Eagles Coach Keshi commended for Rwanda victory

Some Nigerian football administrators have hailed the technical prowess of Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi as his team defeated Rwanda 2-0 in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

In separate telephone interviews with NAN, the fans also congratulated Keshi for making the right selection, adding that his mission of rebuilding the team was paying off.

Christian Chukwu, former Super Eagle’s Coach, commended the team’s tactical performance that gave them victory over Rwanda.

He also said that the rebuilding programme of Keshi was a good development, adding that his tactics of using more local players in the team was yielding good results.

“I am indeed happy for the victory; Keshi put more technicalities into the match and I only hope they will sustain it in subsequent matches,’’ Chukwu said.

Paul Hamilton, former Super Falcons Coach, also congratulated football fans and thanked Keshi for working more on the scoring chances of the Eagles.

He said the result now had increased the Eagles’ points, adding that the confidence reposed in Keshi was yielding results.

Former NFA Technical Director, Kashimawo Laloko, told NAN that the victory had saved Nigeria the embarrassment of being absent in the football family in Africa.

He also said the Eagles showed great improvement under the tutelage of Keshi.

“I think Keshi is now giving us the confidence that the team can go far in the AFCON. The team has also shown an improvement.’’

Ex-internatiuonal, Tunde Disu, said he was impressed with the performance of the the mid fielders and the defenders, resulting in the victory.

“Keshi has shown that he is a good coach because the more we have more home-based players in the team, the better chances we have.’’

Fanny Amun, Nigeria’s 1993 U-17 World Cup winning coach, also praised the Eagles for the superlative victory, saying that they should concentrate on scoring goals.

“The performance is a good way forward; we should work harder for more quality performances

As fresh crisis hits merger plans

FRESH crisis appears to be brewing within the ranks of the Congress for Progressive  Change(CPC) as key allies of its founder and presidential candidate, General Muhammadu  Buhari have opposed what they termed unilateral actions being taken by the leader so far.

The development is already constituting a huge threat to the planned merger between the  CPC and Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) ahead of the 2015 general election.

Buhari was said to have personally resolved to take over the negotiation with the ACN  recently, following the perception of negative roles said to have been played by his  trusted allies ahead of the 2011 election.

Some of those who considered themselves as core Buhari loyalists were said to have,  through their conducts, worked for the defeat of the party by unilaterally changing lists  of candidates close to the election proper.

Buhari was said to have felt disappointed by the conduct of some of those close to him as  insinuations were also out there that he was being controlled by his key aides.

The General had, as part of his resolve to personally negotiate the merger with ACN,  visited the party’s leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu about two months ago. Tinubu also  recently visited Buhari in Kaduna alongside his party chiefs.

Sources close to the party however confirmed that many of the top party leaders have  expressed frustration at Buhari’s decision to sideline the party machinery in the merger  plans and some of them were of the view that Buhari might, one day, defect to the ACN  without telling them.

At a meeting held last week by chieftains of the party at the Abuja Sheraton Hotels, the  frustrations of CPC chiefs became pronounced with a source confirming that the National  Chairman, Prince Tony Momoh told the meeting that if Buhari’s disregard for the party  continues, he might be forced to resign. Seven top members were said to have attended the  meeting. While some of them agreed with the expression of frustration by Momoh, others  however calmed the chairman, saying that Buhari will never join ACN.

Sources at the meeting told the Sunday Tribune that most of those at the meeting however  expressed disappointment with the way Buhari was said to be running the affairs of the CPC  by taking unilateral decisions.

According to sources, one of the instance of the perceived unilateral decision by Buhari  was the decision to host Tinubu and others in Kaduna without intimating the party.

A source said that the National Chairman was shocked to meet Tinubu and others at Buhari’s  house in Kaduna as he (Momoh) was only there to keep a scheduled appointment.

“The National Chairman only went to Kaduna to keep a date with Buhari over some  outstanding discussions and he was shocked that the date coincided with the same date  he (Buhari) was to host Ahmed Bola Tinubu over the merger talks.The meeting was never  known to Momoh until he went to honour the date with the General,” a source said.

“The CPC as a party is being sidelined in most of the activities that happened during the  meeting between the CPC and the ACN representatives. Even though the chairman  participated in the meeting in Kaduna, he was not really informed that the CPC/ACN merger  talks was going to hold,” another source stated.

There are fears that the way things are going, Buhari might just one day decide to join  the ACN  and abandon some of them in the CPC as an empty shell.

Another member of the party’s top hierarchy who spoke at the meeting in Sheraton, Abuja  said that they have warned Buhari about Tinubu and that the General does not know Tinubu  very well.

“We believe that Tinubu is only fraternising with Buhari for his own personal political  interests, adding that once Tinubu is aware that he cannot get anything out of the planned  political alliance/merger between the CPC and the A CN, he (Tinubu ) will abandon Buhari,”  a party leader was also quoted as saying, adding that he has been getting details of  interactions between Buhari and Tinubu in recent times.

It was however gathered that the CPC leaders had resolved at the meeting to call a show down meeting with Buhari where they would get across to him some prevailing circumstances  and why the planned merger with the ACN may not be in the interest of the CPC.

