Inspector-General of Police (IG) Ogbonna Onovo has described the abduction of Pa Simeon Soludo, father of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a blow to the police’s efforts to stop kidnapping in the South-East.
Onovo, who spoke during a working visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday in Abuja, sought the assistance of the military to train 150 policemen at the School of Infantry.
He was received by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike.
His words: "I am here to pay compliments to renew the cordial relationship between the Police and the Defence Headquarters. This is my first time to visit the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) since I came into office though you have been of tremendous help to us, especially when I had my baptism of fire a day after I was appointed with the Boko Haram crisis in Bauchi State.
"The DHQ was of tremendous help to us in quelling the crisis. I don’t know how we would have coped without your assistance. We were overwhelmed by the crisis because it was something unexpected but with your aid to a sister security agency we were able to curtail the problem. The situation was brought under control though not without some controversy but peace was restored."
Besides, Onovo said the visit would afford him the opportunity to be advised by the CDS on the need to train and retrain policemen.
"I recalled the advice you gave on the need for our men to be trained and retrained and you have offered to do so at your School of Infantry and I am here to say we are ready to take you on your offer. We have 150 men ready for that training and we thank you for the cordial relationship between the military and the police," he said.
While he appreciated the lessening friction between the lower ranks of the police and military, Onovo noted: "Anybody in conflict situation knows that his saviour might not be any family member but another man in uniform. Since you came on board, the skirmishes have reduced due to your able leadership."
He went on: "I want to also commend the effort made be you to ensure joint effort by the police and the military in tackling crime like in the Niger Delta during the militancy era which has been brought under control.
"We have security problems all over the world but Nigerians want an environment of peace and security hence we have to give all to provide that."
Replying, Air Chief Marshal Dike said the request to train 150 policemen will be honoured as soon as the modalities have been worked out.
"The Police have done well and we are willing to render any assistance to aid your smooth operations. As concerning your request, as soon as the modalities are in place, we will inform you accordingly," he said.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Students unhappy over third term plans
Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe, was at Harvard University where he spoke to a packed audience and responded to pointed questions on the possibility he will seek a third term in office.
Uribe was elected president in 2002 and retains an approval rating of nearly 70 per cent due to the improvement in national security under his administration.
He detailed the many ways his country has advanced in the past seven years, and he also laid out his vision for a stable and united Colombia. "Colombia has seen many administrations that have not seen a single day of peace," Uribe said.
His plan to seek a third term in office by amending the Colombian Constitution took center stage when he began fielding questions from the audience. Were Uribe to succeed, it would mark the second time he has passed an amendment in order to remain in power.
"The referendum that is pending to allow yourself to serve a third term could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders," Jake Sloane, a 200-Level student, told the President.
Juan Felipe Botero, a Law student, asked: "What will be your advice to the person who shall replace you as President in less than a year’s time?" The question, which implicitly demanded Uribe step aside for the next election, was cheered by the audience.
Uribe responded to both questions by pointing to political and economic gains made by his administration and stressing that the separation of powers in Colombia would prevent the unfair perpetuation of power.
Alex W. Palmer, another 200-Level student and member of the IOP forum committee, said he enjoyed the event despite Uribe’s somewhat evasive responses.
Uribe was elected president in 2002 and retains an approval rating of nearly 70 per cent due to the improvement in national security under his administration.
He detailed the many ways his country has advanced in the past seven years, and he also laid out his vision for a stable and united Colombia. "Colombia has seen many administrations that have not seen a single day of peace," Uribe said.
His plan to seek a third term in office by amending the Colombian Constitution took center stage when he began fielding questions from the audience. Were Uribe to succeed, it would mark the second time he has passed an amendment in order to remain in power.
"The referendum that is pending to allow yourself to serve a third term could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders," Jake Sloane, a 200-Level student, told the President.
Juan Felipe Botero, a Law student, asked: "What will be your advice to the person who shall replace you as President in less than a year’s time?" The question, which implicitly demanded Uribe step aside for the next election, was cheered by the audience.
Uribe responded to both questions by pointing to political and economic gains made by his administration and stressing that the separation of powers in Colombia would prevent the unfair perpetuation of power.
Alex W. Palmer, another 200-Level student and member of the IOP forum committee, said he enjoyed the event despite Uribe’s somewhat evasive responses.
Bode George, others should return stolen wealth’
The National Conscience Party (NCP) governorship candidate in Ogun State in the April 14, 2007 election, Mr. Lanre Banjo, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to stop at the conviction of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George and others, for fraud, but to recover the stolen wealth.
George and former Chief Executive of NPA Aminu Dabo, Olusegun Abidoye, Abdullahi Tafida, Zanna Maideribe and Sule Aliyu were on Monday jailed by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for two-and-half years each without an option of fine over N85 billion contract scam at the NPA.
They were sentenced two years on each of the seven-count charge of abuse of office and six months each for the 27-count of disobedience to constituted authority.
Banjo advised the commission to return to court to seek the return of the stolen funds or confiscate all the properties of the convicts.
This, he said, would serve as a deterrent to others.
Banjo, who spoke in an online interview with The Nation, said corruption by public officials had remained a major impediment to progress.
He praised Justice Olubunmi Oyewole for serving the course of justice.
"His statement that when public office is abused, the entire populace is assaulted lifted Nigeria in the eyes of the world. It gave us hope. When he continued that this must not be condoned or treated with kid gloves, and if the quality of service in our public life is altered to the appreciable standard of the civilised world, the right deterrent should be given. This statement strikes the nerves of people with conscience and sends fear into the inner spines of looters," he said.
Banjo denounced George’s supporters, who prevented photo-journalists from taking pictures and harassed prosecutors and reporters in the court premises.
He urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to make a law that would make it unlawful for anyone to violate people’s rights within the court premises.
Also yesterday, the Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress (AC) hailed the conviction of George and others.
It described the development as a positive development in the anti-corruption war.
In a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for saying it would fight to free George.
The party said the statement showed that the PDP was "remorselessly committed to promoting corruption."
"The conviction of Bode George is a welcome development and we believe that even as the sentence handed down to him was mild, it sends a positive signal to those who loot the treasury that someday, they will stand trial for their offences. We are happy that this character has been thrown to jail for his sundry role in looting the NPA and we salute the EFCC Chairman for effortlessly pulling this conviction through. We believe that there are many Bode Georges in the PDP and that the conviction of George will serve no useful purpose if other looters are not brought to justice.
"We must note that there were frantic moves made by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration to shield George from justice. This rendered the work of the former leadership of the EFCC a huge joke as this desperate effort lasted. It also showed that the Obasanjo government was merely using anti-corruption as a ruse to promote his political interests. We hope the present government will not do same on the critical issue of fighting corruption," the statement reads in part.
The party frowned on PDP’s defence of George after his trial before a court of competent jurisdiction.
George and former Chief Executive of NPA Aminu Dabo, Olusegun Abidoye, Abdullahi Tafida, Zanna Maideribe and Sule Aliyu were on Monday jailed by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for two-and-half years each without an option of fine over N85 billion contract scam at the NPA.
They were sentenced two years on each of the seven-count charge of abuse of office and six months each for the 27-count of disobedience to constituted authority.
Banjo advised the commission to return to court to seek the return of the stolen funds or confiscate all the properties of the convicts.
This, he said, would serve as a deterrent to others.
Banjo, who spoke in an online interview with The Nation, said corruption by public officials had remained a major impediment to progress.
He praised Justice Olubunmi Oyewole for serving the course of justice.
"His statement that when public office is abused, the entire populace is assaulted lifted Nigeria in the eyes of the world. It gave us hope. When he continued that this must not be condoned or treated with kid gloves, and if the quality of service in our public life is altered to the appreciable standard of the civilised world, the right deterrent should be given. This statement strikes the nerves of people with conscience and sends fear into the inner spines of looters," he said.
Banjo denounced George’s supporters, who prevented photo-journalists from taking pictures and harassed prosecutors and reporters in the court premises.
He urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to make a law that would make it unlawful for anyone to violate people’s rights within the court premises.
Also yesterday, the Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress (AC) hailed the conviction of George and others.
It described the development as a positive development in the anti-corruption war.
In a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for saying it would fight to free George.
The party said the statement showed that the PDP was "remorselessly committed to promoting corruption."
"The conviction of Bode George is a welcome development and we believe that even as the sentence handed down to him was mild, it sends a positive signal to those who loot the treasury that someday, they will stand trial for their offences. We are happy that this character has been thrown to jail for his sundry role in looting the NPA and we salute the EFCC Chairman for effortlessly pulling this conviction through. We believe that there are many Bode Georges in the PDP and that the conviction of George will serve no useful purpose if other looters are not brought to justice.
"We must note that there were frantic moves made by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration to shield George from justice. This rendered the work of the former leadership of the EFCC a huge joke as this desperate effort lasted. It also showed that the Obasanjo government was merely using anti-corruption as a ruse to promote his political interests. We hope the present government will not do same on the critical issue of fighting corruption," the statement reads in part.
The party frowned on PDP’s defence of George after his trial before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Discrepancies jolt Oni’s witnesses
The Ekiti State Election Petitions Tribunal resumed its sitting yesterday with revelations of discrepancies in the results of the governorship rerun election conducted in Usi Ward in Ido/Osi Local Government Area.
Witnesses brought to the tribunal to give evidence in support of the victory of Governor Segun Oni were jolted in the witness box as they were confronted with discrepancies discovered in the official result sheets they tendered before the tribunal.
Some witnesses admitted under cross-examination that the total number of ballot papers used exceeded the total number of ballot papers supplied to their units.
They passed the buck of to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which organised the election.
A witness admitted before the tribunal that his children wrote his statement on oath.
It was the continuation of hearing of the defence of Oni, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer at the poll, whose election is being challenged by the Action Congress (AC) and its flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi over alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2006 and the election manual.
The tribunal had on Friday adjourned sitting to yesterday to allow the Chairman, Hon. Justice Hamma Barka, attend the funeral of his stepmother who passed on last week in Gombe State.
Six witnesses testified. They were Adufe Omotayo, Adebayo Ilori, Kolawole Lawrence, Obasola Olofin and Akinyemi Ojo.
They claimed the election was free and fair, and devoid of any violence.
Records supplied in Form EC8A (the official results sheet) tendered for Unit 10 in Usi Ward, showed that the presiding officer could not account for 10 ballot papers out of the 300 ballot papers issued to the unit.
Also, the presiding officer for Unit 16 in the ward, recorded 450 as the number of ballot papers issued, while he recorded 511 as the total number of ballot papers issued in the Form EC8A where the result was recorded.
The implication was that the number of ballot papers used in the affected units exceeded the number of those supplied for the April 25 rerun poll.
A witness, Adebayo Ilori, who was led in his evidence-in-chief by Oni’s counsel, Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), had tendered the result issued to him as the PDP agent for Unit 10 in Usi Ward.
He said the election conducted in the unit was free, fair and devoid of violence.
Ilori, the respondent witness 10 (RW 10), under cross-examination from the petitioners’ counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), said 300 ballot papers were issued to his unit, with 25 recorded as unused and 257 as valid votes and eight ballot papers rejected.
Pressed to sum up used and unused ballot papers, the witness arrived at 290 ballot papers.
He said 10 ballot papers were unaccounted for in the official result sheet, Form EC8A for the unit.
