Impeachment threat: Jonathan invites Tambuwal for talks

By The Nation: Yusuf Alli 

 

Dr. Jonathan and Tambuwal

•Lobbyists mount pressure on Reps to end cold war •We’re not on witch-hunting mission but to make Nigeria work -Reps spokesman

President Goodluck Jonathan wants an immediate end to the cold war between him and the House of Representatives. 
He has invited Speaker Aminu Tambuwal for peace talks to iron out their differences. 
The duo were scheduled to meet last night at the Presidential Villa for the talks. 
The Presidency and the House are locked in a stand-off over alleged slow pace at which the 2012 Budget is being implemented with the Reps, on Thursday, threatening the President with impeachment for the situation. 
They gave him up to September to implement it to 100 per cent, failing which “we will begin drafting the article of impeachment.” 
Moments after the Thursday session of the House, the Presidency responded to the impeachment threat, saying it was on the same page with the Reps on the budget issue. 
Spokesman for the President, Dr.Reuben Abati, told reporters that his principal was as concerned about the budget’s performance as the Reps. 
However, The Nation on Saturday gathered last night that President Jonathan personally  reached out to the leadership of the House with a view to ending the stand-off. 
Besides, some top government officials, friends and associates of the President have, on their own, launched separate initiatives to stop the situation from degenerating. 
They were said to be lobbying the Reps to sheathe their swords. 
After harmonisation, the Senate and the House of Representatives had, on March 15, passed a budget of N4.88 trillion with a benchmark of $72 per barrel. The vote was increased from N4.65 trillion proposed by the Federal Government. 
The President, however, assented to a N4.7 trillion budget on April 13. 
But the House of Representatives on Thursday expressed displeasure that only 30 per cent of the budget had been implemented. 
Authoritative sources said the President was showing a lot of resolve to close the ‘communication gap’ between the Executive and the House. 
The President was said to have contacted Speaker Tambuwal to hear him out on the grievances of the lawmakers. 
A source said: ”s a leader, the President on Thursday invited the Speaker for interaction on issues raised by the House. I think they were expected to meet yesterday. 
“There were strong signals that the two leaders had opened up discussions on the telephone before the Speaker was invited by the President. 
“Neither the President nor the Speaker wanted the polity to be heated up by the budget palaver. 
“The Presidency had wielded enormous influence to lobby the House members to defer Thursday’s special plenary on budget implementation, but it did not work out at all. 
“Apparently, the Speaker deliberately switched off to also stave off pressure that could heighten the misunderstanding between the House and the executive arm. 
“What I can conveniently tell you is that the leaders have started talking. Apparently, there is a ‘communication gap’ between the two sides and there is need to improve working relationship.” 
Neither the Presidency nor the House was willing to officially comment on the rapprochement last night. 
Besides, some top government officials, associates and strategists of the President have been wooing House members to end the logjam over budget implementation. 
A principal officer of the House, who spoke in confidence, said: “Forces and people around the corridors of power have been calling us to sheathe the sword. 
“We have told them that the issues we raised were not personal. We were concerned about how to move Nigeria forward. 
“It got to an embarrassing level that some of us had to switch off our phones.” 
The Chairman of the House Committee on Media, Hon. Zakary Mohammed, said the House does not rule out dialogue with the Executive. 
“For us, we are after the right thing being done. The appropriation law is being addressed with impunity. We are empowered by the 1999 Constitution to raise questions like we did on Thursday on the floor of the House. 
“We owe our employers (Nigerian masses) a duty to ask questions on their behalf and protect their interest when things are upside down. 
“No one is after President Goodluck Jonathan, but we want the system to work. We are in July and the budget is not being implemented as expected. Even some approvals made for the execution of some key projects had no cash backing. That means, nothing is working. 
Asked if the Executive has reached out to the House, Mohammed said: “It is not impossible, because in a situation like this, they would want to market their position to the House leadership. 
“And going by what the Majority Leader, Mrs. Mulikat Adeola, said that the situation will be addressed before we resume from recess, there could be room for dialogue.”

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‘Why President declined House invitation’

By The Nation: Vincent Ikuomola 

 

Reuben Abati

Why did President Goodluck Jonathan not honour the House of Representatives invitation for interaction on the security situation in the country?
It is because he was not “formally invited, his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati said yesterday.
Abati said the President is not averse to the invitation if it is properly channelled.
Abati spoke on a RayPower 100.5FM phone-in programme; Fact File, monitored by our correspondent.
He also commented on why the President has not assented to some bills passed by the National Assembly and sent to his office.
Abati said some of the bills when signed into law, would create additional bureaucracy leading to over-bloated governance that the Federal Government is trying to rationalise.
He cited the National Health Bill and the Biodiversity Bill as some of those bills.
Abati said: “The President does not have any problem with the invitation by the House of Representatives. But there should be a formal letter inviting him to come and address them on the floor of the House. Something will be said on the floor of the assembly and once the President does not have a formal letter inviting him, the President cannot, on the basis of newspapers report say he has been invited. 
“I am very sure that when there is a formal invitation from the National Assembly, the President will honour it. In any case, the National Assembly is dominated by members of the President’s party.
“Mr. President often invites members of the parliament to hold meetings with him in the Villa and they honour the invitation. So, when they invite him formally, he will go especially since the issues are of mutual interest to both arms of government and of interest to Nigerians. It is a procedural thing when the lawmakers ask the President to come and address them. You will remember that every year, he addresses them when presenting the Appropriation Bill. Whenever the President goes to event in the ruling party, he briefs them. When he does Presidential Media Chat, he gives reports to Nigerians. On a daily basis, we report the activities of government online, through newspapers and other possible medium to show that this is a Presidency that is transparent and has nothing to hide. His true mandate is to serve Nigerians. It is not that the President is avoiding the legislature; it is not that the President does not want to go to the National Assembly. Both bodies work together.
“Enshrining the State of the Nation Address into the Constitution is not a problem, what they are asking for is accountability. If there is a law like that, it makes it mandatory for the President to come to the parliament from time to time to give account, that is the law. It is the duty of the President to protect the rule of law and this President has shown in many instances that he respects the rule of law. Even with the just-concluded Edo election, the success was made possible by the President. Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria has commended the President who is of the Peoples Democratic Party”.