Declare your governorship intention now -Community tells Mimiko

The  people of Ajagba Community in  Irele Local Government, during a visit to the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, at the weekend,   requested that he should declare his interest for a second term in office now.

Political and community leaders of Ajagba, led by the Ahaba, Oba Thomas Adesayo, had visited the governor to declare their support for the return of Mimiko to the government house for a second term in office and therefore sought his quick declaration.

Responding,   Governor Mimiko expressed gratitude to the people for their interest.

“As regard the 2012 gubernatorial election in October, very soon, I will give my response  about this issue. Many people,  communities and bodies have come with  the same request demanding for continuity, you won’t wait for long to know my decision on  the matter,” Mimiko told his visitors.

Governor Mimiko, however, affirmed that Ajagba had a tradition of unity  once they  decide to move and he knew  what that unity meant.

“For a community  to come out this way, just a few months to election,  speaks  volume,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Ajagba community in an address by its Secretary, Chief Akinola Omoge,  lauded Mimiko for the unprecedented development that Ondo State had witnessed since the  present administration came on board.

“Your quality performance, honest leadership and true accountability, as well as the total  upliftment of every community in Ondo State is outstanding,” he said.

Lagos stands still for Femi Kuti at 50

IT was celebration time at the new African Shrine on Saturday as Femi Kuti, first son of legendary musician, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, celebrated his 50th birthday.

The Alausa—Ikeja axis of Lagos experienced a traffic snarl as all routes to African Shrine were blocked due to heavy traffic movement along the area.

The routes linking the Shrine was filled with guests dorning blue dresses, the uniform for the birthday ceremony.

Private security officials prevented uninvited guests from entering the venue of the party.

For the first time, the  usual smoking and drinking that regularly goes on at the Shrine was not allowed.

Guests were mostly politicians, entertainers and expatriates.

Spotted at the party were Orits Wiliki, Yinka Davies, Weird MC, Fatai Rolling Dollar and lots of other artistes.

There were live performance by various artistes and drama troupes.

It was an ambience of peace as guests were seen hugging and exchanging pleasantries.

Femi, who appeared very late into the night to thank the guests, had earlier stated in an interview that he didn't expect to live long to the age of 50.

The celebrated musician, who was twice nominated for the prestigious Grammy Awards, remains one of Africa's most popular musicians.

Super Falcons qualify for AWC

The Super Falcons on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos defeated Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors 4-0 to qualify for this year’s 2012 African Women Championship in Equatorial Guinea in November.

The African champions qualified on 6-0 aggregate having won the first leg 2-0 in Harare two weeks ago.

African Woman Footballer of the Year, Perpetua Nkwocha, opened score as early as the sixth minute while striker Desire Oparanozie extended the lead in the 14th minute.

Esther Sunday scored Nigeria’s third just two minutes later.

The experienced Stella Mbachu put the game beyond the visitors in the 55th minute with the Falcons’ fourth goal when her well-taken shot beat the advancing Zimbabwean goalkeeper Onai Chingowo.

ACN/CPC merger: Invitation open to APGA —ACN

The Action Congress of Nigeria has said the All Progressive Grand Alliance could be part of the planned merger between it and the Congress for Progressive Change, if it follows the right channels.

The National Secretary, APGA, Dr. Sani Shinkafi, had earlier said the party was keen on joining the merger.

“We are forming the national government come 2015; if the ACN and the CPC extend invitations to us in their merger talks, we are going to join them to transform the country in 2015.

“Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of the CPC and the leader of the ACN, Ahmed Tinubu, are all political gladiators. They are progressive-minded. Therefore, if Buhari and Tinubu invite the APGA to join hands with them, we are going to embark on that to transform the country.”

Reacting to Shinkafi’s statement, the National Publicity Secretary, ACN, Mr. Lai Mohammed, told SUNDAY PUNCH that the merger was open.

He said, “If they (APGA) want to be part of the merger, they know the right channels to follow. They are politicians, they should not wait for an invitation; they know what to do.”

He declined to disclose the channel.

However, the former acting National Chairman of the PDP, Kawu Baraje, described the planned alliance as “a day dream and wishful thinking.”

Mohammed replied that the PDP was jittery about the challenge the merger might pose to it.

He said, “I think it’s his (Baraje) opinion. What is clear is that there is a panic in the PDP. When Buhari visited Tinubu in Lagos, it was worried. After Tinubu visited Buhari in Kaduna, the party attempted to destabilise the CPC.

“If the merger plan does not pose a threat to them, why are they fretting? Why the burial before the death? Why are they worried?”

You’re a sinking man, House blasts Otedola

Mr. Femi Otedola

The House of Representatives is not yet done with the oil baron, Mr. Femi Otedola, the central figure in the $620,000 alleged bribe which has led to the suspension of Mallam Farouk Lawan as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Ad hoc Committee on fuel Subsidy Management.

The House described Otedola as “a sinking man” after the oil baron dismissed the decision of the Reps to restore Zenon Oil and Gas Limited and Synopsis Enterprises Limited, believed to be owned by him, in the list of oil importers indicted by the ad hoc committee as corruptly receiving oil subsidy. He had called the decision as laughable and a celebration of corruption.

He also said he suspected that Lawan could not have acted alone in allegedly extorting bribe from him.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media, Zakari Mohammed, responding to Otedola’s allegation, challenged him to name Lawan’s conspirators.

