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Tag: Ex-Commissioner

  • Why I want to represent Kosofe, by ex-commissioner

    Why I want to represent Kosofe, by ex-commissioner

    Former Lagos State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Rotimi Agunsoye has joined the House of Representatives race in Kosofe Constituency.

    He said: “I joined the race to serve and contribute to the legislative cause for good governance. I have the experience and the exposure. I have served as the vice chairman of a local government, special adviser and commissioner at the state level. I am a committed party man and I have served without blemish.”

    Other aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are Commissioner for Works Hon. Olatunbosun Jeje; member of House of Assembly Hon. Bayo Osinnowo; a youth activist, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun; and Hon. Dayo Alebiosun, who was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 2007 and 2011.

    Agunsoye said he is in the race in fulfilment of the wish of his people, who he said, are rooting for his candidature. He noted that he was amazed at the activities of youths, women and leaders who printed posters for him and encouraged him to contest for the seat as a committed stalwart.

    The aspirant said: “This is not the first time I will be vying for the House of Representatives seat. For 12 years, I have been on it. But, party elders asked me to step down. But, I know the party will allow me to run in 2015. My chance is bright.”

    Agunsoye urged members of the party to gird their loins for battle, adding that they should not allow any crack on the wall. He said the party is more important than the ambition of members and so they should remain loyal and steadfast to the progressive bloc.

    However, he dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a wave of the hand, saying that it does not exist in Kosofe Constituency. He said: “The PDP cannot beat the APC in Kosofe and indeed in Lagos State. The achievements of the APC administration will always count on the day of election.”

  • Why I refused to rejoin PDP, by ex-commissioner

    Former Ondo State Commissioner for Finance Tayo Alasoadura  has explained why he refused to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Alasoadura, who spoke after picking his nomination form for the Ondo Central Senatorial District at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat, said he decided to remain in APC because he did not see any sign that President Goodluck Jonathan meant well for the nation.

    He said: “When they visited me, we drank wine together and they began their approach by telling me why I should return to PDP.

    “When I asked them questions about the Jonathan administration, they could not answer.

    “I asked them how will I tell my loyalists that I am returning to a party that its government has failed to rescue our girls, who had been in captivity for the past 200 days.

    “How will I tell my people that I want to return to a party where corruption is celebrated and how can I rejoin a party that cannot account for $20billion?

    “I told them I will be excited if they can provide answers to these questions but they left my house quietly”

    The aspirant vowed to use his office to empower the people if he wins. “We are going to open constituency offices in the six local governments in the senatorial district, we are going to empower the people through that office and I am assuring you that I will always give account of my stewardship every three months, if elected.”

  • Stakeholders back ex-commissioner for governor

    Stakeholders back ex-commissioner for governor

    The elders, concerned Bekwarra youths and other stakeholders in Bekwarra community have endorsed Cross River State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Legor Idagbor, for governor, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    Declaring their support for his aspiration at Abuochiche, the headquarters of Bekwarra Local Government, they said their endorsement was based on his antecedents and track records as two-time chairman of Bekwarra Local Government from 2007 to 2011.

    Speaking on behalf of the elders and stakeholders, Mr. Linus Etalong Adie, a lawyer, said: “Having carefully watched his performance in office and his developmental strides and innovations as the chairman of Bekwarra Local Government from 2007 to 2011, from where he was made the Commissioner for Works by Governor Liyel Imoke, we have no doubt that he is the right and best material for the governorship.”

    He went on: “As a grassroots politician and son of the late judge of the state, Justice Ochikiri Idagbor, he will bring about equity, justice and fairness in the conduct of the affairs of the state. That he was made Commissioner for Works by Governor Imoke speaks of the confidence the governor has in him.”

  • Ex- commissioner vows to draw closer to God

    The former Rivers Commissioner for Budget and Economic Affair during the Peter Odili-led administration, Sir Ejims Ewukwe, has pledged to improve his relationship with God.

    He made the declaration at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, shortly after his installation as the Knight of Saint Christopher at the Diocese of Evo Anglican Communion Woji Community.

