The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Goodluck Jonathan

  • Group urges Jonathan to tackle corruption

    Group urges Jonathan to tackle corruption

    A non-socio-political group, The Professional Conscience Foundation (PCF), has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to show more seriousness in his administration’s fight against corruption.

    The secretary of the group, Tolulope Aderemi, who spoke yesterday with journalists shortly after its inaugural meeting held at the Development Support Centre, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also tasked the president to stop shielding corrupt government officials in order not to make Nigerians lose confidence in his administration.

    Aderemi noted that the manner the president had been handling some notable corruption cases had made some people to doubt his administration’s commitment to fight graft.

    The meeting also addressed issues of national concern such as unemployment, electoral malpractices, rape, robbery and other social vices, while promising to offer recommendations to appropriate quarters on how to address the challenges.

  • Patience Jonathan, Bola Shagaya still as close as ever

    Patience Jonathan, Bola Shagaya still as close as ever

    Contrary to the story making the rounds that billionaire businesswoman, Hajia Bola Shagaya, and Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan, have parted ways on account of some issues that border on trust, the two remain as close as ever.

    There had been reports of the First Lady instructing her aides not to grant access to Sagaya because of an alleged act of betrayal on her part. It was even rumoured that the First Lady appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to reduce Hajia Shagaya’s influence in his government by not inviting him to official functions at the State House. Rumour mongers also said Folorunso Alakija is the woman now fancied by Dame Patience.

    However, investigations by CelebWatch indicate that all the rumours are nothing but tissues of lie emerging from the figments of the rumour mongers’ imagination. The two powerful women still relate with each other as closely as they did when Dame Patience was the wife of the Vice President. In fact, they always attend events together, except Hajia Shagaya is not in the country.

  • Senate rejects impeachment call

    Senate rejects impeachment call

    The Senate is opposed to calls for President Goodluck Jonathan’s impeachment.

    The chairman, Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, noted yesterday that calls for Jonathan’s impeachment lacked in merit.

    Abaribe spoke at a news conference after the upper chamber rose from a closed door session, which lasted over one hour.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the National Assembly to impeach Jonathan for alleged gross misconduct.

    The APC said Jonathan’s impeachment would save the country from imminent collapse.

    Asked about the Senate’s position on the call, Abaribe said: “The Senate’s position is that the call for impeachment of the President is utter rubbish.”

    “We have heard of the call for the President’s impeachment and as far as the Senate is concerned, it is utter rubbish,” Abaribe added.

    The APC said it made the call with the belief that Jonathan’s impeachment was a legitimate constitutional option available to the National Assembly to protect democracy and ensure unity.

    Abaribe also said that the conference committee of the National Assembly set up to resolve the differences on the appropriate oil benchmark for 2014 budget was set to resume its sitting yesterday.

  • Jonathan unveils Nigeria’s first unmanned aerial vehicle

    Jonathan unveils Nigeria’s first unmanned aerial vehicle

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday unveiled the first indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, code named Gulma UAV.

    It was designed and produced by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF).

    Speaking at the event, which took place at the NAF Base in Kaduna, President Jonathan said indigenous initiatives remain indispensable in achieving notable greatness by any nation, adding that the government will encourage the private sector to collaborate with NAF to produce the unmanned aerial vehicle in mass for commercial use.

    He said: “As I said in my Independence Day address, our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens. Indeed, indigenous initiatives remain indispensable in achieving notable greatness.

    “Our importance on the global stage suggests that we must continue to produce leaders in science, technology and engineering and invest more in creating new ideas. We must not forget the lesson of this encouraging moment in our nation’s history and that as Nigerians, we are capable of great deeds.

    “In the same manner, we must not forget that ahead of us lie challenges that we must surmount. We must remain focused on our common national purpose.

    “The unveiling of our country’s first indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is a landmark moment in our nation’s history. Beside its diverse military applications, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle provides mankind with a range of benefits in disaster management, power line surveillance, law enforcement, telecommunication, whether monitoring and aerial image mapping, which is also rapidly becoming an important tool in news coverage, environmental monitoring and oil and gas exploration.

