OLYMPICS UPDATE

Medal count

http://www.london2012.com/news/
http://www.london2012.com/medals/medal-count/

http://www.london2012.com/athletics/schedule-and-results/

Osun Signs N17.8b Osogbo-Ilorin Road Dualisation Contract

 

Osun State government has signed a N17.8 billion contract agreement with SAMMYA Construction Company Limited for the dualisation of the 45 kilometers Osogbo-Ikirun- Kwara State Boundary Road.

The dualisation had been segmented into three phases of Osogbo-Dagbolu (International Market) to Alamisi Market in Ikirun (9.52 kilometers); Osogbo (Old-garage) to Ikirun junction road (20.5 kilometers) and Ikirun-IlaOdo- Kwara State Boundary road (16.5 kilometers).

In signing the agreement on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Engineer Oladepo Amuda, said that, in line with the agreement, the project would be completed within 24 months of which the work had already commenced. He said that the project was not the usual direct contract award, but a contractor-financing transaction, which came out of the confidence of the contractor in the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, saying that the money for the contract would be repaid across 36 months after the completion of the project.

A development financial institution, The Infrastructure Bank Plc (TIB) which is the Transaction Advisor, Fund Arranger and Financier of the project, is working in conjunction with the construction company and other stakeholders to fund the project.

He further said: “The road will link the market hub at Dagbolu with a spur from the major road to the market and from there to Alamisi Market in Ikirun.

The major one will go from Old Garage and directly to Ikirun and to the Kwara State boundary.

Gunmen In Police Uniform Snatch Editor’s Car

Armed robbers dressed in police uniform at about 10 p.m.on Sunday at gunpoint snatched a car from the Editor, Nigerian Compass newspaper, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo.

The editor, who was in his Toyota Avensis car, 2008 model marked Ogun CP 11 AKM, was returning from his office on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when he ran into the road block mounted by the robbers in front of a new generation bank at Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the bandits,  Akinadewo said, “I give glory to God Almighty for saving my life. I left church yesterday afternoon for my office in my white garment. I am a member of Cheribum and Seraphim Church.

“Immediately I was through with my schedule in the office, I took my leave. On my way home, I drove through the Business Club Road, near Femi Anikulapo’s Shrine and suddenly, four men blocked my way with their car. so I decided to go through Amaraolu Street linking the bank. As I approached the bank, I saw the four men again in police uniform in front of the bank. They flagged me with a torch light that I should stop. I did and greeted them thinking they were policemen.

“They asked me, ‘can we see your boot?’ As I got down to open the boot, one of them suddenly whispered to me, ‘we are not policemen. It is better for you not to shout. So, cooperate.’ Another one grabbed my car key and ordered me to sit at the back seat sandwiched by two of them. One drove my car and the last one sat in the front with the driver.

“Because of the white garment I wore, one of them asked me if I was a pastor. I said no. The same man saw my identity card and asked if I was a journalist. I said ‘yes’. Their leader reprimanded him saying, ‘keep quiet, why do you ask him questions?’ They took me in my car through Wempco Road to Oba Ogunji Road.

“As they were going, one of the robbers called somebody on phone and he said, ‘super, we got two, a SUV and a car. They are okay, they are neat.’ In the SUV, there were four other robbers also dressed in police uniform with the owner of the SUV at the back. The owner was wearing a lace material.

“They moved to Mobil, Stadium Road, Railway line in Agege and Abattoir. There, they told me to get down, that I must not make any noise. I quickly called the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko who immediately ordered police in Abattoir and others to organise search parties for the car. I later reported the matter at Pen Cinema Police Division. I finally got home at about 2 a.m. today.”

Akinadewo commended Manko for responding swiftly to his distress call.

He also thanked policemen who commenced the search for the car as early as they were called on phone by the police boss.

Items lost in the car include an unspecified amount of money, ipad 3, London train oyster card, FCMB mastercard, Nigerian Compass identity card, his driver’s licence, newspapers, purse and complimentary cards.

2012 WAEC RESULTS HAS BEEN RELEASED: STATICTICS OF THE EXAMINATION:

Only 20% credited English, Maths and 3 other Subjects
From the statistics by the WAEC board shows that majority of the candidates who sat for the waec examination would experience some shortfalls in major subjects.

A total of 324,998 candidates registered for the examination.
out of these 310. 077 candidates, 168,835 are Males while 141,242 are Females

WITHHELD RESULTS:
The results of 51,876 candidates, representing 16. 73% of candidates are being withheld by the waec Board, based on various reports, mostly for these candidates alleged involvement in examination malpractice.

While another Statistics shows that a Whooping Number of 250,487 candidates representing 80. 78% have 2 credits and above.

While 217,161candidates, representing 70. 03 of the total 2012 WAEC candidates, have three credits and above.

Yet, another statictics shows that 180,480 candidates, which represented 58. 20% of this year's candidates, have four credits and above in their results.

Further Stats shows that 141,167 candidates representing 45. 52% of candidates who registered for this year's examination, obtained the following:
five (5) credits and above.

While 99,750 candidates representing 32. 16%, did obtained six credits and above.

While on the basis of University admission qualifications, The Zonal Co-ordinator, Mr Alozie shed more light on this:

A total of 133,507 candidates representing 43. 06% obtained credit and above in English Language.
While a total of 151,569 candidates representing 48. 88% of candidates, has obtained credit and above in Mathematics.

While 62,295 candidates, representing 20. 04%, obtained credits in the following subjects:
English language,
Mathematics and at least three other Subjects.

A whooping sum total of 33 blind candidates sat for this year's examination, and from this figure, 4 candidates, representing (12. 12%), obtained credits in five subjects.
Which include the following:
English Language.
Important Notice:
Blind candidates are exempted from taking mathematics and science practicals in WASSCE diets.

That is the total stats of candidates performance in the 2012/2013 Waec Examination.

Candidates who sat for the 2012/2013 waec examination can now check their results at the waec official website.

