The nine countries with the highest number of illiterates in the world are converging on Abuja this morning at a meeting to be declared open by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The E-9 Initiative was launched in 1993 as a forum for discussion of experiences in education, exchange of best practices and monitoring of progress in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan, which together account for 60 per cent of the world’s population and are home to about two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults.
No fewer than 120 participants, including the UNESCO Special Envoy, Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, Director-General of the organisation, Ms Irina Bokova and Ministers of Education of the E-9 countries are expected at the meeting with the theme, Literacy for Development.
The sub-themes are: Literacy & life skills; Policies & Strategies; Legal frameworks for Enforcement; Quality of programmes; Assessment, Moni-toring & Evaluation; Identification & Scaling up of best practices; South-South Coope-ration; Part-nerships between Government, CSOs & Private Sector; Resource Mobilisation; Special Needs and Disadvantaged Groups; ICTs and Mass Literacy; Evidence-based Research for advocacy & awareness raising; Language; and Role of UNESCO.
It is the eighth of similar meetings, the last held in Bali, Indonesia in 2008. The goal is to commit the ministers to feasible, concrete activities that will advance the E-9 Initiative to accelerate progress towards achieving the Education for All (EFA) by 2015 goals.
Monday 21 June 2010
ANPP Leaders Woo IBB
ome top members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), including senators and former governors, have urged the party to do all it can to lure former military President Ibrahim Babangida to its fold.
The move by the members is premised on the calculation that the former military leader may not secure the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to enable him contest in next year’s general election.
Among the arrowheads of the move to get Babangida into the ANPP are Senators Ahmed Sani Yarima (Zamfara West), Kabiru Gaya (Kano North), member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara State and the ANPP National Secretary, Alhaji Saidu Kumo, among others.
Available information indicate that even though Babangida is yet to be contacted, a high-powered delegation will likely be sent to the general in due course to make the offer of joining the ANPP.
Giving an insight into the plan, former Zamfara State governor, Ahmed Sani Yarima, told THISDAY that: "It is true such a proposal was discussed, and we are exploring avenue to make it a reality. As at the last time we held a meeting in that regard, IBB has not been consulted, but we feel it is not necessary now. We are waiting to see how the PDP primaries will go.
"We feel with his popularity, mass appeal and experience as a former Head of State, he will be the best person for this country at the moment.
"Don't forget the fact that Babangida had himself given the hint that he may seek his ambition under another platform if denied the PDP ticket. We are trying to explore that and also ensure that we field a candidate that will match PDP in all ramification," Yarima, one of the top financiers of the party, disclosed to THISDAY.
He said, if IBB accedes to their request, the party would mobilise its members and resources to ensure he gets the ticket.
"I have spoken to the national secretary and others who are all eager to take the idea to the next level," he added.
Efforts to speak to the ANPP national secretary was not successful yesteday. However, the party’s publicity secretary, Mr. Emma Eneukwu said the party as a body has not discussed the issue.
"It is not even an agenda for us at the moment because the person in question (IBB) is not a member of our party. Until he joins ANPP, I cannot comment on his ambition. As for our members you mentioned, they are free as individuals to express their opinions on issues, and to propagate such opinions," Eneukwu said.
Also, IBB's spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua said the former military president is a strong member of the PDP and will seek to be its presidential candidate next year.
"That is the end of the matter. Honestly, we are very confident of getting the party's (PDP’s) ticket. As such, all our energy is tailored towards that," he added.
The move to drag IBB into the ANPP will make a strong opponent of Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau who has already declared his intention to contest next year's presidential poll under the banner of the ANPP.
The move by the members is premised on the calculation that the former military leader may not secure the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to enable him contest in next year’s general election.
Among the arrowheads of the move to get Babangida into the ANPP are Senators Ahmed Sani Yarima (Zamfara West), Kabiru Gaya (Kano North), member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara State and the ANPP National Secretary, Alhaji Saidu Kumo, among others.
Available information indicate that even though Babangida is yet to be contacted, a high-powered delegation will likely be sent to the general in due course to make the offer of joining the ANPP.
Giving an insight into the plan, former Zamfara State governor, Ahmed Sani Yarima, told THISDAY that: "It is true such a proposal was discussed, and we are exploring avenue to make it a reality. As at the last time we held a meeting in that regard, IBB has not been consulted, but we feel it is not necessary now. We are waiting to see how the PDP primaries will go.
"We feel with his popularity, mass appeal and experience as a former Head of State, he will be the best person for this country at the moment.
"Don't forget the fact that Babangida had himself given the hint that he may seek his ambition under another platform if denied the PDP ticket. We are trying to explore that and also ensure that we field a candidate that will match PDP in all ramification," Yarima, one of the top financiers of the party, disclosed to THISDAY.
He said, if IBB accedes to their request, the party would mobilise its members and resources to ensure he gets the ticket.
"I have spoken to the national secretary and others who are all eager to take the idea to the next level," he added.
Efforts to speak to the ANPP national secretary was not successful yesteday. However, the party’s publicity secretary, Mr. Emma Eneukwu said the party as a body has not discussed the issue.
"It is not even an agenda for us at the moment because the person in question (IBB) is not a member of our party. Until he joins ANPP, I cannot comment on his ambition. As for our members you mentioned, they are free as individuals to express their opinions on issues, and to propagate such opinions," Eneukwu said.
Also, IBB's spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua said the former military president is a strong member of the PDP and will seek to be its presidential candidate next year.
"That is the end of the matter. Honestly, we are very confident of getting the party's (PDP’s) ticket. As such, all our energy is tailored towards that," he added.
The move to drag IBB into the ANPP will make a strong opponent of Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau who has already declared his intention to contest next year's presidential poll under the banner of the ANPP.
Nigeria, Cameroon begin N13bn trans-African highway
Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon have officially launched construction of N13bn Bamenda-Enugu Multinational highway commonly referred to as the Trans-African highway.
The project was unveiled by the Minister of Works, Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Daggash, and the Minister of Public Works, Cameroon, Mr. Bernard Avom, at the joint Border Post site, Mfum, Cross River State.
On completion, the 443km road will cut across 203km Bamenda-Mamfe-Ekok Road section in Cameroon and 240km Mfum-Ikom-Mbok road which includes Ogoja-Abakiliki-Enugu road section.
Specifically, Nigeria section of the road will witness pavement strengthening of Ikom-Mfum road; reconstruction of Abakiliki Mbok road; rehabilitation of Enugu-Abakiliki road and building of a joint border post at Mfum to accommodate border officials of Nigeria and Cameroon.
