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  • I will enforce PDP Constitution, implement reform reports – Dokpesi

    I will enforce PDP Constitution, implement reform reports – Dokpesi

    The founder of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, says he is ready to enforce the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution and implement various reports aimed at repositioning the party, if elected its national chairman.

    Dokpesi made the pledge during his national chairmanship campaign meeting with the PDP Nasarawa and the North-Central Executives and party leaders, on Monday in Lafia.

    He said that the party was still facing some of the challenges that made it to lose elections 2015.

    According to him, the PDP, as a strong political party, needs bold and committed leaders to address the issue of imposition, impunity and disrespect for its constitution.

    “I am committed to enforcing the basis of the PDP Constitution. I am committed to reversing the mistakes we had made over the years contained in various reports.

    “PDP cannot say it did not know, but the courage to really implement what has been recommended has been our major problem ,” Dokpesi said.

    He promised to work with the zonal and state leaders for PDP to regain power in the North-Central states in future elections by going into the field with them.

    Dokpesi said that the PDP recorded a lot of achievements in its 16 years of administration.

    “There is no need for us to have lost elections in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa, if not for impunity, disrespect for party constitution and regulations, refusal to obey our zoning principle which is popular in our constitution and government.

    “It affected us not only at states level, but also up to the national level.

    “This is the time for us to elect the right leaders to correct the mistakes and challenges.

    “We must elect people who are ready to admit those mistakes that we had made and are ready to correct them.”

    Dokpesi urged delegates to the December convention to vote for the future of the party by electing credible people, who could rebrand the party to win in  2019.

    The Director-General of Dokpesi Campaign Organisation, Mr Baba Kachalla, described Dokpesi as a strong leader who could build a new PDP.

    “We need a strong and credible leader to lead the party as a departure from the past mistakes, and we have that in Dokpesi,” Kachalla said.

    The PDP North-Central National Vice Chairman, Mr Theophilus Shan, stressed the need for PDP to make a decision it would not regret.

    Shan described Dokpesi as a leader who had made much sacrifice for the party, saying: “we in the North-Central know that you have all it takes to lead PDP.”

    The PDP Nasarawa State Chairman, Mr Francis Orogu, said that the party members were watching and listening in electing PDP national leaders by themselves.

    Orogu, who prayed for the success of Dokpesi, said that he had all it takes to win the election.

    “You cannot lose election in these states of the country, except if God decided otherwise.

    “We are still talking and pleading with those that matter that irrespective of whom we have in our minds we should allow the right person to emerge.

    “This is important so that the party can move forward, and by extension, the country will have democratic leaders that will give us a better future president that will be accepted,” he said.

  • UNICEF trains 479 health workers, volunteers in Niger

    UNICEF trains 479 health workers, volunteers in Niger

    The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has trained 479 health workers and volunteers on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) in Niger.

    Dr Yahaya Nau’zo, the Executive Director, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, made this known in an interview on Monday in Minna.

    Nau’zo said that the figures comprise 209 health workers and 270 volunteers drawn from Lapai, Borgu, Shiroro, Edati, Chanchaga and Mashegu Local Government Areas of the state.

    He said the training would update the knowledge of health workers on feeding of infant from birth to two years and build their capacity on risk and death reduction among children under five years.

    According to him, the health workers were trained on how to communicate with the mothers and caregivers within the communities on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

    Nau’zo said that the training would also serve as a guide to the health workers on how to counsel families on the best nutritional food to feed their children under five with.

    “Forty-five volunteers were selected from each of the local government areas and trained them on how to interact with mothers within the communities.

    “The health workers were also trained on how to supervise and direct volunteers as they communicate with people in the communities individually.

    “All problems encountered by the volunteers will be communicated to the health workers for solution,” he said.

    The executive director added that the training would help to reduce the risk and death rates in the council areas with high number of malnutrition children.

    He commended UNICEF’s efforts in reaching out to children in the state and assured the organisation that the gesture would be extended to other local government areas.