2015: Nigeria needs alternative to PDP, says Ribadu

~ Former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu ~

The presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the 2011 polls and former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for a credible opposition to the ruling Peoples Democractic Party, PDP, in 2015.
He spoke at the weekend in Kaduna during the 7th annual Ramadan lectures organised by the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN.
Ribadu, who is the Chairman, Presidential Task Force Committee on Petroleum, noted that the nation was in dire need of a credible alternative to the PDP.
He said the ongoing merger talks among opposition political parties would be the only option for Nigerians to confront the PDP.
His words: “I am 100 per cent in support of the merger move by the opposition political parties in Nigeria. I believe that there is the need for all the political parties in Nigeria to come together particularly those who are in the opposition.
“Nigeria is in dire need of a credible alternative to PDP. If the parties come together, chances are that they would be able to have a formidable party that will confront PDP and until that is done, hopefully, it will bring relief to Nigerians.”
The former EFCC boss, who was retired prematurely as Assistant Inspector- General of Police, also noted that the Nigeria Police Force is in tatters and should be urgently fixed for the nation to overcome its security and internal challenges.
The police must be reformed for peace to reign in Nigeria, Ribadu said.
“The issue of security is very clear. We have a constitution in Nigeria that says the organ or the government agency that is responsible for ensuring that we have security, peace and stability is the Nigeria Police Force. Work on the Nigeria Police Force, fix the Nigeria Police Force, it is their own responsibility, no one else.
“Today, however, the Nigeria Police Force is tattered. It is in bad shape. If we want to have peace, if we want to have a genuine sustainable peace in this country, law enforcement, rule of law, then fix the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
Commenting on the fuel subsidy scam, the former anti-corruption czar said only the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, could tell Nigerians the true position of the much-talked about oil import fraud, saying that the organisation is directly responsible for importation of all petroleum products and subsidy payments.
“The problem of oil subsidy fraud we are facing today is directly the responsibility of the PPPRA, as the regulatory agency in the petroleum sector.
“If you want to know what really happened in the whole oil scandal you just have to go to the PPPRA because they are the ones that approves the licences for people to import petroleum products,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has said that his message against perverse and corrupt leaders has not changed and that he would not tone down his message despite his being grilled by the State Security Service, SSS, last week in Lagos on the matter.
Bakare said: “Whenever you ask the prophet to tone down his message, his God will respond on his behalf. The answer to tone down is tone up.
“In the days of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the message that shook the nation was titled “No more walls” preached on March 7, 1999. Today the message is stronger and bolder.”
The convener of the Save Nigerian Group, SNG, said that those who are in the helm of affairs of the nation are set of deceitful and insincere leaders who lacked the wisdom and political will to do what is right.
“My message has not changed since the days of the military. A corrupt, perverse, wasteful, directionless and clueless government is offensive to me and should be offensive to every intelligent patriot in this nation.
“The messages I preach are only biased in favour of righteousness, justice and truth. To this, I plead guilty because there is nothing anyone can do against truth, but for the truth.
“If I am being asked to tone down my message because of perceived partisanship, those asking me to do so have only succeeded in precipitating a tone up and examples abound in scriptures which I encourage our security service agents and men of the armed forces and the police to read and meditate on in the pursuit of their lawful duties,” he added.
Bakare also said that the recent arraignment of those involved in the oil subsidy scandal was a mere charade, stressing that the brains behind the scam were those who sponsored the election of President Goodluck Jonathan and top members of his cabinet.
The cleric, who spoke yesterday while delivering the second part of his sermon in his church tagged, “How to change government peacefully and make society better”, said that what was going on in the arraignment of the so-called subsidy fraudsters was a mere window dressing, and, therefore, would not tone down his preaching but tone it up.
“The shenanigans and the charade going on in respect of the subsidy thieves, in my considered opinion are that the efforts of this government cannot deliver justice, neither are they meant to.”
Bakare also berated the wife of the President for her activities. “Can you imagine that as the nation is burning, Dame Patience Jonathan, the First Lady, is busy pursuing and obtaining the status of an absentee Permanent Secretary? Does this make any intelligent sense except to political morons and imbeciles?”
The cleric warned the security agencies to re-channel their energies towards doing their primary assignment of maintaining peace and providing security for Nigerians instead of arresting people for saying the truth.
“Otherwise they are going to see the wrath of God.
“Be careful how you carry out your assignment against genuine servants of God by any label, Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. Be careful not to obey the last order, especially if the last order is evil or against natural justice, you cannot obey such without bringing damnation upon your own head.”
He challenged the security men to always obey the voice of God in their assignments because “it is wise to obey a wise counsel than a foolish order that will lead to double condemnation.”
“Don’t assume you will get away with the evil you perpetrate against the priests when you turn to do same with the prophet. Just remember that judgement eventually fell upon King Saul, his sons and servants,” he noted.
Bakare likened a few intelligent technocrats who are sincere but find themselves at the corridor of power with somebody who put on a white garment and falls inside a pit.
He noted that they had the opportunity to get out of the mess now before they were also consumed by the imminent prophetic revolution.

