The Nation Newspaper

Tag: governor

  • Imperial governor

    Imperial governor

    •Governor Aliyu’s treatment of his estranged deputy negates law and decency

    Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has shown scant regard for the rule of law in his disagreement with his deputy, Ahmed Musa Ibeto. The quarrel between the two arose from the deputy governor’s decampment from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ever since that action, Governor Aliyu has incrementally abused his powers, to maltreat his deputy. The latest is the cynical relocation of the deputy’s office to a public residential area, about 1,500 metres away from the government house premises; an action, he should rescind, immediately.

    While a deputy governor should not decamp from the party on which he is elected with the governor, as it is incongruous to the spirit of the executive office, such occurrence is not enough reason for Governor Aliyu to ridicule the deputy governor’s office, which is a creation of the constitution. In pursuit of vendetta, Governor Aliyu has flagrantly abused the constitution, and is making a mockery of his own office, being a creation of law. First, the governor barred the deputy governor from the state executive council meeting, against the provisions of section 193(2) of the 1999 constitution. Again, the governor illegally handed over the reins of the state to the Speaker, State House of Assembly, instead of the deputy, when he travelled, in disregard of section 190 of the constitution.

    So, while the deputy governor may be accused of moral indiscretion in dumping the governor with whom he ran for office, the governor on his part is riding roughshod over the fundamental law of the country, the constitution from where his powers derive legitimacy. Because his earlier unconstitutional acts were ignored by the deputy, the governor has now gone ahead to forcibly eject the deputy from his office, using cleaners and policemen. In justifying the official misconduct, the governor’s chief press secretary, Israel Ebije, was reported to have said, “As you know, renovation work on the protocol department has just been completed and it is the turn of the building of the deputy governor’s office”.

    In case the governor has forgotten, the Supreme Court had held as unconstitutional similar infractions of the law by a chief executive, in pursuit of an estranged deputy, in the case between Alhaji Atiku Abubakar versus Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. As in that instance, political disagreements between the executive official and his deputy, however serious, should never be enough to bring the provisions of the constitution to disrepute. We agree that ideally, the governor and the deputy governor should operate on the same political platform, but when political differences have occurred, the issues should be sorted out within the provisions of the law.

    In the present instance, a 20-hour notice to relocate, handed over to the deputy governor on the orders of the governor, clearly does not fall within the express and clear intents of the 1999 constitution. To save our democracy from such abuse, as championed by Governor Aliyu, we urge all lovers of democracy to deprecate his actions; more so as the alleged spiteful actions of the governor during the PDP primaries, gave rise to the current crises. We recall that the governor was accused of imposing candidates during the party primaries, particularly the gubernatorial candidate of the party. May we remind Governor Aliyu that he is the chief ambassador of democracy in Niger State, and it will be unfortunate if he allows his animosity against his deputy, to turn him into a champion of undemocratic actions in the state. His actions sadly remind us of the military era, when one person sees himself as the alpha and omega, wielding executive, legislative and judicial powers altogether.

  • •Wike: governor blackmailing me

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi of blackmailing him.

    Wike said the people were determined to end “the unpleasant days of Amaechi and his associates”.

    He spoke during his campaign tour of wards 15, 16 and 17 of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area yesterday.

    Wike said Amaechi has failed to provide basic amenities for the people.

    He assured the people that he would stop the seizure of lands from the people.

    “This election is about stopping the negative legacies of Amaechi and setting Rivers State on the path to development. The people have pledged their support to PDP, because this is the only way to speedy development.”

    The state PDP governorship candidate hailed the Akpor people for always supporting his political ambition.

    He promised to rehabilitate its link roads and improve on internal roads, saying the blackmail adopted by Amaechi and his associates would not stop the PDP.

    Wike urged the people to vote President Goodluck Jonathan as well as other PDP candidates and said Nigerians would not allow the country to be dragged backwards by the APC.