    NAN

  • Lagos Assembly, others mourn Ekwueme

    Lagos Assembly, others mourn Ekwueme

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday described the late Dr Alex Ekwueme, Second Republic vice-president of Nigeria, as a patriot and true nationalist.

    The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr Tunde Braimoh, said this in Lagos that the death of the elder statesman was a painful loss to the country.

    Ekwueme died in London on Sunday at 85.

    Braimoh, who spoke on behalf of the House, said late Ekwueme’s meritorious service as vice president between 1979 and 1983 remain indelible.

    “He was highly dignified and principled.

    “Juxtaposed to his forthrightness, industry, ingenuity, intuition, moral rectitude and upright leanings, his demise is very regrettable,” the lawmaker said.

    According to him, Ekwueme, who held the nation’s number two office when Alhaji Shehu Shagari was president, would be remembered for his belief in the unity of Nigeria.

    He described Ekwueme as an astute, clairvoyant, quintessential politician and elder statesman.

    Braimoh, who noted that death is unavoidable to all mortals, said: “What is important is the legacies for which we shall be remembered.

    “In the case of Dr Ekwueme, it is gratifying that we have fond memories of him.

    “It is also reprieving to recall the herculean efforts and battles to save his life, and that his death might as well be a well-deserved rest after the struggles of life and living”.

    He commiserated with Nigerians, especially the people of the South-East, on the death of Ekwueme.

    Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, a former Presidential candidate of KOWA Party, also condoled with the Ekwueme family and prayed that God would grant them the wisdom to carry on.

    Chief Martin Onovo, a former Presidential candidate of National Conscience Party, prayed that the late Ekwueme’s soul would rest in peace.

    “We commiserate with the Ekwueme family of Oko in Anambra and all Nigerians on the death of Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    “He was a democrat of high intellectual capacity and achievement. May his soul rest in peace,’’ Onovo said.

    Also, Prof. Lai Olurode, a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urged politicians to learn from late Ekwueme’s politics of “live and let live’’.

    “A fine gentleman, a distinguished architect and a formidable pillar of the second republic is no more.

    “Other politicians and public figures should learn from his `politics of live and let live’.

    “The late Vice President Ekwueme was a man of peace, a symbol of politics without bitterness and a bridge builder who was a son of the east, an ally of the South-South, well trusted by the North and a friend of the West.

    “May God grant the family the grace to bear the loss,’’ Olurode said.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme, epitome of detribalised Nigerian – Okorocha

    Ekwueme, epitome of detribalised Nigerian – Okorocha

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has described the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme as an epitome of a detribalised Nigerian.

    Ekwueme, 85, died on Sunday in a London hospital after a brief illness, according to a statement, signed by his younger brother Igwe Laz Ekwueme, a musicologist.

    Okorocha, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemedo, issued in Owerri on Monday, noted that Ekwueme launched the Igbos into national politics in the second Republic and refused to be cajoled into playing tribal politics.

    He said that after the civil war, Nigerians re-enacted their faith and belief in the Igbos as one of the major tripods of the nation through late Ekwueme by electing him as the vice president to President Shehu Shagari.

    The governor noted that until his death, the former vice president remained in the mainstream of Nigerian politics because of his firm belief in the oneness of the nation.

    He said he was a good example of the kind of politics the Igbos should be playing at any given time, adding that he had left behind a befitting legacy.

    The governor said the deceased’s peaceful and honest dispositions both in politics, public and private life were all worthy of emulation.

    “The only regret about Ekwueme at the moment is that he died at a time his wealth of experience and wise advice will have been most needed and useful to Nigerians of goodwill.

    “Nigerians and of course, Ndigbo in particular, will greatly miss Dr Ekwueme and I pray that the good Lord will grant his soul eternal rest,” Okorocha said.

    In his reaction, Mr Mike Iheanetu, representing Aboh Mbaise in the Imo State House of Assembly, described Ekwueme’s demise as “the death of the Nigerian Dream”`.

    Iheanetu disclosed this that the Nigerian dream was encapsulated in Ekwueme’s brain when he formed the minority opinion which produced the current six geopolitical zones.

