The Nation Newspaper

Tag: crisis

  • Okere-Urhobo crisis: Stakeholders berate community leader

    concerned residents of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have accused a chief of escalating the crisis in the area.

    In a statement by Alex Eda, Emmanuel Eminokanju, George Eburu, Ochuko Akporiaye and Onome Egboro on behalf of the residents, the stakeholders accused Okumagba of usurping the duties of legally constituted authorities.

    But Okumagba said those labelling him a troublemaker were at the root of the crisis in the kingdom.

    The community leader said his accusers were soiling the name of the kingdom by engaging in violence.

    In their statement, the stakeholders expressed anger at the attempt by Okumagba’s group to ostracise two founding families.

    They said the kingdom was founded by five families: Olodi, Itifo, Makro, Ighogbadu and Oki, not just three, as Okumagba and his people were reportedly peddling.

    Describing the Land Committee, chaired by Okumagba, as an illegal entity created to usurp the duties of the legally constituted Community Management Committee, the stakeholders said the chief’s activities had set him against the community.

  • Migrant crisis, indictment of African leaders

    SIR: The incessant shipwrecks on the Libya coastline and the thousands of lives that had been lost thus far has become a source of worry not only for the international community, but many Africans who begin to see the calamity as a result of failure of governance in Africa, particularly South of Sahara.

    On Thursday, November 3, about 239 migrants died on two separate shipwrecks with very few surviving. From all indications, migrants from West Africa in particular were running away from hardship at home. Many of them preferred to die on adventure to Europe, to seek a better life than die of hunger in their countries. With the danger these migrants face in the Sahara desert on their way to Maghreb, which include hunger, armed robbery, kidnapping, exposure to wild animals and hostile government in Libya and later constant shipwrecks on the Mediterranean Sea, one thinks that they should have detested going into such journeys of no return. As an example, reports say that about 4,220 deaths have been recorded in 2016 alone, compared with 3,777 of 2015. This shows a clear increase in the number of those fleeing Africa to the unknown.

    That the rescuers are mainly from the United Nations further dents the image of Africa as a continent where nothing works. Beyond this however, the true picture of human existence in Africa is given by this type of suicide mission, in spite of false pictures painted by various national governments’ propaganda machineries.

    Whether our governments in West Africa or their agents notice the occurrence is a conjecture but since most of them watch international televisions and listen to international news, they would be up to date on the calamity happening to their citizens abroad. Equally, what they think about the calamity is a conjecture also. Nonetheless, what is certain is that their failure as leaders precipitated these disasters. For example, all index of development in most states of Africa are negative – unemployment, underemployment, kidnapping for ransom, violent armed robbery, lack of freedom to chose who governs them, embezzlement of funds meant for development, inflation, economic depression and life of hopelessness forced many African citizens on Trans Saharan – Mediterranean sea route to Europe for succor from hardship at home. Unfortunately, their case is between the devil and blue sea, yet they preferred to venture into the blue sea than to die of hunger at home.

    There is no doubt that our leaders, who through obnoxious policies inflict hardship on their compatriots feel unconcerned about the gory picture of shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea, believing their children and families are safe in the confine of government houses or safe havens in Europe and America. There is no doubt that the blood of those who die from their bad governance would continue to cry for vengeance on the heads of those brought the calamity on them. This is the time for them to think before it is too late.

     

    • Adewuyi Adegbite

    ayekooto05@gmail.com

  • ‘Civil society should wade into Ondo PDP crisis’

    ‘Civil society should wade into Ondo PDP crisis’

    The Coalition for Stable Democracy (CSD) has expressed concern over what it called the “suspicious silence” of the pro-democracy movement and right groups on the controversial reversal of the candidature of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer in the Ondo State governorship elections.

    The group said it has become necessary for all lovers of democracy to speak out against the injustice melted out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Mr. Jegede by replacing his name with that of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim in a questionable circumstance.

    In a statement by its National Secretary, Abdulahi Sanni, in Kaduna, the group said all men of good conscience must speak in condemnation of the act, especially considering the allegations that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) was behind the Ondo PDP crisis.

    “It is indeed condemnable, given the insinuations that some people close to President Muhammadu Buhari are allegedly the ones manipulating the INEC, at a time when all hands ought to be on deck to ensure that the electoral body regain its loss glory since the exit of Professor Attahiru Jega.

