The Nation Newspaper

Tag: group

  • Group hails poly council on appointment

    Committee for Quality Education has hailed the Governing Council of the Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY) in Iree over the appointment of Mr Salawu Busari Moruf as the Registrar.

    In a statement signed by its co-ordinator, Mr Aanuoluwa Ifesanmi, the group praised the council for the choice of Salawu, describing it as round peg in a round hole. He said Salawu would deploy his brilliance, competence and academic qualification to raise the bar of excellence in the administration of the polytechnic.

    He said: “We congratulate the Governing Council for standing on the side of integrity with regards to the appointment of Registrar for the institution. We shall continue to monitor events unfolding in the institution and lend our voice to competence and excellence.”

    The group noted that the process of Salawu’s appointment followed the due process, dismissing the notion that the new Registrar was the council’s favourite candidate.

    He added: “It is our position that the action of faceless individuals who have been attacking the new Registrar in the media was needless. The new Registrar is capable. He had a Second Class (Upper Division) in English Language and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at the Obafemi Awolowo University.

    The group also praised  Governor Rauf Aregbesola for allowing giving the council to appoint the best man.

  • Group tasks youth on elections

    A group known as Alhaji Okoh Dauda Okekere Education Foundation (AODOEF) has urged Nigerian youth to participate actively in the forthcoming general elections coming up later this month.

    The group called on the youths to come out en-mass to vote for the candidates of their choice in the elections.

    Chairman of AODOEF, Mohammed K. Dauda, an engineer spoke this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital at a leadership summit organised by the National Congress of Nigerian Students (NACONS).

    The theme of the summit was: “Youth roles as agents of violence-free elections.”

    He added that the future of the youths is in their hands. They have the largest number in the population of Nigeria. They should come out enmass during the coming election to vote for the leaders of their choice.”

    Dauda said that Nigeria may continue to experience youth unrest if the issues of unemployment and improper funding of education are not addressed.

    He expressed concern over youth unrest and some criminal acts in some parts of the country, charging governments at all levels to provide employment opportunities for the youth and fund education adequately.

    Kameel who chaired the occasion, noted that if Nigerian youth are gainfully employed, there will be no time for them to carry out any criminal act.

    “The quality of education is poor. Governments need to act fast to tackle the challenges and improve on it. They should pay attention to the education sector and try as much as possible to reduce the number of private schools, build teachers’ schools. In short they should take total ownership of education. They should provide employment for the youth to curb violence,” he said.

    He described the programme as a mark of fulfilling their role of impacting on the society.

    “They are not preaching cultism. They are not preaching violence. They are only trying to make the society better place to live in and they want people to realize and learn through them what their positive role is during the coming general elections”, he noted.

  • Group queries Jonathan over renewed Boko Haram war

    Group queries Jonathan over renewed Boko Haram war

    A group, the Patriotic Nigeria, has berated the Federal Government for waiting till election period before intensifying the anti-terror war.

    The group said in a statement that many have died in the hands of the insurgents.

    Its media consultant, Idowu Quadri, said the Federal government allowed the carnage to continue for six years before intensifying action terrorists.

    He said the President decided to take a decisive action because he was confronted with a looming defeat at the general elections.

    “Though it is relieving to hear various stories of the successful raids by the Nigerian Army and the allied forces on the insurgents, but every patriotic Nigerian must interrogate this issue very well and demand to know what brought about the delay in taking the appropriate military actions,” the group said.

    The group accused the Federal Government of abdicating its responsibilities towards the citizens by failing to confront the Boko Haram menace as timely as was necessary. It added that Nigerians have confidence in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and other security agencies whose collaborations could have brought an end to the carnage.

  • Group warns against interim govt, election shift

    A Human rights group, Nigerians United for Democracy (NUD), has cautioned the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against any act that could truncate the nation’s democracy

    The group said, based on his body language, President Goodluck Jonathan is tilting towards the convocation of an interim government.

    Its National Convener, Comrade Waheed Saka, frowned at the decision to shift the general election, which was initially scheduled to hold on February 14 and 28, saying any further untoward development may spell doom for the country.

    Saka, who spoke at a press conference in Lagos, said his group will join other groups to mobilize Nigerians to protest against the institution of an interim government or a further shift in the election dates.

    He said there are indications that the new election dates are not sacrosanct, as the Chairman, Independent National Electora Commission, Prof. Atahiru Jega was planning to further shift the election dates.

    According to him, “INEC appears not to have fully prepared for the election and recent statement by the INEC Chairman that only the service chiefs could guarantee the conduct of elections was an indication that the elections may still be postponed.”