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Jonathan lists challenges as CJN takes oath of office

By The Nation: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

 

 •Justice Mukhtar...yesterday

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged the judiciary to join the fight against corruption and terrorism.
He also called for a speedy judicial process because “justice delayed is justice denied”.
Dr. Jonathan spoke at the swearing in of Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, the 13th Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Justice Mukhtar, who was cleared by the Senate last week, is also Nigeria’s first woman CJN.
She took over from Justice Dahiru Musdapher on Friday.
The President said: “Your lordship will preside over the judiciary at a time of profound changes that demand united response. We believe that judiciary can play a crucial role as we confront critical challenges.
“We are dealing with security challenges occasioned by sporadic act of terrorism in some parts of the country. The three arms of government must work cooperatively to overcome this terrorist threat and act in the country.
“The war against corruption is another endeavour that calls for concerted action by all arms of government. I am confident that the judiciary under your able leadership will rise up to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to address these challenges. Our citizens complained of delayed trial particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern.
“These complaints have led to frequent calls for special courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required experience and speed. It will be your prerogative to consider and decide on this call. But I am sure that the entire country is in agreement that justice delayed is justice denied. I believe that an independent judiciary remains the final hope of our citizen. The independence of our judiciary is critical to our development and survival. Every bold and positive step you take in our march to nationhood is important. 
“Your lordship should apply the instrument of your hallowed office to ensure timely justice delivery to make manifestly claim that substantive justice will never be sacrificed on the altar of procedural technicality. Impunity must have no place in progressive Nigeria.”
The President also assured the CJN of the government’s cooperation in the discharge of her duties.
He praised the immediate past CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher for his effort within the short period he stayed in office.
 Jonathan said: “I will like to place on record our immense gratitude to the immediate past CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher. Despite his short tenure, he made spirited efforts to restore public confidence in our courts. We wish Justice Musdapher a well deserved retirement and hoe that he will avail his wealth of experience in the continued service of our nation, especially as he is now a member of Council of State.”
Describing Justice Mukhtar as a woman of destiny, he said she owes her rise to her brilliance, resilience and hard work. 
The President said: “Today, we are witness to history with the swearing in of Justice Aloma Murkta as the first female CJN. I join millions of our country men, female and youths in congratulating the Nigerian judiciary and your lordship as we record this important milestone in the annals of our nation’s judicial history. Although this administration has remained focused in projecting women, the learned CJN achieved this outstanding feat on account of her brilliance, resilience and hard work. 
“Our administration will continue to accord excellence and give it its deserved place in the service of our nation.  Ladies and gentlemen, there is the hand of destiny in the life of this distinguished jurist. From the records, her lordship has always been a trailblazer in her judicial journey. She was the first female lawyer of northern extraction, the first female High Court Judge from the North, first female second in-command, Kano State judiciary, the first Nigerian female jurist to be elevated to the Court of Appeal where she served for over 17 years at the appellate court.”
“The honourable CJN now joins an eminent and exclusive list of achievers recognised throughout the world as beacon of hope in this century. She will after leaving office become a member of our nation’s highest advisory council, the Council of State. Here again, she will make history as the first female permanent member of that council.”
Justice Mukhtar was conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Nigeria (GCON) award.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker,  Emeka Ihedioha, Governors Rabiu Kwankwanso (Kano) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) were among the dignitaries at the ceremony.
Speaking to State House reporters at the end of the ceremony, Justice Mukhtar re-iterated her stand during her screening at the Senate that there was no need for a special court to try corruption cases.
She said: “I think I talked about that at the Senate that there is no need for a special court. A judge, two or three in the states, can be designated to take care of that. I will again go back to what I said in the Senate - that I will lead by example and I will hope and pray that the others will follow.”
On security challenges, Justice Mukhtar said: “I did say during my screening in the Senate that we will partner with the authority to ensure that we curb this menace.”
On delayed trials, she said: “That one is not the fault of the judges alone. We have counsel to contend with, bringing various applications. We have the Constitution also to contend with. Witnesses will not be available and there is a whole litany of reasons for this delay.”

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Police explain attack on Oshiomhole

By The Nation: Osagie Otabor, Benin

 

Oshiomhole

Edo State Police Command yesterday explained how the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole was attacked at Usen in Ovia South West Local Government Council while leaving a campaign rally.

It said students of the state-owned Institute of Technology and Management allegedly barricaded the road in the outskirts of the community and became unruly despite assurances from the governor that he would address them at another date.

