By NKIRUKA NNOROM
Lagos — Igbo youths, under the aegis of Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, have condemned the multiple taxation imposed on traders by Lagos State Government.
They also condemned the constant closure of markets on flimsy excuses by the government and recent imposition of one Alhaji Abibu Oladotun Oki as Babaloja of All Mushin Motor Spare Parts Markets (Ladipo market).
The youths, in a statement issued by OYC’s Secretary, Board of Trustees, Mazi Okwu Okwu, said: “We have watched the Lagos State Government’s anti-poor and anti-Igbo policies of Governor Raji Fashola, ranging from unlawful deportation, detention, multiple taxation, displacement of Igbos from their places of business to incessant harassment and closure of Igbo interest-dominated markets.
“Until the coming of Mr. Fashola, and his predecessor, Senator Bola Tinubu, Lagos had been an enabling and business-friendly haven for the Igbos and other non-Yoruba ethnic nationalities.
“The Igbos are through legalisation of illegalities and fraudulent financial regimes, made to bear the burdens of financing Lagos budgets and projects to the detriment of their respective business interests.
“Igbo dominated markets in Mushin and other areas of Lagos had under the veil of not carrying out sanitation been closed, only for the Igbos to be made to pay millions of naira before reopening them.”
On imposition of Babaloja on Ladipo market traders, the youths wondered why a Yoruba man would be made leader of a market exclusively developed and long operated by the Igbo people, even in the face of Ndi Igbo market leaderships, headed by president-generals?
“In view of this, we call on Governor Fashola’s government to leave Ndi Igbo alone, since its actions and selective policies are exposing the Igbo nation to internal social phobia not good for Igbo-Yoruba relationship.”
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Wednesday 4 September 2013
Four killed, one injured in Ebonyi auto crash
BY PETER OKUTU
ABAKALIKI — NO fewer than four persons, were, yesterday, killed, while one person is reportedly in critical condition, following an accident involving a Mazda Infinity car and Mercedes truck on Amuzo Onueke road in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Confirming the incident, the state commandant, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Jide Fehintola, said the accident occurred as a result of tyre burst, which led to a head-on collision.
Vanguard gathered that the Mazda Infinity car was heading to Onueke with five passengers from Abakaliki when one of its tyres ruptured.
While the driver tried to gain control of the
vehicle, it collided with an oncoming truck, killing four persons, while one was critically injured.
The FRSC commandant said the dead had been deposited in the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, FETHA, mortuary while the injured was receiving treatment in the same hospital.
He said: “The casualties were three men and a female and it was in the process of taking them to the hospital, that the army informed our team about the incident. We had to follow them to the mortuary.”
Fehintola advised road users to avoid over speeding to ensure the safety of lives and property of travellers.
ABAKALIKI — NO fewer than four persons, were, yesterday, killed, while one person is reportedly in critical condition, following an accident involving a Mazda Infinity car and Mercedes truck on Amuzo Onueke road in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Confirming the incident, the state commandant, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Jide Fehintola, said the accident occurred as a result of tyre burst, which led to a head-on collision.
Vanguard gathered that the Mazda Infinity car was heading to Onueke with five passengers from Abakaliki when one of its tyres ruptured.
While the driver tried to gain control of the
vehicle, it collided with an oncoming truck, killing four persons, while one was critically injured.
The FRSC commandant said the dead had been deposited in the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, FETHA, mortuary while the injured was receiving treatment in the same hospital.
He said: “The casualties were three men and a female and it was in the process of taking them to the hospital, that the army informed our team about the incident. We had to follow them to the mortuary.”
Fehintola advised road users to avoid over speeding to ensure the safety of lives and property of travellers.
FG disburses N5bn to 56,500 women under CCT scheme
By GBENGA ARIYIBI
Ado Ekiti — Federal Government has disbursed N5 billion to 56,500 vulnerable women under the Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT, scheme.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, during the National Launch of the CCT scheme, the Senior Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals (MDs) to the President, Dr Precious Gbeneol ,said the beneficiaries were drawn from 24 states of the Federation .
According to her, all the beneficiaries of the scheme would be entitled to a monthly stipend of N5,000 for 12 months, after which they would be given N100, 000, noting that “beneficiaries are expected to invest in agriculture or finance the education of their children or look after their health needs.”
The SSA disclosed that N370 million will be disbursed to carefully selected 2,250 poor women in Ekiti, drawn from five local government areas.
Ado Ekiti — Federal Government has disbursed N5 billion to 56,500 vulnerable women under the Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT, scheme.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, during the National Launch of the CCT scheme, the Senior Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals (MDs) to the President, Dr Precious Gbeneol ,said the beneficiaries were drawn from 24 states of the Federation .
According to her, all the beneficiaries of the scheme would be entitled to a monthly stipend of N5,000 for 12 months, after which they would be given N100, 000, noting that “beneficiaries are expected to invest in agriculture or finance the education of their children or look after their health needs.”
The SSA disclosed that N370 million will be disbursed to carefully selected 2,250 poor women in Ekiti, drawn from five local government areas.
Chime donates vehicles to DSS
By TONY EDIKE
ENUGU — As part of providing essential support to security agencies in Enugu State, Governor Sullivan Chime, yesterday, handed over three brand new KIA saloon cars and three Hilux patrol vans to the state command of the Department of State Services , DSS.
Governor Chime, who was represented by Special Adviser on Security, Mr Richard Chime, said the vehicles were intended to assist the command and enhance operational efficiency.
He noted that security would be hard to obtain without effective intelligence gathering mechanism, saying he hoped the vehicles would support the efforts of the DSS in this regard.
Chime added that the government would continue to pay attention to security matters to ensure that the state remained a safe and secure place for both social and business activities to thrive.
Receiving the vehicles, the State Director of DSS, Mr Victor Duru, commended Governor Chime for his unwavering commitment to the entrenchment of security and peace in the state which, according to him, had led to Enugu being regarded as one of the safest states in the country.
He also praised what he described as the governor’s “noiseless but relentless” efforts at bringing about a rapid and comprehensive development of the state.
According to him, the governor’s achievements in this regard is also helping to enhance the security situation in the state.
Duru, who was accompanied by other senior officers of the command, promised to make effective use of the vehicles in its operations across the state.
ENUGU — As part of providing essential support to security agencies in Enugu State, Governor Sullivan Chime, yesterday, handed over three brand new KIA saloon cars and three Hilux patrol vans to the state command of the Department of State Services , DSS.
Governor Chime, who was represented by Special Adviser on Security, Mr Richard Chime, said the vehicles were intended to assist the command and enhance operational efficiency.
He noted that security would be hard to obtain without effective intelligence gathering mechanism, saying he hoped the vehicles would support the efforts of the DSS in this regard.
Chime added that the government would continue to pay attention to security matters to ensure that the state remained a safe and secure place for both social and business activities to thrive.
Receiving the vehicles, the State Director of DSS, Mr Victor Duru, commended Governor Chime for his unwavering commitment to the entrenchment of security and peace in the state which, according to him, had led to Enugu being regarded as one of the safest states in the country.
He also praised what he described as the governor’s “noiseless but relentless” efforts at bringing about a rapid and comprehensive development of the state.
According to him, the governor’s achievements in this regard is also helping to enhance the security situation in the state.
Duru, who was accompanied by other senior officers of the command, promised to make effective use of the vehicles in its operations across the state.
Amori absolves self from Ewherido's death, Obule's illness
By Godwin Oghre
Sapele — Following speculations that trailed the sudden death of the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Pius Ewherido, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Chief Ighoyota Amori, who doubles as the National Chairman of Urhobo Political Congress, UPC, has denied claims in some quarters linking him to Ewherido’s death.
Amori also denied any link with the cause of the ailing business mogul and multi-millionaire of Urhobo extraction, Chief Charles Obule, who is currently down with paralysis.
He said that he was innocent of the condition that befell the two men, describing the relationship he had with Ewherido as cordial.
Amori spoke at an event in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, where he declared his intention to contest the forthcoming Delta Central by-election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to fill the vacuum created by the death of Ewherido.
He asked Urhobo to send him to the Senate where he intends to bring “succour to the marginalisation and pains of the people at the national level of government,” given his performances in the affairs of the state government and his faithfulness to PDP and Governor Uduaghan.
He said: “The last time I saw Ewherido was September 2012 in USA during Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, event. Have you ever read anything I published against Ewherido or any he published against me in the newspapers?
“We were to meet at Owhorode of Olomu birthday, but as he was going out, I was coming in.”
He said late Ewherido told him of his intention to run for the governorship of the state in US, where he asked him (Amori) to support him.
... as another Delta Central aspirant make promises
BY FESTUS AHON
UGHELLI—A senatorial aspirant in Delta Central Senatorial District by-election, Mr. Solomon Edoja, yesterday, said that he would ensure the delineation of more federal constituencies from the district if voted into the Senate.
