The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Expulsion

  • Expulsion: PDP writes INEC, DSS, Police over Kashamu, others

    •Senator rejects expulsion from party

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the Police Command in Ogun State of the expulsion of Senator Buruji Kashamu and three others from the party.

    Kashamu representing Ogun East, factional Chairman of PDP in Ogun State, Engr. Bayo Dayo and two others were expelled from the party weeks ago by the PDP National leadership for alleged anti – party activities.

    But Kashamu and Dayo rejected the expulsion, dismissing it as a ruse and illegality that shall not stand.

    They insisted they remained full – fledged members of PDP, saying a subsisting court order protects their membership.

    However a letter by the PDP National Legal Adviser, Emmanuel Enoidem dated August 1 and addressed separately to the trio of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, the State Director of DSS and the Commissioner of Police in the state, said the expelled persons have ceased to be members of PDP.

    The party recalled the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 80th meeting on July 23, expelled the quartet of Kashamu, the factional state chairman and secretary, Bayo Dayo and Semiu Sodipo respectively and Segun Seriki, for “various infractions and violations of express provisions of the constitution of the party 2017 (as amended).”

    It reads further: “We write to bring to your notice and information that on July 23, 2018, the 80th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expelled Senator Buruji Kashamu, Mr.  Semiu Sodipo,  Engr. Bayo Dayo and Segun Seriki from the party for various infractions  and violations of express provisions of the Constitution of the party 2017 (as amended).

    “Accordingly, they have ceased to be members of our party forthwith and lost all rights and or privileges, to act or represent the party in any capacity whatsoever. The extract of the 80th meeting of the NEC is attached for your perusal,” the letter reads.

     

  • Kashamu rejects expulsion by PDP leadership

    •Holds mega rally in Ogun

    Senator Buruji Kashamu yesterday insisted that he remained a full-fledged member of  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said his alleged expulsion by the party’s national leadership cannot stand.

    Kashamu, representing Ogun East, was expelled two weeks ago for alleged anti- party activities.

    Addressing thousands of party supporters at a mega rally in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, he told the cheering supporters that a subsisting court order protected his membership.

    The rally was organised at the state secretariat of the party on IBB Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    Aspirants in the 2019 general election and placard-carrying supporters attended it.

    Kashamu, a major financier of the party since 2011, wondered how a committed member could be expelled.

    He dismissed his alleged expulsion as a ruse and an illegality.

    “How can somebody expel you when you are committed to the party? PDP is not for an individual.

    “I want to state authoritatively that I, Senator Buruji Kashamu, remain PDP member up till today.

    “Any attempt to expel me will be an effort in futility, because I have an order that protects me from being expelled by anybody,” the senator said.

    He said his battle with the “national leadership of the party is to liberate the masses from the oppressed.”

    The state factional Chairman, Bayo Dayo, who was also expelled by the party leadership, said a Lagos High Court recognised his executive as the authentic one and he needed not be bothered by an action that was contempt of the court order.

    He said the party leadership acted illegally, hence their decision was null and void, adding: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised us as the authentic PDP in Ogun State and we are dealing directly with INEC.”

  • Nigeria faces expulsion as global financial body meets today

    Nigeria faces expulsion as global financial body meets today

    Today is D-Day as Nigerians wait with bated breath for the outcome of the Egmont Group meeting which kicks off in Argentina to decide the nation’s fate. The question on people’s lips is will the decision be in favour or against Nigeria’s continuous membership of the global anti-graft agency? Asks Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

    A fortnight ago, the news media was abuzz with report expressing worries over the imminent expulsion of Nigeria from the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. To say the fears over plans by the Egmont Group to expel Nigeria from the global body were real is simply stating the obvious. The frenzy and fear was literally writ large, to say the least!

    The fear has been further heightened as the Egmont group meets from 11th to 16th of March, 2018 in Argentina, ostensibly to seal Nigeria’s fate.

    Expectedly, the question is if Nigeria fails to comply with the group’s demand for a legal framework granting autonomy to the NFIU will the country be expelled from the global body, which provides the backbone for monitoring international money laundering and terrorist financing activities?

    But how did we come to this sorry pass? A plausible explanation would suffice.

