The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jonathan

  • NLC urges Jonathan to call Health Minister to order

    NLC urges Jonathan to call Health Minister to order

    Following the industrial crisis rocking the health sector, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, to order.

    In a statement: “Call the minister to order,” the NLC President, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, said: “The congress is saddened by the fact that for most of his tenure, Prof. Chukwu has been embroiled in intra-sector disputes, instead of growing the sector. I urge President Jonathan to call the Minister of Health to order before he does incalculable harm in the health sector.”

    Omar said the congress has watched with concern, the spate of violations of collective agreements by the Federal Government leading to avoidable industrial crisis.

    He said the latest being that of the health sector by the Minister of Health, who has flagrantly observed in the breach not only an agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), but the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC), leading to the ongoing strike in the health sector.

    According to him, the NLC was dismayed that the minister did not only violate, dishonour and abandon a ruling by a competent court as the NIC, but also repudiated an earlier agreement with the unions that both parties would be bound by the outcome of the court ruling, and was in the forefront of taking the case to court through the Minister of Labour.

    Describing the minister’s action as an invitation to chaos, NLC said: “One of the hallmarks of any democracy is respect for the rule of law. Violation of this time-honoured value constitutes not only a breach of trust, but also an invitation to anarchy.”

    It added: “It is all the more worrying when this violation is done by a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who ought not only to hold out himself as the Chief Physician of the country, but also a key ambassador of the Jonathan administration.

    “The breaches of agreement are the genesis of the dispute.”

    NLC advised the minister to stop playing politics with the health of Nigerians, especially the poor, who do not have the wherewithal or access to slush funds to patronise private hospitals and go for routine foreign check-ups.

    The statement also noted that : “Rather than embark on a campaign of calumny against the unions and a laborious appeal process with dire health and industrial consequences to the country, Congress advises the Minister to immediately toe the path of honour by recognising the court judgment and implementing the demands of the unions, which include the following:

    “Those earlier appointed as health consultants would continue to enjoy the status with all benefits and the withdrawal of their letters of appointment is irregular, null and void. They should immediately be returned to their hitherto status with full pay arrears.

    “That skipping of CONHESS 10 is legal and the purported circular by the Ministry of Health and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation stopping it is illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever. Members of the unions, who were adversely affected by the minister’s decision, should be appropriately placed with accrued arrears from the date they were reverted paid to them.

    “That negotiations should commence towards the review of shift duty, call duty allowances and other allowances.

    “We commend the prompt intervention of the Minister of Labour, which would have brought about the desired industrial harmony, but for the arrogant and uncompromising attitude of the Minister of Health. He did not only abort a meeting called last week by the Minister of Labour for both parties to hold discussions, but also offered no regrets for his conspicuous absence.”

     

  • Aspirant petitions Jonathan, others

    A  national youth leader aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming national convention of the party, Alhaji Mohammed M. Al-Hassan, has accused the North central executive committee of the convention’s planning committee of using unconstitutional zoning arrangement.

    Al-Hassan, in a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan; the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Senate President David Mark; Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih and 10 other PDP national executives of the party, alleged that the action of the North Central committee was in contravention of the party’s principle.

    The aggrieved aspirant said PDP leaders in the zone met last week and reaffirmed the unconstitutional zoning arrangement they adopted at the last convention.

    The three positions zoned to the Northcentral, according to him, are: the National Legal Adviser, to Plateau State; the National Youth Leader, to Niger State and the Deputy National Women Leader, to Benue State.

    Al-Hassan claimed that at the meeting, presided over by the PDP North Central Zonal Vice Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Ayitogo, it was directed that zonal delegates should vote in line with the unconstitutional zoning arrangement adopted during last year’s convention.

    Al-Hassan said: “No provision of the PDP constitution empowers zonal working committee, zonal executive and zonal congress to re-zone any position zoned by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to each geo-political zone to a particular state as an automatic ticket.”

    The politician, who quoted copiously from the guideline for the conduct of the zonal congress and national convention, said every state within the zone has equal right to contest.

