The Oroigwe people in Rivers state have conferred the chieftaincy title of “Omenma Eli 1 of Oroigwe 1 on the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in appreciation of the road he has constructed for the community. The traditional council said that Wike is the first governor to remember the town with the construction and completion of the Eliozu -Rumunduru-Elimgbu (Oro-Igwe ) road. The road was said to be impassable at the time the governor awarded its construction to Chinese Construction giants, CCECC. Commissioning the road, former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus praised governor Wike for implementing the development programmes of the party. This was even as the former Rivers state governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, also described governor Wike as a child of destiny who has come to transform the state. Governor Wike said that the construction of the road was to put an end to the false political promises being made by failed politicians to deceive the people. The governor said that he had to silence those who have been playing politics with road construction and denying communities projects on account of their political persuasion. “We had to construct the Oroigwe road to end the era of lies and deception perpetrated by politicians over the years, using the name of this road. Finally, the people of Oro-Igwe will now have unhindered access to their homes and businesses. “ Meanwhile, the governor has renamed Nelson Mandela road as Sir Celestine Ngozichim Omehia road. The Sir Celestine Omehia road was commissioned by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo. [myad]
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over what it called, inadequate budgetary allocation to the child and family health in the country where legislators take the lion share of the budget. The group, which in collaboration with Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH), held a two day training in Kano for selected journalists, also expressed concern “over preventable loopholes in the 2016 national budget, unchecked mismanagement of pubic treasury and persistent high cost of governance in the legislature despite inadequate budgetary allocation to child and family health.” In a communique after the advocacy training between May 25 and 26, the group is worried about what it termed poor political will towards full implementation of various national and international commitments on child and family health. It stressed that government has the responsibility to commit necessary resources to health sector even as relevant stakeholders have the right to know how much and on what are the national/state resources expend on child and family health. The group suggested proactive effort to Government of Nigeria as a way of ensuring adequate understanding of the current budgetary system and that it will command appropriate compliance to required standards in the budgetary preparation and implementation. It said that encouraged and well-funded independent media will lead to prompt investigative journalism, evidence-based advocacy, comprehensive coverage and reportage on legislative accountability in child and family health. It said that inclusive and participatory media in material design and development will enhance ownership in data modification and utilisation to demand accountability in child and family health. Part of the communique which said that 25 journalists attended the training which was aimed at bringing selected and reputable journalists under one roof for training on appropriate skills and knowledge to effectively demand accountability in child and family health from the legislature, reads: “After exhaustive deliberations on various thematic issues, we the participants: Recognise that the United States donor agencies under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are totally prohibited from lobby activities; and relevant media demanding accountability under the agencies’ projects and programmes must uphold and strictly adhere to the lobby-free provisions in their related coverage and reportage. Also recognise that legislative advocacy is a deliberate process with demonstrated evidence to indirectly influence the legislators to support or pass a specific legislation; and lobby aims at directly influencing the legislators to support or pass a specific legislation. Affirm coalition building and proper networking among accountability journalists for appropriate update and data validation to inform accurate and credible reportage in child and family health. Commit to embrace high level transparency, accountability, creativity and due diligent with verifiable evidence and strictly adhere to specific objective in coverage and reportage on child and family health through constant follow-up, period evaluation, investigative journalism, content sharing, and field study. Also commit to effectively utilise existing legislation such Freedom of Information Act (FOI) in engaging all levels of governments for in-depth investigation, data validation to demand accountability in child and family health. Will adopt constructive and proactive strategies to break related barriers and impending challenges confronting citizen participation, effective coverage and reportage in child and family health Shall effectively engage the legislatures on their primary responsibilities—law-making, oversight, representation, constituency outreach, financial control, confirmation of appointment, and constitutional amendment—to demand accountability in child and family health.[myad]
