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Tag: Stakeholders

  • Stakeholders urge review of NIMC Act

    Stakeholders urge review of NIMC Act

    Stakeholders have called for a review of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act to allow multi-layered identity assurance scheme.

    They spoke at this year’s annual lecture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

    The experts noted that centralisation of Nigeria’s identity management system was  a setback to its successful implementation.

    Chams Plc Group Managing Director Demola Aladekomo said a multi-dimensional approach to identity management was the global best practice Nigeria should embrace.

    Speaking on the theme: Identity Management: A Catalyst for the New Economic and Financial Service Transformation, Aladekomo said: “No system depends on a single point of failure, such as single national database, to meet all identity assurance needs. We need to cross-reference several databases to be able to really ascertain who is who. No single database can do this. We need multiple databases, which are integrated into the national database as obtained in other countries.”

    But NIMC Director Chris Onyemena said the constitution stipulates that biometric data is an Exclusive Legislative item, adding that only the Federal Government could do it.

    “In this country, we know that some states went ahead to create their own laws to provide for residency cards. The federal government after years of limited success and failures established the National Identity Management Commission vested with the authority to keep biometric information of all Nigerians and the provision for legal residence, whether you are in the private sector or public sector. That is the position of the law,” he said.

  • Stakeholders obtain senate nomination form for Chime

    THE battle for the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket for Enugu West Senatorial Zone has taken a new twist as PDP stakeholders of the five local councils of the zone have purchased form for Governor Sullivan Chime to run for the senate seat.

    The form costs them N4.5m.

    The stakeholders were led by the chairmen of the local government councils of the zone to the state headquarters of the party amidst pomp and ceremony.

    Enugu West Senatorial Zone has been in a hot contest between Governor Sullivan Chime and the incumbent, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who is seeking re-election.

    Although Chime has not publicly declared his intention to run for the seat, stakeholders, who want Ekweremadu stopped after three tenure in the upper house, have been mounting pressure on the governor to run.

    The stakeholders, alongside a large crowd of supporters, marched from Okpara Square to the party secretariat, a distance of 8 kilometres, with dance troupes.

    They were cheered by residents who trooped out to watch them.

    Awgu Local Government Chairman, Mathanus Nnanna Nze, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, told reporters that the development was to translate their position into action.

    He said they had consulted from the grassroots to the top that Udi Local Council in the zone should produce the next senator and the lot fell on Governor Sullivan Chime.

    “We want to demonstrate to the world today that our brother, Chime, is the candidate of our choice and we shall ensure that he accepts our gesture.

    “We did not only purchase the expression of interest form, we also purchased the nomination form,” Nze explained.

    Nze further explained that their action was informed by the desire of the people for peace and unity of the zone.

    Among those present include all legislators from the zone, commissioners as well as market leaders.

  • Dankwambo to consult stakeholders

    Dankwambo to consult stakeholders

    Despite his declaration as GombeState Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship candidate by the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC), Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo said he has left his options open to the outcome of consultations with stakeholders.

    Speaking at the airport on his return from hajj, Dankwambo said: “I was  surprised to hear that there was a vote of confidence, not endorsement, a vote of confidence in me by my people that they don’t mind if I continue.

    “But governance and politics are very complicated. They require a lot of consultations and discussions. So, that will depend on the outcome of my discussions and  consultations with the people of Gombe State.

    “If I say I want to continue, I won’t be fair to my party. I need to interact with some people and see if I really have their support.

    “So, in due course, I will tell you my position is.”

    He said despite of his party’s support, he required the people’s support to be re-elected.

    Dankwambo said he was satisfied with his performance.

    Senator Lidani, who announced the party’s stand on  Dankwambo in 2015, said: “It is a political issue, therefore,  he has to consult and get advice from people.

  • Stakeholders counsel student leaders

    As Nigerians prepare for next year’s general elections, students have been advised not to make themselves tools by desperate politicians in achieving political their ends.

    The advice was given at the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) in Ondo, Ondo State inauguration of its new Students’ Union led by the President Ayokunnumi Isiaka.

    Those who attended include: ACE Acting Provost Dr. Abayomi Olajuyigbe, the former ACE SU president, Dr. Isaac Akinloye, Special Adviser to the Governor of the State of Osun, on Environmental Sanitation, Bola Ilori and Chairman Ondo West Local GovernmentArea Bola Makinde.