Edoja, in a chat with newsmen in his Ughelli residence, said that Urhobo was the fifth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
“However, Urhobo is not being given its fair share in the political scheme of things.
“I am prepared to pave way for a smooth relationship based on justice with other ethnic groups in the country.
“I will also endeavour to create a tempo and platform to unite the Urhobo nation working closely with the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU.
“I am hungry for the development of my area and it is this drive that is motivating me to run in the forthcoming senatorial by-election.”
Edoja is a former House of Representatives member.
He said: “I can also assure my people that I will build on those things late Senator Pius Ewherido did that endeared him to the people.”
Sapele — Following speculations that trailed the sudden death of the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Pius Ewherido, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Chief Ighoyota Amori, who doubles as the National Chairman of Urhobo Political Congress, UPC, has denied claims in some quarters linking him to Ewherido’s death.
Amori also denied any link with the cause of the ailing business mogul and multi-millionaire of Urhobo extraction, Chief Charles Obule, who is currently down with paralysis.
He said that he was innocent of the condition that befell the two men, describing the relationship he had with Ewherido as cordial.
Amori spoke at an event in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, where he declared his intention to contest the forthcoming Delta Central by-election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to fill the vacuum created by the death of Ewherido.
He asked Urhobo to send him to the Senate where he intends to bring “succour to the marginalisation and pains of the people at the national level of government,” given his performances in the affairs of the state government and his faithfulness to PDP and Governor Uduaghan.
He said: “The last time I saw Ewherido was September 2012 in USA during Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, event. Have you ever read anything I published against Ewherido or any he published against me in the newspapers?
“We were to meet at Owhorode of Olomu birthday, but as he was going out, I was coming in.”
He said late Ewherido told him of his intention to run for the governorship of the state in US, where he asked him (Amori) to support him.
... as another Delta Central aspirant make promises
BY FESTUS AHON
UGHELLI—A senatorial aspirant in Delta Central Senatorial District by-election, Mr. Solomon Edoja, yesterday, said that he would ensure the delineation of more federal constituencies from the district if voted into the Senate.
Edoja, in a chat with newsmen in his Ughelli residence, said that Urhobo was the fifth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
“However, Urhobo is not being given its fair share in the political scheme of things.
“I am prepared to pave way for a smooth relationship based on justice with other ethnic groups in the country.
“I will also endeavour to create a tempo and platform to unite the Urhobo nation working closely with the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU.
“I am hungry for the development of my area and it is this drive that is motivating me to run in the forthcoming senatorial by-election.”
Edoja is a former House of Representatives member.
He said: “I can also assure my people that I will build on those things late Senator Pius Ewherido did that endeared him to the people.”
Imo's abortion law still in force despite Okorocha's apology - CLERIC
By CHIDI NKWOPARA
OWERRI — Despite Governor Rochas Okorocha’s recant on the Imo State’s abortion law, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, said yesterday, that the campaign against the legislation was not yet over, noting that the Gender and Equal Opportunity Law signed by Chief Achike Udenwa in 2007 was still in force.
Obinna made his view known while reacting to Okorocha’s public apology and the executive bill he forwarded to the legislature for amendment of the controversial abortion law he signed on May 29, 2011.
Archbishop Obinna said: “Nobody should be fooled by what the governor did last Tuesday. Imo State is still under the firm grip of the abortion law signed by Chief Achike Udenwa in 2007.”
[caption id="attachment_411260" align="alignnone" width="412"]
Gov Okorocha[/caption]
Section 18 (e) of Law No. 7 of 2007 read: “Medical termination in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the health of the mother or the married girl child on the advice of a medical doctor”.
While noting other vexatious sections in the laws signed by both Udenwa and Okorocha, the Archbishop also opined that the best thing to do about a bad law was to repeal it completely.
Chairman, Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, ACMPN, Dr. Phillip Njemanze, described Okorocha’s move as “deceptive”.
He said the abortion law in the state remained in force, even with the repeal of Law 12 of 2011, despite the apology tendered by Governor Okorocha and the House of Assembly’s Deputy Speaker, Mr. Donatus Ozoemena.
He argued that pregnancy was not a disease which, under the circumstances, would have to be terminated to regain health.
Njemanze also stressed that Law number 7 failed to define what it meant by “health”, adding that “even headache could be assessed as a threat, hence this law provides for legalization of abortion at any time during the nine months of pregnancy under the term, medical termination.
OWERRI — Despite Governor Rochas Okorocha’s recant on the Imo State’s abortion law, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, said yesterday, that the campaign against the legislation was not yet over, noting that the Gender and Equal Opportunity Law signed by Chief Achike Udenwa in 2007 was still in force.
Obinna made his view known while reacting to Okorocha’s public apology and the executive bill he forwarded to the legislature for amendment of the controversial abortion law he signed on May 29, 2011.
Archbishop Obinna said: “Nobody should be fooled by what the governor did last Tuesday. Imo State is still under the firm grip of the abortion law signed by Chief Achike Udenwa in 2007.”
[caption id="attachment_411260" align="alignnone" width="412"]
Gov Okorocha[/caption]Section 18 (e) of Law No. 7 of 2007 read: “Medical termination in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the health of the mother or the married girl child on the advice of a medical doctor”.
While noting other vexatious sections in the laws signed by both Udenwa and Okorocha, the Archbishop also opined that the best thing to do about a bad law was to repeal it completely.
Chairman, Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, ACMPN, Dr. Phillip Njemanze, described Okorocha’s move as “deceptive”.
He said the abortion law in the state remained in force, even with the repeal of Law 12 of 2011, despite the apology tendered by Governor Okorocha and the House of Assembly’s Deputy Speaker, Mr. Donatus Ozoemena.
He argued that pregnancy was not a disease which, under the circumstances, would have to be terminated to regain health.
Njemanze also stressed that Law number 7 failed to define what it meant by “health”, adding that “even headache could be assessed as a threat, hence this law provides for legalization of abortion at any time during the nine months of pregnancy under the term, medical termination.
Ohanaeze decries imposition of multiple taxation on traders in Lagos
By NKIRUKA NNOROM
Lagos — Igbo youths, under the aegis of Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, have condemned the multiple taxation imposed on traders by Lagos State Government.
They also condemned the constant closure of markets on flimsy excuses by the government and recent imposition of one Alhaji Abibu Oladotun Oki as Babaloja of All Mushin Motor Spare Parts Markets (Ladipo market).
The youths, in a statement issued by OYC’s Secretary, Board of Trustees, Mazi Okwu Okwu, said: “We have watched the Lagos State Government’s anti-poor and anti-Igbo policies of Governor Raji Fashola, ranging from unlawful deportation, detention, multiple taxation, displacement of Igbos from their places of business to incessant harassment and closure of Igbo interest-dominated markets.
“Until the coming of Mr. Fashola, and his predecessor, Senator Bola Tinubu, Lagos had been an enabling and business-friendly haven for the Igbos and other non-Yoruba ethnic nationalities.
“The Igbos are through legalisation of illegalities and fraudulent financial regimes, made to bear the burdens of financing Lagos budgets and projects to the detriment of their respective business interests.
“Igbo dominated markets in Mushin and other areas of Lagos had under the veil of not carrying out sanitation been closed, only for the Igbos to be made to pay millions of naira before reopening them.”
On imposition of Babaloja on Ladipo market traders, the youths wondered why a Yoruba man would be made leader of a market exclusively developed and long operated by the Igbo people, even in the face of Ndi Igbo market leaderships, headed by president-generals?
“In view of this, we call on Governor Fashola’s government to leave Ndi Igbo alone, since its actions and selective policies are exposing the Igbo nation to internal social phobia not good for Igbo-Yoruba relationship.”
Lagos — Igbo youths, under the aegis of Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, have condemned the multiple taxation imposed on traders by Lagos State Government.
They also condemned the constant closure of markets on flimsy excuses by the government and recent imposition of one Alhaji Abibu Oladotun Oki as Babaloja of All Mushin Motor Spare Parts Markets (Ladipo market).
The youths, in a statement issued by OYC’s Secretary, Board of Trustees, Mazi Okwu Okwu, said: “We have watched the Lagos State Government’s anti-poor and anti-Igbo policies of Governor Raji Fashola, ranging from unlawful deportation, detention, multiple taxation, displacement of Igbos from their places of business to incessant harassment and closure of Igbo interest-dominated markets.
“Until the coming of Mr. Fashola, and his predecessor, Senator Bola Tinubu, Lagos had been an enabling and business-friendly haven for the Igbos and other non-Yoruba ethnic nationalities.
“The Igbos are through legalisation of illegalities and fraudulent financial regimes, made to bear the burdens of financing Lagos budgets and projects to the detriment of their respective business interests.
“Igbo dominated markets in Mushin and other areas of Lagos had under the veil of not carrying out sanitation been closed, only for the Igbos to be made to pay millions of naira before reopening them.”
On imposition of Babaloja on Ladipo market traders, the youths wondered why a Yoruba man would be made leader of a market exclusively developed and long operated by the Igbo people, even in the face of Ndi Igbo market leaderships, headed by president-generals?