    “Already, we have been expressing our worries about the lack of capacity of the INEC to deliver another free and fair elections under the current leadership of the country,” it stated adding that, “these concerns and worries are predicated on the failures of the commission in Rivers, Bayelsa, Kogi and the Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where its conducts cast a dark shadow on gains bequeathed by the immediate past government.

    “The Buhari government is a beneficiary of a free and fair election. To contemplate interfering with electoral process in any poll in any part of the country is to burn the bridge that provided the route for his ascendancy to power. And this is sure to have grave consequence for our democracy,” the group further stated.

    The group added: “This is therefore not the time for any well-meaning right activist and advocates of good-governance to keep quiet. And to quote the noble Laurel, Professor Wole Soyinka, the man die in he who keep quiet in the face of oppression.

    “Today, it is Ondo State. No one is sure of where next it would happen. How can a judge allow the same law firm who stood in for a plaintiff to turn around to represent defendant in the same case on the same matter, without consideration for legal ethics? And that ruling is being purported as the basis for INEC decision, even against the legal opinion of its Senior Advocates?

    “We reckon that this is a travesty that must be condemned.”

  • Crisis hits NANS over Jimoh Ibrahim’s award

    Crisis hits NANS over Jimoh Ibrahim’s award

    An award presented to Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 26 Ondo State governoship election has caused a row in the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Some students are alleging that he bought the “Leardship Award”. TEMITOPE YAKUBU reports.

    CRISIS has hit the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) over an award presented to Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, the People, Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 26 Ondo State governoship election. Some students believe that he bought the “Leadership Award” in order to get the association’s support in the election.

    But, NANS Senate President Salam Oyejide, who presented the award to Ibrahim, is keeping mum on inducement allegation.

    When CAMPUSLIFE spoke to him on telephone, Salam said he had nothing to say on the allegation. He added: “The award was presented to Mr Ibrahim because of various student-related programmes he has done and his support for education.”

    Salam’s explanation did not go down well with his colleagues, who criticised the NANS leadership for using the platform to feather its nest. They wondered why NANS always gives what they called “frivolous awards” to politicians during elections. The leadership’s latest action, they said, would further weaken NANS’ capability as a pressure group.

    NANS came under criticism during the 2015 elections for the series of awards presented to some politicians. After the  elections, NANS leaders drew the flaks when they presented an award to Senator Buruji Kashamu.

    Ibrahim’s representative was said to have received the award in the Postgraduate Complex the businessman donated to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in 2011.

    It was the issue of discussion when CAMPUSLIFE visited OAU. Students are asking the association’s leadership to stop hiding behind the NANS facade to scoop money from politicians.

    They said the association’s activities are against the tradition of students’ unionism.

    According to Moshood Olajide, former Public Relations Officer (PRO) of OAU Students’ Union Security Committee, the NANS’ action is a rape on students’ unionism, adding: “The action of the NANS Senate President is an affront to our collective struggle as students and a rape on the tradition bequeathed to us by the founding leaders. NANS’ awards should go to radicals, not politicians who are oppressing the students. This action has shown that, NANS Senate President was insincere in his manifesto in which he promised to bring back the association’s glory.”

    Moshood pointed out that students expected a body that would lead an agitation for reduction of fees and campaign for good governance. He said students should not see the present crop of NANS leaders as those that would take the association out of the woods.

    “The kind of leadership students expected is not seen in the current crop of leaders. NANS is supposed to be part of the pressure groups  that will strengthen our democracy by fighting income disparity and anti-masses policies. Students are tired of NANS leaders giving frivolous awards to politicians in exchange for money.We are tied of hungry leaders hosting meetings with vice-chancellors to sabotage students’ interests,” he said.

    An education student, who identified himself as Comrade Joe, described the award as an insult to students.

    He said: “I will not be a party to mediocrity and travesty of students’ unionism. I don’t know why somebody would wake up today to give award for something done five years ago. Besides, the Prof Bamitale Omole-led management had honoured Ibrahim for donating the Postgraduate complex. Also, the Faculty of Law presented an award to him for the same reason.

    “Is it that NANS is just waking up after five years? The award is an insult to the collective sensibility of students. NANS leaders need to tell us how much they were paid to create such frivolous award to boost the ego of a moneybag. They are selfish and driven by personal interest, rather than common good.”

