The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sacked

  • Revealed: Why Jonathan sacked nine ministers

    Revealed: Why Jonathan sacked nine ministers

    President Goodluck Jonathan sacked nine ministers yesterday – in a shocking move that sparked questions on the motive of the action.

    Five factors accounted for the ministers’ sack, The Nation learnt.

    According to highly-placed sources in government, some of the reasons are: non-performance; security reports on alleged corruption; political allegiance and doubtful loyalty to the President; poor management of turn-key projects; and the crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

    A source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, said: “You will recall that the President asked the ministers to sign a performance bond. About four of the nine ministers failed to live up to expectations in the assessment of the Presidency.

    “In fact, three of the ministers were yet to understand their mandate after being in office for two and a half years. One of the ministers had more than 20 agencies under him but his performance was poor.

    “We cannot also rule out alleged corruption acts by two to three of the ministers. For instance, there is a particular outgoing minister who forced the parastatals under the ministry to buy a N17million Sports Utility Vehicle SUV for personal use.

    “The money-spinning parastatals were unhappy but they had to do it. It also got to a ridiculous extent that the minister was always asking for remittance of interest accruable from funds kept in some banks by parastatals under the ministry.

    “Another minister had problems with award of contracts, some of which were rated as inferior. The agencies supervised by the minister made a joint demand for change.

    “Ironically, the minister lost a plum cabinet position at a time a platform was created in a state to fight political adversaries of Jonathan. The minister was dazed when the President announced the sack.”

    According to a source, there was also the alleged tardiness in the award of the $1.3billion (N212billion) Zungeru Hydro Project.

    The Federal Government is expected to spend about N303million in generating one megawatt of electricity. The hydro project is said to be one of the most expensive in the world.

    “Although no corruption infraction was found against Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, she was sacrificed for not being vigilant,” the source claimed.

    It was also learnt that the alleged overstaying in the cabinet by the former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, may have led to his exit.

    Another source said: “I think Shamsudeen has been in the cabinet since 2007. Though he did well in designing the Performance Benchmark for the Federal Executive Council(FEC), the nation’s planning system has not improved.

    “An egg-head, who is a former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), he may have lost his post because of difficulty in measuring his achievements which appeared to be long term. And you know, politicians have no patience for long term gains.”

    As at press time, political motives were being read into the sack of some of the ministers but a source in the Presidency disputed these.

    Some ministers were reportedly sent packing because of the rebellion of the G-7 governors in the PDP.

    “People alluded to this factor because some of the Ministers were nominated by their governors. Such Ministers are Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai(nominated by Governor Sule Lamido); Zainab Kuchi(by Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State); Alhaji Bukar Tijjani(from Borno now being controlled by APC without being unable to mobilise PDP to launch counter-attack),” said the source, adding:

    “For Shamsudeen, who was not nominated by Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, his alleged cold war with the Kano State Governor led to the factionalisation of PDP in his state. He became a political risk for Jonathan to retain him in the cabinet.

    “But, contrary to political permutations, some ministers from the rebellious states, like Adamawa , Rivers and Kwara, are in the cabinet because of performance without anyone touching them.”

    Ms Amal Pepple, who is from Rivers State, is believed to have lost her job for being unable to read the President’s mood on the crisis in the state.

    “Concerned about her state, Pepple recently walked up to the President, knelt down and asked him to forgive Governor Rotimi Amaechi of whatever sin the governor had committed,” the source said, adding:

    “Although Pepple was not nominated by Amaechi, her U-Turn made the Presidency suspicious of her loyalty.

    “Her innocent intervention in Rivers crisis and fact that she was also just waking up to make impact at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development cost her the job.”

    Ashiru’s removal was said to have shocked his colleagues. “In fact, one of the ministers almost shouted as the President was reeling out the names of those to be dropped,” the source said.

    He said: “There is a strong suspicion that since the Presidency was uncomfortable with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who brought Ashiru into the cabinet, the minister’s days were numbered. In spite of the mediatory role of Obasanjo in PDP crisis, the position of the Presidency was that he had only attempted to clear the mess he created. Ashiru might just be a scape-goat.