    Tracing Nigeria’s travails at Egmont Group

    Efforts to make the NFIU independent dates back to 2004, but the nation’s anti-corruption agency never though it wise to comply with this till date. The body would have been created in Nigeria long before now but for the lobby of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have the NFIU domiciled in the Commission, which Egmont Group does not want.

    The Nation can also reveal that Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, former Principal Secretary/Permanent Secretary to the President (Obasanjo), Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance and former Head of Service, currently facing multiple court charges the EFCC under Lamorde filed against him because of his support for the domiciliation of the FIU, Nigeria in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He got involved as a ‘Nigerian Coordinator’ of FIU, Nigeria while he was in government as his official functions then demanded and has continued his support for an independent FIU, notably to be domiciled in CBN.

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Mr. Kayode Oladele, a lawyer and former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, has been the chief lobbyist in the House to ensure that FIU law contains a provision making it to be domiciled in only the EFCC. This is just as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, whose Committee ratified CBN as the FIU focal point been involved in what some event watchers described as ‘personality clash’ over who has the power to abrogate on the matter to the detriment of the country.

    Investigation by The Nation also revealed that the proposal to separate the NFIU from the EFCC pitted the acting-chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, against Attorney-General Abubakar Malami for months.

    However, things came to a head last July when the Egmont Group suspended the country.

    Why Nigeria was suspended last July

    Nigeria’s suspension from the Group in July last year, with the benefit of hindsight was due largely to the absence of operational autonomy for the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, domiciled as an administrative FIU in EFCC at the moment.

    The Toronto-based Group also fingered absence of confidentiality in the handling of financial intelligence by the EFCC. Curiously, the fact of Nigeria’s suspension was treated as inconsequential by the authorities concerned.

    Available information obtained from the Co-Chairs’ Statement at the 24th Plenary of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units further stated that Nigeria was punished for reasons germane.

    The 24th Plenary which held in Macao, SAR (China) from 2-7 July 2017 was attended by 354 participants who were representatives of 112 FIUs, 11 observer organisations, and eight international organisations. They discussed the challenges FIUs had been facing in combating money laundering, associated predicate offences, and terrorist financing.

    The plenary was co-chaired by Mr. Sergio Espinosa, Chair of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units/Deputy Superintendent of FIU-Peru and Ms. Deborah Ng, Head of GIF, Macao, SAR. The Co-Chairs congratulated KwFIU, Kuwait and FIU Sudan, as new Egmont Group members following their endorsement by Heads of FIU. This brings the membership of the organisation to a total number of 156 FIUs.

    At the Session, Heads of FIU decided by consensus, to suspend the membership status of the NFIU, Nigeria, according to the Group, “following repeated failures on the part of the FIU, (Nigeria) to address concerns regarding the protection of confidential information, specifically related to the status of suspicious transaction report (STR) details and information derived from international exchanges, as well as concerns on the legal basis and clarity of the NFIU’s independence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

    The body noted that, “the measure will remain in force until immediate corrective actions are implemented.” The FIU, Nigeria is now excluded from all Egmont Group events and activities. The Egmont Group expressed its hope that the Nigerian authorities will address these concerns to enable the Egmont Group to lift the suspension as soon as possible.”

    The concerns include absence of an Act of the National Assembly creating an independent Financial Intelligence Unit. It should be understood here that the Group does not approve of the one, (Administrative FIU) the EFCC created in 2007, which does not treat suspicious financial intelligence it gets with confidentiality.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Anthony Ogbeide Ehilebo, lawyer who spoke in a monitored television magazine programme in Abuja, revealed that from available information, “ It was a simple annoyance from another government that sent information to the system and Nigeria took it raw from the file and sent it to the media- it found its way to Saharareporters. This was the reason why we were suspended from the Egmont server since June 2017. It means we’ve been blind to financial information, especially Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) since June 2017.”

    Outcry over planned expulsion of Nigeria

    Expectedly, a civil society organisation, the Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC), said it portends grave danger for the nation’s economy, particularly the risk perception against much-desired investment, if allowed to happen.

    Executive Director, MIIVOC, Dr. Walter Duru, has already petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, to take urgent steps in the last six days, to avert the looming danger- Nigeria’s expulsion from the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units.

