The Nation Newspaper

Tag: storm

  • Prime storm Benin for Bayelsa Utd

    Prime storm Benin for Bayelsa Utd

    Prime Football Club of Oshogbo, players and officials, on Sunday afternoon arrived in Benin-City with determination ahead of tomorrow’s Federation Cup Round of 64 tie against Bayelsa United Football Club of Yenegoa.

    The last season Federation Cup Bronze winners have since checked into their Supreme Garden and Suite Hotel, in high spirits in the hope of defeating the Nigeria Professional Football League side.

    Speaking from the team hotel in Benin, spokesman of the club, Tunde Shamsudeen, said the club is in top shape for the match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

    “We are well motivated for the match against Bayelsa United and the spirit in camp is high. We are highly determined and remain focused for the Federation Cup to justify the huge investment of the State of Osun Government on the team.

    “The club chairman, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, has told the players the responsibility on their shoulders and they (players) have resolved to post striking performance to compliment the efforts of the club management and the state government.”

    “We know a lot is expected from us going by our last season feat in the competition, and the team have worked hard. We all know we have to deliver and we hope to do the State of Osun proud. We just hope and pray God should be on our side and I will also implore our teeming fans to pray for our success.”

    The Ademola Adeshina-led technical crew are due to train this morning to feel and familiarise with the turf of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

  • NAETO C bids bye to Storm 360

    NAETO C bids bye to Storm 360

    RAPPER Naetochukwu Chikwe popularly known as Naeto C has ended his romance with Storm Records. Sources squealed that the rapper plans to launch his WKG/Cerious Music label in the coming months.

    Naeto’s exit from Storm 360 seems to have left no sour grapes as the rapper left by mutual consent though both parties have been very silent about the issue. As a matter of fact, Storm Records insist that the rapper is still signed with them.

    One of the label’s directors Tola Odunsi admits that Naeto has had his own record label Cerious Music for a while but is still with Storm.

    ‘Naeto has had his record label for a while at least 3 years it’s called Cerious Music his music is being pushed as a joint venture btw storm 360 and Cerious Music. Nothing has changed’, Odunsi responded to our enquiry via E-mail.

    Naeto C’s profile is still active on the Storm Records official website but then again, we can’t take that seriously as General Pype (an artiste who has since parted ways with the label) also has his profile on the website.

    An inside source however says Naeto has indeed left and his upcoming project will not be released under the Storm Records imprint. One insider said: ‘It is true Naeto started Cerious Music a few years back but the launch of his new outfit WKG (meaning White Kaftan Gang) will see him act fully as an independent artiste.’

  • Amaechi in the eye of the storm

    Amaechi in the eye of the storm

    Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State is a human being, and can therefore do wrong. Only God is infallible. But one thing that no one can deny, friend or foe, is that the governor is working hard in the right direction to improve the lot of his people.

    I was in Port Harcourt with a colleague in August 2011 to interview him. The governor has left no one in doubt that he knows where the shoe pinches and is prepared to apply the needed soothing balm. Some of his policies may be unpopular, like the banning of ‘Okada’ in the state, but then, many other states have followed suit, a confirmation that ‘Okada’ not only demeans our people but has sent too many to the grave prematurely, just as it has rendered many invalid. For sure, I did not agree entirely with some of the views the governor expressed during the interview. For instance, I disagreed with his view on the contentious fuel subsidy, which was the view of many of his colleagues (that subsidy must go and all that). But you could notice in him the passion of a man in a hurry to bring development to his state.

    Rivers State, like most other Niger Delta states is oil rich; but unlike most of those states, the richness is only beginning to translate into physical development in the state, years after the people last witnessed such development in the Diette Spiff administration. Without doubt, Amaechi’s achievements in the areas of education, road construction, power supply and even security, have stood him out as a beacon of hope in the south-south. It has been said often that human memory is too short. This may be true; but not so with the people of Rivers State who cannot easily forget how they used to raise their hands in Port Harcourt streets to show that they were not bearing arms. That was when armed robbers and other criminals held sway. All that is now history, with Amaechi partnering with the state police command to nib in the bud their illegal activities.