    “As for the Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafia, the tempo of political situation in Kaduna requires a change of guard.”

    President Jonathan shocked the sacked ministers as he did not betray any emotions at the FEC meeting.

    A Presidency source said: “We all went in with the usual exchange of banters. The President and his deputy and a few others came late but we did not suspect anything.

    “After honouring a star athlete, Blessing Okagbare, we went into the business of the day with most of the nine ministers making contributions, oblivious that they would go.

    “As we were about to say the closing prayers, the President said: ‘I wish to inform you that some ministers will be attending this FEC meeting for the last time there will be some changes; some will be dropped.’

    “A pin-drop silence overwhelmed the Executive Chambers as he was reading the names in a military fashion.

    “After the list was read, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, said the closing prayers.”

  • ‘Mainstreet MD not sacked’

    The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mainstreet Bank Limited, Mallam Falalu Bello, has denied the claim that the bank’s Group Managing Director, Mrs. Faith Tuedor-Matthews, was suspended over alleged misappropriation of funds.

    The chairman, in a statement made available to our correspondent, said there was no board crisis, adding that Mrs Tuedor-Martins remained the lender’s chief executive officer.

    A newspaper report had said that the board of Mainstreet Bank had suspended Mrs Tuedor-Matthews over alleged misappropriation of funds.

    The report alleged that she transferred funds into her private accounts abroad.

    But the chairman said: “There is no iota of truth in the report that our GMD, Ms Faith Tuedor – Matthews, has misappropriated any funds of the bank and it is also not true that she transferred any funds of the bank into her private account abroad.

    “That both the Board and Management of MBL are working harmoniously and building a great institution – the result of which will be seen by the Nigerian public very shortly and Ms Faith Tuedor- Matthews is and remains the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of MBL.”

    He added that “the management of the bank has demanded a full retraction of the false, malicious and defamatory story, failing which necessary legal action will be taken by the bank.”

    Mrs Tuedor-Matthews and her management team were appointed in August 2011, following the nationalisation of Afribank Plc, Bank PHB and Spring Bank Plc.

  • Maduka was not sacked by CBN, says Access Bank

    The management of Access Bank Plc has refuted the allegation that one of its former directors, Dr Cosmos Maduka, was sacked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over infringement on the rules and regulation set down by the apex bank.

    A statement jointly signed by the lenders’ legal adviser, Fatai Oladipo, and its head, media relations, Segun Fafore, said contrary to the report, Dr Maduka left the board on completion of his tenure. The allegation that he was sacked was ‘spurious, baseless and a tissue of lie, the statement added.

    The statement went on: “As you may be aware, Dr. Cosmas Maduka had been on the Board of Access Bank since 2000 and therefore in line with the CBN policy on Banks Directors tenure, which stipulates that no Director shall serve more than 12 years, his tenure expired and ceased to be a Director of the Bank effective December 2012, having served meritoriously in that capacity for the maximum period allowed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Policy.”

    According to Access Bank, Dr Maduka’s retirement from the bank’s board had nothing to do with the outcome of the risk-based examination of the bank that took place in September 30, 2011.

    “We, therefore, find the report that he was removed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disturbing as his retirement from the board has nothing to do with the apex bank’s directive to the bank on the outcome of the risk based examination of September 30, 2011 as reported,” the statement added.

    The report had insinuated that the banking watchdog had kicked Dr Maduka out of the board on the strength of a letter purportedly written by the Banking Supervision Department of the apex bank over the outcome of the risk-based examination in 2011.

    Quoting from the letter, the publication had alleged: “The bank contravened section 20(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 1991, as amended by granting credit facilities to Westcom Group to the tune of N38.4billion, which was above its single obligor’s limit of N36.4 billion.”

  • ‘I wasn’t sacked by Supreme Court’

    THE lawmaker representing Okigwe South of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Prof. Chudi Uwazuruike, has not been sacked by the Supreme Court, it was learnt yesterday.