Witnesses brought to the tribunal to give evidence in support of the victory of Governor Segun Oni were jolted in the witness box as they were confronted with discrepancies discovered in the official result sheets they tendered before the tribunal.
Some witnesses admitted under cross-examination that the total number of ballot papers used exceeded the total number of ballot papers supplied to their units.
They passed the buck of to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which organised the election.
A witness admitted before the tribunal that his children wrote his statement on oath.
It was the continuation of hearing of the defence of Oni, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer at the poll, whose election is being challenged by the Action Congress (AC) and its flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi over alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2006 and the election manual.
The tribunal had on Friday adjourned sitting to yesterday to allow the Chairman, Hon. Justice Hamma Barka, attend the funeral of his stepmother who passed on last week in Gombe State.
Six witnesses testified. They were Adufe Omotayo, Adebayo Ilori, Kolawole Lawrence, Obasola Olofin and Akinyemi Ojo.
They claimed the election was free and fair, and devoid of any violence.
Records supplied in Form EC8A (the official results sheet) tendered for Unit 10 in Usi Ward, showed that the presiding officer could not account for 10 ballot papers out of the 300 ballot papers issued to the unit.
Also, the presiding officer for Unit 16 in the ward, recorded 450 as the number of ballot papers issued, while he recorded 511 as the total number of ballot papers issued in the Form EC8A where the result was recorded.
The implication was that the number of ballot papers used in the affected units exceeded the number of those supplied for the April 25 rerun poll.
A witness, Adebayo Ilori, who was led in his evidence-in-chief by Oni’s counsel, Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), had tendered the result issued to him as the PDP agent for Unit 10 in Usi Ward.
He said the election conducted in the unit was free, fair and devoid of violence.
Ilori, the respondent witness 10 (RW 10), under cross-examination from the petitioners’ counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), said 300 ballot papers were issued to his unit, with 25 recorded as unused and 257 as valid votes and eight ballot papers rejected.
Pressed to sum up used and unused ballot papers, the witness arrived at 290 ballot papers.
He said 10 ballot papers were unaccounted for in the official result sheet, Form EC8A for the unit.
The man Justice Oyewole
The saying that a gold fish has no hiding place holds very true for Justice Olubunmi Oyewole. Whenever he happens to be the subject of discussion in legal circles, positive things are always said about him.
No wonder he has been nominated to the Court of Appeal by the National Judicial Council (NJC), even though there are many who have spent more years at the Bench than him.
One of Justice Oyewole’s favourite sayings when addressing lawyers in court is: "Counsel, I fear only God!"
He has the singular reputation of being very brilliant. He is known as a no-nonsense, intelligent, hardworking, courageous and incorruptible judge who handles his cases with efficiency and dispatch.
A graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, the Osun indigene has handle more high profile criminal cases than most judges. That such cases are usually assigned to him make a statement as to his resourcefulness.
Before his appointment to the Bench on May 24, 2001, he was into private legal practice,where he distinguished himself as a fearless advocate. His being appointed from private practice to the Bench makes a statement in itself as to what he represents.
Those who knew him as a student at OAU said he was vocal, focused,and once ran for the student union executive.
He was a member of the Students Representatives Council (SRC). At some point, he was a mobilisation officer for the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Justice Oyewole spearheaded boycott of classes when the Buhari-Idiagbon military administration attempted to commercialise education.
Some of the cases he has handled as a criminal trial judge include the conviction of the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (a.k.a Rev. King) for murder. He sentenced him to death by hanging.
Justice Oyewole also adjudicated the case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Emmanuel Nwude in which a Brazilian bank was defrauded of $254. He found Nwude guilty and ordered the forfeiture of his fraudulently acquired wealth.
The case of attempted murder of the Publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru, preferred against Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was also before him at some point, including the trial of Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, a former Chief of Army Staff.
Justice Oyewole handled the drug case involving Nollywood actress, Hassanat Akinwande (a.k.a Wunmi), who was found guilty of illegal drug trafficking.
He also handled the case of advance fee fraud (419) involving a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Fred Ajudua.
He sentenced an Islamic cleric, Rasheed Yusuf and his accomplices to 120 years imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretence. He also ordered them to return over $130million to the victim.
Proceedings in his court are always spiced with humour, as he will always crack jokes with lawyers.
He also has a good rapport with journalists, as he is one of the few judges who would welcome them in his chambers and chat with them, but without compromising standards.
Justice Oyewole comes to lawyers’ rescue when they run into trouble.
Outside the courtroom, he is known to be very friendly and humane, yet firm.
No wonder he has been nominated to the Court of Appeal by the National Judicial Council (NJC), even though there are many who have spent more years at the Bench than him.
One of Justice Oyewole’s favourite sayings when addressing lawyers in court is: "Counsel, I fear only God!"
He has the singular reputation of being very brilliant. He is known as a no-nonsense, intelligent, hardworking, courageous and incorruptible judge who handles his cases with efficiency and dispatch.
A graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, the Osun indigene has handle more high profile criminal cases than most judges. That such cases are usually assigned to him make a statement as to his resourcefulness.
Before his appointment to the Bench on May 24, 2001, he was into private legal practice,where he distinguished himself as a fearless advocate. His being appointed from private practice to the Bench makes a statement in itself as to what he represents.
Those who knew him as a student at OAU said he was vocal, focused,and once ran for the student union executive.
He was a member of the Students Representatives Council (SRC). At some point, he was a mobilisation officer for the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Justice Oyewole spearheaded boycott of classes when the Buhari-Idiagbon military administration attempted to commercialise education.
Some of the cases he has handled as a criminal trial judge include the conviction of the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (a.k.a Rev. King) for murder. He sentenced him to death by hanging.