    The lawmaker said that Nigeria, as a country, owed it to Ekwueme’s memory to ensure that the six zones come together to form a government that would strengthen the zones and reduce power at the centre.

    He said this would make the centre less attractive, thereby reducing rancor and acrimony, as well as unite the country, adding that unity of the country is most important.

    “I believe in development from bottom to top which was Ekwueme’s vision. I am proposing for the six regions.

    “If we strengthen the bottom, it will make the centre weak and therefore less attractive; and if the centre is weak, there will be less rancor and acrimony and Nigeria will be united which is of utmost importance.

    “He proposed rotational presidency and we are still looking forward to it. This is what we owe Ekwueme and God will grant us the grace to achieve this dream while he rests in peace,” Iheanetu said.

    Also reacting, Dr Chima Onyekwere, the convener of Citizens for Progress and National Development, described the late Ekwueme as a “leader worthy of emulation”.

    Onyekwere urged leaders to follow the example of the late Ekwueme by seeking the unity and progress of Nigeria.

    “He was a dedicated leader and we will miss him dearly,” he said.

    A political analyst, Fred Ibeawuchi, also described him as a true democrat, who played a major role in the development and growth of Nigeria with resources at his disposal.

    He said the achievement of democratic rule in Nigeria was an offshoot of Ekwueme’s dedication.

    “Ekwueme was a vanguard of one Nigeria, true federalism and nationalism.”

    Mr Chikelue Nwoko, a businessman, described late Ekwueme as a good man and an astute politician, adding that he helped Igbos and ensured they received the respect and honour they deserved.

    Nwoko also described him as a peace loving man and prayed for more leaders like him.

    Okorocha recently erected Ekwueme’s statue at the Heroes Square of the state, welcomed him into the Imo Hall of Fame and gave him Imo Merit Award.

    NAN

  • Customs hands over seized container of pharmaceutical products to NDLEA

    Customs hands over seized container of pharmaceutical products to NDLEA

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Command, on Monday said it had handed over a 40-foot container containing confiscated and falsely declared pharmaceutical goods to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ).

    The  Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Yusuf Bashar, listed the items to include:  Spectradol (Tramadol) capsules, Spectra-Doxycycline capsules and Jinart tablets that were falsely declared as vehicles.

    Bashar in a statement said that the area handed over the container to the NDLEA, Tin-Can Island Port commander, Mr Nse Jack.

    Bashar listed other seized drugs to include; Clarinthromycin tablets and Jincold-Extra Strength capsules.
    The controller said the service would continue to build on the existing inter-agency cooperation with all concerned regulatory agencies, in its efforts at ensuring that illicit goods were intercepted at ports.

    Bashar lamented the increasing negative effects that fake drugs were having on the teeming Nigerian youths.

    He also decried the level at which Nigerian youths consumed these drugs illegally, making them to exhibit despicable acts.
    The controller, who linked the frequency of drugs seizures in recent times to the forthcoming election year, said that consumption of such drugs by the youths usually gave them false illusion to perpetuate deplorable acts.

    He said the command recently seized arms, cars, drugs and other goods.

    Bashar said that an importer, who falsely declared some pharmaceutical products as imported vehicles and another container as containing computer accessories, could never be described as a patriotic citizen.

    “It is not just about money but the health and well-being of the people.

    “Every Nigerian should show care about the lives of Nigerians and it is not about revenue nor trade facilitation but about the good of Nigeria and Nigerians, so this must stop.’’ the controller said.

    Bashar gave the name of the importer as Jin Spectra Pharmaceutical Ltd., based in , Kano.

    He also said the name of the clearing agency was Febeaco Nigeria Ltd., with office along  Apapa/Oshodi Expressway,  Apapa, Lagos.

    The controller expressed confidence in the officials of the NDLEA to complete its investigation and prosecute offenders.

    He, however, said that the NCS would not allow unpatriotic and inconsiderate importers and agents to use the Tin-Can Island Port as a dumping ground to perpetrate their illegal operations.