Subsidy fraud: My son is answerable for his actions –Arisekola

~ Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao ~

 

*Quit now, ACN tells Tukur
The Ibadan-based business mogul and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, yesterday said that his son, Abdullahi, being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for fuel subsidy fraud was answerable for his actions.
Abdullahi, the Managing Director of Axenergy, is being tried for illegally benefitting from subsidy payment running into billions of naira.
“Abdullahi Alao is an adult and a businessman doing business like every Nigerian. He is answerable for his actions and transactions under the law of the land.
“As an adult and a true Muslim, there is no doubt that he knows what is wrong and what is right,” Arisekola-Alao said in a statement.
The younger Alao was docked at a Lagos High Court on Thursday.
Also, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, had distanced himself from the involvement of his son, Mahmud, the Managing Director of Eterna Oil and Gas, in the fuel subsidy scam.
Meanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has called on Tukur to step aside for now.
The party, in a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said there was a moral burden on Tukur if he continued to stay in office.
The party said: “It is important to say here that the fuel subsidy scam trial will be held in two courts: the court of law and the court of public opinion. While Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is not facing any charges in the court of law over the scam, he is definitely a star suspect in the court of public opinion. That is why many Nigerians are already insinuating that nothing will come out of the trial, especially as far as his son is concerned. This is an allusion to the influence bestowed upon him by his high office.
“While we have nothing but absolute confidence in the ability of the judicial process to ensure justice, we believe that anything that can reinforce the impression of thwarted justice in the fuel subsidy scam trial should be removed. Tukur’s continued stay in office is one of such.”
The ACN noted that the continued stay in office of Tukur would have negative effect on the outcome of the investigation.

Murder of Oshiomhole’s aide: Suspect names activist as sponsor

Late Olaitan Oyerinde and Governor Adams Oshiomhole

 

• It’s an attempt to frame me, says Ugolor

There are indications that Benin-based activist, Rev David Ugolor , was arrested by the police at the weekend after one of the four suspects already in police custody allegedly named him as the sponsor of the recent murder of the Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde.

Ugolor is the Executive Director of the non-governmental organisation-African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).

Oyerinde was murdered in his Benin residence on May 4 by four gunmen.

The police recently announced the arrest of four men in connection with the murder only for them to pick up Ugolor, a close friend of Oyerinde on Friday.

Ugolor was the last person with Oyerinde before his assailants struck and the first to be contacted by the victim’s wife to assist in carrying him to the hospital after the fatal attack.

One of the four suspects reportedly told police interrogators that Ugolor sent them to kill Oyerinde,  prompting the police to arrest him at his First East Circular Road office.

They searched the office and later his residence.

 Ugolor has denied having a hand in the murder of his friend saying he is being framed up.

 The Programme/Policy Officer of ANEEJ, Mr. Innocent Edemhanria in a statement in Benin said the  relationship that existed between the deceased and Ugolor was so deep that one could never have plotted  killing the other .

He said: “The suspect who is accusing David Ugolor is a northerner and is completely unknown to Rev. David Ugolor, colleagues and friends. At the moment, the police are still holding on to David as they carry out their investigations on the allegation we consider spurious.

 “We suspect strongly that somebody high up somewhere is framing up our Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor over the murder of the personal aide to the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“Rev. David Ugolor is a life saver, not a taker, as his natural penchant for poverty eradication, enlarging the voice of the voiceless, assisting the poor and needy is unparallel in his almost twenty-five years of effective and result-oriented activism.”

Nigerians living in fear, uncertainty – Obasanjo, IBB

Obasanjo, Babangida

Former heads of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida have expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the country, saying “Nigeria is currently under fear and uncertainty.”

In a joint statement obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday, they warned that the consequences were capable of affecting the unity of the country.

They said the loss of innocent lives being experienced across the country was no longer bearable.

The two leaders said, “The loss of innocent lives by the day across the nation is simply unbearable.

“Currently, the nation is gripped by a regime of fear and uncertainty that virtually all citizens have difficulties going about their normal day-to-day activities with great anxiety and trepidation. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

They said unfolding events had posed threats to the labour of the nation’s founding fathers and subsequent generations in building a strong, united, peaceful country that can accommodate and cater for the needs and aspirations of our diverse communities.

Obasanjo and Babangida also lamented the untold hardship in the country.

They claimed that a deeply worrying trend that was emerging from this terrible situation was that a pervasive cynicism was beginning to set in, so much so that millions of true Nigerian patriots were starting to question the platform upon which the unity of the country rests.

However, they appealed to Nigerians not to allow frustration, fear and despair to supersede their hope for a collective destiny, which lies in their continued existence as a nation.

Both leaders declared that as for them, and some millions of other Nigerians, the continued unity of Nigeria was not only priceless but non-negotiable.

Their statement reads in part, “While we are very much aware of the efforts various governments in the country are making to confront the escalating security challenges across the country, we believe that it is time that these efforts are scaled up to be more involving and inclusive.

“In this regard, whatever robust security measures are put in place to contain the situation, as is normal in such circumstances; they must be complemented with an equally intensive process of community involvement.

“We therefore urge all governments in the country, starting with all the 774 local councils to comprehensively engage their communities at the various levels, including elders, youth organisations, trade union and associations, women bodies, clerics and other community stakeholders.

“We also call on the Federal and state governments not only to encourage these grass roots engagements for peace and beneficial coexistence but should work out the framework to sustain the engagement.”

They said that in all these efforts, it was important to emphasise that Nigeria’s diversity should be a course for celebration and not a cause for lamentations.

Both leaders, who recently abused each other on the pages of newspapers, however appealed to Nigerians to use the holy month of Ramadan to turn the tide against insecurity, violence and hatred.

They also appealed to religious leaders, in particular, to have an even greater challenge to use the immense virtues of this holy period to inculcate among the millions of citizens, the spirit of mutual respect, humility and forgiveness.

They furthermore revealed that ample opportunities were at hand to bring all armed belligerents to table for meaningful dialogue with the authorities for Nigerians’ future.

Obasanjo and Babangida added that no meaningful development could ever occur in an atmosphere of violence and hatred.

History, they said, had shown that any society built on the structures of violence and intolerance would not prosper.

While they said that God has blessed Nigeria with abundant resources and talents, they however said there must be peace and harmony to harness them.

They also said they were ready to do whatever was possible to promote the quest for peace and harmony in the country.