    He added: “I am passionately appealing to you to use your good offices to positively intervene in this matter by ensuring that all segments of the zone are accommodated and encouraged in an all-inclusive regime in the interest of collective success in future elections.

    “In the interest of our party and Nigeria’s nascent democracy, fair play, equity and justice, I pray to be allowed to go into the open contest as an aspirant in line with Electoral Act and party constitutional provisions on due process and internal democracy.

    “It is my hope that these observed lapses will be properly and promptly addressed by taking appropriate steps to enforce the provisions of our constitution and stop this impunity.

    “I demand, with due respect, that all these issues be addressed without delay to ensure a level-playing field is available to all the aspirants at our 2013 Special National Convention.”

     

     

  • Benefits of power privatization to manifest soon – Jonathan

    Benefits of power privatization to manifest soon – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan said Monday in Abuja with the successful conclusion of the sale of the country’s power generation and distribution companies, Nigerians will soon begin to enjoy the positive benefits of the privatization of the sector.

    A statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President stated this during an audience with a delegation of the Anioma Peoples’ Congress led by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien.

    According to the statement, President Jonathan confirmed that all successful bidders for the power generation and distribution companies had completed the payments required to complete the sales process which, he said, was conducted in conformity with globally accepted standards and best practices.

    The President said, “We are fully conscious of the centrality and importance of adequate power supply for our developmental efforts. We have challenges in the sector but we are constantly working to overcome them.

    “We are currently in a transition phase in which the sector is being positively transformed. The sale of our generations and distribution companies is almost concluded. Finally, everyone has paid and in the shortest possible time, our power sector will take on a much more positive life of its own for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

    He said that his administration remained fully committed to significantly improving national infrastructure and will continue to work on rapidly developing railway links, airports, seaports, roads and other transportation services in the country.

    “We are glad that you appreciate what we are doing. We will continue to work very hard so that Nigerians in all parts of the country feel the positive impact of our efforts to accelerate national development and progress,” he added.

     

     

  • Jonathan sacks Minister of Youth Development

    Jonathan sacks Minister of Youth Development

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday sacked the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir, from the cabinet.

    However, a statement signed by Special Assistant (Media), Sam Nwaobasi, on behalf the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, did not give reasons for the termination of the minister’s appointment.

    The statement entitled: “Termination of the appointment of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development” reads: “His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR President and Commander –in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria has relieved Inuwa Abdul-kadir, Esq of his appointment as Honourable Minister of Youth Development with effect from the 26th of August, 2013.

    “The former minister is to hand over to the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

    “Mr. President expresses appreciation to the former minister for the time he put in the services of the nations and wishes him success in his future endeavours.”

     

     

     

  • We’ve crises in PDP, Jonathan admits

    We’ve crises in PDP, Jonathan admits

    President Goodluck Jonathan has openly admitted the crises rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    But, in his view, the party will sort out its disagreements amicably.

    Jonathan, who spoke at the 62nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party yesterday, said disagreements are inevitable in all human relationships, even at the family level.

    “But the key thing that makes life go on is our ability to resolve our crises. No matter the disagreements, no matter the interests, politics, they say, is a game of interests.

    “As I came in, the Vice-President whispered something to me about some lapses somewhere. There may be disagreements. In all institutions, even at the family level, there must be disagreements on issues.

    “We will resolve these differences amicably to make sure that every member of the party is happy. That is the area I commend the elders of the party via the committees set up by the national chairman for going round to see how some of these differences would be resolved at the state level.

    “The chairman of BoT Chief Tony Anenih, has been meeting the various groups to make sure that we speak with one voice; and we will continue to speak with one voice”, the President said.

    He attributed the renewed tempo in the political sphere to what he described as the “intimidating credentials” of the PDP, which he said had elicited a flurry of political activities in the opposition camps.

    He continued: “We had thought that political activities will not start so early in the country. But because of the intimidating credentials of the PDP, people started meeting; parties started coming together; and new parties are being formed.

    “It’s a blessing for all of us, all because people are confused about how we would manage PDP; and they will continue to be confused”.