Justice Oyewole also adjudicated the case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Emmanuel Nwude in which a Brazilian bank was defrauded of $254. He found Nwude guilty and ordered the forfeiture of his fraudulently acquired wealth.
The case of attempted murder of the Publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru, preferred against Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was also before him at some point, including the trial of Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, a former Chief of Army Staff.
Justice Oyewole handled the drug case involving Nollywood actress, Hassanat Akinwande (a.k.a Wunmi), who was found guilty of illegal drug trafficking.
He also handled the case of advance fee fraud (419) involving a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Fred Ajudua.
He sentenced an Islamic cleric, Rasheed Yusuf and his accomplices to 120 years imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretence. He also ordered them to return over $130million to the victim.
Proceedings in his court are always spiced with humour, as he will always crack jokes with lawyers.
He also has a good rapport with journalists, as he is one of the few judges who would welcome them in his chambers and chat with them, but without compromising standards.
Justice Oyewole comes to lawyers’ rescue when they run into trouble.
Outside the courtroom, he is known to be very friendly and humane, yet firm.
Changing face of Edo Assembly
Between 1999 and 2007, all the 24 members of the Edo State House of Assembly were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was then the ruling party .
Nothing could better illustrate the "family affair" claims of the PDP than the romance between the lawmakers and the executive, which led to easy passage for bills.
Also, decisions at the plenary sessions of the House were always products of issues that had already been discussed at meetings of the PDP. As such, there was never opposition to motions moved on the floor of the House, as the lawmakers were always ready with an "Aye" to bills.
All that, however, changed after the 2007 general elections, when the Action Congress clinched eight of the 24 seats in the Assembly. The PDP settled for the remaining 16.
While the AC members had their say, the PDP members who were in the majority, always had their way.
A former member of the House, Hon Fred Omogberai, said at a PDP rally recently that the party used superior arguments and ideas to defeat the minority AC.
Some observers, however, believe that the fears of the AC members then, centred on the uncertainty over the long drawn battle between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Prof. Oseriheimen Osunbor, over who, between them, was the validly elected governor. The AC members were particularly concerned about the chances of Oshiomhole at the tribunal. Hence, they chose to tread with caution.
The likes of Hon Uyi Igbe, Patrick Osayimwen, Jude Ise-Idehen, rarely contributed to issues being discussed at plenary then. Whatever the "Ayes" said was what they followed.
Hon Peter Aliu, Phillip Shuaibu, the Minority Leader, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, Bright Osayande and Etinosa Ogbeiwi sometimes made meaningful contributions during plenary but that was not sufficient to position the AC as an effective opposition political party in the House, as the numerical strength of the then ruling PDP remained a major advantage for the party.
This was the situation until the emergence of Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State through the Court of Appeal judgment of November 12, 2008.
There are indications now that legislative business in the Edo Assembly may take a new dimension, following the emergence of new faces who were recently inaugurated as members of the House. This is sequel to the validation of the elections of some petitioners at the Appeal tribunal.
The new members who have had their elections validated and got inaugurated as members of the House are: Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, representing Akoko-do Constituency 1; Uwamose Amadasun, representing Uhunwode Constituency; and Folly Ogedegbe, representing Owan East Constituency.The three new members belong to the AC. They came in as replacement for PDP members- Anslem Agbabi, Fred Omogberai and Mrs. Elisabeth Ativie, whose elections were nullified by the election appeal tribunal.
Their coming to the House is thus seen as a a huge loss to the PDP, which is gradually losing the majority it used to enjoy in the Edo Assembly.
Adjoto, while receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, said his coming into the House had ended the era of ‘I concur’. This, he said in apparent reference to the inability of the AC to make much impact in the PDP-dominated House.
Observers believe that the few contributions made by Uwamose during plenary, was an indication of the kind of opposition the PDP members are set to experience in the House.
Ogedegbe told The Nation in an interview that the few weeks he had spent in the House had been challenging, adding that he found law making a wonderful task. He was optimistic that the advent of more AC members in the House will change the pattern of law making.
"There are enormous problems in my constituency that need attention. The two years of legal battle was a major setback for my people. I intend to bring attention of the problems in my constituency to the governor with a view to getting them accommodated in the 2010 budget", He said, adding that the quality of the discussion in the Assembly will also impact on governance in the state.
Commenting on his experience in the House, Amadasun said law making is quite challenging "because you have to capture the mood of the people, their desires, their hopes and expectations."
"We have passed two bills since I came in, including the anti-kidnapping bill. These have been challenging, because you have to do a lot of research and reading", he added.
With six more cases yet to be decided at the Court of Appeal, the PDP, at present has 13 members, while the AC has 11 in the House.
The PDP members whose cases are pending are Chris Umogbai, representing Etsako Central; Patrick Aisoweiren, representing Orhionmwon; Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, representing Igueben; and Segun Saiki, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II.
Those of the AC are: Phillip Shuaibu, representing Estako West; and Bright Osayande, representing Ovia North East Constituency 1.
The non-confirmation of Oshiomhole’s nominees for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) by the PDP- dominated House has further widened the political gap between the AC members and their PDP counterparts.
However, there appears to be some measure of uncertainty around the Speaker of the House, Zakawanu Garuba, whose leadership had led to a crisis- free House when compared to the number of times previous Speakers were removed between 1999 and 2007.
Should the AC emerge the majority party in the House, the party may demand for a speaker elected on its platform, as a matter of right.
With AC as the ruling party in the state, the PDP needs control of the House to remain relevant and reaffirm the faith of its supporters in the party.
If unconfirmed reports about plans by some PDP members to defect to the AC are anything to go by, then the fate of Garuba would no longer depend on the pending court cases, but on how soon the PDP members make good their planned defection.