     

  • Why I want to be governor, by Emmanuel

    Why I want to be governor, by Emmanuel

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, has reiterated his desire to govern the state with the fear of God if elected into office. He also pledged to harness his connections in the international business community to create wealth for the state.

    Udom gave the assurances yesterday at an interactive session with the youths of Uyo Catholic Diocese at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ifiayong Usuk in Uruan Local Government Area.

    The governorship hopeful was accompanied to the session by his running mate, Moses Ekpo; Director General of his campaign, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga; the state ALGON Chairman, Obong Nse Ntuen; Eket Senatorial Candidate, Chief Nelson Effiong; state TAN coordinator, Ufot Ebong; BOT Chairman of Transformation Initiative, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang and other dignitaries.

    The PDP standard bearer said he was an ambassador of Christianity and so, would not go below prescribed standards in the discharge of his duties as governor from May 29.

    He pledged that his administration would target jobs and  employments for youths of the state.

    He said: “God did not give me the connections to pay my children’s school fees alone; he did not bless me with the experiences for me to cater for my family’s needs alone. I believe it was for the purpose of harnessing it to serve the needs of our people”.

    Quoting several scriptural passages, the candidate charged the youths to live exemplary lives and to stand by the truth in taking decisions about their state and the future.

  • I’m fulfilled, says governor

    I’m fulfilled, says governor

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has said his dream of bridging the gap between children of the rich and the poor has been fulfilled in the state’s education sector.

    Mimiko said this at the weekend at the inauguration of the 50th Caring Heart Mega School built by his administration.

    The event was part of the sixth anniversary of the Mimiko-led administration.

    Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade said 17 mega primary schools in Odigbo, Oka, Ondo, Oke Agbe, Ifon and Ijare communities, among others, will be inaugurated with completed classrooms.

    The mega schools come with free school buses, uniforms, sandals, bags, books, alluring architecture, electro-magnetic chalk boards and  computer laboratories with 50 internet-ready computers for Type 1 schools.

    Inaugurating the Caring Heart Sub-urban Mega Primary School Isokan in Akure at the weekend, Mimiko noted that  gone were the days when children of the less privileged are deprived of access to ICT tools, until they get  to  tertiary institutions.

    He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his favourable disposition to uplifting education, particularly for building about 130 Almajiri schools in the North.

  • Group back Ezea for Enugu governor

    Group back Ezea for Enugu governor

    A group, the League of Professionals in Enugu State has unfolded plans to mobilise the people to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Chief Okey Ezea, at the general elections.

    The group described Ezea, a lawyer, as a dependable and committed politician, who has the love of the state at heart.

    In a statement in Enugu, the state capital, the group said that Enugu State is ripe for power shift.

    It added: “We have carefully and critically analysed the candidates who have been presented by their parties for the exercise and come to the conclusion that Chief Okey Ezea of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is the most suitable person to govern Enugu State in 2015.  In reality, the battle is between Okey Ezea and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and these are the candidates we invested much of our time investigating.

    “The other candidates are political jobbers, who are there to fill  the vacuum that may be created by some technicalities.

    “On performance, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2003.  No tangible project has been attracted by him to the communitieshe represents. We could not associate him with any tangible motion or bill throughout the period.

    “Okey Ezea, on the other hand, has been in private business. His business has grown into an internatyional conglomerate.  It is our firm belief, following our findings, that Okey Ezea will transform Enugu State with the same zeal and precision he built his business.”

  • Community endorses Okowa for governor

    Community endorses Okowa for governor

    The people of Igbide, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, have endorsed Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for governor. Okowa, a former Secretary to Government, is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate.

    Rising from its meeting at Owodokpokpo-Igbide, the Igbide Political Elite Forum (IPEF), described Okowa as the best man for the job.

    The group aslo endorsed  Senator James Manager for the Senate,  Hon. Leo Okuweh for the House of Representatives and Hon. Johnson Obokparo Erijo for the House of Assembly in Isoko South Constiotuency 11.

