The Nation Newspaper

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  • Ganduje’s, Sanusi’s feud worsens

    The battle of supremacy between Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi 11 has taken a frightening dimension.

    A group, the Renaissance Coalition-Nigeria, has raised the alarm over alleged plot to transfer the Emir of Kano to the Bichi Emirate.

    A statement by the group’s spokesman, Ibrahim Waiya, alleged that the move was a calculated attempt by the Ganduje administration to depose Emir Sanusi.

    According to the statement made available to reporters in Kano yesterday, “it has come to the notice of the Renaissance Coalition that the Kano State Government has planned to transfer the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, to Bichi, and in the event he resists, he shall be deposed.

    Read Also: Ganduje: Saving the north from shame

    “This is quite unfortunate that despite a subsisting court ruling, which has ordered the maintenance of status quo pending conclusion of the matter before it, and even the contentious law, which was maliciously and hurriedly made, and is being challenged before the court, has not explicitly provided for such swap.

    “This is indeed a very dangerous move that is likely to cause violent unrest in the polity, and the alleged plot also shows extreme desperation on the part of the governor to advance a personal vendetta at the expense of the peace and wellbeing of the citizens he swore to protect.

    “We deem it our responsibility to do everything possible within our power to advocate for the peace and wellbeing of the citizens, by calling on all well-meaning individuals and the Federal Government to call the governor to order, to cease and desist from any further hostile action against the Kano emirate and the person of the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi ll.

    “We believe in the adage, better safe than sorry. We always want to be on the right path and the right side of history, expressing our objective opinions and engaging relevant authorities for appropriate and timely action to prevent societal disasters.

    “We decided not to wait and be reactive, but to be proactive because of the perceived heavy toll the repercussion of the alleged action of Governor Ganduje awaits the people of Kano, if the alleged plot is materialised and remains unchecked.”

    Waiya said: “Therefore, as responsible and concerned citizens, we strongly call on the governor to desist from going on with this alleged plot and such similar action, which is capable of jeopardising the relative peace we enjoy in the state.

    “We also call on security agencies, political leaders, respected elders, venerated Ulamas, intellectuals, opinion leaders and any person or people with the means to reach out to advise the governor to desist from such act.

    “However, in the event that the governor refuses to heed the counsel and goes ahead to actualise the evilly hatched dastardly agenda, we will be left with no other option but to call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Kano State as soon as the governor makes the pronouncement of the alleged plot, in order to save Kano State from the consequences of the governor’s action.

    “We wish to use this medium to remind the people and Kano State Government about the consequences that occurred when a similar action was attempted against the then Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in 1981.

    “We are of the strong belief that today if such action is attempted, it may likely be the worst because of increased social and economic stress, which are already keeping people on edge, ready to erupt, as well as a much higher restless youth population.

    “It is our prayer that the Federal Government must do everything possible to prevail on the governor to forestall the alleged plot of swapping the Emir of Kano, to ensure our dear state remains peaceful.”

  • ‘Kwara will pay attention to road’

    Kwara State Government says it will prioritise road development, to boost economic activities.

    Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, who spoke on Thursday in Ilorin while hosting community leaders from Oyun and Asa local governments, said the government realised that road was germane to the people, adding that it would take steps to ensure that the state had good roads to ensure easy movement of people and goods, especially farm produce from rural to urban areas.

    Read Also: Kwara moves to sack unqualified teachers

    The leader of the team, who is the Olugonna of Igbonna, Oba Abubakar Oloyede, hailed the achievements of the present administration and prayed for its success in the task ahead.

    He, however, called for the construction of roads linking the two local governments, to ensure transportation of goods and boost commercial activities.

    Sen. Suleiman Ajadi, one of the honorary chiefs in Asa Local Government, noted that construction of roads would make life meaningful for the people.

  • Ondo PDP lawmaker regains seat as Appeal Court sacks APC candidate

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, on Thursday, upturned the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal, which nullified the election of Hon. Ikengboju Gboluga of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the member representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    Gboluga was sacked by the tribunal in July for swearing to an oath of allegiance to the United Kingdom (UK), having acquired the citizenship of the country. The tribunal subsequently declared Albert Akintoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the election conducted on February 23, 2019.

