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Tag: GCFR

  • Jonathan’s Burgled Home: Police detains personnel on guard duty

    Jonathan’s Burgled Home: Police detains personnel on guard duty

    Following reports that the Gwarinpa home of former President Goodluck Jonathan has been burgled, the FCT Police Monday said it has detained some of its personnel on guard duty.

    Although the Police declined to give the figure of those detained, the police said the detention of the personnel would help to ascertain the true position of things.

    The Command also said preliminary investigation revealed that some items were missing from the residence.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja Monday by the Command Spokesman, DSP Anjuguri Manzah.

    The statement read: “The FCT police Command wishes to inform the general public that it has commenced full-fledge investigation into the case of theft in the Gwarinpa residence of former president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,GCFR.

    “Preliminary police investigation on the matter has revealed that some items were found to be missing in the house.

    “Meanwhile, the Policemen who are supposed to be on guard duty at the house have been detained for questioning. Investigation to find out what actually happened is currently in progress”.

    The Command also assured members of the public that the result of findings on the on-going investigation would be made public.

     

  • June 12: It’s not too late to honour MKO – Reps

    June 12: It’s not too late to honour MKO – Reps

    THE House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to posthumously confer the highest national honour – the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal republic (GCFR)  – on the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale A biola.

    According to them, this would be  a measure of recognition for his unprecedented achievements, contributions and sacrifice to the unity, peace, progress and development of Nigeria, Africa and the world.

    The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion by Sani Zoro (APC, Jigawa).

    Zoro said there were several reasons to justify Abiola’s immortalisation.

    We remember him today as always, as a true and great son of Nigeria, who touched lives more than any other person in his life, who contributed to the achievement of religious harmony by building bridges between faith organisations like nobody else, the humane boss, who employed Nigerians from all walks of life and treated them with affection and care as if they were members of his family, the man who championed the good cause of Africans for the exploitation and the heinous crime of slavery meted to them.

    “It is sad though that despite these uncommon qualities, capped by his victory at the presidential election of June 12, 1993, but which was denied him by retrogressive forces in conspiracy with agents of destabilisation – that Nigerian authorities had never at any given time conferred a national honour on him, in his eventful life time or posthumously, despite the fact that many Nigerians and non-Nigerians of dubious value had continued to be decorated with such national honours year in, year out.

    “There are abundant justifications to immortalise Abiola, to do that going by the event of June 12.

    “Abiola and Buhari shared so much in common, even in popularity. While Abiola got eight million out from a total of 14 million votes, President Buhari got 15 million out of 28 million. That’s half of the total votes by the two.

    “Justice can still be done, even 24 years after. It’s never too late.”

    Anayo Nnebe (PDP, Anambra) said the annulment was an injustice through executive recklessness.

    “Whatever reasons Ibrahim Babangida gave for the annulment cannot erase the fact that Abiola won the election

    “Abiola is entitled to that award because it will be discouraging if it is such that the system only recognises and remembers criminals,” he noted.

    Saying that June 12 transcends a regional issue, Nnnebe noted that the day deserved to be declared a national public holiday to be celebrated by every Nigerian because the entire country voted for Abiola in the ill-fated election.

    “It was not a Southwest issue; let every part of the country celebrate the day, justice should start by declaring June 12 a national holiday,” he added.

    Olufunke Adedoyin (APC, Kwara), who wondered what had changed about the long-held notion that Abiola should be immortalised, asked why the House as in times past rejected motions calling for the late politician to be officially recognised by the Federal Government.

    “Abiola’s immense contributions to the nation should be recognized; he was a philanthropist with an Africa agenda,” she added.

    Wale Raji (APC, Lagos) said the greatest honour that can be bestowed on Abiola posthumously is to release the annulled result and declare him winner of the election.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

     

  • Abiola deserves GCFR, says son

    Abiola deserves GCFR, says son

    The presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola Abiola, deserved the highest national honour as compensation for his sacrifice for the country, his son Kola, said at the weekend.

    According to him, Abiola, who died in detention following his declaration of himself as president, could only be compensated with the award of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) as a mark of honour.

    “He won the election but he was denied and he died in detention. The award of GCFR which is given to only presidents is what can really show the nation’s appreciation for his sacrifice,” Mr. Abiola said at a reunion meeting of the ex-staff of Concord Press Limited in Lagos at the weekend. The late Chief Abiola was the publisher of the Concord titles.

    His son spoke of plans to bring back Concord, adding that a documentary on the life of the Bashorun of Ibadan and the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland would be produced soon to properly situate his place in history.