The House, he declared, acted within the rule of law by its decision and did not celebrate corruption as being alleged by Otedola.

He said: “As an institution, we won’t join words with Mr. Femi Otedola. His case is that of a sinking man. As far as we are concerned in this country, for every personality that claims to be straightforward, we know his or her background, antecedents, way of life and means of doing business.

“On his allegation that Mr. Farouk Lawan could not have acted alone, the House of Representatives is asking Otedola to name others. He who alleges must prove beyond reasonable doubt. We have made ourselves available as open as possible with what we did on Friday.”

He continued: “To say that we are celebrating corruption is mischievous and unfair. I think any patriotic and conscientious Nigerian should appreciate that what we did was a show of transparency and allowing the rule of law.

“We support anti-corruption campaign; we will not waiver in our commitment to this. We cannot be the investigator, the prosecutor and the judge at the same time. We decided to allow the law to take its course.”

He denied suggestion that the Reps were witch-hunting    Otedola.

“Since the removal of Zenon Oil and Gas from the list of those having issues to answer became questionable, we felt there is need for a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The Ad Hoc Committee is re-examining allegations against those 17 companies who allegedly obtained foreign exchange without importing products. Otedola should go back to the committee instead of rushing to the press.

“Certainly, there is no question of witch-hunt at all. As an institution, we are above partisanship.”

On the mix-up of figures by the House on the actual amount credited to Zenon, Mohammed added: “Whatever complaint he has about figures, he should channel it to that committee rather than hastily running to the press.”

The House spokesman assured Nigerians that it would be more courageous in conducting its affairs to earn more dividends of democracy for the populace.

He said: “We will continue to be focused, we will avoid distraction. We have resolved to be more courageous on the Nigerian Project targeted at delivering more dividends to Nigerians who are our employers.”

Otedola had, in his reaction to the position of the House on him, said: “I have stated the facts in my interview with ThisDay newspaper and nothing but the facts. That Farouk Lawan demanded $3 million from me and because I refused to oblige him he included the name of Zenon amongst those who bought forex without importing petroleum products. He did this without even asking Zenon to produce a single document of the forex transaction. He clearly wanted to extort money for an offence I did not commit. That is why I went to report to the security agencies. If I had anything to hide I wouldn’t have gone to the agencies. There is an old adage that says “people who live in glass houses should not throw stones”.

“Moreover it is not possible to purchase $232, 975,385.13 from CBN without importing the product. The total figure is not even $232, 975,385.13 million as alleged but $372, 207, 990. They should go and amend the report to read $372, 207, 990 which is the correct figure. It is not possible to purchase this volume of forex from the CBN with first class banks such as Access bank, FCMB, GTB, UBA and an international bank BNP Paribas which is one of the biggest and most respected banks in the world.

“If people at my level who have worked hard to build their businesses can be blackmailed this way all in a bid to extort money from them, I pity people that are just starting out in business in this country. In all my business dealings I have always been above board and the records are there to prove. As far as I know Lawan could not have been working alone in this extortionist plot. A tree does not make a forest. Let me also state for the records that we are not in any way affiliated to the other company Synopsis enterprises Ltd also included in the report. Actions of today by the House is laughable, a mere celebration of corruption and a further indictment on their honourable member.”

$620,000 bribe: Lawan, Police disagree over bail terms

Hon. Farouk Lawan

Embattled Representative Farouk Lawan returned home from police custody yesterday but under one condition: he must produce the alleged $620,000 bribe not later than this week, according to a police source.

He had been in detention for 72 hours.

His lawyer however dismissed any such suggestion.

Mr. Israel Olorundare (SAN) said his client signed no such undertaking.

 Lawan who was suspended by his colleagues as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, at an emergency session on Friday, has hired four Senior Advocates of Nigeria including Olorundare to handle his case.

The others are: Mr. Rickey Tarfa , Mr. Sam Ologunorisa , and Chief Mike Ozekhome .

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Task Force (STF), Mr. Ali Amodu granted Lawan bail at about 4pm yesterday in the presence of one of the counsels, Tarfa.

The bail was contingent on, according to a police source, a written undertaking by Lawan to produce the alleged bribe sum of $620,000.

His international passport which was seized by the police during a search on his residence in Abuja on Friday has not been released.

It was gathered that the police decided to grant him bail to avoid running afoul of the law which prohibits detention without trial beyond 24 hours.

It was also learnt that the police got intelligence report that Lawan’s counsel were planning a N500million suit for detaining the lawmaker beyond the provision of the law.

Another source said since the case will now be handled by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, it might start suo moto ,thus making  Lawan’s bail inevitable.

A police source said:  “We have granted Lawan bail but his movement is still restricted to Nigeria. We still have his international and diplomatic passports with us.

“The good thing is that the House will resume sitting on Tuesday, he has cause to be in the country.

“As part of the bail bond, we insisted on a written undertaking that he will provide the bribe sum and give it to the police. He is due to report at the Force Headquarters on Monday.

“So, we expect him to either produce the bribe sum on Monday or anytime next week. We know he has hidden the bribe sum, he will now go to where he kept it for retrieval.”

On why the Police granted Lawan bail, the source added: “If you are in charge of enforcing law, you must also respect the law.

