Labour rejects Zuma’s statue in Owerri, demands its pull down

 UNITED Labour Congress of Nigeria, ULC, has rejected the erection of statue of President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, in Owerri by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, including naming a street in the state capital after Zuma. While demanding that the statue be pulled down, ULC described honouring of Zuma by the governor as highly insensitive and contemptuous of not only the people of Imo State but also possess the dangers to Nigeria if not roundly condemned and excoriated by well-meaning Nigerians. 

                                                        Jacob Zuma’s statue in Imo
 ULC in a statement by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero, urged the people of Imo State and other patriotic Nigerians who feel outraged over this act to immediately demand that Okorocha should pull down the infamous statue. The group called on the people of Imo State to demand a return of the money used in this ignoble project and march to the legislature to demand that Okorocha apologises to the citizens of the state for bringing this national shame and disgrace to them. The statement read in part: “We are not against honouring great men and women who have contributed positively to the development of the state to encourage them to do more but we know that whatever must have informed the choice of Jacob Zuma at this time must be everything but altruistic and patriotism. “How he became a Nigerian or Imo State champion cannot be explained and beats our imagination. Zuma is not  a Nigerian patriot, contributed nothing to the Nigerian project and the Imo State effort at development. He is not Shehu Shagari, Sam Mbakwe, Awolowo or Zik of Africa; either is he any of those patriots from Imo State or other parts of Nigeria who are well-deserving of such honour and who have not been honoured. He definitely does not deserve a statue in Imo State talk less of naming a street after him.”

Fears as Ebonyi commences registration of IPOB members

There are palpable fears among some members of the recently proscribed and terrorist tagged Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Ebonyi as the state has begun a move to identify them.

The state government has established a data capturing and registration of youths and members of the group, across its 13 local government areas whom it said were misled with the IPOB agitation for a state of Biafra.

The Commissioner for Economic Empowerment and Job Creation in the state, Uchenna Orji, on Wednesday made the revelation that the state has commenced data capturing and registration of youths misled by IPOB across the state’s 13 local government areas.

The commissioner disclosed this in Abakaliki when he briefed newsmen on the activities of the current administration in the area of youth empowerment.

He said, “The IPOB youths are being registered in the Department of Education and Social Welfare in the LGAs. After their capturing, the state government will create a programme to train and empower them in their chosen career.”

However, while the state had announced that the development was to identify members of the group in the state in order to empower them to be able to do better things with their lives, a good number of IPOB members in the state are suspicious of the move, it was learnt.

Fears expressed by some of the members of IPOB in the state, Ripples Nigeria learnt, was that the data capturing and registration may be a design by the Governor Dave Umahi-led government of the state to identify, and maybe prosecute members of the group.

This was even as some of them feel that, Umahi, who is the chairman of Eastern Governor’s Forum, which proscribed the activities of IPOB may be up to something else.

Also, following the tagging of IPOB as terrorists organisation by the Federal Government, a good number of the state IPOB members were said not to be ready to go to jail.

But the state government said that the empowerment programme goes beyond indigenes of Ebonyi resident in the state. The government said that it had extended schemes to Ebonyi youths in other states of the federation, including Sokoto, Kaduna, Anambra and Lagos, adding that over 3000 youths had so far been empowered in the state.

Orji further said that apart from pursuing the action plan of making the IPOB members economically independent, that the initiative would also help in reducing social vices and other forms of criminality currently plaguing the society.

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Major Nigerian groups mount pressure on Buhari over $25b NNPC scandal

- Since the letter from Ibe Kachikwu leaked, many Nigerians have been asking President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure sincere probe of the NNPC

- Some groups including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have told Buhari how to take action to redeem his government

- SERAP also asked that Baru be suspended and handed over to the EFCC for investigation and possible prosecution

President Muhammadu Buhari is under intense pressure to ensure proper investigation and action concerning the $25 billion alleged contract deals currently rocking the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The meeting between Ibe Kachikwu, the minister of state for petroleum, and President Muhammadu Buhari, has been rescheduled to hold on Friday, October 6.

The Nation reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project(SERAP) are asking for Maikanti Baru’s probe.

NLC president Ayuba Wabba, said: “The issue is under some investigation and I think there should be an opportunity to interrogate the process and at the end of the day, let us know the veracity and facts of the issue.

“We have made this issue quite clear and loud that part of our challenge is how we are able to imbibe the process of good governance, transparency and accountability.

