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Tag: governor

  • Can Alhassan become first woman governor?

    Can Alhassan become first woman governor?

    Many believe a woman can not be a state governor in Nigeria. But a female senator representing Northern Taraba, Aisha Jummai Alhassan, is on the verge of proving wrong this gender dogma. She has won an incredible poll, defeating four influential men, to clench the gubernatorial ticket of the most powerful and most consolidated opposition party in the country-the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It was an easy cruise for ‘Powerful’ Alhassan who polled a landslide 2, 425 votes of the total 2, 471 valid votes cast. The remaining 46 votes were shared among Mohammed Tumba Ibrahim, Yusufu Akirikwen and Julde Suleiman. Chairman of the electoral committee for the APC primaries in Taraba, Kola Shittu, described the election, which was held at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex, as “free, fair and transparent.”

    The outcome of poll was not totally ridiculous. It was her hard work and philanthropy that paid. Mrs Alhassan, a lawyer, is arguably  the finest politician in Taraba state. She became senator on the platform of the PDP but she decamped to the opposition party to realise her ambition.

    Even in the PDP, then largely regarded as a political neophyte, Alhassan floored a serving senator, Anthony Manzo, to clinch the ruling party’s senatorship ticket. At the general election she crushed former Governor Jolly Nyame who was fielded by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Alhassan, who may had foreseen today’s scenario, was prompt to join the league of senators who defected to the opposition when the PDP became polarised.

    Winning the APC ticket, she thanked delegates for the mandate given her. She extended the olive branch to her opponents which she described as gallant losers.

    The APC standard bearer called on her supporters and the entire people of the state to vote APC at the general elections in order to “erode PDP” from power.

    She accused the ruling party of failing the people and country. “PDP should not be allowed to continue in office in 2015,” she crusaded.

    She told newsmen: “The primary purpose of government is to take care of the people and protect their lives and  property. But under  PDP rein, the people are dying in poverty; their children cannot go to school and there is no infrastructural development to show.”

    Alhassan was the first female Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the state, first female registrar Abuja FCT and first female senator in Taraba state before winning an incredible poll to become the first governorship candidate in the northeastern geo-political zone.

    While she awaits the emergence of her opponent from the ruling party, powerful Alhassan appears unstoppable. While the infighting in PDP continues, Alhassan has continued to nurture the broom party, which is effectively growing and consolidating its hold in Taraba state. She has often said she would be voted the first female governor in Nigeria.

  • Urhobo back Emerhor for governor

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has called for power shift to the ethnic group. Some members also supported its support the All Progressives’ Party (APC) and its  governorship aspirant   Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

    Its President-General, Chief Joe Omene, while receiving Emerhor and his entourage during a visit to the union leadership, said the people have resolved to shift allegiance to any party that will field an Urhobo candidate.

    He said: “Urhobo is unwavering on the spirit of the Ovwiamuge Declaration, which affirms that Urhobo will mobilise its over one million majority votes in Delta for the alternate party, APC, for both the governorship and the presidential elections, should PDP refuse Urhobo candidacy for the 2015 governorship in Delta.

    “Following our reaffirmation of the Ovwiamuge Declaration at the UPU House in Warri a week ago, we have been reached by the Presidency and the Governor, but as I speak now we still do not understand the language they are speaking. If the APC has found our own son worthy to fly its flag, then we are solidly behind you.

    “During the fundraising for the new UPU Complex, you donated handsomely to UPU. Over recent funeral of our late President General, we know how well you gave too. We are motivated that your party chairman, other executives and Delta North and South are strongly behind you even on this visit to UPU and Urhobo will not go back on its word”, Omene said.

    Emerhor lamented the misrule of Delta State by the PDP-led administration, noting that APC is the only party equipped to give the ruling party the required fight and an assurance of winning.

    The aspirant, who was accompanied by Prophet Jones Erue, his deputy, Dr. Cyril Ogodo, party chieftain, Chief Ovie Frank Kokori, APC Delta North Zonal Chairman, Chief George Okafor, Chief Andrew Orugbo, Hon. Julius Okpoko, said he was determined to win the governorship next year.

    He said: “People all over Delta are tired of the PDP whose administration has been hijacked by a tiny proportion who lord it over the majority even in their own party. Now, it has degenerated to a point where to determine succession, one man presents his messenger to take over. Or they begin to talk of zoning but they still present their own brother.