On the Cameroonian axis, the project is expected to rehabilitate Bamenda-Batibo road; Bachuo-Mamfe road: develop paving of Batibo-Numbe road and construct a bridge over River Munaya.
Daggash said the programme was conceived as one of the confidence-building measures to strengthen relations between the countries following the International Court of Justice judgement that ceded Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon.
He explained that the project was assisted with $161m by the African Development Bank and $330m from the World Bank.
According to him, each of the benefiting countries will provide 10 per cent counterpart funding, adding that the project is awarded to a Chinese firm, CCECC, Nigeria Limited.
When completed, he said the road would enhance commercial activities in the West African sub-region and dilute political differences between Nigeria and Cameroon.
He added that the project would engender construction of social and market infrastructure such as feeder roads, market sheds, drying areas for agricultural products and fencing and rehabilitation of school infrastructure.
The road, he said, would remove obstacles to the free flow of traffic by limiting the number of checkpoints and controlling axle load.
He, nonetheless, appealed to host communities to guarantee safety of the contractors and their equipment, emphasising that the project would enhance inter-country peace and integration.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of State for Works, Mr. Chris Ogiemwonyi and the Deputy Senate Leader, Mr. Victor Ndoma-Egba.
The project was unveiled by the Minister of Works, Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Daggash, and the Minister of Public Works, Cameroon, Mr. Bernard Avom, at the joint Border Post site, Mfum, Cross River State.
On completion, the 443km road will cut across 203km Bamenda-Mamfe-Ekok Road section in Cameroon and 240km Mfum-Ikom-Mbok road which includes Ogoja-Abakiliki-Enugu road section.
Specifically, Nigeria section of the road will witness pavement strengthening of Ikom-Mfum road; reconstruction of Abakiliki Mbok road; rehabilitation of Enugu-Abakiliki road and building of a joint border post at Mfum to accommodate border officials of Nigeria and Cameroon.
On the Cameroonian axis, the project is expected to rehabilitate Bamenda-Batibo road; Bachuo-Mamfe road: develop paving of Batibo-Numbe road and construct a bridge over River Munaya.
Daggash said the programme was conceived as one of the confidence-building measures to strengthen relations between the countries following the International Court of Justice judgement that ceded Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon.
He explained that the project was assisted with $161m by the African Development Bank and $330m from the World Bank.
According to him, each of the benefiting countries will provide 10 per cent counterpart funding, adding that the project is awarded to a Chinese firm, CCECC, Nigeria Limited.
When completed, he said the road would enhance commercial activities in the West African sub-region and dilute political differences between Nigeria and Cameroon.
He added that the project would engender construction of social and market infrastructure such as feeder roads, market sheds, drying areas for agricultural products and fencing and rehabilitation of school infrastructure.
The road, he said, would remove obstacles to the free flow of traffic by limiting the number of checkpoints and controlling axle load.
He, nonetheless, appealed to host communities to guarantee safety of the contractors and their equipment, emphasising that the project would enhance inter-country peace and integration.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of State for Works, Mr. Chris Ogiemwonyi and the Deputy Senate Leader, Mr. Victor Ndoma-Egba.
Secrets of Diluted Patriotism In Nigeria Exposed
If the Nigerian constitution makes it mandatory for any Nigerian seeking special privilege(s) from the Federal Government of Nigeria by way of paid employment, contract, appointment or election into public office to undertake oral and written test on patriotism, National Consciousness and how to boost the national treasury for economic and social growth of all Nigerians, seventy-five percent of Nigerians who now enjoy those special privileges mentioned herein, would have been disqualified on the ground of hypocrisy, pretence, lack of national consciousness, lack of genuine patriotism, greed and looting of tax payers’ money with impunity.
Which is worth dying for; your country, your tribe or looting the national treasury? Since the end now justifies the means in modern day Nigeria, many Nigerians would chose to loot the national treasury and wait for the “consequences", of which 94% high profile cases of looting are consequential in Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria anti-graft agency would confirm their frustration in this regards. There are reported cases where those who looted the treasury have broken the long arm of the law stretched to them by the EFCC. The EFCC is being suppressed and confined by looters of the national treasury to pursue low profile cases. Those who are privileged to be occupying juicy government positions know the answer to this question without mincing words. For those who try to get appointments, win elections by rigging and failed because of their ineptitude as well as their past “unofficial” criminal records know the answer to the above question. To cover their tracks, they would set one tribe against another. The most comical Nigerians, are those who parades themselves as “nationalists” yet they take pleasure in plundering the nation’s scarce resources to finance their conspicuous consumption.
They would tell you that they love Nigeria till thy kingdom come. The masses whose destinies is being manipulated and reordered into the abyss of social mysteries, a life-wire that has disconnected them from the real world. They would ask you; “which Nigeria are you talking about?” “Theirs” (the rich, the unstoppable, the law breakers and the untouchable). “Or ours?” (those who wallows in social exclusion). “Let’s not talk about it my brother, “shine your eyes", we look up to heaven and wait for divine intervention". Patriotism, National consciousness and national unity comes alight when the Super Eagles of Nigeria is playing international matches and when stopping IBB political ambition suddenly became a platform of national unity regardless of social class, political bitterness, tribal and religious differences. Is stopping IBB and the National Football Team what Patriotism and National Consciousness is all about?
Patriotism is an emotional journey of loyalty, allegiance, impartial love and total obedience to one’s country or one’s chosen country other than one’s own country of birth; the country which has given you all the rights and privileges accorded to you by the constitution. The most challenging quest before many law abiding Nigerians is their total submission, full obedience and impartial loyalty to their country. Unfortunately, Ninety-five percent of Nigerian leaders have tinted patriotism with looting of the national treasury, just as they painted Nigerianess with tribalism and religious fanaticism. The task of reviving patriotism, accountability, transparency and National consciousness in a materialistic Nigeria remain daunting unless drastic measures are put in place.
The current tribal divide in Nigeria has become a source of nightmare to most people who want Nigeria to progress in the speed of lightening. There is one thing I am not very sure of, why some politicians are making a big deal of why the North must complete Yaradua’s tenure. Is that where the solutions to problems of Nigeria lies? In a country where Voters decision matters, there can be an upset to political tradition. What bothers political analysts is if PDP’s alleged gentleman’s agreement represent the decisions of eligible voters in Nigeria? There is definitely something wrong some where.