    Duru, who made the call in Abuja recently, expressed concerns over the development, arguing that when Nigeria is expelled, it will be listed as a high-risk jurisdiction country, with far reaching implications on the economy.

    He blamed Nigeria’s present suspension from the group on the absence of operational autonomy for the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, as well as the absence of confidentiality in the handling of financial intelligence, calling on the National Assembly to quickly hold a Conference Committee meeting, harmonise its report and transmit same to the President for immediate assent.

    “Nigeria was suspended by the Egmont Group of FIUs in July, 2017, following the absence of operational autonomy for the NFIU, among other related concerns. The failure of Nigeria to pass a law making the NFIU independent is the main issue.

    “At the moment, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed a bill to address this, but, for a few concerns. The main discrepancy is where the agency will be domiciled. There is a near consensus that it be domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). There is no doubt that the CBN is Nigeria’s best bet for now. Even if the bill is not perfect, let it be finalised and transmitted immediately, while amendments come later. We must avert this imminent danger.”

    The civil society activist stressed that when expelled, Nigeria will no longer benefit from financial intelligence shared by the other 156 member-countries, including the United States of America and the United Kingdom, while the country’s ability to recover stolen funds abroad will be hampered.

    “Another major consequence will be the blacklisting of Nigeria in international finance, and this could affect the use of credit cards, as the credit lines offered by corresponding banks would be cut off. In fact, financial instruments from Nigeria may not be honoured abroad.

    “The blacklisting of Nigeria in 2001, for instance, prevented the banks from engaging in correspondent banking with foreign institutions and also denied Nigerians access and ability to use foreign credit cards,” he said.

    This same concern has been raised earlier by the President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, who said the country does not need such experience before taking action.

    ABCON boss has long called for end to the delays, warning that it portends dangers for the entire financial market.

    According to Gwadabe, should such suspension occur, Visa, MasterCard and other credit cards issued by Nigerian financial institutions would be rejected by global financial institutions.

    Another adverse implications, he said, is that it would derail the anti-corruption war as recovery of looted funds abroad and other follow up by anti-corruption agencies will be hindered, making cooperation by sister global corruption agencies difficult.

    What Nigeria stands to lose?

    In the view of economic analysts, Nigeria will face blacklisting in international finance. Thus the immediate consequence is that this could affect the use of credit cards, as the credit lines offered by corresponding banks would be cut off. In fact, financial instruments from Nigeria may not be honoured abroad.

    Besides, expulsion could also affect the international rating of Nigerian financial institutions, restricting their access to some major international transactions.

    It is also instructive to note that Nigeria’s membership of the Egmont Group ensured the removal of Nigerian banks from the blacklist of international finance. The blacklisting of Nigeria in 2001, for instance, prevented the banks from engaging in correspondent banking with foreign institutions and also denied Nigerians access and ability to use foreign credit cards.

    The economic pundits would rather the President Buhari and leadership of the National Assembly should gird up their loins in public interest by passing the FIU Bill and the president should sign it into law, lest the country’s economic headache will worsen.

     

  • ‘Expulsion will bring untold hardship to Nigerians’

    ‘Expulsion will bring untold hardship to Nigerians’

    Anthony Ogbeide Ehilebo, lawyer, journalist and publisher, Breaking Times, in Focus Nigeria, a television magazine programme on AIT monitored by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, speaks on the implications of Nigeria’s expulsion by the Egmont Group amongst other issues. Excerpts:

    Brouhaha about possible expulsion from the Egmont group

    It’s sad that it has taken an external body to help us to do what we need to do as a country to survive. It’s like the doctor tells you, you’re in a critical state, that your vital organs are bad and you need to take certain measures to address it. And it has to take maybe an uncle from Lagos to compel you to do what you need to do in Abuja. It’s sad. All the same, we must give our sincere gratitude to members of the media for staying the cause because the people that you’re dealing with are not easy to deal with. This is a Nigerian issue, as such; it’s not aimed at denigrating any agency or particular person. No. But we must speak. The consequences of the actions they take today are not necessarily immediate, they may take time and they’ll affect generations so.

    Picture of what would have happened

    It’s unfortunate that the people in the executive didn’t see the implications of that neither did the people in the NASS see the implications even when the Egmont group gave the reason why we were suspended, nobody bothered.

