Supporters of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, have declared their intention to vote for the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, during the forthcoming April presidential election.
The supporters, under the aegis of Joint IBB Support Group,told newsmen in Kaduna through their leader, Kasim Idris Dodo, that since Babangida was no longer in the presidential race, they were now behind Buhari and would work for his success during the presidential election.
They said considering the fact that their trusted candidate, Babangida, was no longer in the race, they had resolved to support Buhari in the April presidential election.
“The decision of the group to support Buhari was taken after a wide range of consultations with Babangida and other stakeholders in the IBB campaign organisation.
“This decision came following series of dialogues and wider consultation both with IBB and his campaign organisation. It was unanimously resolved that we gather and publicly declare our support for General Buhari.”
The group believed that Buhari was the only credible, honest and patriotic candidate that can transform Nigeria by tackling the myriads of problems that have retarded the development of the country.
Monday, February 28, 2011
NNPC is not transparent, inefficient - Minister
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, has stated that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is inefficient and lacks transparency in its operations. Speaking at the weekend in Abuja, the minister, who was represented by the Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, Mr Andrew Yakubu, solicited the support of all stakeholders to assist in entrenching transparency and discipline in their business dealings with NNPC officials.
She said, “it is our hope that all stakeholders and players in the industry will extend a hand of partnership in entrenching the transparent and efficient ways in which we now desire to do business by leveraging on the laws of the land. This will no doubt ensure accountability in the management of investments across the value chain.”
Former Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, had recently reported that the NNPC was broke. The statement generated a lot of heat in the polity with the Finance Minister, Olusegun Aganga, denying the report.
The Minister for Petroleum said the ongoing reform in the oil and gas sector was to sanitise the corporation as well as the industry. “In order to entrench transparency and accountability in the sector, the government had embarked on critical reform in the sector,” she said.
Meanwhile, reports by independent auditors had earlier indicted NNPC of using its unique trading position to make profit in the country’s crude oil sale payments at the expense of the government between 2006 and 2008 which the audit covered.
The audit was conducted by British accountants, Hart Group and Nigerian firm, S.S Afemikhe & co and approved by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
The report recommended that the NNPC should be autonomous. “Restructuring of the NNPC should ensure arm’s length dealing between the NNPC and the federation,” the report said. It also said the NNPC is taking advantage of its position as both buyer and agent of seller (the government) to make profit at the expense of the federation.
She said, “it is our hope that all stakeholders and players in the industry will extend a hand of partnership in entrenching the transparent and efficient ways in which we now desire to do business by leveraging on the laws of the land. This will no doubt ensure accountability in the management of investments across the value chain.”
Former Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, had recently reported that the NNPC was broke. The statement generated a lot of heat in the polity with the Finance Minister, Olusegun Aganga, denying the report.
The Minister for Petroleum said the ongoing reform in the oil and gas sector was to sanitise the corporation as well as the industry. “In order to entrench transparency and accountability in the sector, the government had embarked on critical reform in the sector,” she said.
Meanwhile, reports by independent auditors had earlier indicted NNPC of using its unique trading position to make profit in the country’s crude oil sale payments at the expense of the government between 2006 and 2008 which the audit covered.
The audit was conducted by British accountants, Hart Group and Nigerian firm, S.S Afemikhe & co and approved by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
The report recommended that the NNPC should be autonomous. “Restructuring of the NNPC should ensure arm’s length dealing between the NNPC and the federation,” the report said. It also said the NNPC is taking advantage of its position as both buyer and agent of seller (the government) to make profit at the expense of the federation.
FCTA demolishes over 120 illegal structures in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it demolished over 120 illegal structures between December 7, 2010 and January 26, 2011in the bid to keep faith with the dictates of the Abuja Master Plan.
According to the administration, while another 176 illegal structures had been marked for demolition, 64 new demolition notices had been served on illegal structure developers.
Making the disclosure at the weekend while reviewing the activities of the FCT Development Control Department in his office, the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, disclosed that 37 shanties were removed around the FCT city while 94 stop-work and 107 quit notices were served on erring developers within the same period under review.
According to the minister, some of the buildings demolished under the mass housing programme include structures in Wumba on Plots 118, 119, and 120 as well as the over10 shanties that were removed in Mbora Districts.