    Olajuyigbe lamented how politicians use students during election and later dump them after achieving their objectives.

    He said politicians should also act as agents of transformation by investing in students as future leaders.

    His words: “We will blame politicians for using students to achieve selfish interest. Some of them go to the extent of interfering in the affairs of the students’ union. But for us in this college, we will not interfere in students affairs. For instance, during the SU election, the management distanced itself from the poll thereby allowing the students to choose their leaders.

    “We are going to groom these union leaders and send them on leadership training so that they would be useful for themselves and the society,” Olajuyigbe said.

    He urged the student leadership to always embrace dialogue and distance themselves from the misconception that leadership acceptability is enhanced by the number of “alutas” recorded.

    Akinloye asked SU to make their colleagues’ interest their priority.

    Akinloye, a lecturer, Lagos State University (LASU), also advised the students to see their new offices as a training ground to become better leaders in future.

     Ilori appealed to the students to stop promoting corrupt politicians who have never impacted on the them or the society.

    Ilori attributed the problem of the country to bad leadership, saying the newly sworn-in executive members should see themselves as parts of the team that would transform the nation for better.

    Makinde said there is nothing bad if students endorse a politician, adding that such students must have seen some positive things in such a person before their action.

    Meanwhile, Olajuyigbe, has assured staff and students of their safety against the outbreak of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    He said the use of the Human Infra red Thermometer (HIT), at the various gates leading into the college to screen people coming into the institution, forms a part of its commitments to safety of lives and in compliance with the directive from government.

    “The management decided to bring in the Human Infra-red machine so that we can work hand in hand with the Federal Government to put a check on the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.

    “This is just a way to safeguard our college as students resume for new academic session. The action is taken in compliance with directive from the government, which mandated every institution to put measures in place to check the spread of the disease “he stated.

    He advised workers and students to take precautionary measures, such as regular hand wash as well as living in decent and clean environment.

  • ‘Why parents are stakeholders’

    ‘Why parents are stakeholders’

    Call it a Parent, Teacher Association (PTA) gathering and you will not be wrong because their assembly was more like it when parents and teachers of Benchmark Montessori School Ikeja, Lagos, met to delibrate on issues affecting the school.

    However, at the school, the tag PTA is a taboo, hence  they gathered as a ‘Stakeholders’ Forum’, meaning that every parent counts, and has a sense of belonging.

    The story behind the Stakeholders’  Forum started four years ago, precisely September 2010, when the school opened its doors for academics. Parents in the neighbourhood then had their misgivings on whether the school would meet their wards’ aspiration as it could only take off with 20 pupils despite the fact that facilities were on ground.

    Interestingly, those with reservations were proved wrong. It only took two terms for the school to convince everyone.

    “Since the inception of the school, parents were skeptical whether they could entrust their wards in our care. But, after only two terms, the story changed. Parents are now the ones spreading the good news and inviting others to enroll their children,” said the Head of School, Mrs. Olufolake Bisiriyu

    At a briefing at the school premises, Bisiriyu said parents keyed into the vision of the school on two grounds -quality service delivery and modest tuition.

    According to her, Benchmark Montessori School, Ikeja, is a social service founded by Dr. Teslim Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer  of Cosmic Insurance, Ikeja, who having benefited immensely from the success of the company, decided to establish the school as his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    According to Bisiriyu, the school management sees parents as stakeholders and will never keep them in the dark concerning the philosophy of the school.

    “We carry our parents along in running the school. We see them as part of us and this has made us grow faster within four years of our existence. We remain committed to the ideals of a Montessori School with aims and objective of building a total child. Montessori is about life, to make a child better and do things on his/her own. You will be amazed that  a three year-old pupil can read fluently. With the aid of Montessori skill, our nursery pupils even read newspapers,” Mrs Bisiriyu added.

    As a result of its social status, the school management, Bisiriyu said, had not compromised on employing competent teachers. “Aside employing first degree teachers with teacher’s qualification, complementing same with regular training, they are also placed on the same salary scale with their colleagues in Cosmic Insurance, ditto for other condition of service,” added Mr. Tunde Rasaq, an Assistant General Manager, Finance and Administration, Cosmic Insurance, adding: “We pay according to the standard of Cosmic Insurance.”