    Wole Olubanji, an OAU alumnus and the convener of Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attack (ANSA), described the award as ridiculous and self-serving. He said though NANS could honour anyone for achievements, such award, he said, must be subjected to popular vote among students.

    He said: “OAU Students’ Union leaders, led by the Speaker, Niyi Adewumi, in 1986 honoured the late Gani Fawehinmi with the Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM). This was a general decision subjected to democratic process. It was a unanimous decision supported by all students.

    “Such award was not controversial, because it was a product of intense debate on the character of the recipient. And whether such award was necessary, reverse is the case in that of Ibrahim. It was a decision of a few students, who are looking for the politician’s money.”

    It was gathered that members of the NANS Senate have not convened any sitting since they were elected months ago. This fueled the insinuation that the NANS Senate President may have acted alone in giving the award to Ibrahim.

    Gafar Fatoyinbo, an Education student, criticised the NANS leadership for what he called its insensitivity, noting that there were many events calling for NANS’ attention.

    He said: “Weeks ago, the management of Kwara State Polytechnic expelled SUG Welfare Director for challenging the school authorities on students’ welfare. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has been closed down for over four months, while over 23 students were suspended by the University of Lagos (UNILAG). There have not been serious  efforts by NANS to address these issues. We have an association that is effective in turning itself to an appendage of politicians, rather than being being a platform for students to fight oppression.”

    Lekan Igbasan, a 200-Level Philosophy student, said the award stood logic on the head, observing that the recipient’s democratic credential was questionable. He cited Ibrahim’s decision to contest for governor under a factionalised party, adding that the PDP candidate’s antecedent as a bad manager   showed that he would be dictatorial and anti-masses.

    He said: “All these actions are against the ideals of unionism. Such a person (Ibrahim) should not be honoured by any student. NANS should stop giving politicians awards and concentrate on addressing the plight of students.”

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that some members of NANS executive present during the ceremony left immediately the  award was conferred on the politician to avoid any untoward situation.

  • ‘LAUTECH crisis will be resolved’

    The Chairman, Visitation Panel, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has assured the owner states of the resolution of the crisis affecting the institution.

    He gave the assurance in Ogbomoso at the inauguration of the Visitation Panel held at the university’s senate building.

    LAUTECH, which is jointly owned by Oyo and Osun, has been enmeshed in ownership disagreement and funding.

    The situation led to an industrial action by workers since June.

    Olanipekun, the pro-chancellor at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, said the panel would resolve the ownership disagreements and funding.

    He said the panel would also ensure that the school’s highly rated academic standard was revived.

    “Academic activities in the university have been paralysed due to lack of funding and disagreement between the owner-states.

    Our panel was inaugurated to look into how the ownership of the institution and funding can be consolidated. We are to revive the university as a beacon of light.

    “The people should expect sumptuous academic excellence, output and input from us. I believe in the capabilities of members of the panel,” he said.

  • Ondo PDP candidacy crisis: Jegede’s group petitions NJC

    Ondo PDP candidacy crisis: Jegede’s group petitions NJC

    • Ibrahim to INEC: I’m candidate

    The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the Attorney -General of the Federation over alleged unethical conduct and criminal conspiracy to subvert justice in a suit on the party’s governorship candidate.

    In separate petitions against Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja and others, the party alleged unethical conduct in the handling of the suit by Prince Biyi Poroye and eight others against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and PDP.

    In the petition signed by Ondo PDP Chairman Clement Faboyede, the party said it was taken aback when, on October 14, Justice Abang granted an order directing INEC to substitute the name of Mr Eyitayo Jegede with Jimoh Ibrahim as PDP’s candidate.

    The party said the judgment was based on a September 29 motion on notice for the enforcement of an earlier ruling of June 29 in which the applicants sought an order requiring PDP to reject any other nomination forms submitted by any persons apart from Ibrahim.

    “When the application which gave rise to the said order of 14th October 2016 was brought , heard and granted, the judge and the counsel were aware that Eyitayo Jegede’s name had been forwarded to the INEC by the PDP as its candidate,” the petitioner said.

    It added that Jegede was allegedly not afforded an opportunity to be heard.

    But businessman Jimoh Ibrahim slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not immediately recognising him as the candidate.

    Relying on the October 14 judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Ibrahim said he remained the authentic candidate of the party in the election.

    The suit was jointly filed by the Executive committees of the PDP in Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, with INEC and the PDP as defendants.

