Ajimobi signed agreement with Ladoja, not Accord Party — Chairman •I remain Accord leader —Ladoja

THE Oyo State chairman of the Accord Party, Alhaji Bashir Lawal, has made a clarification on a political pact between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and a former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, saying it was not an agreement with the Accord as a party but with Ladoja as a brother to Ajimobi.

Contrary to the position widely canvassed that the pact was a gentleman’s agreement between the two politicians, Alhaji Lawal said it was a signed agreement, whose terms were drawn up by Governor Ajimobi without the prompting of Senator Ladoja.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune in Ibadan, on Monday, the Accord Party boss disclosed that one of the terms of the pact was the pledge by Governor Ajimobi to concede 20 per cent of all political appointments to Senator Ladoja.

The agreement, according to Alhaji Lawal, was reached to secure support of the seven lawmakers in the state House of Assembly, to make it possible for the assembly to be constituted as it was.

The chairman, in a reaction to a report credited to his counterpart from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Akin Oke, who described Ladoja as a confused politician over his purported return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and despite a pact with the ACN, said Ajimobi had not fulfilled the agreement he drew up on his own volition.

He added that the ACN chairman was afraid of Ladoja’s return to the PDP because he knew doing so would translate to sounding the death knell for the ACN, which he labelled as a party of liars and insincere people.

“Ajimobi has 20 commissioners and Chief Oke, if he went to school at all and did elementary arithmetic, should know that 20 per cent of the commissioners will mean four commissioners for Ladoja. It is the same for the governor’s 20 advisers. But the governor only gave Ladoja 2 each,” he said.

On local government election yet to be scheduled by the state government, the Accord Party boss said his party was fully prepared for the poll, asking the ACN-led administration to use the election to test its popularity in the state.

Meanwhile, FORMER governor of Oyo State and Leader of Accord Party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has again denied links with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ladoja denied this allegation on Sunday while addressing Accord members from Lagelu and Akinyele Federal Constituency during the empowerment programme and opening of the constituency office of Honourable Muritala Kayode Busari at Alegongo area, Akobo Ibadan.

He said there was a lot of negotiation between him and other party members but he is still committed to Accord Party.

“I am committed to the improvement of the welfare of the electorate, while other parties are concerned about the welfare of only their party men and women,” he said.

“They have been wooing me but I can’t leave the party I have worked for and join another party. I will remain an Accord Party leader, I will remain loyal to Accord Party members.

He, however, commended the effort of Honourable Busari, representing Lagelu and Akinyele Federal Constituency for a job well done as he brings succour to the masses through provision of financial assistance to the widows, the aged and empowerment programme for the youths of his constituency.

I held no meeting with Jonathan, says Tinubu

Tinubu

•Calls for solution to insecurity

Former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said he did not hold any meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said he was not even in town when the supposed meeting took place. 

The frontline politician said there was no meeting between Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fasshola (SAN), the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and Jonathan.

Asiwaju Tinubu spoke against the backdrop of a report that the trio met in Lagos when the President visited last weekend.

He said he would meet Dr Jonathan, if their discussion would centre on proffering solutions to the lingering insecurity and other national challenges. But he insisted that this should be at the President’s request. 

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader said much as any of such meetings are called by the President without politicising issues, it would enable stakeholders in the Nigerian project to solve the nation’s problems. 

Tinubu addressed reporters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on his way to visit Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole on the Saturday road crash involving the governor’s convoy.

He was accompanied by ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo; and ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Tinubu said: “That report is not correct. To tell you categorically, I did not attend any meeting with the President in company of the Oba of Lagos. I wasn’t even aware that the President was coming to Lagos until after the visit of the Oba at night. So, there was no meeting between myself, the President and the Oba of Lagos. I am very sure that the governor did not attend any such meeting with the President. 

“We have all been meeting on national issues. We have met several times. So, if the party leadership across board is invited to a meeting to solve the problems of the country, why not?

“This is a critical time when all hands must be on deck to help solve the security problems of the country. This is the time to get together to develop ideas. All necessary steps that can help the nation’s security should be less politicised. Advice should be solicited in good faith. If ideas are solicited in good faith, we must offer them. Those in authority should not reject the ideas outright. But these have to come through the political parties’ leadership.” 

On Boko Haram and insecurity, the ACN leader said: “You have touched on a critical issue confronting the nation. It is reaching a phenomenal dimension that we all cannot afford to sleep with our eyes open or ignore the national security.

“The President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is the first person who probably should begin consultations with the people and must not politicise this problem. 

“Since 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been ruling this country. It claims to have the wisdom and the apparatus, but each time it reacts to this question of national security, the tragedy confronting the country, it has not gone without blaming one political party or the other. That is passing the buck. 

“Those in the PDP are the ones saying they are in government; they are in power. So, if they cannot solve the problem of security, why blame it on others? 

“Now, there is a clear line and ideological difference between us. But Nigeria belongs to all of us. The best is the PDP-led Federal Government should do is to cry for help and, if they do, they will get it, instead of putting blames or categorising one party as one-man party. They are running around like headless chickens,” Asiwaju Tinubu added.

Police grill Saraki over N9.7bn loan

Saraki

• Supporters besiege SFU, as ex-governor gets bail

Former Governor of Kwara State Bukola Saraki was yesterday a guest of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja where he was quizzed by investigators over a N9.7 billion loan.

The loan was said to have been obtained from the defunct Intercontinental Bank by Joy Petroleum Company, a firm which the former governor is said to have substantial interest.