    Bashar recalled that some weeks ago, two containers of falsely- declared pharmaceutical products were also handed over to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ).

    According to him, there are over 100 million youths in Nigeria. If they are allowed unregulated access to these drugs that will portend great danger for the nation.

    Mr Nse Jack who received the consignments on behalf of the Chairman of NDLEA commended the controller for his consistent commitment to the concept of inter-agency collaboration and synergy over time.

    He said that the NDLEA would conduct further due diligence test to unravel details of the importer for eventual prosecution of suspects.

    NAN

  • Court to resume hearing of FG’s $406.8m suit against companies

    Court to resume hearing of FG’s $406.8m suit against companies

    A Federal High Court in Lagos will on Jan. 23, 2018, resume hearing of a $406.8 million  suit instituted by the Federal Government against Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd, over crude oil shipment.

    The suit numbered FHC/L/CS/336/16 was filed by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government.

    It has as defendants: Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. and its subsidiary, Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd.

    The suit, which was billed for continuation of hearing, was stalled following the absence of the trial judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

    Consequently, the continuation of hearing will resume on Jan. 23, 2018.

    Similarly, two sister cases before the same court involving the Federal Government and Agip as well as the Federal Government and Chevron, which were earlier slated for hearing on Nov.20 , were also adjourned until  Jan. 23, 2018.

    In the suit against Shell Western Supply, the plaintiff, ,Federal Government, is claiming the sum of $406.8 million from the defendants, which represent the shortfall of money paid into the Federal Government’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The money was said to be for crude oil lifted in 2013 and 2014.

    In a supporting affidavit, the Federal Government had accused the Anglo-Dutch company of not declaring or under-declaring crude oil shipments during the period.

    It said that this was discovered following forensic analysis of bills of laden and shipping documents, adding that Shell cheated Nigeria of the revenue.

    According to the affidavit, the consortium of experts tracked the global movements of the country’s hydro-carbons, including crude oil and gas.

    They identified the companies engaged in the practices that led to missing revenues from crude oil and gas export sales to different parts of the world.

    They also revealed discrepancies in the export records from Nigeria with the import records at U.S. ports.

    Plaintiff averred that the undeclared shipments between January 2013 and December 2014 brought the total value of the entire shortfall to $406.75 million.

    The defendants were said to have failed to respond to a Federal Government’s letter through its legal representative, seeking clarifications as to the discrepancies.

    The Federal Government is, therefore, seeking a court order to compel the two companies to pay $406.8 million, being the total value of the missing revenue and interest at 21 per cent per annum.

    In addition, the government is also asking Shell to pay general exemplary damages in the sum of $406.75 million as well as the cost of the legal action.

    The Federal Government had also sued Chevron, Total and Agip, in similar circumstances.

    The Federal Government is asking for a total of $12.7 billion over alleged non-declaration of 57 million barrels of crude shipped to the U.S. between 2011 and 2014.

    The oil companies are among 15 oil majors targeted by the government for the recovery of $17 billion in deprived revenue.

    NAN

  • Absence of judge stalls Kanu ’s trial

    Absence of judge stalls Kanu ’s trial

    The trial of leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), Nnamdi Kanu was stalled on Monday in Federal High Court, Abuja, due to the absence of the judge.

    The official of the court informed parties that the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyanko, had gone to attend Judges’ Conference within the city.

    Nyanko had ordered Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, who stood surety for Kanu to appear in court on Nov. 20 to account for his whereabouts.

    The order was predicated on report from Kanu’s Counsel, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who claimed on Oct. 18 that his client could not be found.

    Abaribe, who was in court, however, told journalists that the military unsettled Kanu, adding that his whereabouts was not known to him either.

    The lawmaker said it was on the basis of that uncertainty that he filed an application to withdraw his suretiship.

    Also ordered to account for Kanu’s whereabouts were Tochukwu Uchendu and Jewish Chief High Priest Immanuel-El Shalom Oka-Ben Madu.

    Mr Shuaibu  Labaran, the Prosecuting Counsel had through an application demanded that Kanu’s sureties be made to produce him to allow the trial to continue.