    Ejims noted that the investiture of the knighthood is “for selected members of the church who have been singled out for their outstanding performances in the vineyard of God.”

    The honour, he said, has humbled him to put the best of him in serving humanity and God.

    “Today, the church has honoured me and my wife and others who they think have made enough contribution to the development of the church.

    “I give God all the glory; this means I will intensify my relationship with God as a soldier of Christ,” Ejims stated.

    The Bishop, Rt. Rev Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, said the knighthood should not be regarded only as a reward for job done but also as a new call for greater responsibility in the church.

  • Akpabio underdeveloped Oron, says ex-commissioner

    Akpabio underdeveloped Oron, says ex-commissioner

    Ita Awak, an Oron man, is a trained aircraft engineer and a former Information Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State under former Governor Victor Attah. He spoke with reporters on the politics of succession and the  alleged marginalisation of Oron Nation in Akwa Ibom State. Kazeem Ibrahym was there. 

    Considering the massive cash inflow into Akwa Ibom State, how would you assess the performance of the state government so far?

    You may not believe it, but I tell you that there is massive hunger in Akwa Ibom State. Like everybody knows, the annual revenue profile of Akwa Ibom State equals that of Lagos State. As a matter of fact, from 2007 till date, it will be interesting to know that Akwa Ibom State is one of the states that have grossed up to or about 2 trillion naira. Such vast volume of money has never entered this state since the creation of this state in 1987. It may also interest you further that what Akwa Ibom State grosses annually from the Federation Account equals the total amount of money that accrues to all the Igbo-speaking states of the Southeastern zone. It does appear also that it is equal to the total amount of money received by all the Hausa-Fulani North eastern states put together. As a matter of fact, in this year’s budget, what we have is about N500 billion, which is about four times the total amount of money that Cross River State is budgeting for this year. So,what are we trying to say? In terms of the revenue we have received compared to our recorded development, there is a wide gap. As it is, Akwa Ibom State is known to be one of the richest states in the country, but the vast majority of the people of Akwa State are pauperised, the economic class in Akwa Ibom State has been reduced to executive beggars. It is a tragedy, a supreme tragedy that we can have this huge amount of money, yet it is not reflected in an improved standard of living of Akwa Ibom people. It will be interesting to know what the current poverty index of Akwa Ibom State is, but I know for sure that there is hunger in this state. Very, very saddening, indeed. Thank you very much.

    But the Governor keeps talking of “Uncommon Transformation” of Akwa Ibom State. How then do you justify this statement with what you have just said?

    In all fairness to my good friend, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Obot Akpabio, he has, to all intents and purposes, recorded some measurable structural development within the Uyo metropolis. Please note that Uyo metropolis only constitutes just one local government of the nine Local Governments that make up Uyo Senatorial District. This hyperbolised claim about uncommon transformation can also be seen in a section of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District where my dear governor hails from. That is where you see this so-called uncommon transformation. Have you taken a ride through Eket Senatorial District? It may interest you to know that the petrodollar that drives the economy of Akwa Ibom State all comes from Eket Senatorial District. When you get into Eket Senatorial District, what accosts your sight is the glaring and soulful evidence of uncommon neglect. Then, when you now go to the Oron Nation, where I come from, you will see stark reality of criminal marginalisation of both the natives and the communities. Further, when you get into the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State, all you see is evidence of neglect, plunder and uncommon roguery. That is what is going on in Akwa Ibom State.

    Akwa Ibom State is getting prepared to elect a successor to Governor Godswill Akpabio. The most current situation is that the Executive Council of Akwa Ibom State has recently nominated three persons…

    (interjects)…Is it the duty of the Executive Council of Akwa Ibom State to tell Akwa Ibom people whom to vote for? When has it become the function of the Executive Council of any state in this country to decide those that are to go for election? For me, this is the height of absurdity. This is very absurd and unfortunate. The business of the state executive council of any rational honest government is to articulate, execute, and evaluate government policies in such a way and manner that the greater majority of the people of that state benefits from the activities of government. When we were privileged to serve in the executive council of this state, it was not our business to deliberate or even go to the absurd level of shortlisting those who were to contest as Governor Attah’s successor. It was chiefly our business to struggle for resource control and join our Governor Obong Victor Attah in articulating such enduring developmental projects such as the Akwa Ibom International Airport, the Ibom Independent Power Plant, Ibaka Deep Sea Port, and the Science and Industrial Incubation Center.