Senator Mohammed said that 20 illegal structures in Dutse District around Apo Village in addition to more than 10 shanties were also brought down.
Other structures affected, according to him, were shanties on Plots 470, 468 and 1059, in addition to the nine illegal structures pulled down in Garki II District.
The minister further disclosed that the FCT Development Control has removed all structures on Plot 1290 Garki District developed for informal sector market by the Abuja Market Management Limited without building plan approval.
He said, “The Development Control has also cleared illegal settlements within Mabushi Village as well as market encroaching on individual plots 1669, 1668, 1666, 1805 and 938. An illegal structure being constructed on plot 760 Central Business District was also removed for attempting to build after revocation of title.
Some illegal structures were removed in Kubwa and Lugbe as well as in Wuye District in the Phase II of the Federal Capital City. Development Control has marked and re-sealed Plot 1059, Cadastral Zone B11 in Kaura District of Phase II due to development contrary to approved land use and building plan; while the foreman on site was arrested by the Police due to no compliance to notices issued.
According to the administration, while another 176 illegal structures had been marked for demolition, 64 new demolition notices had been served on illegal structure developers.
Making the disclosure at the weekend while reviewing the activities of the FCT Development Control Department in his office, the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, disclosed that 37 shanties were removed around the FCT city while 94 stop-work and 107 quit notices were served on erring developers within the same period under review.
According to the minister, some of the buildings demolished under the mass housing programme include structures in Wumba on Plots 118, 119, and 120 as well as the over10 shanties that were removed in Mbora Districts.
Senator Mohammed said that 20 illegal structures in Dutse District around Apo Village in addition to more than 10 shanties were also brought down.
Other structures affected, according to him, were shanties on Plots 470, 468 and 1059, in addition to the nine illegal structures pulled down in Garki II District.
The minister further disclosed that the FCT Development Control has removed all structures on Plot 1290 Garki District developed for informal sector market by the Abuja Market Management Limited without building plan approval.
He said, “The Development Control has also cleared illegal settlements within Mabushi Village as well as market encroaching on individual plots 1669, 1668, 1666, 1805 and 938. An illegal structure being constructed on plot 760 Central Business District was also removed for attempting to build after revocation of title.
Some illegal structures were removed in Kubwa and Lugbe as well as in Wuye District in the Phase II of the Federal Capital City. Development Control has marked and re-sealed Plot 1059, Cadastral Zone B11 in Kaura District of Phase II due to development contrary to approved land use and building plan; while the foreman on site was arrested by the Police due to no compliance to notices issued.
Govt evacuates Nigerians from Libya
The Federal Government has started evacuating Nigerians stranded in Tripoli. The first batch of evacuees, about 499 Nigerians, arrived in Abuja yesterday around 1.30 am.
Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Muhammad Sani-Sidi said the government has set up a camp to accommodate the returnees, until the necessary documentation and screening are completed.
Sani-Sidi said the screening is necessary to identify passengers without valid travelling documents and those with bad records.
Foreign Affairs Minister Odein Ajumogobia, who was represented by Timloh Nkom, said all Nigerians in Libya would be brought home safely.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the African Union (AU) to stop the ongoing abuse of human rights in Libya.
In an open letter to AU Chairman President Obiang Mbasogo, the group’s lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, urged the union to exercise its right under Article 4 of the Constitutive Act and intervene.
The group is seeking the following:
•That the AU intervenes in Libya to stop the violence against the protesters.
•That the AU refers the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and supports the initiatives at the United Nation (UN) Security Council in this respect.
•That the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights visits Libya to investigate allegations of rights abuses and refer the cases to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The letter reads: "Playing politics or remaining silent when the citizens of Libya are being murdered by their government will undermine the authority of the AU and its many institutions.
"It has committed itself to promoting peace and security in the continent and has a fundamental duty to assist people in danger. The old-fashioned theory of state sovereignty, used to fend off criticism of massacres, cannot stand under the terms of the AU Constitutive Act.
"Article 4 says the AU will intervene in respect of grave circumstances, namely: war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.’ Unless the AU acts now and stops the killing in Libya, its ability to prevent the kind of abuses cited above will be severely undermined."