    Rating his administration high, the President said positive fruits of the efforts of the ruling party would start manifesting by 2014, adding that the achievements would confound his critics.

    “No matter what anybody is saying, things will be on ground for us; for them to compare what the PDP government is doing.

    “A number of things that Nigerians almost forgot about, like railways, we are bringing them back. And I believe that by the time we move into early next year, things will become very obvious.

    “So, even those who doubt us will not have anything to say. We promise that we are going to do that with the assistance of the party.

    “And those who continue to think that PDP cannot come together, that PDP cannot manage success, will be terribly disappointed”, Jonathan emphasised.

    National chairman Bamanga Tukur in his welcome address, stressed the need for the party to lead by example for other the parties to follow.

    According to him, the PDP has continued to grow from strength to strength, adding that in spite of the numerous challenges.

    He said the strength and success of the party lay in its ability to resolve its differences amicably in an atmosphere devoid of bitterness, rancor, acrimony and recrimination.

    Tukur said: “There are internal organs and mechanisms for conflict resolution in our party. I encourage our members to explore these avenues in ventilating their grievances and to as much as possible, avoid litigations which make a mockery of our stand on peace and stability.

    “We need peace and friendly concord in our party. We cannot reach our destination in an atmosphere of bitterness and rivalry.

    “I therefore call on all our party faithful and members across the country to sheath their swords and enthrone enduring peace. I want to commend the National Reconciliation Committee for the good work it is doing and encourage our members to take their grievances to the committee or other organs of the party entrusted with the task of restoring peace in the party”.

    It was gathered that the proposal to grant right of first refusal to the President and first term governors in the 2015 election, was stepped down so as no to further polarise the party.

    The presence of some of the governors who are critical of the party’s leadership at the meeting, forced those who intended to raise the motion to stop it.

    The NEC meeting lasted a little over 30 minutes. Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda described it as a sign of unity in the party.

    He said contrary to what people might want to believe, the brief PDP NEC meeting “shows that the family is together and that everybody is working together.

    “It is a sign of good things to come. We are now happy with one another. The family is together and If there was a problem, we would have stayed longer to solve it,’’ he said.

    Though brief, the meeting which was convened to ratify the date of the party’s national convention “went on well, very short and straight to the point’’.

    Briefing reporters after the meeting, Acting National Publicity Secretary Mr. Tony Okeke, said the party resolved to obey the court order stopping the August 24 congresses of the Southwest zone.

    He also said the NEC resolved that the August 31 mini convention should hold as scheduled.

    Governors that attended the meeting are: Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Saidu Dakingari (Kebbi); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe); and Martin Elechi (Ebonyi).

    Others were: Isa Yuguda (Bauchi); Sullivan Chime (Enugu); Idris Wada (Kogi); Jonah Jang (Plateau); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Garba Umar (Taraba).

    Deputy Governors at the event are Murktar Shagari (Sokoto) and Alhaji Ganduje ( Kano) who represented their governors.

    Governors Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Theodore Orji (Abia); and Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) did not attend.

    Notable party chieftains at the meeting were: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; BoT chair, Chief Tony Anenih; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; and Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu.

    Others were: Secretary BoT, Alhaji Walid Jibrin; Acting Deputy National chairman, Chibudom Nwuche; Acting National Secretary, Aderemi Akitoye; Chief Bode George; Professor Jerry Gana, among others.

  • FG committed to boosting non-oil exports – Jonathan

    FG committed to boosting non-oil exports – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday maintained that the Federal Government would do all within its powers to facilitate and encourage the rapid diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

    He made the remark during a visit by the outgoing Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Nigeria, Mr. Jaroslav Siro at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, he would leave no stone unturned towards moving the Nigerian economy away from dependence on crude oil exports.

    To this end, he said the Federal Government was actively exploring all avenues of boosting trade and economic relations with other countries in areas not related to the oil and gas sector.

    He said: “With current developments in the world, we are more interested in diversifying our economy, not in over-emphasizing oil and gas exports. Our intention is to move our country away from being a mono-product economy that depends primarily on oil exports. We are fully committed, therefore, to boosting non-oil trade relations with other nations.”