    It also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Certificate of Return to Akintoye after withdrawing same from Gboluga.

    Read Also: Tribunal sacks Oyo PDP lawmaker, declares APC candidate winner

    Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s judgment, Gboluga filed an appeal against the judgment.

    But in a unanimous judgment, the three-man Appeal Court comprising Justices M.A Danjuma, R.M Abdullahi and P.A Mahmood, ruled that a Nigerian citizen by birth cannot be disqualified from contesting election because he acquired additional citizenship of other countries to which he swore an oath of allegiance.

    The Appeal Court said that the petition tribunal was wrong to have sacked Ikengboju Gboluga-a Nigerian citizen by birth- based on his acquisition of additional citizenship and swearing of an oath of allegiance to such a country.

    The appellate court accused the trial tribunal of speaking from both sides of the mouth and interpreting the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wrongly.

    The Appeal Court, therefore, set aside the judgment of the tribunal and upheld the election of Ikengboju Gboluga as the duly elected representative of the people of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

    The Court also awarded the sum of N2million cost against Albert Akintoye, the candidate of the APC.

    The court, however, said that the cost must be paid before October 1, 2019.

  • Monarchs support Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State monarchs have pledged their support for the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

    They spoke when the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, Permanent Secretary Dr. Taiwo Olufemi Salaam and other top government functionaries visited the palaces of the five divisional paramount rulers, namely Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu 1; Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun; Oba Kabiru Adewale Sotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu; Onigando of Igando, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi and Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I.

    The essence of the visit, according to Arobieke, was to inform the traditional rulers about the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda of the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration, which is: Transportation and Traffic Management, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st century economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance.

    Read Also: Oba Akiolu to Sanwo-Olu: beware of hypocrites

    She said the governor attached importance to the role of traditional rulers in the society as great influencers and mobilisers, which necessitated the visit not only to inform them of the government development agenda for the state, but also to seek their support.

    The commissioner said: “The governor has great respect for traditional rulers because of your roles as community leaders, who are connected and closer to the people.

    ‘For this reason, the government seeks your support in all government programmes and agenda in making Lagos a better place for us all.

    “The governor is a listening governor. That was why he approved this visit, which is to carry you along regarding the developmental agenda of the state, as well as get your input.

    “As a former two-term local government chairman, the traditional institution is a familiar terrain. I will always appreciate your contributions to the development of our great state.”

    Responding, Oba Akiolu1 said traditional rulers are behind the government and will join hands to support the present administration to enable it succeed.

    He urged the government to fill some of the vacant stools in the Obaship council.

    The monarch described the visit as very strategic and a sign of the importance the Sanwo-Olu administration attached to the institution of Obaship.

    This, he said, would foster a good relationship between the government and the institution of Obaship.

    Dr. Salaam thanked the royal fathers for the warm reception accorded them.

  • ASUU’s position on LAUTECH misguided, says Osun govt

    Osun State Government on Thursday said that the threat by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) to disrupt academic activities in the institution if the state government ‘refuses to pay their outstanding two months’ salaries’ is not only misguided but presumptuous.

    In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Wole Oyebamiji, the government noted that ASUU’s position on the salary arrears did not truly reflect the position of things, especially with regard to Osun, which appeared to have been singled out for vilification by the union.

    According to the statement entitled: “ASUU’s position on LAUTECH: Setting the record straight,” the government said: “Previously, Osun and Oyo states, who are joint owners of the university, had agreed to a template that will see Oyo pay salaries of workers at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, for six months, while Osun carries the burden of paying salaries of workers at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, also for a period six months and vice versa.

    Read Also: Osun, Oyo trade blames over LAUTECH’s funding

    “But while Osun kept faith religiously with the above arrangement, Oyo at some point jettisoned it. This explains why from 2013 till date, only Osun has been shouldering the payment of salaries of workers at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo,  amounting to N16, 604, 510, 806.12.

    “It is also important to note here that, long before the current back and forth over payment of salaries, the rotational payment between the two states had collapsed. Therefore, the claim by ASUU that Oyo had paid from January to June 2019, and as such, Osun should pay from July to December this year, does not hold water. The argument will only make meaning if Oyo had been paying salaries of workers at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.”

