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Tag: extension

  • Court urged to void extension of APC NWC members’ tenure

    Court urged to void extension of APC NWC members’ tenure

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has been urged to void the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congioress (APC) by its National Executive Committee (NEC).

    The request formed part of the prayers in a suit by Okere Uzochukwu, who described himself as a member of the APC in Imo State.

    Uzochukwu, in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/219/2018, said he was an aspirant to the state chairmanship position of the party in Imo State and that the tenure extension violated provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the APC.

    The suit filed by his lawyer, Nnamdi Okere, has APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as  respondents.

    Uzochukwu is of the view that the extension of the tenure of officials of the party at various levels was “the primary function and responsibility of the national convention” by virtue of the provisions of Article 13   and 13 (3) (ii) of the Constitution of the APC  2014 (as amended).

    He stated, in a supporting affidavit, that “the plaintiff is a registered and card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress who registered at   Ulakwo, OAU ward of Owerri North,  membership card number 11013379  and has been participating in all   programmes and activities of the party.

    “The said APC membership card is hereby pleaded and shall be relied upon  as exhibit 1. The  plaintiff is aspiring and contesting the   Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress slated to hold during the party elective convention in July 2018.

    “The  four-year  tenure of the present National Working Committee, State Working   Committee, Local Government Area Executive Committee  and Ward Executive Committee  of the party will expire in June 2018 and  new elective conventions ought to be conducted to elect party leadership at the various levels.

    “On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, the National Executive Committee of the Party met and purportedly usurped the constitutional powers of the National Convention by unconstitutionally extending the tenure of the present National Working Committee, State Working   Committee, Local Government Area Executive Committee and Ward  Executive Committee  of the party which will expire in June 2018. ”

    Uzochukwu wants the court to among others, declare that the purported one year extension of the tenure of the John Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC, the state working committees as well as the local government and ward executive committees of the party commencing from June 2018 to June 2019 “is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void  and of no effects”.

    He said APC’s national convention “never and did not meet to delegate and has not delegated any of its powers to the National Executive Committee,  to warrant the unconstitutional tenure extension”.

    The plaintiff also wants the court  to compel “the incumbent  John Odigie- Oyegun-led  National Working Committee”,  and others  to vacate their respective offices with effect from June 1, 2018.

    He noted that the beneficiaries of the extension will complete their four-year tenure on June 1, 2018 and urged the court to compel them to vacate their offices by then “pending the election of new officers of the party at all levels through democratically elected conventions.”

    Uzochukwu is also seeking an order compelling INEC “to reject, cease to recognise and stop dealing with or having official communications with the incumbent  John Odigie- Oyegun-led  the  National Working Committee” and others effective from effective from June 1, 2018 “for having spent the constitutionally allowed tenure of office”.

    He equally seeks an order declaring that he as registered and card-carrying   member  of the party, “has been denied the right to aspire and contest the Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, a position he is aspiring and canvassing, and has spent enormous resources,  to warrant  and justify the extant action.”

    Uzochukwu raised the following questions for the court’s determination:

    *Whether the NEC  of the party lacked the “constitutional and statutory powers” to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act” by “undemocratically” extending the tenure of the officials of the party.

    *Whether or not the NEC of the party “has the constitutional  powers to extend the  tenure of the National Working Committee, State Working   Committee, Local Government Area Executive Committee  and Ward Executive Committee  of the All progressives  by one year howsoever purported in view of Section 223 (1) (a)  and (2) (a)    of the 1999 Constitution  of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)  and section 85  (3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) .”

    *Whether or not the purported  one year extension of the tenure of John Odigie- Oyegun led  the  National Working Committee, State Working   Committee, Local Government Area Executive Committee  and Ward  Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress  by  the National Executive Committee (NEC),   commencing from June 2018 to June 2019   is   illegal, unconstitutional, null and void  and of no effects whatsoever;  in view of the combined reading of Section 223 (1) (a)  and (2) (a)    of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)  and Section 85  (3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended)”.

  • Legal obstacle for Oyegun’s, others’ tenure extension

    Legal obstacle for Oyegun’s, others’ tenure extension

    More facts emerged yesterday on the fate of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The process of extending party executives’ tenure is spelt out in the Nigerian Constitution, legal sources said, quoting Section 233 (1).