    Many of us who still remember the story of how he became governor would realise that he is governor because it had been so ordained. Left to the powers-that-be then, to wit, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Amaechi would not have been governor. As a matter of fact, his file had been closed by President Obasanjo who then acted God and declared Amaechi’s candidacy as having ‘k-leg’. It was by divine intervention that Amaechi met with favour in the courts and he was pronounced governor, thus becoming the first governor in the country who never contested any election!

    The same Amaechi before whom President Obasanjo built a wall of Jericho on his path to the State House in Port Harcourt is now midway into his second term. This should be instructive. Interestingly, he is in the midst of a fresh turbulence. Although the governor keeps giving the impression that all is well between him and President Goodluck Jonathan (that is the way it is in Nigeria; here, you don’t even disagree with the president, not to talk of fight him), that does not agree with public perception. However, while both of them are entitled to the phony jolly good fellow relations, the question that readily begs for answer in the public domain is: why would any political party want to rubbish one of its best? Before our very eyes, we have seen the ruling party (in particular) in cozy relations with all kinds of characters, even granting presidential pardon to a common thief; yet, that party is having a running battle with one of its best. Why? Before we know what is happening, that party would throw its ‘Worst 11’ forward and expect Nigerians to vote for them. That has been our problem since God-knows-when. Alhaji Shehu Shagari was forced on us when there were better candidates in the north that could have worn the presidential shoes. Obasanjo imposed an ailing Umaru Yar’Adua on us, and supported him with Goodluck Jonathan. See where we are. Will Obasanjo in retrospect and in good conscience say he has done the best for this country in this regard?

    Amaechi’s brush with the president has not just begun. As a matter of fact, as far back as August 2010, he has had a brush with the President’s wife, Patience Jonathan over the primary school being built in Okrika by the Amaechi administration. The governor told her that he had asked the local government chairman to contact owners of land around the school so the houses would be bought and demolished to enable children learn in a conducive environment, without distraction. Mrs. Jonathan was angry that the governor was using ‘must’ when he should be having dialogue with the Okrika people because land is a serious matter in Okrikaland. She may have a point there about consultation, but where is land not a serious issue in Nigeria?

    But madam was too annoyed over this issue that affects her people that she forgot she is First Lady of the country and not that of Okrikaland; she left the state which she was visiting in annoyance, leading to the cancellation of other engagements. Obviously, the president could not have been happy over such a development.

    There was also the issue of the Soku/Oluasiri oil fields that caused friction between the Presidency and the governor late last year. Although the Presidency quickly intervened to make the matter look like one between Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and Governor Amaechi, it was clear that the hands could have been those of Esau, but the voice was Jacob’s. If anyone was in doubt that the Presidency was involved, a press statement by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Markson Fefegha, dispelled an earlier statement by the Rivers State government that accused the Presidency of mischief as disrespectful, insulting and smacks of arrogance. So, who is fooling whom?

    As far as I am concerned, there is but one mind in the President and the PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur, and it is bent against Amaechi. In this kind of struggle, Governor Amaechi should know that no weapon is prohibited, provided there is the ‘federal might’ cover. As it happened in Bayelsa State with former Governor Timipre Sylva, the war might be fought from all fronts – on land, on air, on the sea, etc. It is the kind of fight in which anything, anything, not excluding deploying the teeth (biting) if that is what would make him capitulate. That was why, a few months back, the party leadership tried to whittle down his power as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), by sponsoring the PDP Governors Forum headed by their anointed Godswill Akpabio.

