachree v. The State (CA/PH/16CR/2016).

    “In the said letter, the Solicitor requested His Lordship for an assignment of his Client’s bail application to a fresh appeal Panel. In order to safeguard the integrity of the local Panelist and in exercise of his constitutional powers, his Lordship constituted a new Panel to determine the bail application.

  • APGA suspends chair for ‘anti-party activities’

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Kogi State said yesterday that it had suspended its Chairman, Mr. Ocholi Ameh, aka Ohiemi Obogo, for alleged anti-party activities.

    The party, in a statement purportedly signed by the Secretary, Ben I. Nweke, Financial Secretary, Nasiru Abdulrahaman, Organising Secretary, Alhaji Isah K. Yakubu and Woman Leader, Mrs. Abesede Oluyori, said they suspended their chairman for allegedly diverting the money meant to launch their campaign.

    Ameh was accused of doing so because he never wanted the party to vie for the election.

    They alleged: “He has been holding nocturnal meetings with other parties. He has not been attending the party’s meetings. He is an absentee-chairman.

    “APGA wanted to launch its rally, but he pocketed the money meant for the event. The programme could not hold because he used the party for his personal aggrandisement, and he has been involved in clandestine moves with other parties.

    “Another issue is that he has not been attending party activities, which is inimical to its survival. He has been working with the opposition.”

  • Agbakoba to chair Eastern Bar dinner

    Agbakoba to chair Eastern Bar dinner

    A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) will on Friday chair a  dinner  organised by the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) in honour of Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court.

    The dinner, to be hosted by Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, is part of the programmes commemorating the maiden meeting of EBF’s new leadership, which holds on Saturday at the Tinapa Hotel and Resorts.

    EBF chairmanship Effiong  Ekong was elected at the Sir Louis Mbanefo Bar Centre, Onisha Anambra State in June and was inaugurated the same day.

    He succeeded Mr. Ogbonna O. Igwenyi.

    Other members of the new executives are:  Arthur Chukwu (Vice-Chairman), Basil Aguigwo (Secretary), Emeka Anosike (Financial Secretary), Promise Iwezor- (Rivers Representative) and Charles Azubuike (Abia State Representative).

    Imo, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States representatives in the governing council will be presented at the Calabar meeting on Saturday.

    Chairman of the Organising Committee Mr. Mba Ukweni said: “Every arrangement is  concluded and we are putting finishing touches to make sure that we have a very successful  dinner and meeting. Baring one or two confirmations, which we will make early this week, I can say that we are done with the  preparations.”

     

     

  • EFCC arrests council chair for ‘fraud’

    EFCC arrests council chair for ‘fraud’

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said yesterday that the Chairman of Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, Mr. Muktar Yarima, was in its custody.

    The commission spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Yarima was arrested on Saturday in Kano for alleged fraud.

    He said the chairman was assisting the commission in its investigation.

    A source at the Government House, Kano told NAN that the arrest was in connection with alleged misappropriation of an unspecified amount of money.

    The source said the money was meant for an empowerment programme under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), now Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Ex-FCT Minister, five others jostle for PDP chair

    Ex-FCT Minister, five others jostle for PDP chair

    A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Bala Mohammed, and five others are in the race for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, it was learnt yesterday.

    Others are Prof. Ahmed Alkali, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to  former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Minister of State for Power Mohammed Wakil and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Jalo Abdullahi.

    Some governors are pushing for ex-Governor Sule Lamido, a onetime National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and a former Deputy National Chairman of PDP and ex-Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema.

    But party leaders, including some members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), are insisting that the Northeast should retain the position.

    It was, however, learnt that Dr. Jonathan might play a key role in the choice of the new chairman.

    Jonathan’s camp is said to be in favour of young elements leading the party.

    The party is awaiting the date for a mini-National Convention to elect the chairman.

    A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “Most leaders and members are uncomfortable that we have an Acting National Chairman.

    “Already, six candidates appear to be interested in leading the party. While four of the candidates are from the Northeast, two others from the Northwest (ex-Governors Lamido and Shema) are being recommended by some governors and leaders of the party.

    “We are not sure whether or not the former governors are interested in leading the party.”

    A member of the NWC said: “So far, only the ex-FCT Minister appears to have launched a subtle campaign for the post. The other candidates have been consulting.”

    The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to release the guidelines for the election soon.”

    But it was gathered that party leaders, including some members of the BOT are insisting that the Northeast should retain the chairmanship slot in line with Article 47(6) of the PDP Constitution.

    The Article says: “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from…”

    The NWC source added: “Anyone elected from the Northeast will be completing the tenure of the erstwhile National Chairman, Alh. Bamanga Tukur, who was elected on March 24, 2012.”

    But some forces in the party have said its constitution is not sacrosanct on the choice of the new national chairman.

    They cited Article 49 of the PDP constitution to support their backing for Lamido and Shema.

    The Article reads: “Every registered member of the party who has satisfied the requirements for nomination and election under this constitution, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any other law, rules or regulations in force shall be eligible to contest for any of the offices of the party.

    “The guidelines for election to any office of the party shall be approved by the NEC of the party in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.

    “No member of the party shall be qualified for nomination or election or appointment into any of the offices of the party, unless he or she has been a registered member and is of good financial standing in the party.”

  • Choosing the INEC chair

    Choosing the INEC chair

    •Amina Bala Zakari’s acting appointment is untidy. 
    Buhari can do better in choosing a substantive electoral chief
    President Muhammadu Buhari should be decisive in appointing a substantive chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In making his recommendations for the approval of the Senate, President Buhari should bear in mind, the national and international acclaim, which Nigeria gained, because of the integrity and general acceptance of the immediate past chairman of the commission, Professor Attahiru Jega. The same consideration should also bear in his choice of candidates, to replace the national commissioners, whose tenures have come to an end.