The senator, who is assisting the police to clear certain grey areas in the said loan which was obtained by Joy Petroleum during his tenure as Governor of Kwara State, was released on bail last night.  

The Special Fraud Unit had declared him wanted last week over his failure to honour an invitation  by the SFU in respect of the loan.

Access Bank, which has taken over Intercontinental Bank, is believed to have initiated the investigation as part of the bank’s loan recovery drive. 

It was like a political rally at the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU)Milliverton Road, Ikoyi Lagos as political associates, party leaders, and supporters of Saraki  from  Kwara  came to show solidarity to the former  governor.

Saraki was supposed to appear at the SFU yesterday morning in Lagos. He later appeared in Abuja. 

It was alleged that the ex-governor used three of his companies to secure the loan, which was later allegedly fraudulently written off by the  management of Intercontinental bank under Mr.  Lai Alabi.

His supporters  were led by Mr. Ishola Fulani, the Kwara State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) . They urged the police to handle the investigation with care and ensure that justice is done.

According to them, Saraki is a transparent man and can never be involved in any fraud.

The supporters, who stormed Ikoyi in over 20 buses from Ilorin,  insisted that the police must treat their political leader fairly.

Mrs. Ebun Owolabi, a member of Kwara State House of Assembly who was part of the protesters warned that police should not allow anyone to use them.

Owolabi said: "I am speaking on behalf of women in Kwara State. Nothing must happen to this man who is a man of integrity and honour. We are not saying that police should not do their job, what we are saying is that he should be treated fairly and that nothing must happen to him.”

 Commissioner of Police in charge of SFU, Mr. Tunde Ogunshakin  said  his command would bring all the culprits in the alleged loan scam to book.   

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmed, Alhaji AbdulWahab Oba, yesterday said Kwara government was not paralysed as a result of the solidarity protest held by the ex-governor’s supporters for him at SFU.

Oba said: “We want to place it on record that the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed was in Lagos on Sunday 29th of April 2012 with some top government functionaries to interact with Kwara professionals resident in Lagos.”

WASSCE fees: Ogun pays N232.6m for 39,752 pupils

The Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said the state government had released N232.6m for the payment of the 2011/2012 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination fees of candidates in all its schools.

This, she said, was in line with the government commitment to the provision of free, qualitative and affordable education in state-owned schools.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Information Officer of the ministry, Mrs. Modupe Idowu, on Friday.

The amount will cater for the payment of WASSCE fees of 39,752 candidates registered for the examination in the state’s public secondary schools.

“The Ogun State Government has released the sum N232,668,400m for the payment of the 2011/2012 WASSCE fees of candidates in public schools in the state,” Adeosun said in the statement.

However, she disclosed that N29,495,070 of the money was spent on “logistics.”

The commissioner said the government was determined to meet its financial obligations to the pupils in public schools, in accordance with its free education policy.

Adeosun urged the pupils to reciprocate government’s gesture by taking their studies seriously and consequently performing well in the examination.

Also, wife of the governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, has promised that the best candidates in the WASSCE in each of the 20 local governments in the state will be sponsored on a free trip to Dubai.

She added that the overall best performing pupil in the examination in the state would also be given cash reward in addition to the trip.

The state government had earmarked over N40bn for education in the 2012 budget, to enable it to drive its affordable qualitative education policy.

10 youngsters who could become next Messi

There will always be one Lionel Messi but then there are several youngsters who may take over from the hugely talented Argentine in the nearest future, says Bleacher Report

Eden Hazard (Lille)

Lille’s Edin Hazard is the player everyone wants this summer. He can play on the wings or as a central attacking midfielder. He can create for others, he can score and he does it with style.

You start seeing Messi when Hazard runs with the ball at his feet. His close control at incredible pace is frightening for defenders across France.

Hazard’s goalscoring numbers have crept up over his career but have taken a leap this season with 16 goals during the Ligue 1 season and his first for the Belgian national team.

Junior Hoilett (Blackburn)

No one in the Premier League has as many successful dribbles per game as Blackburn’s 21-year-old Junior Hoilett.

Generally lined up out on the left wing, Hoilett can beat defenders down the line or cut inside and menace them with his shot.

Why neither Jamaica nor Canada (Hoilett is eligible to play for both) have gotten their act together and called him into the national team still baffles many.

Neymar (Santos)

Santos’ 20-year-old sensation Neymar is the most likely “next Messi” as he’s already tied to both Real Madrid and Barcelona. If he ends up anywhere else in Europe, it will be a shock. That season.

A more muscular brand of attacking player than most of the sprites on this list, Shaqiri combines technical ability with a fantastic strength on the ball.

He popped up on many fans’ radar with his outstanding performance in the Champions League during a 2-1 win over Manchester United. He can do it on the big stage and sooner rather than later, he’ll get a chance to do it more regularly.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first start for Arsenal in January. When Arsene Wenger substituted him in the 78th minute, the home fans at the Emirates booed the move.

High praise indeed for the 18-year-old but not undeserved. When he’s been on the field for Arsenal this season, the team looks more threatening.

Most comfortable with the ball at his feet, Oxlade-Chamberlain dances past defenders and his pace makes it unlikely that once beaten they get a chance to recover.

Iker Muniain (Athletic Bilbao)

Athletic Bilbao’s Iker Muniain is the most direct descendant of Lionel Messi’s legacy in Spain. He moves like Messi; dribbles like Messi and he even looks a little like Messi when he’s in full flow weaving past defenders.

Muniain has already gotten the call from Spain, making his debut in the senior team this past February.

Luuk De Jong (FC Twente)

Luuk De Jong’s masterful season in the Eredivisie (23 goals in 23 games) means he could be the next big thing.

