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Tag: Goodluck Jonathan

  • FG sets mechanism to control poisonous gas, flooding

    FG sets mechanism to control poisonous gas, flooding

    The federal government has put in place measures to control the threats of poisonous gas and flooding that may likely occur as a result of eruption from the weak volcanic Lake Nyos located along the line of volcanic activities in Cameroun.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, made this known while inspecting the Kashimbila multi- purpose Dam site.

    In anticipation of the environmental disaster that may accompany breakdown of the lake Nyos in Cameroun, which may push the poisonous water to Taraba, Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Delta States, the federal government has embarked on construction of buffer dam to accommodate the poisonous water.

    The dam is located between Kashimbila and Gomovo Towns on River Katsina Ala, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state close to the country’s border with Cameroun.

    A statement by the ministry’s deputy director (Press), Mrs. Oyeboade Akinola, said the minister explained that the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam had an airstrip constructed to facilitate the evacuation of people in the area to a safe place if the lake eventually breaks before the Dam is completed.

    According to the minister, the airstrip will serve as an added infrastructure to support economic activities in the dam.

    She said: “When President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, the project was about 10 per cent completion but today as we are standing here the dam is about 75 per cent completed and the President has made available sufficient fund to complete the project.”

    The chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, said that the National Assembly has been supporting the Kashimbila Dam project.

    He added that the project would be one of the landmark achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration when completed.

     

    He called on state governments to utilise completed Dams by providing treatment plants and reticulation of the water to the end users as well as make provision for irrigation.

  • Accord me equal recognition with Alaafin, others, Soun urges Jonathan

    Accord me equal recognition with Alaafin, others, Soun urges Jonathan

    The Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to accord himself, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade, equal recognition whenever he visits the state.

    The traditional ruler also expressed delight over the amicable resolution of the row between the Olubadan and the president over the latter’s recent visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, a move the Olubadan considered a slight to his office and person.

    However, Jonathan was quick to apologise to the revered monarch, explaining that since he planned to visit the Olubadan twice between now and April, he thought an earlier visit would be an overkill.

    In a statement on Friday by his Private Secretary, Mr. Toyin Ajamu, the Soun commended Jonathan’s position that he holds Odugade, the people of Ibadan, the citizens of Oyo State and the South-West in general in high esteem.

    Ajamu said it was comforting that Jonathan plans to visit the Olubadan in the next few weeks, an indication that his government is a listening one that accepts constructive criticisms.

    He, however, urged the president to also take into cognisance the fact that Oyo State has three paramount rulers of equal standing, adding that he should accord the three the same status and respect.

    He listed the three monarchs to include himself (Soun), the Olubadan of Ibadan and the Alaafin of Oyo.

    Ajamu advised Jonathan to ensure that none of the highly respected traditional rulers is left out in the next presidential visit and in any matter that will require the involvement of the traditional institution in future.

    According to him, “The president and his aides are hereby urged to make corrections as promised, so as to promote the unity and development of this nation without creating divisions.”

     

  • Jonathan gives deadline for defectors to return to PDP

    President Goodluck Jonathan has urged defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that wants to return to the party to do so within the next few days or loose their privileges.

    He gave the deadline at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo State during PDP’s Sensitization rally where former governor of Imo State Chief Achike Udenwa and a number of former party members were received back to the party.

    Others persons that returned to the party on Saturday included Senator Chris Anyawu, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Mike Ahamba, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief Lambert Iheanacho, and Hon. Independence Ogunewe.

    Stressing that PDP is the only party that can lead Nigeria to greatness, Jonathan said that if the former members who defected to other parties return within the period, they will be on equal pedestal with existing members and enjoy the same privileges otherwise, they will have to be on the queue.

    He assured the new returnees that there will be no discrimination against them in the PDP.

    He said: “The message today is very clear and I believe some of my good friends are not here. They know where they are is not…we have opened the door for a few days. You join us these few days, the position you occupy is the position any other person will occupy. No discrimination.”

    “But if you don’t come and come later, you will queue behind your ward assistant chairman.”

    “So, the time to join us is now so that there will be nothing like discrimination in anything. The party is open for everybody. Equal rights and justice is guaranteed. We are party that believes in justice and so, we must also believe I equal rights.”

    “For us, Imo state PDP has come together, everybody has equal rights, there is no discrimination. We call on all of you who are still watching that this is the best time to join us so that you can use the platform of PDP to express any interest you have.” He added

    Claiming that the occasion was not a campaign rally, he said that there will be no democracy in Nigeria without the PDP and that it is the only party that can guarantee equal rights and justice as well as a level-playing field for all members.