A press statement signed by the state police spokesman, DSP Anthony Airhuoyo, said Governor Oshiomhole met the students of the institution while on his way to the campaign venue and promised to address them on his way back.

The statement reads: “After the campaign at about 6:15pm, the governor decided to address the students on a later date as it was getting late, but the students barricaded the high way at the outskirts of the town and were compelling the governor to visit their institution.

“When their demand could not be met, they became rioutous. 

“In the process of despatching the riotous students, two of them were injured and are currently receiving treatment. Nobody was killed in the process.”

The statement added that the students later re-grouped and went to Usen police outpost and vandalised the place.

It said investigation into the incident had since commenced and that the area was closely being monitored by the police.

It was gathered that a car belonging to the chairman of the local government council was attacked by the students. 

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has denied involvement in the attack on the governor at Usen.

The party said it would institute an independent investigation into the incident and make it public.

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Lagos Assembly confirms new CJ

By The Nation: Oziegbe Okoeki 

 

Speaker Lagos Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji

Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Justice Ayotunde Adeyoola Phillips as the state new Chief Judge.
The confirmation was done at plenary on Thursday after her screening.
The state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), had on Monday in a letter to the lawmakers explained that the incumbent Chief Judge of the State, Inumidun Akande was due for retirement on June 10.
In the letter, Fashola nominated Justice Phillips and urged the lawmakers to consider and confirm her appointment as the new CJ.
Phillips, who appeared before the lawmakers during Friday’s plenary session, explained that she has served in the state judicial system for 18 years.
She told the lawmakers that her plans include taking the state judiciary arm to the 21st Century, where it would become Information Communication Technology compliant.

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More illegal structures to go in Rivers

By The Nation: Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt 

The Rivers State government has said more illegal structures will be pulled down in the state capital, Port Harcourt. 
Governor Chibuike Amaechi decried the impunity with which people develop property in the capital city, declaring that he would put an end to the trend before leaving office in 2015.
Amaechi, who said this during a two-day Rivers State Land Summit 2012 organised by the Ministry of Lands and Survey, also stated that this impunity is one of the impediments to even development of property in the state.
To bring sanity to property development in the state, the governor said structures erected on government land in any part of the metropolis will be demolished.
He therefore directed that all the houses developed in Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Baptist High School, Sandfill area and other places be demolished without notice, arguing that when the people developed the structures, they did not notify government.
The governor also warned that a year before the expiration of his tenure, he would roll out bulldozers to demolish all illegal property across the city “because I will make sure that lawlessness will not be a problem to the next governor.”
Another problem hampering even development in the state which Amaechi also lamented is boundary adjustment between Niger Delta state governments.
The boundary adjustment problem, he said, is being fueled by agents of Federal Government who keep adjusting the boundaries of the states and ceding oil wells from one state to another.
He therefore pleaded with the Surveyor-General to leave Niger Delta region alone, noting that despite that Rivers State is 45 years old, its boundaries with neighbouring states are always being adjusted with most of its oil wells going to neighbouring states like Abia. 
Another problem militating against even development of the city, Amaechi said, is the corrupt practices existing in the Ministry of Lands and Survey as well as that of Board of Internal Revenue.
He recalled how some former governors complained to him that some staff in the Ministry of Lands were calling to inform them that they had plots of land in Port Harcourt and the Certificate of Occupancy were ready “ yet these governors said they did not know when the land was allocated to them.”
The governor further lamented the corrupt practices between Ikwerre and Okrika people, who despite that they had sold their land to the defunct Eastern Nigerian Government, are now re-selling the same land to people. 
In view of all these, Amaechi stated that he would demolish all the illegal houses, promising to implement the resolutions reached at the State Land Summit 2012 to enable the state to achieve paradigm shift in land administration and management across the state.
The governor also said that “this summit ushers in the process of unlocking the wealth of Rivers State and we are glad we have started it.” 
Amaechi, who made this promise through his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, expressed optimism that “the implementation of the resolutions reached here will move the state forward,” assuring that “we will ensure that we change the way land is being administered and managed in the state.”
The governor thanked the participants and resource persons for their patience, genuine contributions and positive disposition towards issues raised during the summit, adding that these would “make things to work as we embark on this journey to change things in our state.”
Contributing, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi painted a sad picture of the situation of land documentation in the ministry when he assumed office in 2009.
But three years down the line, Ezekiel-Amadi stated that his ministry has “developed a tenure strategy plan anchored on the belief that a virile and robust land administration system that guarantees easy access to and security of title to land is a sine qua non for enhanced government revenue.” 
The commissioner had declared that “those who think it’s business as usual in the way we administer land in the state should be ready to witness some surprises,” reiterating the resolve of the government through his ministry to drastically reduce the timeline for issuance of certificates of occupancy (C of O) in the state. 
While appealing to the public to key into the new drive, Ezekiel-Amadi also disclosed that the process of identifying, mapping and allocation of land in the state has now gone digital, pointing out that the analogue system of cadastral mapping constituted a very serious challenge.
The commissioner expressed happiness that “we have gone beyond that stage now as everything is now being done in line with global best practices across the world.” 
He commended the discussants, resource persons and participants for their contributions during the summit.
Earlier in his speech, the chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Cee Orike who was also the first Commissioner for Lands in the state recalled the analogue way they were doing land documentation during his time. He praised the ministry for “moving from ground zero to the tenth floor” following the establishment of the Rivers State Geographical Survey (RIVGIS). 
Also speaking, one of the resource persons and Project Coordinator, Federal Land Information System (FELIS) in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Venerable Andrus Ukaejiofor, expressed delight with the summit, saying “it is the way to go.” He commended the governor and his deputy for “their commitment to change the system of land administration and management. They are doing a great work and I am proud to be part of this.” 
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Jonathan names nine-man airlines audit committee

By The Nation: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

 

 •President Jonathan signing the condolence register ...yesterday

The black box of the ill-fated Dana Air plane which crashed in Lagos last Sunday will be taken to the United States today – in a bid to find out the cause of the tragedy. 