Governor Ayodele Fayose has painted a more gloomy picture of a bleak financial future of the state even as he said that since there is nothing he could do to stop the workers from continuing with strike, “I wish them well.” The governor who spoke on radio and television stations in Ado-Ekiti said that workers in the state would not say that he had not consistently been alerting Nigerians since late last year that a time like this would come. “In fact, the next allocation (from the federal government) may be smaller than the one we are complaining about now.” Governor Fayose said the economic situation of the state was worsened by the indiscriminate borrowing the former Governor Kayode Fayemi administration embarked upon. “The N25 billion they raised from the capital market, the nearly N30 billion commercial loans, the UBEC, water scheme, fertilizer and other loans they incurred, led to the deduction of about N1 billion from our allocations monthly. “Where were the labour and their leaders when they were borrowing all these monies?” In a statement on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said that the state is handicapped by the continuous slide in statutory allocations coming to it and the general economic recession in the country. He was quoted as having said: “For the April allocation shared in May, we got N752 million, while our wage bill is N2.6 billion monthly. “The previous month we got a little over N1 billion and that has been the trend since last year. “We have had to combine two monthly allocations to be able to pay a month salary, but since the beginning of this year, it is that three allocations are not even enough to pay a month’s salary. “When you compare what we got from January to May, 2015 and what we got in the same period this year, we have a shortfall of over N6 billion. “Some are talking about our internally generated revenue, there is nothing to hide. “All the records are there for all to see and I have always told labour leaders to go and verify. “The highest we have recorded is N302 million a month. There was a month we had N181 million.” Governor Fayose said that strike action is not the solution to the poor resources available to the government, saying: “since I assumed office, every month the allocation paper comes from Abuja, a committee made up of labour leaders and other stakeholders has been the one sharing whatever comes among all sectors. “If I am not hiding anything from labour leaders and workers, I expect them to understand. I feel their pain, but there is limit to what I can do in this type of situation. “Since I have no power to stop workers from going on strike, I wish them well, but we need to understand what the situation is like.” On the staff audit conducted by the government last year, Fayose said that 315 ghost workers were detected through the exercise and that the report would soon be made public.[myad]
Students from Cross River State studying in Russia have cried out to the state governor, Ben Ayade complaining that they have been abandoned to their fates in that country. In a Save Our Soul message to the Governor, the students said that everything had gone wrong with their studies, saying that as a result of the failure of the State Government to continue sponsoring their education, they are now unable to pay their school fees and have no money for upkeep. The SOS reads in full: “May we formally congratulate you Your Excellency on your victory at the polls and the success achieved so far as the Governor of our beloved Cross River State and also consolidating on the gains of democracy by creating a peaceful atmosphere for tourism, industrialization and foreign investment. We as scholars of the Cross River State Government in Russia do hereby use this medium to express our support and full confidence in your leadership owing to your wealth of experience in politics, business and most especially in the academia. “Sir, as scholars in the Russian federation who are bonded to the Government of Cross River State and undergoing studies in various fields such as; Agriculture, Architecture, Biochemistry, Computer science, Geology, Linguistics, Mathematics, Microbiology, Medicine at B.Sc., M.Sc. and PhD levels, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the kind gesture extended to us by the Cross River State Government and also reinstate and reassure the Government of Cross River State of our resolve to see to it that we make Cross River State proud in our various fields of study and also return home to serve the good people of Cross River State in whatever capacity the Government deems fit. “Sir, permit us to intimate you of the challenges which serve as a hindrance to a successful completion of this well-planned scheme: 1. Non-payment of our tuition and accommodation fees for 2015/2016 session which will lead to expulsion from our various institutions of study. 