    President Jonathan commended Mr. Siro, who has served in Nigeria for over five years, for his efforts towards enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Czech Republic, which resulted in the tripling of the volume of trade between the two countries.

    Even as the Czech Republic does not import crude oil from Nigeria, the annual volume of non-oil trade between the two countries is currently stand at about $100 Million U.S. Dollars.

    Mr. Siro told President Jonathan that a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at further strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two counties was currently being finalized.

     

     

  • PDP panel to reconcile Jonathan, Amaechi

    PDP panel to reconcile Jonathan, Amaechi

    Determined to resolve the crisis of confidence between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have decided to raise a three-man reconciliation committee.

    The committee, which will be under the watch of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, may be constituted within the PDP Governors Forum, it was learnt yesterday.

    But the governors have asked President Jonathan to checkmate the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and demanded a probe of his activities.

    The decisions of the governors were communicated to the President last Friday by the Chairman of the Forum, Obong Godswill Akpabio.

    According to a governor, who pleaded not to be named, PDP governors are eager to reconcile the President and Amaechi as part of steps to put the party in good stead for 2015.

    The source said: “Actually, there was a meeting of PDP governors as a fall-out of a meeting with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Mr. President called a meeting with Akpabio and said we should harmonise the outcome of the meetings with Obasanjo.

    “We summoned the meeting of PDP governors to consider reconciliation and how to move forward.

    “Some of the governors mentioned the resolution of the crisis in Rivers as central to the reunification of the party and insisted that a reconciliation committee be set up.

    “We decided to raise another three-man committee to reconcile Mr. President and the Rivers State governor. We agreed that the new committee should not be part of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s Reconciliation Committee.

    “We also reached a consensus that National Chairman Bamanga Tukur should make no input in the constitution of the panel. But we said the committee should be under the watch of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

    Asked when the reconciliation committee will take off, the governor said: “I think by Friday, August 23rd, we should be able to constitute it. It may be an intra-PDP Governors Forum committee.”

    The source also highlighted other issues tabled before the President. They include complaints against Wike, why Tukur should remain in office as the National Chairman and 2015 polls.

    The source added: “Some of the governors said Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike should be checkmated and warned by the President because he is taking the Rivers crisis too far against the Chief Security Officer of the state, who is Amaechi.”

    They said the President should ask relevant agencies to revisit how some governors were stoned during a solidarity visit to Rivers State by Wike’s supporters.

    Adamawa State Governors Murtala Nyako was said to have come up with some allegations against Wike and asked that the President be notified of the minister’s activities.

    On the fate of Tukur, the source said although some governors raised issues against the national chairman, most did not want him removed.

    The source said: “Some of the governors said the alleged high-handedness of Tukur should be curtailed. They complained of not being carried along on party matters.

    “In spite of the fact that at the tail end of the meeting, emotions rose on Tukur’s leadership style, majority of the governors said he should not be removed.”

    The source also said the governors agreed that “2015 poll is around the corner and Rivers State is vital to PDP.

    “They said PDP should not lose 2.3million votes from Rivers to the ongoing crisis.”

    Another governor confirmed that early last Friday, Akpabio met with Mr. President on the decisions of the governors.

    The source added: “Akpabio tabled all the decisions of the PDP governors to the President, who promised to look into all the issues, including observations on Wike.

    “Akpabio, who is presently in the United States, is expected to meet with the President again on August 20.”

    But it was learnt that Akpabio had also been reaching out to Amaechi and Wike.

    The source said: “In the last three weeks, Akpabio has spoken four times with Amaechi. He is trying to see how reconciliation can be effected between the President and the governor.

    “Akpabio has tried to call Wike to order to restore peace to Rivers State.”

  • Jonathan appoints heads for 42 Fed Govt agencies

    •Tokunbo Kayode, Ray Ekpu, Kanayo O.Kanayo make list

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday approved the appointment of chairmen and members of the Governing Boards of 42 Federal Government corporations and agencies.