He walks through multiple defenders in the opposing penalty area with ease and he hit a magnificent bicycle kick goal in the Europa League.

Lucas (Sao Paulo)

Sao Paulo’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder Lucas is highly prized in Brazil that the club have included a massive buy-out clause in his contract that has so far succeeded in keeping him at home. But Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United are all circling.

Lucas will announce himself to the world this summer during the London Olympics.

Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)

Franz Beckenbauer has stated that it is not possible to stop Dortmund attacking midfielder Mario Gotze. High praise indeed for a player who has yet to reach his 20th birthday.

Gotze is incredibly fast with the ball and can take opponents on one-on-one or even one-on-more. He can pick the dangerous pass. And he can finish.

He broke into the Borussia Dortmund first team last season, contributing six goals and eleven assists to Dortmund’s title-winning side. His form convinced the national team staff and Gotze made his debut for Germany in November 2010.

The player has continued his great form this season despite injury limiting his appearances.

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Govs vindicated by subsidy report – Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was recently prevented from delivering the 5th memorial lecture of former Ondo State governor, late Chief Adebayo Adefarati in Akure, at the state capital. In an interview with journalists, Fayemi spoke on the botched lecture, South-West politics, fuel subsidy report and state of insecurity in the country. AYODELE OJO, who covered the session, reports:

What really led to the botched lecture you were to de-liver in Ondo State?

It was an ugly event and I was surprised by what hap-pened. I found what happened strange because I have re-gards for the governor of Ondo State, Dr. Segun Mimiko. Within the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) fold, I am seen as the closest link to him.

The relationship goes be-yond personal because we were together in the trenches even though he was in the Labour Party and I was in the ACN. We even exchanged notes and did many things to-gether, developmentally.Mimiko was one of the first persons I spoke to when the Adefarati family asked me to give the lecture.

I told the family that the memorial of a governor and a leader of the progressive movement shouldn’t be partisan. I asked the family pertinent questions: Who are the people coming? Have you told the governor of Ondo State? What role would he play at the event?

The family members made it clear to me that they have informed the governor, even though they experienced difficulty in seeing him, they handed over the letter to his Chief of Staff. About two days to the event, I called him (Mimiko) and confirmed to him that I would be coming for the lecture.

He complained that he did not like the way the event was being handled and expressed his feeling of a political undertone over the event. I explained that for me, the event was important because Mimiko was a commissioner under Adefarati. We agreed to attend the event together.

Before I left Ado Ekiti, the advance team informed me that there was an altercation between LP and ACN sup-porters at the venue. Again, I called my brother and said this is what I am hearing about the place and I hope it is proper for me to come and he said that he too have heard that there were problems; the LP members were prevented from entering the venue.

That was his perspective. But when I got to Akure, I discovered that it was pointless going to the place; I went to the house of a party leader, Wunmi Adegbomire.

I was there with Chief Bisi Akande and oth-ers watching development. When I decided to leave town, I told Mimiko and we agreed to see subsequently.My fear now is that the event could be a rehearsal of things to come in Ondo.

I was surprised when I discov-ered from evidence shown to me later that elements closed to the party and government in Ondo State were at the cenre of everything that happened. I don’t know if my brother was aware of the role they played because it is also possible the governor’s supporters and their key actors may do things that he is not privy to.

But I have it on good authority that at least three of the drivers of the fracas are key officials in his party and government, were central to organising what happened in Ondo State, the day I was to deliver the lecture.

This was something that was planned. It was not spontaneous. It was not ac-cidental. It was organised.

In fact, some of the people they used even had the effrontery to go to an event where the governor was presented an award same evening to lodge a complaint that the money they gave to them was not enough and I don’t think that is something I really want to associate with the governor of Ondo State.I have seen a lot of reports in newspapers, attributing what happened to all sorts of funny things; ACN aspirants fighting among themselves, Labour Party members not being allowed to come into the venue. What is more fun-damental is the potential that the incidence holds for de-mocracy in our region.

The South-West more often than not is the trigger for crises. Some people are also worried that the recent developments in Osun State are not uncon-nected with the October 29 governorship election.

I am an unapologetic advocate of regionalism. I do not believe that we must belong to the same political party for regional in-tegration to take root.The speech I was to deliver has to do with mechanism for conflict resolution and even security as the basis of peace because the purpose of the lecture is in honour of somebody we known as Baba Peace in the politics of the South-West.

That was the focus of my lecture. It did not make a single reference to the impending election in Ondo State neither did it talk about the relationship between my party and the LP. It was focused on how we can rebuild this society on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.

One of the governors elected on the platform of your party, Rauf Aregbesola, has been accused of planning secession. How do you see the development?

The ACN is not apologetic in any way about the way we see Nigeria today. We have complained about the present structure of the country, the weakness of the present con-stitution and we have advocated for true federalism. It may be easier as governor for me to relate with my predecessor in a matter that is different from the way another governor will do.

We have our differences.We have a flag in Ekiti; Lagos has a flag.

We have an anthem and we also have our crest. We do not even have the Federal Government coat of arms on any of our docu-ments in Ekiti but that does not mean we are not part of the country; it is only about our identity. If you have 10 crests put together, you won’t be in doubt about our crest.

Maybe, this is what Aregbesola is trying to do, but with more passion.

Honestly, I do not see any seriousness in most of the al-legations.

It is not feasible for Aregbesola to plan secession. What is wrong in his building a state that is self-sufficient and responds to the needs of its people?