An alleged comment from Buhari, Atiku and Bafarawa that “Nigeria is set to disintegration in 2011 if there is an imposition of candidate on Nigerians", reflects how leaders creates problems for ordinary Nigerians out of frustration. I will assume that they were misquoted by the press. This men are role model to millions of Nigerians. You can read the full story from the following link (http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5475019-146/Buhari,_Atiku,_Bafarawa_say_Nigeria_may.csp). If they did made the said statement, it demonstrates the height of Diluted Patriotism from role model like Buhari and Atiku. They should do better than that. They could have said “Nigerians would revolt if there is an imposition of candidate". Not “disintegrate” as alleged.
Some Nigerians perhaps out of frustration are placing their tribes over the good cause of Nigeria. It is unfortunate that most Nigerian politicians are not willing in a million years if given the opportunity to learn from their past mistakes. The notion that Nigeria must continue to wait for one tribe or some ex no good leaders before the country can move forward still remain a mystery.
Globalization has brought positive CHANGE to politics in most serious countries of the world. The patient of hungry and angry Nigerians has been overstretched to the limit due to incompetent and non performing leaders who have managed Nigeria for nearly five decades. Using all sort of threats to find your way into power is not a very good tactics. Toying with the Nigerian voters with words that may lead to violence could backfire for those who want to use threats of disintegration to achieve their political ambition. Leaders caught in the web of defamatory comments against Nigeria should be barred from competing or holding any public office.
In the past, leaders have been caught in the web of questionable behaviour and comments capable of tearing Nigeria apart. These were comments from some so call Nigerian leaders; “Nigeria is a mere geographical expression.” Nigeria is an unholy marriage of nations by the British.” “Nigeria is gradually becoming a failed state.” “The North must produce the next president in 2011″ etc. Does these comments reflect the tone of Patriotism or tribal chauvinism? This is how Nigeria has and is being governed by leaders who want their followers to be patriotic when majority of them lacked the spirit of patriotism.
Just like any prosperous nation in the world today, Nigeria has pass through many ups and downs. The reason why the downs seems to outweighed the ups is due to Diluted Patriotism which is prevalent among most leaders and then copied by their followers. Nigerian leaders especially those that has been diagnosed with the syndrome of diluted Patriotism are the ones stopping Nigeria from reaching the full fledged of patriotism and National consciousness. Ordinary Nigerians are helpless in this regards. They only copied what they saw from their role model. The syndrome of diluted Patriotism includes:
*Statements capable of tearing Nigeria apart.
*Placing one tribe above the other or down grading National interest for selfish reasons.
*Placing one’s religion above National interest.
*Placing one’s pocket above National treasury.
*Converting money for the progress of Nigeria, state or Local Govt. into fraudulent and personal use.
*Not showing the spirit of Patriotism when settling national issues.
*Failing to provide basic Social amenities to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation.
*Failure to provide security for lives and properties to all Nigerians irrespective of social class.
*Aiding and abetting electoral fraud.
*Inflating government contract.
*Discriminating against fellow countrymen/women on the ground of tribe and religion. (this includes the obnoxious Quota system).
*Using Federal government infrastructure and resources to achieve tribal and personal gain or; to frustrate other tribes who also are Nigerians.
*Denying fellow Nigerians from equal opportunities in their fatherland. etc.
Diluted Patriotism has becomes the mechanism within which tribes and individuals pockets are prioritised over Nigeria’s progress. It construes why most Nigerian leaders are persecuting those who are calling for accountability, transparency, electoral reforms, true Federalism as practised by the United States, the rule of law, sanity and civility in the way Nigeria is managed. These people who are fighting for the good of Nigeria have been labelled Public enemies by those who are benefiting from the largesse and booty of the National Treasury. For example, Ibori said he was contented with the way Nigeria was being governed when the former Attorney General of Nigeria, Aondoakaa took it upon himself at tax payers’ expense to make sure that Ibori eludes Justice in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Now Ibori is not contented with the way Nigeria is being governed because his sister and accomplices were jailed in England for helping him to launder money he looted in Nigeria. Nigeria is good for the untouchables when they break the law and evade justice. When they loot the treasury with impunity and are rewarded with national honours. This is Diluted Patriotism in action.
Diluted Patriotism overtly or covertly gave impetus to the Nigerian Civil War in the late 60s. It became the pivot of Quota system and state of origin in the Nigerian social system. A system consciously designed to encourage mediocrity. It marks the origin of discrimination against some tribes in Nigeria. Nigerian leaders whom millions emulates have exhibited the love for their tribes and their pockets more than the love they have for their country. There are suggestions that the new phenomenon of divided and rule Nigeria through Arewa consultative Forum (Hausa/Fulani and Middle Belt), South-South(Niger Delta), South East(Ndi Igbo) and Oduwa (Yoruba) etc. is evidence that things are not working constitutionally in Nigeria. Politicians have taken the shortcut to satisfy their tribal and personal enthusiasm at the expense of a united Nigeria. Why not settle for devolution of power as obtainable in the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments of United Kingdom through constitutional means. These regional consultative phenomenon only came into existence in less than 12 years in Nigeria. It has energized the level of diluted patriotism amongst ordinary Nigerians. It is a clear indication of how Nigerian Politicians have unconstitutionally, consciously and unconsciously remodelled power sharing in the outlook of tribal and religious platforms.
Diluted Patriotism has made it impossible for Nigerians to chose a good leader from anywhere in the country. Patriotism is in intermission in Nigeria. Those campaigning against Goodluck Jonathan Presidency are suffering from induced syndrome of Diluted Patriotism if they are doing so on the ground of ethnicity and religion. If Goodluck Jonathan is good enough to put Nigeria in the centre of global excellence, he can win election as an independent candidate if votes counts in Nigeria and If Nigerians knows what they want. If he is not good enough, it mustn’t be on the ground of his tribe or religion. Loving Nigeria less and tribe more is a myopic and barbaric concept. The next president must possess the quality of a Servant-Leader, a listener to yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians as demonstrated by Goodluck Jonathan. He did this when he removed the enemies of Nigeria from their positions. His first three major decisions when acting as President earned him the respect and popularity he now enjoys.
What is the best for Nigeria? Mediocrity or competent reliable leaders? The best of Nigeria is being edged out of limelight while the worst of Nigeria are being elevated to limelight to handle affairs of Nigeria for tribal sake. Who would have thought that Nigeria have fearless, patriotic and intelligent minds like late Gani, Femi Falana, Dora Akunyili, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Nuhu Ribadu, Col. Umar rtd., Donald Duke, Fashola, Pat Utomi, Wole Soyinka, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Adams Oshoimole and many other great managers of human and material resources.