“We did not want to keep him in custody beyond the days allowed by the law. Or else, the case will assume a new dimension of violation of human rights.”

One of Lawan’s counsels , Olorundare, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Yes, Lawan has been granted bail with an  undertaking. We are battle ready for any legal action.”

 But contacted last night, Olorundare disputed the police claim that Farouk wrote an undertaking to bring the $620,000.

He said: “Based on what Lawan told me, he said he wrote an undertaking to facilitate how to get to the chairman of the House committee on Narcotics, Drugs and Financial Crimes, Adams Jagaba whom they want to ask questions about the whereabouts of the bribe sum.

“To the best of my knowledge, he did not say he will produce the bribe sum. Even in the undertaking, he did not give any timeframe when he will link up with Jagaba but it might be before the end of next week.”

2013 AFCON QUALIFIER: Eagles through to the next round

Elderson Echiejile (right) vies for the ball with 

Rwandan Eric Gasana during the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualification match between the two countries in Calabar

•Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 aggregate

NIGERIA’S Super Eagles yesterday moved on to the next round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after beating Rwanda’s Amavubi 2-0 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The encounter with five players from the Nigeria Premier League in the starting 11, saw  the Stephen Keshi tutored- side open scores in the first half through Ikechukwu Uche in the 9th minute after the Rwandans failed to clear their line.

However, after this, the Eagles failed to convert most of the scoring chances that came their away, no thanks to the doggedness of the Amavubi’s to leave scores at 1-0 at the end of the first stanza.

On resumption, the Eagles went in search of another goal but again they failed to put home the final ball.

 On the dot of 56th minute, Ahmed Musa converted a beautiful set-up from Enyimba’s Kalu Uche to further take the game beyond the visitors who never gave up the fighting spirit.

Both coaches made the mandatory three changes in a bid to add more bit to teams chances but no more goals was recorded as scores stood at 2-0 at full time.

Interestingly, Keshi used the closing moments of the game to bring out Musa and two home-based players, Ejike Uzoenyi, Kalu Uche with the trio of Victor Moses, Raheem Lawal and  Sone Aluko taking  their places respectively.

LASG, relocate Mile 12 Market

Last March, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, closed down Mile 12 market on Ikorodu Road for four days because of persistent gridlock.

On Friday, April 20, there was heavy fighting among supporters of two factional leaders struggling for the control of the market, as reported in Saturday PUNCH, April 21, 2012, page 8.

Dangerous weapons were used, and people were wounded.

The police from Ketu Police Division had to subdue the uprising.

A lot has since been said and written on this matter.

In the ’90s, there were rumours that the market would be relocated elsewhere in order to put a stop to the incessant ethnic-based bloody clashes between Hausa and Yoruba traders.

In addition, two military governors at separate times shut down the market because of perennial traffic hold-ups and related offences.

Several appeals by prominent community leaders to the local government chairmen to recommend the relocation to higher authority fell on deaf ears.

Now, I call on Governor Babatunde Fashola to relocate the market elsewhere within the state on health and security grounds.

An area close to Shagamu in Ogun State might be suitable enough.

The landmass to be vacated could be converted to a modern general hospital that will take care of Lagosians, especially those in Ojota, Ketu, and Ikorodu axis.

Again, all vehicles carrying foodstuffs from other states of the federation would make use of Lagos-Ibadan and Ore-Sagamu express roads to the new location, and Lagosian living in Ikorodu and beyond would start to enjoy a new lease of life.

Plot thickens against ACN-CPC merger •As ANPP, APGA boycott talks •Sanusi, el-Rufai may be dragged into presidential race

The ongoing merger talks between the Congress for Progressive Change [CPC] and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) may soon run into troubled waters as forces opposed to the plan are reported to have finalised plans to abort the exercise. Sunday Tribune findings showed that those working against the merger are from various sources, including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and elements within the CPC who still believe the party should not dilute its character by merging with the ACN.

While the opposition leaders within the two parties are pushing to make the merger come to fruition, three other political parties have turned down invitation to join the coalition designed to wrest power from the ruling party in 2015.

Findings revealed that while the top echelon of the PDP does not take the merger plan as a threat, some influential members of the party within the recently-constituted advisory committee under former Vice President Alex Ekwueme are urging action before it is too late.

Those pushing for action were said to have cited reports that the opposition leaders are working in alliance with a shadowy group within the PDP which is reportedly waiting in the wing to ditch the ruling party if President Goodluck Jonathan secures the party‘s presidential ticket for 2015.

Many within the ruling party were also reportedly alarmed by unconfirmed reports that the opposition merger effort is receiving logistic and technical support of some foreign governments through democracy promotion organisations operating in the country.

A core group within the ruling party is reported to have raised a containment agenda meant to checkmate the emerging alliance which is reported to be targeting a North/South-West alliance against the South-East and South-South in the 2015 general elections.

Part of the agenda which leaked to an opposition member in the North includes what the source called immediate revival of the many court cases against most chieftains of the ruling party such as Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and three other former ministers within the fold of the CPC.

It was gathered that many opposition chieftains, especially within the CPC, were once part of the ruling party and have cases filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending before various courts.