I don’t think these people are really worried about secession but about what the effective performance and popularity of ACN in the South-West and Aregbesola’s activities in Osun will do to their already damaged reputation.

It is still the same old battle between the reactionaries and progressives. The re-cent allegations are organised, funded and to some extent has Abuja connection. We have no issues with the Federal Government. What we want is already known. We want to develop and make this region better.

The issue that we have with the Federal Government, we have put them on the table; the lopsidedness of the relation between the cen-tre and the states.In their view, Aregbesola is the most recalcitrant of the ACN governors.

If you can crush him, Fayemi is easy, Amosun used to be with us (PDP) we can get him back, Ajimobi is a nice man, Fashola is a technocrat. That is their own estimation and that is what is driving what they are doing. Unfortunately, for them they are on the wrong track.

The House of Representatives Ad hoc committee prob-ing the petroleum subsidy has released its report; what is your take on it?

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) prompted this. Even before the January protests, we cried over the illegal deductions from the federation account particularly the allocation for the purpose of funding the NNPC importa-tion of fuel. At a point in October and December last year, we rejected the allocation. Today, we feel vindicated.

The reason we find ourselves in this situation is that even basic information is not available. No one can tell us how much fuel we import and or the quantity of crude that we export and the earnings in an accurate verifiable manner. This is why the National Economic Council set up a committee to get accurate record of what Nigeria exports and imports and the aggregate quantity.

The way the report is being politicised now is like find-ing an escape route. All organisations mentioned are now making statements, claiming that the committee has ma-ligned them. I think there is an aspect of this report that was not properly handled. There is enough in it to convince any person that a great deal has occurred.

The report has just been submitted and debated and we have seen the mob reaction. It is said in some circles that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is going to be impeached for al-lowing the report to be submitted, and the man that did the report should kiss his governorship ambition goodbye. No country can progress if we have this much stench in the system. People just look at Nigeria as a huge joke.

How do you see the Boko Haram insurgency in the country?

Nobody is comfortable with the way things are with se-curity in the country today. What I think is the fundamen-tal issue in our approach to security management is the co-ordinating mechanism. Our intelligence services have not been put to optimal use.

Although we are improving on the level of our electronic interception, security monitoring and surveillance, when we put everything together, some agencies are still not coordinating.

The approach must be different in dealing with a threat that is not seen. That is an area that I think the national security intelligence has to put in more effort because we are no where near under-standing the Boko Haram phenomenon.

It is easy to be tempted to say it has a religious or ethnic phenomenon but is that really the driver? It is much more political and economic than ethnic and religious.We need to tighten local security arrangement and by that we must go back to the old age issues. State police is an imperative because the Nigerian Police is over burdened and incapable of responding to these issues in a way it ought to.

In fairness to former President Olusegun Obasan-jo, his era had a quiet but very effective anti-terrorism unit that was properly trained. It was dismantled immediately he left power and we broke the chain. We are now worried and surprised that we do not have the intelligence required to address terrorism.

I’m in right frame of mind for QPR, says Terry

 

 

John Terry has told Chelsea coach Roberto Di Matteo he is in the right frame of mind to play against QPR on Sunday and is available for selection.

Terry is going into the west London derby under huge scrutiny on two fronts for his latest misery in the Champions League and his reunion with Anton Ferdinand.

He has come under huge criticism for his red card offence in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona in midweek.

The England international has admitted he was in the wrong and is believed to still be feeling devastated that he will be suspended for the final against Bayern Munich on May 19.

Despite his heartbreak on being banned for the final, he wants to bounce back against QPR and help them get the win they need to maintain their challenge for a top four place.

But he is up against Ferdinand, the man who he is accused of racially abusing in their first League encounter at Loftus Road in October, which has led to him facing a court case in July.

It has been reported that Ferdinand and the rest of the QPR players are considering snubbing his handshake in the pre-match ritual.

Yet Terry, who played against QPR in Chelsea’s FA Cup Fourth Round victory earlier this year, is not going to let that put him off and he is ready to face them again.

Lagos urges FG to stop projects in Ikorodu

Lagos State Government wants the Federal Government to stop work on the construction of a medical centre and a police station in Igbogbo area of Ikorodu.

The state Commissioner for The Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, made this known on Saturday while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the Igbogbo-Baiyeku area of the state.

He said the two projects were being built in an unsafe drainage terrain and could pose a

threat to the lives of the residents by worsening flooding the problem in the area.

“These two projects, a Federal Medical Centre and a police station, are clearly a threat to the environment; they are erected on a drainage terrain, obstructing the free flow of water.

“We are calling on the FG to demolish the projects to allow for free flow of water to solve the problem of flooding in the area,’’ he said.

The commissioner urged the FG to relocate the projects to safe areas.

Bello warned the residents of the area to refrain from dumping refuse indiscriminately, noting

that dumping in unauthorised places, especially in canals, contributed largely to flooding.

“Some of you build structures on drainage paths; this is not safe for both your lives and the environment. Make sure you get proper approval from the government before you build your structures.

“We are aware that some people build in unauthorised places and write fake approval numbers on such structures. We want you to help by contacting us immediately you see such cases,’’ Bello said.

Meanwhile, residents of the area have appealed to the state government to expand the Igbogbo road.

NESREA seals off Visafone’s telecom mast

Director General of the agency, Dr. Ngeri Benebo

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has sealed off a new mast belonging to Visafone Telecom.

The Director General of the agency, Dr. Ngeri Benebo, who gave the directive for the seal-off of the mast, said the company which erected a base station located at Okesa area of Ado-Ekiti failed to comply with the NESREA’s guideline on a setback of 10 metres to the nearest building.