    We must, without doubt, be having some idea about the kind of candidates that the ruling party would throw forward for the 2015 elections. One would have thought that a President Jonathan who has directed his party to bring in more states in the 2015 elections would put forward the party’s ‘First 11’ and showcase some of its best, because, bad as the PDP is, it still has a few persons that know what they are doing. But we have always had the misfortune of having governors and other leaders who met treasuries empty and left them empty.

     

  • Okorocha… The gathering storm

    Okorocha… The gathering storm

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha is fighting on all fronts. His party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has turned against him, owing to his identification with the All Progressives Congress (APC). His enstranged political benefactor, Chief Martins Agbaso, wants to take his pound of flesh over the impeachment of his brother, Jude, the former deputy governor. Can Okorocha weather the storm? Correspondent OKODILI NDIDI writes on the governor’s 2015 calculations and the obstacles ahead.

     

    A political storm is gath-ering in Imo State, ahead of the 2015 general elections. At the centre of the storm is Governor Rochas Okorocha, who is scheming for a second term, despite being at loggerheads with his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other enthrenched forces in the state.

    The governor is engaged in a fierce battle with these powerful forces, who are not comfortable with his style of governance. Many politicians have complained that he has been running a one-man show, adding that, apart from refusing to carry them along, he has not judiciously utilised the resources of the state.

    Okorocha’s political opponents are increasing daily, especially since the impeachment of his deputy, Jude Agbaso, in controversial circumstances.

    The Agbasos have joined forces with other opposition groups to give Okorocha a run for his money in 2015 elections. One of their strategies is to distract his administration through virulent propaganda. The aggrieved APGA chieftains are joining forces with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to create an image problem for the governor. Already, they have started beaming a seachlight on the administration by forwarding petitions to the anti-graft bodies about alleged financial irregularities in the state.

    Last week, the battle ground shifted to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sources said that some politicians from the state were wooing the Presidency to support their onslaught against Okorocha, with a view to neutralising him, ahead of the next elections.

    However, the governor’s camp is not relenting. It is matching propaganda with propaganda. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu, recently alleged that he was offered N3 billion to impeach the governor. He said that those who attempted to bribe him wanted the impeached deputy governor to become the beneficiary of the deft move.

    The Speaker fingered Chief Martin Agbaso, the Southeast APGA leader, Col. Augustine Akobundu (rtd) and another millionaire-businessman in the plot. They have denied the allegation, saying that it was a tissue of lies.

    Chief Agbaso is bitter against Okorocha with justification. He is unhappy about the impeachment of his younger brother. He has also accused the governor of betraying the agreement between them on 2015. He attributed his brother’s ouster to the 2015 calculations.

    Now, Agbaso has vowed to challenge Okorocha’s bid for a second term. The Emekuru-born politician has promised to give the governor a run for his money.

    Another whirlwind threatening Okorocha’s government is the contentious tenure of the sacked local government chairmen. The 27 elected chairmen who were sacked by Okorocha, following his assumption of office, are fighting back under the umbrella of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). They have the backing of the and their party, the PDP.

    Also spitting fire are the loyalists of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, who working assiduously for his return to power. Sources said that the governor also have some powerful “Abuja politicians” to contend with. These politicians are also eyeing the governorship in Imo and amassing resources to bankroll the plot to oust Okorocha from office.

    The Contenders

     

    Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho

     

    One of the major contenders for Okorocha’s office is Captain Emmanuel Iheancho, the Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Oil and Gas. He is a former Minister for Interior under President Goodluck Jonathan.

    In 2011, he was removed as minister, following complaints by Ohakim, who accused him of anti- party activities.

     

    Chief Jerry Chukwueke

     

    The Chairman of Germaine group is another contender for Douglas House. Reputed for his strong financial strength, Chukwueke is said to be seriously mobilising towards achieving his gubernatorial ambition in 2015.

    A known financier of the PDP in the state and brother in-law to the PDP National Women Leader Kema Chikwe, Chukwueke is said to be enjoying the support of the party’s hierarchy.