London Olympics: Team Nigeria good to go

It all started more than 2,700 years ago in ancient Greece as part of a religious festival held in honour of Zeus, king of the gods. It was staged every four years at Olympia Southwest Greece. The games grew and many came to participate or as spectators but in 393 CE, it was abolished by a Christian emperor, Theodoius 1, due to its pagan influences. About 1500 years later, French man Baron Pierre de Coubertin  began the revival of the games and founded the international Olympic Committee in 1894 with the Olympic motto  Citius, Altiud, Fortius, a Latin expression meaning faster, higher, stronger, and from one Olympic to another that motto keeps ringing true as world records are set, broken and the Olympic ceremonies and franchise keeps getting bigger, colorful and festive.
The elaborate festivity associated with the Olympics has turned London into the most exciting place on the planet to be right now. This is the third time the country is hosting the games. First in 1908, then in 1948. The timing for London to host the game again could not be more perfect as it has been a long time since Brits had the opportunity to bask in their Britishness and as the world visits, they are pulling out all the stops.

A look at the Olympic village with the flag of 205 countries on display indicating their participation is enough to send the Olympic fever running through your veins and the welcoming ceremonies formally welcoming athletes and officials to the residential area is designed to kindle the patriotic spirits of participating countries.  Every country raises its flag upon entering the residential compound, where athletes from all over the world eat, sleep, work out and relax during the two weeks of the Olympic Games.

Team Nigeria’s first Olympic appearance was in 1952 and has made a total of 14 appearances. At Beijing 2008 it was ranked 60th and has won a total of 23 medals. The grand hoisting of Nigeria flag at the Olympic village  which took place on Tuesday, July 24 was breathtaking. Whilst the national anthem played at the background, the flag rose gradually amid cheers from the athletes and Nigerians living in the UK who came out to show their support.  The Nigerians present were certainly hoping they would hear the national anthem again and the next time would involve a podium, athletes and gold medals. Ex-international athlete and one of the coaches of Team Nigeria, Yussuf Alli stated; “More of Nigerian national anthem will be played during the Games. This is because the athletes are raring to go. They are determined to prove themselves and make the country proud. The cordial relationship between the NSC and the NOC is an indication of good things to come,”.

In attendance were, Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Mayor of Enfield, Mrs Kate Anolue, Nigeria’s High commission to the UK, His Excellency Dr Dalhatu Tafidah, Dr Patrick Ekeji, NOC President, and Engr Sani M. Ndanusa. Burundi and Uganda also held their ceremony at the same time.

London 2012 is set to be quite dramatic. A few days into the summer game, controversy is already springing up. First was the Olympic flag mix –up which is set to make Olympic history as major insult. The mishap occurred during the women soccer game at Hampden park in Glasgow Scotland when a video introducing the north Korean players showed their faces next to a south Korean flag. The North Korean team walked off the pitch causing an hour delay of the game. Technically, since there was no signed cease- fire declaration after the Korean war, south and North Korea are still at war and the team felt insulted hence their action. The Olympic organisers called it a “mistake” and offered an apology.

Though Greek triple jumper Voula Papachristou offered an apology for her oversight, she learnt the hard way that sometimes apology is not good enough to rectify the harm done. Her dream of participating in the games was quashed when she was kicked out of her national team for mocking African migrants on twitter. Her offending tweet  which was referring to an outbreak of West Nile virus in Athens reads;” with so many Africans in Greece.....at least the west Nile mosquitoes will eat homemade food!!!” the west Nile virus was first discovered in Uganda  but has now spread into Europe. Papachristou, 23, tweet caused uproar and many social network users did not find her joke funny. Realising her career and hard work was about going down the drains, she issued an apology “ “I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate and tasteless joke I published on my personal Twitter account.

“I am very sorry and ashamed for the negative responses I triggered, since I never wanted to offend anyone, or encroach on human rights.

“My dream is connected to the Olympic Games and I could not possibly participate if I did not respect their values.

“Therefore, I could never believe in discrimination between human beings and races.

“I would like to apologise to all my friends and fellow athletes, who I may have insulted or shamed, the National Team, as well as the people and companies who support my athletic career.

“Finally, I would like to apologize to my coach and my family.”

Team spirit is what the Olympic promotes and part of its creed encourages taking part in the game over winning  but some in team GB seems to be participating under duress  and their actions are being used as a political triumph and not a struggle contrary to the creed.

Kim Little and Ifeoma Dieke both on the women’s squad from Scotland refused to sing at the opening match against New Zealand on Wednesday night. International midfielder Little, 22, said she made a “personal choice “not to sing it before her Olympic matches because she is Scottish. Defender Ifeoma Dieke, who was born in Massachusetts, US, to Nigerian parents but raised in Scotland, is yet to give her reason for not singing the anthem though it is obvious that verse 6 of the nation’s anthem would be very difficult for any scot to sing. 

Lord grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring
May he sedition hush
And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush
God save the King

On the men’s squad Captain Ryan Giggs and fellow Welshman Craig Bellamy, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen all stood in conspicuous silence before the Olympics’ first British men’s football match during an inspiring rendition of God Save The Queen. Their actions have been regarded by Brits as an insult, with hundreds calling the Welsh players decision “Disgraceful” and requesting for him to step down as Captain.

Chelsea closing in on Moses deal

Victor Moses

Chelsea are close to completing the signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Victor Moses and Marseille defender Cesar Azpilicueta according to a Footy Bunker source.

The Blues captured the signature of Internacional playmaker Oscar last week in a £25m deal joining fellow new recruits Eden Hazard, brother Thorgan and Marko Marin in West London.

Owner Roman Abramovich and manager Roberto Di Matteo are guiding the club through a period of transition after seeing several first team stars leave the club during the summer.

Di Matteo is keen to boost his attack after losing Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou on free transfers and wants Nigerian international Moses to provide competition in the wide areas.

The Champions League winners have already had three bids, the latest thought to be £6.5m, rejected by Latics chairman Dave Whelan who is holding out for £10m for his star asset.

Abramovich is unwilling to pay over the odds for the highly-rated 21-year-old with reports suggesting he will seek showdown talks with boss Roberto Martinez as the club continue to hold him back from a dream move to Stamford Bridge.