    The implications of what would have happened if we were expelled would have been better imagined than explain. For instance, other global financial agencies that probably would have taken a cue from the Egmont Group are the GIABA, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the World Bank, IMF, and other agencies. These agencies look up to Egmont group to take decision. What the Egmont group simply provides is safety net. It’s important to break this down to very understandable conversation for people to know. This topic is not so complex, we’re talking about financial architecture and security. Now because the member of the Egmont group as people who do business in that country they need sources they can go to in order to guarantee the financial flows that occur within their transactions. Let’s say a businessman in Germany wants to invest in Nigeria, and he knows that Nigeria is part of the Egmont group so if he transfers money to Nigeria, his money, there is a trace of wherever the money goes to. And it is guaranteed by being a member of this organisation. Now, once you’re not a member, how can I now deal with you? You see one thing we play with is the amount of money that comes from outside Nigeria by Nigerians who are doing business abroad. Now they would not be able to do business. So many transactions you want to do overseas you must present your passport now once you present that Nigerian passport, they’ll tell you they can’t send or receive this money because it doesn’t go into an intelligence system. And the greatest harm to this whole thing is that, it is he who should be the guardian that is fighting it or was fighting it: the EFCC.

    If Nigerian had been expelled, the EFCC becomes powerless because it cannot get financial information and we’re fighting to save the soul of the anti-graft agency. It helps Nigeria if we have a functional and effective EFCC, DSS, NDLEA, etc, if they’ve financial information on what people are doing with money coming from abroad and other sources.

    Why were we even suspended?

    From available information, I won’t go into the details for national security; it was a simple annoyance from another government that sent information to the system and Nigeria took it raw from the file and sent it to the media- it found its way to Saharareporters. This was the reason why we were suspended from the Egmont server since June 2017; it means we’ve been blind to financial information, especially STRs since June 2017. I’m very grateful this bill has been passed, but that alone cannot guarantee. I heard the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Deputy Speaker, Lasun , commenting that the suspension would be lifted, l don’t think that would happened. This is because we have told the Egmont group so many lies in the past that they will hardly be convinced that we’ve turned a new leaf.

    The thing is that the current advocacy we’re doing must not stop here and now, it has to continue. It’s the advocacy of every Nigeria. I sincerely think that the Attorney General of the Federation and the federal government need to be concerned about the kind of person that would head the NFIU.

    From available information, I’m aware that they’ve reduced the agency now to a directorate to be headed by a Director.

    Why Mr President may not be persuaded to sign the bill?

    It has always been the position of the Presidency that the NFIU should be domiciled with the EFCC. Since it’s not domiciled there, would that be a reason? The second one may have to be the confirmation of the head of the Unit by the NASS.

    In domiciling it, there’s no better place for now other than where it is. One it might be a better choice to have a centre domiciled where all financial institutions that are supposed to be regulated by it at the regulators’ domain, which is the CBN.

    It was a no-brainer to put it there, so I doubt if they’ll have any issue because the Committee set up by the Vice President agreed at some point wanted it to be at the NSA but there’s the issue of legality because you don’t want it to be under the control of politicians.

    For now, they’ve the head of the agency to a director. But personally, l’ll have wanted it to be a director general so that he has some measure of power. The implication of signing this bill means that it removes section 212 from the EFCC, and makes it a designated FIU. All STRs henceforth must go to the NFIU to process same for onward prosecution as the case may be.

    The FIU will help with security and intelligence gathering as far as corruption is concerned. There’ll more synergy. It’s a win-win situation for all of us, especially the law enforcement agencies.

  • Protesting APC members demand expulsion of Banire

    Protesting APC members demand expulsion of Banire

    Thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday stormed the office of Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode, demanding expulsion of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN).

    The protesters, were led by Mr. Femi Martins from the Odi Olowo Local Council Development Area and Mushin Local Government Area of the party. They arrived in Alausa in about 30 buses, armed with placards, with inscriptions, such as, “Banire is unqualified to teach us democracy,” “Banire must go,” and “Banire, enough is enough,” among others.

    Martins who read the petition addressed to the governor, House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and APC state Chairman Henry Ajomale, said Banire’s expulsion has become imperative because of alleged anti-party activities.