    In a statement representatives of the community; Chief Daniel Erara Egwero, Prince Godspower Obukeni and Alex Ovie, the people promised to mobilise for Okowa’s victory at the poll.

    They described the candidate as an experienced politician, who has served the state as a local government chairman, commissioner, Secretary to Government and senator.

  • ‘Try a woman governor’

    ‘Try a woman governor’

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Alhassan, has appealed to the electorate to give her the mandate to make the difference.

    Mrs Alhassan spoke in an interview in Jalingo, the state capital after a reception in her honour by supporters and party faithful yesterday.

    She said men had ruled the state since its creation in 1991 but had not recorded the desired impact on the lives of the common people.

    She added that “I want to appeal to the people of Taraba State to try a woman for once and I can assure you that you will see a great difference”.

  • A governor’s last seasonal act

    A governor’s last seasonal act

    Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) last Sunday hosted the yearly Thanksgiving Service at the Open Grounds of the Lagos House at Alausa, Ikeja. It is the last time he will be doing so as governor as his eight-year tenure ends on May 29. The event attracted A list personalities, writes MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO

    It was his valedictory yearly Thanksgiving Service as governor of Lagos State. Last Sunday, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) was in his element as he hosted the colourful event on the open grounds of the Lagos House at Alausa, Ikeja. The event attracted Politicians, Christian leaders and captains of industry.

    Among those in attendance  were the All Progressives Congress (APC)  presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, his running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), and APC governorship candidate Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Guests began to file into the large field at 3pm.

    The background decorations, showcasing the predominant colours of the state caught guests’ attention, as they walked in.

    The entrance of Governor,  Fashola, his deputy, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, his wife, Folu and other top dignitaries about 4.30pm signalled the start of the service.

    It began with an opening prayer by Rev Ephriam Ademowo; it was followed by praise and worship by one of the invited artistes.

    The 15-minute praise and worship ignited the atmosphere as guests danced and gave thanks to God.

    Governor Fashola flowed with the mood. In his welcome address, he tested his vocal skills as he sang a song in “Yoruba titled Oye ka dupe meaning ‘we must give thanks, to the admiration of guests.

    He also noted the excitement of some dignitaries, particularly former Commissioner for Women Affairs and APC Women Leader Mrs Kemi Nelson, who danced to her heart’s content.

    Fashola was nostalgic, recalling when the first service was held during the administration of his predecessor.

    “I can see some of the people here  today who were with us then when the first thanksgiving service under the administration of my predecessor was held. And it gives me joy to see that we have continued with this trend.

    “It was just like yesterday that we all gathered here on January 5, 2014 to give thanks in an annual tradition that has now survived one and a half decades.

    “Today, 364 days after, when girls have disappeared without trace, bombs have exploded in mindless orgies of violence. Nigerian towns and villages have been sacked. Our brothers and sisters have been displaced from their homes. Young children have died in stampedes while looking for jobs.

    “Some of our brothers and sisters in the military have lost their lives while trying to defend you and I and the Fatherland.

    “I ask you all what else we can do than to give thanks, express our gratitude and praise God for surviving.

    “We are alive not because we are better, we are alive because of grace and mercy, and we must never take it for granted.”

    He said there were many things to be thankful to God for in 2014, adding that our appreciation must be reflected in our gratitude.

    Governor Fashola said while some parts of West Africa today, are battling the deadly Ebola Virus disease, God gave the state victory over the disease.

    “These countries are smaller than Lagos, Lagos is in fact bigger than many of them combined.

    “Yet the same virus afflicted us, we sadly lost 13 lives, but today we are not under lock down.

    “We can sit side-by-side, we can shake hands and we can move freely.

    “Again there was grace, there was a coming together across ethnic, religious and government levels to address a common problem.

    “This lesson is important for all of us to remember in 2015.”

    In his sermon titled: ‘Jesus the Truth’, Pastor Adeboye charged the congregation to recognise that God is greater than any challenge that might confront them in the year.