At 50 in October, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan should implore all Nigerians at home and abroad to task themselves with the goal of promoting the best of Nigeria; resist, discourage, disassociate themselves from corruption and work against those who are working against Nigeria’s progress. Enough is enough. The need to ensure that Nigeria’s progress remain on course after 50yrs cannot be overemphasised. Nobody should be allow to compromise Nigeria’s prosperity no matter how big or how highly placed in the society. If the progress of Nigeria is cursed, all Nigerians must do everything within their power to reverse it. The media should stick out their neck even if it is a matter of life and death, to make sure that Nigeria becomes one of the greatest countries in the world. The media should target, expose and disgrace those leaders who are spreading division and hatred through their utterances among Nigerians. There should be more investigating journalism in the Nigerian media to enable people account for their action and utterances about Nigeria.
At 50, Nigerians should place their country first before greed and tribal chauvinism. The secret behind Britain and America greatness is impartial patriotism and zero tolerance to corruption. Tribal Importance should be used to promote Nigeria’s tourism, culture and greatness. Tribalism and religion should not be an avenue to disturb peaceful coexistence or divide law abiding Nigerians.
The election of President Barack Obama exemplified how American interest superseded pettiness and the way the British Politicians Placed National interest above Party and personal interest to form a coalition government shows that the name Great Britain did not just fall from the sky. Can Nigerians rise above pettiness like the American? Can Nigerians put their country first for the interest of the nation and its people as exemplified by the British politicians who solved their recent political logjam in a wink? It is up to Nigerians to decide what is best for them. Those who are pretending to serve Nigeria with all their strength and all their heart yet, are paying lip services to the progress of Nigeria would soon have themselves to blame. Those who are dwelling in tribal and religious politics in a 21st century Nigeria, are sunbathing in the gallery of stupidity if they cannot bargain for the very best.
Does it matter who rule Nigeria? Does it really matter whether an Isoko, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Edo, Ijaw, Tiv, Isekiri, Urhobo, Calabari, Fulani etc. rule Nigeria? Does the Nigerian constitution forbids some certainty tribes from becoming the Nigerian President? Why is this a BIG ISSUE in Nigeria if some tribal chauvinists haven’t got some ulterior motives to destabilized Nigeria? I opined that it does not matter. What matters to many Nigerians is wealth redistribution. Wealth is poorly distributed among Nigerians. What really matters to Nigerians is for them to have power (energy) supply 24/7, for all Nigerians to be gainfully employed anywhere in Nigeria; even those without employment can be on dole, for all Nigerians to sleep in their houses at night and leave their doors and windows open if they so desire. It matters to all Nigerians to have three square meal a day. It matters most to Nigerians to have good roads, free education and free medical care. It also matters if Nigerians pay their taxes to the government in order for the government to provide them with these basic amenities. If Nigerians continues to play tribal politics at the expense of National Unity and good leaders; Nigerians should not expect answers to their prayers because they would have deliberately told God that they have rejected Him.
Just like Dr Martin Luther King, he had a dream that he saw the day when Blacks and Whites in America would no longer fight each other or discriminate against one another because of the colour of their skin, Dr. King saw the day a Black man in America would not be judge by the colour of his skin but by the content his character. In that same spirit, I saw the day when a Nigerian would not be considered for a job or appointment inside Nigeria because of the content of his/her tribe, cult or religion but on merit and on the account that he/she is a Nigerian of good behaviour, patriotic, incorruptible and a zealot fighter of corruption. I also saw the day in Nigeria, when evil doers would no longer hide their wickedness under tribalism. A day when every Nigerian who’d embezzled public fund in Abuja or elsewhere would be ostracised in his/her home town for bringing disgrace to his/her tribe. If this dream becomes reality like that of Dr Martin Luther King, then, Nigeria is fulfilled.
culled from masterweb.com
Saturday 5 June 2010
Soludo wants states, LGs, Senate scraped
former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is seeking a radical restructuring of the polity.
Soludo is seeking the scrapping of the 36 states, the 774 local government areas and a unicameral legislature at the federal, with reduced membership.
In place of the states, he wants a return to the regions structure where Nigeria will have six regions.
Soludo also described the last fifty years of the nation’s existence can be described as waste on the economic front and a classical case of squandered opportunities.
He warned that the dream of having Nigeria as one of the 20 strongest economies in the world by year 2020 may no longer be feasible unless urgent measures are taken to correct the anomalies in the political and economic systems.
Soludo who was guest lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he spoke on the topic "Who Will Reform Politics in Nigeria" called for the pruning of Nigeria to six regions with Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as special centres. He said 774 local governments, were merely conduits for profligacy and waste, as well as the adoption of a unicameral legislature that would reduce the number of law- makers from 459-150.
The copy of the paper will was made available to The Nation in Abuja yesterday said: "In October Nigeria would be 50 years old as a politically independent country. A lot has been achieved. At least, despite the tribulations, we have managed to remain one nation with one destiny. On the economic front, despite recent modest advances, the 50 years of independence can best be described as a case of opportunities largely squandered."
He described as unacceptable the fact that in spite of over US$400billion that the nation has earned as oil rent since 1973, basic infrastructures are lacking while the people wallow in ignorance, poverty, diseases and hopelessness, warning that hundreds of millions of Nigerians who may be frustrated by lack of basic necessities of life in the face of the present bad political system could revolt violently against those who resist change.
Soludo who received several standing ovation, said: "with the hundreds of millions of people that will soon inhabit Nigeria, and with very little investment to prepare for their future, I can only see a dramatic change sooner or later: either we do so willingly or it will be forced upon us. Either way, our politics must change".
Soludo is seeking the scrapping of the 36 states, the 774 local government areas and a unicameral legislature at the federal, with reduced membership.
In place of the states, he wants a return to the regions structure where Nigeria will have six regions.
Soludo also described the last fifty years of the nation’s existence can be described as waste on the economic front and a classical case of squandered opportunities.
He warned that the dream of having Nigeria as one of the 20 strongest economies in the world by year 2020 may no longer be feasible unless urgent measures are taken to correct the anomalies in the political and economic systems.
Soludo who was guest lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he spoke on the topic "Who Will Reform Politics in Nigeria" called for the pruning of Nigeria to six regions with Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as special centres. He said 774 local governments, were merely conduits for profligacy and waste, as well as the adoption of a unicameral legislature that would reduce the number of law- makers from 459-150.