    “Considering the potential impact of fixed benefits and versatility, I cannot, but say how proud I am of the men and women of our armed forces. Apart from their commitment to the protection of our sovereignty, they are helping to keep our nation ahead in military science and technology and keep their civilian counterparts on their toes

    “In the years past, we have launched the first indigenous vessel developed by our Navy and various armoured and operational vehicles developed by the Nigerian Army. To all of you, I say thank you. Your collective efforts have opened a new vista, innovation and opportunity for our nation.

    “Today, as we stand in appreciation of the gallant men and women of our Air Force, we are reminded that hard work and diligence can break many barriers. I specially commend the Chief of Air Staff and all the officers and men of the NAF for this pioneering achievement, which will strengthen our nation and enhance our role in peace keeping and conflict prevention.

    “With only a few weeks to our centenary celebration as a nation, this achievement is a shining ornament and the icing on our 100th anniversary cake. I congratulate all Nigerians, who are surely and steadily beginning to manifest the new awareness of self-reliance and global competition.

    “When we apply the objectives of the transformation agenda, it was in the firm belief that Nigeria possesses to place it at the forefront of global prominence in technology and in the economy.

    “I am proud to see that the Nigeria Air Force has keyed into this vision and has today underlined its commitment to record greater achievements. It is our fervent hope that this stride by NAF will mark a turning point for indigenous technology in every sector of our national life, thereby rapidly facilitating our match towards a prosperous Nigeria.”

    The Supervising Minister of Defence, Labaran Maku, said the development of surveillance aircraft by NAF at this crucial moment in the nation’s history is a bold statement of the government’s resolve to provide security for the people.

    He said the Gulma UAV potentially affords the Armed Forces immense opportunities in intelligence gathering and combating crime, especially in the light of the nation’s security challenges.

    Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh said the decision to acquire the UAV technology was motivated by its growing versatility as a prime tool for enhancing success in virtually all military and security operations.

    He said: “To truly harness the full potentials of the Gulma UAV, there is need to consolidate on the achievements already made. The Air Force requires the assistance of the Federal Government in infrastructure and human capacity development.

  • Senate seeks quick assent to anti-gay marriage bill

    Senate seeks quick assent to anti-gay marriage bill

    •14-year jail term for same sex marriage offenders

    The Senate yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to assent to the bill prohibiting same sex marriage in Nigeria.

    Senate President David Mark spoke after the upper chamber adopted the conference committee report on the bill.

    Besides prohibiting same sex marriage, the bill, sponsored by Senator Domingo Obende (Edo North) prescribed a 14-year jail term for offenders.

    Mark said the country has enough problems and the problem of allowing same sex marriage should not be added to it.

    He said: “I think this bill will go through now. We all agree with its content. We have been under attack by various groups. The earlier this is signed into law the better for our country. We have so many problems and we do not want to add this one to them.”

    The bill states that: “Marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex is prohibited. Marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex by virtue of a certificate issued by a foreign country shall be void in Nigeria and any benefits accruing there from by virtue of the certificate shall not be enforced by any court of law in Nigeria.

    “Marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnised in any place of worship, either church or mosque or any other place or whatsoever called.

    “No certificate issued to persons of same sex in a marriage or civil union shall be valid in Nigeria. Only marriage contracted between a man and a woman, either under Islamic Law, Customary Law or the Marriage Act is recognised as valid in Nigeria.

    “Persons that enter into same sex marriage or civil union commit an offence and are jointly liable on conviction to 14 years imprisonment each.

    “Any persons or group of persons that administers, witnesses, screens, abets and aids the solemnisation of a same sex marriage or civil union, or supports the registration, operation of gay clubs, societies and organisations, processions or meeting in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to 10 years imprisonment.”

  • Kalabari eye Rivers governor

    Kalabari eye Rivers governor

    The Kalabari in Rivers State yesterday staged a rally in Buguma to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition.