  • Work to begin on 2nd Niger bridge soon – Jonathan

    Work to begin on 2nd Niger bridge soon – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan pledged on Saturday that work would start on the second Niger Bridge not later than March 17, 2014 when Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State is due to leave office.
    This, he said, is to honour Obi for the passion he has shown for the execution of the project.
    The President spoke during a courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe at his Ime Obi palace in Onitsha.

    The president who said he was on the way from the PDP rally in Owerri described Anambra State and its people as very lucky to have Peter Obi as their governor.
    He said that in an era when some other governors are owing banks and raising bonds, Obi remains an exception.
    He said that Obi would remain a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team even after ceasing to be governor.
    Igwe Achebe thanked the President for what he has done for the state and noted in particular, the ongoing work on the mausoleum of Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in Onitsha.
    “It will go down in history that it was your administration that had the determination and zeal to finally give our beloved, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Owelle-Osowa Onitsha, first President of Nigeria, and Zik of Africa, a befitting resting place,” he said.

  • Kingsley Kuku flies high

    Kingsley Kuku flies high

    Until a few years ago, Kingsley Kuku was virtually an unknown name in the social hub. Today, the name invokes power and influence. Fortune smiled on the former student union leader when he was appointed as Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    His appointment served as his launching pad into the world of power and fame and he instantly endeared himself to the Lagos social crowd. To say that his exalted office has propelled his social ranking is to state the obvious.

    At Ruth Osime’s 50th birthday shindig recently, he had his hands full as he was always with one personality or the other. Even people who were there long before he became prominent were jostling for his attention.

  • 2015: APC hires Obama’s strategists as PDP plans rallies

    2015: APC hires Obama’s strategists as PDP plans rallies

    CAMPAIGNS for the 2015 elections are yet to open, but parties seem not to be taking chances.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has engaged prominent international political consultants AKPD Message and Media to boost its electoral chances.

    President Goodluck Jonathan and governors of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors are also getting set. They met on Monday night behind closed-door to finetune strategies for zonal rallies to receive defectors and woo new members to the party.In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the Chicago, U.S.-based firm is best known for its lead role in President Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.

    The party explained that the firm has also worked with key Democratic party candidates throughout the U.S. and has a strong reputation for supporting leading populist movements across the globe.

    “We have been working closely with AKPD Message and Media over the past few months and we shall leverage on the firm’s skill, experience and expertise throughout the upcoming campaign cycle,” APC said.

    “As a party destined to bring change and succour to the long suffering people of Nigeria, the APC is proud and excited to work with one of the foremost exponents of change in the world, especially with their track record of success in political climates akin to ours, notably in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana. With this strategic partnership, the process of change in Nigeria has already begun and it can’t be stopped,” the party concluded.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji said it was also part of regular meetings with the President to review other activities of the party.

    According to him, the ongoing consultations between President Jonathan and traditional rulers and other interest groups across the country are expected.

    But he declined to confirm when exactly the President would declare his ambition to contest the 2015 presidential election.

    Orji said: “The meeting was in compliance with what the President promised us, that he will be meeting regularly with PDP governors. He met with us today and we reviewed party activities, especially the rallies that we are going to hold in the states and zonal levels.”

    “The rallies are meant to sensitize people. In Owerri, we are going to receive some people who are coming back to the party. In other states where people are coming back to the party, they will be received formally. We discussed party affairs.”

    On the President’s yet to be declared ambition, he said: “It is the President that knows when to declare. This consultation is what a President should do. A President should consult with his subjects, that is what he is doing. Declaration is not the issue now.”

    “The President will declare when he wants to; he will tell you if he wants to run or not. As of now, what he is doing is to interact with stakeholders and that is the function of the President, to meet with his people,” Orji added.

    The President recently met with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu and Oba Babatunde Akran of Badagry.

    At the meeting were Vice President Namadi Sambo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim; PDP Chairman Ahmadu Muazu and his Deputy, Uche Secondus.

    Governors at the meeting included Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Theodore Orji (Abia), Mukhtar Ramallan Yero (Kaduna), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Garba Umar (Taraba), Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Saidu Nasamu Dakingari (Kebbi) and Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta),

    The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, John Jonah and that of Adamawa, Bala James Ngilari were also in attendance.