    Extract from the Justice Okon Abang’s judgment stated: “That INEC shall accept and process for the purpose of its functions and activities in organisation and conduct of Ondo State governorship election only the nomination of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim who emerged from primary election conducted by the 1st and 2nd judgment creditors/applicants on 29th August, 2016 as the candidate of the PDP in the said Ondo state governorship election slated for November 2016”.

    However, INEC had said that it would await the outcome of an appeal against the judgement, expected to be delivered on October 27. The appeal was filed by the Makarfi camp.

    But Ibrahim said yesterday that it was out of place for INEC to take such a position.

    According to him, the said appeal referred to by INEC was filed by an individual who was not party to the original suit in the first place. He added that there was no appeal against the judgment, insisting that the individual seeking leave to appeal the judgment was an “outsider”.

    Ibrahim called for the removal of the Ondo State Resident  Electoral Commissioner (REC) for alleged partisanship.

  • Ogbe-Ijoh Market crisis: Okowa stops collection of levies

    Ogbe-Ijoh Market crisis: Okowa stops collection of levies

    The Delta State Government has ratified a recent agreement banning the collection of levies and other taxes at the Ogbe-Ijoh Market in Warri South Local Government Area.

    The government also stopped the building of structures in the market to avert further breach of the peace and a breakdown of law and order.

    Two weeks ago, there was a threat to peace in the market when youths from Agbasa community (Urhobo) and those from Ogbe-Ijoh community (Ijaw) engaged in a gun duel over the ownership of the market and levy collection.

    But at a peace meeting at the weekend convened by the government and the police to mediate between the warring sides, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged both sides to embrace peace.

    The governor said his administration would be able to provide the enabling environment for growth and development when the people embraced peace.

    Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ovie Agas, said there was no need to fight over lands because such constitutionally belong to the state.

    He pledged to give adequate attention to the market crisis.

    Okowas advised the warring parties to abide by an earlier agreement, which was midwifed by the Commander of the Warri Area Command of the Delta State Police Command, Mohammed Muazu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    Under the pact, both sides pledged to desist from levy collection and building of new structures.

    He said: “This agreement signed prior to now should be strictly adhered to; no temporary or permanent structures should be built in the market until the matter is resolved. Levies or taxes or whatever name you call any money being demanded, should be stopped until the government takes a position on this matter…”

  • Sheriff considers political solution to PDP crisis 

    Sheriff considers political solution to PDP crisis 

    After visiting ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and some former Heads of State,  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factional chair  Ali Modu Sheriff and his loyalists are weighing options on political solution to the crisis.

    About six governors of the party were also said to have shifted to Sheriff’s camp and coordinating efforts to find a political solution.

    It was learnt that Sheriff, his factional National Working Committee (NWC), some ex-governors and other key supporters may meet today in Abuja to take stock of the situation.

    It was learnt that all those consulted by Sheriff advised him to consider a political solution to save the opposition from collapse.

    Although three former Heads of State agreed that Sheriff had cogent reasons for sticking to a legal option, they asked him to “sacrifice for the survival of the nation’s democracy.”

    It was learnt that Sheriff felt bad about the alleged plot by Governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose to humiliate out of office.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Despite the fact that we may have legal advantage, Sheriff’s camp is weighing options on political solution to the lingering PDP crisis.

    “All consultations and representations made to our camp so far have pointed to political solution because the PDP crisis is becoming a national security threat.

    “In fact, weekend’s session between ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and Sheriff focused more on the security implications of a viable opposition going under. Obasanjo was more concerned about the lawlessness the nation might be plunged into without a strong opposition.

    “Some of those who have pleaded with Sheriff believe that there is a political vacuum in the country which PDP is not filling.”

    The source added: “Sheriff will on Monday (today) meet with his loyalists and NWC members to take stock and decide on the way forward. The truth is that if it is about judicial option, Sheriff has an edge but he cannot ignore all those who have advised him.

    “There is likely to be a meeting point soon between the Sheriff Group and Sen. Ahmed Maikarfi Caretaker Committee in order to keep the party united.

    “At the end of the day, the two factions might go for an out-of-court settlement to move the party forward. With the way things are going, most of the cases at hand may remain in court till 2019 going by the slow pace of justice.”

    It was learnt that the six governors who have teamed up with Sheriff were said to have parted ways with Wike and Fayose, allegedly influenced the choice of Abuja for the next National Convention of the PDP.