Cocaine trial: Court rejects bid to free 3 accused
JUSTICE Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, at the weekend rejected a no case submission made by the defence counsel in the ongoing cocaine trial, on behalf of the third, fourth and fifth accused in the suit.
Justice Okon, while discarding the application for lacking merit, ordered the defence to open its case today.
According to the judge, “I have thoroughly and painstakingly examined the issues.
“A no case submission lacks merit and is hereby overruled.”
Meanwhile, chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, has renewed its pledge for diligent prosecution of drug barons in the country.
The helmsman of the anti-drug agency made the declaration, while reacting to a ruling on the application by the defence counsel in the ongoing 450.400kg cocaine trial.
Impressed by the ruling, Giade said it had sent the right signal to drug trafficking syndicates that the due process of the law must be followed in the dispensation of justice, adding that “this is commendable. The message is that every accused must justify their plea.”
Also describing the ruling as satisfactory, NDLEA director of prosecution and legal services, Mr Femi Oloruntoba, who is the chief prosecuting counsel, said that the prosecution was adequately prepared as trial continued.
“The ruling is satisfactory. Our prayer was upheld and we are ready for trial as the defence opens its case,” Oloruntoba said.
The NDLEA had argued that the no case submission be rejected and accused be allowed to open their defence.
The prosecution in the trial closed its case in December 2010, after producing 15 witnesses that gave evidence in support of the charges brought against the five accused.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the NDLEA, on Friday, arraigned three men on a two-count charge, in connection with 110kg of cocaine intercepted also at the Tin Can Island port Lagos.
The accused, who were arraigned before Justice M.B. Idris, pleaded not guilty to the charge and were ordered by the judge to be remanded in prison custody.
Following the objection of their bail application, the case was adjourned till tomorrow.
Justice Okon, while discarding the application for lacking merit, ordered the defence to open its case today.
According to the judge, “I have thoroughly and painstakingly examined the issues.
“A no case submission lacks merit and is hereby overruled.”
Meanwhile, chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, has renewed its pledge for diligent prosecution of drug barons in the country.
The helmsman of the anti-drug agency made the declaration, while reacting to a ruling on the application by the defence counsel in the ongoing 450.400kg cocaine trial.
Impressed by the ruling, Giade said it had sent the right signal to drug trafficking syndicates that the due process of the law must be followed in the dispensation of justice, adding that “this is commendable. The message is that every accused must justify their plea.”
Also describing the ruling as satisfactory, NDLEA director of prosecution and legal services, Mr Femi Oloruntoba, who is the chief prosecuting counsel, said that the prosecution was adequately prepared as trial continued.
“The ruling is satisfactory. Our prayer was upheld and we are ready for trial as the defence opens its case,” Oloruntoba said.
The NDLEA had argued that the no case submission be rejected and accused be allowed to open their defence.
The prosecution in the trial closed its case in December 2010, after producing 15 witnesses that gave evidence in support of the charges brought against the five accused.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the NDLEA, on Friday, arraigned three men on a two-count charge, in connection with 110kg of cocaine intercepted also at the Tin Can Island port Lagos.
The accused, who were arraigned before Justice M.B. Idris, pleaded not guilty to the charge and were ordered by the judge to be remanded in prison custody.
Following the objection of their bail application, the case was adjourned till tomorrow.
Robbers kill policeman, night guard in Ibadan
Suspected armed robbers, on Saturday, night, killed two people, a policeman and a night security guard, at Jakan area of Agbowo in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspected robbers were said to have wounded two other people, including a night security guard, who are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital in the area.
The policeman attached to Kajorepo Police Station, Jakan area, the Nigerian Tribune learnt, was not on duty when the incident happened.
According to a police source, he had closed for the day around 11.30 p.m. when he decided to see a friend who resides in the area.
He was killed in front of the house of his friend before other residents were deprived of their valuables.
The deceased policeman, not knowing that they were robbers, it was gathered, had introduced himself as a policeman and that he was coming from a friend’s house.
It was after introducing himself that the suspected robbers killed him and went ahead to kill the night security in the area.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that they later matchetted another night security guard and another person.