    Kanu is standing trial on treasonable charges along with Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuis.

    Read Also:  IPOB leader Kanu whereabouts unknown as trial resumes today

     

  • Man docked for theft of vehicle worth N4.5m

    Man docked for theft of vehicle worth N4.5m

    A 24-year-old man, Pakute Oseni, was on Monday docked before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly stealing a vehicle worth N4.5million.

    Oseni of no fixed address was in court on charges of conspiracy and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Folake Ewe, told the court that Oseni and others now at large, allegedly conspired to steal the vehicle.

    Ewe said Oseni was alleged to have stolen one Lexus Jeep with registration number AGL 553 DX valued at N4.5million.

    She said, “The offences were committed on Jan. 23, 2016 at  8 p.m., at Alarere Area, along new Ife Road, Ibadan, where the car was parked.”

    Ewe said the offences were contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 (9) (10A) of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2,000.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the offences when they were read to him in court.

    The chief magistrate, Mrs Jejelola Ogunbona, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She, thereafter, adjourned the case until Jan.31, for hearing.

    Read Also: Man docked for theft of electrical cables

  • Ekwueme ‘s death, big loss to the nation, Nigerian communities in S/Africa

    Ekwueme ‘s death, big loss to the nation, Nigerian communities in S/Africa

    The Nigerian communities in South Africa says the passing away of Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President,  is a big loss to the nation.

    Ekwueme died in a London clinic, aged 85 on Sunday.

    Mr Adetola Olubajo, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, said this on the telephone from Pretoria on Monday, that Nigerians in that country received the news with shock.

    He described Ekwueme as a politician with exceptional policies rarely seen among “ the political gladiators currently dominating our political climate.

    “He was upright, cerebral, courageous and loyal to the country while he was serving in various public offices.

    “His wealth of experience and contributions to the political landscape in Nigeria will be greatly missed.

    “In 1995, he proposed the six geopolitical zones which Nigerians now use for decision making on national issues, Olubajo said.

    According to him, as first executive vice president of Nigeria, it is a public knowledge that  Ekwueme left office poorer than he was when he entered it.

    “This cannot be said of Nigerian politicians anymore,” the President said.

    Olubajo said that Nigerians in South Africa commiserated with his family, friends, and associates.

    “ We love him, but God loves him more. Adieu father of the nation, and elder statesman per excellent and true nationalist,” he said.

    Read Also: Ekwueme dies at 85

     

  • FRSC threatens to arrest, prosecute drunk drivers in Bayelsa

    FRSC threatens to arrest, prosecute drunk drivers in Bayelsa

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bayelsa command, has threatened to apprehend and prosecute drunk drivers especially, during the yuletide.

    Mr Ikechukwu Igwe, the state FRSC Sector Commander, who made the threat in an interview in Yenagoa on Monday, said the command had procured equipment to detect liquor from the breathe of motorists.

    “We have gotten machine that we shall be using to detect drunk drivers in order to safeguard lives and property of road users.

    “When we arrest you, you will be prosecuted according to the law; so, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

    “Speed limit and over-loading violation are some of the major causes of fatal accidents on the highways,” he said.

    Igwe however, disclosed that the command recorded only eight road crashes between September and October.

    He explained that out of the eight crashes, three were fatal while five were serious.

    “The fatal crashes are those that involved loss of lives while the serious crash is when people have injuries.

    “Though, we thank God, the incidence of crashes has reduced in the state; I must tell you that, so far in the month of November, no accident has been recorded.

    “Yes, we attribute the reduction in road traffic crash to the corps’ improved operations and enforcement of speed limiting device ,” he said.

    Igwe, however commended the activities marking the Africa Road Safety Day/ World Day of remembrance for Road Traffic Victim, saying it was strategic to sensitize the general public on the need for safer road.

    The Road Safety Day held between Nov. 13 and Nov.19, was a global awareness on the road safety issues among stakeholders for prevention of traffic-related injuries and deaths.

    NAN