The copy of the paper will was made available to The Nation in Abuja yesterday said: "In October Nigeria would be 50 years old as a politically independent country. A lot has been achieved. At least, despite the tribulations, we have managed to remain one nation with one destiny. On the economic front, despite recent modest advances, the 50 years of independence can best be described as a case of opportunities largely squandered."
He described as unacceptable the fact that in spite of over US$400billion that the nation has earned as oil rent since 1973, basic infrastructures are lacking while the people wallow in ignorance, poverty, diseases and hopelessness, warning that hundreds of millions of Nigerians who may be frustrated by lack of basic necessities of life in the face of the present bad political system could revolt violently against those who resist change.
Soludo who received several standing ovation, said: "with the hundreds of millions of people that will soon inhabit Nigeria, and with very little investment to prepare for their future, I can only see a dramatic change sooner or later: either we do so willingly or it will be forced upon us. Either way, our politics must change".
Soludo wants states, LGs, Senate scraped
former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is seeking a radical restructuring of the polity.
Soludo is seeking the scrapping of the 36 states, the 774 local government areas and a unicameral legislature at the federal, with reduced membership.
In place of the states, he wants a return to the regions structure where Nigeria will have six regions.
Soludo also described the last fifty years of the nation’s existence can be described as waste on the economic front and a classical case of squandered opportunities.
He warned that the dream of having Nigeria as one of the 20 strongest economies in the world by year 2020 may no longer be feasible unless urgent measures are taken to correct the anomalies in the political and economic systems.
Soludo who was guest lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he spoke on the topic "Who Will Reform Politics in Nigeria" called for the pruning of Nigeria to six regions with Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as special centres. He said 774 local governments, were merely conduits for profligacy and waste, as well as the adoption of a unicameral legislature that would reduce the number of law- makers from 459-150.
The copy of the paper will was made available to The Nation in Abuja yesterday said: "In October Nigeria would be 50 years old as a politically independent country. A lot has been achieved. At least, despite the tribulations, we have managed to remain one nation with one destiny. On the economic front, despite recent modest advances, the 50 years of independence can best be described as a case of opportunities largely squandered."
He described as unacceptable the fact that in spite of over US$400billion that the nation has earned as oil rent since 1973, basic infrastructures are lacking while the people wallow in ignorance, poverty, diseases and hopelessness, warning that hundreds of millions of Nigerians who may be frustrated by lack of basic necessities of life in the face of the present bad political system could revolt violently against those who resist change.
Soludo who received several standing ovation, said: "with the hundreds of millions of people that will soon inhabit Nigeria, and with very little investment to prepare for their future, I can only see a dramatic change sooner or later: either we do so willingly or it will be forced upon us. Either way, our politics must change".
Soludo is seeking the scrapping of the 36 states, the 774 local government areas and a unicameral legislature at the federal, with reduced membership.
In place of the states, he wants a return to the regions structure where Nigeria will have six regions.
Soludo also described the last fifty years of the nation’s existence can be described as waste on the economic front and a classical case of squandered opportunities.
He warned that the dream of having Nigeria as one of the 20 strongest economies in the world by year 2020 may no longer be feasible unless urgent measures are taken to correct the anomalies in the political and economic systems.
Soludo who was guest lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he spoke on the topic "Who Will Reform Politics in Nigeria" called for the pruning of Nigeria to six regions with Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as special centres. He said 774 local governments, were merely conduits for profligacy and waste, as well as the adoption of a unicameral legislature that would reduce the number of law- makers from 459-150.
The copy of the paper will was made available to The Nation in Abuja yesterday said: "In October Nigeria would be 50 years old as a politically independent country. A lot has been achieved. At least, despite the tribulations, we have managed to remain one nation with one destiny. On the economic front, despite recent modest advances, the 50 years of independence can best be described as a case of opportunities largely squandered."
He described as unacceptable the fact that in spite of over US$400billion that the nation has earned as oil rent since 1973, basic infrastructures are lacking while the people wallow in ignorance, poverty, diseases and hopelessness, warning that hundreds of millions of Nigerians who may be frustrated by lack of basic necessities of life in the face of the present bad political system could revolt violently against those who resist change.
Soludo who received several standing ovation, said: "with the hundreds of millions of people that will soon inhabit Nigeria, and with very little investment to prepare for their future, I can only see a dramatic change sooner or later: either we do so willingly or it will be forced upon us. Either way, our politics must change".
BREAKING NEWS:John Obi Mikel Out Of World Cup 2010 With Knee Injur
John Obi Mikel has ruled himself out of the World Cup amidst fears over his long-term recovery from knee surgery.
In what is starting to be seen as a World Cup hoodoo for Chelsea players he joins Germany and Ghana internationals Michael Ballack and Michael Essien on the sidelines for this tournament.
Didier Drogba’s participation in the tournament is also in doubt after he fractured his arm in a 2-0 victory for the Ivory Coast in a warm-up match over Japan.
Teammate Kolo Toure initially said the striker told him his World Cup was over, although a team official later played down the comments.
Such is Chelsea’s strength in depth that the Blues were able to clinch the Premier League and FA Cup double without the 23-year-old Mikel in the finishing stages of last season.
The player hoped that surgery on a knee injury would grant him a clean bill of health in time for the World Cup but despite being named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad it was announced this morning that he won’t play.
Team official Emmanuel Attah said this morning: "We have dropped Mikel from the World Cup squad after he told the team he did not want to put his career at risk as his knee injury has yet to fully heal after a recent surgery."
The only consolation for Nigeria is that – like England with the Rio Ferdinand injury situation – Mikel can still be replaced by one of the seven players dropped from Lars Lagerback's initial 30-man World Cup squad.
2011: IBB, Atiku, Northern leaders meet to stop Jonathan
Top Northern leaders met secretly on Thursday on the 2011 polls and the need to stick to the existing zoning formula which has ceded power to the region for eight years.
The meeting, which was held at a secret location in Abuja, had ex-President Ibrahim Babangida and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in attendance.
Investigation by The Nation revealed that the leaders met for about six hours while President Goodluck Jonathan was on a one-day visit to Oyo State.
Although the reaction of the presidency could not be ascertained, a reliable source indicated that security agencies were looking into the motive behind the meeting.
It was, however, gathered that the Northern leaders expressed reservations about plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to review the zoning formula in view of speculations that President Jonathan will run for president in 2011.