“Some of the issues bother on this critical idea of ensuring that there is good governance in place. Our hope is that this issue will be thoroughly investigated and concluded at the end of the day.

“Let us hear what the issues are as well as the fact of the matter. Once we get the facts, we will then be able to make a conclusion.”

ANEEJ executive director, Rev David Ugolor, released a statement asking that Buhari should ensure the issue is investigated.

“Since the Senate has waded into the matter, we suggest that Mr President as well must invite the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, to carry out a comprehensive and forensic audit of the allegations.

“Among statutory functions of the NEITI include the regulation of matters related to due process in the award of contracts in the extractive sector of the Nigerian sector.

“We believe that the inconsistencies being thrown up by the startling revelations from the minister of state for petroleum resources include some of the issues which the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill seeks to address and redress.”

On its part, SERAP wants the case to be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The group further want Buhari to suspend Baru, pending the referral to the EFCC and ICPC, and the outcome of any investigation by the anti-corruption agencies in order not to create the impression that his government is treating the NNPC boss as a sacred cow.

“We urge you not to allow the allegations against Mr Baru go the way of past inconclusive investigations of allegations of massive corruption within the NNPC,” it said.

NEITI’s technical adviser Dr Dauda Garuba, said: “Whichever way one looks at it, N25 billion is too huge an amount to build contracts around without due process. We are supposed to be a country guided by rules and procedures. We must make Nigeria work.

“I must say that it is unfortunate that the Nigeria public is being unenviably treated to unpleasant developments in the oil sector.

“If you ask me, this is coming at a wrong time in our history. Just when we are expecting a reform of the sector so that it can deliver the country out of the wounds, we are having to deal with this.”

Earlier reports on how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleged that the $25 billion contract scam at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) ‎is to fund President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term ambition in 2019.

It was gathered that the minister of state for petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, in a leaked letter to President Buhari dated August 30, accused the Group Managing Director (GMD) Dr. Maikanti Baru of insubordination and corruption.

Former NNPC group managing director Andrew Yakubu in court over fraud allegations

Bag of rice to sell for N6,000

NATIONAL President of Rice Farmers
Association of Nigeria, Aminu Goronyo,
yesterday, disclosed that in the next few
months, a 50kg bag of rice would be
sold at the rate of N6,000.
Goronyo made this known during a
meeting between rice farmers, processors
and the Minister of agriculture, Audu
Ogbeh, at the ministry’s headquarters in
Abuja.

According to the farmers’ boss, the
anticipated crash in prices is due to wet
season bumper harvest by rice farmers,
adding that operators have resolved to
reduce the price of a 50kg bag of rice,
which is currently priced within the
range of N15,000 to N17,000, to N13,000.
“This is just the beginning. The actual
price will still come down because we
are expecting a bumper harvest this
year; we have sat down with the millers
and agreed that we will work together
for the interest of Nigerians.
“At one time, people were buying a
bag of rice at the cost of N18,000, but they
are now buying it at between N13,000
and N15,000. The price is coming down.
In the next few months, God willing,
the price of a 50kg bag of rice will come
down to N6,000. It is achievable, it will
be a reality,’’ he said.
Chairman, Rice Processors Association
of Nigeria, RIPAN, Mohammed
Abubakar, said the association
had signed a Memorandum of
Understanding, MoU, to slash the prices
of both paddy and processed rice.
“We have agreed at N110,000 per
tonne of paddy. In the market, rice will
come around N13,000 to N13,500 per
50kg bag. Before now, we were buying
paddy at N140,000 and N150,000 per
tonne and we are selling our rice at
N16,000 per 50kg bag.
“If this MoU works, we hope to sell
a bag of rice at N13,000 to N13,500,
depending on where you are in the
country.”
Ogbeh commended the associations
for their decision to slash the price of
locally produced rice.
The minister, who noted that the
biggest challenge facing rice farmers in
the country is smuggling, said the move
would aid efforts to stamp out rice
smuggling into the country.
“Let me express the appreciation of
President Muhammadu Buhari and the
Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,
to both farmers and millers because
nobody can calculate what you have
done to rescue our country that was
very close to a disaster.
“What you have done is going to save
us from a lot of difficulties. What we
want to promise you is that we will help
you ease the burden of rice farming.
“Last year, we procured 80,000
threshers; this year, we will procure
another 2,500 threshers and we are
bringing in small reapers for distribution
to rice farmers.
“The equipment will enable them to
cut the rice, thresh it, winnow it and put
it in sacks; It will take away all the stress
which makes rice farming very difficult
so that you can keep to the price of N110,
000 per tonne of paddy that we agreed.
“If we are able to keep these prices
stable and we are able to contain
smuggling, I hope you will keep us
informed when there are any challenges
confronting you because no country
can claim to be strong if its citizens are
hungry.
“Let everybody know that the price
of rice for this Christmas will be good
enough for us to eat rice, chicken and
fish.”
The federal government had banned
the importation to improve local
production and some states like Lagos
and Kebbi have jointly produced rice for
commercial activities in their states.
Data made available by the National
Bureau of Statistics shows that export
activities in the agricultural sector has
been on the rise in 2017.