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had announced on Tuesday that the National Executive Committee (NEC) granted the John Odigie-Oyegun-led  NWC an extension of tenure  –  a claim that was debunked by Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman and Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari.

    Yari said such an extension could be effective with a constitutional amendment, which only a National Convention could do.

    “Article 30 of the APC constitution states: The constitution and the schedules hereto can be amended only by the National Convention of the party.

    “The process of amending the constitution is also expressly provided in Article 30 sub section 2. This states: “Notice of any proposed amendment by any member or organ of the party shall be given to the National Secretary at least 14 days before the date of the National Convention. The Notice shall be in writing, shall contain a clear statement of the proposed amendment and reasons for it,” Yari said.

    Yari added:  “What was done today (yesterday) is only an expression of a desire to extend the tenure of Chief Oyegun-led National Executive.”

    Many party chiefs and members yesterday realised that those who claimed that the NWC’s tenure had been extended were wrong.

    Many members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) were yesterday backing out of the decision to extend the tenure of the party’s executives when they discovered that it requires an amendment to the constitution.

    The party has slated another NEC meeting for this month to begin the march to the national convention, the only organ of the party that can amend the constitution.

    Article 30 of the APC constitution stipulates that “this constitution and the schedule hereto can be amended only by the National Convention”.

    This is in conformity with article 223 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution which stipulates: “The Constitution and rules of political party shall provide for the periodical election on a democratic basis of the principal officers an members of executive committee or other governing body of the political party.”

    Oyegun said yesterday that the NEC decision to grant the tenure elongation was because of the “the mighty task” ahead of the party.

    He told reporters in his office that the party wanted to avoid going into the general elections in a crisis, pointing out that congresses and electoral process were potential conflict areas that could affect the general election.

    He said that the leadership of the party was not expecting the decision to be welcome by all members of the party, adding that it was impossible to have 100 per cent support for such a decision.

    Oyegun said: “Well, I don’t want to talk on this sensitive political issue. Suffice it to say that whatever is happening naturally will be contrary view. So, it will be so difficult if you come out with total, one hundred per cent unanimity.

    “But I think the reasons for not wanting to hold some of these elective congresses this year is very clear; we have such a mighty work to do this year and each one has the potential of causing crisis. It has always been that once there is an election, it always creates its own issue.

    “We are going to have first set of party elections, second set of elections to governmental aspirants, other House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and so on.

    “So, we just felt we could defer some of these issues or the party felt some of these challenges can be deferred for one year because of the serious task before us which are the national elections, and people gave the good examples of Ekiti and Osun. The last time, because elections were due in those two states, the filling of party offices had to be deferred.”

    Oyegun did not, however, say if the “decision”  was legal.

    A chieftain of the party, Timi Frank, described the “decision” of the NEC as “undemocratic”.

    In a statement in Abuja, Frank said the action of the NEC in extending the tenure of the NWC was a clear indication that it does not respect even its own laid down rules and guidelines.

  • Ambode orders extension of Oshodi/Airport Road

    THE Lagos State Government has extended   the scope of work on the 10-lane Oshodi-International Airport road  to Ladipo bus-stop on the Apapa/Oshodi expressway.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said there would be no point expanding the road if it would not get to that point.

    “There is no point reconstructing the Airport Road if it is not extended to this point, and the extension will also complement the ongoing project within the market,” Ambode told traders at the Ladipo spare parts market.

    He was addressing the traders during a tour of some projects.

    The  airport road is scheduled for completion later this year.

    Ambode appealed to the traders to give way for contractors to rehabilitate and reconstruct roads within the market.

    According to him, the traders selling on the road are delaying the contractor’s work, which may have effect on the project’s expected time of delivery in May.

    “The only reason why this project will not be delivered is if you continue to obstruct the contractor. You need to talk to yourselves; I do not want any trading on this road until it is finished,” Ambode said.

    The governor, who said he would bring development to the market, urged its leaders to appeal to the traders and cooperate with the contractor.

    Ambode also inspected the  Oshodi transport terminals (OTT), roads on Ketu-Alapere axis and the Eko Arts Theatre beside the Opebi Link Bridge.

    The OTT is expected to be delivered in August.