    However, he stated that the rights activists across the country have resolved to mobilize students, artisans and others to protest against further shift of election dates.

    He urged INEC not to postpone the elections again for any reason, adding that “any attempt to postpone the election will not augur well, as the human rights community will fight the anti-democratic forcesto a standstill.”

    Saka called on the National Security Adviser and all security chiefs in the country to sign an undertaking that the elections would hold as scheduled and that contrary action should be treated with disdain.

  • Group warns against re-enacting ‘June 12’

    A group, the Civil Society Coalition on Good Governance, has vowed to resist any attempt by the Jonathan Administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to truncate the electoral process.

    Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the group accused the Federal Government of planning to re-enact “June 12”, adding that the  signs are there for everyone to see.

    The spokesman for the group, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, said  there are fears about the postponement of the elections, the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega and the formation of an interim national government.

    He warned that the consequences of any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be catastrophic, particularly, for impoverished Nigerians, who are already pushed to the wall.

    Ihekaire called on the ruling party to put the interest of the country above  individual and narrow interests. He urged them to desist from actions that will push the country to the brink of disintegration.

    On the use of military during elections, the civil society group said: “The Armed Forces have no business with the internal security of the country, except with the approval of the National Assembly under certain circumstances. Their foray into politics and electoral matters is a constitutional infringement that must not be tolerated.

    “We commend the courageous judgment of the Appeal Court, Abuja on this matter. The Justice Abdul Aboki-led five man panel of the Appeal Court barred the Armed Forces in the conduct of future elections in the country, as such constituted a violation of both the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    “We therefore call on the military hierarchy to ensure that their officers and men are insulated from politics and not used for election purposes or for the harassment of citizens and members of the opposition.”

    Ihekaire called for immediate re-deployment of Assistant Insector General of Police (Zone 2) Mbu Joseph Mbu  for ordering the police under his jurisdiction to kill 20 civilians for every policeman killed during the elections. He described the statement as irresponsible and called for his re-deployment to the Northeast to combat terrorists, since he claims to be a lion.

    He said: “Mbu represents a rotten apple in the police and a threat to public safety, his careless, reckless and irresponsible threat to kill 20 citizens for every policeman killed have clearly shown the type of police officer he is.

    “But, our bigger worry is not that he is quoted as having said this, but that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has not moved quickly enough either to deny it or to put distance between them and this statement. There is a principle of proportionality that must underlie law enforcement response to unlawful conduct even with provocation.

    “Given his antecedents, especially while serving in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Commissioner of Police, we have no doubt that Mbu is a threat to public safety, a threat to credible elections, a threat to the rule of law and ultimately a thread to our fledgling democracy,” the activist stated.

  • Group secures commitment from Lagos governorship candidates

    Group secures commitment from Lagos governorship candidates

    An advocacy group, the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP), has secured a commitment from contestants that whosoever emerges as the governor will implement the proposals contained in a document, titled: “Our Lagos: People’s Charter/Social Contract for Post 2015″.

    Speaking at a town hall meeting in Lagos, during the formal presentation of the charter to candidates, the Secretary, Steering Committee of LACSOP, Mr. Ayo Adebusoye, said the document contains  development issues submitted on behalf of member organisations, who represent a broad spectrum of pro-change, non-state actors, citizens network, coalitions, community-based organisations and professional associations in Lagos State.

    Adebusoye said the charter is derived from the first-hand experiences of members of the groups, from all walks of life. For instance, under transparency, the charter/social contract states that the Lagos State Government needs to conform to global best practices in transparency and accountability in governance.

    In this area, there are three recommendations. One, procurement law: “There is the need to enforce due diligence in the procurement system in Lagos State Government.” The second recommendation revolves round the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. It says that the Lagos State Government, as the Centre of Excellence and an evolving mega city that prides itself as an open government and a progressive state should domesticate the FOI Act. In the third recommendation, which focuses on the separation of political party from government entity, it enjoins Lagos State to to immediately embrace international best practices where all tax-paying Lagosians would benefit from public goods and services.

    The candidates who signed the document and made a formal declaration before the audience are: Mr. Bolaji Ogunseye, the governorship flag bearer of the Alliance for Democracy (AD); Comrade Ayodele Akele and Oloye Victor Adeniji, his National Conscience Party and Kowa Party counterparts respectively.

    However, the standard bearers of the two major parties, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Jimi Agbaje of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) respectively, were not present at the town hall meeting.

    One of the moderators, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, noted that the two candidates were to be at the event, but had excused themselves at the last moment. She said the organisers would present the document to them for ratifications at separate meetings in their offices.