“In view of this, we call on Governor Fashola’s government to leave Ndi Igbo alone, since its actions and selective policies are exposing the Igbo nation to internal social phobia not good for Igbo-Yoruba relationship.”
Pro-Suntai lawmakers disown Uzodinma, reject PDP terms
By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North, & John Mkom
ABUJA — Barely 24 hours after Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said it had resolved the political crisis in Taraba State, eight members of the House of Assembly, who are loyal to the ailing governor, have rejected the peace move brokered by the party.
The eight lawmakers, led by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr. Joseph Kunini, met in Jalingo, the state capital, yesterday, and renounced the action of the PDP fact-finding panel, headed by Senator Hope Uzodinma.
They accused him of working in concert with the state deputy governor, Garba Umar, to cause more problems for the state.
[caption id="attachment_410860" align="alignnone" width="412"]
File: Suntai at the airport[/caption]
The pro-Suntai lawmakers told journalists that they had to openly dissociate themselves with the decisions arrived at by the Uzodinma panel because the team could not provide solutions to the problems plaguing the state.
The lawmakers, in a prepared statement read by Kunini, said: “We are miffed by Senator Uzodinma’s dubious misadventure and his cocktail of contradictions, which he clearly displayed yesterday at the end of the visit of the fact-finding committee.
Constitutional crisis
“Senator Uzodinma’s hurriedly contrived solution to the constitutional crisis in Taraba State turned out not only poisonous but has left the entire state in more confusion than it has been in recent times.
“Well-meaning Nigerians have expressed the fact that the solution to the problems lies in strict adherence to the Constitution.
“Even a member of the PDP panel and Political Adviser to the President, Ahmed Gulak, has quoted the Presidency as saying that the issue is a constitutional matter.”
While accusing Uzodinma of implementing a hidden agenda hatched by the PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur against Suntai, the lawmakers, warned the party to respect a court order that had already restrained the team from going further with its assignment as far as Taraba was concerned.
They said that they were shocked to discover that the Senator still went to the United States to assess the health condition of the governor and came back to Jalingo to give a verdict that Suntai’s deputy should continue to act as governor despite the subsisting court order barring it from working on the Taraba matter.
The lawmakers insisted that Suntai had completed the process of taking over the mantle of leadership with the transmission of the letter of resumption of work and did not need any other steps to fulfill the constitutional provision on the matter.
Fault Tukur
They accused Tukur of using the Uzodinma Committee to do the bidding of the acting governor, who they claim, wanted to take over through the back door while Suntai was hale and hearty to do his job.
They said: “It is instructive to note that the Deputy Governor, Garba Umar, flew in the Uzodinma team from Abuja. On arrival, they held a closed-door meeting at the airport and later went straight to the exco chambers of the Government House.
“They were about to commence their business when they realised that they should have first of all paid a visit to the Executive Governor, Danbaba Suntai.
“After their visit to Suntai, Uzodinma said that the governor was hale and hearty and did not need to go to the market square for people to know that he was okay.
“But in what is now the most dubious thing to happen to democracy in Nigeria, Uzodinma announced a power-sharing arrangement whereby he gave the deputy governor the task of continuing to run the state, while Suntai remains as the ceremonial head.
“This is totally unconstitutional and designed to benefit Umar in his relentless quest to unseat his boss, Governor Suntai, who was democratically elected by the overwhelming Tarabians.
“It is obvious that Uzodinma was not interested in deep-seated solutions, but mercantile and narrow arrangement capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order. He was clearly not interested in peaceful reconciliation based on party supremacy.
“We want to unequivocally state that the solution to the leadership crisis lies in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. This is the supreme document, which forms the basis of our common existence and as a nation and guarantees our democracy.
“It portends great danger if a sensitive Constitutional matter of this nature is handled with political manipulation or at whims and caprice of certain individuals and groups.
“We want to believe that there is an agenda beyond our lenses, otherwise other state governors have been away on medical grounds for even longer periods to unknown destinations yet no issues were raised.
‘Due process ignored’
“We viciously reject the verdict of Senator Hope Uzodinma team, assuming but not conceding that there was no court order against the Uzodinma team, the committee ought to have reported back to the party before decisions are taken.
“We want to strongly call on our President Goodluck Jonathan, who himself has shown unprecedented maturity in handling similar situations in the past as deputy governor and Vice President, to use his wealth of experience and authority to ensure the matter is settled as provided by the Constitution.
“We also urge Tarabians and other Nigerians to disregard Senator Uzodinma Committee’s pronouncement on Taraba State as it lacks the power to do so.”
Signatories
Apart from Kunini, others who signed the document were, Charles Maijankai, Haruna Gbana, Abel Diah, Daniel Gani, Mark Useni, Charles Audu and Gambo Maikudi.
Lending his voice to the state lawmakers, a member of the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, and close ally of Suntai, said that it was wrong for the acting governor, Garba Umar to plan a ‘coup’ against his boss with a view to taking over from him through the backdoor.
Bwacha said Uzodinma’s visit was stage-managed by Umar to enable him actualise his agenda of taking over from Suntai, when he was still alive and able to discharge his duties.
He noted that what Uzodinma did was wrong and unconstitutional and could, therefore, not stand as the position of the party.
‘What we want’
Bwacha said: “What we want is absolute adherence to the constitution and not a stage-managed decision to fit into a hidden agenda by Umar and his group against Suntai.”
It is not clear if Suntai was able to discuss with members of the team, who visited the state on Tuesday, as the visit was restricted to a secret location in his house.
The members later emerged and asked Umar to continue acting based on their assessment of the governor’s health condition.
It was learnt that while the governor was willing to step aside to take care of his health, desperate loyalists led by some close aides were urging him not to surrender his exalted position, as they were ready to rule by proxy, a development that PDP was opposed to.
ABUJA — Barely 24 hours after Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said it had resolved the political crisis in Taraba State, eight members of the House of Assembly, who are loyal to the ailing governor, have rejected the peace move brokered by the party.
The eight lawmakers, led by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr. Joseph Kunini, met in Jalingo, the state capital, yesterday, and renounced the action of the PDP fact-finding panel, headed by Senator Hope Uzodinma.
They accused him of working in concert with the state deputy governor, Garba Umar, to cause more problems for the state.
[caption id="attachment_410860" align="alignnone" width="412"]
File: Suntai at the airport[/caption]The pro-Suntai lawmakers told journalists that they had to openly dissociate themselves with the decisions arrived at by the Uzodinma panel because the team could not provide solutions to the problems plaguing the state.
The lawmakers, in a prepared statement read by Kunini, said: “We are miffed by Senator Uzodinma’s dubious misadventure and his cocktail of contradictions, which he clearly displayed yesterday at the end of the visit of the fact-finding committee.
Constitutional crisis
“Senator Uzodinma’s hurriedly contrived solution to the constitutional crisis in Taraba State turned out not only poisonous but has left the entire state in more confusion than it has been in recent times.
“Well-meaning Nigerians have expressed the fact that the solution to the problems lies in strict adherence to the Constitution.
“Even a member of the PDP panel and Political Adviser to the President, Ahmed Gulak, has quoted the Presidency as saying that the issue is a constitutional matter.”
While accusing Uzodinma of implementing a hidden agenda hatched by the PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur against Suntai, the lawmakers, warned the party to respect a court order that had already restrained the team from going further with its assignment as far as Taraba was concerned.
They said that they were shocked to discover that the Senator still went to the United States to assess the health condition of the governor and came back to Jalingo to give a verdict that Suntai’s deputy should continue to act as governor despite the subsisting court order barring it from working on the Taraba matter.
The lawmakers insisted that Suntai had completed the process of taking over the mantle of leadership with the transmission of the letter of resumption of work and did not need any other steps to fulfill the constitutional provision on the matter.
Fault Tukur
They accused Tukur of using the Uzodinma Committee to do the bidding of the acting governor, who they claim, wanted to take over through the back door while Suntai was hale and hearty to do his job.
They said: “It is instructive to note that the Deputy Governor, Garba Umar, flew in the Uzodinma team from Abuja. On arrival, they held a closed-door meeting at the airport and later went straight to the exco chambers of the Government House.
“They were about to commence their business when they realised that they should have first of all paid a visit to the Executive Governor, Danbaba Suntai.
“After their visit to Suntai, Uzodinma said that the governor was hale and hearty and did not need to go to the market square for people to know that he was okay.
“But in what is now the most dubious thing to happen to democracy in Nigeria, Uzodinma announced a power-sharing arrangement whereby he gave the deputy governor the task of continuing to run the state, while Suntai remains as the ceremonial head.
“This is totally unconstitutional and designed to benefit Umar in his relentless quest to unseat his boss, Governor Suntai, who was democratically elected by the overwhelming Tarabians.
“It is obvious that Uzodinma was not interested in deep-seated solutions, but mercantile and narrow arrangement capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order. He was clearly not interested in peaceful reconciliation based on party supremacy.