    Mr Abiola said Concord remained a major legacy of his father.

    The call is the latest from Nigerians who are seeking the government’s recognition of Abiola’s role in Nigeria’s democracy. Abiola died in 1998.

    The Concord group, which dominated the scene in the 80s and 90s, was founded by the late billionaire business mogul in 1980. It published National Concord, Sunday Concord, Weekend Concord, African Concord Magazine and a host of vernacular and community newspapers.

    Friday’s occasion was also used to honour ex-Concord employees, who were recently appointed or elected into public positions.

    Among those honoured were Secretary to Lagos State Government Mr Tunji Bello and spokesman of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina.

    Also honoured were Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) President Waheed Odusile, one of his predecessors and House of Representatives member Mallam Sani Zorro; Group Public Affairs Manager of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mr Ohi Alegbe, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Niger State Governor, Mr. Jide Orintunsin and Managing Director of The Sun Mr. Eric Osagie.

    Another of the late Abiola’s sons, Deji, attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Dr. Doyin Abiola, the former managing director of Concord and wife of the late politician.

    Dr  Abiola, admonished members of the “Great Concord Press Family” appointed into public offices to use their offices in enhancing greater public good rather than enriching themselves.

    According to her, this would help in rating high the journalism profession and making Nigeria an enviable country among the comity of nations.

    She bemoaned the decline in public and moral values in the country, adding that only a great and sincere effort could bring back the country’s glory.

    The event was attended by former Deputy Managing Director Stanley Egbochuku, Mr Mike Awoyinfa, Lisa Olu Akerele, Alhaji Liad Tella, Mr. Kunmi Olayiwola, Mr Louis Odion, Mr Lanre Arogundade, Mr. Jonas Agu, Mr Aliu Mohammed, Mr. Goke Odeyinka, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu, among others.

  • Kutigi to chair conference

    Kutigi to chair conference

    •Akinyemi is deputy chair

    Retired Chief Justice of Nigeria Idris Legbo Kutigi will chair the national conference billed to be inaugurated on Monday.

    He will be assisted by former External Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim announced the appointments last night.

    Dr. Mrs. Valerie Azinge was named the secretary of the conference.

    The statement announcing the appointments reads: “His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the appointment of the Leadership of the National Conference as follows:

    Honourable Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi-Chairman

    Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi-Vice Chairman

    Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Azinge-Secretary”

    “The appointees are to resume at Abuja on Wednesday, 5th March, 2014 and would be received on arrival by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

    Mrs. Azinge is the wife of the DG of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Prof. Epiphany Azinge.

    Investigation by our correspondent showed that the President decided to choose Kutigi and Akinyemi because of their belief in the unity and stability of Nigeria.

    A source said: “I can tell you that the pan-Nigeria attitude of Kutigi and Akinyemi earned them the appointments.

    “Jonathan opted for them because he does not want any issue at the conference which could affect our corporate survival.

    “Also, the preference for Kutigi was informed by his tough and principled stand on issues. He is not somebody you can sway by tribal or political persuasion.

    “Since he left office, he seldom speaks truth to power. So, you can see that the government is really determined not to influence the conference.

    “He is not a blind critic or a friend of the government. Kutigi has the opportunity to lead the conference to preserve our unity.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The fact that Kutigi is a former Chief Justice of Nigeria would help address legal and constitutional issues at the conference.”

    On the appointment of Akinyemi, the presidency source said: “He loves Nigeria with an uncommon passion and he is internationally exposed. He deserves such a post.

    “He is also a patient Nigerian whose bridge building experience nationwide could assist in managing the tempo at the conference.”

    It was learnt that the President decided to appoint a secretary from the South-East so that the conference can start on a national tripod from the onset.

     

  • Snipers: Jonathan reports Obasanjo to Rights Panel

    Snipers: Jonathan reports Obasanjo to Rights Panel

    Presidency seeks probe of allegations

    The Presidency has taken its case against ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

    It asked the commission to investigate the allegation of keeping over 1,000 people on a political watch list and training snipers.

    Jonathan made the demand in a letter to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof Bem Angwe.

    A source in the commission, who confirmed the receipt of the December 23, 2013 letter, said Obasanjo may be invited for interaction on his allegation.

    The Presidency asked the NHRC to “investigate the allegations bothering on the human rights violations contained on pages 9-10 of the letter dated 2nd December 2013, written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) attached to the memorandum under reference.

    “In order to properly delineate the issues within your sphere of competence, particularly as other issues raised in the letter are being investigated by appropriate agencies of government.”

    The letter cited two offensive paragraphs in Obasanjo’s letter for investigation by the NHRC.