    He continued: “This robust welfare package is our motivation and this is the reason some of the founding staff are still around. Here, we give value far above what parents pay as fees. For instance, what our pupils receive in terms of knowledge is worth the same you can get from other highflying schools that charges as much as N250,000 and above.  Here, we do it for less than N50,000. That I think is our unique selling point.”

    This, he said, accounted for why the school has been recording feats.

    “The first Common Entrance we did in 2012/2013 session, we got about 95 per cent results, and the kids moved to highbrow secondary schools,” said the school proprietor, Mrs. Modinat Sanusi, adding: “The same feat was repeated in 2013/2014. We even moved up the ladder as some of our pupils were offered admission to King’s College and others.”

    The founder’s religious orientation, Mrs Sanusi said, has no preference in the school as both Christian Religious Knowledge and Islamic Religious Studies are taught in the school.

    “So, everything is balanced because it is a unity school where we allow pupils to dwell in harmony,” she said.

  • NDIC advises stakeholders on mobile money

    NDIC advises stakeholders on mobile money

    The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has urged stakeholders in the mobile money business to seek ways of extending the service to a larger percentage of the population.

    NDIC’s chief Umaru Ibrahim, who said this during a roundtable discussion on mobile money services in Lagos, noted that there are over 100 million mobile phone lines in the country.

    He said: “According to Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFiNA) survey, the rural population is 71 per cent, while 76.2 per cent of the population remains unbanked. Mobile phone ownership is 55.6 per cent in the rural areas.”

    He said effective rendering of mobile banking financial services could be a key mechanism in achieving the objective of National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) based on the huge success recorded by Kenya, Uganda and South Africa in enhancing financial inclusion through mobile financial services.

    Ibrahim said mobile banking subscribers would soon get deposit insurance coverage, with each subscriber guaranteed up to N200,000, or N500,000 as applicable to Microfinance Banks/Primary Mortgage Banks and Deposit Money Banks(DMBs), in the event of bank failure.

    He explained that if a bank fails, the insured mobile account can be transferred to another sound bank, to further engender public confidence in the system and promote financial stability.

    According to him, the framework for extending deposit insurance to individual customers of mobile payment services is being finalised.

    He explained that mobile payment is operated under financial regulation and performed from, or through a mobile device.

    “It is a convenient, secure and affordable way to send money to friends and family, using mobile phones and/or other electronic devices like internet facilities,” he disclosed.

    Ibrahim stressed that with mobile money; all economic agents can transfer funds to any recipient in the country and outside the country, as well as pay for their goods and services, using their mobile phones and other electronic devices.

    “Mobile phones, in particular, are an attractive way to promote financial inclusion given their extensive use by the population and global reach. Mobile phones can serve as a virtual bank card, point of sale terminal (PoS), Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) or internet banking terminal. The confluence of banking technologies with mobile telephony leads to wider penetration and holds new promise of financial inclusion for the minority of the unbanked,” he emphasised.

    He said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued a regulatory framework for the operation of mobile payments services in Nigeria in 2009, adding that the apex bank has also granted licences to 21 mobile money operators.

  • Akwa Ibom’s politics of zoning and imposition: Zoning divides Akwa Ibom PDP

    Akwa Ibom’s politics of zoning and imposition: Zoning divides Akwa Ibom PDP

    The succession battle in Akwa Ibom State has polarised stakeholders. In the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is believed that Governor Godswill Akpabio, who has championed the agitation for power shift to Eket Senatorial District, is projecting the Secretary to Government, Udom Emmanuel, as his successor. Many PDP elders seem to agree on zoning. But, they also want a level playing ground for all governorship aspirants. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    Crisis is brewing between Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and his predecessor, Obong Victor Attah. The bone of contention is succession. Prominent indigenes have alleged that the governor is  planning to impose a governorship candidate on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of next year’s election. To them, it is worrisome that Akpabio has not cleared the air on this allegation. In Attah’s view, there is the need for a level playing ground for all aspirants.

    Akpabio will bow out of office next year after completing his two terms of eight years. In the PDP, no fewer than 20 aspirants are itching to succeed him. Two of them, according to sources, seem to have an edge. They are former Secretary to Government, Umana Umana, a grassroots politician, and his successor, Udom Emmanuel, a banker. Umana is from Etinan. Emmanuel is from Eket.