    We consider the circumstance under which Amina Bala Zakari was appointed as acting chairman, well past her tenure, as untidy. Even more unnecessary is the controversy surrounding the process of her appointment and the accusations of filial relationship with the President. While Mrs Zakari may be eminently qualified to be INEC chairman, as some of the accusations do not restrict her candidature under the law, it is important for the president to take into account, the effect on the general perception about her integrity and independence.

    While no doubt, President Buhari is remarkably a person of high integrity, it is important that the president is seen by all to be completely detached, in making a choice of a substantive chairman for INEC. In projecting a candidate for that important office, geo-political, ethnic and religious considerations ordinarily should not be important issues. But where political opponents bring them to the front-burner, it may be wise for the president to stay as far away as possible, from any basis for such accusations, in the overall interest of the integrity of the electoral process. So, it is important that the President does all he can to avoid any accusations of bias and favouritism.

    Luckily as the appointment and performance of Professor Jega had shown, there are Nigerians of high integrity, and we urge the president to source, from across the country, such men and women to replace the chairman and commissioners, whose tenures have expired. We believe that it was to avoid accusations of bias that the Justice Muhammadu Uwais electoral reform panel, recommended to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, that the appointment of the Chairman of INEC should be placed in the hands of non-partisans.

    In making the choice of the chairman of INEC and the national commissioners, the president should remember the enormous powers, privileges and responsibilities of the appointees, as provided for in the Third Schedule, Part 1F, of the 1999 constitution, as amended; and the fact that the success or failure of the electoral process, depends on the general acceptance of drivers of the process. As provided by the constitution, it is envisaged that the persons to be appointed must be persons of “unquestionable integrity”. Going down the provisions, it is apparent that the chairman and his commissioners are entrusted with enormous powers over political parties and the conduct of elections.

    We also note that the real integrity of the persons appointed is as important as the perception of the general public. So if for any reason there is reasonable suspicion that there is likelihood of bias in the choice of the chairman of the commissioners, then there may be a challenge to the credulity of the election that will be conducted.  That is why the appointive authority must exercise all possible caution from the beginning. That also explains the constitutional provision insulating the electoral body, among a select few, from any form of interference by any “authority or person”.

    In making a choice over who would be the next chairman of INEC, we urge President Buhari to act statesmanlike, in the overall interest of our country.

  • PDP chair: Ortom is still our member

    •APC spokesman: you’re yet to recover from defeat

    Benue State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Samuel Agbo has said Governor Samuel Ortom is still a member of the party, according to party  guidelines.

    Addressing the first news conference since the party lost the governorship and presidential elections, Dr. Agbo, who was with the Deputy Chairman, Zone B, Godwin Ayihe, Secretary, Bem Dzoho and Deputy Chairman, Zone A, Alhaji Ibrahim Anor, said Ortom, who served the party as secretary, deputy chairman, national auditor and minister was supposed to tender his letter of resignation to the national secretariat in Abuja, instead of the ward chairman.

    He said going by the PDP constitution, “the governor is still our member.”

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tahav Agerzua, said PDP’s statement was an indication that the party had not recovered from the trauma of defeat in the last elections.

    Said he: “The trauma has affected the chairman’s memory, reasoning and logic. Otherwise, how can he claim that Governor Ortom is still a member of his party when the Federal High Court in Makurdi dismissed the PDP case, which sought to establish that claim?

    “Before the court decision, Governor Ortom resigned from the PDP on December 9 last year and handed over his resignation letter to the PDP Ward chairman at Nzorov Ward of Guma Local Government, Felix Agbaka.

    “How can Dr. Agbo forget so soon that the people came out in April with a determination to throw away the yoke of a party that brought them untold hardship and bad governance, which led to the collapse of government institutions?

    “How can he forget so soon that the electorate were against the PDP that the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not need to rig anywhere, but just to protect the votes of its candidates?

    “Rather, it was the PDP that engaged in massive rigging in many parts of the state.

    “It beats one’s imagination that someone can be talking about constitutional provisions, yet he forgets or glosses over one of the most fundamental, which is the freedom of association.

    “Maybe the PDP runs a prison and its officials have to shout of a jailbreak anytime a member leaves.

    “Besides, the responsibility of interpreting the constitution is that of the courts of law and not that of an interested party, who is both a complainant and a judge in his own matter.

    “Agbo’s statement amounts to a tantrum of a bad loser yet to recover from the trauma of a defeat.”

  • Fayose rejects Mimiko as PDP Governors’ Forum chair

    Fayose rejects Mimiko as PDP Governors’ Forum chair

    A fresh crisis appears to be brewing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has rejected  Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko as chairman of the party’s Governors’ Forum.

    Fayose has rallied some other governors in the party to kick against Mimiko’s emergence.

    He has petitioned the national leadership of the party to intervene before the matter degenerates into a full blown crisis.

    A source at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja was quoted to have confirmed the receipt of the petition against Mimiko. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will be meeting the party’s governors today to ironing out the matter.

    The aggrieved governors were said to have protested that the choice of Mimiko did not follow due process on grounds that Mimiko defected to the PDP only last year.

    Mimiko emerged chairman of the Forum last week the governors’ meeting in Abuja, where only six of the party’s 13 governors and two deputies were present.

    Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio is the pioneer chairman of the Forum, a position he relinquished at the expiration of his tenure on May 29.