BREAKING: Charlyboy group drags police to court over resume or resign harassment, demands N500m

Maverick entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly called Charlyboy, has dragged the FCT Police Command before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja over the harassment he and members of OurMumuDonDo as well as Concerned Nigerians, faced during the resume or resign protests.

Oputa is seeking a N500m redress for the infringement of his fundamental rights.

Details later…

Edo Govt. Begins Investigation Into State-Owned Polytechnic

The Edo State government has constituted a seven-man committee to be headed by professor Rose Egonmwan which will investigate the financial management of the Edo State Polytechnic, in Ovia southwest Local Government Area.

According to a statement signed by the secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, the terms of reference of the committee includes; to examine the administrative structure of the institution in line with the law establishing the institution; to establish the actual students’ population against the accredited schools and department; to investigate the quality of the training programmes in the institute especially in relation to standards; to examine the finances of the institute in the area of revenue generation, expenditure, transparency, accountability and observance of due process.

Other terms of reference include; to critically look at the mode of employment and promotion at the Institute with a view to determining whether due process was observed in the recruitment and promotion and whether the staff strength vis-à-vis the carrying capacity of students’ population of the institution is balanced and reasonable; to look into any matter which in the opinion of the committee is incidental to its assignment and make recommendation that will assist the state government to reposition the Institute for quality service delivery and global competitiveness.

According to the statement, the Secretary of the Committee is Mrs. Sede E. I (office of the SSG) while other members of the committee include Prof. Victor Igbinedion of the University of Benin; Sir Steve Omoijuanfo (MD Nigerian Dynamic LTD); K.I.K Iyamu (NLC); Daisy Osunde (NLC) and Adams Akhogiemi of EDSIEC.

We’ll send Nnamdi Kanu back to prison – Anambra community

The Nri community in Anambra State, believed to be the ancestral home of the Igbo, has threatened to jail the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, for allegedly invading the area and desecrating sacred places.

The community said it had concluded arrangements to drag the pro-Biafran agitator to court in that respect.

The traditional of Nri, Igwe Eze Obidiegwu Onyeso, said this on Thursday while chatting with newsmen in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Speaking through his personal assistant, Chief Ifeanyi Onyeso, the monarch said Kanu and his IPOB’s  ‘army of occupation’ invaded his community on July 18 with impunity, without recourse to obeisance to the palace.

The monarch said, “My people are highly angry about this misconduct of these intruders.  Nri as an ancient kingdom and the cradle of Igbo people and her culture and tradition is highly revered among  the Igbo.

He added, “On July18, 2017, a day before Kanu came to Nri, 12 youths came to the palace of Eze Nri requesting an appointment with the traditional ruler for Kanu.

“They were received and told  to go and come back with a written letter so that they will get official reply from the palace since the delegation looked unusual, in that there was no titled person among them.

“At this point, they all left and what we saw the next day was Kanu invading Nri community with a huge crowd of his supporters; he  went straight to the house of one  subject to the traditional ruler of Nri.

“The feelers we later got, was that the subject claimed he had handed over the `Offo Nri’, (symbol of royalty) to Kanu, and even allowed Kanu to visit the historic “Ohianwehi forest” revered as “forest of life” by the Igbo tradition.

“This forest is believed to be the place the first burnt offering was offered by the Jewish Igbo ancestors when they migrated from Israel more than 2,000 years ago.

Onyeso noted that Nri people perceived Kanu’s conduct as a taboo because no  visitor enters the community without first visiting the traditional ruler let alone going to a sacred place without the knowledge of the traditional ruler himself.

He regretted that Kanu and his supporters after visiting one Mbanefo returned to the palace entrance gate of HRM Eze Ugochukwu Onyeso,  where they were banging at the gate trying to force the gate open.