    Another source added: “These six governors have realized that Wike and Fayose are much more fixated on the 2019 agenda than the survival of PDP. They have shifted base to Sheriff and they are coordinating efforts to resolve the challenges facing the party.

    Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday said PDP was already in coma and needed intensive care.

  • Fuel crisis imminent as PENGASSAN threatens strike

    Fuel crisis imminent as PENGASSAN threatens strike

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the weekend threatened to resume its suspended strike if the Federal Government failed to intervene in an agreement it signed with the stakeholders in the industry.

    In a letter to the Minister of Labour and Employment dated August 22, this year, the group’s Acting General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, stated that since the agreement was signed over a month ago, it had not been executed.

    The union urged the minister to call the defaulting managements to order to avert another strike. It expressed dismay at the disobedience of the directive from the Federal Government on the issue to the managements of the affected firms.

    Copies of the letter were sent to the Director-General, State Security Services (SSS), the Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

    According to PENGASSAN, the agreement was reached at the end of the conciliation meetings  at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment with PENGASSAN, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and other stakeholders on July 12, 14 and 21 in Abuja.

    “It is over a month now since the last communiqué was reached and we can say in summation that no much progress has been achieved. This, of course, is making our members restive and we are under tremendous pressure to bring about a total resolution on all the contending issues.

    “We are constrained therefore to note with great dismay that most of the companies are foot-dragging and have resorted to time-wasting tactics in order to deliberately frustrate the process. We are, therefore, based on the above, requesting that you use your good office to intervene by calling on the managements of these companies to quickly implement these resolutions as it affects them,” the letter stated.

    PENGASSAN warned that it would on strike if the firms refused to honour the deal.

    The union listed the defaulting firms to include Mobil Producing Nigeria Contract Staff Forum, Fugro Nigeria Limited, Petrostuff Nigeria, Tecon, Frontier Oil Limited, Universal Energy Resources Limited, Pan Ocean, Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited, CISCON, and Baker Hughes.

    PENGASSAN National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana, explained that the agreement was signed as a prerequisite to calling off the last national strike by the union, adding that the managements of the firms should respect the  agreements.

    He said: “This is not a product of pronouncement but an agreement reached by all stakeholders including the managements of the companies involved. I don’t see any reason why it is difficult for them to respect this agreement as contained in the communiqué.

    “If the companies know that they cannot obey the constitution of Nigeria, the extant labour laws of our country and other relevant authorities in government, they should just pack and leave the business for those that are ready to do so.”

    Ojugbana called on NAPIMS to ensure that the firms implement the agreement, calling on the Ministers of Petroleum Resources as well as its Labour and Employment counterpart to intervene to avert another strike.

    He urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the  firms to respect the agreement.

  • Ondo APC set for primary after resolving crisis

    Ahead of the September 3 primary of the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC), its Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke and the league of local government chairmen have resolved to align with the APC national leadership to conduct a free and fair primary.

    This was made known yesterday after a meeting, which was convened in Akure, the state capital  to resolve the grievances that followed rumours of an alleged imposition of an aspirant as the governorship candidate.

    Speaking with reporters, the local government chairmen’s leader, Rasheed Badmus, said his colleagues at the meeting resolved to work together with the state chairman and the party’s national leadership to conduct a free and fair primary election.

    He added that they were never against the endorsement of an aspirant, Dr. Olusegun Abraham, by some APC national leaders.

    His words: “What we were against is imposition, not an endorsement. We know that it is not strange to get endorsements in a political setting. We are united with our state party chairman and our national leadership to conduct a free and fair primary election, where the delegates will together choose a candidate with the most experience to solve the economic crisis in our state and make our party proud.

    “Most of our members in the local governments also understand this fact that endorsement is not a problem. They are even embracing this decision of our national leader, but they also know imposition is not good for the democratic values of our party, and that is why we stood against the rumour.”

    Kekemeke said the chairmen have the right to express their grievances about the rumours of an imposition.

    He said they were now on the same page with the party’s structure to elect a strong candidate, who will win the governorship election come November.

    “Right from the word go, there have been no crisis per se. My chairmen have the right to express their displeasure with the sad rumours of imposition, which was never an issue because there was none.

    “We have met and cleared the air. And for the umpteenth time, we together state that a free and very open primary election will be held to elect the best candidate, who will lead our party to victory on November 26,” he said.