2. Non-payment of our upkeep, warm-clothing, study materials, insurance and visa support allowances which makes it absolutely impossible to continue studying here in the Russian federation owing to the fact that Russia isn’t a country where foreign student are allowed to work, compared to countries like the United Kingdom and the USA. “These and many other vices staring us at the face are already exposing some of us to doing things which may portray a bad image to the Cross River State Government. The situation has hindered us from fully concentrating on our studies due to the thought of our daily survival without funding. “Sir, we are well-informed of the current challenges involved in running government due to falling oil prices and hence our decision to cry out to your office so that you come to our rescue as our tuition, accommodation fees and allowances for 2015/2016 academic session have not been paid. And also four (4) of our post-graduate students who were advanced for their PhD studies have also not received funds for the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 academic sessions. “Sir, we humbly appeal and implore that You please come to our rescue by creating a plan to see to it that this noble and well-planned scholarship scheme comes to a successful completion. “Thank you Sir as we anticipate a positive response.”[myad]
Former Nigeria Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria cannot be complete without the mention of late Chief M.K.O Abiola. He said also that worth mentioning in the nation’s democratic practice is late Shehu Yar’Adua, a retired military General. In his message to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the former Vice President explained that as Nigerians celebrate democracy day, the memory of the late Shehu Yar’Adua and M.K.O. Abiola would resonate across the country. He said that the sacrifices of countless others who paid the supreme price for opposing dictatorship would also not be forgotten. Atiku, who is top leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that democracy, despite its limitations and challenges, remains the best form of government anywhere in the world. According to Atiku, the freedom to choose leaders makes democracy fashionable, adding that any system that subverts the will of the people destroys the progress of the society. Atiku, who is also the Turaki Adamawa, said that as an active participant in the democratic struggle in Nigeria and an ardent proponent of the rule of law, rather than the rule of man, he recognises the sacrifices of gallant Nigerians whose struggles brought the country to the current stage. On the current challenges facing the ordinary Nigerians, the former Vice President said that there is no democratically elected leader that would intentionally hurt the voters that put him into office. He said that the APC administration is committed to the welfare of Nigerians and that the current challenges are temporary. According to him, the 2016 budget is specifically targeted to address the basic needs of the ordinary Nigerians, explaining that the implementation of the budget would bring succour to Nigerians. He therefore advised Nigerians not to lose hope because of the current temporary challenges that they are going through.
Japanese automaker, Toyota, has withdrawn a total of 1,584,000 of its brand from markets due to faulty Airbags.
Information from Takata and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the affected vehicles are equipped with a particular Takata inflator with a safety defect that may arise in front of passenger airbag. This is due to inflator propellant degradation after exposure in high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high temperature cycling. As a result, these inflators could rupture when the airbag deploys.
This is the same issue that has affected millions of vehicles worldwide. The expansion includes the 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner and the 2011 Toyota Sienna. The 2008-2011 Scion xB is also affected by the expansion as well as 2007-2011 Lexus ES, 2010-2011 Lexus GX and 2006-2011 Lexus IS models.
Information has it that all known owners will be contacted by Toyota via first class mail and dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator or the front passenger airbag assembly at no cost.
Meanwhile, the custom 1968 Toyota Corona is heading to auction and it might be the only Lexus hot rod in the world.
To be offered on June 26, 2016 at an Auctions America Santa Monica, this custom one-off hot rod was conceived and created by Mitch Allread in Southern California. Allread essentially took a 1968 Toyota Corona two-door hardtop body, chopped it up and fitted it over a custom tubular-steel space frame with a 106-inch wheelbase. From there, a 4.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from a Lexus SC400 was fitted in the bay. It provides 250 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Not only does this Toyota Corona look like nothing else on the road, its Gulf Racing Blue paint job screams sports car inspiration while combining both classic and modern influences.
According to the auction listing, this custom Toyota Corona was originally built with the intention of competing in the Silver State Challenge in Nevada. Reportedly, it has fewer than 8,000 miles on it since the build was completed in 2004. To date, it has never participated in any competition.