Nigeria lacks a good laboratory to analyse the key conponent of the aircraft, it was learnt yesterday.

All 153 onboard the Abuja-Lagos flight 9J-922 died. On the ground, 10 died.

Also yesterday, the Federal Government ordered an up-to-date audit of all airlines as part of measures to forestall another crash. A nine-man Technical and Administrative Review Panel, headed by Group Captain John Obakpolor (rtd), an aeronautical engineer, was set up. Other members of the panel are Captain Austin Omame, Capt Dele Sasegbon, Dr OB Aliu, FC Onyeyiri, Capt Mfon Udom, Capt Muhtar Usman, Dr Tony Anuforom and Capt A Mshelia.

The panel’s report, the government promised, will be made public. President Goodluck Jonathan vowed to take a firm action when necessary.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar II, and others called for a “thorough” investigation of the crash in which about 160 died.

The panel will do a comprehensive assessment of all domestic airlines and recommend to the government actions that should be taken to improve safety.

Besides, it will assess the financial health line of airlines operating within Nigeria. 

Briefing reporters immediately after the “special” Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in memory of the victims of flight 9j-922, Aviation Minister Stella Oduah said the committee, which has six months to complete its work was expected to come up with a comprehensive report on each of the airlines in the country.

On regulation, she said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), will be strengthened. This, she said, includes the implementation of the Central Bank/Ministry of Aviation committee recommendations.

The minister, who hinted about moving the black box to the United States for analyses, said: “At the site of the incident, there were people with AIB t-shirts; they were gathering information.

“They cut the parts from the aircraft, looking for clues. The information they obtained will be taken back to the lab for analysis to get exactly the reason for the accident. But, in addition to that, because we do not have a laboratory for the black boxes, we need to take them outside the country for proper analysis.” 

Mrs Oduah also assured of proper diagnosis of the cause of the crash. “I want to also say that among the team that worked with AIB, are international experts and so, you are not likely to have collusion or reports that will have integrity issue. So, I want to assure that the report we will get will be a very authentic report,” She said.

On the nine-man panel, she said: “Mr. President has graciously approved the names of those that will be part of the investigative panel. As you are aware, there are two investigative panels that will be going on simultaneously; one will use the other as a resource, based on aviation global best practices.

“We cannot redesign ours; we have to do it in line with what is obtainable in the aviation sector. And so, immediately an accident takes place in aviation, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) commences investigation.

The reason is to ensure that we don’t have a reoccurrence and so we are very preventive in aviation, not to have this happen again. But, most importantly, is to determine the cause of the accident.

“The economic regulatory aspect of NCAA will be strengthened to monitor domestic airlines on a regular basis. So, whenever we see signs that indicate danger, we will be able to either shut down the airline or take precautionary actions so that we don’t get into a very bad situation.”

On the recommendations of the CBN/ FMA, she said: there is an ongoing committee between the Ministry of Aviation, the CBN, commercial banks and other financial agencies. They are set in the first place to ensure that domestic airlines are restructured. They are coming out with their recommendations today and we have read a preliminary report and so we will implement it fully. 

“Mr. President has granted us that approval and when this is done, all the local airlines will have a transformed structure. And we all know that the reason why most domestic airlines have problems is because the structures within which they are operating are very faulty. So, we are fixing that with this measure.

Mrs Oduah added: “The current airline economic regulatory regime will be reviewed again within the next three months to make it more effective, current and relevant to safety needs. The safety measure in aviation is like the cardinal; it is not negotiable; it is not subject to discussion. It is what must be done and it is what is done on a regular basis. Everything is safety.”

On reports of past crashes, she said: “I wasn’t there before and cannot answer for them now. I can tell you what is happening now. I also want to say that all the reports of past air crashes, the Sosoliso, ADC etc are ready and when we get the proper approval to release to the public, we will do so because it serves no purpose to keep it because it is for public knowledge; because there are lessons we should learn from such incidents and not allow them reoccur. That is the purpose.” 

The minister also said the crashed aircraft was not the one that was investigated over the concern raised by Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio. She said the aircraft involved is abroad for repairs. 

Mrs Oduah assured Nigerians: “Air transportation is still the safest mode of transportation. Our airspace is very safe. I hear people say our airspace is not safe, that is not true; we have the safest airspace in the world; we are very safe. What happened has nothing to do with the safety nets of our air space. And so I want to assure Nigerians that what happened on Sunday will not reoccur, by the grace of God. We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that we enhance our safety policies and procedures and we are doing that now to ensure that NCAA becomes stronger and their regulatory oversight is enhanced.