     

  • Pilgrim commission debunks cleric’s claim

    Pilgrim commission debunks cleric’s claim

    The board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has debunked the claim of its one-time federal commissioner, Rev. Robinson Oritsuwa that he was wrongly removed from the board of the commission last year.

    According to a widely-circulated publication, the clergyman alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan approved his return to the board, but he was replaced by the NCPC boss.

    In a statement from the office of the NCPC, the board agreed that “no doubt, Rev. Oritsuwa is a former federal commissioner on the board of the NCPC. He represented the Southsouth between 2008 and July last year. He was the only board member whose appointment was not renewed by President Jonathan. He was replaced by Pastor Mike Abrakata to represent Southsouth.”

    The statement also considered it “saddening that Rev. Oritsuwa went to press to misrepresent information. That once Mr. President approves the name of any candidate for an appointment, no one can change it.”

     

    We expect that he should know better, having served as a member of the board for five years. This is most unfortunate because it is not within the powers of the executive secretary to add or remove the name of any candidate on the board of the commission.”

     

  • Arogbofa takes office as Jonathan’s Chief of Staff

    Arogbofa takes office as Jonathan’s Chief of Staff

    A retired officer of the Signal, Corps of the Army, Brig.-Gen. Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa, has assumed office as chief of staff to President Goodluck Jonathan.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the President’s spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, announced the appointment of Chief Mike Oghiadomen’s replacement yesterday.

    The statement said: “The new chief of staff to the President was born on November 10, 1952. He hails from the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    “In addition to administrative capabilities and experience garnered from a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen Arogbofa brings an impressive array of academic qualifications to his new job.

    “They include a Diploma in Communications Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, U.S.A; a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Sciences degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama, U.S.A and a Masters degree in Military Arts and Science from the United States Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

    “The new Chief of Staff holds several military honours and awards including Mss, Fss, Fsc and Fwc and is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.”

    The Chairman of the Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has hailed President Jonathan for “heeding my plea and that of other leaders in the zone to give more strategic appointments to the Southwest zone”.

    The politician described the appointment of Arogbofa as “timely and strategic”.

    Kashamu said: “I am elated that our truly democratic and listening President hearkened to the pleas of well-meaning leaders and elders of our party in the Southwest to appoint one of our own. For me, my joy knows no bound, given the fact that the appointment came barely 24 hours after I reiterated the call in a statement published on pages 41 and 60 of The Nation and ThisDay.

    “With this appointment, it is clearly a sign of better things to come our way,” he said.

  • Osun senators kick as Senate clears 11 for minister

    •Mark: Senate not court of law

    The confirmation of Alhaji Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan, one of the ministerial nominees, yesterday divided the Senate.

    President Goodluck Jonathan nominated Adesiyan from Osun State.

    Indication that Adesiyan’s nomination create tension started last week when he appeared before the Senate.

    With a voice full of emotion, the ministerial hopeful denied complicity in the assassination of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Chief Bola Ige.

    Ehigie Uzamere (Edo South) asked Adesiyan to swear by the Qur’an if he had no hand in the death of Ige.

    Adesiyan referred to Ige, who was killed in his Bodija, Ibadan home on December 23, 2001, as his mentor.

    As the Senate resumed the yesterday, Olusola Adeyeye, (Osun Central) raised a point of order that three other senators from Osun State opposed the nomination of Adesiyan.

    Adeyeye’s reasons for their opposition failed to sway majority of the lawmakers.

    Adeyeye said: “During the hearing, I also sought your wisdom to guide me as to when I should voice our collective objection to this nomination. You advised that I should wait until the confirmation process.

    “I also want to place it on record that this nominee is the sixth person who was nominated by our President for an appointment that requires the confirmation. I want to put it on record that in all five previous nominations, three of us have not only endorsed the nomination, we have also canvassed support for them.

    “This is the first time that we are opposing any nomination. We opposed this nomination on two grounds: One, we do not believe that the President would be best served by the appointment of Mr. Adesiyan. When he met the three of us from Osun, he did just as he did when he appeared before the Senate. He told a long story about being accused falsely in the murder of the late Chief Bola Ige. He spoke at length, and when he finished, I told him that two things are clear: One, Bola Ige did not kill himself. Two, the dead do not talk. Bola Ige cannot come and tell us who killed him.

    “So, we are not even going to bother you about that whether or not you are the one who participated. We said the serious issue is that if you have this albatross around your neck, are there not any other people in your party?”

    As Adeyeye made further attempts to tell the Senate why Adesiyan should not be confirmed, Mark cut him short.