    “APC is the only true alternate party to take over with robust followership and sense of equity to correct the wrongs of the PDP in Delta. I stand here on that platform. I have consulted all the components of Delta. If Urhobo stand for her son, Delta North and South are ready to support.”

  • ‘How we aborted Imoke’s plan to hijack C/River congress’

    Dr. Sandy Onor is the Director-General of  Godwin Jeddy Agba Governorship Campaign Organisation in Cross River State. In this interview with Correspondent SANNI ONOGU in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he speaks on the contentious ward congresses and the purported suspension of Agba and other party chieftains.

    What is responsible for the PDP crisis in Cross River State?

    Thee crisis is largely propelled by the fact that the PDP leadership in our state is insensitive to the genuine yearnings and aspiration of the vast majority of Cross River people. It is bent on constructing and coercing results that are premeditated for its own benefit and people are saying no to that. It must not be democracy according to you, it must be democracy according to the people.

    But, there was a panel on the congress from Abuja…

    We had a panel from Abuja peopled by men of integrity and probity; tested people in politics and in their professions. They came to Cross River and ensured that everybody had a level-playing ground as was required by the National Working Committee of the party. The party in the state attempted to exclude those who were not their people, so to speak. They hoarded the forms and make sure that only their own persons were given the forms. In fact, they attempted to even mutilate the forms by applying their own seals to the forms of the party. The forms are owned by the National Working Committee and not by any state chapter but they sealed those forms with their own seals just to ensure that people who were not their persons, whom they didn’t want to emerge will not be given an opportunity. But the party at the national levelknowing that things like that will happen at the states gave people the liberty to buy the forms here at the national. So, we bought our own forms, filled them, took them yo the state and the party threatened to refuse to accept them. We put pressure and then they reluctantly accepted them. But, even when they accepted them, they ensured that when the list of those eligible yo contest the election were published, only their own persons had their names on. So, you could see what I mean when I said the party is bent on excluding people. But, when the panel came they insisted that there must be a level-playing ground in consonance with the directives of the party, they said all who had forms legitimately must run. So, you know, the party that was unprepared for the election were constrained now to include everybody and go for the elections. When we went for this elections, everything went very well and results were being returned. The party, the chairman of the party, the governor, all of them, applauded the panel for a job well done. When the panel also left Calabar and came to Abuja, we also applauded them for a job well done. There was an appeal panel that followed. I stayed in Calabar for about 72 hours; no body petitioned the panel. When they later got to find by their calculations when they saw the larger picture, and by their calculations they found that, going by that list, they will not be able to impose their candidates on the people, they started protesting. In other words they recanted their earlier position which was that the congresses went very very well. And we are saying you cannot afford to do that. This panel came down and conducted a free, fair and transparent election. There was an appeal panel that followed and stayed in Calabar for about 72 hours. You did not protest because the elections were free and fair. Only for you to begin to protest now. So, we said no; that list cannot be revisited. I mean, democracy is not democracy only when you are winning. You know, when I am also winning it is democracy and you should have the integrity to accept it as such. The people of Cross River have spoken and that is what it must be.

    Is the aspiration of your principal a threat to the governor’s interest?

    Honestly, I don’t see it that way at all. I have served as a commissioner under Governor Liyel Imoke and I will not deliberately participate in any hostile takeover of governance in that state. I support Jeddy Agba because I believe,  as most of us do and most Cross Riverians do, that he is the man with the requisite technocratic ability and other forms of capacity to run this state for now. We need a man who is as schooled in the art of governance traditionally as he is in the art of governance in contemporary society. Jeddy is a Prince and he is the first son of the longest serving paramount ruler in this country. He is very comfortable with the people of the North as he is as a people in the South. He is not interested in coming to power to do injury to those who hold power now.

    What is your reaction to the suspension of some PDP chieftains?

    I sympathise with the executive because they are putting the wrong foot forward in every situation. They are not just acting right at all. They are in a frenzy. They are under pressure, under pressure to do wrong.

    Under pressure from whom?

    From the leadership. Clearly from the leadership and it is unfortunate. When you are under that kind of pressure you necessarily do wrong things. You must for instance say that a man is not a member of your party like the chairman said of Jeddy Agba a couple of months ago, then you turn around today to suspend him from the party. How can you say a man is not a member of your party and then you get to suspend him?

    Is the action of the Cross River PDP leadership legal?

    It is not legal at all and that is why we have said very clearly that it is an action that ab initio is of no consequence whatsoever and it is a nullity.