    The Vice President, Ladipo Spare Parts Market, Mr Jude Nwankwo, assured Ambode of the traders’ cooperation.

  • Hilton, Transcorp Hotels, Abuja sign 20-year extension

    Hilton  and Transcorp Hotels Plc, a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc  yesterday announced the signing of a 20-year extension to the current  agreement to manage the iconic Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja. The agreement will see Hilton manage the property until 2037. The hotel, which is a national landmark for having hosted countless Heads of State and global events like the World Economic Forum on Africa, has been operated by Hilton since its opening in 1987.

    Speaking at a signing ceremony in Washington DC, Chris Nassetta, Hilton’s President and CEO, said: “We have had an incredible relationship with the Transcorp team and we are happy to announce that we will continue to grow that relationship throughout the next 20 years. With our mission to be the world’s most hospitable company, I am delighted we will be able to continue welcoming guests to this hotel until at least 2037.”

    The award-winning 667-room hotel – one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa – is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation which will transform the property. The extensive refurbishment will continue the Transcorp Hotels legacy as the leading provider of hospitality in Nigeria.

    Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Transcorp Plc, the largest listed conglomerate on the Nigerian stock exchange and owners of hospitality subsidiary Transcorp Hotels confirmed: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing owner-operator relationship with Hiton. Our investment in the renovation reflects our commitment to shaping Nigeria into a leading hospitality centre in the West Africa region and with Hilton as our operating partners, we are confident that we will continue to lead in the sector.”

  • Sultan seeks extension of military’s retirement age

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Gen. Martin Agwai (rtd) have called for an extension in the retirement age for military officers.

    The Sultan, who is a retired Brig.Gen., said this became imperative due to the huge fund the Federal Government spends in training officers.

    The monarch spoke in Abuja at the weekend, at a dinner organised by members of the 18 Regular Course, Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA).

    He emphasised that grey hair may not necessarily mean old age, but greater experience thus, officers could still contribute to the military and provide better solutions.

    Sultan Abubakar said relevant authorities should discuss the possibility of upward review in the retirement age of military officers.

    “One point I want us to talk about is the retirement age of officers in the Armed Forces. You will get to 55 or 60, when you are just starting your life, but you are gone. We have gone round; we have seen generals at 65 with grey hair. Anyway, grey hair is not a sign of old age because Gen. Agwai has had his grey hair since 40.

    “Some of us that have grey hair are not too old but it is important we look at this and maybe, mobilise other people to start talking to allow our generals reach at least 60 or 65 before they leave service.

    “You spent so much money to train them, and at 55 to 60, they are gone when they don’t have replacement. Let us expand because Nigeria is so big.”

    The monarch solicited greater encouragement for the military due to their significance and service to the country, stressing that they should be praised rather than condemned.

    In his remarks, Gen. Agwai (rtd) identified the importance of the military acting as role models and mentors to the younger generation. He stressed the need for honesty for the country to witness genuine development.

    Gen. Agwai, who spoke on “Leadership as I See It”, urged the present and former military officers to give more to the society.

    “The country has invested so much in those of us privileged to attend the NDA, there is a lot more that we should give,” he noted.

    According to him, the country is blessed with so much potential – human and natural, sufficient enough to reposition the country but not properly explored.

    The retired general encouraged leaders to utilise the potential to end poverty, create jobs and develop the economy.

    “There is a difference between a leader and a boss. Most of us boss around, we are not leaders, and that is why people fear us rather than respect us. Leaders demonstrate a non-prejudicial way of doing things,” he added.

    Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika lauded the service chiefs for improving the country’s security apparatus.

    He praised President Muhammadu Buhari for facilitating the purchase of new military aircraft, stressing that it has helped to contain insurgency in the Northeast.

    Gen. Ihejirika advised Nigerians to consider its ethnic differences as a form of strength to promote national unity.

  • Re: NASS’ll back extension of teachers retirement age

    SIR: The above captioned story was published in The Nation of Thursday June 1, page 7. And few other newspapers also carried same story.

    The appeal was made by the National President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers NUT, Michael Alogba Olukoya when he led NUT officials to the Speaker of the parliament Mr. Yakubu Dogara.