She also said the company did not carry out environmental impact assessment before embarking on the erection of the mast.

The state coordinator of NESREA, Mr. Adeleke Ajani, who led officials of the agency to seal off the mast on Friday, said the agency would not tolerate the violation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act.

The state coordinator added that the Visafone mast which was a new one only gave 2.8 metres and 5.1 metres to the two closest buildings to it instead of 10 metres.

“Base stations erected before now were mandated to give a five-metre setback but all new masts must comply with the 10-metre setback.

“Compliance with the 10- metre-setback is important as this reduces the effect of generator noise used to power the base station. Also, the impact of the vibration of such generators would also not be serious on buildings close to them.

“The smoke emitted from generators at base stations would also not have serious impact on the health of those living close to the stations if the 10-metre setback is complied with.”

He urged residents to always report any company which violated any of NESREA’s regulations.

Ibori: UK hunts for three more ex-governors

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Joshua Dariye and EFCC Boss, Ibrahim Lamorde

More ex-gover-nors who allegedly looted public funds and laundered them in the United Kingdom, are in trouble, as the authorities there are buoyed by their success in the trial of a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, to activate their files.

Ibori was on April 17, sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for money laundering and theft of $250m.

It was authoritatively gathered on Friday, that the London Metropolitan Police Service was at the final stage of its investigations to bring the ex-governors to book.

Those involved were, Dr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Joshua Dariye and another ex-governor from the South-East.

An impeccable presidency source in Abuja, told Sunday Punch, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was assisting the London Met to wrap their investigations in

He said “Dariye, Alamie-yeseighie and another ex-governor from the South-East, have substantial evidence against them. But they are not the only ones on the list.

“The London Police are very thorough. Most of the time, it is not about how fast you can finish investigating a case, but waiting for substantial evidence is important so that you can have a successful trial.

“If you look at the Ibori case, you will understand how international fraud cases are conducted.

“A lot of international co-operation is involved because the evidence needed are scattered all over the world.

“But we have enough now for the prosecution of the three I have mentioned. We just need to settle a few things before their cases go to court.

“Nigeria and Britain have an existing Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty; therefore, getting the suspects to the UK won’t be a problem.

“It was through such assistance that the Ibori case was put to a logical conclusion.”

On the EFCC collaboration with Metropolitan police to bring more ex-governors to book, its Head, Media and Publicity Mr. Wilson Uwujaren told Sunday Punch that, “Yes, we are collaborating with the Metropolitan police on a number of cases.”

He, however, declined to mention the names of the former governors on the prosecution list,

Uwujaren said, “No, we are not giving names out.”

Pressed further on when the ex-governors would be brought to court under Ibrahim Lamorde’s EFCC chairmanship, Uwujaren was also hesitant, “I can’t talk about that too,” he said.

According to the EFCC’s record, Dariye was granted bail in 2007 in a case involving N700m corrupt enrichment.

His lawyer had challenged the jurisdiction of the court on the matter, and went on an appeal, which he lost.

Dariye has had a protracted battle with the London Met, since September 2004, when he was arrested in a London hotel for money-laundering.

He reportedly jumped bail in the UK and returned to Nigeria.

Then in 2007, the EFCC charged him and six other Plateau government functionaries before a Federal High Court on a 13-count charge, for alleged embezzlment of public funds.

Just like Dariye, the British police accused Alamieyeseigha of jumping bail in November, 2005, while he was still being investigated for money laundering.

The British High Commission in Abuja, had issued a statement which read, “The Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed to the High Commission that Alamieyeseigha is in breach of the bail conditions set by Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom, which include the requirement to report daily to Paddington Green Police Station in London.

“The governor failed to report to the police station on November 18 and on subsequent days. The Metropolitan Police Service retained the passport seized from Alamieyeseigha at the time of his arrest and retained it as a condition of his bail.

“The bail securities and sureties totalling £1.25m remain in place and assets valued at approximately £10m are currently restrained by order of the High Court in London.”

However, the former Bayelsa State governor was later convicted by Justice Mohammed Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Lagos in 2007 for corrupt practices, while in office.

Efforts to get the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police to react to the activation of cases against the former governors failed, as they could not respond to emails sent to their media centres on Thursday.

A London contact said UK security agencies may not respond to the mails because they don’t want the investigations jeopardised.

In Nigeria, ex-governors, which the EFCC have cases against  include, Saminu Turaki, charged with N36bn fraud,  Michael Botmang N1.5bn; Boni Haruna N254million; Rasheed Ladoja N6bn, Ayo Fayose; N1.2bn, Chimaraoke Nnamani N5.3bn; Jolly Nyame N1.3bn, among others.

All the cases are still at the preliminary stage.

Campus murder: Police arrest two students

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested two students for allegedly killing a final year student at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

A 400 level student at the Faculty of Education in EKSU, Sola Falade, was hacked to death last Thursday when two rival cult groups unleashed terror on the students in hostels outside the university campus.

Apart from Falade, who had a deep cut on his forehead other students were said to have been injured in the violence which erupted at about mid-night.

The situation was brought under control when armed policemen intervened.

In a related development, some students of the school on Friday embarked on a protest and vandalised some of the school’s property.

The irate students were said to have been prevented from writing the first semester examinations for not paying their fees.

But the Public Relations Officer of EKSU, Mr. Olubunmi Ajibade, told our correspondent on the telephone that there was not demonstration in the school.

He, however, explained that part-time students of the university were about to write their examination on Friday but many of them had not paid their fees and instead forged clearance certificates to write the exams.