“It was this unruly conduct that made the traditional ruler to telephone the security agents who responded promptly and dispersed Kanu and his supporters.

This act is an affront on the tradition and culture of Nri people and as such we resolved not to sweep the matter under the carpet.

“It is a taboo in Nri and equally against the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council Law.

“The people of Nri and their traditional ruler are not against Nnamdi Kanu and his agitation, but what we cannot take is for Kanu to come and mess up the Nri culture and tradition under whatever motive.

“The community will drag him to court  and make sure we jail him to serve as a deterrent to others,”  Onyeso stated.

Okowa streamlines Trans Warri-Ode-Itsekiri road project, approves N7.6bn

ASABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, yesterday, said that the state government will resume work on the N40 billion Trans Warri-Ode-Itsekiri road project awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited in 2006 by former Governor James Ibori and continued by the immediate past governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The road which connects several communities in Warri South and other local government areas, has 19 bridges with 10 already completed by the Chief Ibori and Dr Uduaghan administrations, adding that N16 billion had been paid by the previous administrations.

Noting that the state government had approved  the construction of the bridges and access roads (completion of 12.8 km main alignment), he said that the project has been reviewed to N7.6 billion due to the economic crunch.

He said that the state government will commence work on the project after the rains, adding that the state government has also awarded contract for the  construction of Idheze by–pass to Okpe–Isoko,  the rehabilitation of Aviara/Okpame Road and construction of Okpare/Okpawa Road in Isoko South LGA.

Also approved, according to the commissioner, who was accompanied to the media briefing by his Works counterpart, Chief James Augoye, are the repudiation of contract for the construction of 132 KV DC and Delta State Grid Transmission line from Afiesere to Ozoro.

Ukah added that the state government has sacked Chief Ikpahwo Uroroke as Regent of Okpolo Enwhe in Isoko South LGA and appointed Chief Ayeghemese Otidi as Regent-Elect (Oba), of the Kingdom.

The post Okowa streamlines Trans Warri-Ode-Itsekiri road project, approves N7.6bn appeared first on Vanguard News

Working for Restructuring

By Femi Fani-Kayode
For those commentators in this forum who have never participated in or understand Nigerian politics but who tend to speak and act as if they are the only ones that are sincere about restructuring I have the following to say.
I hope you have learnt a lesson or two from the fact that during the constitutional review exercise that took place in the last few days the Senate has refused to devolve power from the centre and initiate the process for genuine restructuring in our country.
These are the hard facts, hidden obstacles and bitter realities about the struggle that some of us that are in the field have been facing and complaining about for the last 25 years!
From henceforth let it be clearly understood by all, including those that desire restructuring but who gave never participated in Nigerian politics, that we can never achieve it through the existing constitutional structure or the National Assembly.
This is because the system is rigged and designed to protect and preserve itself and because the core north effectively has a power of veto in the National Assembly which it will always exercise in order to block any form of restructuring. It is this point that people like Nnamdi Kanu and other ethnic nationalist leaders came to appreciate long ago and it explains their "hardline" posture on these issues.
The bottom line is as follows: restructuring will not be given to us freely or on a platter of gold.
It must be taken and if necessary it must be taken by force.
Finally mark this: if it does not eventually come then I say let us cease to be one nation.
I would rather live as a free man in an independent Oduduwa Republic than continue to live and die as a slave in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Working for Restructuring

By Femi Fani-Kayode
For those commentators in this forum who have never participated in or understand Nigerian politics but who tend to speak and act as if they are the only ones that are sincere about restructuring I have the following to say.
I hope you have learnt a lesson or two from the fact that during the constitutional review exercise that took place in the last few days the Senate has refused to devolve power from the centre and initiate the process for genuine restructuring in our country.
These are the hard facts, hidden obstacles and bitter realities about the struggle that some of us that are in the field have been facing and complaining about for the last 25 years!
From henceforth let it be clearly understood by all, including those that desire restructuring but who gave never participated in Nigerian politics, that we can never achieve it through the existing constitutional structure or the National Assembly.
This is because the system is rigged and designed to protect and preserve itself and because the core north effectively has a power of veto in the National Assembly which it will always exercise in order to block any form of restructuring. It is this point that people like Nnamdi Kanu and other ethnic nationalist leaders came to appreciate long ago and it explains their "hardline" posture on these issues.
The bottom line is as follows: restructuring will not be given to us freely or on a platter of gold.
It must be taken and if necessary it must be taken by force.
Finally mark this: if it does not eventually come then I say let us cease to be one nation.
I would rather live as a free man in an independent Oduduwa Republic than continue to live and die as a slave in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Oseloka H. Obaze: Amidst The Possibles And The Probable