    Mark said: “Prof, please, I am afraid I have to stop you at this point. The reason is simple. Let me put something on record also. Yes, it is true you approached me. But it is also true that you did ask whether you could ask him (question) when he appeared here or not.

    “You recall that I said I have no problem with that and I think you should have reported that bit.

    “I also did say that during confirmation you can make your objections and that I think is very clear from the voice vote I asked openly here.

    “When he was here whatever questions you had for him I didn’t stop you from asking. Mine was just an advice and I was very specific.

    “I said yes you can ask him while he is here. I think we must put all this behind us.

    “This is my own honest advice. This House cannot become a law court where we prosecute or discharge people.

    “If he is not prosecuted in a law court anything we do here is just an allegation and thank God you said that the issue is not really that of Bola Ige.

    “He didn’t nominate himself. He was nominated by Mr. President and we all had a voice vote here and I think if you have an objection to the voice vote you can call for a division if that is what you want but I think from the voice vote it is clear to everybody that this nominee is approved by the House.

    “So, I don’t see where your privilege has become an issue that you are coming under privilege now.

    “I allowed you but you have gone into a very lengthy explanation and you have actually gone beyond what in my opinion will be your own privilege in nominating somebody from your state.

    “I think with this explanation really I should continue with the issue I’m making. So I rule you out of order.”

    On the 11 confirmed nominees, Mark asked them to bring additional value to actualise the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

    He said, “I think it is appropriate for me at this time to advice those that we have confirmed that they must bring additional value on board.

    “It is not for them to begin to indulge themselves in a manner that they are running a different government apart from what we all stand for.

    “If they have no value to add then their nomination and confirmation will amount to nothing. At the end of the day we expect that they will bring value.

    “They will work diligently to ensure the transformation agenda. And I know that from now onwards nobody will see their break light again but we don’t want to provided they perform and bring the dividends of democracy to the people.

    “They should not see themselves as masters. They should see themselves as servants of the people who have been called to serve at a very difficult period in the history of our country.”

    Apart from Adesiyan others confirmed included Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), Hon. Mohammed Wakil (Brono), Ambassador Aminu Wali (Kano), Mrs. Akon Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom), Mrs. Lawrencia Labaran Mallam (Kaduna) and General Mohammed Aliu Gusau (Rtd) (Zamfara).

    Also confirmed were former Adamawa State Governor, Mr. Boni Haruna, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto) and Dr. T.W. Danagogo (Rivers) and Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger).

    The screening of Hadjia Jamilla Salik (Kano) was stood down following a motion to the effect by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba.

    There were however insinuations that Salik may be replaced by another nominee.

     

     

  • Oduah hands over to supervising minister

    Oduah hands over to supervising minister

    Former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, has hailed President Goodluck Jonathan, workers of and stakeholders in the Aviation sector for giving her the opportunity to serve the country.

    The former minister also expressed gratitude to all for the support she got during her over two years’ stewardship in the ministry.

    Ms Oduah spoke yesterday in Abuja when she handed over to the Supervising Minister for Aviation and Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom.

    She said: “It was a great privilege to be chosen from among over 160 million Nigerians to serve in the Federal cabinet. My profound gratitude goes to Mr President, who provided me with this rare privilege. I also want to thank him for all the support he accorded me to pursue his Transformation Agenda in the Aviation Sector.

    “I equally wish to thank my personal aides, aviator sector workers and stakeholders, who partnered with me to realise our vision and mission in the sector.”

    “During my tenure, we gave our best to institute reforms in line with Mr President’s Transformation Agenda. We produced the Aviation Sector Master Plan and Implementation Road Map. Using the master plan and road map, we were able to reconstruct and remodel all 22 federally-owned airports across the country. We also began the construction of five new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano.

    “We introduced the perishable cargo and aerotropolis concepts to drive the growth and development of not only the Aviation sector but also the Nigerian economy. The construction of the cargo terminals has begun at 16 airports across the country while modalities have been completed to kick-start the aerotropolis project.

    “We also carried out institutional reforms, built the capacity of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Technology (NCAT) to produce enough professionals for the local aviation market and export.

    “My greatest satisfaction comes from our accomplishments in the area of safety and security of the Nigerian airspace. We were able to procure, update and install safety-critical infrastructure that has repositioned the sector to achieve our objective of zero-accident rate in the Nigerian airspace.”

    The former minister said the reforms started during her tenure would propel the sector to greater accomplishments.

    She hoped her successor would sustain the transformation in the sector, among air travellers and for the economy.