“On detecting this, the Vice Chancelor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, announced that the examinations be rescheduled to enable the university detect those students who engaged in the crime.”

He said any student found to be unruly would be handed over to law enforcement agents.

I cannot defend FG’s strategy on Boko Haram - OBJ

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, described the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency as very serious but declined to defend the approach of the Federal Government to resolving the crisis.

Delivering a keynote address at the 2012 Cambridge Africa Business Network in the United Kingdom, Obasanjo described the security challenges facing Nigeria as surmountable, affirming that the nation had had a civil war which was more serious than Boko Haram.

“All these security problems pooled together are nothing compared to the civil war from which the nation pulled through,” the former president said.

“Is there insecurity? Yes. Are we doing something about it? Yes. Are we doing enough about the problem? Well, that is up to you to decide,” Obasanjo told the gathering drawn from all over the world.

Obasanjo, who described himself as a chicken farmer, expressed his sadness over the attacks on media houses, describing it as a dangerous turn in the conflict.

On subsidy controversy, the former leader was hesitant in dealing with the issue even as he said he prefered to use the word support rather than subsidy

The former leader was, however, emphatic that current leaders of Nigeria were only struggling to correct mistakes of the past which he blamed on wrong advice given to the nation.

According to him, “cold war at independence, bad advice from World Bank, import substitution strategies, Structural Adjustment Programme messed us up in the beginning.

“They came up with Structural Adjustment Programme when you have no structure. With due respect to the World Bank, you misadvised us,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo, however, noted that Nigeria was doing a lot to provide enabling environment to attract foreign investment, adding that  “Nigeria has created a one-stop shop for getting business perfectly acting as senior advisor to New World Capital Limited, an advisory firm that aims to provide investors with access to Africa both through direct investments and a private-equity fund.”

Other speakers at the conference include Dr Guy Scott, Vice President of the Republic of Zambia;  Razia Khan, He    illivray, Head of Private Sector Department at the Department for International Development; Wadzanai Madziva, Head of Business Development at Google Africa; Karima Ola, Managing Director of the African Development Corporation; and Zain Latif, Principal at TLG Capital.

The Cambridge Africa Business Network conference has as its theme 'Unlocking Value in Frontier Africa' with a focus on exploring how Sub-Saharan African countries are quickly becoming the world's next frontier markets for business and investment.

GUARDIOLA DENIES CHELSEA LINK

 

PEP GUARDIOLA has distanced himself from the Chelsea manager's job after confirming he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
 
The 41-year-old has always been Roman Abramovich's top choice to replace Andre Villas-Boas on permanent basis.
 
But with Guardiola set to take a sabbatical, interim manager Roberto di Matteo is the leading candidate.

Guardiola said: "I'm not interesting in coaching now. There are more things than football."

Chelsea are still hopeful of persuading the Catalan to postpone his break.

Abramovich has wanted to replicate Barcelona's playing style and youth development for several years.

He had meetings with Txiki Begiristain, Barcelona's former director of football, about taking up a similar role at Stamford Bridge, only to see his offer rejected.

Guardiola denied ever having had similar meetings with Abramovich. "I have never met with Roman Abramovich nor any Chelsea representative, I have always respected this club." Guardiola said on Friday.

“What a coach, what a manager. He's a great guy, a role model with many years as a coach ahead of him”

"I will rest and maybe one day I will say, now let's train. Maybe not. Let's see where life takes me. My desire is to do other things.

"I don't have anything to prove. I'm not interested in proving myself abroad and will go away from football at the moment. I have nothing left and need to recharge my batteries.

"I have to recover and the only way I can do that is by distancing myself."

Guardiola, who has won 13 of the 16 trophies he has contested since taking charge at the Nou Camp in 2008, will be replaced by his assistant Tito Vilanova.

Spain's tax system, which has a rate of just 20 per cent for sports stars, could hinder Chelsea's chances of getting their man. Britain's higher tax rate is now 45% and Abramovich would need to offer at least £10m a year to match the salary Guardiola was paid at Barcelona.

Di Matteo, Chelsea's interim manager, paid tribute to Guardiola on Friday but warned against attempting to replicate what he had created at Barcelona.

''What a coach, what a manager. He's a great guy, a role model with many years as a coach ahead of him.

7 MAGIC MOMENTS IN GUARDIOLA'S BARÇA REIGN

 

Guardiola 

 

THE most successful coach in the history of FC Barcelona has announced that he will head for the exit door come the end of this season.
During his short but historic reign, the team's displays under Pep Guardiola have earned them respect and admiration across the world.
 
What's more, though he first came to prominence as the masterful midfield organiser of Johan Cruyff's 1990s Dream Team, his achievements as Barça coach have surpassed even those of his mentor.

Victorious in no fewer than 13 competitions since he took the helm, El Pep Team are now the club's new benchmark in terms of silverware, success and style of play.

FIFA.com takes a look back at Guardiola's time in charge of Los Azulgrana, picking out a number of the most memorable moments.

 17 June 2008: Guardiola is officially unveiled as the head coach of Barcelona, thus replacing the Dutchman Frank Rijkaard. The new supremo's only previous experience in the dugout was his 361 days in charge of Barcelona B, who he guided to promotion into Spain's Segunda Division B.

19 December 2009: Barça down Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata in extra time to win the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. Lionel Messi's 110th-minute clincher meant that the Catalan giants had won six from a possible six trophies in Guardiola's first 18 months at the helm. Overcome with emotion, the coach could not help but shed a tear during the celebrations out on the pitch of Zayed Sports City.
 