    The contenders include Effiong Abia (Oron), Bassey Albert (Itu-Ibiono), Nsima Ekere (Ikot Abasi), Prof. Richard King (Eket), Michael Onofiok (Oron), Senator Helen Esuene (Eket), Benjamin Okoko (Ikot-Abasi), Mike Sebastine (Ikot-Abasi), Okpolum Etteh (Eket), and Barrister Ekpem. Other contenders are Ekpenyong Ntekim (Oron), Peter Esu (Oron), Justice Nya Edito (Oron), Ime Albert (Itu-Iniono), Chris Abasieyo (Oron) and Assam Assam (Eket).

    In the All Progressives Congress (APC), aspirants are still lying low. Potential contenders are holding consultations across the three districts. However, a lot of attention appears to be focused on Senator Akpanudoedehe, who was the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) flag bearer in 2011.

    The main issue that may likely shape the contest is zoning. Akpabio has reiterated his support for the unwritten rotational principle, saying that it is the turn of Eket to produce the next governor. This has earned him the appellation of an advocate and defender of equity and natural justice. However, zoning is also a subject of discord. Some have argued that the PDP had adopted zoning when former Governor Victor Attah, who was in the saddle between 1999 and 2007, was succeeded by Akpabio. The former governor hails from Uyo Zone. Akpabio is from Ikot-Ekpene Zone. The third zone, Eket, has not enjoyed the slot. That probably accounts  for the intense agitation for power shift to the district.

    But, PDP chieftains, who are opposed to zoning, have maintained that it is not sacrosanct. Their argument is that, in 1999 and 2007, there was no guideline on zoning or power shift. According to them, politicians from the three zones threw their hats into the rings. Attah and Akpabio emerged at primaries after intense competition for the slot by contenders.

    Sources said that Eket has a bright chance next year. Unlike 1999 and 2007, it is now very glaring that, by next year, Eket would have been left in the cold for 16 years. Therefore, there appears to be a consensus in the PDP that a chieftain from this heart of Ibibioland should succeed Akpabio.

    But, while zoning to Eket may scale through, how the candidate will emerge is a challenge. At a reception for Attah after he was installed as the Ibibio leader, the former governor bared his mind on the succession process. He did not opposed zoning to Eket. But, he emphasised that while zoning will be a major factor, there are other compelling factors that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of zoning. The elder statesman was silent on these factors. Opinion is divided on the Attah’s remarks. Some have hailed him for standing up as a leader. But, to some people, the remarks were also confusing.

    Two years ago, many believe that the former SSG, Umana, who was Akpabio’s ally, would be backed by the governor. In a dramatic twist, the hammer fell on the rich, powerful and charismatic politician. He was on a state assignment when the news of his sack was relayed on the radio. His sack by the governor generated controversy. There were insinuations that Akpabio removed him because it would be difficult to tame him, if he assumes the reins. But, despite the misfortune, Umana has insisted that he would contest for the number one position.

    Few days after he left office, the former Executive Director of Zenith Bank, Emmanuel, was appointed as the SSG. Sources said that the appointment was strategic. The promising banker is from Eket, which is agitating for the slot. Following his appointment, eyes have been on him. At a thanksgiving service held in Awa, some stakeholders from the district endorsed him for the governorship. Since then, many individuals, groups and associations have also endorsed him. However, while Emmanuel has goodwill, he is perceived as the anointed successor. This has irked forces opposed to Akpabio, his benefactor.

    In Akwa Ibom, the dust stirred by the 2007 succession battle has not settled. Reminiscent of 2007,  Akpabio and his predecessor, who loathed his candidature, are on a collision course, as the state prepares for next elections. But, Attah is not alone. Other PDP elders, including former Petroleum Minister, Chief Don Etiebet, also have an axe to grind with the governor. He criticised the elements of zoning, saying that it has a pre-determined objective. Etiebet said that it may have been distorted and skewed  in favour of a particular candidate.

    Etiebet’s position slightly differs from the idea Attah was trying to articulate. He said, instead of power shift to Eket, he said it should be power shift to Oron, one of the ethnic groups in Eket. The former minister condemned what he described as “targeted zoning”, adding that it will not work.  Speaking at the 55th birthday of Umana, he said the gospel of zoning by Akpabio is discriminatory. The party elder alleged that the governor was scheming to anoint his friend as a successor. But, he declined to mention the friend’s name. He said: “I do not agree with the governor over the targeted zoning. It is zoning to a friend. The targeted zoning cannot work; the targeted zoning cannot produce the next governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015.”