    The petition listed about 17 activities warranting Banire’s expulsion, adding that his expulsion will be in line with article 21 of the party’s constitution.

    Some of the allegations against Banire include, “sponsoring cronies to write and cause to publish advertorials against the party, publication of negative correspondence against the party in the media, granting interviews to embarrass and have adverse effect on the party to the extent of attracting hatred, contempt, ridicule and disrepute upon the party.”

    Others are, intentionally neglecting his duties as the National Legal Adviser to defend the party and the party’s interest, carrying out unauthorised publicity of a party dispute without exhausting all avenues for settlement or redress within the party, causing a legal representative to disavow the party in a law suit, arrogantly admitting that he caused a legal representative to disavow the party,  predicting and working towards the electoral failure of the party and inciting the public against the interest of the party.

    The petition claimed that Banire also falsely accused the party of candidates’ imposition despite being aware of the provision for alternative means of conducting primaries other than direct primaries.

    It also accused him of sponsoring a group called MEF to ridicule it and bring the party into disrepute and perpetrating blatant imposition in Mushin against the wish of majority of party members to cause disaffection, among others.

    Martins explained that members could no longer tolerate Banire’s activities, which party for Saturday’s have created fear campaigns that APC might be disqualified from participating in the poll because of the conduct of lawyers he assigned election cases to.

    “We have to do this at this point because he has gone uncontrollable, we have tried to caution him, to make him see reasons that his action is anti-party, but it appears he has become uncontrollable.”

    Receiving the letter on Ambode’s behalf, his Special Adviser on Community and Communications, Kehinde Bamigbetan accused Banire of embarrassing the party with his utterances.

    He hailed the protesters for their peaceful conduct, adding that their request will be forwarded to ensure discipline in the party.

    He said there was a time Timi Frank was disciplined by the party for anti-party activities, adding that Banire’s case would go the same way.

    “What else can we say of a National Legal Adviser of the party who ought to know, to have gone out of the party system to undermine the party and the fortune of the party at a time election is around the corner? There is no grievance more than this. When given the ticket, he becomes loyal to the party and when not given, he worked against the party,” he said.

  • Parents kick over students expulsion

    How will the rift between the Ajayi Crowder University (ACU) in Oyo and some of its expelled students be resolved?

    This is the question many are asking as parents of the students have accused the university of doing everything to destroy their children’s future.

    But the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Folorunsho Asaju, said the students won’t be reabsorbed because the institution’s Senate’s decision on the matter was final.

    The parents alleged that due process was not followed in expelling the students. The Students Handbook of Information and Regulations, they claimed, was circumvented in expelling the students, most of who were accused of taking hard drugs, is a criminal offence.

    It all started on April 7, when  Asaju visited the Halls of Residence over students’ complaint of power cut. Some students were alleged to have poured water on him during the visit. The chancellor who reportedly to left in anger.

    On April 11, 70 students were asked to appear before the university’s Disciplinary Committee the next day.

    The disciplinary committee comprises the VC registrar, Dean, Students Affairs, the university’s legal officer, two students (elected by students fellowship), and the Students Affairs Officer, who serves as secretary. The VC is the chairman. Also in attendance were the hall administrators, deans and heads of departments of the affected students, academic officer, chief security officer, guidance and counselling officer, and the university’s Chaplain.

    An  affected student said he was accused of smoking Indian hemp when he appeared before the committee.

    He said he denied the charge, adding that contrary to the students’ handbook provisions he was summoned before the panel for a criminal offence.

    Chapter three of the handbook categorises offences into two types, misconduct and criminal. Misconduct borders on unruly behaviour, indecent behaviour, vandalism, membership of secret cult and transfer of bed space, among others.

    Criminal offences include fraud, theft, burglary, assault occasioning harm, murder, possession of firearms, arson, rape  and possession and use of hard drugs and drug trafficking. Possession of Indian hemp is in this category. It further states: “All criminal cases shall be handed over to the police for necessary action”.

    Another student, who also appeared before the committee, denied the charges of throwing water on the VC and smoking Indian hemp. The student said he was wrongly accused by a porter of smoking Indian hemp, adding that he was ready to confront his accuser.

    Dissatisfied with their expulsion, which was only published on the university’s website, their parents got lawyers to fight what they described as “injustice”.