     

    Emeka Ihedioha

     

    The House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, current deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is a governorship aspirant in the PDP. He is a major threat to Okorocha’s second term bid. He has structures across the local governments. Many believe that he is an asset to the party in the state.

     

    Agbaso

     

    Agbaso is a great politician. He has a formidable structure in the state. he was a thorn in the flesh of Ohakim. Many people believed that he won the critical 2007 elections, but the poll was rigged in favour of the PDP.

    In 2011, Okorocha had approached him for collaboration. In fact, he mobilised support for the APGA candidate. According to party insiders, an agreement was brokered between Okorocha and Agbaso that the former should go for one term. As part of the deal, Okorocha selected Agbaso’s brother, Jude, as his running mate. However, as the preparations for the 2015 begins, quarrel ensued between the two politicians.

    Agbaso has not jettison his governorship ambition and sources said that he will challenge Okorocha for the number one seat in the next election.

     

    The governor’s strengths

     

    Despite all these mounting pressure, Okorocha has proved to be the cat with nine lives. Efforts to remove him from office have collapsed like a pack of cards.

    He had ridden to power on the back of the inept PDP administration in the state. It was a revolution of the masses for change.

    The governor embarked on a rescue mission. He converted the state into a huge construction site. Although he also took some controversial steps, the people have maintained attachment to his government because of his widely advertised people-oriented programmes.

    The administration is also planning for an empowerment programme fo the masses in appreciation of the mandate they gave to the governor.

    Another policy that has endeared the people to Okorocha, apart from the massive infrastructural development in the rural communities, is the creation of the Community Government Council, which has brought government closer to the people. There is hardly any community that has not benefited from the on-going infrastructure development, especially road construction and provision of hospitals.

    Another major plus of Okorocha’s administration, which has made him a household name, is the free education policy. Many low income earners who had their wards in the state higher insti,tutions, have heaved a sigh of relief following the introduction of the policy, which formed the fulcrum of Okorocha’s campaign.

    Recently, the students and youths staged a protest in solidarity with the government.

     

    Okorocha’s APC calculation

     

    Okorocha is conscious of the ambush awaiting him in the APGA. But he will have a platform for the realisation of his second term dream in the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    With the move, many opposition figures who would have contested against him have become his supporters in the proposed party.

    The appointment of Price Eze Madumere from Owerri Zone as the deputy governor was seen by many as the “Option B” for the governor, if he pushes ahead with his presidential ambition.

    Okorocha, who has been described by his admirers as a sensitive and intelligent politician, has not voiced his interest in a second term. But a sourcse close to him said that he will declare his ambition soon.

  • Seven killed as storm hits Onitsha

    Seven people have died in a rainstorm in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    Goods worth over N3billion were destroyed at the Onitsha Electronics International Market and Enamelware Market.

    The areas affected by the storm on Sunday were Woliwo, Nwangene, Silas Works, Housing Estate, Bida Road , Creek Road and adjoining streets and environs.

    Also affected were power supply cables and pillars, telephone cables and telecommunications mast, one of which collapsed.

    Yesterday, residents were seen packing out their soaked property and clearing their homes.

    The bodies were seen floating. They included those of two men in a Toyota Camry at Okpoko junction, near Upper Iweka.

    The men were said to be driving towards Asaba, Delta State.

    Another victim was a tricycle operator and his passengers, who were said to have been swept away by the flood. Their identities could not be established.

    The tricycle was seen but the bodies of the driver and passengers are yet to be recovered.

    There were other bodies scattered in and around the vicinity, including one near Kate bus stop.

    One of the victims, Obiora Oguonu, who is also the Chairman of Silas Works Road Residents Forum, said more than 500 houses and 3,000 homes were affected.

    He said some homes were heavily flooded; some houses lost their roofs and some cars parked outside were destroyed.

    Oguonu blamed the flooding on the blockage of the Nwangene Canal by the contractor handling the rehabilitation.