Another plan ongoing is said to be the return into the PDP of old members of the party who had defected to the CPC and other opposition parties through various offers and concessions.

This option is reported to be under implementation as some members of CPC are already returning to the PDP as was the case in Taraba, Gombe and Kebbi states, while more are being wooed to return to the party since the emergence of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the party chairman.

While the PDP has denied any involvement, Sunday Tribune was also told that some PDP strategists have launched a divisive campaign against the CPC resulting in the recent surge in conflict within the party.

A faction recently announced the suspension of the Tony Momoh-led executive of the CPC, an action that is linked to the many leadership crises that have been rocking the party since the 2011 elections.

This offensive, however, suffered a setback recently as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denounced the suspension of the Momoh-led executive, describing the action of the faction as contrary to the constitution of the CPC.

While those working against the merger appear to see no compromise with the CPC, reports indicate that some elements within the PDP still believe the Presidency can strike another deal with the ACN leadership to wean Senator Bola Tinubu and his people away from the CPC.

The calculation, it was learnt, was that the CPC should be denied any alliance with the South-West as that may pose serious electoral challenge to the PDP in 2015.

Sunday Tribune findings showed that the South-West, and particularly the Tinubu-led ACN leadership, has become a beautiful bride with both the Presidency and the Buhari team lobbying to secure their allegiance, a situation that is raising eyebrow within the South-West PDP.

Many within presidential caucus in Abuja are said to be in support of granting concessions to Senator Tinubu, a development South-West leaders of the PDP see as a continuity of ACN’s domination of South-West politics.

Senator Tinubu and his team are, however, said to be hesitant even though a sizeable segment of the ACN are reported to be open to such concessions that will see  the party retaining its hold on the South-West.

APGA, ANPP reject merger invitations
Meanwhile, both the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) are said to have rejected invitation to join the grand coalition being planned by the ACN and CPC.

A source within the CPC confessed that the ANPP has not responded to the offer, citing the old frosty relationship with the CPC national leader, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The ANPP, which is still strong in many parts of the North, had in the past joined the PDP-led unity government even as it still controls two core Northern states of Borno and Yobe.

ANPP leaders were reported to have described the alliance as a coalition of strange bedfellows that may not be strong enough to defeat the PDP. It was, however, not clear whether the ANPP will join the PDP ahead of the 2015 polls.

APGA is said to have also shunned invitation from merger partners, a decision said to be unconnected with the close relationship between APGA’s leadership and the PDP-led government at the federal level.

Reports indicated that Governor Peter Obi and his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, are very close to the PDP-led Federal Government even as Governor Okorocha was a strong member of the PDP before his defection to APGA.

The appointment of the widow of the late Emeka Oduemgwu Ojukwu, Bianca, as an ambassador was said to have strengthened APGA‘s link with the Presidency even as reports noted that Governor Obi is a personal friend of President Goodluck Jonathan.

A CPC chieftain from Enugu State, Osita Osichukwu, however, noted that the merger was targeting all opposition political parties, adding that APGA and other parties were also being consulted.

Sanusi, el-Rufai  may be dragged into presidential race
Even as the merger plan is unfolding, Sunday Tribune has gathered that surreptitious moves are ongoing within the Northern caucus of the CPC over who should finally be presented as the new party‘s presidential standardbearer.

Insiders within the party revealed that the candidature of General Muhammdau Buhari being canvassed in some quarters was just a smokescreen before the unfolding of new entrants into the presidential race.

According to the source, former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir el-Rufai, was considered an alternate candidate for Presidency in place of General Buhari until recent developments which allegedly saw the names of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Sanusi Lamido, being dragged into contention.

Those who supported the Buhari candidacy are said to be uncomfortable with the aspiration of Mallam el-Rufai who they see as an extention of the PDP, having served in many capacities under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Reports said it  was those hardliners behind Buhari who are said to be reaching out to the CBN governor to join and run for Presidency under the new party being worked upon.

Findings showed that these conservative wings of the CPC see in Lamido many traits of General Buhari such as what was described as his opposition to the status quo even to the detriment of his current position as the head of CBN.

Supporters of el-Rufai are also said to be aware of the new move in favour of Sanusi.

The two have of recent intensified their defence of the North in the face of many challenges with Sanusi’s royal connections coming handy.

While el-Rufai has been very loud in defense of the North, Sanusi, on the other hand, laid the foundation for the Northern revolt against the current revenue sharing formula.

Close associates of the CBN governor are, however, quick to deny that he is nurturing presidential ambition, noting instead that his life ambition is to become the Emir of Kano.

Events of recent weeks, however, tend to increase  speculations of a presidential agenda as the recent turbanning of the  CBN governor by the Emir of Kano was described by those who attended as beyond chieftaincy inauguration.

The CBN governor is not a card-carrying member of the ruling PDP, reports also indicated.

Anenih, Onolemenmen, Oghiadomhe, Orbih rally support for Airhiavbere •As Tinubu, Amosun, Fayemi, others campaign for Oshiomhole

Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially flagged off its campaign rally for the 14 July, 2012 governorship election in the state at the weekend in Igarra, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state, with an assurance that a PDP administration will meet their needs.

Speaking at the rally, which also signified the kick off of the PDP’s campaign in Edo North Senatorial District, a national leader of the party and former chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, said the unprecedented large turnout of people at the event was a clear sign that the people of the state were ready for a new PDP administration.