    The Kalabari, who have been at the centre of the Soku oil-well dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states, said they could not allow the fight over oil fields to affect their support for a larger Niger Delta interest.

    Speaking at the rally, organised by the Kengema Unity Forum (KUF), the founder and leader of the group, Soboma Jackrish, said the emergence of Dr. Jonathan as the President was providential.

    He said: “God ordained it to happen; it has nothing to do with the power of any man. Although we voted for him, he did not ask us to campaign for him. We saw his activities when he was a deputy governor; when he became a governor and vice president. If you look at his track records, you will see the finger of God in it.”

    Jackrish said KUF and its sister body, Network for the Defence of Democracy and Good Governance, were committed to ensuring that President Jonathan was re-elected in 2015.

    He said the Kalabari were using the KUF platform to sensitise and mobilise the people to demand their rights, including producing the next governor.

    According to him, the Kalabari have suffered neglect since the creation of the state in 1967.

    “Given our contributions to the wealth of Nigeria, we think it is time for us to produce an elected governor in Rivers State,” he added.

    Jackrish decried the political tension in the state and urged politicians to toe the path of peace and unity.

  • ‘Amnesty programme ‘ll provide better future for Niger Delta youths’

    ‘Amnesty programme ‘ll provide better future for Niger Delta youths’

    SPECIAL Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Amnesty programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, has said the Federal Government will intensify efforts in providing a better future for youths in the Niger Delta.

    Kuku, who spoke with reporters in Okitipupa, Ondo State, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the Niger Delta.

    He said the Amnesty programme under President Goodluck Jonathan had recorded achievements through laudable programmes initiated for youths.

    According to him, statistics at the Amnesty Office showed that over 170,000 people in the Niger Delta have benefited in the last four years.

    This, according to Kuku, covers skill acquisition, education and other human empowerment programmes.

    The presidential aide said thousands of youths from the Niger Delta, particularly the ex-militants, have been sent abroad to acquire education and skills, with others being trained in Nigeria.

    He said those who were through with their training had been empowered financially to establish their businesses, while the graduates among them would be employed in Federal Government establishments.

    Kuku said over 20,000 youths were studying abroad and in the country, while another 15,000 were learning various trades in the Niger Delta.

    Lauding rulers in the area for their support, Kuku attributed the programme’s success to the commitment and determination of the President to turn around Niger Delta.

  • Is anti-graft war on course?

    Is anti-graft war on course?

    House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Aminu Tambuwal has alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan is not committed to the anti-corruption battle. In this piece, VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI examine the circumstances that led to the public outburst and its implications for the executive/legislative relations.

    When House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Aminu Tambuwal dropped the bombshell, many Nigerians were taken aback. The number four citizen dissected the polity, saying that the anti-corruption battle was not on course. In his view, President Goodluck Jonathan has not shown enough commitment to the crusade against graft.

    The Speaker attempted to substantiate his allegation. After presenting a paper at a one-day roundtable marking the International Anti-corruption Day by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Tambuwal objected to the manner the President handled the pension fraud, the N255million bullet proof car scandal, and the alleged fraud in the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC). He said President Jonathan is encouraging corruption by his reluctance to promptly address the high profile corruption unearthed by the legislature.

    It was the first time the Speaker would speak against the administration in the public. While some people hailed him for his boldness, others said that his remarks were a brazen assault on the Presidency.

    However, barely a week after, former President Olusegun Obasanjo also wrote a letter to the President, accusing his administration of corruption.

    Few days after the Abuja outburst, Tambuwal dropped another bombshell during the inauguration of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Oil Theft at the National Assembly. He accused the Federal Government of complicity in oil theft, adding that N750 billion was being lost annually. Also, in his letter, Obasanjo alluded to the same crime, urging the President to halt the trend.

    Tambuwal has been a moderating factor in the House of Representatives, although he is largely portrayed as a friend of the opposition. Many believe that, as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, he has been instrumental to the maintenance of a reasonable equilibrium in favour of the President in the House. Therefore, some said that he has a moral burden to refrain from washing the dirty linen of the government in the public.