“With all the approvals we have got and with the transformation measures that is currently ongoing, in addition to institutional reforms that we started about a year ago, everything is on course. All these are to ensure we have safe aviation sector in Nigeria. “

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President sends UNILAG change of name Bill to National Assembly

By Onyedi Ojiabor (Assistant Editor), Sanni Onogu, Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja 

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday submitted a bill seeking to formalise the change of name of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to Moshood Abiola University (MAU), Lagos, to the National Assembly.

The President announced the change of name in a national broadcast marking this year’s Democracy Day on May 29. 

Despite the protest among the students of the institution, the government has said it would not revert to the old name.

Other stakeholders also criticised the name change, accusing Dr Jionathan of not consulting widely enough before changing the institution’s name. 

The President sent the bill to the National Assembly with a covering letter, dated June 5, entitled: Forwarding of Bills for Acts to rename three Federal Universities. 

It reads: “I forward herewith for your kind consideration and passage into law, the attached Bills for Acts to rename three federal universities as indicated.” 

Jonathan also submitted a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Procurement Act, No. 14, 2007, and a Bill for an Act to provide for the enforcement and punishment of crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide and related offence. 

When House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal read the letter, the chamber erupted in an uproar.

Besides UNILAG, the other universities the President proposes to rename are: the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Imo State, to Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, to Adamu Modibo Federal University of Science and Technology.

Dr Jonathan proposed stiff punishment for war crimes, genocide and related offences and the reinforcement of punishment against humanity.

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More knocks for Jonathan over face-off with Buhari

By The Nation: Augustine AVWODE 

Jonathan and Buhari

More knocks came the way of President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday over his response to General Muhammadu Buhari's warning against rigging in the 2015 elections. 

Former President- General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, said Gen. Buhari was being unnecessarily vilified, noting that worse statements had been uttered by other people. This, he said, includes the "do or die" declaration by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. 

Ikedife said: "It is necessary that we speak the truth and face the fact. Buhari should be praised for having the courage to say it the way he saw it and to sound a note of caution. And I want us to take that note of caution seriously.

“It is important that we evaluate the message rather than kill the messenger. His words are not worse than the man who declared that 'this election is do or die'. I think what Buhari is saying is 'don't win by hook or crook and that they should allow the opinion of Nigerians to prevail. 

"Any person who faults that should tell us what he wants Nigeria to look like. It is absolutely necessary. If we want to entrench true and proper democracy, it should be one man, one vote. Every vote should count and be accounted for." 

Ikedife does not see Buhari as desperate for anything other than his yearning "for a peaceful Nigeria where true democracy thrives. And he should not be vilified." 

In the same vein, Second Republic governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa described the controversy generated by Buhari's statement as totally unnecessary, arguing that even President Jonathan had, in the past, made statements that have greater security implication for the country than Buhari's. 

He said the case of Buhari has attracted more attention only because he is a former head of state. Otherwise, he was merely saying what every other Nigerian has been saying in respect of rigging elections. 

He said: "The controversy is unnecessary for two reasons. First, what Buhari said is what every other Nigerian has been saying about the need for free and fair elections. But because Buhari is a former head of State, more people react to whatever he says. 

"Secondly, even President Jonathan had, in the past, made statements with far greater security implication than what we just heard. If a president said all public institutions have collapsed, isn't that a serious statement with greater security implication? 

"With regards to Boko Haram, if the President said Boko Haram has infiltrated all government agencies including the Presidency, is that not of greater security risk? 

"Buhari wanted us to be mindful of the implications of rigged elections. If people have forgotten, it was what led to the unrest in the South West and eventually, the coup of the First Republic in 1966. It was also what led to the coup of the Second Republic. So what is wrong in any Nigerian warning against the dangers of rigged elections? 

"All I can say is that there is a sinister motive behind the interpretation given to Buhari's warning by the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

"Finally, if people like Buhari and the media, who know more than we know; should keep quiet, what will happen to Nigeria? Won't the situation get worse?" 

But the founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Fredrick Fasehun, as he said   Buhari's statement cannot be justified by any parameter. 

He accused the former military ruler of trying to cause the disintegration of Nigeria by carrying himself as if he were above the laws of the land. 

He cautioned him not to teach Nigerians how to disintegrate. 

"I personally believe that Buhari can't be adjudged right by any parameter of reasoning. The statement is highly inflammatory and inciting,” he said.

"Buhari has continually carried himself as if he is above the laws of the land. That is why he says anything that comes to his mind without caring for the legal implication of such statements. In fact, I have been waiting for the security agencies to invite him and query him for such utterances that tend to teach Nigerians how to disintegrate. 

"The other day he was invited to the Oputa Panel, but he refused to show up and nothing was done to him. Obasanjo, as the president of the country then, was there at the Oputa Panel. Nigeria is greater than him. He should not teach us how to disintegrate. This country will be handed over to the person who will hold it together in unity and peace. Winning elections cannot be by force of violence. He must know that." 

Former President General of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Prof. Kimse Okoko, described Buhari's utterances as unstatesmanly. He wondered how a man of Gen Buhari's standing could allow his emotion to becloud his sense of judgment, saying Nigeria has witnessed too much bloodshed. 

"It is rather unfortunate on the part of General Buhari that he could allow his emotion to becloud his sense of judgment. He has not behaved as a statesman, a former Head of State and a presidential candidate of a leading party in this country before. 