Other dignitaries present at the rally included the state PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih; Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak; Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen; Director General of Arhiavbere Campaign Organisation, Senator Odion Ugbesia, Edo PDP gubernatorial candidate, General Charles Airhiavbere (retd); and a former gubernatorial aspirant of the party, Kenneth Imansuangbon.
Chief Anenih advised parents to caution their children not to allow themselves to be used to cause or disrupt the smooth conduct of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

He assured the people that President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Namandi Sambo, PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former and serving PDP governors around the country and PDP National Executive members would be physically present in the state later this month to lend their support to the Edo PDP governorship project.

Anenih told PDP supporters and the new members of the party that a victorious outing awaited the party at the poll with the huge support that the party was now enjoying.

His assurance of a victorious outing came as over 3000 members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state joined PDP at the event.

Receiving the newcomers, led by a former Woman Leader of ACN in Owan West Local Government Area of the state, Mrs. Baby Adenike, the state chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, welcomed them and called it a homecoming.

On his part, the Edo PDP governorship candidate, General Charles Airhiavbere (retd), promised to reduce schools fees at tertiary institutions, run free education from primary to secondary schools, award bursaries and scholarships to deserving students as well as pay salary regularly and ensure good-conditions of service for civil servants in the state.

He also promised to take care of the elderly people and make antenatal and postnatal medical care for pregnant women free of charge, just as he added that he would create employment and provide adequate security.

In a related development, former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and two governors of the party, Chief Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, yesterday, urged the people of Edo State to defend their votes in the July 14 gubernatorial elections in the state.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Benin City, the ACN leader and state governors, who joined Governor Adams Oshiomhole on campaign tour of Benin City, said the electorate should be watchful and not allow the opposition party carry out any rigging plot in the election.

According to Asiwaju Tinubu, “We will fight to defend our mandate for the progressive liberation of Edo people. We have come to remind you of your responsibility because you are a marching army of freedom.

“They have been holding meetings on how to rig the elections and they are planning to use youth corps members who have already passed out. It is your responsibility to ask for the proper identification of the National Youth Service Corps members deployed for the election.

“The worst and dangerous day of the election is at the polling booth where you must be vigilant. From there, you must follow the results to the collation centre and the more you congregate at the collation centre the more you put pressure on them not to rig,” he noted.

In the words of Governor  Amosun, “let us get involved for the good works of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to continue. When we entered Benin City we saw the roads, street lights and the people are happy.”

Was UNILAG name change legal? •UNILAG students protesting on a hijacked LAGBUS. Inset: Protesters at UNILAG main gate

•UNILAG students protesting on a hijacked 

 

LAGBUS. Inset: Protesters at UNILAG main gate

Was the renaming of University of Lagos (UNILAG) Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAULAG) by President Goodluck Jonathan legal? No, say some lawyers, who are urging him to seek an amendment of the UNILAG Act before the name change. Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), Prof Gabriel Olawoyin (SAN), Lagos Attorney-General Ade Ipaye, Femi Falana, among others, spoke with ADEBISI ONANUGA, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU .

The renaming of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAULAG) should ordinarily be hailed by all.
Instead, the name changed as contained in President Goodluck Jonathan’s Democracy Day’s broadcast has generated widespread reactions.
While some have lauded the decision to honour Abiola, describing it as long overdue, others including alumni, staff and students of the university and some public analysts have condemned the decision.
Those opposed to the decision are worried that such a change will bring harm to the original name of the university, which many describe as a brand in itself.They also condemned the timing of the decision which they described as belated.
The announcement led to spontaneous protests by students, who also blocked the Third Mainland Bridge for over two hours last Wednesday. They later clashed with the police. The resultant consequence was the closure of the institution for two weeks by the Federal Government.
Lawyers are unanimous in their view that the name of UNILAG cannot be changed until there is an amendment to the Act establishing the institution.
Those who spoke include former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, UNILAG, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), Prof Gabriel Olawoyin (SAN) and Mr Dele Belgore (SAN).
Others are Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Ade Ipaye, Mr Fred Agbaje, Mr Femi Falana, Mr Bamidele Aturu and Mr Abdul Oroh