    The union leader said: “ we teachers of Nigeria in primary and secondary schools do seek and demand that our retirement age be raised to 65 years to increase the teacher retention rate in our schools “.

    The request made by the teachers union on extension of of retirement age at this time is misplaced and untimely. This is because there are more important issues that need urgent attention, than demanding a frivolous extension of retirement age for Nigerian teachers under this uncertain economic situation and unfriendly working conditions.

    Elsewhere, in France, The Telegraph reports in 2010 that tens of thousands of French workers took to the streets to protest against government plans to raise the retirement age.

    And this are workers operating under stable economy with attractive emoluments for its workers. Their counterparts in Nigeria are demanding for extension.

    NUT should demand for improved welfare and working condition of teachers, a workable pension scheme, affordable healthcare system for teachers, hazard allowance and other allowances.

    And also training and retraining of teachers, special salaries, provision of latest laboratory kits, and state of the art facilities are what is required; not teachers perpetual slavery in the name of retirement extension and starvation wage they received as minimum wage!

    The union should insist that the National Assembly enact laws that will guarantee those items and ensure effective implementation of the above mentioned welfares for teachers. Longevity in the service is not the solution but a better deal!

     

    • Abdullateef Tanko A.

    nayashit@yahoo.com

  • OPEC members support output cut extension

    OPEC members support output cut extension

    Ecuador Oil Minister José Icaza Romero has said the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other oil-producing countries would discuss a six or nine months extension to output cuts when the Organisation meets today.

    According to Reuters’ report, Icaza Romero told reporters that “Six and nine months are both proposals on the table. We will support the majority, probably the nine months.”

    Asked whether deeper cuts would be discussed, he said: “Not at this point, I don’t think so.”

    OPEC member countries meet today in Vienna, Austria to consider whether to prolong the deal reached in December in which OPEC and 11 non-members, including Russia, agreed to cut output by about 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017.

    Also the United Arab Emirates supports extending oil output cuts for another term, the Energy Minister Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui said, saying ahead of an OPEC meeting he was optimistic about meetings held between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

    “We are optimistic about the statements and the meetings held between the Saudi-Russian sides,” he stated, adding that the previous extension had helped to balance the market and maintain average prices.

    The UAE supports “the extension of the agreement for another term,” he said.

    Mexico also threw its weight behind extension of production cut. According to the Mexican deputy secretary for hydrocarbons, Aldo Flores-Quiroga, Mexico supports an extension of OPEC’s supply cuts as a way to stabilise oil markets and bring fresh investment into the country’s growing energy sector.

    Aldo Flores-Quiroga said he believed members of OPEC should and would continue plans to coordinate oil production cuts into at least 2018. He did not say whether he preferred a six- or nine-month extension, which OPEC members are debating.

    “Stable markets help provide a stable framework for investment, and that helps Mexico,” said Flores-Quiroga, who assumed his post last summer.

    Mexico, which is not in OPEC, has seen its oil industry atrophy in the past 50 years due to underinvestment and hostile regulation of foreign partners.

    Constitutional changes in 2013 have slowly begun to attract capital to the second-largest Latin American economy, but low oil prices have hindered Mexico City’s efforts.

  • Candidates seek extension of registration deadline

    Candidates seek extension of registration deadline

    Candidates applying for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have pleaded for extension of registration deadline following what they called”rigorous registration process”.

    Many of them, in conjunction with other stakeholders, are now calling for the extension of the examination beyond its February ending deadline.

    “I’m tired,’ said one of the candidates at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)registration centres called Connexion in Iyana Ishashi on Thursday.

    “I’ve been coming here since Monday, but the crowd is too much. You can see what is happening today too,” she said pointing to the horde of candidates on cue for registration.

    “I arrive on time today but you can see how large the crowd is. If it has taken me a week or two to complete the registration, when will I start reading for the exam?” she asked our reporter rhetorically.

    Another candidate, who introduced herself as Ramat, said she would rather go home and come back this week. She hoped the pressure will have reduced.

    “I can’t stand this pressure. I am asthmatic and there is so much dust everywhere,” Ramat lamented.

    Candidates keep besieging some of the designated JAMB registrations centres every day.

    The Nation learnt that after parting with the mandatory N6,200 for the examination form, creating an e-mail and a personal profile on JAMB’s website, only a handful were able to generate the Personal Identification Number (PIN) code due to poor internet service.