    Do you hope to challenge the suspension in court or what steps are you taking to redress the situation?

    The court is usually not our first point of call. We are party men to the core. So, we report every irregularity to the party at the national level. So ,this matter is also before the National Working Committee of the party and we hope to have justice.

    Is there any intervention so far from the national leadership?

    They are looking into the matter today. We hear joyfully that the National Working Committee will be having a meeting today and we believe that our case will be heard.

    Will you abide by the decision or resolution of the NWC on the matter?

    We are party men and we believe that the National Working Committee will always do justice as it has been doing.

    What are the chances of Jeddy Agba at the primaries and general elections?

    The chance is absolutely bright. The people are with and the voice of the people is the voice of God and he is doing the right things. He has the best campaign organization on ground. He is the most acceptable candidate. He is the most prepared. He is the most well meaning. He is the man for the moment.

    What  does Jeddy Agba have in stock for the people of Cross River?

    He has experience. He has contacts. He has connections. He is the one man who has demonstrated that he has what it takes to run government. He is the man who for instance is employing thousands of Cross Riverians already through his Goddy Logo Farms. He has shown that he is a philanthropist. He has shown that as I told you before he is a people’s man. He understands how to network. He respects people. So is a man that can take Cross River to the next level.

    What is the problem with the delegates’ list? What really happened during the ward congresses?

    All across the nation after the ward congresses of the PDP, the people protested against their governors saying that the governors hijacked the process, but in Cross River the reverse seems to be the case, why that?

    That is because the governor could not hijack the process. The people rather did what they had to do to ensure that it is only their genuine wishes that were reflected in the ballot. That is why the governor and his cohorts are not happy.

  • ‘Why we are backing Ortom for Benue governor’

    Edo North senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Richard Lamai, has urged his party to field a formidable candidate, who can defeat the All Progress Congress (APC) in next year’s election.

    Lamai said the party can only make an impact, if the ticket is given to the best man.  Noting that Edo State is being governed by an energetic governor, he said only an energetic candidate with massive grassroots support can wrest power from the ruling party.

    He described himself as a loyal party man, stressing that ,when he indicated his interest to contest in 2003, he was told to step down and work for the  second term of Senator Victor Oyofo.

    Lamai said he took the advice and worked towards the party’s victory in 2003 and 2007, adding that the decision enabled him to work closely with Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Raymond Dokpesi and the elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

    The aspirant said he is competent to represent the district at the Senate.

    He added that he has remained faithful to the PDP, even when many members dumped the party for the APC when they could not achieve their ambition within the fold.

    He implored the party to give his candidature preference, especially now that he has garnered enough exposure and experience as protégé of the legendary Clark, who is widely acknowledged as the political father of Mr. President and the Southsouth leader of the party.

    Lamai told the party leaders in the six local government areas of Edo-North that his cardinal objective is to stimulate economic development of the district through the establishment of small-scale industries in all the 64 wards of the zone.

    The senatorial aspirant said that, within 64 days in office, he would establish 64 small scale industries in each of the 64 wards of Edo North. This, he said, would be achieved through non-repayable empowerment scheme.

     

  • 60 gbosas for a governor

    60 gbosas for a governor

    Delta State Governor Emmauel Uduaghan entered the sexagenarian club with pomp at a well-celebrated event, SHOLA O’NEIL was there. 

    The 60th birthday of Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was unique in several ways. It was the last birthday the medical practitioner-turned politician would mark in the Delta State Government House as the state helmsman.

    The one-week-long affair, which held at the Event Centre, Asaba, the state capital, began with a public lecture on Anger Management. It was chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.

    The glitz and glamour that attended the celebrations climaxed with a thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Warri.

    Reminiscing, Uduaghan, in an emotion-laden voice, said he had many reasons to thank God on attaining the age.

    To him, “60 years is not a joke. In the last 60 years, God has lifted me from nothing to something.”

    He described his life as “a living testimony of thanksgiving”, adding that at 60, he felt a lot stronger than when he was in his 50s.

    He also reflected on his journey to becoming governor of the state, his successes and travails, particularly, his sack in November 2010 by an Appeal Court, which upturned his victory at the 2007 polls and ordered a re-election, which he also won in January 2011 before repeating the feat three months later, when he was re-elected in April of the same year.

    He concluded his narration with the reasons why he has always prevailed over his adversaries in every situation.