    The paragraphs are:

    “Allegation of keeping over 1,000 people on political watch list rather than criminal or security watch list and training snipers and other armed personnel secretly and clandestinely acquiring weapons to match for political purposes like Abacha, and training them where Abacha trained his own killers, if it is true, cannot augur well for the initiator, the government and the people of Nigeria. Here again, there is the lesson of history to learn from for anybody who cares to learn from history. Mr. President would always remember that he was elected to maintain security for all Nigerians and protect them. And no one should prepare to kill or maim Nigerians for personal or political ambition or interest of anyone. The Yoruba adage says, ‘The man with whose head the coconut is broken may not live to savour the taste of the succulent fruit’. Those who advise you to go hard on those who oppose you are your worst enemies. Democratic politics admits and is permissive of supporters and opponents. When the consequences come, those who have wrongly advised you will not be there to help carry the can. Egypt must teach some lesson.

    “Presidential assistance for a murderer to evade justice and presidential delegation to welcome him home can only be in bad taste generally, but particularly to the family of his victim. Assisting criminals to evade justice cannot be part of the job of the Presidency. Or, as it is viewed in some quarters, is he being recruited to do for you what he had done for Abacha in the past? Hopefully, he should have learned his lesson. Let us continue to watch.”

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) in a memo to the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Bem Angwe, dated, December 23 to which he attached a copy of Obasanjo’s letter, directed Angwe to investigate allegations relating to human rights violations.

    Specifically, Adoke requested Angwe to investigate allegations bothering on the human rights violations contained in pages 9 and 10 of the letter by ex-President Obasanjo.

    The memo marked: HAGF/NHRC2013/Vol2/5, titled: “Re: Before it is to late,” a copy of which The Nation sighted yesterday, reads: “May I draw your attention to the above and the attached State House Memorandum dated December 23rd 2013 in respect of the above subject matter.

    “I am to request you to investigate the allegations bothering on the human rights violations contained on pages 9-10 of the latter dated December 2, 2013, written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR attached to the memorandum under reference.

    “In order to properly delineate the issues within your sphere of competence particularly as other issues raised in the letter are being investigated by appropriate agencies of government, I have decided to reproduce the relevant paragraphs below,” Adoke said.

    A source in the NHRC said: “We have received the letter and a memorandum attached to it. With the issues raised in the letter, we may invite ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for interaction.

    “The question of being on political watch list raises some human rights issues. What I can assure you of is that we will be fair to all sides.”

    Responding to a question, the source said the demand of the Presidency was within the mandate of the NHRC.

    He cited Section 5(b) of the 2010 (Amendment Act) of the commission.

    The section reads in part: The Commission shall- (a) deal with all matters relating to the protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other International Treaties on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory;

    “(b) monitor and investigate all alleged cases of human rights violation in Nigeria and make appropriate recommendation to the President for the prosecution and such other actions as it may deem expedient in each circumstance;

    “(c) assist victims of human rights violation and seek appropriate redress and remedies on their behalf…”

  • Baraje resigns as NRC chairman

    Baraje resigns as NRC chairman

    The suspended National Chairman of the New Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, resigned yesterday his appointment as the Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

    He said he decided to quit the job as a result of the ongoing crisis in the party.

    Baraje’s resignation letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, is dated November 12.

    He said since the post was allotted to PDP and he no longer has confidence in the party’s leadership, it was better for him to resign.

    The letter reads: “Please refer to your letter with Ref No. SGF/19/S./81/XV/430 dated May 22nd, 2013, which conveyed Mr. President’s approval of my appointment as chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation Governing Board.

    “I hasten to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebelo Jonathan (GCFR), the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through your good office for the confidence he placed in my ability to have appointed me to such an exalted position as the Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

    “His Excellency, Mr. President will recall that this appointment came from his esteemed discretion in allotting some positions to our great party, the PDP.

    “However, it is no longer news that there is an ongoing disagreement in principle between some top stakeholders of our party, of which I am among on the one hand and the current leadership of the party on the other.

    “This quagmire has upturned my belief in the present leadership of our great party and has consequently made my continued stay as the Chairman of the NRC Governing Board uncomfortable.

    “Realising that the position of the NRC chairmanship was allocated to the party and of which I am supposed to symbolise, I would appreciate if your good office could please convey to His Excellency, Mr. President of my intention to relinquish this position with immediate effect because I can no longer represent the interest of the party whose leadership I no longer believe in.

    “While pledging my continued loyalty to the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration, I would like His Excellency, Mr. President to please accept the assurances of my highest regard and consideration.”