What the law says
UNILAG is a creation of statute. The university was founded in 1962 by an Act of Parliament. The extant law is the University of Lagos Act Cap U9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The Act provides for the establishment, incorporation and administration of the University among others.
Section 1 provides: There is hereby established a University to be known as the University of Lagos (in this Act referred to as "the University") to provide courses of instruction and learning in the faculties of arts, law, medicine, science, education, commerce and business administration, engineering, and any other faculties which may, from time to time, be approved under this Act.
The University shall be a body corporate and shall have perpetual succession and a common seal.
According to Babalola, the name "University of Lagos" is derived from an Act of the National Assembly. Therefore, any other name other than "University of Lagos" would run contrary to the provisions of the Act.
"With the above in mind, it is not difficult to see that the name announced by the President Jonathan is unknown to the University of Lagos Act," he said.
He said being an Act of the National Assembly, the provisions of the University of Lagos Act can only be amended by another Act of the National Assembly.
"Prior to the decision of the Federal Government to change the name of the University, no amendment was made to the provisions of the University of Lagos Act.
"The decision of Mr President ostensibly acting in concert with the Federal Executive Council amounts to an usurpation of the powers of the National Assembly.
"Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended confers Legislative Powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the National Assembly which consist of the Senate and the House of Representative."
Do President Jonathan’s powers as visitor include ability to change a university’s name without amendment of its establishment law? Babalola
Section 16 of the University of Lagos Act provides as follows: The President shall be the Visitor of the University
The Visitor shall as often as circumstances may require, not being less than once every five years, conduct a visitation or direct that such a visitation be conducted by such persons and in respect of the affairs of the University as the Visitor may direct.
It shall be the duty of the bodies and persons comprised in the University –
to make available to the visitor, and to any other persons conducting a visitation in pursuance of this section, such facilities and assistance as he or they reasonably require for the purposes of a visitation; and to give effect to any instructions consistent with the provisions of this Act which may be given by the Visitor in consequence of a visitation.
Babalola said: "I am of the considered view that the powers vested in the President by virtue of the above stated provisions of the Law do not empower him to unilaterally direct or effect a change in the name of the University.
"The powers of the visitor are as expressly contained in the University of Lagos Act. It is settled that where power is vested in any individual or body such body or individual cannot exceed the powers which had been so vested. To do so would be to act ultra vires.
"A careful perusal of the provisions of Section 16 of the Act will reveal that the exercise of the powers vested in the visitor of the University must be consistent with the provisions of the Act.
"This is the direct purport of Section 16(3)(b) which requires bodies and persons comprised in the university to give effect to the instructions of the visitor which are consistent with the provisions of the Act.
"Clearly, a unilateral change in the name of the university from that stated in Section 1 of the Act cannot under any guise be regarded as consistent with the provisions of the Act.
"In any event, it is settled that there is a world of difference between the office of the President and that of the Visitor of the University even though both are occupied by one individual.
"This is in itself instructive for two reasons:cIn making the announcement, President Jonathan was not acting as the Visitor of the University. He was acting as the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As stated earlier, this position cannot and indeed does not enable him to usurp the powers of the National Assembly.
"Even if it were to be assumed that in making the announcement, President Jonathan was acting as the Visitor of the University (which obviously is not the case), it cannot be denied that he exceeded the powers vested in him in Section 16 of the University of Lagos Act."
The eminent jurist said whatever reasoning may have informed the decision of the Federal Government to announce the name change; it would have been better effected if proper attention had been given to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the University of Lagos Act.
"It is instructive to note that many notable Nigerians who championed the call for the immortalisation of the contribution of the late Bashorun MKO Abiola to the current democratic dispensation are appalled at the manner with which the government has gone about its decision.
"It is my view that things could have been better handled. While it is proper to give honour where it is due, such must be done in accordance with the Law. Afterall, respect for the law is an integral part of democracy itself.
"It is my hope that the authorities concerned will review their position and take appropriate step to do things in a lawful manner. That to my mind would be the greatest honour to the late Bashorun MKO Abiola."

Varsity teachers’ stand

Professor of Law Osipitan (SAN) said the President’s announcement still remains an intention. It will take effect when it is backed by law.
"I must commend the President for remembering to honour Abiola, but the President should know that the only way the University of Lagos can be renamed is through the National Assembly (NASS).
"This is because it is an institution that is established by law and the NASS will have to amend the law establishing the university.
"If the president really wants to honour Abiola, he should have thought of naming one of the new federal universities after him because UNILAG is a very cosmopolitan institution with local and international image," he said.
Another professor of law, Prof Olawoyin (SAN), agreed with Osipitan. He accused Jonathan of acting as if he were in a military dispensation.
"This is not a military rule. What the President attempted to do was what a military man would easily have done but in a truly civilian administration, you don’t do that kind of thing," he said.
According to the law professor, UNILAG is an institution created by law and any change in the law has to go through the National Assembly before any pronouncement is made.
"The President may have done the right thing, but in a wrong way," Olawoyin concluded.