“We want to unequivocally state that the solution to the leadership crisis lies in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. This is the supreme document, which forms the basis of our common existence and as a nation and guarantees our democracy.
“It portends great danger if a sensitive Constitutional matter of this nature is handled with political manipulation or at whims and caprice of certain individuals and groups.
“We want to believe that there is an agenda beyond our lenses, otherwise other state governors have been away on medical grounds for even longer periods to unknown destinations yet no issues were raised.
‘Due process ignored’
“We viciously reject the verdict of Senator Hope Uzodinma team, assuming but not conceding that there was no court order against the Uzodinma team, the committee ought to have reported back to the party before decisions are taken.
“We want to strongly call on our President Goodluck Jonathan, who himself has shown unprecedented maturity in handling similar situations in the past as deputy governor and Vice President, to use his wealth of experience and authority to ensure the matter is settled as provided by the Constitution.
“We also urge Tarabians and other Nigerians to disregard Senator Uzodinma Committee’s pronouncement on Taraba State as it lacks the power to do so.”
Signatories
Apart from Kunini, others who signed the document were, Charles Maijankai, Haruna Gbana, Abel Diah, Daniel Gani, Mark Useni, Charles Audu and Gambo Maikudi.
Lending his voice to the state lawmakers, a member of the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, and close ally of Suntai, said that it was wrong for the acting governor, Garba Umar to plan a ‘coup’ against his boss with a view to taking over from him through the backdoor.
Bwacha said Uzodinma’s visit was stage-managed by Umar to enable him actualise his agenda of taking over from Suntai, when he was still alive and able to discharge his duties.
He noted that what Uzodinma did was wrong and unconstitutional and could, therefore, not stand as the position of the party.
‘What we want’
Bwacha said: “What we want is absolute adherence to the constitution and not a stage-managed decision to fit into a hidden agenda by Umar and his group against Suntai.”
It is not clear if Suntai was able to discuss with members of the team, who visited the state on Tuesday, as the visit was restricted to a secret location in his house.
The members later emerged and asked Umar to continue acting based on their assessment of the governor’s health condition.
It was learnt that while the governor was willing to step aside to take care of his health, desperate loyalists led by some close aides were urging him not to surrender his exalted position, as they were ready to rule by proxy, a development that PDP was opposed to.
APGA not fielding candidate in Anambra guber poll, says party scribe
By PETER OKUTU
ABAKALIKI — THE All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA yesterday declared that the party lacked the constitutional capacity to field candidate for the forthcoming 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bernard Akoma, the party insisted that any candidate fielded during the election would be disqualified if his or her candidature was challenged by the opposition in any court of law.
According to him, the APGA led by Chief Maxi Okwu has already dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present a candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
His words: “Despite the emergence of Dr. Obiano as the Victor Umeh/Peter Obi-led APGA candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, the party may after all contest the governorship race in the state.
“The sharp division in the party notwithstanding should Umeh-led APGA faction goes ahead to endorse any candidate for the election, such candidate stands to be disqualified if his candidature is challenged in any court of law.
“APGA constitution states that a person is entitled to occupy any position in the party for a maximum of two tenures of four years each.
“The current national secretary of APGA, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, was elected the Secretary of the party January 10, 2003. By August 2013, Shinkafi will be spending his 10th year and seven months in the same position as the secretary of the party.
“This is over two clear years above his statutory right to such office in the party. Should the same Shinkafi and Umeh who was also not properly elected to the office of the national chairman according to the constitution of the party forward any candidate’s name to INEC for recognition, it will amount to building a house on sand dome.”
“This is because anything that is erected on illegality can hardly stand the test of time. For instance, President Olusegun Obasanjo cannot endorse document on behalf of the Nigeria government after exhausting his tenure stipulated by law.
“Should Umeh/Obi APGA continue to play ostrich, they may just be wetting the ground for the aggrieved members of the party as well as its opponents who are just waiting to sue the ass out the life of the party. Already the All Progressives Grand Alliance led by Chief Maxi Okwu has dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
“In suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/563/2013 dated 18th August, 2013 filed by Oba Maduabuchi, lawyer to Maxi Okwu and four others elected with him in the party’s national convention on 8th April, 2013 in Awka, the plaintiffs averred that the APGA convention and election on 10th February 2011, in Awka in which Umeh was re-elected National Chairman and Shinkafi National Secretary including other members of the National Working Committee was by voice vote contrary to Article 18(4) of the party constitution that stipulates elections shall be by secret ballots only.
“The plaintiffs also asked the court to determine, “Whether the 2nd defendant (Shinkafi) can still validly occupy the position of National Secretary of APGA in 2013 when the constitution of the party providesa maximum tenure of eight years and he was first elected as National Secretary of the party on 10th January 2013, ten years ago.
“The plaintiffs prayed the court for an order directing Umeh, Shinkafi and all the officers purportedly elected with them in February 2011 national convention by voice vote to vacate their various offices as their “election” was not in accordance with Article 18(4) of the APGA constitution which prescribes that elections shall be by secret ballot”.
ABAKALIKI — THE All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA yesterday declared that the party lacked the constitutional capacity to field candidate for the forthcoming 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bernard Akoma, the party insisted that any candidate fielded during the election would be disqualified if his or her candidature was challenged by the opposition in any court of law.
According to him, the APGA led by Chief Maxi Okwu has already dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present a candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
His words: “Despite the emergence of Dr. Obiano as the Victor Umeh/Peter Obi-led APGA candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, the party may after all contest the governorship race in the state.
“The sharp division in the party notwithstanding should Umeh-led APGA faction goes ahead to endorse any candidate for the election, such candidate stands to be disqualified if his candidature is challenged in any court of law.
“APGA constitution states that a person is entitled to occupy any position in the party for a maximum of two tenures of four years each.
“The current national secretary of APGA, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, was elected the Secretary of the party January 10, 2003. By August 2013, Shinkafi will be spending his 10th year and seven months in the same position as the secretary of the party.
“This is over two clear years above his statutory right to such office in the party. Should the same Shinkafi and Umeh who was also not properly elected to the office of the national chairman according to the constitution of the party forward any candidate’s name to INEC for recognition, it will amount to building a house on sand dome.”
“This is because anything that is erected on illegality can hardly stand the test of time. For instance, President Olusegun Obasanjo cannot endorse document on behalf of the Nigeria government after exhausting his tenure stipulated by law.
“Should Umeh/Obi APGA continue to play ostrich, they may just be wetting the ground for the aggrieved members of the party as well as its opponents who are just waiting to sue the ass out the life of the party. Already the All Progressives Grand Alliance led by Chief Maxi Okwu has dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
“In suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/563/2013 dated 18th August, 2013 filed by Oba Maduabuchi, lawyer to Maxi Okwu and four others elected with him in the party’s national convention on 8th April, 2013 in Awka, the plaintiffs averred that the APGA convention and election on 10th February 2011, in Awka in which Umeh was re-elected National Chairman and Shinkafi National Secretary including other members of the National Working Committee was by voice vote contrary to Article 18(4) of the party constitution that stipulates elections shall be by secret ballots only.
“The plaintiffs also asked the court to determine, “Whether the 2nd defendant (Shinkafi) can still validly occupy the position of National Secretary of APGA in 2013 when the constitution of the party providesa maximum tenure of eight years and he was first elected as National Secretary of the party on 10th January 2013, ten years ago.
“The plaintiffs prayed the court for an order directing Umeh, Shinkafi and all the officers purportedly elected with them in February 2011 national convention by voice vote to vacate their various offices as their “election” was not in accordance with Article 18(4) of the APGA constitution which prescribes that elections shall be by secret ballot”.
We're marginalised, Etche people cry out
By JIMITOTA ONOYUME
PORT HARCOURT — THE people of Etche in Rivers State have decried what they termed their continued marginalisation by the Federal and Rivers State governments.
Chairman, Etche Heritage, Dr. Acho Nwokogba, said it was sad that the area was yet to feel the impact of oil that was discovered in commercial quantity over five decades ago.
He said: “It is noteworthy to state that crude oil was struck in commercial quantity in Umuechem community in 1958, barely a year after it was discovered in commercial quantity in Oloibiri.
“Despite Etche's contributions, when it comes to sharing of dividends of good governance, such as political appointments, and federal presence, in terms of infrastructure and human capital development, the people are left out.”
PORT HARCOURT — THE people of Etche in Rivers State have decried what they termed their continued marginalisation by the Federal and Rivers State governments.
Chairman, Etche Heritage, Dr. Acho Nwokogba, said it was sad that the area was yet to feel the impact of oil that was discovered in commercial quantity over five decades ago.
He said: “It is noteworthy to state that crude oil was struck in commercial quantity in Umuechem community in 1958, barely a year after it was discovered in commercial quantity in Oloibiri.