    So, what then do you propose for the Oron people? Or do you have a particular Oro man you are supporting for this 2015 Governorship race?

    In Akwa Ibom State, the Ibibios constitute 65 per cent of the population and they have 14 LGAs spread across the three Senatorial Districts and they are predominantly in Uyo Senatorial District of 9 LGAs. For the Oron man to become governor of this state, the Ibibios must bless that venture, they must support it. Without their support, we cannot unilaterally make ourselves governor of this state. Now, because of the current style of Government, the Ibibios feel alienated. Right now, we have a big crisis on our hands. All the ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State are at daggers drawn with each other.

    I think, and nothing has made me to doubt the uncomfortable feeling that I am having, that it is the determined intention of Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio to amputate the Oron ethnic group as the third leg of the tripod. His decision to completely isolate and exclude the Oro natives from his government is a part of that ploy to incapacitate us and render us totally irrelevant in the political arithmetic of Akwa Ibom State.

    Is Oron really underdeveloped?

    I have said so. The underdevelopment of Oron is the handiwork of the governor. Remember, he said that Oron did not support him. Second, our governor has seen the need to use state funds to dualise federal roads in his own senatorial district; and he gives no regard at all to the state of complete disrepair of the federal roads in Oron Federal Constituency.

  • Nigeria should invest crude oil cash in agriculture, says ex-commisioner

    You are a lawyer and politician, what motivated your involvement in agriculture

    I come from a farming background. I hail from Patani community what we do there is fishing and farming. Once an opportunity to actualise it emerges I am wont to jump at it because it is a passion. Apart from rice. I am also cultivating oil palm, sugarcane, fish and pineapples. It is a passion and a conviction that it is not enough to say lets feed ourselves, we must demonstrate it. It is possible to feed ourselves.

    The floods of last year devastated your farm, this year you increased your acreage, are you not scared that the floods will deal a similar fate on your investment?

    I am not scared. After last year’s flood, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Agriculture saying that despite the fact that the flood affected me, I will remain in agriculture. It is a personal challenge. Last year we cultivated 30 hectares, but this year we have cultivated 105 hectares of rice. Last year we did not do agric insurance, but this year we have one in place. I have a strong feeling that Nigeria can feed itself and we should be feeding ourselves. It is a shame that Nigerian businessmen spends billions importing rice, if local farmers are encouraged to plant rice ,I am sure before long we can end importation of rice.

    Have you been compensated for the losses suffered by your farm in 2012.The Federal Government gave a grant to affected states you will recall?

    No, I have not gotten any support from any government department as far as the last year’s flood is concerned. We are believing that the support will come quickly, especially now we are at the peak of the planting season.  The assistance coming must come on time so that it will be of use to victims of the flood disaster. We lost about N7million to the floods last year.

    How do you think government can assist farmers in Nigeria?

    One way government can support farmers is in land acquisition and preparation .The River Basin Development Authority set up by the Federal Government is a good idea, but there are many parts of Delta State where this initiative is non-existent. Therefore, a prospective investor will have to face the communities, and when this has been surmounted, you will have to deal with the issue of preparing virgin forest for farming purpose which you will agree with me is capital intensive.

    If government at all levels can do what the Federal Government is doing with the River Basin Development Authority, then Nigeria farmers will feed the nation. Government can also assist farmers by giving inputs like fertilisers. I am working on 105 hectares of rice farm, the GSS programme is supposed to support farmers, but that programme does not take us commercial farmers into consideration. The GSS programme gives only two bags of fertilisers to farmers, but in this farm we are using over 200 bags of urea already, not to talk of NPK. My position is that the Federal Government must support big farmers.