A move for Azpilicueta is likely to be more straight forward after Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo admitted they could sell the right back in order to generate funds for new signings ahead of the new season.

“Everybody has to sell before buying,” he told RTL.”In effect, it could either be (Stephane) M’Bia and Azpi. But for now, nothing has changed.”

Ekiti residents threaten to picket quarry

Residents of Obasanjo Estate in Ikere-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State have threatened to invade Inland Stone, a quarry operating a the back of the estate.

Residents of the estate were mobilising to storm the quarry on Saturday after they held a meeting but the timely intervention of the General Manager of the Ekiti State Housing Corporation, Mr. Peter Owolabi,  stopped the irate resident from taking their protest to the quarry.

Owolabi was shown the cracks on walls and beams of some of the houses which the residents said were caused by vibrations resulting from rock blasting at the quarry.

He said the vibration could damage the buildings in the estate because they were built of clay. He said the houses, which were set with bricks, would be susceptible to damage as a result of vibration. 

The GM appealed to the residents to shelve their plans and allow him to discuss their complaints with Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The residents have been complaining that the vibration from the  rock blasting done at the quarry was damaging their houses.

A female resident who identified herself as Mrs. C.O Oke said the shock she experienced from the blast which was carried out on Friday had caused her severe headache and pains.

Oke, who is a nurse said her daughter who was also at home when the blast went off had been sick since.

She said, “We have been complaining since and nobody seems to care. The quarry which came to meet us here is damaging our house and its activities are killing us. Must we all die before those in authority will react?”

Some of the residents said they would take the law into their hands if nobody was ready to protect their interests.

But the Managing Director of Inland Stone,  Mr. Dare Omotoso, when visited by journalists last week had said the residents of the estate were just looking for an excuse to send him away from the area.

Omotosho    said his company carried out Environmental Impact Assessment before it started its operations in December 2011.

He said the new technology used, non electric blasting, had eradicated noise and vibration from the activities carried out at the quarry.

SSS accused me of partisanship – Bakare

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Convener, Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare, says   the State Security Service accused him of partisanship when he was invited by the service last  Monday.

Bakare was invited by the SSS over his message penultimate Sunday, entitled, ‘How to Change Government Peacefully and Make Society Better’.

The Serving  Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly said at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday the Director of SSS  told him that he  had become partisan.

Bakare said, “The state Director of SSS asked me to tone down my message, because in his words, I had  become partisan. I countered his argument by saying that my message has not changed since the days of the military.

“A corrupt, perverse, wasteful, directionless and clueless government is offensive to me and should be offensive to every intelligent patriot in this nation. I asked him if he considered my activities and that of SNG in 2010 controversial and partisan when we marched the streets of Abuja and Lagos to protest the impunity being meted out to then Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan in the dying days of President Musa Yar’Adua.

“He did not answer me. Now is the time to answer him and the likes of him who think partisanship is a spiritual sin or crime that must not be committed by clergymen.”

He said a partisan person meant someone who actively supports a party, cause or principle, stressing that people who do not stand for something, would fall for anything.

Bakare added, “Partisanship also means one-sided or biased. The message I preach are only biased in favour of righteousness, justice and truth.

“To this, I plead guilty because there is nothing anyone can do against the truth, but for the truth. If I’m being asked to tone down my message because of perceived partisanship, those asking me to do so have only succeeded in precipitating a tone up.”   

The lawyer, who was the vice-presidential candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change in  the 2011 presidential  election, said he was not against the person of President Goodluck Jonathan but against bad governance and corruption.

Ondo LP accuses ACN of attacking party office

Labour Party in Ondo State on Sunday alleged that thugs in the convoy of the Action Congress of Nigeria’s candidate for the October 20 governorship election, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday, attacked the LP secretariat on Oyemekun Road, destroying vehicles parked within the premises.

A statement by the  Publicity Secretary of the LP in the state, Mr. Femi Okunjemiruwa, said the leaders and members of the party, who were thrown into panic, fled the scene.

He said, “Several other gunshots and missiles were directed at the secretariat with vehicles parked there destroyed.

“Three vehicles, one a Toyota Camry (BD 897 AKR), Mazda 626 (BC 671 AKR), Toyota Avensis (AE 173 SUA) were badly damaged while several others were slightly damaged. Bullet marks were seen on walls of the party secretariat.

“Mrs. Uche Umeh, who sells cards and soft drinks close to the party secretariat, had her wares destroyed and purse snatched,” he added.

But the Special Adviser to the ACN candidate, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, accused the LP members of attacking the convoy of Akeredolu in front of the LP secretariat after the party’s congress.

Ajanaku said, “The incident happened right at Lafe Junction on Oyemekun Road when some hoodlums blocked the convoy of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu after he was elected as the governorship candidate of the party.

“They hauled stones and pebbles at the convoy and in order to prevent any ugly situation, some security men in the convoy warded them off so that we could continue our procession.

“It is not true that those in our convoy destroyed cars parked within the LP secretariat. None of our people even crossed to the other side of the road not to talk of attacking the people there or their property.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Adeniran Aremu, confirmed the development.

Aremu said, “Our men went to the scene immediately we received a distress call and immediately restored normalcy. However the ACN supporters were unruly in their behaviour.”

However, Ajanaku insisted that the police were mischievous and that their statement did not represent the true account of what happened.

   

Akeredolu: We will form next Ondo govt

 

 

 

Second right: Akeredolu (SAN), Alasoadura (left), Mrs Betty Akeredolu and Oshun at the congress in Akure

 

Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) emerged as the Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate for the October 20 election at the party congress held in Akure at the weekend. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU, who witnessed the exercise, highlights the challenges that would confront the opposition party after the primaries.

For six hours, Akure, the capital of Ondo State, stood still for the legal luminary and pro-democracy activist, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who emerged as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate at the weekend.