    The claimed that contrary to the university’s rule, they were not written over their expulsion nor granted a right of appeal.

    The parents’ appeal to tamper justice with mercy was also shunned.

    A parent, Chief Olu  Aiyemoniage, whose son Tosin was expelled, said no trace of hard drug was found on the boy when he was screened.

    He said the boy’s interrogation by the state security also indicated that he was not involved in any crime

    Mr & Mrs  Abiodun Segilola, whose son Olarenwaju was also expelled, wrote the university, condemning the manner of his expulsion.

    “This is totally unacceptable and it is not what I expect as a parent from this school. Ajayi Crowther University has the contact of all parents and regularly informs us of all happenings in the school which include: payment of school fees, resumption, holidays, and every update regarding our children in the school, but to my biggest surprise, this was never communicated to us and I was surprised when my son came home to inform me about this;

    “The allegations against him were not properly investigated, the investigation panel setup to confirm this misconduct did not give the students any chance to speak, instead, they were expelled without giving them any room to defend the allegations. My son was not among the group of guys that threw water at the school’s vice chancellor and I can comfortably beat my chest that he doesn’t smoke Indian hemp, cigarette or any drug whatsoever,‘’ the Segilolas said. Defending the school, Asaju said since the case had been decided by the university, there wass nothing anybody could do about it.

    On the letter from the students’ lawyers, he said they or their parents could go to court but the university still stands on its decision.

    His words: ’’I am sorry we can’t discuss that issue at all. It (expulsion) is a decision of the university’s Council and once anybody’s case has gone to the Council and the university Council has taken a decision, it is final. Nobody can even discuss the issue here. The affected students can go to court. If they decide to do that, they are welcome to it.’’

  • On the expulsion threat against Igbos

    SIR: When a gang of disillusioned youths in northern parts of Nigeria reportedly threatened to expel Igbo indigenes by October, I know that some mischievous and grave-bound elders have incited the gullible gangsters!

    I suspect that, the pond-skater that dances wildly on water surely has its submarine-drummer underneath!

    It is a pity that Ango Abdullahi, an old professor and former VC at ABU Zaria will be so mean, as to encourage treasonable tantrums of few children of anger!

    There are so many highly intelligent northerners who will never support the nuisance variable which Ango represents. A truly educated person knows that every citizen has inalienable rights of abode anywhere in Nigeria.

    Those who have sense of history will know that great Igbo leaders like late Nnamdi Azikwe, late Ojukwu, Ike Nwachukwu and many others were born in northern Nigeria! They have birth right and citizenship status under the law in descendants.

    And that inference war should be avoided through peaceful coexistence among all

    A professor, who is worth his chair, ought to reason better than being a tribal bigot in a diverse nation like Nigeria!

    Sad enough, at this period of Ramadan, when peace and unity should be promoted among all mankind, Prof Ango Abdullahi and cohorts are fanning embers of war?

    My advice to all sensible youths in Nigeria is, embrace peace, love and unity. Do not engage in tribal hatred.

    Ignore wicked elders who are hell-bent on pogrom and scorched-earth politics while reclining at departure lounge of their riotous old-age!

     

    • Kunle Rotimi

    Ikeja, Lagos State

  • Dress indecently, risk expulsion, Rector tells students

    Any student of the Polytechnic, Ibadan who is found guilty of violating the institution’s dress code  would either be suspended or totally expelled from the institution, the Rector Prof Olatunde Fawole has warned.

    Fawole made this submission during the 2016/2017 matriculation for newly admitted National Diploma and Higher National Diploma students of the institution, held at the new Lecture Theatre of the institution.

    He noted that a Task Force had been inaugurated to enforce the dress code law

    Fawole said of the 65,633 candidates who applied for both ND and HND courses in the institution, only 5,790 students were picked.

    He said management has set a standard dress code that is available in the student’s handbook, hence any student found guilty of violating the rules would face the music.

    Fawole said: “The Polytechnic Ibadan posses a unique image which we cherish dearly and that continues to rub on its products. This image has not come by chance but was earned through dint of hard work, dedication to duty and a strong sense of discipline among staff and students. To this end, the institution would not compromise its hard-earned impressive image for any damaging misconduct from any student.