    Etiebet alleged that the governor was trying to scuttle the tripod arrangement on which the sharing of positions in the state is based, despite the fact that he had benefitted from the arrangement.  He said, if Akpabio had stuck to the arrangement, the next governor would have come from Oron.

    “If we had stuck to that consensus arrangement, peace and tranquility would have reigned and it would have aided the development of Akwa Ibom State by harnessing all materials and natural resources. There would have been no problem because we it would have been obvious that the next governor would come from Oron.  This was an agreement Akpabio was a party to. But, he does not want to keep that consensus arrangement as he wants to bring another Ibibio man to succeed him. This is not fair. That is why I have fallen out with him. That is why we are not agreeing.

    “We as a people are saying that we can never allow one man to cook the food and make all of us eat and go to sleep and he goes about gallivanting to put his man in position. We cannot eat that food. As I am standing here, I have 15 governorship aspirants that have consulted me officially, traditionally and legally. I have not heard from any other one outside these 15 that have consulted me.”

    Attah seems to share some of these sentiments, although he is not categorical on where the slot should be zoned to in Eket. once again, there is a conflict of interests and a clash of ego. For eight years, there have been a gap between the predecessor and successor. Ironically, the former governor who had wanted to anoint his in-law as successor has criticised Akpabio for mirroring his steps. While his bid to project an aspirant failed, it appears the scheming by Akpabio to achieve what he failed to achieve at the twilight of his tenure in 2007 is psychologically injurious.

    Attah reflected on his tenure, lamenting how the 2007 succession battle was waged, won and lost. Apparently venting his anger, the great politician waxed philosophical, saying: “I have also quite often been reminded that success without a successor amounts to failure. So, with the benefit of time, I must now confess that I do have one painful regret. The one regret is that, though I left office with a successor, I left office without succession.” The statement is pregnant with meanings. There was a succession process, which produced a successor, Akpabio. But, as it now turned out, it was never endorsed by the former governor with his whole heart. While Attah was not indifferent to the tendency and sentiments of a successor in his own image, some forces prevented his emergence.

    If that plan failed eight years ago, can he have a leeway next year? Can he now achieve the feat he failed to achieve, even when he wielded the power of incumbency? The former governor urged Akwa Ibom people to collectively evolve a succession plan. The interpretation is that he has rejected the governor’s private succession plan, which Etiebet also discredited. Another interpretation is that, instead of foisting a candidate on the state, as he allegedly attempted to do while in office, he is pushing for a candidate who will be the product of consensus or collective will. “Collectively, we shall choose a successor to implement our succession plan. The collective will of us, and only our collective will, shall prevail,” said Attah.

    The former governor also dissected zoning, saying that it can only be meaningful and achieve the desired result, if certain conditions are met. The conditions he described as “certain other competing determinants.” He feared that these determinants may be sacrificed on the alter of zoning.

    “As I look around, I see a number of faces here of people I know are aspiring to the high office of governor of this state. A large number of those aspirants are from Eket Senatorial District. This is as should be expected because of the sequential logic that, after Uyo and Ikot Ekpene, it should be Eket. But, there must be a level playing field for all aspirants,” Attah said.

    The former governor explained that there is need for a level playing ground for contestants to restore people’s confidence in government. His words: “This is particularly true at this time when there is such a crying need to give hope back to our people; to restore their confidence in their government and to rebuild the state. Zoning will certainly be a major consideration, but at a time like this, certain other compelling determinants cannot be sacrificed on the altar of zoning”.

    Since the determinants were not explained by Attah, there are puzzles begging for resolution: What manner of zoning? Should the slot be zoned to only Ibibio in Eket? Should it go to Oron? Should aspirants from local governments go to primaries? How can the governor marry his interest with the interests of stakeholders? Can there be a new power sharing formula to ease tension, ahead of primaries? Can it be fashioned out in an atmosphere of new understanding and reconciliation?