After the party’s governorship primaries held at Swans Hotel, along Akure/Ilesa Road, the former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) rode from the venue to his home town, Owo, the historic cradle of progressives in the Southwest geo-political zone with funfair. It was a miniature popularity ride in a state the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) had served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Akeredolu, who was decked in a white khaftan, stood out, not only by his white beard, but as the cynosure of all eyes and perceived by the masses as the symbol of a collective struggle for power shift in October. The flag bearer was not alone. Beside him was his heartthrob, Betty, who in her own right had tales of survival to tell. But the candidate was also accompanied by co-aspirants who endorsed his candidature, thus putting an end to the fabrication that they had all jumped the boat.

Other aspirants, including former House of Representatives member Dr. Jayeola Ajatta, activist lawyer Comrade Sola Iji, renowned businessman Segun Abraham, Senator Omololu Meroyi, former Finance Commissioner Wale Akinterinwa, Tayo Alasoadura,  and Ifedayo Abegunde formed a shield around Akeredolu,  as they reiterated their loyalty to the party. 

Also in the mood of excitement were Olayato Arebo, Ayodele Adedipe and Atanlogun Iginla. Members of the ‘Omoluabi Group’ led by Dr. Olu Agunloye dissociated themselves from his defection to the ruling Labour Party (LP). They said they were not party to plans to make him running mate in the Labour Party (LP).Also, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who was not at the venue phoned to debunk the rumour that he had abandoned ACN.

“The race has just started. We have a big task ahead of us. We are destined to form the next government and by the grace of God, we will form the next government”, declared Akeredolu in his short acceptance speech. 

He added that “We will use the progressive platform to change Ondo State”.

Out of the accredited 61,246 party members, the ACN candidate polled 55,917 votes at the primaries held across the 18 local governments. Remarkably, he was the sole candidate and the unanimous choice. The Governorship Congress Committee chairman, Mr. Olawale Oshun, noted that more than half of the wards across the councils gave plural vote to Akeredolu, thereby affirming his fitness for the job.

One after the other, the Local Government Returning Officers tendered the results for collation at the congress. The analysis is as follows: Akoko North (5,990), Akoko Northwest (3,820), Akoko Southeast (3,117), Akoko Southwest (5,145), Ose (4,445), Owo (3,734), Akure North (2,700), Akure South (2,202), Idanre (1,644), Ifedore (5,267), Ondo East 1,343), and Ondo West (2,442). Other are Ese Odo (3,874), Ile Oluji/Okeigbo (3,083), Irele (1,707), Odigbo (1,366), and Okitipupa (3,674).

However, the motion for the acceptance of the outcome was moved by Iji, former Alliance for Democracy (AD) chairman, seconded by Ifedayo Abegunde. After the motion, Akeredolu’s nomination was ratified by delegates through a loud voice vote. With great delight, the South West ACN leader and national vice chairman, Senator James Kolawole, presented the Certificate of Nomination to Akeredolu, amid cheers by other congress committee members, including former federal legislator Uche Onyeagucha, Alhaji Abubakar Kari, Alhaji Abu, Adegboyega Adedipe, and Alhaji Habi from Kogi State.

Other party elders and leaders exchanged pleasantries. Many hugged themselves. At the event were former Commerce Commissioner Prince Olu Adegboro, Osun State Special Adviser on Environment Mr. Bola Ilori, Ekiti State ACN chairman Chief Jide Awe, his Osun State counterpart, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, Ondo State ACN Women Leader Erelu Modupe Johnson, Pa Wale Akintimehin, Acting Chairman Chief Olusola Adesoji, Chief Idris Elemefe, Gboyega Adefarati, Alou Ayodele, Adewale Omojuwa, Femi Adekanmbi, Sola Akintanmi and state Publicity Secretary Rotimi Agbede, who was master of ceremony.

It was carnival-like shadow poll, which elements were beyond the ken and comprehension of the opposition. It was devoid of strife and rancour. From 10.15 am when the exercise kicked off, there was no dull moment. An atmosphere of peace and tranquility pervaded the venue. A contingent of policemen led by a Superintendent, Mr. Ebenezer Adegalu was idled throughout because there was no reported case of unruly behaviour. A team of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officers comprising Mrs Pricilla Ezeigwe, Mr. Clement Osime, Mr. Surajudeen Junaid and Mrs. Adefunke Abiodun were impressed by the peaceful conduct of the congress.

The lot fell on Oshun to highlight the congress process. He conveyed the felicitations of the national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, to a whole house he described as “a united party predicated on its expectation to win the governorship poll on October 20”. The former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives said “this is the beginning of a healthy process to drive away from Alagbaka House Labour Party and replace it with a more purposeful government led by ACN”.

Oshun reminded the delegates that the process of obtaining nomination forms ended on July 2 this year, adding that only one aspirant collected and submitted the form. He said ward and local government congresses results were being tendered by the Local Government Returning Officers.

Kolawole explained that the congress was designed in that way to keep moles in the party out of the show. He said the choice of the flag bearer was ratified because the odds favoured him. “All the aspirants are qualified and they are people of integrity. After looking round, we decided on him. He is known in the public affairs of the country. He is a professional. Akeredolu will become governor through the will of the people”.

The zonal leader knew that a titanic battle is in the offing. But he said the people of Ondo State would prefer a new governor who carries along all the stakeholders to a ‘one -man -show governor’.

Ajatta echoed the same feeling, saying that ACN will run an all-inclusive government. He also shed light on the emergence of Akeredolu. “I stepped down for the party and the party decided that he should be the candidate. So, I stepped down for both him and the party. Akeredolu is not the only one in the party. He will not form the government alone. We will do it together”.

The former federal legislator said the allegation of imposition was unfounded, urging critics to move closer to study and understand the way primaries are conducted in ACN. “We hold legal and legitimate primaries, not primaries where thugs will brandish cutlasses and broken bottles”, he stressed.