    “It is instructive to let you know that any student who flouts this dress code shall be warned at the first instance, while subsequent defiance could result in suspension for one or two semesters or outright expulsion, as the case may be.

    “A task force has been inaugurated to conduct periodic search into lecture theatres, hostels, entrance gates etc to fish out any deviant student. Your morality must not be questionable as The Polytechnic Ibadan would not award its diploma certificate to any student that lacks moral.’’

    We believe that education without morals is null. And void.

    Thereafter, he assured the students that all programmes in the institution have been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), as well as other relevant professional bodies.

  • Dress indecently risk expulsion, Rector tells students

    Any student of the Polytechnic, Ibadan who is found guilty of violating the institution’s dress code  would either be suspended or totally expelled from the institution, the Rector Prof Olatunde Fawole has warned.

    Fawole made this submission during the 2016/2017 matriculation for newly admitted National Diploma and Higher National Diploma students of the institution, held at the new Lecture theatre of the institution.

    He noted that a Task Force has been inaugurated to enforce the dress code law

    Fawole said of the 65,633 candidates that applied for both ND and HND courses in the institution, only 5,790 students were picked.

    He said management has set a standard dress code that is available in the student’s handbook, hence any student found guilty of violating the rules would face the music.

    Fawole said: “The Polytechnic Ibadan posses a unique image which we cherish dearly and that continues to rub on its products. This image has not come by chance but was earned through dint of hard work, dedication to duty and a strong sense of discipline among staff and students. To this end, the institution would not compromise its hard-earned impressive image for any damaging misconduct from any student.

    “It is instructive to let you know that any student who flouts this dress code shall be warned at the first instance, while subsequent defiance could result in suspension for one or two semesters or outright expulsion, as the case may be.

    “A task force has been inaugurated to conduct periodic search into lecture theatres, hostels, entrance gates etc to fish out any deviant student. Your morality must not be questionable as The Polytechnic Ibadan would not award its diploma certificate to any student that lacks moral. We believe that education without morals is null. And void.

    Thereafter, he assured the students that all programmes in the institution have been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), as well as other relevant professional bodies.

  • PDP’s politics of expulsion and counter-expulsion

    PDP’s politics of expulsion and counter-expulsion

    There is no end in sight to the protracted crisis rocking the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A faction, led by Chief Bayo Dayo, has expelled notable chieftains, including former Governor Gbenga Daniel. The faction, led by Sikirullai Ogundele expelled Senator Buruji Kashamu. Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO examines the effects of the division on the platform, ahead of the next general elections.