The robbers were said to have deprived the people of Irepodun Street of their valuables.
But for the quick intervention of policemen at Kajorepo, the Nigerian Tribune gathered that more people would have been killed and several others were deprived of their valuables.
When contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Adisa Bolanta, confirmed the incident and said it was being investigated.
The suspected robbers were said to have wounded two other people, including a night security guard, who are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital in the area.
The policeman attached to Kajorepo Police Station, Jakan area, the Nigerian Tribune learnt, was not on duty when the incident happened.
According to a police source, he had closed for the day around 11.30 p.m. when he decided to see a friend who resides in the area.
He was killed in front of the house of his friend before other residents were deprived of their valuables.
The deceased policeman, not knowing that they were robbers, it was gathered, had introduced himself as a policeman and that he was coming from a friend’s house.
It was after introducing himself that the suspected robbers killed him and went ahead to kill the night security in the area.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that they later matchetted another night security guard and another person.
The robbers were said to have deprived the people of Irepodun Street of their valuables.
But for the quick intervention of policemen at Kajorepo, the Nigerian Tribune gathered that more people would have been killed and several others were deprived of their valuables.
When contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Adisa Bolanta, confirmed the incident and said it was being investigated.
CNPP knocks Jonathan over Bode George
Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), on Sunday, said that it was against best ethical tradition for President Goodluck Jonathan to have delegated the Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, to represent him at the event celebrating the release of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George,from prison.
The group in a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Osita Okechukwu, maintained that it was at a loss where to locate President Jonathan’s much publicised zero tolerance for corruption and in fact, his anti-graft crusade by his decision to send a representative to the event which it described as an obscene celebration.
According to CNPP, President Jonathan, from all intents and purposes, by the act failed woefully to defend the constitution which the group observed frowns at corruption.
The group in a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Osita Okechukwu, maintained that it was at a loss where to locate President Jonathan’s much publicised zero tolerance for corruption and in fact, his anti-graft crusade by his decision to send a representative to the event which it described as an obscene celebration.
According to CNPP, President Jonathan, from all intents and purposes, by the act failed woefully to defend the constitution which the group observed frowns at corruption.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Justice Salami queried again
USTICE Ayo Salami has again been quried by the Chairman, National Judicial Council, (NJC), Justice Alloysius Katsina –Alu over a statement made by the Appeal Court President.
The query centred on the statement that he trusted just a few of the Justices in his court for governorship election appeal cases.
A source in the NJC has also disclosed that Salami may get yet another query this week over two petitions from Osun and Ekiti states submitted with his alleged phone call logs in which he was accused of having dealings with chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and some of their lawyers “before, during and after “ the cases were heard by his court.
The latest query was issued to Justice Salami by the CJN on 17th February, 2011 giving him two weeks to respond to a second petition sent in by former Osun state governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
“ I forward herewith a petition dated 7th February, 2011 against you by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governor, Osun state, on the above subject matter. The petition speaks for itself. I shall be glad to have your comments within two weeks of receipt of this letter, please,” the CJN said in the query with reference number NJC/F.2/CA.1/1/99.
The President of the Court of Appeal in an interview in Thisday newspaper of Tuesday January 25, 2011 disclosed that he had been using only those he trusted for governorship election appeal cases. He was quoted in the interview as saying : “then, he, (Senator Iyiola Omisore) raised the issue of using a few Justices to determine appeals. Well, when it comes to that, you must use people you trust, you can’t just empanel anybody.”
Osun and Ekiti chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party had repeatedly accused Salami of having “a special squad of nine Justices” who handled governorship election cases with Justices Clara Ogunbiyi appearing in Ekiti and Osun, C.C Nweze in Ekiti and Osun, Adamu Jauro in Ekiti, Osun and Ogun while M.L Garuba was in Osun and Ogun. Paul Galinge was also in Osun and Sokoto panels. There are over 60 Justices in the Court of Appeal.
Prince Oyinlola in the petition asserted that Justice Salami’s disclosure in the interview that he trusted only about nine of his over 50 colleagues confirmed his earlier petition that other considerations other than delivery of justice informed the actions of Justice Salami and the appeal panel in the handling of his case.