26 April 2011: Deep in the midst of a marathon series of clásicos against Real Madrid, spanning the Copa del Rey and the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, the heightened tension and intense media hype caused even Guardiola to lose his habitual cool. “In this press conference room he's the boss, he's the master.

Off the pitch he's won everything all year, I award him his own personal Champions League for that(...) I don't want to compete with him another moment here in this room,” he said, on his Real counterpart Jose Mourinho, in arguably his most controversial outburst as Barça coach.

20 April 2011: Barcelona are beaten by Los Blancos in the final of the Copa del Rey, with Cristiano Ronaldo heading home the only goal of the game. It was, to date, the only defeat Los Azulgrana have suffered in a final during Guardiola's reign. “Congratulations must go to Madrid, but I'm very happy with the way our fans behaved and how we played,” he said after the reverse. “Now we'll have to pick ourselves up again.”

28 May 2011: Guardiola becomes the youngest coach to win the UEFA Champions League on two occasions, after the then 40-year-old supremo's Barça side put in a splendid display to sink Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley. “In my time as a manager, it's the best team we've faced,” said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson afterwards. “Everyone acknowledges that and I accept that. It's not easy when you've been well beaten like that to think any other way. No one has given us a hiding like that. It's a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and enjoy their football.”

9 January 2012: At the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala, Guardiola wins the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football award for the first time on the back of another incredible year, which featured victory in five of six competitions entered. “This is a great source of joy, but you don't become a player or a coach to win awards,” he exclusively told FIFA.com at the event. “You do so to enjoy the game, to put a certain philosophy into practice and work with the players.”

27 April 2012: Barcelona's most successful coach tells his players that he will leave the club at the end of this season, having won no fewer than 13 trophies in his nearly four-year tenure.
 
Guardiola could yet add another piece of silverware to that tally come 25 May's Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, with a triumph making it 14 from a possible 19 titles won. Guardiola's legacy also goes far beyond trophies, with the coach giving first-team debuts to 22 youth products of Barça's fabled cantera, compared to just 14 signings from elsewhere.

Ekiti women commend Fayemi on empowerment

… urge him to run for second term

Market women in Ekiti State have praised Governor Kayode Fayemi for initiating and executing policies that have boosted the status of women in the state.

The President of market men and women association in the state, Mrs. Omowaiye Oso, gave the commendation last week during Fayemi’s interface with market women in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

She declared the readiness of market women to support Fayemi for a second term in office to continue what she called the "good work going on in the state."

At the forum, which was attended by market women from all the 16 local government areas, was the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; wife of the governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi and other government functionaries.

Oso, who is also the Iyaloja of Ado-Ekiti, said Fayemi has restored the dignity of womenfolk by giving them economic empowerment and involving them in the day-to-day running of his administration.

The market women chief said micro-credit loans given to women and other interest groups have empowered them to positively contribute to the economy of the state.

She declared that all market women in the state would be ready to support Fayemi for a second term in office anytime the governor signifies interest.

While commending the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)-led government for giving her association a pride of place, Mrs. Oso accused the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)-led regimes of victimising her and other leaders of the association.

Oso alleged that the bus given to her association by the government of Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo was withdrawn by the succeeding PDP government after which she was detained on trumped-up charges.

She lauded Fayemi for appointing more women into his cabinet and providing employment opportunities for their children which, according to her, has given members of her association a new lease of life.

According to her, "Fayemi has wiped away our tears; he has restored our dignity. He has given us what the previous administrations denied us.

"I want to tell you that your second term in office is sure and we are ready to support you even if a third term is allowed because you have done what others before you have not done."

Fayemi said the interface with market women would be a regular event to render account of his stewardship and feel their pulse.

He said government is ready to support womenfolk with micro-credit loans as a means of giving them economic empowerment and reducing poverty in the state.

Bloody weekend in Adamawa, gunmen in killing spree

Unknown gunmen 

 

Five persons were killed at the weekend in Adamawa State by unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram. A police inspector was killed in Jimeta.

According to reports, a police patrol team was attacked leading to the death of a police officer and a female colleague on duty. A few hour later two civilians were killed at a shopping complex building in the heart of the state capital by unknown gunmen who rode on a motor bike.
The slain police officer was attached to the police station in Jimeta before he met his untimely death. It was gathered that at Demsawo Street in the state capital some gunmen who rode on motor bike ran into the police special Anti-Robbery Squad SARs which was on patrol and opened fire on them leading to the death of the officer while another sustained injuries.
It was believed that the gunmen were members of Boko Haram Islamic sect, although the suspects are yet to be identified.
The residents of Demsawo, a suburb in Jimeta who spoke to our reporter described the incident as most unfortunate "it will be the first confrontations by unknown gunmen against the police patrol team since the killing of SARs commander in the state.
Also at the Mubi residence of the Assistant Financial Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Alhaji Abdulraman Kwacham and two of his security guards were killed by unidentified gunmen at their duty posts. According to an eyes witness, Mr. Danlami Audu told our correspondent that two men came to the politician’s house on a motor bike pretending to be his associates.
He said that immediately they gained entrance to the PDP chieftain’s compound they found out that he was not in town. And later called two of the securities on duty by their names as if they wanted to make an inquiry before they were shot dead. Speaking to our correspondent Kwacham confirmed that his Mubi resident was attacked when he was at the state capital. He said that the attack has no political undertone since he had no political rift with nobody.
When asked if he suspected Boko Haram, he said that Boko Haram sect carry out such attack since politicians are not their target. He called on federal government to dialogue with the sect so that peace can return to the country, adding that some criminals commit offenses against fellow citizens and hide under the cover of Boko Haram .
The police image maker (AS.P) Nemuel Yoila confirmed the incidents saying that no arrest has been made. He assured that patrol has been intensified to catch up with the felons " A routine patrol was attacked and lost a policeman while another sustained injuries during the shoot out. "

South/South leaders advocate restructuring

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

 

The second South/South Economic Summit has ended at the weekend in Asaba-the Delta State capital, with a resolution by the governors of the six states in the zone to collaborate with the Federal Government and the Private Sector in developing the Lagos – Calabar Railway Lines Project.