Whichever way it goes, the changing trend in the Edo Assembly
Nothing could better illustrate the "family affair" claims of the PDP than the romance between the lawmakers and the executive, which led to easy passage for bills.
Also, decisions at the plenary sessions of the House were always products of issues that had already been discussed at meetings of the PDP. As such, there was never opposition to motions moved on the floor of the House, as the lawmakers were always ready with an "Aye" to bills.
All that, however, changed after the 2007 general elections, when the Action Congress clinched eight of the 24 seats in the Assembly. The PDP settled for the remaining 16.
While the AC members had their say, the PDP members who were in the majority, always had their way.
A former member of the House, Hon Fred Omogberai, said at a PDP rally recently that the party used superior arguments and ideas to defeat the minority AC.
Some observers, however, believe that the fears of the AC members then, centred on the uncertainty over the long drawn battle between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Prof. Oseriheimen Osunbor, over who, between them, was the validly elected governor. The AC members were particularly concerned about the chances of Oshiomhole at the tribunal. Hence, they chose to tread with caution.
The likes of Hon Uyi Igbe, Patrick Osayimwen, Jude Ise-Idehen, rarely contributed to issues being discussed at plenary then. Whatever the "Ayes" said was what they followed.
Hon Peter Aliu, Phillip Shuaibu, the Minority Leader, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, Bright Osayande and Etinosa Ogbeiwi sometimes made meaningful contributions during plenary but that was not sufficient to position the AC as an effective opposition political party in the House, as the numerical strength of the then ruling PDP remained a major advantage for the party.
This was the situation until the emergence of Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State through the Court of Appeal judgment of November 12, 2008.
There are indications now that legislative business in the Edo Assembly may take a new dimension, following the emergence of new faces who were recently inaugurated as members of the House. This is sequel to the validation of the elections of some petitioners at the Appeal tribunal.
The new members who have had their elections validated and got inaugurated as members of the House are: Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, representing Akoko-do Constituency 1; Uwamose Amadasun, representing Uhunwode Constituency; and Folly Ogedegbe, representing Owan East Constituency.The three new members belong to the AC. They came in as replacement for PDP members- Anslem Agbabi, Fred Omogberai and Mrs. Elisabeth Ativie, whose elections were nullified by the election appeal tribunal.
Their coming to the House is thus seen as a a huge loss to the PDP, which is gradually losing the majority it used to enjoy in the Edo Assembly.
Adjoto, while receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, said his coming into the House had ended the era of ‘I concur’. This, he said in apparent reference to the inability of the AC to make much impact in the PDP-dominated House.
Observers believe that the few contributions made by Uwamose during plenary, was an indication of the kind of opposition the PDP members are set to experience in the House.
Ogedegbe told The Nation in an interview that the few weeks he had spent in the House had been challenging, adding that he found law making a wonderful task. He was optimistic that the advent of more AC members in the House will change the pattern of law making.
"There are enormous problems in my constituency that need attention. The two years of legal battle was a major setback for my people. I intend to bring attention of the problems in my constituency to the governor with a view to getting them accommodated in the 2010 budget", He said, adding that the quality of the discussion in the Assembly will also impact on governance in the state.
Commenting on his experience in the House, Amadasun said law making is quite challenging "because you have to capture the mood of the people, their desires, their hopes and expectations."
"We have passed two bills since I came in, including the anti-kidnapping bill. These have been challenging, because you have to do a lot of research and reading", he added.
With six more cases yet to be decided at the Court of Appeal, the PDP, at present has 13 members, while the AC has 11 in the House.
The PDP members whose cases are pending are Chris Umogbai, representing Etsako Central; Patrick Aisoweiren, representing Orhionmwon; Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, representing Igueben; and Segun Saiki, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II.
Those of the AC are: Phillip Shuaibu, representing Estako West; and Bright Osayande, representing Ovia North East Constituency 1.
The non-confirmation of Oshiomhole’s nominees for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) by the PDP- dominated House has further widened the political gap between the AC members and their PDP counterparts.
However, there appears to be some measure of uncertainty around the Speaker of the House, Zakawanu Garuba, whose leadership had led to a crisis- free House when compared to the number of times previous Speakers were removed between 1999 and 2007.
Should the AC emerge the majority party in the House, the party may demand for a speaker elected on its platform, as a matter of right.
With AC as the ruling party in the state, the PDP needs control of the House to remain relevant and reaffirm the faith of its supporters in the party.
If unconfirmed reports about plans by some PDP members to defect to the AC are anything to go by, then the fate of Garuba would no longer depend on the pending court cases, but on how soon the PDP members make good their planned defection.
Whichever way it goes, the changing trend in the Edo Assembly
Tension in Osogbo over burning of Aregbesola’s billboards
There was tension in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, yesterday over the burning of bill boards of the Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate Rauf Aregbesola by suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs.
One of the billboards was installed on Monday evening at about 6:00pm at Ola-Iya Roundabout, Osogbo, the state capital, and it was burnt by suspected PDP thugs around 7:00pm on Tuesday.
The other billboard at Oja-Oba, was in stalled on Tuesday afternoon by 3:30pm and it was burnt by PDP thugs same day around 7:00pm.
It was learnt that some hoodlums, who pretended to be working for the Ministry of Environment, burnt the bill boards.
On Tuesday between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, the hoodlums were said to be going round the town to burn the billboards.
AC sympathisers around the areas trooped out to chase the hoodlums away.
A leader of the AC in Osogbo, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele, reported the case at the State Police Command.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Vincent Okodua, reportedly summoned a meeting of political parties to douse the tension.
But while the meeting was underway, some men, accompanied by armed police men and some security agents, were said to have driven to Orita-Olaiya in a pick-up van with the Government House number plate, and tore what was left of the burnt bill boards into shreds.