“My Lord, no doubt, the above statement could only mean one thing and, that is that, in constituting the Ogunbiyi panel that heard my case, other factors and considerations other than judicial fairness were at play in the mind of the President of the court. I urge, sir, that his open declaration that ” you must use people you trust.“deserve to be further examined with a view to knowing what he meant by trust and also, trust to do what? This is necessary because every member of the judiciary including the Appeal Court is deemed by virtue of his oath of office to be a person worthy of trust,” Oyinlola said.
Another area, among several others, Justice Salami will have to provide answers to is his comments on the osun judgement in which he claimed that not all the votes in the 10 local governments in contention were cancelled.
Police goes tough on tinted vehicle violation
Nigerian Police has promised to crackdown on motorists who violate the Federal Government order against the use of vehicles with tinted glasses as the enforcement on the ban takes effect from 28 February 2011.
The ban however exempts vehicles with factory fitted glasses and those authorized person(s) as Mr. President, his deputy, Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives and state houses ofassembly, their deputies, House of Reps leader and governors who are allowed to use a tainted vehicles.
Minister of Police Affairs Barrister Humphrey Aba who stated this weekend in Benin during his visit to the state commissioner of police Mr. David Omojola, said the order followed government’s resolve to checkmate crime activities ahead of April elections.
He emphasized that the measures was aimed at bringing sanity to the society and to further scale down the level of kidnaping, shipment of arms, explosives and other forms of crime-related activities which may threaten 2011elctions in the country.
According to him, “no sane man will taint his/her vehicle so dark except he has a hidden motive.”
He stated that the enforcement was real and that government will not treat the order with kid gloves and charge all police commissioners to ensure they carry out the directives.
The police affairs minister expressed President Goodluck Jonathan’s grave concern and commitment to the issue of equipping the police in terms of man power despite acknowledged dearth in some areas.
He said government had procured equipment and uniforms to kit the police force which he said would be distributed to all the commands as soon as the Inspector- General of Police returned from his trip abroad.
The measure, he stated was to ensure that every policeman becomes more responsible in the discharge of his duties.
He urged the citizens to ensure that their vote count in line with the campaign of one man-one vote stressing that no man would be harassed or intimidated at the polling centers as polling boots would be made secure during the exercise.
He added that politicians will not be allowed to alter operational order by asking policemen to follow them and advised politicians to do more to campaign for votes and not employ other peoples children to perpetrate thuggery and violence during elections.
The minister stated that the police welfare structure of the force would be revamped to take care of all cadre of policemen and their family in the advent of deaths, injuries sustained during crime fighting and prevention as well as reward for gallantry.
He said the gesture was to further boost and encourage the rank and file in the force and that the present administration was sensitive and concerned about the welfare of police
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Saraki, Dangote, Adenuga, others in Jonathan’s campaign team
Business mogul Aliko Dangote, telecoms magnate Mike Adenuga and Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki, among others, yesterday made the campaign team of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Former Director-General of the Jonathan/Sambo campaign organisation heads the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), which will be inaugurated by acting National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Bello Haliru Mohammed in Abuja today.
Also on board are loyalists of former presidential aspirants Ibrahim Babangida and Abubakar Atiku. Atiku lost the party’s ticket to Jonathan at the January 13 convention after Babangida, Saraki and Aliyu Gusau stepped down for him following his emergence as North’s consensus candidate.
He was picked by the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) headed by Mallam Adamu Ciroma.
Babangida’s and Atiku’s loyalists may have been appointed in line with Jonathan’s promise to accommodate his opponents in his campaign.
Former Director-General of the Babangida Campaign organisation, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, is a member of the PCC Publicity Committee. He will also serve as one of the resource persons for the presidential campaign.
Saraki is the chairman of the Reconciliation Committee with pro-Atiku campaigner and former Senate President Ken Nnamani as member.
The wife of the leader of the NPLF and PDP’s National Woman Leader, Hajia Ina Ciroma, is also a member of the Reconciliation Committee. Former Governor of Ondo State Olusegun Agagu and former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana are also members.
Others in the committee are Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Alabo Graham Douglas, Senator Ladan Shunni and Ambassador Aminu Wali.