    “When the judges decided to remove me as governor in 2010, I was in this same church to give thanks and when I was reinstated, I also came to give thanks. So, in any situation, learn to give thanks,” Uduaghan advised.

    Earlier in his sermon, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and founder of the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, praised Uduaghan’s attitude towards thanksgiving, stressing, “God is interested in your expectations; thanksgiving energises your expectations.”

    He admonished Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to carry out their responsibilities with the fear of God, hardwork and not to rely on undue merits and benefits.

    “There are people in this country today enjoying what they didn’t work for. The scriptures say the wickedness of the wicked will come to an end. They think there’s no God, but they will know there is God. They do things without considering the God factor; they have made a major mistake.  They will suffer somehow, somewhere. Wickedness is a killer of expectations. If you do wickedness, it will wait for you in the future. If you do wickedness, it will catch up with you and when tomorrow comes, you are left with nothing,” Pastor Oritsejafor cautioned.

    After the service, Uduaghan led members of his family, friends, associates and his officials, including the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN) and his wife, Nelly Tuwere, to a special thanksgiving offering.

    Thereafter, the party moved to the governor’s private home, off Ogunu Road, Warri, for a reception chaired by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the 1999 election, Chief Olu Falae.

    Uduaghan, dressed in a sky-blue traditional George wrapper with gold-colour frills at the edges, a matching cream/gold Kemeje shirt, arrived the venue with his wife, also dressed in the same attire. Their arrival was greeted with wild cheers and ovation by guests, supporters and aides, who camped outside the compound for a long time.

    The roll call of guests comprised many in politics and business. More than 10 aspirants of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), who have indicated their interest to succeed the celebrator, were in attendance.

    They included Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Sir Godswill Obielum; Hon Ndudi Elumelu; Chief Ngozi Olejeme; former Speaker of the State Assembly Hon Victor Ochei; former Minister of State for Education Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, among others.

    Other guests were: Senators James Manager and Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, representing Delta South and Central respectively; Hon Daniel Reyenieju, representing Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and his Ethiope counterpart, Akpodiogaga Emeyese; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt Hon Patrick Onwusanya and his deputy, Basil Ganagana, and Honourables Daniel Mayuku; Dan Yingi; Irene Imilar and Efe Ofobruku, among others.

    Traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of the state: the Orodje of Okpe, Francis Mujakperuo, his counterparts from Ughelli, Olomu, Akugbene Mein and Seimbiri Kingdoms, Oharisi II, Ogoni Ogbon II, Stanley Kananawei and Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu, were there.

    Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, his counterparts in the ministries of Works, Housing, Special Infrastructure, Poverty Alleviation and Transport, Funkekeme Solomon, Paulinus Akpeki, Mrs Orezi Esievo, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu and Ben Igbakpa were also in attendance.

    Falae praised the celebrator for his humility, admonishing politicians and those in public offices to learn from the modest nature of the governor. He decried the attitude of those who see public offices as avenues for self-enrichment and aggrandisement, adding that some councillors would make more noise than they are worth just to draw attention to themselves. He said the celebrator was refreshingly different and conducts himself  with humility.

    The highpoint of the reception was the cutting of the birthday cake and the celebrator’s dance with his wife, Roli Nere and their children-Mrs Orode Okpu and her husband, Ryan, and Toju Uduaghan.  Members of the state executive council also joined them on the dance floor.

    Entertainment was at its best as guests were thrilled by a stellar of comedians and musicians, including Ali Baba, I-Go-Die, I-Go-Save, Gordons, sensational gospel singers such as Sammie Okposo and Frank Edwards of Oghenedoh fame and Daddy Showkey, among others.

  • Kwara governor, Akume slam IG

    Kwara governor, Akume slam IG

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senate Minority Leader George Akume yesterday faulted the usurpation of the judiciary’s role by Acting Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba who withdrew House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s security.

    The governor spoke in Ilorin. The senator issued a statement in Abuja.

    Ahmed described the furore generated by the Speaker’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as uncalled for.

    He said it was the business of the judiciary and not that of any other organ of government to interpret laws and the legal implication of political actions.

    Ahmed questioned the constitutionality of the unilateral reduction in the allocations to states and local governments by the Federal Government, adding that it needed to be subjected to examination by the judiciary.

    The governor spoke during the swearing-in of members of the reconstituted Kwara State Judicial Service Commission.