    The statement also disclosed that Osun had paid the July and August salaries of workers at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, amounting to N465, 480, 475.31.

    It added: “Besides, within the same period that ASUU claimed Oyo paid salaries of workers at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Osun also paid salaries of workers at LAUTECH, Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

    “It will, therefore, be unfair for ASUU to single out Osun as being solely responsible for non-payment of salaries at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, especially because for every kobo Oyo State had contributed in running LAUTECH in the last two years till date, Osun had contributed twice the amount.

    “As a government, we are disposed to the amicable resolution of all issues concerning the running of LAUTECH.  But we will not allow any individual or group to blackmail us into taking such decision.

    “Whatever decision that needs to be taken on the future of the institution must be one that is mutually agreed upon by the two states. In effect, what this means is that while Osun had cumulatively spent over N2billion on the institution from January to date, Oyo had only spent a little over N1billion.”

    The SSG’s statement further said: “For emphasis, below is the analysis of what Oyo contributed: January- N73, 977, 759. 10, February- N73, 977, 759.10, March – N73, 977, 759.10,  April – N295, 969, 650.11,  May – N295, 969, 650.11 and June – N295, 969, 560.11, whereas Osun, within the same period, had contributed : January -N235, 967, 856.98, February – N239,783,757.04, March -N239, 642, 219.14, April- N239, 007,500.28, May- N235,382,043.73 and June – N235, 251,415.70, to LAUTECH  Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

    “The state, as earlier stated, had gone ahead to contribute another N230, 923,499.67 and N234, 556, 975.64 as July and August salaries, respectively, for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.”

  • Akeredolu: we’ll include OPC in Ondo security outfit

    Following the resolve of the Southwest state governors to tackle criminal activities in the region through joint security operations, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has pledged the inclusion of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and other local security outfits in the formation of the state’s security vigilance group codenamed “Amotekun.”

    Akeredolu spoke through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, yesterday, while receiving the state executive members of the Aare Onakakanfo, Gani Adams-led Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), who paid him a courtesy visit in Akure, the state capital.

    He said the state government had resolved to partner with the group as a leading member of the state’s security outfit for the purpose of a home-grown community policing aimed at combating criminal activities in the state.

    According to him, governors of Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Lagos states specifically enlisted the services and cooperation of the Adams-led OPC to coordinate other local groups such as Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Agbekoya Group and local hunters to partner and assist the police in securing the Southwest region against kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other criminal activities.

    Read Also: Ore fly over to be completed December, says Akeredolu

    He said: “Governor Akeredolu, who is the chairman of Southwest Governors’ Forum, convened the Southwest Security Meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, a few weeks ago, where it was resolved by the forum to jointly finance a security outfit to tackle the incessant cases of kidnapping, banditry, herdsmen attacks and other crimes ravaging the region.

    “It was there that it was first agreed upon that the security outfit must enlist the support and participation of our brothers in OPC under the leadership of the Aare Onakakanfo, in order to assist the police in its quest to get rid of organised crimes in the grassroots, our forests, our villages, towns and cities. The community policing scheme will also include other local security outfits like the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters.

    “I am happy to also inform you that our governor has already blazed the trail by procuring hundreds of SUV utility vans and over 250 motorbikes for the take-off of the ‘Amotekun’ security outfit, which I’m sure, some of it will be allocated to your group, OPC, as operational vehicles, among other incentives, to assist you in doing the job which you have volunteered to undertake for our people with all loyalty, dedication and faithfulness. The gods of our land shall be with you and keep you safe throughout the tough task.”

    Also speaking, the state’s Head of Service (HoS), Dare Aragbaye, who welcomed the delegation to the Governor’s Office, hailed the OPC for the feat achieved a few days ago in Imesi-Ile in Osun State, where the group swiftly moved to rescue 14 persons kidnapped by bandits in the forest of the town by launching heavy attacks on the fleeing criminals to set the victims free.

    Aragbaye urged members of the Yoruba defence group to put in more efforts in tackling the menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities within the region, stressing that government in the state, led by Akeredolu, was ready to partner and support the group to achieve success in making the state crime-free.