"Already, there is too much bloodshed in the land.Of what need is his calling for more bloodshed. That statement is unstatesmanly. The truth of the matter is that Nigeria will not be ruled by anybody who is calling for bloodshed. He should be invited to explain whatever he meant. I don't want to believe that he is already training an army somewhere that he would unleash on the country in 2015. It is a very unsavoury statement." 

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Nigeria’s problem didn’t start with my government, says Jonathan

By The Nation: Chris Oji, Enugu

President Goodluck Jonathan  conceded yesterday that there must be a change in the country to rid it of the many vices impeding its growth.

  He said  something must have gone wrong with Nigeria since the 1914  amalgamation of the North and the South  and pleaded with the generality of Nigerians to work together to salvage the country.

 Jonathan spoke at the funeral mass for Mrs. Theresa Ekpeluchi Chime, mother of Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State at  St.Theresa’s Catholic Church,Udi.

 The president  told the congregation that  Nigeria’s problems did not start with his administration but insisted that there must be a change to get rid of the  problems.

 He traced  Nigeria’s major problems to  the gross neglect of the upbringing of children by their parents who,according to him,often put their   businesses and careers above the  care of their  wards.

 He urged parents  to emulate the qualities of the late Madam Chime saying  the key role she played in bringing up her children made it possible for all of them, including Gov Chime, to be successful in their careers 

“From what I heard from the clergy and others, it was because of the kind of life she lived, that she was able to raise her children properly. And that is why he who comes close to the ocean and our party chairman who comes close to the desert are here today to pay her respects,”  he said.

 An elated Governor Chime told the congregation that he did not expect the president at the funeral yesterday, adding that his presence with his wife,Dame Patience, was a demonstration of their love  for him.

 He added: “It  is on record that before I could officially inform the president about my mother’s demise, he had  pre-empted me by sending me a surprise condolence.”

  The funeral mass was conducted by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Bishop Callistus Onaga. 

Present at the funeral were the national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; deputy Senate president, Ike Ekeremadu and wife; former vice-president Alex Ekwueme; former Senate president, Ken Nnamani; Governors Martin Elechi of Ebonyi state; Liyel Imoke of Cross River state; Theodore Orji of Abia state; Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers ; Gabriel Suswam of Benue;Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Peter Obi of Anambra . 

Also present  were the 2nd Republic  governor of the old Anambra state, Senator Jim Nwobodo; Ministers Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala ( Finance) ,Barth Nnaji ( Power); Stella Oduah ( Aviation); Emeka Wogu  (Labour); Onyebuchi Chukwu  (Health); and Viola Onwuluri ( Foreign Affairs).

Others include deputy governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Senator Ayogu Eze Senator Andy Uba, Senator Emma Agboti, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze; and  the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma.

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Fed Govt is biggest Boko Haram, says Buhari

By The Nation: Tony Akowe, Kaduna

 

  General Muhammadu Buhari

Former Head of State and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in last year’s presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday described the Goodluck Jonathan administration as the biggest Boko Haram in the country.
Buhari said he would make up his mind on the 2015 presidential election when his party reorganises.
Addressing Niger State CPC members, who visited him in Kaduna, the former military leader noted that “since the leaders do not listen to anybody but does whatever they wish, there is nothing the North can do”. 
He added: “I will like to quote Prof. Ango Abdullahi, who said there are three Boko Harams, including the original one, led by Muhammed Yusufu, who was killed and his supporters tried to take revenge in attacking the law enforcement agencies and politicians.
“There is another developed Boko Haram of criminals, who steal and kill. The biggest Boko Haram is the Federal Government.” 
On his political future, Buhari said: “God willing, something will happen in 2015.”
Buhari said the government has two options to conduct free and fair elections in 2015 or face humiliation from the people. 
He said: “If what happens in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon will all be soaked in blood.”
The former Head of State said whether or not he contests the presidential election in 2015, the party should be well organised while he re-considers his stand.
Buhari said: “That’s what I told those who have visited me in the past, but the press wrote that I said I have changed my mind about re-contesting.”
The former Head of State noted that the Jonathan administration has destroyed the petroleum industry, saying what is happening in the industry can only happen under the type of the leadership Nigeria has now. 
He said: “There’s nowhere in the world where such things happen. There’s nowhere in the world where a government can increase the cost of petroleum product by more than 120 per cent. It is most insensitive. Besides the air people breathe, the next important thing to them is petroleum. 
“Unfortunately, I know more about the petroleum industry than others in the government, because I was there for over three years as a leader. We started with Port Harcourt refinery producing 60,000 barrels per day. It was upgraded to 100,000 barrels per day. Another one was built there, also in Port Harcourt, producing over 150,000 barrels, making a total of 250,000 barrels per day. These were slated purely on Nigeria’s crude oil. 
“I personally asked the owner to sign the contract for Warri and Kaduna refineries, 100,000 barrels each. There were more than 20 depots, more than 3,200 pipelines and there was even a time we were exporting 100,000 barrels per day of refined products. But the current leadership has destroyed the industry.”

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French new president sworn in

  By Agency Reporter

 

France's outgoing President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) looks at newly-elected President Francois Hollande (R)shaking hands with the outgoing First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (C) on the steps of the Elysee Palace on Tuesday. Photo:Reuters

Francois Hollande became French president on Tuesday in an official handover ceremony that makes him the country's first Socialist leader since Francois Mitterrand.