An eyewitness said the men claimed to be officials of the Ministry of Environment.
But some shop owners in Olaiya said they had been served letters to pay some fees on their sign posts, which they are yet to do.
An aide of Aregbesola, Mr. Bosun Oyintiloye, said nobody served them such notice, adding that if they were served they would have complied.
Aregbesola’s media aide, Mr. Gbenga Fayemiwo, said candidate’s bill boards as an act of provocation.
Police spokesman Clement Akinola said the police did not call any meeting because of the bill boards.
He, however, said complaints were made about removal of some bill boards.
But, the Osun State government last night berated Aregbesola for "illegally erecting campaign bill boards without approval".
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, the government accused Aregbesola of deliberately provoking the law by not following the procedure in placing outdoor adverts.
The government said it had nothing against Aregbesola starting his campaign for the 2011 polls "after his disastrous outing of 2007 but he must carry out everything he does within the confines of the law. Even PDP members who put up billboards applied to the ministry for permission to do so and paid the necessary fees."
One of the billboards was installed on Monday evening at about 6:00pm at Ola-Iya Roundabout, Osogbo, the state capital, and it was burnt by suspected PDP thugs around 7:00pm on Tuesday.
The other billboard at Oja-Oba, was in stalled on Tuesday afternoon by 3:30pm and it was burnt by PDP thugs same day around 7:00pm.
It was learnt that some hoodlums, who pretended to be working for the Ministry of Environment, burnt the bill boards.
On Tuesday between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, the hoodlums were said to be going round the town to burn the billboards.
AC sympathisers around the areas trooped out to chase the hoodlums away.
A leader of the AC in Osogbo, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele, reported the case at the State Police Command.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Vincent Okodua, reportedly summoned a meeting of political parties to douse the tension.
But while the meeting was underway, some men, accompanied by armed police men and some security agents, were said to have driven to Orita-Olaiya in a pick-up van with the Government House number plate, and tore what was left of the burnt bill boards into shreds.
An eyewitness said the men claimed to be officials of the Ministry of Environment.
But some shop owners in Olaiya said they had been served letters to pay some fees on their sign posts, which they are yet to do.
An aide of Aregbesola, Mr. Bosun Oyintiloye, said nobody served them such notice, adding that if they were served they would have complied.
Aregbesola’s media aide, Mr. Gbenga Fayemiwo, said candidate’s bill boards as an act of provocation.
Police spokesman Clement Akinola said the police did not call any meeting because of the bill boards.
He, however, said complaints were made about removal of some bill boards.
But, the Osun State government last night berated Aregbesola for "illegally erecting campaign bill boards without approval".
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, the government accused Aregbesola of deliberately provoking the law by not following the procedure in placing outdoor adverts.
The government said it had nothing against Aregbesola starting his campaign for the 2011 polls "after his disastrous outing of 2007 but he must carry out everything he does within the confines of the law. Even PDP members who put up billboards applied to the ministry for permission to do so and paid the necessary fees."
Changing face of Edo Assembly
Between 1999 and 2007, all the 24 members of the Edo State House of Assembly were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was then the ruling party .
Nothing could better illustrate the "family affair" claims of the PDP than the romance between the lawmakers and the executive, which led to easy passage for bills.
Also, decisions at the plenary sessions of the House were always products of issues that had already been discussed at meetings of the PDP. As such, there was never opposition to motions moved on the floor of the House, as the lawmakers were always ready with an "Aye" to bills.
All that, however, changed after the 2007 general elections, when the Action Congress clinched eight of the 24 seats in the Assembly. The PDP settled for the remaining 16.
While the AC members had their say, the PDP members who were in the majority, always had their way.
A former member of the House, Hon Fred Omogberai, said at a PDP rally recently that the party used superior arguments and ideas to defeat the minority AC.
Some observers, however, believe that the fears of the AC members then, centred on the uncertainty over the long drawn battle between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Prof. Oseriheimen Osunbor, over who, between them, was the validly elected governor. The AC members were particularly concerned about the chances of Oshiomhole at the tribunal. Hence, they chose to tread with caution.
The likes of Hon Uyi Igbe, Patrick Osayimwen, Jude Ise-Idehen, rarely contributed to issues being discussed at plenary then. Whatever the "Ayes" said was what they followed.
Hon Peter Aliu, Phillip Shuaibu, the Minority Leader, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, Bright Osayande and Etinosa Ogbeiwi sometimes made meaningful contributions during plenary but that was not sufficient to position the AC as an effective opposition political party in the House, as the numerical strength of the then ruling PDP remained a major advantage for the party.
This was the situation until the emergence of Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State through the Court of Appeal judgment of November 12, 2008.
There are indications now that legislative business in the Edo Assembly may take a new dimension, following the emergence of new faces who were recently inaugurated as members of the House. This is sequel to the validation of the elections of some petitioners at the Appeal tribunal.
The new members who have had their elections validated and got inaugurated as members of the House are: Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, representing Akoko-do Constituency 1; Uwamose Amadasun, representing Uhunwode Constituency; and Folly Ogedegbe, representing Owan East Constituency.The three new members belong to the AC. They came in as replacement for PDP members- Anslem Agbabi, Fred Omogberai and Mrs. Elisabeth Ativie, whose elections were nullified by the election appeal tribunal.
Their coming to the House is thus seen as a a huge loss to the PDP, which is gradually losing the majority it used to enjoy in the Edo Assembly.
Adjoto, while receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, said his coming into the House had ended the era of ‘I concur’. This, he said in apparent reference to the inability of the AC to make much impact in the PDP-dominated House.
Observers believe that the few contributions made by Uwamose during plenary, was an indication of the kind of opposition the PDP members are set to experience in the House.