    The camp of the governor had anticipated Attah’s remarks, ahead of the installation ceremony. In an open letter to him by Etteh, leader of the House of Assembly and governorship aspirant, the legislator cautioned that some politicians behind the ceremony held in his honour must not be allowed to use the medium to orchestrate tribal schism for personal political gains.

    Etteh urged Attah to bear in mind that “ in the coming elections, to select its flag bearers for the general election, the PDP will deal with delegates, who are party members and who will abide by the party’s policy of equity, justice and fair play.” It is another tactical way of reminding the former governor that, since politics is a game of number, this may play itself out at the primaries. So far, Akpabio appears to have a firm grip on the state, the party structure and resources, which are critical in any electioneering. He also has followers.

    The legislator also enjoined Attah to take a clear position on zoning. He said: “As a man who fought severally to make sure that justice, equity and fair play are not stood on their head, I believe you will join us in Eket Senatorial District to ensure that the rotation and zoning, which started in the state in your time and for which the current governor is standing in, is respected.”

    But, Etteh, also emphasised the limitation to zoning, which he has asked Attah to endorse. He acknowledged the right of all contestants from other districts to vie. Urging the former governor to defend the agitation for a level playing field, he said no aspirant should be edged out, based on rotation or zoning.

    ‘You should also fight to ensure that there is a level playing field for all those who want to contest to lead our state to the next level, including those who, in defiance of the policy of rotation and zoning, still have the democratic right to join the race,” he added.

  • No going back on Jonathan/Sambo endorsement, says Northwest PDP

    Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Northwest stood yesterday their ground on the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo for the 2015 presidency. They said there was no going back on their earlier stand.

    The stakeholders were reacting to the denial of the Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, distancing the state from the party’s resolution at a meeting at the Gen. Hassan Katsina House, Kawo, Kaduna.

    The Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali, in a statement in Kaduna wondered the sudden reversal by the Jigawa governor, “who was represented by his deputy.”

    He threatened to show the video clip where the deputy governor supported the resolution reached, only for him to organise a news conference in Dutse to deny being part of the decision.

    Wali said the resolution was part of the decisions of the party, which started from the state level to the zonal level “and Jigawa State was represented by the deputy governor. I wonder the reason for this denial.”

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication widely circulated in the media purported to have emanated from the Jigawa State governor, challenging the resolution of our expanded stakeholders’ meeting where he claimed that Jigawa State was not part of the resolution.

    “It is against this backdrop that we deem it necessary to clear the air on this and other issues raised by the deputy governor at his news briefing in his office in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

    “Let me firmly and explicitly state that the decision to hold the expanded stakeholders’ meeting was a culmination of several meetings held among key stakeholders of the zone, and Jigawa State was always represented by the deputy governor.

    “It was also agreed at such meetings that each state must first hold its stakeholders’ meeting before the expanded meeting, which we believe was complied with by each state chapter of the party.

    “The outcome of the meetings by the state chapters gave rise to the Northwest meeting. The expanded stakeholders’ resolve to urge President Goodluck Jonathan to contest for the office of the president in 2015. “This decision was the position of the majority of the stakeholders present at the meeting. Therefore, Amb. Aminu Wali was directed to read the communiqué and make it public as prepared and submitted by the party. This accounted for the presence of the governors and deputy governors, including that of Jigawa State standing behind Wali while he was reading the communiqué, to demonstrate their support and endorsement of the outcome of the meeting.

    “For the deputy governor to return to Jigawa State and organise a news conference dissociating himself and the Jigawa State governor from the communiqué is an afterthought and rather very unfortunate.

    “We have no atom of idea as to the reason for such denial we therefore find it necessary to put the record straight by confirming that we stand by the contents and outcome of our communiqué.”

  • Adamawa poll: Atiku calls for stakeholders’ meeting

    Adamawa poll: Atiku calls for stakeholders’ meeting

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an urgent meeting of stakeholders in Adamawa State to ensure a free and fair governorship election on October 11.

    In a statement yesterday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said the meeting was necessary in view of the need to maintain security and the fear that the emergency rule in the state could disenfranchise the people.

    Stakeholders expected to meet include political parties, security agencies, the state government, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups, election observers, religious and traditional rulers.

    Atiku said a report by NOI Polls revealed that 55 per cent of adult Nigerians and 72 per cent of those surveyed in the Northeast want the emergency rule imposed on three states in the region lifted during the 2015 elections.