    He said because the flood water could not flow into the canal and run off to the nearby River Niger, the water retreated into nearby homes.

    Oguonu called on the Anambra State Government to get the contractor to find outlets for the flood water.

    “We are appealing to the government not to allow the blessing (Nwangene dredging) to turn into a curse because of the insensitivity of the contractor,” Oguonu said.

    The Executive Director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nwabufo Ijezie, said no life was lost.

    Ijezie also said the agency was still compiling a report on the flood.

  • 32 countries to storm Warri

    32 countries to storm Warri

    : AFN expects 500 athletes

    Over 421 athletes from 32 countries have so far confirmed their participation at the maiden African Athletics Youth Championships billed for March 27-31 in Warri, Delta State.

    The Championships are open to athletes who are under-17 as at this year. Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) confirmed Nigeria as the hosts last year, at its congress in Porto Novo, Benin Republic. Some of the countries that have registered include traditional athletics nations like South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia and Algeria. Hosts, Nigeria have the highest number of entry with 80 athletes. Ethiopia have the second largest delegation with 42 athletes, South Africa is coming with 30 athletes, while Cape Verde, Guinea, Zimbabwe and Comoros Islands have only two athletes representing them.

    Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) secretary-general Maria Wophil said that more countries are still been expected to register for the Championships.

    “Our estimate is that about 500 athletes will be in Warri. This is huge. We are still expecting more entries as the deadline closes on March 4,” she said.

    Delta State Sports Commission Chairman and head of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. Pinnick Amaju said that Delta was working hard to ensure a successful hosting of the championships. He added that it will be one of best organised athletics events the continent has ever witnessed. The CAA, during an inspection visit in Warri had urged Delta to set a standard in the hosting of the maiden AYC.

    While inaugurating the LOC Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, urged the committee to make a good show of hosting the championships. He stated that during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2009, Warri was denied the opportunity of being one of the host cities because of “perceived security fears”. “ We want to use the AYC to show the world that Warri is a perfectly safe city to visit,” he said.

  • 300 supporters storm SA for Eagles

    300 supporters storm SA for Eagles

    At least 300 members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club will storm South Africa to drum the Super Eagles to victory.

    The contingent will leave Nigeria on Sunday for Nelspruit where the Super Eagles will play its first two games.

    Nigeria will begin its AFCON 2013 campaign with a fixture against Burkina Faso, and the supporters club want to ensure the team is sung to victory against The Stallions.

    “We are travelling to South Africa with 300 of our members,” President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club Rafiu Ladipo said on Friday in Lagos.

    “The contingent will leave on Sunday for South Africa ahead of Super Eagles’ first game on Monday,” he said.

    “We don’t want the team to lack any support, and this is our own way of showing patriotism to our country.”

    “We also expect Super Eagles’ supporters from other countries in Africa, and most especially Nigerians in South Africa to join us,” he added.

     

  • OMERUO IS FIRST PRO TO STORM FARO

    OMERUO IS FIRST PRO TO STORM FARO

    •Ideye, Dike, Uche hit camp too

    THE Super Eagles camp in Faro, Portugal is gradually bubbling to life as invited foreign-based professionals trickle in. First to arrive the camp of the national team was Holland based central defender, Kenneth Omeruo.

    The lanky former Flying Eagles ace arrived at lunch time on Saturday and took part in the lunch. He was there at the time the Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal, Ambassador Ijeoma Bristol and her husband were addressing the team. He has since jelled with the rest of the team and took part in Saturday afternoon training. Also in town is Ukraine based hitman, Brown Aide Ideye, who came in on time to join the afternoon training session too.

    Also expected to join in the team last night are USA based striker Bright Dike and former Enyimba of Aba hitman, Uche Kalu who has since moved to a Turkish second division side. Camp is now full of activities as the team is billed to travel out to Catalonia, Spain on New Year’s day for the international friendly against the Catalan side on January 2.