“Despite Etche's contributions, when it comes to sharing of dividends of good governance, such as political appointments, and federal presence, in terms of infrastructure and human capital development, the people are left out.”
APGA not fielding candidate in Anambra guber poll, says party scribe
By PETER OKUTU
ABAKALIKI—THE All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA yesterday declared that the party lacked the constitutional capacity to field candidate for the forthcoming 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bernard Akoma, the party insisted that any candidate fielded during the election would be disqualified if his or her candidature was challenged by the opposition in any court of law.
According to him, the APGA led by Chief Maxi Okwu has already dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present a candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
His words: “Despite the emergence of Dr. Obiano as the Victor Umeh/Peter Obi-led APGA candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, the party may after all contest the governorship race in the state.
“The sharp division in the party notwithstanding should Umeh-led APGA faction goes ahead to endorse any candidate for the election, such candidate stands to be disqualified if his candidature is challenged
in any court of law.
“APGA constitution states that a person is entitled to occupy any position in the party for a maximum of two tenures of four years each.
“The current national secretary of APGA, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, was elected the Secretary of the party January 10, 2003. By August 2013, Shinkafi will be spending his 10th year and seven months in the same position as the secretary of the party.
“This is over two clear years above his statutory right to such office in the party. Should the same Shinkafi and Umeh who was also not properly elected to the office of the national chairman according to the constitution of the party forward any candidate’s name to INEC for recognition, it will amount to building a house on sand dome.”
“This is because anything that is erected on illegality can hardly stand the test of time. For instance, President Olusegun Obasanjo cannot endorse document on behalf of the Nigeria government after
exhausting his tenure stipulated by law.
“Should Umeh/Obi APGA continue to play ostrich, they may just be wetting the ground for the aggrieved members of the party as well as its opponents who are just waiting to sue the ass out the life of the party. Already the All Progressives Grand Alliance led by Chief Maxi Okwu has dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
“In suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/563/2013 dated 18th August, 2013 filed by Oba Maduabuchi, lawyer to Maxi Okwu and four others elected with him in the party’s national convention on 8th April, 2013 in Awka, the plaintiffs averred that the APGA convention and election on 10th February 2011, in Awka in which Umeh was re-elected National Chairman and Shinkafi National Secretary including other members of the National Working Committee was by voice vote contrary to Article 18(4) of the party constitution that stipulates elections shall be by secret ballots only.
“The plaintiffs also asked the court to determine, “Whether the 2nd defendant (Shinkafi) can still validly occupy the position of National Secretary of APGA in 2013 when the constitution of the party providesa maximum tenure of eight years and he was first elected as National Secretary of the party on 10th January 2013, ten years ago.
“The plaintiffs prayed the court for an order directing Umeh, Shinkafi and all the officers purportedly elected with them in February 2011 national convention by voice vote to vacate their various offices as
their “election” was not in accordance with Article 18(4) of the APGA constitution which prescribes that elections shall be by secret ballot”.
ABAKALIKI—THE All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA yesterday declared that the party lacked the constitutional capacity to field candidate for the forthcoming 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bernard Akoma, the party insisted that any candidate fielded during the election would be disqualified if his or her candidature was challenged by the opposition in any court of law.
According to him, the APGA led by Chief Maxi Okwu has already dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present a candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
His words: “Despite the emergence of Dr. Obiano as the Victor Umeh/Peter Obi-led APGA candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, the party may after all contest the governorship race in the state.
“The sharp division in the party notwithstanding should Umeh-led APGA faction goes ahead to endorse any candidate for the election, such candidate stands to be disqualified if his candidature is challenged
in any court of law.
“APGA constitution states that a person is entitled to occupy any position in the party for a maximum of two tenures of four years each.
“The current national secretary of APGA, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, was elected the Secretary of the party January 10, 2003. By August 2013, Shinkafi will be spending his 10th year and seven months in the same position as the secretary of the party.
“This is over two clear years above his statutory right to such office in the party. Should the same Shinkafi and Umeh who was also not properly elected to the office of the national chairman according to the constitution of the party forward any candidate’s name to INEC for recognition, it will amount to building a house on sand dome.”
“This is because anything that is erected on illegality can hardly stand the test of time. For instance, President Olusegun Obasanjo cannot endorse document on behalf of the Nigeria government after
exhausting his tenure stipulated by law.
“Should Umeh/Obi APGA continue to play ostrich, they may just be wetting the ground for the aggrieved members of the party as well as its opponents who are just waiting to sue the ass out the life of the party. Already the All Progressives Grand Alliance led by Chief Maxi Okwu has dragged Chief Victor Umeh, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging their eligibility to present candidate for APGA in the Anambra poll.
“In suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/563/2013 dated 18th August, 2013 filed by Oba Maduabuchi, lawyer to Maxi Okwu and four others elected with him in the party’s national convention on 8th April, 2013 in Awka, the plaintiffs averred that the APGA convention and election on 10th February 2011, in Awka in which Umeh was re-elected National Chairman and Shinkafi National Secretary including other members of the National Working Committee was by voice vote contrary to Article 18(4) of the party constitution that stipulates elections shall be by secret ballots only.
“The plaintiffs also asked the court to determine, “Whether the 2nd defendant (Shinkafi) can still validly occupy the position of National Secretary of APGA in 2013 when the constitution of the party providesa maximum tenure of eight years and he was first elected as National Secretary of the party on 10th January 2013, ten years ago.
“The plaintiffs prayed the court for an order directing Umeh, Shinkafi and all the officers purportedly elected with them in February 2011 national convention by voice vote to vacate their various offices as
their “election” was not in accordance with Article 18(4) of the APGA constitution which prescribes that elections shall be by secret ballot”.
Offa rerun: PDP councillorship candidate rejects victory
By DEMOLA AKINYEMI
ILORIN — Controversy trailing last weekend re-run election in Offa local government area of Kwara State took a strange dimension, yesterday, when one of the councillor ship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Shao South West Ward, Mr Jimoh Afolabi Olawole, earlier declared winner alongside others by Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, KWASIEC, said he did not win the election.
Similarly, former chairman of Offa local government, Prince Saheed Popoola of All Progressive Congress, APC, also called on stakeholders in the nation’s polity to prevail on KWASIEC to release the alleged authentic results which he claimed he won as the chairman with all the councillors of the party.
The councillor at a briefing said his rejection of the victory awarded to him by KWASIEC became necessary because as a true son of Offa, he stood for equity and justice, stressing that one day everyone would account for his deeds before God almighty.
According to him, “I did not win that election. In all the eight polling units, APC won convincingly, we did not win. I am a loyal member of the PDP, but first and foremost I am a Muslim and as a person I won’t allow anyone to take what belong to me neither will I take what belong to another person.”
The embattled APC chairmanship candidate, also said that he would do everything possible, “within the ambit of law and our democratic rights to retrieve this mandate and exercise it to the benefit of the people of Offa and the glory of God. We shall not rest, we shall not sleep and we will not be tired until the people’s mandate is respected and the rightful candidate is sworn in. It is going to be a long struggle, but we are ready for it in the most decent manner. We have petitioned Radio Kwara for breaching the electoral laws by announcing the results when it should have been announced at the polling centres.
"We have also petitioned KWASIEC for making itself an appendage of PDP. In the next one month, I can say that we will get them out of that place by all legal means because the place does not belong to them.”
ILORIN — Controversy trailing last weekend re-run election in Offa local government area of Kwara State took a strange dimension, yesterday, when one of the councillor ship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Shao South West Ward, Mr Jimoh Afolabi Olawole, earlier declared winner alongside others by Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, KWASIEC, said he did not win the election.
Similarly, former chairman of Offa local government, Prince Saheed Popoola of All Progressive Congress, APC, also called on stakeholders in the nation’s polity to prevail on KWASIEC to release the alleged authentic results which he claimed he won as the chairman with all the councillors of the party.
The councillor at a briefing said his rejection of the victory awarded to him by KWASIEC became necessary because as a true son of Offa, he stood for equity and justice, stressing that one day everyone would account for his deeds before God almighty.
According to him, “I did not win that election. In all the eight polling units, APC won convincingly, we did not win. I am a loyal member of the PDP, but first and foremost I am a Muslim and as a person I won’t allow anyone to take what belong to me neither will I take what belong to another person.”
The embattled APC chairmanship candidate, also said that he would do everything possible, “within the ambit of law and our democratic rights to retrieve this mandate and exercise it to the benefit of the people of Offa and the glory of God. We shall not rest, we shall not sleep and we will not be tired until the people’s mandate is respected and the rightful candidate is sworn in. It is going to be a long struggle, but we are ready for it in the most decent manner. We have petitioned Radio Kwara for breaching the electoral laws by announcing the results when it should have been announced at the polling centres.
"We have also petitioned KWASIEC for making itself an appendage of PDP. In the next one month, I can say that we will get them out of that place by all legal means because the place does not belong to them.”