    However, many legislators supported the Speaker’s approach. They said that Tambuwal’s outburst was borne out of the passive attitude of the executive to the legislative resolutions on corruption.

    Many legislators have expressed concern over the way the Presidency handled the allegations against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) headed by Ms. Arumah Oteh. The matter led to frosty relationship between the two arms of government. The investigation by the Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Herman Hembe, went awry when he was accused of fraud by the Director-General. Eventually, the resolution by the House that the Oteh should be removed and the suggestion that the SEC should be excluded from the budget were ignored by the President.

    Also, the punitive recommendation by the House against the Minister of Aviation over the allegation of N255 million bullet proof car fraud was ignored by the President, who set up an administrative committee to look into the matter.

    Tambuwal frowned at the way the fuel subsidy probe was also handled by the President. He said many of the recommendations were not implemented, based on the fact that the probe was discredited by the bribe- for- clearance allegation against the Ad hoc Chairman, Hon. Farouk Lawan. The House was of the opinion that, in spite of the allegation, the recommendation, if implemented to the letter, would have cleansed the petroleum sector

    Tambuwal’s warning did not start overnight. On Jan 6, he had warned the Executive against corruption while speaking on the amendment of the constitution. The Speaker had sent a clear signal to the Executive and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), saying that the House would not condone a situation where few people feed fat on the wealth of the nation and majority of Nigerians wallow in abject poverty. He said the House will monitor step the MDAs and ensure that the national wealth is judiciously used by them.

    The Speaker said: “We are convinced now more than ever before, that a situation where the majority of the citizens continue to live in abject poverty while an insignificant minority corner the commonwealth is not only unjust, but unacceptable.

    “In this regard, we shall continue to adopt a pragmatic and functional approach to ensure that the war against corruption is removed from the realm of rhetoric by exercising absolute diligence in our oversight function to enhance transparency and accountability in both high and low strata.

    In November last year, the House raised an alarm over the non-remittance of N4 trillion by 60 MDAs indicted by the House panel report. The Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC) was summoned to explain $7bn missing crude oil funds. Also, Alhaji Rilwan Lukman and Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke were asked to appear before the investigative committee. The position of the Executive has always been that funds were not missing.

    Sequel to reports by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF) over the non-remittance of over N4 trillion by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the 2009 fiscal year, the House summoned the Minister of Petroleum Resources and past chairmen and members of the Board of the NNPC. They are among 60 MDAs investigated by the Public Accounts Committee headed by Solomon Adeola.

    Adeola said that a comprehensive probe into the operation of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is underway. He alleged that the company has not remitted any revenue into the government coffers for seven years.

    “On the issue of the LNG, you will agree with me that the only thing that constitutes revenue today, apart from taxes, is oil. The LNG has been on for over six to seven years and they’re not privatised and we’ve not even heard from them”, he said.

    The House also supported the Senate’s call for the sack of the Chairman of the Pension Task Force Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, over pension fraud and corruption. It ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, to appear before its committee on Police Affairs to explain why he did not act on the warrant issued by the Senate. But it was later alleged that the Presidency was shielding Maina.

    In March, the legislators, through a motion moved by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Hon. Bimbo Daramola, agreed that the immunity granted the former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, “was not well thought out.”

    On July 28, the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values resolved to investigate the Ministry of Aviation over the award of contracts running into billions of naira. The committee alleged that the contract money was paid for jobs not executed. Its Chairman, Abiodun Faleke, said the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and the Ministry of Works would be investigated for breaching the Public Procurement Act.

    He said: “The impunity with which we do things in this country is appalling, like the abuse of ‘No Objection Certificate’ given by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). All agencies are using this loophole to issue contracts of over N20b without advertising them, once they write to the BPP that allows for selective tendering.

    “Talking of impunity, during an oversight of MDG projects, we discovered that a canal was conducted in Okrika for over N2billlion. The consultancy fee for the project that was not even in the 2012 budget and not appropriated for was N900m”.