Anambra people will go to the polls on 18 November 2017 to elect the next governor. It will be a crowded field, of political notables and recurring candidates, including the incumbent, Gov. Willie Obiano. But it is clear that the fight won’t be so much about the choice parties, APC, PDP, APGA and the rest, but about the candidates.
All the aspirants are supposedly qualified. Most meet the nomination litmus test. But as regards Anambra’s needs and development, only a few stand out and ought to be seriously considered.
Usually, incumbency is a critical plus in elections. This may not be so in Anambra 2017. The polarization of the electorate is vast. Despite the claim that the Obiano government is doing well, many observers no longer believe so. There are accusations of governance by advertisement.
The fissures within the ruling APGA continue to expand, as Martin Agbaso and Victor Oye wrestle for leadership. The expanding crisis may rob the incumbent of a ticket. The APC does not have a foothold in Anambra and it seems most improbable that it will gain any.
At the same time, UPP will seek to exploit the crisis in APGA and make inroad as the new Igbo bastion for Igbo politics. PDP, which for long remained factionalized, seems to have overcome that challenge with the Supreme Court ruling of 12 July.
What this says, is that parties or party loyalty will be important but not be paramount. Aspirants and candidates will most likely, drive the choice and outcome, more so with the vagaries of Anambra politics.
The legion of candidates include the possibles and the probables. The known and lesser known. The qualified and the not so qualified. The recurring and incumbent. The race may be open, but as usual, those with deep pocket will try to dominate.
Interestingly, the 2017 election may not be the usual money-driven and war-chest influenced campaign. Several variables will be key. There’s a silent but solid groundswell resistance to APC; the crisis-prone PDP will be seeking a new and lifesaving political mandates after losing in Edo and Ondo. A loss in Anambra may be a death knell.
Anambra can boast of an eclectic crop of politicians. Many aspirants have emerged, each claiming a prim bona fides. Of the lot of candidates from the three senatorial zones, one individual seems to stand out as being capable of meeting Anambra governance needs; that is Oseloka H. Obaze of the PDP.
Obaze, seems to some observers a dark horse on account of not being a money bag. But many acknowledge that he is an issues, policy and good governance man. His vast experience in the federal, international and state government counts massively in his favour. He is also hands-on, pragmatic and a known problem solver.
Obaze, has spoken and written passionately about good governance and about Anambra’s challenges and needs. As he said, “We can’t only think, speak and act on present challenges confronting Anambra; we must think, speak and act for Anambra’s future. That’s an imperative of good governance.”
On moving Anambra state forward, Obaze has observed that, “We lack elite consensus. Some elites insist things are working optimally, since their interests are being served. We will be better off, when the elites agree on what really makes Anambra work for all.” In this context, Obaze has always insisted that he will only undertake a task or project, where he is certain his involvement will add value. Such a disposition tally with his mantra, “Anambra Deserves Better.”
Obaze has focused on youth issues more than any other aspirant. His unalloyed support for theNot Too Young to Run bill has been profound. It’s evident that his long diplomatic and United Nations experience, predisposes him to global perspective of critical issues including youth welfare and empowerment.

NEWS BREAKING: Osinbajo orders Army Chief Buratai to relocate to Maiduguri

Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has directed Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff and Sadique Abubakar, chief of air staff to relocate to Maiduguri with immediate effect.

This directive came after an emergency meeting he had with all service chiefs on Thursday on the deteriorating security challenges in some parts of Borno.

Press Release

Dissolution of Anambra State Parallel Executive Committees
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee (NCC) under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, today, met with the leaders and stakeholders of the PDP in Anambra State. After careful deliberations, the Meeting resolved as follows:
1. The NCC in exercise of its Powers under Section 31, (2)(E) today dissolved all the existing factional Executive Committees of the Party in Anambra State.
2. The NCC will in due course, appoint a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the PDP in the State pending when it will be auspicious to elect executive committees at all levels.
To this end, all Party Stakeholders (Leaders and other Members) are hereby enjoined to bury all their differences and join hands together in unity towards the Victory of the Party in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State.
Long live Anambra State! Long live PDP!! Long live Nigeria!!!
Signed:
Prince Dayo Adeyeye
National Publicity Secretary, PDP