    Do you agree that agric is the way forward for Nigeria?

    Before the discovery of crude oil, agriculture sustained the economy. Where are the groundnut pyramids, palm oil and rubber plantations? The government of the day must use the proceeds from oil to reinvest in agriculture. In Malaysia, there is petro-dollar from crude oil but it is not the mainstay of the economy. Our research institutions are not being funded adequately. If this is done then we can begin to appreciate the immense potentials locked untapped in our soil.

  • Londoner hooks ex-commissioner

    Londoner hooks ex-commissioner

    Dressed in Bini traditional regalia, former Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Anita Evbuomwan and her London-based beau, Elbert Odeh, gracefully danced into the beautifully decorated Marquee, venue of the reception, to the cheering of guests who included political big-wigs.

    Glued to each other like Siamese twins, the couple was full of smiles. The colours of the day were green, gold and red.

    Earlier, the love-birds, who many described as a wonderful pair, solemnised their long relationship at the Oredo Local Government Area Marriage Registry, after which the traditional wedding rites was done in the bride’s father’s house.

    The wedding was simple.

    Although the couple made arrangements for canopies, in case it rained, for guests who may not have seats inside the tent, the weather was clement.

    As the couple danced out to change their attire, a popular Benin based artist, S.K.O., who was the Master of Ceremony, spiced the event with rib-cracking jokes, with ushers leading dignitaries to their seats.

    Fully kitted in gold buba and royal beads that complemented the dressings on the traditional cake, the newlyweds re-appeared in the hall, as servers refilled guests’ empty glasses and plates.

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stalwart Gentleman Amegor, who chaired the ceremony, gave the couple tips on a successful union. He advised them to ensure that they kept no secret from each other and to avoid third party intervention in their affairs.

    The traditional cake was cut at the spelling of love, after which the lovebirds took to the floor for the bridal dance. The former commissioner, who danced for almost an hour non-stop, told The Nation that she has always envisaged her wedding day.

    ‘‘I love dancing a lot and I have always looked forward to my wedding day. Words cannot express my happiness. All I can say is that I am grateful to God for giving me not just a husband, but a friend and companion.

    ‘‘He is always willing to listen and is never tired. What many people do not understand is that marriage is a union of two people with two different stories, who have decided to have one new beginning. I would not have asked for a better man,’’ she said.

    For the groom, Anita’s beauty and humility caught his fancy, which made him move closer to know her better.

    ‘‘I was first caught by her beauty, but took my time to study her from a distance. Then, to my surprise, she was so simple and humble, despite the position she occupied. So many women would be full of themselves if they held such a position. Another good thing I noticed was that she was straight forward and very upright.

    ‘‘After a few encounters, I told myself I have got to my bus stop. I am a happy man today, just knowing that I have Anita as my wife, friend and confidant. She is my treasure.’’

    To the bride’s father, Festus Evbuomwan, giving the former commissioner away, though a good thing, was a difficult decision.

    ‘‘I am already missing her. If I had my way, I won’t let her marry anyone. She is a daughter to be proud of. Until she got married, even while she was a commissioner, she was living with the family.

    ‘‘Then, she has always been my voice. Once, her younger ones or anyone misbehaved, the moment they heard her voice or sighted her, there is quiet and peace. But we cannot hold her back forever; she has her life to live and has met a good man, too. My prayer is that God will increase, protect and see them through life,’’ Evbuomwan said.

    Although the vote of thanks by Odeh marked the end of the reception, the celebration continued at the groom’s place later that night, when the bride was escorted by her relatives, according to Bini tradition.

    Among those who attended the grand event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, with his wife, Endurance; State Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Thomas Okosun; former President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice J.O. Olubor, with his wife, Roseline; former Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Bright Omokhodion; former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Simon Imuekemhe; former Head of Service, Anthony Edokpayi and former Attorney General, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana.