Union Homes Plc depositors' beg FG to intervene in bank's strike palaver
By CALEB AYANSINA
ABUJA — As Union Homes Saving and Loans Plc, remains grounded due to industrial unrest that has crippled activities of the bank nationwide for over a month as a result of unpaid salaries and other benefits to workers, depositors have called on the Federal Government to intervene to save the leading mortgage institution from imminent collapse.
Speaking on behalf of the depositors under the auspices of Public Welfare Support Organisation, its coordinator, Kemi Komolafe said the strike by workers has adversely affecting the business operations of the institutions as depositors’ money had been trapped.
Komolafe lamented the inability of the management to resolve the crisis that led to the strike, knowing well that closing the bank for a day would affect its customers.
She wondered why the bank could be closed for over a month without Nigerians talking about it, noting that if it were the conventional commercial banks that had been on strike there would have been an outcry.
According to her, “we are losing our customers too, because we cannot meet up with their demand for lack of fund, our families are suffering because our monies are trapped.
"Please we call on the Federal Government to intervene, we have expressed our concern to the management but nothing is done yet.”
She expressed regret that depositors with bulk finance stake in the bank but could not access it since the strike began.
It would be recalled that workers under the aegis of Association of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, and other allies of labour shut down the operations of the bank nationwide, including the headquarters about four weeks, alleging among others, wrongfully termination of the employment of 400 workers without paying their entitlements.
ABUJA — As Union Homes Saving and Loans Plc, remains grounded due to industrial unrest that has crippled activities of the bank nationwide for over a month as a result of unpaid salaries and other benefits to workers, depositors have called on the Federal Government to intervene to save the leading mortgage institution from imminent collapse.
Speaking on behalf of the depositors under the auspices of Public Welfare Support Organisation, its coordinator, Kemi Komolafe said the strike by workers has adversely affecting the business operations of the institutions as depositors’ money had been trapped.
Komolafe lamented the inability of the management to resolve the crisis that led to the strike, knowing well that closing the bank for a day would affect its customers.
She wondered why the bank could be closed for over a month without Nigerians talking about it, noting that if it were the conventional commercial banks that had been on strike there would have been an outcry.
According to her, “we are losing our customers too, because we cannot meet up with their demand for lack of fund, our families are suffering because our monies are trapped.
"Please we call on the Federal Government to intervene, we have expressed our concern to the management but nothing is done yet.”
She expressed regret that depositors with bulk finance stake in the bank but could not access it since the strike began.
It would be recalled that workers under the aegis of Association of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, and other allies of labour shut down the operations of the bank nationwide, including the headquarters about four weeks, alleging among others, wrongfully termination of the employment of 400 workers without paying their entitlements.
Union Homes depositors' beg FG to intervene in bank's strike palaver
By CALEB AYANSINA
ABUJA— As Union Homes Saving and Loans Plc, remains grounded due to industrial unrest that has crippled activities of the bank nationwide for over a month as a result of unpaid salaries and other benefits to workers, depositors have called on the Federal Government to intervene to save the leading mortgage institution from imminent collapse.
Speaking on behalf of the depositors under the auspices of Public Welfare Support Organisation, its coordinator, Kemi Komolafe said the strike by workers has adversely affecting the business operations of the institutions as depositors’ money had been trapped.
Komolafe lamented the inability of the management to resolve the crisis that led to the strike, knowing well that closing the bank for a day would affect its customers.
She wondered why the bank could be closed for over a month without Nigerians talking about it, noting that if it were the conventional commercial banks that had been on strike there would have been an outcry.
According to her, “we are losing our customers too, because we cannot meet up with their demand for lack of fund, our families are suffering because our monies are trapped.
"Please we call on the Federal Government to intervene, we have expressed our concern to the management but nothing is done yet.”
She expressed regret that depositors with bulk finance stake in the bank but could not access it since the strike began.
It would be recalled that workers under the aegis of Association of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, and other allies of labour shut down the operations of the bank nationwide, including the headquarters about four weeks, alleging among others, wrongfully termination of the employment of 400 workers without paying their entitlements.
ABUJA— As Union Homes Saving and Loans Plc, remains grounded due to industrial unrest that has crippled activities of the bank nationwide for over a month as a result of unpaid salaries and other benefits to workers, depositors have called on the Federal Government to intervene to save the leading mortgage institution from imminent collapse.
Speaking on behalf of the depositors under the auspices of Public Welfare Support Organisation, its coordinator, Kemi Komolafe said the strike by workers has adversely affecting the business operations of the institutions as depositors’ money had been trapped.
Komolafe lamented the inability of the management to resolve the crisis that led to the strike, knowing well that closing the bank for a day would affect its customers.
She wondered why the bank could be closed for over a month without Nigerians talking about it, noting that if it were the conventional commercial banks that had been on strike there would have been an outcry.
According to her, “we are losing our customers too, because we cannot meet up with their demand for lack of fund, our families are suffering because our monies are trapped.
"Please we call on the Federal Government to intervene, we have expressed our concern to the management but nothing is done yet.”
She expressed regret that depositors with bulk finance stake in the bank but could not access it since the strike began.
It would be recalled that workers under the aegis of Association of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, and other allies of labour shut down the operations of the bank nationwide, including the headquarters about four weeks, alleging among others, wrongfully termination of the employment of 400 workers without paying their entitlements.
Group urges Delta to hold LG polls
By Emma Amaize
WARRI — FORUM for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHD, has called for the conduct of credible local government elections in Delta State, as the current situation where caretaker committees are in-charge, denies the people of true representation at the grassroots.
The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, said: “We call on the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to immediately democratise the 25 local government areas in the state in accordance with Section 7 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.
FJHD said: “The people at the grassroots have consistently been robbed of true representation at the councils to their detriment because of this contraption, and for the umpteenth time, we demand the conduct of credible council elections in the state.
“Furthermore, we also call on the National Assembly to pass into law, the bill for the autonomy of local governments nationwide as a way of galvanising infrastructural development at the grassroots.”
The group also urged the state government “to observe strictly the provisions of Section 4, sub- sections 4 and 5 of the Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Terrorism Law.”
WARRI — FORUM for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHD, has called for the conduct of credible local government elections in Delta State, as the current situation where caretaker committees are in-charge, denies the people of true representation at the grassroots.
The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, said: “We call on the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to immediately democratise the 25 local government areas in the state in accordance with Section 7 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.
FJHD said: “The people at the grassroots have consistently been robbed of true representation at the councils to their detriment because of this contraption, and for the umpteenth time, we demand the conduct of credible council elections in the state.
“Furthermore, we also call on the National Assembly to pass into law, the bill for the autonomy of local governments nationwide as a way of galvanising infrastructural development at the grassroots.”
The group also urged the state government “to observe strictly the provisions of Section 4, sub- sections 4 and 5 of the Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Terrorism Law.”
4 suspected killers of policeman nabbed
By Dayo Johnson
Akure — FOUR suspected killers of a Police constable, Omoniyi Edema, attached to Bolorunduro police post in Ogbese Division of Ondo State, have been arrested.
Those arrested include the receiver of the motorcycle of the deceased policeman.
Police detectives picked up the suspects following tip-off.
Confirming the arrest, police image-maker, Wole Ogodo, said they were being detained at the police Criminal Investigation Department, CID, section in Akure, the state capital.
Ogodo gave the names of the suspects to include Amen John (21) from Benue State; Aboi Michael (19) also from Benue; Olowolagba Toyin (22) Ikaram Akoko in Akoko North West and Adeniyi Friday (27) from Kabba, Kogi State, who is the receiver of the deceased motorcycle.
The deceased policeman was ambushed and gunned down, September 1, 2013, while riding on his motorcycle at 5.40 am to resume for his morning duty.
Edema, according to Ogodo, was shot dead and his killers made away with his motorcycle.
Akure — FOUR suspected killers of a Police constable, Omoniyi Edema, attached to Bolorunduro police post in Ogbese Division of Ondo State, have been arrested.
Those arrested include the receiver of the motorcycle of the deceased policeman.
Police detectives picked up the suspects following tip-off.
Confirming the arrest, police image-maker, Wole Ogodo, said they were being detained at the police Criminal Investigation Department, CID, section in Akure, the state capital.
Ogodo gave the names of the suspects to include Amen John (21) from Benue State; Aboi Michael (19) also from Benue; Olowolagba Toyin (22) Ikaram Akoko in Akoko North West and Adeniyi Friday (27) from Kabba, Kogi State, who is the receiver of the deceased motorcycle.
The deceased policeman was ambushed and gunned down, September 1, 2013, while riding on his motorcycle at 5.40 am to resume for his morning duty.
Edema, according to Ogodo, was shot dead and his killers made away with his motorcycle.
Woman, 5 others in court over alleged robbery
By Onozure Dania
Lagos — An Ikeja Mag-istrate Court, Lagos, yesterday, remanded a woman, Chioma Ezekwesili, 36, and five men in Kirikiri prison, Lagos custody, pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, over alleged robbery charge against them.