    The leader of the OPC delegation and Ondo State Coordinator, Pius Ogunsanya, who delivered Adams’ message, said he would use the group as a veritable platform to foster peace, love, understanding and unity among all the paramilitary and security stakeholders in the region.

  • Lagos I’ll prosecute officials over corrupt practices

    The Lagos State government on Thursday said it will prosecute any of its officials involved in corrupt practices or any unauthorised duties.

    The Corps Marshal, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Akinpelu Gbemisola, said any of LAGESC operatives engaged in such acts would also be seriously dealt with in line with the Civil Service Rules and even paraded in public.

    This she said would stem unprofessional conduct and indiscipline amongst the operatives.

    She spoke in a meeting with divisional commanders and other operatives at the LAGESC Headquarters, Safety Arena, Bolade-Oshodi area of Lagos State.

    Read Also: Lagos shuts 20 health facilities

    She said: “Appropriate disciplinary action would be meted to any of LAGESC operatives, who engages in any act of misconduct while on official duties.

    “LAGESC officials are to maintain discipline as well as integrity while carrying out their assigned duties as they represent the good image of the Lagos State Government.”

    “There are risks associated with crossing the highways, where pedestrian bridges are erected. Offenders will be prosecuted accordingly,” she added.

    Akinpelu urged Lagosians with relevant information, complaints and suggestions on the activities of the Agency or its operatives to make use of the complaint number by reaching out to it on 09095311464, noting that all the operatives have their name tags on their uniforms.

  • Baale denies involvement in land grabbing

    The Baale of Cardoso area of Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, Chief Moroof Owonla, aka Kaka, on Thursday, denied any involvement in land grabbing activities within the Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area of the state.

    A statement by his Media Adviser, Chief Babajide Osokoya, described Owonla as a consummate businessman in various sectors of the country’s economy, who would not engage in such unlawful activities.

    According to the statement: “Apart from being a traditional ruler of repute, High Chief Owonla sits comfortably atop successful businesses spanning hospitality, education, property, oil and gas and automobiles. He is the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Owonla Hotels, Impressive Schools, Owonla Property Management Company, Rosebol Oil & Gas Limited and Kaka Auto Marts.

    ‘’It was, however, shocking that some residents in Ayobo and other communities in the area staged a demonstration to protest against the activities of land grabbers allegedly led by one Moroof Owonla, aka Kaka, who has been terrorising their communities.”

    Read Also: Family petitions Ogun cp over land grabbing

    Owonla said he had no personal or business relationship with the property agent, who issued a 14-day ultimatum dated September 10, 2019 to property owners in the community.

    He urged concerned authorities to feel free to carry out thorough investigations on the matter with a view to ascertaining those responsible for the controversial notice.

    Yhe statement added: “We imagine what could have been the link between High Chief Owonla and the agent known as Gabfod Properties that informed the reported protest against his personality on the streets.

    ‘’For purpose of clarity, Chief Owonla was the property agent of late Chief Arimiyau Bello Ekundayo, when he won the case over the landed property in suit No. ID/1722/92 in the judgment delivered by Justice O.A Williams (Mrs.) of Ikeja High Court 7 on October 24, 2004, and he successfully managed the property until this year (2019), when the children and family of late Arimiyau Bello Ekundayo decided to disengage Chief Owonla and appointed Gabfob Properties Investments as their new land agent.

    ‘’Chief Owonla, a graduate of Business Administration from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, is equally a landlord on the said property, having bought 15 acres with genuine documents directly from the judgment creditor, late Chief Arimiyau Bello Ekundayo, long before his death,  and this his children and family can attest to.’

  • Makinde’ll surpass Ajimobi, others in achievements

    Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, has said that the spate of achievements by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration will not decline as the government is working to surpass its predecessors’ achievements in infrastructure and human capital development.

    The commissioner stated this at the 10th year anniversary of Oke-Ogun FM, a state-owned radio station at Alaga in Itesiwaju Local Government Area on Wednesday.

    Olatunbosun said that the government was aware of its critics’ model of argument that the pace of achievements by the incumbent would soon reduce with time, adding that Governor Makinde’s innumerable feats recorded within his first 100 days in office were what he called the icing on the cake of developmental agenda, in accordance with the pact he signed with the people during his campaigns.