Outgoing President Nicolas Sarkozy greeted Hollande on the steps of the Elysee presidential palace, and took him inside to transfer nuclear codes and other secret files ahead of a short swearing-in ceremony attended by around 400 guests.

Reuters gathered that Hollande was due to fly to Berlin later in the day for his first meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

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Senate confirms Bianca Ojukwu as ambassador

By The Nation: Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu

 

Mrs. Ojukwu

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu as an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs which recommended her confirmation.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Matthew Nwagwu (Imo North) presented the report of the committee entitled: “That the Senate do consider the report of the committee on Foreign Affairs on the screening of Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu for appointment as an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and approve the recommendation therein” at a plenary in Abuja.

Mrs. Ojukwu was not able to attend the screening of 85 ambassadorial nominees due to the death of her husband.

Although it was not stated, information available to our correspondents has it that Mrs. Ojukwu might be made special ambassador attached to the Office of the President. 

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2015 not on my mind for now, says Jonathan

By The Nation: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

 

President Goodluck Jonathan

From the Presidency came a reminder yesterday to the political class to leave President Goodluck Jonathan out of the ‘hue and cry’ over the 2015 presidential race and allow him deliver on his promises to Nigerians.






He expressed "deep concern" over the growing furore in political circles and the media over his alleged plans to seek re-election in 2015.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati said in a statement last night that the ‘irritating distraction’ was getting out of hand and must be reined in.
" What began as an irritating distraction some months ago, appears to have now assumed a life of its own, dominating political discourse in the country, with all kinds of mischief-makers and opportunists latching on to it, to heat up the polity unnecessarily," Abati said, adding: " The pointless, diversionary and very distractive hue and cry about the President’s alleged ambition to seek a second term in office is becoming increasingly disturbing by the day with headlines such as "JONATHAN’S 2015 AMBITION CAN BREAK UP NIGERIA" and "JONATHAN’S 2015 AMBITION FUELING INSECURITY," now regular fare in our newspapers and on the internet.
"For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, President Jonathan wishes to reiterate that his primary concern and the focus of all his efforts now, just about a year into the four-year tenure for which he was elected in April 2011, is to deliver on his promise of positive national transformation.
"The President’s sole preoccupation as the nation moves towards the first anniversary of his administration on May 29, 2012 is to continue to give effective and purposeful leadership that will steer Nigeria towards overcoming its immediate security and developmental challenges.
"Nothing could be farther from President Jonathan’s mind at this point in time than the 2015 elections. The President has definitely not directed or authorized any individual or group to launch any campaign on his behalf.
"As he has repeatedly warned on many occasions, including the last national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, the inordinate ambition of a few self-centred Nigerians and their obsession with the politics of political succession in 2015 must not be allowed to distract the nation and its current leadership from the task of dealing with the much more urgent issues of development and the safety of Nigerians in all parts of the country.
"President Jonathan urges the political class and the Nigerian mass media, once again, to focus on the immediate priority of protecting, preserving and consolidating democratic governance in Nigeria, and giving the nation’s current crop of elected leaders at all levels the opportunity to deliver on their promises to the people without the distraction of an unending campaign for future elections."

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Salami: MTN disagrees with PDP, Oyinlola on call logs

By The Nation: Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

 

Salami

Telecommunication giant, MTN Nigeria has disagreed with former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on their requests for call logs.
The duo accused MTN of not releasing the full Call Data Records (CDRs) of the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The suit before a Federal High Court, Abuja, was filed to frustrate plans by the NJC to reinstate Justice Salami , who presided over the two different panels that sacked both Oyinlola and former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni.
A few weeks ago, Justice Peter Affen of the FCT High Court dismissed a suit filed by Oni against Justice Salami for not disclosing reasonable cause of action.
In its  statement of defence filed to the present suit, MTN claimed it does not have the storage capacity to store and release CDRs beyond three months.
In a witness statement on oath filed in court by MTN’s Senior Manager, Commercial Legal, Mr. Rotimi Odusola, he averred that, “I know as a fact due to capacity and storage constraint, the first defendant (MTN) can only release CDRs for periods not exceeding three  months from the date of receipt of a legitimate  request for the release for the CDRs.
“I know as a fact that the first defendant’s standard requirement with respect to its post-paid subscription are consequent on its policy upon which it has absolute prerogative.
“I know that the first defendant released Adeolu Oyinlola’s CDR to him in compliance with its obligations to its subscribers.”
Responding to paragraphs 22 to 23 of the statement of claims, the MTN states that it always cooperates with security agencies and accedes to their legitimate requests while adhering to its rigid procedures to ensure its customers confidentiality regime is not compromised or prejudiced and also within the confines of its capacity and storage constraints. It was consequent to this that the first defendant upon request for call data records from the Police Force Area G command Headquarters Ogba, forwarded the CDRs to the command.” 
Reacting to MTN’s statement of defence, the former governor and his prime witness, Adeolu Oyinlola exhibited several call logs released by telecommunication outfit which spanned over six months.                                           
The plaintiffs claimed that they have three incontrovertible documentary evidence showing that MTN was dishonest and mischievous with intent of misleading the court.                                                   
They stated that the said documentary evidence were call logs from MTN which spanned beyond three months to six months.                                    They claimed that while the call data released to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) by MTN covered only three months, the data released to the Area G Command covered the required five months.
In the suit,the plaintiffs are contending that the call data of those months which were deliberately left out in what was given to the NSA would have made all the difference in reaching a different conclusion by the NJC’s panel.
According to the plaintiffs, “The first defendant’s storage capacity is not limited to three months.  The call data records the 1st defendant released to Area G Command, Ogba, covered the period between September 1, 2010 and January 31, 2011 five calendar months). We shall also be calling the Area Commander, Area F Command, Ikeja, Lagos to tender the call data records of a certain Sunday Awobiye which spanned a period of six calendar months.  The said call logs were released also by the first Defendant.
“These buttress the plaintiffs’ assertion of the first Defendant’s inconsistent, fraudulent and manipulative tendencies:  The first call data record released to Adeolu Oyinlola by the first Defendant on the August 4, 2011 (already pleaded) covered only a period of one month, while the second call data record released by the same first Defendant to the self-same Adeolu Oyinlola on March 21, 2012 covered three months.  Very significantly, unlike the call data records the first Defendant released to the security agencies at the (behest of the National Judicial Council, both of the call data records released to Adeolu Oyinlola, as well as the call data records released to Areas F and G Commands had originating and terminating components.  The second call data record aforementioned is hereby pleaded”.   
Justice Bilikisu Aliyu has adjourned the matter till May 10.