    Atiku said the proposed meeting would come up with modalities for ensuring a free and fair election under emergency rule in Adamawa State, adding that Adamawa could be used as a fore runner of the 2015 polls.

    Stressing the need for tight security in the state, he, however, said emergency rule may make it impossible for residents to vote.

    The Turaki Adamawa said it would hinder free movement and association, such as political rallies.

    He said the emergency rule in Adamawa calls to question the level playing ground the government is supposed to provide for parties participating in the election, since the Federal Government is also an interested party in through the participation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Atiku stressed the need to address these issues before the October 11 election in the interest of democracy, justice and fair-play.

  • APCON: Stakeholders reject Fed Govt’s appointee

    APCON: Stakeholders reject Fed Govt’s appointee

    When the Federal Government dissolved the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) chaired by Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi and replaced him with Prince Ngozi Emioma, little did it know it was threading on an ‘illegal’ terrain.

    The Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), who met in Lagos, for the first time after the government’s action,  rejected the appointment.

    HASG is made of AAAN, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). NPAN did not attend the meeting because of its litigation against APCON.

    The group lamented that 11 months after the three-year tenure of Akinwunmi ended on September 27, last year, the position was still without a ‘legal’ council and  head.

    “The delay in inaugurating a new Council for APCON has expectedly slowed down some of the operations of APCON, particularly in the area of initiating fresh regulatory policies and carrying out certain operations that require the approval of the Council,” said APCON’s Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Garba Bello Kankarofi.

    President of AAAN, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, said:  “In 2013, the Federal Government announced the reconstitution of federal boards of parastatals and regulatory bodies. During this exercise, a new Council was allegedly also announced for APCON; Prince Ngozi Emioma was appointed as Chairman,” he said.

    He said Emioma was rejected based on the Nigeria Advertising Laws, Rules and Regulations.

    A copy of the Law made available to The Nation, states: “The Nigerian Advertising Laws, Rules and Regulations Act 55 of 1988 (as amended), states that a chairman shall be a distinguished fellow of the profession… Seven persons to be appointed by the Minister, one of whom shall be from the Ministry and others from among other interests in advertising, which in the opinion of the Minister ought to be adequately represented. Thirdly, 10 persons to be elected by AAAN and two persons to represent institutions of higher learning in Nigeria offering courses leading to an approved qualification to be appointed by the Minister in rotation, so that the two persons shall not come from the same institution.”

    Nwosu said the ‘council’ purportedly ‘appointed’and headed by  Emioma is illegal as their appointments flouts the law.

    “Prince Emioma and other members of his ‘Council’ are not qualified to be on the APCON council. None of them fulfills the expectation of the APCON law, and are, therefore, not qualified to be members of the APCON council,” Nwosu said.

    Also,  Nwosu said Emioma was aware of his deficiency. One of those setbacks is not a fellow of the body,  a big factor in determining who becomes APCON chair.

    “But he is relying on the Act 55 Part 1 Subsection 3, which states that the council may, if it deems it fit bestow an honorary fellowship on any deserving person has distinguished himself in his calling and whose contribution is such that it is in the interest of the council to be associated with such person,” Nwosu added.

    He continued: “On the part of the law, Emioma is relying on, it is important to note that the council that is supposed to confer the honorary fellowship on Emioma for him to qualify is not in place. Emioma, who is relatively unknown in his chosen profession, may not be described as distinguished as his achievements are barely known.”

    Besides, the Executive Committee member of ADVAN, Kachi Onubogu, said: “There is no council in place to confer an honorary fellowship on Emioma, so he is disqualified.”

    Though the media blamed the HASG for keeping quiet too long, the Executive Secretary of AAAN, Mr. Lekan Fadolapo, said the group wrote to the President and Minister of Information when the appointment of Emioma was announced.

    In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan dated June 13, last year, the group expressed their grievance  over the appintment. The letter states: “We write to seek your Excellency’s support in ensuring this illegality is reversed and permanently resolved.”

    The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said there were mistakes in the appointments.

    “It’s a specific professional board and we are sorting it out. We are praying that very soon, the various issues that violate the APCON Act in the composition of the membership of the board will be resolved,” he assured.

    As industry players await the minister’s response, it was learnt that a former President of AAAN, Funmi Onabolu, has been tipped  as the new APCON chairperson.