    LACSOP is a forum of civil society networks established since the beginning of the Governor Babatunde Fashola-led administration in 2007, to serve as the mouth piece cum watchdog of the citizenry in advocating for effective implementation of critical development issues and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

     

  • Group warns against re-enacting ‘June 12’

    A group, Civil Society Coalition on Good Governance  has vowed to resist any attempt by the Goodluck Jonathan administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to truncate the electoral and democratic process in the country.

    They accused the Federal Government of plans to re-enact another “June 12” episode given the palpable signs and fears of further postponement of elections, removal of the Independent National Electoral Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega and formation of an interim national government.

    The group at a press conference in Lagos yesterday warned that the consequences of any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be catastrophic for the country particularly for the impoverished Nigerians who are already pushed to the wall.

    Its spokesman, Comrade Declan Ihekaire called on the ruling party and government to put the interest of the country above their individual and narrow interests and desist from actions that will push Nigeria further to the brinks of disintegration.

    On the use of military during elections, the civil society group said: “The Armed Forces have no business with the internal security of the country except with the approval of the National Assembly under certain circumstances. Their foray into politics and electoral matters is a constitutional infringement that must not be tolerated.

    “We commend the courageous judgment of the Appeal Court, Abuja on this matter. The Justice Abdul Aboki-led five man panel of the Appeal Court barred the Armed Forces in the conduct of future elections in the country as such constituted a violation of both the Constitution and theElectoral Act.

    “We therefore call on the military hierarchy to ensure that their officers and men are insulated from politics and not used for election purposes or for the harassment of citizens and members of the opposition.”

    Ihekaire called for immediate re-deployment of Assistant Insector General of Police (Zone 2) Mbu Joseph Mbu  for ordering the police under his jurisdiction to kill 20 civilians for every policeman killed during the elections. He described the statement as irresponsible and called for his re-deployment to the Northeast to combat terrorist since he claims to be a lion.

    He said “Mbu represents a rotten apple in the police and a threat to public safety, his careless, reckless and irresponsible threat to kill 20 citizens for every policeman killed have clearly shown the type of police officer he’s.

    “But our bigger worry is not that he is quoted as having said this but that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has not moved quickly enough either to deny it or to put distance between them and this statement. There is a principle of proportionality that must underlie law enforcement response to unlawful conduct even with provocation”.

    Given his antecedents, especially while serving in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Commissioner of Police, we have no doubt that Mbu is a threat to public safety, a threat to credible elections, a threat to the rule of law and ultimately a thread to our fledgling democracy, the activist stated.

  • Ambode fit to rule Lagos, says group

    Ambode fit to rule Lagos, says group

    The Support Group for  Ambode 2015 has refuted  the health challenge attributed to the Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    At a conference in Lagos, the chairman of the mobilisation committee for the support group, Mr. Fola Tinubu said, the rumour  was being peddled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said  Ambode has been on his feat, hale and hearty, adding that the candidate has been moving across the state, seeking the mandate of the people in the coming election.

    He said: “The information is being peddled by PDP, but I wish to state that our governorship candidate has been campaigning throughout Lagos, nothing to suggest that he has health challenges.”

    Tinubu said the support group which comprised people who contested with the candidate at the primaries and other lovers of the candidate, will do everything possible to ensure that Ambode emerges as the governor.

    “We believe more hands must be on deck to repel the forces of retrogression symbolized by the PDP, which seek to hoodwink Lagosians and lure them out of their comfort zones, to a future whose possibilities is today represented by the rudderless leadership provided at the federal level.

    “All Lagosians need to do is to ask themselves if they will like to be governed by a party that has failed to deliver on the most critical duty of the government which is security.

    “Ambode seek to consolidate a Lagos safe for you and me. But with the schizophrenic disinformation and misinformation of the PDP, with the hypocritical and false propaganda of the PDP, it is possible for the voters to take these achievements for granted and be short hanged,” he said.

    He further said that the road show which the support group will embark on is meant to remind and renew the call for a better Lagos under Ambode who will consolidate the the gains of the present administration in Lagos.

    He added that the APC government in Lagos has done so much that it will be counter productive for those without deep knowledge governance to start to experiment with Lagos. “What we are saying is that Lagos is too sophisticated for people without previous experience on public management. You cannot Learn with Lagos, you have to be tested and trusted to keep the centre of excellence going.”

    Tinubu stressed the need to consolidate the gains of the present administration, noting that Ambode was eminently qualified to occupy the position and move the state ahead.