Auctions America expects the 1968 Toyota Corona to fetch between $25,000 and $35,000 at the upcoming auction. [myad]
There is this saying that one may not know the importance of what he has until he loses it. Medical officers would say also that one does not value health until sickness comes. There are a lot of important facts which the critics of President Muhammadu Buhari have been missing or are trying to down play as they pursue the mundane. They take so many things for granted or divert attention from one big issue, against the backdrop of the security and even the obvious threat to the sovereignty of this country. Recall that the deadly Boko Haram insurgents were fast advancing in their territorial acquisition in the North East, so much that no one, not even the government then had any solution to stop them. They were so daring that even the Nigeria soldiers, with archaic and weak weapons they were given to fight, were reportedly on the run most of the times they encountered the insurgents. The confidence with which the Boko Haram fighters were taking over and occupying towns and villages, it is not impossible that by now, they would have over-run Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state: Yola, the capital of Adamawa state; Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state and possibly other state capitals. As a matter of fact, the Boko Haram members, who had made forays into the nation’s Federal Capital, Abuja, on more than three occasions: the Police Headquarters, the United Nations building, a sprawling plaza, were actually becoming big threats to the security of the city. Indeed, people in Abuja, Suleija in Niger state, Nyanya in Nasarawa state, Okene in Kogi state and other neighbouring states were virtually under threat. Not to be forgotten too were places like Kano, Bauchi, Zaria and Kaduna as well as many other places. There were genuine fears, and it was becoming clearer every day that the insurgents just needed some few months before they would invade the seat of power, the Aso Presidential Villa, probably to overthrow the government. It is only those who did not know the sorry state under which the nation’s soldiers were fighting the Boko Haram and the confidence with which the insurgents were pushing the soldiers into a near-surrender that did not nurse such frightening fear. A year after Buhari took over the rein of power, people in all these dangerous states, including the FCT, have been able to sleep with their two eyes close, thanks to the redirection of the way things were being done. A year after, there has been a role-reversal in which the soldiers were fighting the Boko Haram with confidence, as the insurgents began to lose out fast. A year after, the remnant of the terrorists have been confined to Sambisa Forest while many of them are surrendering. The respect which international community has been according Nigeria, no doubt, emanates from the honest and commitment with which the Buhari government has been executing the war. The achievement of Buhari’s government only on this serious and frightening security threat appears to have been under-emphasized by many commentators. The absence of Boko Haram knocking on our doors gives us the confidence to plan for some other worldly things that would better our lives, individually and collectively. It is generally believed that security comes first in all human endeavours: that without security and in war, no one can, or has the mind to talk about economy, about food, about exchange rate, about fuel price increase, about rising prices of goods and services and many other things. Just imagine where Nigeria would have been now, as a country, if Buhari had not become President in 2015: if Goodluck Jonathan had won the election and continues as President, under that defeatist and corrupt-ridden posture. Just let’s ponder over all that for a change! [myad]
The co-chairmen of the committee for the celebration of Lagos state’s 50th anniversary, Professor Wole Soyinka is still grieved with the missing of over 200 female students of the Government Girls Secondarry School, Chibok in Borno state who he said without the celebration would be empty.
Soyinka, who unveiled the logo in Lagos described it as “symbolic to the traditional art and culture and the evolution of the traditional culture which was represented in the text of the logo of Lagos at 50.”
“it’s a sad day, at the same times, one of the reasons I decided we should restrict this as much as possible, virtually and almost exclusively to the children is that, all of us here who have any kind of sensibility, we have a cloud hanging over our heads, and I refer to our children, the Chibok girls who were snatched under our noses and two years after we have absolutely no answer as to that question ‘when will they be back?”
The the Nobel Laureate added: “what we have is an apprehension of what condition they would be when we eventually find them. It is not pleasant to have to celebrate while that goes on but, what answer do we have? Culture, Arts, creativity, all these form a complex of defiance to those philistines among us who think it is proper to abduct children.” [myad]
The PDP needs salvation. It can start by changing its image. It cannot allow the perception that it is the party that is soft on corruption to linger. It cannot be the party preaching “all have sinned.”
It must seek righteousness. But in the meantime it must find some vocal Pharisees.
It has too many sins soaked and resigned publicans in the front pews.
It should be the party now preaching not just the rule of law but the virtues of accountability and probity.
Holier-than- thou is an indispensable disposition for any party in the opposition in a corruption infested country. The PDP got power on a platter. And lived the life of one on whose laps success fell fortuitously.
They thought themselves exceptional and gloried in that which chance bestowed on them. They thought they were the greatest party in Africa. They predicted their longevity in power because they were ‘ordained’ to rule.