    The House has also criticised the Federal Government for the poor implementation of the budget. In its view, the President only selects and implements some items in the budget.

    The 2014 budget presentation to the National Assembly was aborted by President Jonathan at the last minute, due to the insistence of the House on $79 per barrel.

    However, the public has always had the impression that the face off between the House and the Presidency is related to the manner in which the Speaker emerged in 2011 against the will and zoning formula of the PDP. But, Tambuwal is of the opinion that the House was living up to its vision, which is “ pursue an aggressive legislative agenda to reposition itself as a key branch of government, able and determined to deliver on the key elements of governance”.

    A legislator, who craved for anonymity, said that “that is why the House frowns when the Executive says that its resolutions are mere advice”. But another legislator said: “Tambuwal is only playing to the gallery by attacking the President in order to gain favour from the opposition in the House”.

  • Jonathan under pressure to reply Obasanjo’s letter

    Jonathan under pressure to reply Obasanjo’s letter

    NLC, Lagos Assembly, PDM urge lawmakers to probe allegations

    President Goodluck Jonathan remained under pressure yesterday to respond to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter on the state of the nation.

    Obasanjo, in an 18-page December 2 letter, levelled some allegations against Dr Jonathan and his administration, which he said was derailing.

    He also urged the President to respond to allegations that he had been training snipers and a killer squad ahead of the 2015 elections.

    Obasanjo said Jonathan had no moral right to contest in 2015, having promised to spend only one term when he was being nominated in 2011.

    But the Presidency has asked the former president to prove the existence of a killer squad or keep quiet.

    Besides, Jonathan is said to be planning to respond to the allegations.

    To the Nigeria Labour Congress (NCL), Jonathan should respond now to the “weighty allegations”.

    Acting General Secretary Chris Uyot said the President should respond to the critical issues raised by Obasanjo, which, according to him, border on national security and the management of the nation’s economy.

    Uyot also urged the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to ensure that the raging internal crisis in the party does not engulf the country.

    The labour leader argued that since Obasanjo wrote the letter, in which he expressed his view and made allegations on serious issues, Nigerians had been waiting for Jonathan’s response.

    He said: “The issues raised are weighty enough for the President to respond to. One of the issues borders on national security while another borders on the management of the economy.

    “As far as we are concerned, Obasanjo wrote a letter to the President and made those allegations, and Nigerians want the President to respond to this letter. The NLC would respond to the controversy at the appropriate time.”

    Obasanjo had accused Jonathan of taking actions inimical to the well being of the nation in an 18-page letter dated December 2, 2013 with the title ‘before it is too late.’

    The former President, who accused Jonathan of committing anti-party activities against the ruling PDP because of his political ambition, also accused him of training snipers and putting 1,000 politicians under watch.

    The main opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) has asked the National Assembly to impeach Jonathan. The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) called yesterday on the National Assembly to investigate the letter.

    A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDM, Ahmadu Rufai Abubakar, said the issues raised in the letter were troubling and unfortunate.

    Obasanjo had, among others, alleged non remittance of over $7 billion crude oil proceeds to the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    “These are grave and weighty allegations indeed. We read, with deep disappointment, the President’s response or, better still, his non-response to these allegations, through his media aide.

    “The decision of the President to ignore these allegations, for now, is quite troubling and unfortunate.

    “It is totally inexplicable and unacceptable that the leader of our nation can assume that the nation can wait until such a time he feels the need to explain these grave allegations, some of which border on treason.

    “By his decision not to respond to these allegations immediately, the President is keeping Nigeria and Nigerians in unnecessary and dangerous suspense,” the statement added.

    The party insisted that Nigerians had a right to know the truth about the allegations raised in the letter, stressing that the President owed the people an explanation.

    The PDM added: “It is not a matter of choice, it is a matter of duty for the President to respond immediately, failing which his government loses the legitimacy to continue to govern and he loses the moral right to continue to lead the country.