The Publicity Committee also has some prominent publishers including Comfort Obi of the Source Magazine and Dennis Sami of Nigeria Pilot as members.
Names of some aides of the President feature on the list, but former Director of Media of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign organisation, Sully Abu is missing on the list.
Dangote, Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Kashim Bukar; Chief Emeka Offor; Alhaji Sayyu Dantata; Jim Ovia; Dahiru Manga and Kola Salako are on the donor’s list.
Former Chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees (BOT) Chief Tony Anenih will serve as the Campaign Adviser. Former PDP national secretary Chief Ojo Maduekwe is Secretary.
The six geo-political zones will be co-ordinated by governors that did the same job for Jonathan before the January 13 convention.
They are Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (Southsouth), Martin Elechi, Ebonyi (Southeast), Gbenga Daniel, Ogun (Southwest), Gabriel Suswam, Benue (Northcentral), Isa Yuguda, Bauchi (Northeast) and Ibrahim Shema, Katsina (Northwest).
Senate President David Mark, Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekwerenmadu and the Deputy Speaker Usman Nafada are all expected to co-ordinate the National Assembly for the PCC.
Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro heads the security committee; leading industrialist Oba Otudeko chairs the Finance and Fund Raising Committee.
The Inter-Party Relations Committee to handle affairs concerning parties that adopted Jonathan as their standard-bearer is headed by Chief Ebenezer Babatope.
Former Director-General of the Jonathan/Sambo campaign organisation heads the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), which will be inaugurated by acting National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Bello Haliru Mohammed in Abuja today.
Also on board are loyalists of former presidential aspirants Ibrahim Babangida and Abubakar Atiku. Atiku lost the party’s ticket to Jonathan at the January 13 convention after Babangida, Saraki and Aliyu Gusau stepped down for him following his emergence as North’s consensus candidate.
He was picked by the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) headed by Mallam Adamu Ciroma.
Babangida’s and Atiku’s loyalists may have been appointed in line with Jonathan’s promise to accommodate his opponents in his campaign.
Former Director-General of the Babangida Campaign organisation, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, is a member of the PCC Publicity Committee. He will also serve as one of the resource persons for the presidential campaign.
Saraki is the chairman of the Reconciliation Committee with pro-Atiku campaigner and former Senate President Ken Nnamani as member.
The wife of the leader of the NPLF and PDP’s National Woman Leader, Hajia Ina Ciroma, is also a member of the Reconciliation Committee. Former Governor of Ondo State Olusegun Agagu and former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana are also members.
Others in the committee are Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Alabo Graham Douglas, Senator Ladan Shunni and Ambassador Aminu Wali.
The Publicity Committee also has some prominent publishers including Comfort Obi of the Source Magazine and Dennis Sami of Nigeria Pilot as members.
Names of some aides of the President feature on the list, but former Director of Media of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign organisation, Sully Abu is missing on the list.
Dangote, Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Kashim Bukar; Chief Emeka Offor; Alhaji Sayyu Dantata; Jim Ovia; Dahiru Manga and Kola Salako are on the donor’s list.
Former Chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees (BOT) Chief Tony Anenih will serve as the Campaign Adviser. Former PDP national secretary Chief Ojo Maduekwe is Secretary.
The six geo-political zones will be co-ordinated by governors that did the same job for Jonathan before the January 13 convention.
They are Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (Southsouth), Martin Elechi, Ebonyi (Southeast), Gbenga Daniel, Ogun (Southwest), Gabriel Suswam, Benue (Northcentral), Isa Yuguda, Bauchi (Northeast) and Ibrahim Shema, Katsina (Northwest).
Senate President David Mark, Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekwerenmadu and the Deputy Speaker Usman Nafada are all expected to co-ordinate the National Assembly for the PCC.
Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro heads the security committee; leading industrialist Oba Otudeko chairs the Finance and Fund Raising Committee.
The Inter-Party Relations Committee to handle affairs concerning parties that adopted Jonathan as their standard-bearer is headed by Chief Ebenezer Babatope.
We’ll not negotiate with Boko Haram, IG vows
As the wave of violent attacks by Islamic fundamentalists, Boko Haram, in some states in the northern part of the country continues, the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Hafiz Ringim, declared in Kano yesterday that the Police would not negotiate with them.