They also pressed for the urgent completion of the East – West highway and spoke of their determination to ensure quality education in the region and the adoption of information and communication technology and collateral equipment for all levels of education (primary, secondary and tertiary).
The summit, in a communiqué, urged a review of the current revenue allocation and asked for more powers, responsibilities and funding for the other tiers of government while reaffirming commitment to strengthening the nascent governance structure in the region.
Participants urged the Federal Government to review the current policies and regulations on power and gas to enable states generate, transmit and distribute power to complement the efforts of the Federal Government and facilitate the utilization of moribund capacity in the region.

Oshiomhole escapes death in ghastly crash

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State

• Three journalists killed, many injured • Gov alleges foul play, demands probe

Three journalists died yesterday in a road accident involving the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

The accident occurred on Auchi-Warrake road when Oshiomhole’s back-up vehicle carrying security personnel and the Government House Press bus had a head-on collision with a lorry.
Oshiomhole was returning from Owan East Local Government where he received former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rev. Peter Obadan, who defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Dead were the driver of the press crew bus whose name was given as Samson, Olatunji Jacob, a reporter with the Independent Television (ITV), George Okosun also of the ITV and a cameraman of the Africa Independent Television (AIT), Fidelis Ohani.
Some other journalists in the bus were injured. They are Bright Osifo of the Edo Broadcasting Service; George Enofe, Government House photographer; David Acha a cameraman with the Nigerian Observer and Paul Ezenwa, a cameraman with DBN.
Others are Rosemary Obayuwana of Bronze FM; an official of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Obamogie and three others from the State Ministry of Information.
The Chief Security Detail of Governor Oshiomhole and other security personnel are also in critical condition.
The injured were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The incident forced the postponement of the planned kick-off of Oshiomhole’s gubernatorial campaign at the King’s Square in Benin City.
Members of the ACN who had gathered for the rally wore long faces when informed of the incident.
The State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), commiserated with Governor Oshiomhole, the Edo State Chapter of the ACN, the Independent Television (ITV) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the incident.
Publicity Secretary of the party, Pharm Matthew Urhoghide, said the party viewed the death of the four persons as a colossal loss to the journalism profession in particular and the state in general.
The governor, explaining how it happened through the Director, Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Prince Kassim Afegbua said: "the tipper truck emerged from the opposite direction and rammed into the flag vehicle of the Governor before crashing into several other vehicles in the convoy leaving three people dead and several others in critical condition.
"The Comrade Governor’s back-up vehicle was badly affected as well as three other vehicles conveying security officers and members of the Governor’s Press Crew; the Comrade Governor’s vehicle escaped by the whiskers.
"The Governor is also recovering fast from the shock of the incident as it could have been worse if the tipper truck driver had succeeded in his dastardly mission. At first, the driver of the tipper truck attempted to escape but was quickly apprehended by sympathizers."
"The Governor has ordered full scale investigation to ascertain the immediate and remote cause of this unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of three young, brilliant and very hardworking journalists at this moment of the take-off of the Governor’s re-election campaigns."
Afegbua alleged foul play in the incident and asked the Police to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.
He explained that their suspicion was buoyed by the fact that there have been series of threats and boastful statements from the opposition camp, expressing very crude desperation about the July 14, 2012 gubernatorial election in the State as do or die affair.
"The Oshiomhole Campaign Organization wishes to express heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the line of duty. May the spirit of the Almighty God continue to abide with their families and may God grant them peaceful rest in the hereafter.
"As a mark of honour, the flag-off earlier scheduled for the day had been put off until further notice."

Boko Haram: Azazi in trouble

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Andrew Azazi

 

Jonathan to NSA: Explain what you mean • You are wrong, PDP tells Security Adviser

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Andrew Azazi, is in trouble for openly accusing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of fuelling the state of insecurity in the country.

The Presidency is already considering the nature of action to take against him, while the PDP came out smoking yesterday, describing the NSA’s statement as "a grave error and a fatal diagnosis of the security challenges facing the nation."

The party warned political office holders, like Azazi, against attracting ill-feelings for President Goodluck Jonathan.
Gen. Azazi, a former Chief of Army Staff had, at the Second South South Economic Summit in Asaba on Friday, said the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) was partly responsible for the escalation of the menace visited on Nigeria and Nigerians by Boko Haram.
PDP’s brand of politics, especially the way it picks its candidates for elections, he argued, was a crucial factor in the sect’s destruction of lives and property.
He said: "A situation where a political party insists on fielding a particular candidate over another to get a massive win and that if they get that massive win the party has arrived , is the source of the problem."
But President Goodluck Jonathan, on an on-the -spot inspection yesterday of the destruction visited on the Abuja office of ThisDay newspaper by a suicide bomber said he did not understand the logic of the NSA’s position.
He said: "I read in the newspapers some journalists quoting the National Security Adviser. Until I read the script myself and listen to him, one thing I do know, like philosophers will say, human beings disagree because people use different words to mean the same thing and use one word to mean different things.