Findings revealed that the leaders felt that it would be in the interest of Nigeria’s unity for power to remain in the North from 2011 to 2015 in line with the zoning formula of the ruling party.
But the leaders opted to dialogue with their Southern counterparts on why the presidency must remain in the North.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: "I am aware that the leaders met and resolved that the North must serve its eight-year term in office as zoned in 2007.
"They insisted that the nation must preserve the zoning arrangement. They said it is in the interest of Nigeria if the zoning formula follows its natural course.
"The meeting pointed out that of all prominent Nigerians, it is only ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo who is saying that there is no written agreement on zoning.
"They also decided to impress on all groups and power blocs in the country that zoning is not a Northern agenda but a Nigerian agenda in view of the need to preserve the nation’s unity."
It was learnt that the leaders also opted to reach out to all groups in the South on why the North must complete its eight-year tenure.
The source added: "The leaders agreed to work with their allies in the South to make sure that the zoning formula is preserved in favour of the North.
"Babangida, Atiku and a few others have been mandated to liaise with their friends and leaders in the South to appreciate the position of the Northern leaders.
"I think very soon, Northern leaders will be meeting with their Southern counterparts for dialogue."
According to investigation, although some Northern emirs have backed the campaign of Northern leaders to retain power in the region in 2011, they tactically avoided the meeting.
It was also confirmed that top government officials from the North stayed away from the meeting but they reportedly gave their covert gave backing to the discussion.
Another source said: "This is why the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), Gen. Theophillus Danjuma, who is technically in government, did not take part in the meeting.
"Danjuma had in confidence advised against tinkering with the zoning formula which had been in place since 1999. He had also cautioned President Jonathan against running for the president in 2011."
At press time, the list of the well-attended session was kept under wraps.
A highly-placed source added: "I think some Northerners like ex-Minister of Finance, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma; Alhaji Shettima Monguno; ex-Minister Iyorchia Ayu and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Audu Ogbeh, were expected at the meeting based on the invitation list.
"But I cannot actually give you a comprehensive list of those at the secret meeting."
Ex-Vice President Abubakar had on May 6 warned against moves to alter the zoning formula.
Responding to a question on BBC Newshour, he said: "Obviously yes, to have a political balance and equilibrium in the country. It has always been like that. Power has always been shared between the North and the South in one form or the other.
"Well, yes, I am aware of that agreement (zoning formula). I was a party to it, it exists and I expect that the party will implement that policy and if the party decides not to implement it, then it will also have to meet and review it."
Asked if the party stands by the agreement that Jonathan will stay out of the 2011 race, the ex-Vice-President said: "That is the understanding definitely."
Ribadu Returns From Exile
IT was a triumphal entry yesterday for former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as he arrived in Nigeria from the United States after a self-imposed exile.
Ribadu, dressed in a ash coloured caftan with a black cap, arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at 4.30 p.m. aboard a Delta Air aircraft.
He was, however, prevented from speaking with journalists by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS), who shielded him from reporters.
Ribadu only muttered a few words to journalists who had besieged the airport to interact with him.
Asked how he felt returning home almost a year he left Nigeria, Ribadu said: “I feel wonderful, wonderful, great.”
He was taken through the departure hall instead of the arrival hall where arriving passengers pass, ostensibly to beat journalists.
The security build up around the area by stern looking operatives brought activities to a halt as checked-in passengers ran to catch a glimpse of him.
Ribadu was later ushered into a waiting black Mercedez Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), with registration TJ 63 ABJ
Immediately he came out, journalists struggled to meet him. Ribadu had a hectic time wriggling himself out of the tight situation.
The first thing he did before the shuffling started was to hug his two children, who had come to receive him.
Before his arrival, journalists had positioned themselves in three strategic places at the airport when information came that he might be taken through an unfamiliar area of the facility.
Airport officials had sold a dummy to reporters that he would arrive aboard an Arik aircraft. This information prompted reporters to surge forward when an Arik flight arrived at 4 p.m.
Ribadu’s lawyer, Femi Falana, who was at the airport, doused the tension when he confirmed to reporters that he would come with Delta Air from Atlanta Georgia.
Last week, Ribadu was reinstated as Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and retired effective from December 22, 2008.
He was removed as EFCC boss and replaced with Mrs. Farida Waziri in 2008 by the Federal Government in very controversial circumstances.
Thereafter, the Police Service Commission (PSC) demoted him to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DPC) and redeployed to Benin, Edo State.
Following his refusal to report at his new post, the Nigeria Police sacked him. Ribadu headed for the court to contest his dismissal and later fled the country over alleged threat to his life.
When President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, the pendulum started swinging in Ribadu’s favour. First, he was pardoned and the charges against in the court were dropped.
There were speculations that he was being considered for various offices by the government.
Following his controversial removal from office, and subsequent dramatic dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force, the former attorney general, Michael Aondoakaa, filed charges against Ribadu, accusing him of failing to declare his assets while he was the EFCC chairman.
Ribadu, who has since denied the allegations, told journalists that his asset declaration forms were, "submitted on assumption of office in March 2003, and my exit from office in December 2008.
He said the charges were trumped up basically to smear his name and persecute him because he had crossed some influential people while in office.
Tribunal, which was hearing the case, declared Mr. Ribadu wanted on Friday November 20, last year following his refusal to appear before it.
While in the US, Ribadu undertook a fellowship at the Centre for Global Development (CGD), a think tank in Washington D.C. dedicated to international issues of development.
During his fellowship, he was the lead person for the centre on anti-corruption, institutional reform, and African law enforcement policy. He also undertook special missions to advise many African countries who were setting up anti-corruption and financial intelligence agencies.
Ribadu had a running battle with the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, which forced him into exile and taking up the fellowship offers at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and then CDG in the US.
The former EFCC boss was charged to court over alleged failure to properly declare his assets during his tenure at the EFCC.
Friday 4 June 2010
National Assembly Bans Post UME
Students seeking admission into Nigerian universities have commended the National Assembly for suspending the post-Universities Matriculation Examination (UME) tests in the country.
The House of Representatives on May 27, in Abuja, ordered the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to abolish the test.
A student, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Kunle Adeojo, yesterday said the suspension of the examination was long over due, claiming that he had written the test three times without success.
He said: "Most of the post-UME test are cumbersome and exploitative in nature, but with the abolition, candidates can now have easy admission into universities.
"I am happy with the National Assembly’s suspension of the examination because it was an obstacle in gaining admission into the university. I scored above 200 marks in my last UME but in the post-UME result I scored below 200 and because of this I was denied admission into my choice university," he said.