    He said: “It is the business of the judiciary and not that of any other arm or organ of government to interpret laws of the land and the legal implication of political action, such as cross-carpeting at the National Assembly and indeed the executive.”

    Ahmed said the unilateral reduction in the allocation due to states from the Federation Account, allegedly due to fluctuations in global oil prices and oil theft, were gradually impoverishing states and local governments.

    His word: “If this situation is not addressed unequivocally and quickly, the next few months will prove even more difficult for our state and indeed all others that are burdened by the unsubstantiated cuts in the Federation Account allocation.”

    Akume described the withdrawal of Tambuwal’s security as another “classic act of Executive impunity and lawlessness”.

    This act only adds to several others which have characterised this administration and threatens the growth of democracy which is not measured by existence of democratic structures but by promotion of the rule of law.

    “The hilarious recourse of the police to constitutional interpretation, which is the exclusive jurisdiction of the judiciary, is to say the least most unfortunate.

    “One wonders why the police could only see and read S.68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution but was blind to subsection (2) of the same provision, which vests the power to declare a member’s seat vacant on the ground of defection to only the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “One also wonders why the police could not advise itself that since there are pending litigations on the subject matter, they should wait for the outcome of judicial interpretation on the contentious constitutional provision. Recently, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State defected to the PDP with all the Labour Party members of the House of Representatives and Ondo State House of Assembly, including its Speaker, but the police neither withdrew the Security detail of Governor Mimiko, the state Assembly Speaker, nor effected the removal of those members from the various legislative Houses.

    “No one is in doubt that the police IG is merely being used by President Jonathan to achieve a partisan agenda. This is absurd. This is unlawful and immoral. It is particularly absurd because, President Jonathan only just returned from the Holy Land of Israel. He had travelled to Israel on Holy pilgrimage in company of CAN President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and other men of God primarily to seek the favour of God in his re-election bid and also to pray for the overall progress of Nigeria.

    “Nigeria expects on return a sober, penitent and spiritually-rejuvenated President. Not one brazenly desecrating the constitution he swore to uphold. The President is as much qualified for VIP protection as the Speaker is. The Speaker presides over an important Chamber in the legislative arm of government which appropriates the salaries the President and entire executive arm (which includes the Police) are paid from. A temperament such as this one exhibited by Mr. President can hardly pass for a Nigerian who more than any other, living or dead, has benefited from the parliament. By act of parliament, his boss was impeached as governor and he became the governor of Bayelsa State. By application of the doctrine of necessity, the Parliament made him an Acting President.

    “He thus became both Governor and President without contesting election.

    Nigerians expect reciprocal respect between the two arms of government, not politics of subterfuge and arm twisting. The Parliament has its rules to handle its affairs and the President must allow the House deal with its leadership issue.

    “Let all people of Goodwill rise to condemn all acts which threaten the enhancement of democratic culture, values and ethos. This is one such occasions.”

     

  • Ajimobi best performing governor, says lawmaker

    Ajimobi best performing governor, says lawmaker

    The member representing Ibadan North II in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Olusegun Olaleye, has said Governor Abiola Ajimobi remains the best performing governor in the state.

    The lawmaker said this yesterday when he distributed refrigerators and gas cookers to All Progressives Congress (APC) members at Ward 12.

    Ajimobi believes in the infrastructural economic and spiritual development of the state.

    He said neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor Accord Party could develop the state.

    “I want you all to support the governor because of the achievements he has recorded in this state. He believes in massive infrastructural development and now education is taking another shape.”

  • I’m not running for Lagos governor, says Opeifa

    I’m not running for Lagos governor, says Opeifa

    Lagos State Commissioner for Transport Kayode Opeifa has said he is not contesting for governor.

    Last week, Opeifa’s supporters stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, to buy him the nomination form.

    But, he objected, saying that the slot had been zoned to the Lagos East Senatorial District.

    The commissioner urged his supporters to abide by the party’s dictate.

    The former university teacher and right activist said the party was supreme, stressing that its wish should be respected in the spirit of party discipline.

    Opeifa, who is the son of the Asiwaju of Aworiland in Lagos West, thanked his supporters, saying he could only discuss with them other political issues, which were unrelated to the governorship race.

    The commissioner said:  “My friends bought nomination forms for me. While appreciating this gesture, I am profoundly grateful for their holding me in high esteem.

    “I humbly wish to categorically state that as a product of our collective struggle, I am in full agreement with the position of the party leadership and strongly believe in the supremacy of the party.