The defendants were alleged to have while armed with two double barrel rifles and 12 live cartridges, attempted to rob one Alahaji Bamidele.
The other defendants are Emeka Igwe (41), Ignatous Ezerele (37), Michael Madu (52),Oke Jerom (28) and Bright Ikubor (23).
They were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, preferred against them by the police.
Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe ordered that they be remanded in prison custody pending the legal advice from the DPP.
The Police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, said the defendants and others at large, committed the alleged crime on August 18, 2013, at 10 pm, adding that the incident took place at Bolatito Hotel, Kola, Alagbado area of Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is contrary to section 5 (b) and punishable under section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap 398 Vol XXii, laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2003.
However, when the charge was read to the defendants, their pleas were not taken. The court adjourned the case to October 22, 2013.
Also remanded yesterday a woman, Chioma Ezekwesili, 36, and five men in Kirikiri prison, Lagos custody, pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, over alleged robbery charge against them.
The defendants were alleged to have while armed with two double barrel rifles and 12 live cartridges, attempted to rob one Alahaji Bamidele.
The other defendants are Emeka Igwe (41), Ignatous Ezerele (37), Michael Madu (52),Oke Jerom (28) and Bright Ikubor (23).
They were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, preferred against them by the police.
Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe ordered that they be remanded in prison custody pending the legal advice from the DPP.
The Police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, said the defendants and others at large, committed the alleged crime on August 18, 2013, at 10 pm, adding that the incident took place at Bolatito Hotel, Kola, Alagbado area of Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is contrary to section 5 (b) and punishable under section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap 398 Vol XXii, laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2003.
However, when the charge was read to the defendants, their pleas were not taken. The court adjourned the case to October 22, 2013.
Lagos — An Ikeja Mag-istrate Court, Lagos, yesterday, remanded a woman, Chioma Ezekwesili, 36, and five men in Kirikiri prison, Lagos custody, pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, over alleged robbery charge against them.
The defendants were alleged to have while armed with two double barrel rifles and 12 live cartridges, attempted to rob one Alahaji Bamidele.
The other defendants are Emeka Igwe (41), Ignatous Ezerele (37), Michael Madu (52),Oke Jerom (28) and Bright Ikubor (23).
They were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, preferred against them by the police.
Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe ordered that they be remanded in prison custody pending the legal advice from the DPP.
The Police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, said the defendants and others at large, committed the alleged crime on August 18, 2013, at 10 pm, adding that the incident took place at Bolatito Hotel, Kola, Alagbado area of Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is contrary to section 5 (b) and punishable under section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap 398 Vol XXii, laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2003.
However, when the charge was read to the defendants, their pleas were not taken. The court adjourned the case to October 22, 2013.
Also remanded yesterday a woman, Chioma Ezekwesili, 36, and five men in Kirikiri prison, Lagos custody, pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, over alleged robbery charge against them.
The defendants were alleged to have while armed with two double barrel rifles and 12 live cartridges, attempted to rob one Alahaji Bamidele.
The other defendants are Emeka Igwe (41), Ignatous Ezerele (37), Michael Madu (52),Oke Jerom (28) and Bright Ikubor (23).
They were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, preferred against them by the police.
Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe ordered that they be remanded in prison custody pending the legal advice from the DPP.
The Police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, said the defendants and others at large, committed the alleged crime on August 18, 2013, at 10 pm, adding that the incident took place at Bolatito Hotel, Kola, Alagbado area of Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is contrary to section 5 (b) and punishable under section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap 398 Vol XXii, laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2003.
However, when the charge was read to the defendants, their pleas were not taken. The court adjourned the case to October 22, 2013.
Prison warder kills taxi driver, injures 4 others
PORT HARCOURT — A taxi driver was shot dead by a trigger-happy prison warder in Port Harcourt, Wednesday.
Four other persons were also hit, including a pastor.
The shooting happened at Woji, with the warder claiming that the fatal shot, was ‘an accidental discharge’.
Witnesses said the driver conveying some prison officials drove recklessly against the traffic on Woji Road in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
Not minding the rights of the law compliant drivers on the road, the driver of the prison vehicle ordered a taxi driver to give way for his vehicle.
“As the taxi tried to reverse to pave the way for the prison warders, one of the armed Prison warders came down from the vehicle.
"With his hand still on the trigger, perhaps forgetting that he had already cocked the gun, he pointed the nozzle at the driver. All we heard were gunshots. The driver died on the spot. Two others were seriously injured. They may not survive.”
Angela Agabe, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident but said only the driver, one Ebere Emmanuel, died, while Nathaniel Ibinabo, a Pastor who sustained bullet wounds has been admitted in the hospital.
She further said that a Police man on patrol who was attracted to the scene disarmed the Warder. He was immediately arrested and taken to the state Criminal Investigation Department, CID, of the Rivers State Police Command.
Agabe said that on interrogation, the Prison Warder claimed that as he ordered the Taxi driver to get out of the way, he refused and pointing the nozzle at the Driver, he forgot that his fingers were on the trigger and it fired at the driver and passengers by “accidental discharge”.
Four other persons were also hit, including a pastor.
The shooting happened at Woji, with the warder claiming that the fatal shot, was ‘an accidental discharge’.
Witnesses said the driver conveying some prison officials drove recklessly against the traffic on Woji Road in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
Not minding the rights of the law compliant drivers on the road, the driver of the prison vehicle ordered a taxi driver to give way for his vehicle.
“As the taxi tried to reverse to pave the way for the prison warders, one of the armed Prison warders came down from the vehicle.
"With his hand still on the trigger, perhaps forgetting that he had already cocked the gun, he pointed the nozzle at the driver. All we heard were gunshots. The driver died on the spot. Two others were seriously injured. They may not survive.”
Angela Agabe, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident but said only the driver, one Ebere Emmanuel, died, while Nathaniel Ibinabo, a Pastor who sustained bullet wounds has been admitted in the hospital.
She further said that a Police man on patrol who was attracted to the scene disarmed the Warder. He was immediately arrested and taken to the state Criminal Investigation Department, CID, of the Rivers State Police Command.
Agabe said that on interrogation, the Prison Warder claimed that as he ordered the Taxi driver to get out of the way, he refused and pointing the nozzle at the Driver, he forgot that his fingers were on the trigger and it fired at the driver and passengers by “accidental discharge”.
Arab nations offered to pay for strikes on Syria - Kerry
WASHINGTON (AFP) - An international coalition for action against Syria is growing, Secretary of State John Kerry told US lawmakers Wednesday, adding that Arab nations had even offered to pay for any strikes.
"We are building support with ... other countries, among them the Arab League," Kerry said, as the US administration tried to sell its plan for military action to punish Syria for its use of chemical weapons.
"Specific countries that have talked in terms of acting" were "Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Qataris, the Turks and the French."
The move comes after an alleged chemical weapons attack on a Damascus suburb last month, which the US says killed 1,400 people.
[caption id="attachment_412286" align="alignnone" width="412"]
(From L-R) Kuwaiti Minister of Planning, Development and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Rula Dashti, Information and State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Mohammad Khaled al-Sabah and First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Sabah, attend a meeting at the national assembly in Kuwait City on September 4, 2013, to discuss the state's emergency plan in case of a potential US military strike against Syria. AFP PHOTO[/caption]
The United States had reached out to more than 100 countries already and 57 had agreed chemical weapons were used, and 37 of them had said so publicly, Kerry told a House committee.
President Barack Obama has insisted that the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime has crossed a red line against the use of chemical weapons and should be punished and his military capability degraded.
"Thirty-one countries or organizations have stated publicly or privately that the Assad regime is responsible for this attack, and that was before our evidence package was put together," Kerry said.
"And 34 countries or organizations have indicated that if the allegations prove to be true, they would support some form of action against Syria."
He even suggested the United States had too many offers of help as he sought for a second day to persuade US lawmakers to back Obama's plan for limited missile strikes against the Syrian regime.
"A number of them have asked to be part of a military operation," he said.
"The Turks, a NATO country, have condemned it, pinned it on Assad, asked to be part of an operation.
"The French have volunteered to be part of an operation. There are others who have volunteered. But frankly ... we got more volunteers that we can use for this kind of an operation," Kerry said.
"With respect to Arab countries offering to bear the cost and to assist, the answer is profoundly yes, they have. That offer is on the table," Kerry, adding it was "quite significant."
"Some of them have said that if the United States is prepared to go do the whole thing the way we've done it previously in other places, they'll carry that cost. That's how dedicated they are to this."
But he stressed: "Obviously, that is not in the cards and nobody is talking about it, but they are talking about taking seriously getting this job done."
He was appearing before the House Foreign Affairs committee on the second day of the administration's blitz on Capitol hill to persuade lawmakers to approve limited military strikes against Syria.
In a sign of public opposition to the plan, anti-war demonstrators held up red-stained hands behind Kerry's head in a silent protest as he spoke.