Ogedegbe told The Nation in an interview that the few weeks he had spent in the House had been challenging, adding that he found law making a wonderful task. He was optimistic that the advent of more AC members in the House will change the pattern of law making.
"There are enormous problems in my constituency that need attention. The two years of legal battle was a major setback for my people. I intend to bring attention of the problems in my constituency to the governor with a view to getting them accommodated in the 2010 budget", He said, adding that the quality of the discussion in the Assembly will also impact on governance in the state.
Commenting on his experience in the House, Amadasun said law making is quite challenging "because you have to capture the mood of the people, their desires, their hopes and expectations."
"We have passed two bills since I came in, including the anti-kidnapping bill. These have been challenging, because you have to do a lot of research and reading", he added.
With six more cases yet to be decided at the Court of Appeal, the PDP, at present has 13 members, while the AC has 11 in the House.
The PDP members whose cases are pending are Chris Umogbai, representing Etsako Central; Patrick Aisoweiren, representing Orhionmwon; Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, representing Igueben; and Segun Saiki, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II.
Those of the AC are: Phillip Shuaibu, representing Estako West; and Bright Osayande, representing Ovia North East Constituency 1.
The non-confirmation of Oshiomhole’s nominees for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) by the PDP- dominated House has further widened the political gap between the AC members and their PDP counterparts.
However, there appears to be some measure of uncertainty around the Speaker of the House, Zakawanu Garuba, whose leadership had led to a crisis- free House when compared to the number of times previous Speakers were removed between 1999 and 2007.
Should the AC emerge the majority party in the House, the party may demand for a speaker elected on its platform, as a matter of right.
With AC as the ruling party in the state, the PDP needs control of the House to remain relevant and reaffirm the faith of its supporters in the party.
If unconfirmed reports about plans by some PDP members to defect to the AC are anything to go by, then the fate of Garuba would no longer depend on the pending court cases, but on how soon the PDP members make good their planned defection.
Whichever way it goes, the changing trend in the Edo Assembly will be of advantage to the Comrade Oshiomhole led-administration.
Nothing could better illustrate the "family affair" claims of the PDP than the romance between the lawmakers and the executive, which led to easy passage for bills.
Also, decisions at the plenary sessions of the House were always products of issues that had already been discussed at meetings of the PDP. As such, there was never opposition to motions moved on the floor of the House, as the lawmakers were always ready with an "Aye" to bills.
All that, however, changed after the 2007 general elections, when the Action Congress clinched eight of the 24 seats in the Assembly. The PDP settled for the remaining 16.
While the AC members had their say, the PDP members who were in the majority, always had their way.
A former member of the House, Hon Fred Omogberai, said at a PDP rally recently that the party used superior arguments and ideas to defeat the minority AC.
Some observers, however, believe that the fears of the AC members then, centred on the uncertainty over the long drawn battle between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Prof. Oseriheimen Osunbor, over who, between them, was the validly elected governor. The AC members were particularly concerned about the chances of Oshiomhole at the tribunal. Hence, they chose to tread with caution.
The likes of Hon Uyi Igbe, Patrick Osayimwen, Jude Ise-Idehen, rarely contributed to issues being discussed at plenary then. Whatever the "Ayes" said was what they followed.
Hon Peter Aliu, Phillip Shuaibu, the Minority Leader, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, Bright Osayande and Etinosa Ogbeiwi sometimes made meaningful contributions during plenary but that was not sufficient to position the AC as an effective opposition political party in the House, as the numerical strength of the then ruling PDP remained a major advantage for the party.
This was the situation until the emergence of Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State through the Court of Appeal judgment of November 12, 2008.
There are indications now that legislative business in the Edo Assembly may take a new dimension, following the emergence of new faces who were recently inaugurated as members of the House. This is sequel to the validation of the elections of some petitioners at the Appeal tribunal.
The new members who have had their elections validated and got inaugurated as members of the House are: Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, representing Akoko-do Constituency 1; Uwamose Amadasun, representing Uhunwode Constituency; and Folly Ogedegbe, representing Owan East Constituency.The three new members belong to the AC. They came in as replacement for PDP members- Anslem Agbabi, Fred Omogberai and Mrs. Elisabeth Ativie, whose elections were nullified by the election appeal tribunal.
Their coming to the House is thus seen as a a huge loss to the PDP, which is gradually losing the majority it used to enjoy in the Edo Assembly.
Adjoto, while receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, said his coming into the House had ended the era of ‘I concur’. This, he said in apparent reference to the inability of the AC to make much impact in the PDP-dominated House.
Observers believe that the few contributions made by Uwamose during plenary, was an indication of the kind of opposition the PDP members are set to experience in the House.
Ogedegbe told The Nation in an interview that the few weeks he had spent in the House had been challenging, adding that he found law making a wonderful task. He was optimistic that the advent of more AC members in the House will change the pattern of law making.
"There are enormous problems in my constituency that need attention. The two years of legal battle was a major setback for my people. I intend to bring attention of the problems in my constituency to the governor with a view to getting them accommodated in the 2010 budget", He said, adding that the quality of the discussion in the Assembly will also impact on governance in the state.
Commenting on his experience in the House, Amadasun said law making is quite challenging "because you have to capture the mood of the people, their desires, their hopes and expectations."
"We have passed two bills since I came in, including the anti-kidnapping bill. These have been challenging, because you have to do a lot of research and reading", he added.
With six more cases yet to be decided at the Court of Appeal, the PDP, at present has 13 members, while the AC has 11 in the House.
The PDP members whose cases are pending are Chris Umogbai, representing Etsako Central; Patrick Aisoweiren, representing Orhionmwon; Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, representing Igueben; and Segun Saiki, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II.