    The lawmaker said the apex court in its December 7 judgment only made a pronouncement on the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Owerri, over a case involving him and a former member, Austin Nwachukwu.

    The seven-member panel, chaired by Justice Walter Onnoghen, in its ruling last week, upheld the decision of the lower courts that it has the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

    A statement yesterday by his Senior Legislative aide, Chimamkpam Anyamkpa, said Nwachukwu stepped down publicly during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the 2011 general elections.

    It reads: “Nwachukwu urged his supporters to support Prof. Uwazuruike who went on to clinch the ticket.

    “It was a shocker then when the same Nwachukwu later went to Court claiming that he won the election and subsequently sued PDP and INEC in Abuja and asked for injunction Ex parte and on notice.

    “He later filed fresh suits in the Federal High Court Owerri, after withdrawing an earlier suit seeking to restrain PDP and INEC in March 2011, from presenting anybody else as a candidate except himself and INEC from receiving other names.

    “This was long after submissions had closed.

    “It was at this point that Uwazuruike and PDP challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the matter at the state level.

    “It is this objection that has been determined at the Supreme Court with a ruling that both parties go back to the Federal High Court, Owerri, for the trial of the Suit.

    “The judgment is with the Supreme Court for everyone to see and with the FOI Bill passed, anyone can assess the information he needs.”

     

  • Why we sacked teachers, by Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday explained why erring teachers were sacked.

    He said the Bible says “whoever does not work should not eat”.

    Oshiomhole spoke on Saturday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin during an inter-denominational service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to mark the beginning of his second term in office.

    The service was attended by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Governor Osariemen Osunbor and former Niger Delta Development Commissioner (NDDC) Commissioner Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe and chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), among others.

    Responding to the plea by the state CAN Chairman, Bishop Peter Imasuen, for the recall of sacked teachers, Oshiomhole said: “I pray everyday for God to give me the courage and wisdom to take the right decision. The CAN Chairman has asked me to undo all that we have done. I am a Catholic and I daily ask God to forgive me my sins as I forgive those who sin against me.

    “I appreciate the power of forgiveness, but the Bible says the labourer deserves his wages. The Bible also says that those who do not work should not eat. The Bible also tells us that if a finger leads you to commit sin, it is better to cut it off. If a teacher would lead us to commit sin, we better dismiss that teacher.

    “These are the challenges of leadership. For Edo to work, all its parts must work. Every man and woman of age must work. That is why I take my work seriously.

    “Every leader must device the right means, under the guidance of God, to deploy the carrot and the stick. As you honour or reward those who delivered good service, you must also find the courage to bring to line those who think they can earn without working.

    “The courage to do the two and to define the limit is what has guided me. It is important that I clarify that it hurts me to say to a man, who voted for me only four months ago, that his job is over.

    “Ninety-eight per cent of teachers or more voted for me. I actually met some of them and know some by their names. I know they are relations of ACN leaders. Even yesterday, I learnt that one is the wife of an ACN leader and a personal friend.

    “But my understanding of my brief is that, if I do not have the courage to instill discipline in our public service, the capacity of the government to deliver will be severely weakened.

    “All those beautiful schools will come to naught, if the teachers are in Onitsha when they are supposed to be in the classroom. I worry about the future of our state.

    “If we must have a work force that would produce men and women with the capacity and skill to contribute to the country’s growth, we must pay maximum attention to the quality of public schools and employ teachers that are ready to impact knowledge in an enabling environment.”

    Most Rev. (Dr.) Friday John Imakhai said: “The governor’s electoral victory is well deserved in view of the monumental and positive impact of his administration’s policies in the lives of the people, which is evident in all spheres of our common life.

    Gowon said: “I am here not only to congratulate the governor, but the good people of Edo State for reelecting him. It is certainly the choice of God. The result of the election shows that it is one of the best in the country.

    “It reminds me of the support I had during the Nigerian crisis. The defunct Bendel State was one of the states that gave me the greatest support. I assure you that he would do his best to surpass what he did in the first term.”