Lawmakers are now drafting a resolution to go before Congress which would give the US administration a 60-day deadline for military intervention, which could be extended once for 30 more days. It would also bar any American boots on the ground.
Asked if the time limit was acceptable to administration, Kerry said it would be preferable to have "a trigger in there" if Assad used chemical weapons again.
He indicated that a move to give the White House a further 60 days every time such arms were used would be acceptable.
"We are building support with ... other countries, among them the Arab League," Kerry said, as the US administration tried to sell its plan for military action to punish Syria for its use of chemical weapons.
"Specific countries that have talked in terms of acting" were "Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Qataris, the Turks and the French."
The move comes after an alleged chemical weapons attack on a Damascus suburb last month, which the US says killed 1,400 people.
[caption id="attachment_412286" align="alignnone" width="412"]
(From L-R) Kuwaiti Minister of Planning, Development and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Rula Dashti, Information and State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Mohammad Khaled al-Sabah and First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Sabah, attend a meeting at the national assembly in Kuwait City on September 4, 2013, to discuss the state's emergency plan in case of a potential US military strike against Syria. AFP PHOTO[/caption]The United States had reached out to more than 100 countries already and 57 had agreed chemical weapons were used, and 37 of them had said so publicly, Kerry told a House committee.
President Barack Obama has insisted that the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime has crossed a red line against the use of chemical weapons and should be punished and his military capability degraded.
"Thirty-one countries or organizations have stated publicly or privately that the Assad regime is responsible for this attack, and that was before our evidence package was put together," Kerry said.
"And 34 countries or organizations have indicated that if the allegations prove to be true, they would support some form of action against Syria."
He even suggested the United States had too many offers of help as he sought for a second day to persuade US lawmakers to back Obama's plan for limited missile strikes against the Syrian regime.
"A number of them have asked to be part of a military operation," he said.
"The Turks, a NATO country, have condemned it, pinned it on Assad, asked to be part of an operation.
"The French have volunteered to be part of an operation. There are others who have volunteered. But frankly ... we got more volunteers that we can use for this kind of an operation," Kerry said.
"With respect to Arab countries offering to bear the cost and to assist, the answer is profoundly yes, they have. That offer is on the table," Kerry, adding it was "quite significant."
"Some of them have said that if the United States is prepared to go do the whole thing the way we've done it previously in other places, they'll carry that cost. That's how dedicated they are to this."
But he stressed: "Obviously, that is not in the cards and nobody is talking about it, but they are talking about taking seriously getting this job done."
He was appearing before the House Foreign Affairs committee on the second day of the administration's blitz on Capitol hill to persuade lawmakers to approve limited military strikes against Syria.
In a sign of public opposition to the plan, anti-war demonstrators held up red-stained hands behind Kerry's head in a silent protest as he spoke.
Lawmakers are now drafting a resolution to go before Congress which would give the US administration a 60-day deadline for military intervention, which could be extended once for 30 more days. It would also bar any American boots on the ground.
Asked if the time limit was acceptable to administration, Kerry said it would be preferable to have "a trigger in there" if Assad used chemical weapons again.
He indicated that a move to give the White House a further 60 days every time such arms were used would be acceptable.
AGRF opens with stakeholders taking stoke of 2003 Maputo declaration
By JIMOH BABATUNDE, Maputo
Ten years after African leaders made a commitment in Maputo to commit greater funds to develop agriculture and increase food security on the continent, over 150 leading figures and experts in the sector are back there to remind leaders of the critical importance of that commitment and their continued support to agriculture.
This time around they are in Maputo courtesy of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and partner organisations for this year´s edition of The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) which opened today.
Speaking at the opening of the three day event, Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner of Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union, said “Ten years ago, African leaders made a commitment here in Maputo to commit greater funds to develop agriculture and increase food security on the continent. We must use this Forum to remind leaders of the critical importance of that commitment and their continued support to agriculture.
“The African Union welcomes this timely discussion around strengthening the role of public-private partnerships within the framework of the AU’s Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program. 2014 has been declared by the African Union as the Year of Agriculture and Food Security. It will be the year in which heads of state will renew their commitments to CAADP.”
Rhoda Peace said Africa has made some appreciable progress with the implementation of CAADP as many AU member states increasingly placing agriculture high on their agenda, “a number of states are allocating additional resources to critical investment to priorities that are able to bring better returns to their investments.”
She quickly added that in spite of the investment, there are still fresh challenges relating to food security; Rhoda Peace gave example of cereal yields in Africa which average only 1.2 tons per hectare compared to over 3tons per hectare for Asia and Latin America and about 5.5 tons per hectare for the European unions.
Rhoda Peace said as a result, Africa´s dependence on food import has risen from about 12% in 2000 to about 18% in 2010 for crops and from 4% to 8% for meat during the same period. “Africa is spending $40-50billion annually on imports of agricultural products, so losing foreign exchange and jobs.”
While noting that Africa has tremendous potential to turn around the picture, she said they will want to match the growth witnessed in the steady economic growth within the continent in the last five years with food security...
Rhoda Peace explained that having taken stocks of agriculture performance and CAADP in the last ten years, “we have come up with the next ten years ‘vision as contained in what we call “ Sustaining the CCADP Momentum.”
Strive Masiyiwa, Vice Chair of AGRA and Founder of Econet Wireless, says: “Across Africa, farmers and small agri-businesses struggle to access the finance to invest in new seeds, fertiliser or equipment.
The African Green Revolution Forum is an opportunity for everyone involved to work together to identify inclusive investment models that can drive growth and develop agriculture into a successful business. African farmers and African SMEs have shown time and time again that if we provide them with the opportunity, they will seize it with both hands.”
Jørgen Ole Haslestad, President and CEO of Yara and Chairman of the Yara Prize Committee; says: “If we want to accelerate investment in agriculture, boost crop yields and help farmers access markets, everybody involved in agriculture in Africa needs to work together. Our continued support of the AGRF is based on our belief that governments, the private sector, farmers and international partners need to share best practice, build capacity and scale up models that work.
The progress achieved over the last decade shows us that now, more than ever, the future of Africa’s food security rests on the success of dialogue, knowledge-sharing and partnerships.”
Ten years after African leaders made a commitment in Maputo to commit greater funds to develop agriculture and increase food security on the continent, over 150 leading figures and experts in the sector are back there to remind leaders of the critical importance of that commitment and their continued support to agriculture.
This time around they are in Maputo courtesy of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and partner organisations for this year´s edition of The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) which opened today.
Speaking at the opening of the three day event, Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner of Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union, said “Ten years ago, African leaders made a commitment here in Maputo to commit greater funds to develop agriculture and increase food security on the continent. We must use this Forum to remind leaders of the critical importance of that commitment and their continued support to agriculture.
“The African Union welcomes this timely discussion around strengthening the role of public-private partnerships within the framework of the AU’s Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program. 2014 has been declared by the African Union as the Year of Agriculture and Food Security. It will be the year in which heads of state will renew their commitments to CAADP.”
Rhoda Peace said Africa has made some appreciable progress with the implementation of CAADP as many AU member states increasingly placing agriculture high on their agenda, “a number of states are allocating additional resources to critical investment to priorities that are able to bring better returns to their investments.”
She quickly added that in spite of the investment, there are still fresh challenges relating to food security; Rhoda Peace gave example of cereal yields in Africa which average only 1.2 tons per hectare compared to over 3tons per hectare for Asia and Latin America and about 5.5 tons per hectare for the European unions.
Rhoda Peace said as a result, Africa´s dependence on food import has risen from about 12% in 2000 to about 18% in 2010 for crops and from 4% to 8% for meat during the same period. “Africa is spending $40-50billion annually on imports of agricultural products, so losing foreign exchange and jobs.”
While noting that Africa has tremendous potential to turn around the picture, she said they will want to match the growth witnessed in the steady economic growth within the continent in the last five years with food security...
Rhoda Peace explained that having taken stocks of agriculture performance and CAADP in the last ten years, “we have come up with the next ten years ‘vision as contained in what we call “ Sustaining the CCADP Momentum.”
Strive Masiyiwa, Vice Chair of AGRA and Founder of Econet Wireless, says: “Across Africa, farmers and small agri-businesses struggle to access the finance to invest in new seeds, fertiliser or equipment.
The African Green Revolution Forum is an opportunity for everyone involved to work together to identify inclusive investment models that can drive growth and develop agriculture into a successful business. African farmers and African SMEs have shown time and time again that if we provide them with the opportunity, they will seize it with both hands.”
Jørgen Ole Haslestad, President and CEO of Yara and Chairman of the Yara Prize Committee; says: “If we want to accelerate investment in agriculture, boost crop yields and help farmers access markets, everybody involved in agriculture in Africa needs to work together. Our continued support of the AGRF is based on our belief that governments, the private sector, farmers and international partners need to share best practice, build capacity and scale up models that work.
The progress achieved over the last decade shows us that now, more than ever, the future of Africa’s food security rests on the success of dialogue, knowledge-sharing and partnerships.”
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