Those of the AC are: Phillip Shuaibu, representing Estako West; and Bright Osayande, representing Ovia North East Constituency 1.
The non-confirmation of Oshiomhole’s nominees for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) by the PDP- dominated House has further widened the political gap between the AC members and their PDP counterparts.
However, there appears to be some measure of uncertainty around the Speaker of the House, Zakawanu Garuba, whose leadership had led to a crisis- free House when compared to the number of times previous Speakers were removed between 1999 and 2007.
Should the AC emerge the majority party in the House, the party may demand for a speaker elected on its platform, as a matter of right.
With AC as the ruling party in the state, the PDP needs control of the House to remain relevant and reaffirm the faith of its supporters in the party.
If unconfirmed reports about plans by some PDP members to defect to the AC are anything to go by, then the fate of Garuba would no longer depend on the pending court cases, but on how soon the PDP members make good their planned defection.
Whichever way it goes, the changing trend in the Edo Assembly will be of advantage to the Comrade Oshiomhole led-administration.
History haunts Brazil U-17 coach
The past, it is often said, serves as a yardstick for measuring progress in all human endeavours. Brazil’s rubost football history, in all competitions, seems to be the biggest tomentor of that country’s U-17 national team coach, Luiz Nizzo, whose wards suffered a surprise loss to Mexico Tuesday night in Lagos. The loss now puts the little Samba Boys in a precarious situation, having garnered only three points from two matches.
Coach Nizzo whose sideline workrate is second to none in the ongoing championship looks visibly shaken as he braces against the unknown.
What signal would it send to the rest of the football world about Brazilian football if the three-time champions got eliminated in the first round of the U-17 championship?
Coach Nizzo whose sideline workrate is second to none in the ongoing championship looks visibly shaken as he braces against the unknown.
What signal would it send to the rest of the football world about Brazilian football if the three-time champions got eliminated in the first round of the U-17 championship?
Bode George, others denied home food
Jailed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George was disallowed from having the food brought for him from home.
He has appealed the verdict, imprisoning him for 30 months for contracts fraud.
Members of his family who brought the food were turned back by warders at the Kirikiri Prison.
George, sources said, has not been eating since he got to the prison on Monday.
A source said his action may have been informed by the poor quality of food served.
It was gathered that George and his fellow convicts may have demanded that food be brought to them from their homes. But there was no approval for their action, a source said.
Spokesman of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), Lagos command, Mr Ope Fatinikun, told The Nation that inmates were expected to apply to bring in food.
The prison, he said, is a sensitive security area, adding that proper procedure must be followed before food could be brought in.
The Nation
learnt that George may soon be moved from the Kirikiri prison for security reasons.
It was gathered that the prison authority is not comfortable with the number of people coming to see him since his arrival.
A source told The Nation that George is likely to be moved if his supporters pose a security threat at Kirikiri.
But Fatinikun said it was too early for anybody to begin to contemplate such a move.
He said any group that poses a security threat to the prison would be dealt with.
The inmates are yet to get their prison numbers, but the process has begun, it was learnt.
A source said they have not been given their numbers because the system is computerised.
According to the source, the numbers are in five digits but only four digits will be issued an inmate. The last digit will only be known to the prison – for security reasons.
The inmates have, however, been allocated their cells and uniforms.
George and others filed their notices of appeal at the registry of the Ikeja High Court.
In the appeal is a motion urging the court to grant them bail, pending the determination of the appeal.
Their lawyers refused to release copies of the papers, alleging that reporters had deliberately sensationalised the reports of their clients’ conviction.
The lawyers, who also refused to reveal their names, came into the court premise around 2pm, and finished filing the papers at about 4.00pm.
They accused the media of acting in bad faith by reporting that their clients were sentenced to 28 years imprisonment. This newspaper reported two and half years(The Nation).
Entreaties from reporters, who besieged the registry on learning that the lawyers were around, were ignored.
He has appealed the verdict, imprisoning him for 30 months for contracts fraud.
Members of his family who brought the food were turned back by warders at the Kirikiri Prison.
George, sources said, has not been eating since he got to the prison on Monday.
A source said his action may have been informed by the poor quality of food served.
It was gathered that George and his fellow convicts may have demanded that food be brought to them from their homes. But there was no approval for their action, a source said.
Spokesman of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), Lagos command, Mr Ope Fatinikun, told The Nation that inmates were expected to apply to bring in food.
The prison, he said, is a sensitive security area, adding that proper procedure must be followed before food could be brought in.
The Nation
learnt that George may soon be moved from the Kirikiri prison for security reasons.
It was gathered that the prison authority is not comfortable with the number of people coming to see him since his arrival.
A source told The Nation that George is likely to be moved if his supporters pose a security threat at Kirikiri.
But Fatinikun said it was too early for anybody to begin to contemplate such a move.
He said any group that poses a security threat to the prison would be dealt with.
The inmates are yet to get their prison numbers, but the process has begun, it was learnt.
A source said they have not been given their numbers because the system is computerised.
According to the source, the numbers are in five digits but only four digits will be issued an inmate. The last digit will only be known to the prison – for security reasons.
The inmates have, however, been allocated their cells and uniforms.
George and others filed their notices of appeal at the registry of the Ikeja High Court.
In the appeal is a motion urging the court to grant them bail, pending the determination of the appeal.
Their lawyers refused to release copies of the papers, alleging that reporters had deliberately sensationalised the reports of their clients’ conviction.
The lawyers, who also refused to reveal their names, came into the court premise around 2pm, and finished filing the papers at about 4.00pm.
They accused the media of acting in bad faith by reporting that their clients were sentenced to 28 years imprisonment. This newspaper reported two and half years(The Nation).
Entreaties from reporters, who besieged the registry on learning that the lawyers were around, were ignored.