"We would not negotiate with criminals," the police boss said.
Ringim disclosed this while reacting to questions from reporters at the Police Academy, Wudil, shortly after the passing out parade of 414 cadet officers, comprising 203 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) and 211 inspectors, who underwent an 18-month training course at the academy.
The fundamentalists had claimed responsibility for violent clashes in Jos, Plateau State and the spate of killings in Maiduguri, Borno State.
One of the most prominent of such cases was the assassination of the gubernatorial candidate of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), AlhajiModu Fannami Gubio and six others.
The IG said the Police would not relent in its effort to rid the country of the remaining elements of the Islamic sect.
The Police chief further stated that efforts were being made to provide a level- playing ground for all contestants in the forthcoming general election.
He said: "The general election is the prerogative of the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Government, headed by President Goodluck Jonathan, has said that what it wants is to conduct a free and fair election. My mandate is to provide a level-playing ground for all contestants, and that is what I am trying to do to the best of my ability.
"On its side, the Federal Government has done everything possible to train, equip, support and fund the Nigeria Police Force. We are doing the best we can to educate the members of the public on their rights.
"God willing, we shall provide and will continue to provide general security and a free and fair atmosphere for all to display their wares and be voted by the electorate.
"The election shall not be an exercise in futility but an exercise where every eligible voter will be allowed to come out and vote freely for people and parties of their choice."
Ringim also disclosed that a committee, made up of eminent Nigerians, including retired police officers, had been set up to draw a programme for the repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force, pointing out that he, as the Inspector General of Police, was doing his best to implement the recommendations of the reform committee.
He said: "So far, we have gone a long way in the implementation of the approved white paper by the Federal Government, and that includes training, infrastructure, logistics and orientation, and so far, as you can see, we are doing just that.
"Basically, this is to develop the Nigeria Police and make it function in line with the aspiration of the Nigerian society, as well as the good practice of law enforcement as it obtains all over the world.
"The ceremony you saw today is part and parcel of the Nigeria police reform, which is to develop and produce functional, actionable manpower that would go in line with democratic practices globally."
"We would not negotiate with criminals," the police boss said.
Ringim disclosed this while reacting to questions from reporters at the Police Academy, Wudil, shortly after the passing out parade of 414 cadet officers, comprising 203 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) and 211 inspectors, who underwent an 18-month training course at the academy.
The fundamentalists had claimed responsibility for violent clashes in Jos, Plateau State and the spate of killings in Maiduguri, Borno State.
One of the most prominent of such cases was the assassination of the gubernatorial candidate of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), AlhajiModu Fannami Gubio and six others.
The IG said the Police would not relent in its effort to rid the country of the remaining elements of the Islamic sect.
The Police chief further stated that efforts were being made to provide a level- playing ground for all contestants in the forthcoming general election.
He said: "The general election is the prerogative of the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Government, headed by President Goodluck Jonathan, has said that what it wants is to conduct a free and fair election. My mandate is to provide a level-playing ground for all contestants, and that is what I am trying to do to the best of my ability.
"On its side, the Federal Government has done everything possible to train, equip, support and fund the Nigeria Police Force. We are doing the best we can to educate the members of the public on their rights.
"God willing, we shall provide and will continue to provide general security and a free and fair atmosphere for all to display their wares and be voted by the electorate.
"The election shall not be an exercise in futility but an exercise where every eligible voter will be allowed to come out and vote freely for people and parties of their choice."
Ringim also disclosed that a committee, made up of eminent Nigerians, including retired police officers, had been set up to draw a programme for the repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force, pointing out that he, as the Inspector General of Police, was doing his best to implement the recommendations of the reform committee.
He said: "So far, we have gone a long way in the implementation of the approved white paper by the Federal Government, and that includes training, infrastructure, logistics and orientation, and so far, as you can see, we are doing just that.
"Basically, this is to develop the Nigeria Police and make it function in line with the aspiration of the Nigerian society, as well as the good practice of law enforcement as it obtains all over the world.
"The ceremony you saw today is part and parcel of the Nigeria police reform, which is to develop and produce functional, actionable manpower that would go in line with democratic practices globally."