    A statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said membership of each governing board shall include all the statutory ex-officio members in accordance with enabling laws of the corporations and agencies.

    According to him, the dates for their inauguration would be announced by the supervising authorities and ministers.

    The chairmen and non ex-officio members as announced yesterday were:

    Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology – Chairman: Prince Olusola Akanmode,while members are Idonibin Obagama, Garba Dahiru, Mahmud A. Gurumpawo, Mohammed Bello Abdulkadir (Salankan Zazzau).

    National Mathematical Centre – Chairman: Abubakar H. Girei, while members are Prof. G.A Badmus, Stephen Ahaneku, Zilkifilu Abdu.

    Universal Basic Education Commission – Chairman: A. J. Turner, while members are Mohammed Bello, Chuma Nnaji, Hauwa Musa Kida, Abubakar L. Audu, Tarfa Atu, Kunle Yusuf, Nnalue Kingsley Chizobam, Sharon Oviemuno, and Mathias Ekweremadu.

    National Commission for Colleges of Education – Chairman: Chukwuemeka Ezife, while members are Mrs. Margaret Zidon, Mohammed Dantsoho and Mrs. Ngozi Nnadozie.

    National Institute for Education Planning and Administration – Chairman:Bolaji Anani, while members include Jamila Baba Buhari and Nma Mowete.

    National Institute for Fresh Water Fisheries Research – Chairman: Arma Abubakar, while members are Francis Ayodele Akinkiawe, George Moghalu, Bimbola Yusuf and Oche Ekoza Elias.

    Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria -Chairman: Sulieman Galadima, while members include Umoru Barau Ningi, Bennette E. Ughamadu, Oluomo Yinka Adeojo and Uche Igbokwe.

    Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research – Chaiman: Bello Gusau, while members include Ahame Adamu Bawa, Mrs. Aduke Waziri, T. Dawari Horsefall, Felix Mgbada and Abdullahi  Ohiomah.

    National Cereals Research Institute – Chairman: Igwe Ginger Ibeneme, while members are Adeboro Onibalusi, Mrs. Margaret John Zamdai, Mrs Toru Ofili and Otuu Irukwu.

    National Eye Centre – Chairman: Prof. C.I.P. Anibeze, while members include Chimezie D. Ugochukwu, Femi Babalola, Abdulrahman Abdullahi Wase and Nma Nwokeocha.

    National Root Crops Research Institute – Chairman: Oluwole Oludaisi Aina, while members include Steve Nwachukwu, Folake Olunloyo Osinowo, Mrs. Hannatu Ullam, Ahmed Sani Kaura and Shola Ogbemi-Daibo.

    National Horticultural Research Institute – Chairman: Juliet Wayoka, while members include Chael Kusah, Bello Abdullahi, Ituma Valentine Emeka and Abdulmumuni Vaki.

    National Inland Waterways Authority – Chairman: Bashir Dalhatu, while Mike Onah is a member of the board.

    National Animal Production Research Institute – Chairman: Emeka Otozi, while members are Robinson Ejifoma, Mrs Felicia Diejemao, Saidu Ahmed Jere, Anicho Sunday Okoro and Babagana Zanna.

    Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority – Chairman: Cairo Ojougbo, while members include Emmanuel Ekuwem and Husaini Jalo.

    National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies – Chairman: Kanayo O. Kanayo. No members yet.

    National Institute for Nigerian Languages – Chairman: Tosin Awolalu, while members are Prof. S.O. Igwe, Kabiru Ladan Barwa, Venesa Tobechukwu Kemakolam, Francis Ozoemena and Nana Aisha Abdulqadiri.                      National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education – Chairman: Mrs. Esther Uduehi, while members are Prof Dakum Shown, Abiola Makinde, Tanko Kokwai, Alonge-Niyi Dennis and Geofrey Okpe.

    Nigerian Film Corporation – Chairman: Bongos Ikwue, while members are Sani Danja, Wada Musa, and Bright Chinedu Nnebedum.               Nigeria Building & Road Research Institute – Chairman: Dele Okeya, while members include John Alkali, Adamu Waziri, Austin O. Ene and Gunju Ojo.