    Others include commissioners for Oil and Gas, Osas Uwadia; Environment, Clem Agba; Agriculture, Abdul Oroh and Lands and Survey, Donald Osikhena; former commissioners, Mrs Cordelia Aiwizie; Anselm Ojezua; Victor Enoghama; Peter Ikem, as well as state legislators and the officials of the state’s sports Ministry.

     

  • Kogi ex-commissioner joins ACN

    A former Kogi State Commissioner for Information in the Ibrahim Idris administration, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Ohikere was also the Chairman, Sub-Committee on Logistics of Capt Idris Wada’s campaign organisation during the last governorship election in the state.

    Addressing reporters at the home of former Governor Abukakar Audu in Lokoja, the state capital, the former commissioner said the level of decadence in Kogi Central Senatorial District, where he hails from, spurred him into defecting to the ACN.

    According to him, the Wada administration is parading those who have nothing to offer Ebira people except trouble. He said: “You are all aware that the central zone of the state, where I come from, has been painted with all sorts of negative names. But behold, the governor is still parading these people, who have caused the bad names, in his government.

    “That is why I decided to make this choice to join the progressive party which I believe will turn the fortune of the state around very soon.”

    On the insinuation in some quarters that he was defecting because the Wada administration had abandoned him Ohikere stressed that since the government was working with those he called less intelligent individuals, he had to join the party that appreciates him.

    The politician, however, affirmed that though the PDP contributed to his political career, he too had done so much for the party and its government.

    Ohikere urged other PDP members who share the same ideology with him to join the ACN. Audu hailed the former commissioner for joining the progressive party.

    He said the party would work with him to develop the state. The former governor said politics has been in the blood of the Ohikere’s family, adding that he was not surprised at the political progress of the former commissioner.

  • Ex-Commissioner criticises Fed Govt on flooding

    Ex-Commissioner criticises Fed Govt on flooding

    The Federal Government has been criticised for not addressing the flood ravaging the nation.

    The National Legal Adviser, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and former Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Muiz Banire, said the Federal Government was shirking its responsibility.

    Banire, who spoke at the award night of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIB), in Ikeja, last week, said the government has, over the years, turned deaf ears to entreaties to build dams to store excess storm water and dredge our rivers, especially rivers Niger and Benue, to create cavity to hold water.

    The former commissioner, who bagged a high performance award at the dinner, observed that accusing Cameroon of inundating the nation with flood water from her Lagdo Dam is misplaced.

    He said Nigeria ought to have built her counterpart dam for water retention since the 80s, but didn’t even when Cameroon built hers in 1982.

    He accused the Federal Government of insensitivity to the plight of the people, stressing that until the government mad the welfare of the people its priority, the public would continually be exposed  to avoidable danger and unnecessary hardships.

    He warned that the number of people killed and displaced, and the properties destroyed will be on the increase, unless necessary measures are taken, as the effect of climate change will continue to affect the intensity of rainfall and water will always find its level. Thus all mitigative and adaptive measures must be taken to tackle the effects of climate change, while emergency management machinery should be made ready all the time, he stressed

    Banire said the respite Lagos State is enjoying today is because the state has since 2007 made construction and cleaning of drainage channels a priority.

    Addressing the participants as the chairman of the award of the Institute of Building, Banire urged them to take concrete steps to enlighten the government and the people about their role as builders, articulate the differences between their training and that of other professionals in the built industry.

    He said many people are not aware of the institute and its role, adding that the lack of awareness has created room for quacks from other professions to take over their jobs. He said the supplanting of professionals by quacks, might be largely responsible for the frequent collapse of buildings.

    He said building collapse may not necessarily result from the use of inferior materials, stating that the application of the materials is another issue which requires technical -know -how.  He advised them to conduct a research into building collapse and submit the report to the authorities.

    President, Nigeria Institute of Building Chuks Omeife, praised Banire for his comments on the plight of the institution and his advice on the way forward.

    He noted that his contribution to the built environment, especially his exploits in the ministries of Transportation and the Environment, won him the award.

    The several beautification parks and massive drainage works, he added, have huge positive impact on the state and the people.