Other lawyers’ position

Former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate Belgore said President Jonathan got it absolutely wrong, adding that it is a desecration of a national institution.
"There are procedures to follow, you do not just get up and announce the renaming of an institution created by law. Since the law says that institution shall be called the University of Lagos, the law establishing the institution has to be changed before such an announcement.
"If there was broad enough consultation, I believe he will probably not have fallen into this kind of error.
"A protest that cause inconvenience to the public should be generally condemned, but looking at it from the protesters point of view, they have got to be heard. If they do not create inconvenience for the public, nobody is going to hear them.
"The question is: Is it really what we need at this time? UNILAG will be 50 in a short while. Let’s even assume it is the right time to change the name, is it the way to go about it?
"So, the action itself is provocative and one that has given rise to the protest," Belgore said.
Lagos Attorney-General Ipaye said he viewed President Jonathan’s announcement as a "proposal".
"I take it as a proposal by the President, a form of bill. It will have to go through the lawmaking process, including public hearing.
"Everybody will have ample opportunity to contribute. You can’t change the name of a university, which is created by law, unless you change that law.
"If you don’t pass a law to amend the Act, then there is no name change."
Lagos lawyer and human rights activist Falana said rather than the University of Lagos, the Federal Government should rename the National Stadium, Abuja or the Eagle Square after Abiola.
"Since the name of Ogun State Polytechnic had been changed to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic by the Ogun State government, there is no justification for naming another institution after the leading hero of liberal democracy in the country."
He said, however, that the best way to honour Chief Abiola "is to release the result of the 1993 presidential election and declare him the winner instead of continuing to refer to him as ‘the presumed winner’ of the fair and free election.
"Thereafter, the Federal Government should proceed to implement the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led electoral reform panel in toto," he said.
Falana noted that the University of Lagos Act has not been amended by the National Assembly; therefore, the name has not been changed.
"After all, the presidential announcement is at best a declaration of intent as the name of the university has not been changed in accordance with the law," he said.
Falanaurgedthe students and other stakeholders to engage members of the National Assembly in a lobby and persuade them not to approve the amendment of the law setting up the institution to effect the name change.
For Agbaje, it is yet another shocker from the president as a Democracy Day present to rename UNILAG without sending a bill to the National Assembly for the amendment of the establishment law of the institution.
"Did the President not see the National Stadium or any other monument to honour Chief Abiola with?
"Look at the protests his pronouncement has generated?Abiola deserves to be honoured and it should be done in the proper way," he said.
Aturu said UNILAG was christened as such by law and can only be rechristened by law, even as he maintained that a government that is unwilling to respect the decision of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to re-instate President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami may have shot itself in the foot.
On account of this alone, UNILAG students will be justified to resist the name change coming from a government that is perceived as lawless, the lawyer said.
He said: "Democracy is all about consultation and consensus. The government has clearly and manifestly failed to carry the people along. The lesson for it is that no matter how lofty its aims may be it must win the support of the people on critical issues.
"I sincerely hope that it will take this lesson to heart in its proposal to jerk up electricity bills and fully deregulate the downstream sector of the oil industry, whatever that really means."
The former CLO boss Oroh noted that Abiola contributed financially to support many Nigerian universities in their trying times, adding that he died in the struggle for democracy.
"MKO was denied an election that was acclaimed the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria. In his struggle for democracy, he was imprisoned after which he died the eve of reclaiming his mandate.


"So, there is nothing wrong with the president honouring him by renaming UNILAG after him. Even abroad, Havard was formerly called New College but later renamed after John Harvard."

2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER Malawi holds Nigeria to 1-1 draw

Keshi

 

The Flames of Malawi on Saturday held Nigeria's Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw at the Kamuzu Banda Stadium in Blantyre in a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying.
The Malawians made sure that they maintained their strong show at home by avoiding defeat having suffered just a loss since coach Kinnah Phiri took charge in 2008.
Nigeria fielded the same starting line-up that won 1-0 against Namibia in Calabar six days ago.
The opening 45 minutes was an almost even contest but the Flames created the better chances with Robin Ngalande hitting the crossbar once.
The teenage striker, Ngalande did prove a handful afterwards for the Nigerian back line.
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was also forced to make a great save at a point in the game.
Ikechukwu Uche's effort in the first half also stung the palms of Simplex Nthara in goal for Malawi.
In the restart, the Malawians looked the more likely to open score in the first five minutes and even had a penalty appeal turned down from a corner kick.
On 66 minutes midfielder Robert N'gambi had a clear sight of goal but shot wide.
Ike Uche had another chance to put Nigeria ahead but headed weakly into the hands of Nthara.
Super Eagles' head coach, Stephen Keshi decided to throw in Uche Kalu, Raheem Lawal and Ahmed Musa to add pace and guile to the attack of the West Africans.
And on 90 minutes, midfielder Gabriel Reuben headed Nigeria in front off a free kick won by Musa.
Nigeria's lead lasted for few seconds as substitute John Banda drew the Malawians on level terms inside the added minutes by squeezing his effort past Enyeama.
Keshi's team now have four points after two games and lead Group F of the Fifa World Cup qualification until Namibia play hosts to Kenya in Windhoek.

Oshiomhole raises alarm over fake N2.6bn road contract

Governor, Oshiomhole

 

THE Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has raised alarm over a fake N2.6bn road project awarded by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Edo State.

Oshiomhole alleged that the Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolimenmen, deceived President Goodluck Jonathan and FEC into awarding the contract in Uromi, Edo State.

The governor, who spoke at a rally of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ugbowo, Benin City yesterday, said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must investigate the project.

According to him: “I am inviting the President to come and flag off the construction of that road so he can see that the road does not exist. 

‘’Our president has been misled by a Minister of Works who needs money to fund an election, but this time, we will not keep quiet.

“They have been doing it for a long time. Last year, they also invited the Vice President to commission a water contract but when the people of Uromi shouted that the contract was fraudulent and that they only pumped water into the overhead tank, the Vice President canceled the commissioning.”

Oshiomhole further alleged that the PDP leaders in Edo Central and Edo North were buying voters card rather than campaigning on how they intend to develop the state. 

‘’Now that the PDP people have been caught red-handed, we want to see what punishment INEC and Jega will mete out to these people,” he wondered.  

Former Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Policy and Strategy and governorship aspirant of the PDP, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who formally decamped to the ACN at the rally, said the PDP in Edo represents “oppression, intimidation, repression, retrogression and decay.”