    National Orientation Agency – Chairman: Edoh Obi. No member listed.

    Sheda Science and Technology Complex -Chairman: Nuhu Aliyu, while members are Eka Williams, Uchenna Daniel Oko, Tanko Ayuba, Garba Taura, Audu Bababyo, Solomon Adama Yisa, Bob Nege, Bola Jafojo-Adedeji and Prof Iwe Maduebibisi.

    National Commission for Nomadic Education – Chairman: Mohammed Sallah Shettima, while members include Abba Kura Jibrin, Yusuf Sulieman Jibiya, Zainab A. Gidado, Adeolu Aluko,     John Uhana, Nkem Obiako, P. Oristse Nanna and Yamkyeh Ebibu.

    Nigerian French Language Village – Chairman: Emmanuel Edohoeket, while members are Abbas Tijanni Hasshim, Mrs Rebecca Ogundare, and Sally Ogbogu.

    Centre for Black & Africian Arts and Culture – Chairman: Gen. Brimmo Yusuf, while members include Ray Ekpu, Paul Godfrey, Mary Ogbonnaia, Folorunsho Taiwo, Rhoda Fiberesima, Patrick Aiden Anuda, Oyedokun S. Oladepo and Frank Ikpeze.

    Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre – Chairman: Tokunbo Kayode, while members include Richard Lamai, Kunle Sulieman, Ibrahim Mohammed Gada, Abah Lewis and John Kalu.

    National Productivity Centre -Chairman: Innocent Nyingirefaka, while members include representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    National Oil Spill & Detection Response Agency – Chairman: Lancelot Anyanya. No member listed.

    National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency – Chairman: Ishiaku Huzi Mshelia, while members are Hajara Amadu, Lynn Nathan and Vitalis Okafor

    Project Development Institute – Chairmaan: Emmanuel Mbaka, while members are Phillip Ehigie, Dr. Okey Nnadozie, Udemba Chukwudolee and Bukar Zarma.

    Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission – Chairman: Ibrahim Bio, while members are Dauda Sulieman, Aliyu Datti Esq, Idris Abdullahi, Setonji Koshedo, Eboh Ihekwereme and Geraldine Oku.

    Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation – Chairman: Adamu Atta, while members include Miriam Onuoha and Sunday Olufemi Oroniyi.

    National Business and Technical Examination Board -Chairman: Garba Nadama while members are Ralph Nwike and Adewole Oludare Adewunmi.

    Nigerian Council for Management Development – Chairman: Emma Aguarivwodo. Members include Adeyemi S. Obakin, Amanuna Afragana, Anochie Haffner, Obong Emmanuel J. Akpan and Joseph Ahile.               Lake Chad Research Institute – Chairman: Yakubu Tsala, while members include Pastor Nonie Robinson, Prince Hope R. Lawson, Hajiya  Amina Takwai and Alhaji Abba Ahmed.

    Federal Road Safety Commission – Chairman: Felix Chukwu, while members are Jackie Umoru, Alhaji Ahmadu Inuwa Gambo, Mrs Maryam Gwaram, Mallam Aminu Bello, Senator Dahiru Bako Gassol, Emmanuel Egwu and Yinka Taiwo.

    Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria – Chairman: Mrs. Abisola Clark, while members include Mrs. Bridget Torbua and Asmau Saad Usman.

    Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation – Chairman: Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, while members are Grace Eni Nsot, Igwe B.N. Eze and Lawrence Onoja.

    Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria – Chairman: Prof. Francis Fadahunsi, while members include Dadawei Terilayefa Ebimo, Hadjia Meiro Momoh, Mike Inalegwu, Mrs. Ugo Ukpai and Hadiza D. Mohammed.             News Agency of Nigeria – Chairman: Ibrahim Buba, while members include Tony Prest, Dr. Atah Pine, Ifeanyi Ossai and Tons Fetepigi.

    Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) – Chairman: Goodluck Opia, while members include E. N. Mordi, Maigida Stephen, Muhammad Sallah Shettima, James Katagba and Haruna Dabin.

    National Information Technology Development Agency – Chairman: Tosin Ajayi , while members are Musa Bello, Saidu Gwadabe, Ben Bako, Wilson Chinedu Agu, Harami B. Balami, Segun Ilorin, Sa’adatu Ayitogo and Emmanuel Ighomena.

  • Jonathan tasks police on maintenance culture

    Jonathan tasks police on maintenance culture

    … Inaugurates FCID complex

    President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Tuesday inaugurated the newly renovated complex of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), with a charge to exhibit maintenance culture.

    Jonathan, who described the event as significant, said it was in furtherance of his administration’s resolve to effective policing of lives and property of citizens across the country.

    Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the president advised that strict code of maintenance should be put place and enforced to ensure effective usage of the complex.

    “It showcases the resolve of government to provide an enabling environment for the security of lives and property of Nigerians and that the necessary support infrastructure is also provided aimed at improving efficiency and welfare of the Police Force.

    “It is imperative that I reiterate the need for proper maintenance of this beautiful building.

    “It is my advice that strict code of maintenance should be put in place and vigorously enforced to ensure that the building stands the test of time,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the president as saying during the inauguration.

    He commended the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, and his management team, for their efforts at repositioning the police for greater service, and for carrying out the project at a reasonable cost.

    “Let me add that I’m impressed with the works carried out at this edifice at a reasonable cost.

    “Let me commend the Inspector-General of Police and his team for making this renovation work possible at an affordable price.

    “It goes a long way to demonstrate the resolve and desire of the Inspector-General of Police for a modern and well motivated Police Force,’’ he added.

     

  • Jonathan behind Rivers, NGF crises, says APC member

    President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar came under fire over their refusal to redeploy Rivers State Police Commissioner, Joseph Mbu.

    A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Chairman of Social Progressive Party (SPP), Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu said Jonathan should order the redeployment of Mbu to end the political crisis in Rivers State.

    The IGP Abubakar had, at the State House Abuja, disclosed that Mr Mbu will remain in office, dashing the hopes of those expecting a change in the leadership of the police in Rivers State.

    Reacting to the development at a news conference, Izuogu said that even the blind man knows that Jonathan has ordered the IGP not to remove Mbu following his involvement in the lingering crisis.      He also accused President Jonathan of being behind the unending crisis in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and that of Rivers State.

    His words: “I can swear a million times that Jonathan has a hand in the crisis rocking the governors’ forum and that of Rivers State. Let us stop deceiving ourselves. If Jonathan did not have a hand in them, he would simply have ordered the Commissioner of Police out of Rivers State. Rivers people elected only one governor and not two. It’s like we have two governors in Rivers State at present.

    “The Commissioner of Police is repeating what Bishop Eyiteme did when Jim Nwobodo was the governor of Old Anambra State. The commissioner does not have the mandate to act from anybody except from those who appointed him.

    “The powers that be may not want Mr. A but the masses want him. And if you want peace in the state, then you should allow the masses to have their way. In a democratic dispensation, I had expected President Jonathan and his party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to have congratulated Amaechi as the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum just like the PDP had congratulated the APC. That is the only way we can survive as a people and keep our democracy alive. Let there be tolerance. If there is no beauty in Nigeria’s democracy then nobody is safe.

    “It means that in 2015, somebody else can win and they would want it to be announced. All these crises do not speak well of President Jonathan’s administration. The international community is watching all these.

    “Tambuwal is doing well. He is a progressive and he has no place in the PDP.  He cannot remain in the PDP. Many PDP members will move to APC soon for the 2015 election. You just watch and see.

    “The position is that let the masses decide who becomes their Presidential candidate in 2015. Let there be transparent congresses at the ward level.   We are going to adopt option A4 system. Parties divide when there are manipulation and imposition of candidates. There should be no hand-picking of candidates in the APC. The big men who have oil blocs are the problems of this country. APC will learn from the mistakes of PDP.”