    The protracted crisis in the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is taking its toll on the platform. The two factional leaders-Chief Dayo Bayo and Sikirullai Ogundele-have refused to sheathe their swords. The party has not been effective in playing the role of a credible opposition. Party members are in disarray. Reconciliation has hit the rock.
    Since the 2011 electoral disaster, Ogun PDP has not remained the same. The war of attrition between former governorship candidate Gen. Tunji Olurin and former Managing Director of the Gateway Holdings, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, had degenerated, making peace to elude the chapter for four years. During last year’s election, there was a glimmer of hope when the major gladiators-Daniel, Kashamu, supporters of former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, and ex-Minister Tunji Ishola-resolved to work for unity at a peace meeting in Abeokuta, the state capital.
    Before the reunion, Dayo had organised a prayer session for the party. It was attended by Christian and Muslim clerics. But, Ogun PDP has been dancing around like a barber’s chair, only to return to the same spot of acrimony and division. The chapter managed to win few legislative feats during the polls. After the elections, Kashamu, Hon. Ladi Adebutu of the House of Representatives, Daniel, and Bankole went their separate ways.
    Last month, the cracks on the wall widened. The strife escalated, following the expulsion and counter-expulsion of party leaders. The three factions were locked in a battle of supremacy as they expelled rival leaders. Observers have described it as a show of absurdity.
    In a fit of anger, Ogundele set the ball rolling. He said the party had suspended Dayo, Kashamu, the zonal secretary, Chief Pegba Otemolu and others for anti-party activities. In reaction, Dayo announced Ogundele’s suspension. Expelled along with him were Daniel, Adebutu and Tolu Bankole. “The expulsion of the quartet is subject to no appeal or consideration as the four people are incurably cancerous to the PDP,” said dayo.
    The factional chairman explained that the State Executive Committee of PDP had examined the actions of the expelled chieftains, adding that they were inimical to progress.
    Since the gale of expulsions, the party has been enveloped in confusion. Party members and supporters are disillusioned. Many of them do not know who to identify with as the authentic leader and party executive. Some have given up the hope of a better and harmonious chapter.
    According to observers, the bone of contention is the 2019 election. Ahead of the poll, there is a clash of interest. Two years away, the PDP is falling apart. The struggle for the soul of the party at the national level by Senators Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Modu Sheriff is fuelling the division in the Ogun chapter.
    It was evident that crisis was looming three parallel executives emerged from the wards, local governments and state congresses in the Ogun PDP by different camps loyal to Adebutu, who represents Remo North/Sagamu/Ikenne Constituency in the House of Representatives, Senator Kashamu (Ogun East) and Bankole, who hails from Ogun Central.
    Dayo is the chairman of the faction loyal to Kashamu. Ogundele is leading the faction loyal Adebutu and Wale Egunleti leads Bankole’s faction.
    According to party insiders, the Adebutu camp is not happy with the alleged one-man show approach by Kashamu and his politics of exclusion.
    The grouse of the faction is that Kashamu, who is believed to be a major financier of the party since 2011 after wresting the party structure from Daniel, determines who gets the tickets for elective offices, to the detriment of other camps.
    Also, Adebutu’s group has accused Kashamu of ignoring fairness, equity and fair play, adding that his leadership style was dictatorial. According to the group, Kashamu has ensured that only chieftains who were ready to do his bidding were elected as party executives, adding that, if nothing is done to challenge the ‘one man – takes – all’ style, the party’s hope of capturing power in Ogun State will be an illusion.
    Adebutu has an agenda. He wants to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun in 2019. He has not hidden the aspiration. Two months ago, his faction zoned the governorship ticket for to the Ogun East Senatorial District, where he hails from, ostensibly to enable him get the ticket, thereby edging Yewa/Awori zone out of the race.
    The faction’s argument was that Yewa/Awori was not ready for the number one position. Therefore, the group considered it politically unwise to gamble with the Yewa/Awori agenda again, having lost two veritable opportunities in the past to install a governor from the old Egbado area.
    Ogundele said the PDP cannot afford to be outside power beyond 2019. He said the onus is on him to lead the party to victory as the authentic chairman. Ogundele said the party has returned to the drawing board after it lost last year’s poll, adding that it has resolved to take legitimate steps to bounce back to power.
    However, Dayo disputed his claims, saying that he was parading himself as chairman in error. He maintained that the party had expelled Ogundele and other trouble makers at the state and national levels. He said his executive committee will continue to instill discipline and reposition the chapter for future electoral challenges.
    Dayo recalled that that Daniel, Adebutu, Ogundele and Bankole were initially placed on a one year probation, preparatory to their formal acceptance back to the PDP, following their defection from other parties. He said they were given waivers in the hope that they would turn a new leaf.
    He explained that it was the waiver that he granted them that enabled Adebutu to contest for the House of Representatives. Daniel also enjoyed the waiver when vied for Senate in Ogun East where he lost to Kashamu at the primary.
    Dayo dismissed Ogundele as an interloper, saying that the factional chairman and his co- travellers were found guilty of insubordination and after undermining the party.
    But, a source close to the Bankole’s faction said as the friction between the Ogundele’s faction Dayo’s group festers, each of them had started reaching out to Bankole for support. This may be due to the fact that Bankole’s faction enjoys the goodwill of PDP at the centre.
    According to the source, when the parallel executives emerged, Bankole was rooting for harmonisation. He sold the idea to other factions. Bowever, the two factions refused, until they were neck-deep in the PDP leadership crisis at the national level and got their fingers burnt.
    The Ogundele faction, which is loyal to the Makarfi group, thought it could score some points, following the Supreme Court pronouncement on the Ondo State PDP case and proceeded to suspend Dayo, Kashamu and others, who are loyal to Sheriff.
    Today, the three factions are working at cross purpose. Peace is elusive. Will the division and factionalisation not rob the PDP of another chance to bounce back in 2019? Time will tell.