     

  • Group rallies support for Buhari in Ekiti

    Group rallies support for Buhari in Ekiti

    A group, the Buhari Support Organization (BSO), has intensified the house-to-house campaign and grassroots mobilization to woo voters for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    The group has also been going round markets, motor parks, bus stops, newsstands, palaces, public squares, shops and other public places selling the candidacy of Buhari to the people of the Land of Honour.

    Reviewing the activities of the group in a chat with reporters, State Coordinator of BSO, Hon. Femi Adeleye, said the group is encouraged by the support so far given to Buhari’s candidacy by electorate in the state.

    He explained that the sudden postponement of the general elections won’t save President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from defeat at the polls.

    Adeleye, a former member of the state House of Assembly disclosed that more volunteers have offered to join the group to help project Buhari’s message of change and the need to rescue Nigeria from the brink of collapse.

    The former state legislator disclosed that many PDP members have expressed their readiness to vote for Buhari on March 28 “in line with the current mood of Ekiti people.”

    He welcomed the decision of the Council of State to ignore calls for the postponement of the general election, stressing that Nigerians are ready to cast their ballots at the polls and would resist any attempt to “change the goalpost in the middle of the game.”

    Adeleye said the people of Ekiti State have resolved to vote for Buhari, having identified him as the right candidate that has the experience, pedigree, character and integrity to turn the fortunes of Nigeria around for good.

    He said: “Buhari is the right man for the top job and that is why we are working hard to sell his candidacy to the people both in the rural and urban areas. We are encouraged and overwhelmed by the way people are accepting him.

    “He is a former Head of State who has integrity and honesty; he is not corrupt and he did not use all the positions he had occupied in life to amass wealth and his desire is how Nigeria can move forward from the present sorry state.

    “Buhari is the face of the emerging new Nigeria The unprecedented reception he had received from all over the country is an indication that he is the man Nigerians want as their next President.”

    Adeleye urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be above board and conduct a credible, free and fair election that will meet with international standards.

    He also appealed to security agencies to be non-partisan, adding that they are maintained by taxpayers money.

    Another chieftain of BSO, Mr. Kehinde Ajayi, described the situation in the country as terrible. He added that Nigeria needs a personality like Buhari to remedy the situation.

    He said major opinion polls favour Buhari as the likely winner of the presidential election and that Nigerians are earnestly yearning for change.

    Ajayi, a former Secretary General of Ekiti Focus Group in the United States, said the world is watching Nigeria. He warned against any attempt to sabotage the election.

    He revealed that other pan-Ekiti unions in the United States are solidly behind the candidature of Buhari and that Nigerians at home should rally round the APC flag bearer to become the next President.

    Ajayi said: “We are expecting this poll to be free and fair; it will be a make-or-mar election. With solid preparations from INEC and security agencies, we hope that nobody will allow himself to be used to truncate the people’s wish.

    “Opinion polls show that Buhari is on ground, people are yearning for change, people are looking for change because the present system is not working.”

  • Anambra, group sign MoU to build 20,000 shops

    The Anambra State Government and Bukham Group, a firm of real estate developers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 20,000 units of shops at the Anambra International Trade Centre, Oba, near Onitsha.

    Governor Willie Obiano and the Chairman of the group, Mr. Bukham Hassan, signed the agreement. Under the MoU, Bukham Group would build 20,000 shops, including 2, 000 warehouses and hotels. The group would also build a primary school, a cinema house, police post, health centre and a fire station in the project, which are expected to be completed in five years.

    Represented by Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, the state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce, at the signing, Obiano said the government would build access roads to the centre from Onitsha-Owerri road and Oba. He noted that the centre would attract infrastructure, boost the economy and continue to generate employment for the community and its environs.

    “Trade and commerce development is one of the core pillars of our administration and what we have done today speaks volume of the strong desire to make the state a major commercial hub in Africa. Government has agreed to fence the market centre, connect it with electricity as well as ensure adequate security. With this agreement, the developer (Bukham Group) has assured that the market centre will be inaugurated in March with 1,700 shops placed on offer for the public,’’ Obiano said.

    The governor revealed that N3 billion had been set aside for infrastructure development at the centre.

    The chairman of the group said the phase 1 of the project was nearing completion and would be inaugurated in March this year. “The project will gulp about N100 billion and it has been bankrolled by Bukham Group and Enterprise Bank Plc. We already have up to 1,000 youths employed and working to construct the centre in order to meet deadline for the project. When the project is completed, no fewer than 100,000 people will be directly engaged and its multiplier effect will be felt by more than a million families,’’ Hassan said.

    The President-General of Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, lauded the government for attracting the investment to the state. He, however, urged it and the developer to make the shop rents affordable for traders.