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First female CJN emerges July 16

By Vanguard: Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA — A female Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mariam Aloma, has been nominated to replace Justice Dahiru Musdapher as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, come July 16 when Musdapher will retire.
However,  her appointment is subject to ratification by the Presidency.
This came as Justice Musdapher, yesterday, debunked insinuations that he resigned his appointment, saying he only wrote to the National Judicial Council, NJC, to expedite process for the swearing-in of his successor on July 16.
In line with the express provisions of section 291(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Justice Musdapher will cease to be a judicial officer on July 15, a day he would clock the 70 years mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices.
Though Justice Musdapher who will spend only 11 months in office, took over the affairs of the Nigerian Judiciary in acting capacity on August 28, he was, however, confirmed as the 12th indigenous CJN by President Goodluck Jonathan on September 26.
Investigation by Vanguard revealed that Justice Musdpaher had on April forwarded her name to the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, and the NJC, for consideration, just as he equally tendered his notice of retirement to the two legal bodies.
Remarkably, Aloma had recently rejected an offer for international appointment, after she was nominated as the Chief Judge of The Gambia.
Sequel to speculations that he resigned after tendering a “quit notice” to the FJSC and the NJC on Wednesday, the CJN, yesterday, issued a statement in Abuja, debunking the rumour.
The statement signed by his media aide, Mr Mohammed Adamu, read: “The Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Dahiru Musdapher, contrary to speculations, has not resigned his appointment.
“The CJN had, on April 11, 2012, written to the National Judicial Council, NJC, to give three months notice of his retirement from service as a judicial officer.
“This, as the CJN indicated, is so ‘that the necessary processes will be commenced early enough to enable the swearing of a new Chief Justice’ by  July 16, 2012.
“It is public knowledge that by the provisions of Section 291(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the CJN shall cease to be a judicial officer come July 14, 2012 when he would be 70 years.”
Justice Mariam Aloma who hails from Kano State, started her law career in 1967. She was be the first female judge to be sworn into the Supreme Court bench.

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Nigeria safe for investors despite attacks - Jonathan

By The Nation: Agency Reporter

 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan speak to the media after talks at the Chancellery on Thursday. Photo:Getty Images

President Goodluck Jonathan insisted on Thursday Nigeria was safe for foreign investors, while calling for Western logistical help to combat the Boko Haram sect.
The group, which wants Sharia (Islamic) law more widely applied across Africa's most populous nation, has killed hundreds in gun and bomb attacks this year.
This week, the United States embassy in Nigeria warned its citizens that the group might be planning attacks on the capital Abuja.
"We are building up our security infrastructure... I can say we are on top of this problem," Reuters quoted Jonathan as saying at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin after talks that focused on trade, energy and security issues.
Asked what kind of assistance Germany could provide, he said: "In areas of training manpower and modern equipment... You need superior technology to fight terrorists and we think Germany and others can help us in such areas."
Boko Haram usually targets police, authority figures and churches in the mostly Muslim north, although there have been a handful of deadly attacks in and around Abuja, which is home to ministries and foreign embassies.
Jonathan, who is a Christian from the southern, oil-producing Niger Delta, has been criticised by Nigerians and foreign diplomats for not curbing violence in the north.
The Nigerian government has dismissed the U.S. embassy warning of fresh attacks in Abuja, saying such statements created, "undue panic".
"I can assure the global community, especially investors from Germany, that the government is working very hard to bring this problem under control," Jonathan said.
"Nigeria is still safe for investment. Nigeria is one country where... investment returns are quite high and where we believe in the rule of law."
With 70 percent of its population below the age of 35, Nigeria offers a vibrant market for investors, he added.
Merkel said Germany stood ready to provide logistical and other support in the fight against Boko Haram.
She also urged Jonathan to provide a better business climate in his country.
As well as Boko Haram and other security challenges such as piracy off its coast, Nigeria's reputation among investors also suffers from rampant corruption, a patronage culture and dilapidated infrastructure.

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