Another student, Miss Wuraola Sanni, said the suspension of the examination was a relief to candidates seeking admission into universities.
Sanni explained that with the new development, candidates who scored above 200 marks in UME could gain admission without writing post-UME.
A civil servant, said the suspension of Mrs Florence Olabanji the examination would reduce the stress of seeking admission.
She said: "Students would not need to travel far distances at great risks to sit for the examination and many eligible candidates denied admission would now have hope of gaining admission."
The post-UME was introduced in 2005 and written by students after they have passed the UME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The House of Representatives on May 27, in Abuja, ordered the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to abolish the test.
A student, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Kunle Adeojo, yesterday said the suspension of the examination was long over due, claiming that he had written the test three times without success.
He said: "Most of the post-UME test are cumbersome and exploitative in nature, but with the abolition, candidates can now have easy admission into universities.
"I am happy with the National Assembly’s suspension of the examination because it was an obstacle in gaining admission into the university. I scored above 200 marks in my last UME but in the post-UME result I scored below 200 and because of this I was denied admission into my choice university," he said.
Another student, Miss Wuraola Sanni, said the suspension of the examination was a relief to candidates seeking admission into universities.
Sanni explained that with the new development, candidates who scored above 200 marks in UME could gain admission without writing post-UME.
A civil servant, said the suspension of Mrs Florence Olabanji the examination would reduce the stress of seeking admission.
She said: "Students would not need to travel far distances at great risks to sit for the examination and many eligible candidates denied admission would now have hope of gaining admission."
The post-UME was introduced in 2005 and written by students after they have passed the UME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Martins Nearly Misses World Cup
Wolfsburg striker, Obafemi Martins will be given the cold shoulder by Nigeria Coach Lars Lagerback at his debut World Cup unless he has a change of attitude, officials have disclosed.
Lagerback has been far from impressed with the attitude of Martins in training and came close to dropping him from the World Cup, but for the injury of Victor Anichebe.
“Martins would have been dropped for Anichebe because Lagerback complained about his attitude. Others pulled their weight in training, but the Wolfsburg striker was not bothered,” a top team official revealed.
“Contrary to what Everton are now saying, Anichebe is nursing a cracked shin and will be out of action for at least three weeks.
The Eagles fitness trainer detected this. That was why Lagerback dropped him from the squad to the World Cup. Were he fit, he would have been taken to South Africa ahead of Martins.
“Lagerback starred the names of both Martins and Anichebe on his list and his explanation was that he has been far from happy with Martins attitude to training. He told the NFF leadership that Martins attitude is “very bad” and except he changes, he will not be in his plans for the World Cup.”
It is understood that much-criticised Everton striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obinna Nsofor of Spanish club Malaga are now ahead of Martins in the pecking order to lead the Nigeria attack at the World Cup.
Last November, “Obagoal” struck twice as Nigeria booked their ticket to the 2010 World Cup in dramatic fashion on the final day of qualifying action against Kenya in Nairobi.
The 25-year-old former Newcastle United star striker, who made a goal-scoring debut against the Republic of Ireland in May 2004, posted a subdued performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola earlier this year after he was a controversial choice ahead of Esperance striker, Michael Eneramo for the championship.
Keen watchers of the Eagles say Martins appears not to have completely shaken off a serious shin injury that needed operation late last year. Martins has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for Nigeria, averaging a goal every other game. South Africa 2010 will be his World Cup debut after the Eagles failed to fly to the 2006 edition in Germany.
Lagerback has been far from impressed with the attitude of Martins in training and came close to dropping him from the World Cup, but for the injury of Victor Anichebe.
“Martins would have been dropped for Anichebe because Lagerback complained about his attitude. Others pulled their weight in training, but the Wolfsburg striker was not bothered,” a top team official revealed.
“Contrary to what Everton are now saying, Anichebe is nursing a cracked shin and will be out of action for at least three weeks.
The Eagles fitness trainer detected this. That was why Lagerback dropped him from the squad to the World Cup. Were he fit, he would have been taken to South Africa ahead of Martins.
“Lagerback starred the names of both Martins and Anichebe on his list and his explanation was that he has been far from happy with Martins attitude to training. He told the NFF leadership that Martins attitude is “very bad” and except he changes, he will not be in his plans for the World Cup.”
It is understood that much-criticised Everton striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obinna Nsofor of Spanish club Malaga are now ahead of Martins in the pecking order to lead the Nigeria attack at the World Cup.
Last November, “Obagoal” struck twice as Nigeria booked their ticket to the 2010 World Cup in dramatic fashion on the final day of qualifying action against Kenya in Nairobi.
The 25-year-old former Newcastle United star striker, who made a goal-scoring debut against the Republic of Ireland in May 2004, posted a subdued performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola earlier this year after he was a controversial choice ahead of Esperance striker, Michael Eneramo for the championship.
Keen watchers of the Eagles say Martins appears not to have completely shaken off a serious shin injury that needed operation late last year. Martins has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for Nigeria, averaging a goal every other game. South Africa 2010 will be his World Cup debut after the Eagles failed to fly to the 2006 edition in Germany.
8.2 Billion Naira Excess Crude Oil Fund
OYO State Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday received a shocking birthday gift from the youths of the state branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): a protest.
The youths, numbering about 200, took to the streets, asking the governor to explain the whereabouts of N8.2billion state excess crude oil fund.
The protest held at Eleyele area of Ibadan, coinciding with the governor’s birthday church service, which President Goodluck Jonathan attended as special guest of honour.
The protesters, it was learnt, had planned to take their protest to the Eleyele Polo Ground, venue of the governor’s birthday reception, apparently hoping to get the attention of the President.
But while they were marching towards the Polo Ground, a team of mobile policemen were said to have intercepted and dispersed them with teargas, thus preventing the attempt to disrupt the birthday reception.
Singing anti-Alao-Akala’s slogans, the PDP youths held motorists to a standstill.
They carried placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Where is Oyo State Excess Crude Oil Fund of N8.2billion?’’; "LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso project is a fraud" ; "Arrest Alao-Akala Now" ; and "No more Akala in 2011"; among others.
While the church service held at the cathedral of Molete Baptist Church was on, some attendants, comprising close aides of the governor, were jolted with the news that a group of PDP youths with placards were marching towards the polo ground.
Some of the aides were seen moving out of the church premises as the news filtered in, while others discussed the development in hush tones.
But the congregation was not in distracted.