  • Eminent Nigerians storm Ilorin in jets for Saraki

    Eminent Nigerians storm Ilorin in jets for Saraki

    Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was agog yesterday, as eminent Nigerians stormed the city to pay their last respects to the late Dr. Olusola Abubakar Saraki.

    Saraki died in a Lagos hospital in the early hours of yesterday, ending a chapter in the political history of the state.

    Though the body was scheduled to arrive the city at 3:30p.m., the state government practically relocated to the Ilorin International Airport before 2:00 pm to receive not only the body of the most influential Kwara State indigene in recent history but also the eminent citizens expected at the burial.

    The VIP Lounge was filled with the team waiting to receive the body and guests. The team was led by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Speaker Abdulrazaq Atunwa and his deputy, Yisa Gana. They were joined by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaq Gold, commissioners, state lawmakers, special advisers and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and local government chairmen.

    Reporters, photographers, politicians and airport staff also roved up and down on the tarmac to catch a glimpse of guests.

    Also at the airport were senators Simeon Ajibola, Shaba Lafiaji and members of the House of Representatives from the state.

    First to arrive was Alhaji Yusuf Alli (SAN). He arrived with a member, House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmad Alli aboard a chattered jet.

    Chairman of Bicourtney Aviation Services Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), Senator Danjuma Goje and Andy Uba arrived at exactly 3:20 pm aboard another private jet marked: M-ANGA.

    At 3:26 pm, a presidential jet marked Nigerian Air Force 5N-FGS conveying the Minister of National Planning Dr. Shamsudeen Usman touched ground. Some other top Federal Government functionaries flew with them.

    Two minutes later, Speaker Aminu Tanbuwal, former Imo State Governor Jim Nwobodo and others arrived aboard another chattered jet marked D-AFAC. They were received by the Kwara State Speaker and other state government functionaries.

    At 15:40 pm, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, arrived aboard a chattered jet marked: 2S-UBS. He arrived with some aides.

    At 4:03 pm, another chattered jet marked: 3B-RGT conveying Kola Abiola and some federal lawmakers also touched the ground.

    Senator Bukola Saraki and some family members arrived aboard a Rivers State jet marked: N565RS at 4:09. Decked in white agbada and a white cap to match, the former governor who wore mournful look, was received by his successor and Speaker of the House of Assembly, among others. He was immediately massed by a retinue of aides and politicians. They condoled him.

    Security operatives tried in vain to keep people away from the bereaved.

    At exactly 4:28 pm, a chattered Overland jet marked 5N-BCR landed with the body. The body tucked in a brown coffin, was moved into a waiting ambulance marked: KW 240 A08 belonging to the Specialist Hospital, Sobi, Ilorin.

    The body was received by Bukola and Ahmed among others.

    The arrival triggered uncontrollable emotions among sympathizers. Some burst into tears. Many shouted: “Allahu akbar” repeatedly as the coffin was being trasferred into the ambulance.

    The crowd of A-list guests left the airport located on Ogbomoso road creating traffic snarl. Their vehicles were joined by the masses who rode on commercial motorcycles along with police escorts leading the body and the dignitaries to the Muslim praying ground on New Yidi Road. Residents who lined the road at both sides shouting: “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar.”

  • Folake Akinruntan takes social circle by storm

    FOLAKE Akinruntan, delectable wife of Prince Femi Akinruntan and Executive Director of Finance at OBAT Petroleuml, has stepped up her social game.

    In the last few months, she has stunned many beyond words, as she now steps into high society events like a veteran. From all indications, the reserved lady of style is more than ready to rock the world; she has grabbed the limelight with so much dexterity.

    Folake, daughter of Madam Elsie Owoade, proprietress of Elsie Beauty Parlour, one of the wave-making beauty parlours in Ibadan, is now savouring the delight of high octane events in the company of her ever-busy husband.