    Read Also: Why I can’t settle Makinde, ZLP’s rift, by Ladoja

    He said: “Within 100 days in office, Governor Seyi Makinde has made a landmark in security, healthcare system, agriculture, educational advancement, economic expansion, workers’ welfare and accountability, but some people are saying that the pace would soon retrogress. I have news for them, tell them that we are just starting.

    “This administration signed a pact of infrastructural and human capital development with the people during electioneering campaign and fulfillment of this pact has just started. They have not seen anything yet.

    “The target is to surpass the previous administrations, including the last one, in the areas I have highlighted and continue to do those good things people never thought possible till the administration breasts the tape.”

    The commissioner added that the state government would not relent in its continuous efforts towards ensuring total development around the state to attract foreign investors for partnership.

    In his remarks, the General Manager, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Prince Dotun Oyelade, who was represented by the Director of News, Mrs. Adeola Adedotun, sought the support of th state government to make Oke -Ogun FM the best among its equals.

  • No compensation

    Henceforth, state governments that fix federal roads should not expect any compensation from the Federal Government. Works and housing minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola, who made this known on Tuesday in Abuja when he appeared before the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on Abandoned Federal Government Projects (Works) from 1999 till date, said this was the directive from President Muhammadu Buhari. The Francis Uduyok-led panel had accused the Federal Ministry of Works of overstretching itself by handling 472 road projects at the same time. The president’s decision was apparently informed by the inflated bills that some state governments submitted for rehabilitation of federal roads.

    According to the minister, “The states submitted a bill of almost a trillion naira when President Buhari was elected. He asked us to work out what was their entitlement and all of that. Ultimately, the BPP (the Bureau of Public Procurement) certified about N44bn – I don’t remember the exact amount now – except for two states; I think Cross River and…there’s another state. They didn’t have the documents at the time, which we have sent back to the President. But the decision to pay those inherited debts, including the ones I contracted as Governor of Lagos, was with the caveat that I should tell the governors to leave his (Buhari’s) roads alone. Those were the directives; I was not the one that took the decision.”

    Roads have to be maintained if they must be passable all year round. The Federal Government realised this, hence, its creation of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure fast response to road maintenance, by bypassing the bureaucratic bottlenecks in the ministry because of the urgency of FERMA’s task. However, poor funding has led to poor maintenance of roads by the agency, with the result that many Federal Trunk Roads are now more of death traps, as a result of their dilapidated state. State governments would have had no business rehabilitating federal roads if the agency had been as effective as it should be.

    But, then, this cannot be excuse for the state governments to inflate the amounts spent on fixing the roads so hugely. It is like stealing too much for the owner not to notice. Indeed, on this score, it is difficult to fault President Buhari’s decision to stop compensating the states for performing the Federal Government’s responsibility. About N44billion verified by the BPE is a far cry from the N1trillion the state governments presented to the Federal Government for reimbursement when President Buhari was elected. No responsible chief executive would close his eyes to such disparity, especially because tax payers’ money is at stake. Moreover, accountability and transparency demand that a thorough audit of such jobs be done before approvals are given for refunds.

    We deplore state governments that inflated the contract sums. However, we urge the federal and state governments to find a more sustainable framework to maintain these roads because they are joint stakeholders. It is true the roads are categorised as federal roads, but they are in areas under state governments’ jurisdiction. The truth is; many Nigerians do not remember that the roads belong to the Federal Government when they are bad. They cry to the state governments to fix the roads and the state governments cannot ignore such calls, especially in a democratic era.

    If we ask the state governments to bring in Federal Government officials at the onset of the contract award for the rehabilitation, it still does not solve the problem. It does not make the process fool-proof. Perhaps the way out is for the governments to consider tolling some of these roads to get funds for their rehabilitation. As things are, it is not just that FERMA is cash-strapped; it also does not seem to have the capacity to maintain the so-called federal roads nationwide.

    Ultimately though, the idea of the central government claiming ownership of roads in states is a misnomer. It is a reflection of the faulty federalism we are practicing. In a true federalism, state governments should be in control of roads in their areas of jurisdiction.