No One ’ll Manipulate Votes In My Favour, Says Jonathan
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan says he will not allow the manipulation of votes during the forthcoming general elections.
The President, who made the declaration during his campaign rally in Makurdi recently said : “Nigerians’ votes must count.’’
According to him, the internal democracy witnessed at the Eagle’s Square in Abuja during the presidential primaries will reflect in the April polls.
“We must vote the people we want. We no longer want a situation where people are imposed on us.
“I promise Nigerians that even though I am contesting, nobody will manipulate any vote in my favour.
Jonathan said he was holding on to the promise he made to Nigerians and the world that their votes must count.
He said that was why he and his campaign team were working assiduously to convince the electorate to vote for him and other PDP candidates in the general elections.
“We have gone to the six geo-political zones and we are going from state to state.
“After that we will still go back to some of these states to tell the people what we stand for, to tell them that we stand for change, transformation, and that we are ready to create wealth in the country.
“We don’t believe that although we are the ruling party and we are in government, any governmental instrument be used in our favour,’’ he said.
The President also said that his government had a five-year plan to revolutionise agriculture and establish industries in the country.
“Benue is the home of food, so it is easier to create wealth here. We will complete the irrigation project we started in Oturkpo,’’ he promised.
“The governor (Suswam) also requested a bridge across the River Benue. We promise that the second Niger Bridge and the Benue Bridge are projects that we will work on in the next four years.’’
Jonathan further promised to operate an open administration devoid of discrimination irrespective of the people’s religion and ethnic persuasions.
“If a Nigerian wakes up, he should know that he can at least eat, we know that poverty does not speak any language, does not love anybody and does not belong to any ethnic nationality.
“You all know about my humble background, I came from a wretched home but look at where I am today. We have come to bring hope to the people,’’ he said.
Reports say that Vice-President Namadi Sambo, PDP Acting National Chairman, Haliru Mohammed, and Senate President David Mark, were among the leaders who gave goodwill messages at the rally.
Leaders of 10 political parties, including APGA, Mega Progressive People’s Party, Democratic People’s Party and Action Alliance, were at the rally to support the Jonathan/Sambo ticket.
The President, who made the declaration during his campaign rally in Makurdi recently said : “Nigerians’ votes must count.’’
According to him, the internal democracy witnessed at the Eagle’s Square in Abuja during the presidential primaries will reflect in the April polls.
“We must vote the people we want. We no longer want a situation where people are imposed on us.
“I promise Nigerians that even though I am contesting, nobody will manipulate any vote in my favour.
Jonathan said he was holding on to the promise he made to Nigerians and the world that their votes must count.
He said that was why he and his campaign team were working assiduously to convince the electorate to vote for him and other PDP candidates in the general elections.
“We have gone to the six geo-political zones and we are going from state to state.
“After that we will still go back to some of these states to tell the people what we stand for, to tell them that we stand for change, transformation, and that we are ready to create wealth in the country.
“We don’t believe that although we are the ruling party and we are in government, any governmental instrument be used in our favour,’’ he said.
The President also said that his government had a five-year plan to revolutionise agriculture and establish industries in the country.
“Benue is the home of food, so it is easier to create wealth here. We will complete the irrigation project we started in Oturkpo,’’ he promised.
“The governor (Suswam) also requested a bridge across the River Benue. We promise that the second Niger Bridge and the Benue Bridge are projects that we will work on in the next four years.’’
Jonathan further promised to operate an open administration devoid of discrimination irrespective of the people’s religion and ethnic persuasions.
“If a Nigerian wakes up, he should know that he can at least eat, we know that poverty does not speak any language, does not love anybody and does not belong to any ethnic nationality.
“You all know about my humble background, I came from a wretched home but look at where I am today. We have come to bring hope to the people,’’ he said.
Reports say that Vice-President Namadi Sambo, PDP Acting National Chairman, Haliru Mohammed, and Senate President David Mark, were among the leaders who gave goodwill messages at the rally.
Leaders of 10 political parties, including APGA, Mega Progressive People’s Party, Democratic People’s Party and Action Alliance, were at the rally to support the Jonathan/Sambo ticket.
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