    “We view this decision by the President to defer a timely response seriously. We feel it is an abdication of duty and responsibility and it undermines the integrity of the office he occupies. It threatens the unity, peace and political stability of the nation.

    “In view of the above, the PDM calls on the National Assembly to discharge its duty and responsibility to the nation by compelling the President to offer an immediate response to the allegations levelled against him in the letter.

    “We call on the National Assembly to fully and painstakingly investigate these allegations, by asking the President to fully explain himself and absolve himself of them, failing which it should commence impeachment proceedings against him.”

    The Lagos State House of Assembly at plenary also said the National Assembly should investigate the allegations without delay.

    The session, which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Taiwo Kolawole, made the call following a motion raised by a member, Mr. Bisi Yusuf, under “matter of urgent public importance”.

    The House called on Obasanjo to forward his letter to the National Assembly as a petition.

    The House said the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to carry out such a probe,which it should do to save the country from collapse”

    Yusuf described the content of Obasanjo’s letter as “worrisome”. He said Jonathan should respond to the various allegations and should honourably resign his position if the allegations were found to be true.

    Contributing to the debate, a member, Yinka Ogundimu, said the allegations against Jonathan, coming from Obasanjo, could not be dismissed, but should be considered weighty.

    Many other members spoke in a smiliar manner.

    Deputy Speaker Kolawole said: “I want to plead with Obasanjo to send that letter to the National Assembly as a petition that will be investigated.”

    The Northwest Solidarity Forum (NSF) has described the silence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors on the letter as worrisome.

    In the statement titled: “Obasanjo’s letter: Where are the PDP governors?” the Forum said it was concerned about the content of the 18-page letter “which borders on issues of governance and exposes details of such other issues which should not have been meant for the public space”.

    The statement reads: “While the Forum is still pondering the motivation behind the declassification of the letter by Chief Obasanjo, it is quite surprising that none of the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deemed it necessary to intervene in the matter through measured comments that will engender reconciliation.

    “The silence in the camp of the PDP governors is worrisome to us.

    The statement added: “At this point, the PDP governors who believe in the survival of the Federal Government and the PDP cannot afford to sit on the fence or keep mute.

    “The salvation of our democracy, the political careers and future of the governors should give them a sense of urgency and commitment to the task of working together to pursue peace and success for the Federal Government and the ruling party now and during the 2015 general elections.”

    The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) faction led by Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang described the letter as part of the growth process of the nation and an integral part of democracy.

    In a statement in Abuja from the media office of the Forum, signed by Kassim Yakubu, the Jang-led NGF noted that they were committed to the success of democratic rule in Nigeria and that democracy remains the most viable form of government for the development of Nigeria.

    “A look at the progress made in the states within a little over a decade of democratic rule cannot compare to the many decades of other forms of governments of the past”, adding that “the success of democratic rule is made possible by the participatory nature of the system of government which he says is presently working for Nigeria.”

    As our democracy grows, it is our belief that more and more quality candidates will continue to emerge and this will translate to better governance on behalf of the people.”

    Calling on Nigerians to continue to participate in the democratic process as there is no other form of government that can guarantee the level of choice and participation that comes with democracy, Jang stressed that Nigerians should see the recent surge in political activities as integral to any democratic society.

    “There will always be both positive and negative issues thrown out there just as we are experiencing now with those heating up the polity unnecessarily. Nigerians should however remain steadfast in their confidence in democracy and see all these as part of the growth process as a nation,” the statement added.

  • Minister inaugurates governing boards

    Minister inaugurates governing boards

    Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has told members of boards of parastatals in the ministry that it won’t be business as usual.

    He said any board that fails would be dissolved.

    Prof. Onyebuchi spoke yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Boards of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki and Ear Care Centre, Kaduna.

    He said: “There is no room for business as usual. Any board, which does not meet the benchmark for performance as approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, risks being dissolved.”

    The minister noted that the main function of the board “is to provide oversight on management to ensure the implementation of government policies, effective and efficient utilisation of resources, observance of extant laws and regulations and ensure that resources are devoted for the benefit of patients and institutions.”