    However, the stringent but slow process the registration has taken is now making many to wonder if the examination body will meet the deadline for registration.

    This development, The Nation learnt, is also creating a friction between JAMB and bank officials over accusations and counter accusations following the slow pace of internet.

    A candidate, who visited JAMB registration centre in Festac Town, Lagos, alleged that due to the huge number of candidates, some of the officials connived with bank officials to extort money from frustrated candidates to have them registered on time.

    “It is not compulsory (to pay) but many candidates here are doing it because we are all frustrated. If you have to pay N1000 or N2000 to do your registration, is it not better than coming here to waste your precious time every day?” the candidate said.

  • Ambode: Extension of Aboru-Mosan Road Project

    SIR: I humbly write to first congratulate Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on his exemplary performance ever since he took over the mantle of leadership in Lagos State. May God continue to bless him with the strength and wisdom to excel.

    Personally, I have always believed in his ability, hence my open letter to him in The Punch of Tuesday July 21, 2015 (page 29) and The Nation of August 3, 2015, on the need to reopen the closed link road at Alimosho junction of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. He heeded the call by opening the road to ease the gridlock in the area on Tuesday September 1, 2015.

    As Oliver Twist, I am using this medium to request the extension of the ongoing Aboru-Mosan Link bridge/road and street lights to the end of the Mosan road linking the Iyana-Ipaja/Ayobo road, as this would further give room for uninterrupted traffic flow.

    The road currently terminates at the canal end of Mosan linking the Federal Low Cost Housing Estate (Shagari Estate) while construction is still ongoing. I, on behalf of people in our community, would like to appeal to the governor to help us extend the construction to cover the remaining one kilometre dilapidated road to enhance visibility in our area.

    I had personally rehabilitated the road years back with street lights and regular maintenance, so I shall appreciate the governor’s urgent response to assist us complete the route.

    I strongly believe in his ability, and I believe this request will be honoured by him.

     

    • Otunba Tony Abiodun Adenubi

  • Extension of Eid-el-Kabir holiday a dangerous precedent, says group

    A coalition of Christians led by the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) yesterday condemned the extension of last week’s public holiday by the Federal Government, describing as a dangerous precedent.

    It called on the government and Islamic leaders to repay the country the loss recorded as a result of the extension.

    Key members of NCEF are: Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN) (Chairman); Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd); Prof. Joseph Otubu, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Dr. (Mrs) Kate Okpareke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, Elder Moses Ihonde, Elder Nat Okoro and Prof. Vincent Anigbogu.

    Others are Gen. Ishaku Dikko (rtd), Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Elder Mike Orobator, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Justice M. Ogebe (rtd), Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, Chief Debo Omotosho, Dr. Musa Asake, Joseph Daramola, Pastor Olatunbosun Emmanuel (Secretary).

    Apart from NCEF, other members of the coalition include Nigerian Christian Graduate Fellowship; Think Tank for the body of Christ; Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria; Association of Christian Schools in Nigeria; Students Christian Movement; Christian Professionals Forum; Intercessors for Nigeria and International Prophetic Ministerial Association (Inc. Worldwide College of Bishops and Ministers: Africa, UK and USA.

    The coalition also has Intercessors without Walls; Wailing Women International; Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship; Nigerian Fellowship of Christian Students; Ministers Prayer Network; International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and University Joint Campus Christian Fellowship as members.

    The statement by Asemota reads: “As Nigerians, we congratulate the Muslims in the nation on their successful completion of the Ramadan fast in 2016. However, we are disturbed by the apparent shoddiness and confusion the Federal Government brought into the declaration of the Public Holiday rounding off the Muslim religious exercise.

    “The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th July as Public Holiday only to reverse itself and declare Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July 2016 as Public Holiday. If this was done before Tuesday was observed as Public Holiday, it would have been tolerable but declaring Thursday 7th as Public Holiday in addition to Tuesday and Wednesday is bad. The implication now is that three days would be work free in the week.

    “We are equally appalled that the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau based the decision to declare Thursday as Public Holiday on the directive by the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, to the effect that the Ramadan fast continues today (last Tuesday) as a result of the non-sighting of the moon.”