Contacted, the state police spokesperson, DSP Olabisi Okuwobi, said there was no truth in the reported protest, adding that the command was not aware of any protest.
She explained that such a protest could not have been noticed since only the people with placards welcoming the President and praising the governor were seen at the venue of the birthday.
Security was tight at the Polo Club.
About 2,000 policemen deployed to the venue of the birthday ceremony were seen frisking people.
They appeared set for any security breach.
There was heavy traffic at the reception. Party faithful and other well-wishers trying to gain entry into the arena faced hectic time while policemen sweated to control the crowd and passing the fleet of cars.
Reacting yesterday, the Special Assistant to Governor on Inter-Governmantal Relations (Political), Alhaji Tunde Olayiwola, said the protesters were sponsored thugs.
He alleged that they were hired by the opposition out of their envy of the governor’s achievements.
Olayiwola said he was happy that enemies of the governor did not succeed in their plan to disrupt the birthday ceremony.
He said: "They (protesters) do not represent PDP youths in Oyo State. The leader of PDP youths in Oyo State is Hon. Adewale.
"So, those people you saw are fake; they are hired thugs."
The youths, numbering about 200, took to the streets, asking the governor to explain the whereabouts of N8.2billion state excess crude oil fund.
The protest held at Eleyele area of Ibadan, coinciding with the governor’s birthday church service, which President Goodluck Jonathan attended as special guest of honour.
The protesters, it was learnt, had planned to take their protest to the Eleyele Polo Ground, venue of the governor’s birthday reception, apparently hoping to get the attention of the President.
But while they were marching towards the Polo Ground, a team of mobile policemen were said to have intercepted and dispersed them with teargas, thus preventing the attempt to disrupt the birthday reception.
Singing anti-Alao-Akala’s slogans, the PDP youths held motorists to a standstill.
They carried placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Where is Oyo State Excess Crude Oil Fund of N8.2billion?’’; "LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso project is a fraud" ; "Arrest Alao-Akala Now" ; and "No more Akala in 2011"; among others.
While the church service held at the cathedral of Molete Baptist Church was on, some attendants, comprising close aides of the governor, were jolted with the news that a group of PDP youths with placards were marching towards the polo ground.
Some of the aides were seen moving out of the church premises as the news filtered in, while others discussed the development in hush tones.
But the congregation was not in distracted.
Contacted, the state police spokesperson, DSP Olabisi Okuwobi, said there was no truth in the reported protest, adding that the command was not aware of any protest.
She explained that such a protest could not have been noticed since only the people with placards welcoming the President and praising the governor were seen at the venue of the birthday.
Security was tight at the Polo Club.
About 2,000 policemen deployed to the venue of the birthday ceremony were seen frisking people.
They appeared set for any security breach.
There was heavy traffic at the reception. Party faithful and other well-wishers trying to gain entry into the arena faced hectic time while policemen sweated to control the crowd and passing the fleet of cars.
Reacting yesterday, the Special Assistant to Governor on Inter-Governmantal Relations (Political), Alhaji Tunde Olayiwola, said the protesters were sponsored thugs.
He alleged that they were hired by the opposition out of their envy of the governor’s achievements.
Olayiwola said he was happy that enemies of the governor did not succeed in their plan to disrupt the birthday ceremony.
He said: "They (protesters) do not represent PDP youths in Oyo State. The leader of PDP youths in Oyo State is Hon. Adewale.
"So, those people you saw are fake; they are hired thugs."
Why I Didnot Sack Service Chiefs
THE President yesterday gave an insight into why he is still keeping the Service Chiefs he inherited from the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. He said he considered the polity’s stability more important than protecting his presidency. Dr Goodluck Jonathan spoke at a thanksgiving service to mark Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala’s 60th birthday at Molete Baptist Church, Ibadan. The city was full of excited crowds hailing the President. It was his first official visit to the state. President Jonathan said he shunned the advice to sack the Service Chiefs when he became the Acting President, despite the threats such a decision might have on his position. Jonathan was thanking the military for not truncating democracy during the political crisis sparked by former President Yar’Adua’s ill-health. He advised fellow politicians to trade personal ambitions for the overall good of the nation. Besides, he said, they should conduct themselves in ways that will give Nigerians hope in the system. He deplored infighting among politicians, who he described as major actors in the leadership scene, saying it only kills hopes of a better tomorrow in the minds of Nigerians. Jonathan did not name those who advised him to dump the Service Chiefs, but he confirmed what was a big rumour in the polity. His words: "Immediately I became Acting President, I was advised to move Service Chiefs, but I refused because I felt the polity should be stabilised. I left them at the expense of my own position. We have to thank the Army that in spite of the political turbulence, they did not strike. We (politicians) must conduct ourselves very well. "From vice chairmen of local governments to the deputy governors to the Vice President, you must be loyal to your bosses because the chairmen, governors and the president take their deputies into confidence on a number of salient matters. "Political fights do not raise hopes of Nigerians but only show the major actors as those that are unable to manage themselves. We got to positions not by our strength but by God." The President regretted that deputies do not usually succeed their bosses in Nigeria though they are normally expected to learn from them to succeed them in other societies. He showered encomiums on Alao-Akala, whom he described as his "good friend" and fellow former deputy governor. Jonathan urged the nation to pray for his administration’s success. Earlier, Alao-Akala gave thanks to God for his life. He recalled that he lost his father when he was 30 months old but that God saw him through. The head of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, Prelate Sunday Ola Makinde, who preached at the service, spoke on the need for thanksgiving, quoting from Psalm 103. He analysed the life and times of King David, stressing that he was favoured because he always appreciated God for showering His mercies upon him. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors of Ogun, Ekiti and Osun states and traditional rulers were at the service. Others include Minister of State for Finance Remi Babalola and frontline businessman Jimoh Ibrahim. But the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, was absent. Though he replied the governor’s letter of invitation and congratulated him, he gave no reason for his inability to attend the ceremony in his correspondence. Thousands of residents trooped out to welcome President Jonathan. School pupils lined the major streets from the airport to the venues of projects commissioned. Also among the dignitaries who received Jonathan were Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, PDP Vice-President, South-West. Jonathan’s first port of call was Challenge-Orita where he inaugurated the newly built Challenge-Elewe-Apata dual carriage way. He also inaugurated the Molete-Oke-Ado-Queen Cinema dual-carriage way before attending the thanksgiving service. Jonathan was entertained at the Polo Ground, Eleiyele, before returning to Abuja. Also at the ceremony were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and members of the State Executive Council.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)