Iji agreed with him, explaining that party members always counted on the wisdom of elders who have benefit of hindsight. He was emphatic that this is a plus and not a minus to the fold, adding that the atmosphere of a guided congress is permissive of orderliness and peaceful conduct, which is to the credit of the party leaders. “This is how we conduct our primaries. We  have leaders who are learned in the trade and experienced to know that there is need for moderation. Our democratic values must be thoroughly guided. It should not be at large. We need to avoid rancorous primaries”, he stressed.

Despite the successful congress, many challenges will confront the party in its bid to dislodge Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who key leaders of the party supported for the governorship in 2007. Observers contend that ACN have to work harder than it had done in Ekiti, Osun, and Edo states to install a progressive government in the Sunshine State.

A Muslim cleric, Alhaji Ade Oloruntoba, who rendered the opening prayer, alluded to the task of reconciliation that must be done. He prayed to God to pacify aggrieved stalwarts.  Majority of the aspirants who stepped down in deference to party supremacy witnessed the ceremony. But the absence of party faithful, including Pa Wumi Adegbonmire, committed Awoist and  Asiwaju of Akureland, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, and other committed local progressive leaders agitated some observers. However, party sources authoritatively said that Adegbonmire will remain a progressive for life. On Sunday, Adegbonmire said on the phone: “I remain in ACN. I will never jump from one party to another”.

The choice of a running mate is also an issue. Some women invaded the venue, demanding that a one of them should pair with Akeredolu. No fewer than 12 indigenes of Ondo State are scheming to emerge as deputy governorship candidate. Majority of them are from the South Senatorial District. Akoko, the fanatical sub-zone reputed for bloc votes believes in ACN. But since Owo, where Akeredolu hails from is part of the North Senatorial District comprising Akoko, the aggrieved sub-zone which produced many aspirants must be pacified by party elders and leaders. 

It is not likely that the running mate will emerge from the Central Senatorial District where Mimiko comes from. Votes from Akure, Ondo and Idanre cannot be ignored. This is a major challenge to the ACN National Director of Organisation, Alasoadura. In 2007, Akure voted for LP, despite the fact that its son, Prince Adegoroye, was the ACN candidate, although he had an amorous dealing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ondo, the vast territory of the Osemawe, is proud of producing the governor. But there are complaints that the governor has not fought the infrastructure battle in Ondo Kingdom as he had done in other towns. Will Ondo abandon Mimiko for ACN?

Akeredolu’s media spokesman, Idowu Ajanaku, said that it is possible, explaining that the people of Ondo State would assess developments based on merit. “Our people are sensitive. They know what is happening in Lagos, Osun, Ekiti and Edo states. They want prudent management of resources. They want good government. They want their state to move forward. People here vote based on competence, integrity, credibility and manifesto of the party. People want a progressive party in power to steer their affairs”, he added.

Observers have also contended that, on the slippery political field, Mimiko would be campaigning based on what he had done in the last four years and Akeredolu would be campaigning based on what he will do, if elected into office. Again, Ajanaku said “Ondo people are reconnecting with the progressive bloc”, adding that, “if they fared well under Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria and Alliance for Democracy, they will fare better under ACN than LP”.

Some delegates from the South Senatorial District confided that, contrary to media reports, PDP is not totally dead in the zone. PDP candidate, Olusola Oke, a lawyer, is former Governor Olusegun Agagau’s associate. “If a deputy governor is coming from here, then, ACN should make sure that he is a man of clout”, said a delegate who declined being named. “If the two districts vote and they have not seen Ikale and Ilaje votes, forget it, the exercise is incomplete. Our voting strength is a factor, indeed, the deciding factor any time”, he added.

Many party leaders are conscious of these challenges. Adegboro stressed the need for massive mobilisation. “The first challenge is to reach out to all people and market our candidate. Our candidate has solid political and professional reputation. He is a candidate to beat. He is a great candidate with impressive credential”, he said.

However, Ilori emphasised reconciliation, which he said should be followed by mobilisation. On reconciliation, he said, may not be possible to pacify all, but 70 percent of the aggrieved will be pacified and that means that we are on course.

“We need to work hard, mobilise the people and come up with facts about why only ACN is a better alternative”, he added.

Akeredolu may have embrace the challenges on the spot. In his acceptance speech, he hailed the patriotism and commitment of co-aspirants, saying that they have made a great sacrifice for the party and state. In humility, he waved the olive branch to all. He called for unity and cohesion because he could not go through the hurdles alone. 

The flag bearer urged members to intensify mobilisation in all the nooks and crannies of the state. He spoke on the core agenda of integration in the South-West, saying that Ondo State cannot afford to be left out. For the state not to be left out, he said ACN must form the next government.

Akeredolu rekindled the passion for power shift in October. He spoke as an activist committed to the vision and mission of pro-democracy movement that he is. “We will give all it takes to win the election”, maintained.

Reps to Jonathan: beware of Okonjo-Iweala’s advice

 
Zakari Mohammed

 

House rejects minister’s stand on Budget 2012

There seems to be no end in sight to the wrangling between the House of Representatives and the Presidency over the poor implementation of the 2012 budget, with the House throwing barbs at the Executive yesterday. 

Nigeria has left the military era behind, House spokesman Zakari Mohammed said at a special media briefing where the House faulted the Executive’s claim that the National Assembly’s input into the budget delayed its implementation. The National Assembly is no longer “a toothless bulldog”,  Mohammed said.

The House also, in a direct reference, warned President Goodluck Jonathan against the kind of advice he gets from Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other “un-elected appointees”, which might put his administration in more trouble.

Mohammed said: “The idea of the National Assembly distorting the budget is incorrect. The National Assembly cannot distort a budget which it has full powers over. There is no law that says the budget must be returned to the President exactly the way it is forwarded to the National Assembly.

“They (Presidency) seem to be suffering from military hangover where budgets were announced after a meeting of the Supreme Military Council (SMC). The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is not the equivalent of the SMC. The National Assembly has replaced the SMC. 