    “I also wish to plead with friends and associates who I hold in high esteem to please bear with me and respect my personal opinion and position on this particular issue while I remain open to advice on other political issues.”

  • Governor talk na do, stop the death traps

    Like a prophet, the Niger Delta Report sounded a warning on dangers posed by roadside markets in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. The article which was published last Friday lamented that buyers and sellers sit on a keg of gunpowder and roam a minefield on each market day.

    On Saturday, a day after the publication, the keg of gunpowder exploded and the mines detonated. Tragedy occurred in Swali market, located along Swali Road, Yenagoa. A trailer rammed into the roadside market, killing one person and injuring seven others.

    The trailer with number plate, XY 259 FST, also destroyed four tricycles and goods on display at the market. The list obtained by the Niger Delta  Report from security agents at the scene of the accident showed that three male adults, three female adults and two female children, were the casualties.

    The names of casualties according to the list are, Chigozie Chukwu, 26; Ogadinma Chukwu, female; Juliet Emmanuel, female; and Alao Abule.

    Others are Eyo Edem Okon, male, 27; Chinyere Uzoma, female, 42; Lawrence Okon; and Ade Emmanuel, female.

    Bystanders, market women and men as well as sympathisers cried and discussed the unfortunate accident. The trailer, carrying an escavator,  was descending the Swali bridge when the acident occurred. The unidentified driver lost control of the heavy-duty truck because of brake failure.

    The dead victim of the crash, whose name was given as Edem Okon, was dragged by the vehicle more than 100 metres before the driver eventually rammed into the market.

    Okon would not have died. Nobody would have been injured if the government had heeded the warning that roadside markets should be relocated to other safe places. In fact, even if the government had acted immediately by moving into such markets to enforce “operation leave the road”, the death and injuries would have been avoided.

    But how much does the government care? How much does it value the lives of its subjects? As far as relations of government functionaries are not among the casualties, who gives a damn? Instead of remedying the situation, persons who pose to be government agents collect dues from traders who occupy the road to make a living.

    Undoubtedly, similar accidents would continue to happen until the ministries of environment, trade and investment and other relevant agencies of the government take steps to build befitting markets in the capital city or take effective actions to ensure that the cramped markets do not overflow to the roads.

    Following the tragedy, some residents of Yenagoa metropolis, have asked the state Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, who is fondly referred to as “talk na do governor”, to redeem his promise of building ultra-modern markets in Yenagoa.

    They insisted that traders would confine themselves in such modern markets instead of selling on the roadsides that expose them to risks of accident.  A resident, who identified herself simply as Patience further lamented the conditions of the existing markets in Yenagoa.

    Indeed, the government does not need much prodding from its subjects to build modern markets and regulate commercial activities. It is the right thing to do to enhance the capital status of Yenagoa, remove environmental hazards and stop avoidable accidents caused by roadside markets. For now, Yenagoa seems to be the only capital city in the country without a regulated, organised and well-mapped out market.

    Until the government responds to the yearnings of its subjects, the dangers will continue to loom and the warnings of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and environmental experts will continue to be relevant.

  • Kogi Governor honours six corps members

    Governor Idris Wada of kogi State has conferred state awards on six Batch C corps members who distinguished themselves during their National Youth Corp Service (NYSC) programme.

    They are: Dr Ohaeto Osita Cosmas, Kolawole Ayodeji Amos, Gana Jemina Stella, Dr Opara Emmanuel Chinedu, Ndubisi Stella and Ozor Ifoma Celestina.

    The Kogi State NYSC Co-ordinator, Mr Sam Udolisah said the awardees made sacrifices and contributions of “monumental dimensions in their host communities and places of primary assignments” and were identified by the NYSC Honours Awards and Screening Committee based on prescribed criteria.

    The governor presented the awards at the Government House Lokoja ahead of the nationwide Passing out Parade (POP) of the Batch C corps members.

    He described the recipients as worthy ambassadors of the youth and great citizens of the nation.

    Wada, who was represented by his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, praised the corps members for their patriotism and perseverance, and counseled them to make use of the entrepreneurial skills acquired during the orientation programme of the scheme so they can be employers rather than job seekers.

    The corps members were presented with cash awards and promised more largesse when the governor returns.

    Over 1,749 corps members served in the batch C in Kogi State.

    Udolisah said the NYSC decided to decentralize the POP due to the security situation in the country.