    He enjoined Nigerians to embrace God and ask for His mercies, adding that it is the only way to ensure continued peace and harmony in the face of societal ills.

    He prayed for the continued peace and unity of Nigeria particularly the conduct of next month’s elections Pastor Adeboye urged the Almighty God to grant the nation the grace to conduct peaceful elections that would produce credible leaders.  Wife of the governor Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire, the Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade and wife of the House of Assembly Speaker, Mrs Mayowa Ikuforiji read some Bible passages.

    Special prayers were said for the Governor and his family, Lagos State Government, civil servants, local governments and legislature, security services, children and youths and for peace to reign during the elections.

    Musical performance by the RCCG and DayStar Christian Centre mass choirs added colour to the service.

    Others present were some members of the State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Ben Akabueze; former governors of the State, Brig. Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, APC Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohamed.

    General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission  (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo; Most Reverend Samuel Chukwuemeka Kalu; Mrs Mercy Ezekiel.

  • Nsukka indigenes endorse Ezea for governor

    Indigenes of the old Nsukka zone living in the diaspora have endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okey Ezea, for the governorship of Enugu State.

    They spoke in a statement under the aegis of the Nsukka Progressives Union (NPU), titled: “Endorsement of APC governorship candidate in Enugu State”.

    The three-paragraph statement, signed by the secretary, reads: “We, members of Nsukka people in Brazil, formally endorse the candidate of the APC in Enugu State, Chief Okey Ezea.

    “After series of consultations, we decided to endorse him, being an astute leader with a vision.

    “We are not considering party but personality and future of our state.”

    Ezea said he was humbled by the support from his brothers in the diaspora.

    He said: “By this stand, they have shown that they want nothing but the best for their state.”

    The APC governorship candidate said Enugu should not be left behind in the wind of change blowing across the country, stressing that the people deserved better than they got in the last 16 years of PDP rule.

    Ezea said: “From 2007, PDP government in Enugu State has collected N544 billion. If you look round the state, from Enugu to Oji River, from Enugu to Awgu, from Enugu to Nsukka, is it like a place they have spent N544billion? Yet, we cannot provide free education.”

    He said he would provide details of local government allocation to the state for APC members so that they would show it to traders across the state, who had been deprived of amenities and infrastructures despite the billions of naira accruing to the state.

    The governorship candidate urged the people to embrace change, noting that in Imo State under an APC government, children enjoyed free education and free meal.

    Ezea recalled that in 2007, he won and they denied him victory.

    “I thank God that a new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) exists today, which has promised to conduct a biometric election.”

  • Three for governor in Ogun SDP

    Three for governor in Ogun SDP

    Ogun State Deputy Governor  Segun Adesegun, Mr. Fola Adeola and Comrade Wale Okunniyi, are vying for the governorship ticket of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) at the primaries. The date for the primaries is yet to be announced by the party leadership.

    Adesegun. who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress(APC) to the SDP, has said that he would contest against his boss, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, if given the ticket.

    The deputy governor said the time is ripe for him to take a decision on how to “lead his followers to the promised land and move Ogun State forward.”

    He said his decision is driven by the desire  to protect his followers from “rotting and wasting away” politically.

    But, Adesgun’s rival, Okunniyi, who was the governorship candidate of the defunct  Congress for Progressive Change(CPC) in 2011, said that he is more qualified and deserving of the SDP’s ticket than the deputy governor.

    Okunniyi, who rode into the home of former Governor Olusegun Osoba on horseback last week  amid cheers by supporters, to announce his interest in the  race, promised to govern well, if given the ticket.

    Another politician believed to be also vying the ticket is the running mate to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu during the 2011 presidential election on the ticket of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr Fola Adeola, whose posters adorn strategic locations in Abeokuta.

    It is not yet clear, if the reticent banker is keenly interested in the ticket, although his name has continued to feature as an interested party in the last eight months.