“If the Appropriation Act is to be sent back to the Executive the way it is presented, then, it is better that the National Assembly is abolished.  In a constitutional democracy, in the budgeting process, the National Assembly exercises the constitutional responsibility of taking care of the interests and aspirations of Nigerians from every constituency.

The House spokesman, who read from a prepared text entitled: “2012 Budget, Non-Implementation: Okonjo-Iweala Should Address the Real Issues,” accused the Finance Minister of breaking the law by not adhering to the letters of the 2012 Appropriations Act.

According to the House, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s claim that the executive arm has implemented 56 per cent  of the 2012 budget as widely reported,  “is not true,” as only “about 34per cent of the budget has been implemented.”

The statement said:

“The House of Representatives will like to restate its concern on the poor and selective implementation of the 2012 budget by the executive arm of government and the attitude of officials of government saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Appropriation Acts. For the avoidance of doubt, section 6 and 7 of the 2012 Appropriation Act clearly says what officials of government and in this case the Honourable Minister of finance is permitted to do.

“Section 6 of the Appropriation Act, 2012, states that: “The minister of Finance shall ensure that funds appropriated under this Act are released to the appropriate agencies and or organs of government as and when due, provided that no funds for any quarter of the fiscal year shall be deferred without prior waiver from the National Assembly”. Mark and note the choice of the word “shall” which is mandatory under the circumstance, not discretionary. 

“This is what the minister is expected to do. It is not within her powers to pick and choose projects and programmes to fund as has been the case with the Appropriation Act 2012. Her piece meal and discretionary release of funds for projects contrary to the schedule approved in the Appropriation Act is unlawful. She is, in fact, apparently breaking the law. What the law requires the minister to do is ensure that all funds appropriated for projects within a particular quarter are released to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as at when due without preference. 

“If the revenue target is not achieved in any particular period, it is the responsibility of the Honourable Minister to seek for waiver from the National Assembly. This has not been the case as the Honourable Minister has not told the nation or the National Assembly that the monies for these projects are not available.

“This is not to say that funds should be released and accessed by MDAs without due process and actual execution of projects. In other words, there should be value for money. How released funds are accessed by the various MDAs is stated in Section 7 of the budget Act and further guided by due process law. 

“Section 7 of the 2012 Appropriation Act states as follows: 

‘The department of government charged with the responsibility of certifying that due processes have been complied with in the processing of implementation of projects shall ensure that all processes of approval are completed within the specified period as provided for in the Public Procurement Act”. Again, mark and note the choice of word “shall” and not “will”. If these processes are not satisfied by the MDAs the monies lapse at the end of the financial year and are returned to the treasury. The Honourable Minister has rather chosen to release funds for the implementation of the budget subject only to her whims and caprices. She has no right to do so.

“The House will further like to clarify a few misinterpretations on the Minister’s recent media briefing on the implementation of the 2012 budget as reported by the media on Thursday July 26, 2012.

First of all, it is not true that the executive arm has implemented as at today 56% of the 2012 budget as widely reported. In truth, about 34% of the budget has been implemented. What the minister admitted to as can be confirmed from her own words is that, at best Government has implemented 56% of the N404 Billion released to MDAs.

“The Minister was clear in saying that, of this amount (N404 billion) only N324 billion has so far been cash backed. In other words, it is only N324 billion that is available to the MDAs for implementation of capital projects and programmes of government out of about N1.5 trillion appropriated for all capital expenditure. The House of Representatives also does not agree with the Honourable Minister that the slow pace of implementation of the 2012 budget is as a result of the constituency projects introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.

“For the avoidance of doubt, constituency projects represent less than 10% of the 2012 capital budget. How can this be the reason for the slow implementation of the budget? This excuse for non-implementation falls flat on its face when a review of the performance of the Executive on even its own preferred projects is made. More evidential is the fact that releases so far made to the MDAs are not enough to pay for on–going projects or projects chosen by the executive. For instance, out of a total appropriation of N145 billion for the Ministry of Works in the budget, only N47 billion has so far been released to the ministry. In the first quarter, N38 billion was released and in the second quarter only N9 billion was released, with a shortfall of about N30 billion for the 2ndquarter. 

“The projects that need these appropriations are core road projects scattered all over the country.  Or are these inter-state highways and other strategic road projects also constituency Projects? Playing to the gallery by the executive arm will not change the facts of the situation.”

The lawmaker said it was important to restate that the constituency projects are managed by the Executive arm of government.

“Members of the National Assembly are not involved in the advertising of these projects, nor are they involved in the short listing of contractors for the projects neither are they part of the process of the actual award of the contracts. It has been their exclusive preserve.

“The security, welfare and prosperity of Nigerians has always been and remains uppermost in the consideration of the House of representatives in raising concerns on the slow implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act. What is the benefit of annual appropriations if projects enunciated in the budgets are not implemented? 

“For us in the 7th Assembly, significant implementation of budgets is our desire. We are not at war with the executive arm on this matter. We shall continue to insist on the implementation of the budget, no matter what is being insinuated as the motivating factor for our intervention.

The lawmaker while faulting the Finance Minister’s claim that a 100 percent implementation of the budget is impossible before the resumption of the House on September 18, said: “If you give your child an examination, when you see the result, you should be able the know if he/she has passed or not.”

According to him, the era when the National Assembly was viewed as a toothless bulldog was over as the House will take stringent action when necessary to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the dividends of democracy.

Mohammed, however, agreed that there has been a slight improvement in the implementation of the budget since the resolution of the House on July 19, adding that lawmakers have been getting updates from their constituencies in that regard.

“We further wish to enjoin all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, to continue with the procurement processes and eventual award of all capital projects within their purview. 

“Finally, we call on Mr. President, as an elected official who is ultimately accountable to Nigerians, to be careful of the type of advice he gets from his unelected appointees on the issue of the implementation of the budget, as its significant implementation is ultimately in the interest of his presidency.”