    He urged Oshiomhole to work towards achieving greater feats.

  • Why some people want me sacked, by Alison-Madueke

    The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Alison-Madueke, has attributed the call for her sack to her “insistence on doing things the right way.”

    The minister said the few people calling for her sack were doing so because she has refused to continue the “business as usual” tradition in the oil and gas sector.

    She noted that those labelling her as corrupt and inefficient are people who are afraid of the reforms in the sector.

    The minister, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, yesterday assured that she would continue to push for the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the oil and gas sector.

    Mrs Alison-Madueke said those fighting the government in the media “were doing so because we have been able to frustrate their efforts in strangulating the economy at the expense of the people.”

    “I would not want to join issues with those criticising me because they are crying foul.

    “What is hurting them is that we have policies in place where they can no longer cheat the government.”

    The minister hailed the cordial relationship between her and top officials of the ministry, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Petroleum Pricing and Marketing Company (PPMC), Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as well as other parastatals of the ministry.

  • Why I sacked KUST VC, by Kwankwaso

    Kano state governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has defended the decision to sack the Vice Chancellor of Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil.

    He said the exercise was carried out in good faith and in the best interest of the university as an institution.

    Kwankwaso said although the government enjoyed cordial relationship with the erstwhile VC, it had to implement the report of a visitation panel to the university, which includes replacement of the VC, to save the institution from collapse.

    The governor spoke while exchanging views with student union leaders of the university at the government House, Kano yesterday.

    He, however, explained that the new VC is an experienced scholar who served on the implementation committee of the university.

    According to him: “Having established the university during our first tenure, it is unrealistic for one to assume that we are taking certain actions to cripple what we built.”

    He said his priority is to leave a lasting legacy in education, stressing that his administration has never denied the university any amount of money it demanded since inception.

    The governor therefore appealed to students of the university to exhibit decorum and sense of responsibility in pressing for their demands, assuring that the government will not relent in striving to mould them into responsible citizens.

    Speaking on behalf of the students, Muhammad Yusuf Abubakar and Sabi’u Sani Abubakar said they expressed reservations when the former VC was removed because they misunderstood the rationale behind the government’s action.

    They appealed to the government to address the problems bedevilling the institution so as to compete favourably with similar institutions across the country.

  • Sacked Kogi Speaker, 12 others petition AGF

    Sacked Kogi Speaker, 12 others petition AGF

    Say: ‘We were impeached with fake mace’

     

    The sacked Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Bello and the 12 principal officers of the House who were removed recently have taken their battle for a return to office to the Federal Government.

    They are seeking the intervention of the central authorities in the crisis-torn assembly.

    The embattled lawmakers, in a petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) claimed that their purported impeachment was effected by those who removed them with a fake mace.

    The petitioners spoke of a “looming crisis engulfing Kogi State House of Assembly and by extension Kogi State.” They added: In line with the tradition of the Legislature, on 30th August, 2012, the State Assembly unanimously resolved to proceed on working recess to allow the various Standing Committees of the House to undertake a holistic appraisal of the year 2012 budget.

    “This is done routinely to prepare the Assembly for the laying and receipt of year 2013 Appropriation Bill which the Governor of Kogi State is expected to present late in the year.

    “To our surprise and dismay, 12 out of 25 members of the House broke into the Assembly with a fake maze where upon they were said to have issued a statement for the removal of all the seven (7) principal officers of the Kogi State House of Assembly.

    “It must be noted that though the members of the Assembly have the right to shorten their recess to reconvene, that can only be exercised by the Speaker of the House who shall issue an official proclamation in that regard. This I did not do to warrant them to sit at all.

    “Secondly, the removal of the Speaker and his Deputy requires two-thirds majority of the total members of the Assembly which when translated into the situation of the Kogi State House of Assembly with 25 members is 17 members.

    “However, only 12 members sat to carry out the purported removal of the principal officers. Kindly find attached a copy of the resolution of 13 members that passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the House.”