In a religious society, God is in everything. The electorate was poor, hungry and desperate. And even Bishops did not put themselves beyond being hired and bought. With hands in the public till and hearts filled with impunity, politicians’ fantasies mushroomed. They had so much to share and they preoccupied themselves with frivolities. Everyone flocked to the umbrella for shade, for succor, for vanity. Disenchanted members always came back before they had finished leaving. No one wanted to be drenched by the rain. Opposition politics in any African country is fraught with risks and frustrations. State institutions, perennially weak and pliable, cannot distinguish between the ruling party and the state. But the tomorrow not foreseen came too soon. The public managed to get fed up with familiar corruption and wastefulness. Crude oil prices slipped in time to make PDP’s prodigality especially conspicuous and repugnant.
Sixty was devalued to sixteen, presumptuousness was cut to size, they lost . And relinquished power “in the interest of national unity” Life in the opposition was always going to be difficult for a butter fed and gluttonous party. Sheltered since birth, the PDP was not accustomed to lack. Opposition politics is grueling but will test the sinews in times of economic recession. That which had lubricated frictions and soothed chafed nerves is now in very short supply. And that which converted potential criminal prosecutions to family affairs has been relinquished. The PDP must endure. Tantrums won’t help. And dirty linens must be washed indoors. Such spectacles are not good entertainment now. Nigeria is awash with comedians and PDP has vigilant enemies in high places. No one is interested in the similarity between Sheriff and Shugaba nor in what took Fani Kayode to exile in Ghana.
‘Agberos’ are good, they do necessary dirty works and throw vulgar darts. But the party needs respectable leaders. Governors who talk before thinking and spend more time beating chests than reading cannot be the face of the greatest political party in Africa. A national party cannot be mistaken for the Avengers of the Niger Delta. The sins of the past have been exhumed and trouble has been visiting and liquefying hearts. The witch hunting cries have not scared the hawks. Rather than allow the picking off of the chicks one after the other, a collective bargain could yield a life saving political compromise. And that is why Jonathan should leave Cote D’ivoire. And sit over his chicks like a mother hen. A stitch in time can save a frayed umbrella. Let the messiah who saved 170 million by a single phone call , be a good herdsman. Let him take responsibility for all that has happened and stand for his herd. Let him concede egregious mistakes were made. He can attribute them to the perverted political traditions that have existed since Lord Lugard. The public will understand the ‘all have fallen short of glory’ argument if it comes with substantial atonement. After all Abacha still has his rank and his name on national monuments. Is there any thief in any Nigerian prison who took more than him? He collected more than all of them put together. A comprehensive restitution in exchange for amnesty can be arranged. This is Nigeria, a land of possibilities. Prime Minister Cameron can say what he likes. This country needs all the money it can lay its hands on, borrowed, returned, repatriated. And the PDP needs fresh air. And Jonathan’s supporters do not want their idol defaced. PDP’s survival is in Nigeria’s interest. One party democracy is a dangerous proposition. And not even one party led by a General who dashes after thieves like a vigilante. So those who have started procuring court injunctions from their local government areas and factionalizing the PDP are unpatriotic. Conflicts are natural but things must not fall apart. It’s good the party has retained a firm grip on the South-South and South-East states. These grips are important. Political parties in Nigeria are funded with monies siphoned from government coffers. Lagos played such a crucial role for the opposition in yesteryears . It could be the turn of Rivers now. If it ends well, then its well. There will be difficult times ahead .
Elaborate democratic rituals should be circumscribed. The era when delegates converged in Abuja with great expectations and marched around the eagle square like contractors are gone. There was a reason why the defunct AC did things in-house, most times. Soon, the PDP will learn that internal party democracy is good but it’s a luxury the opposition cannot always afford. A captain with a whip is needed. The ship has too many captains, with loud mouths. It’s good to have a base.
And it’s not an abomination to stoke the vulgar passions that fire the base from time to time. Politics has ugly sides. So bigotry and prejudice against the north may serve some useful purpose in cementing that base. But a proclamation of antipathy towards the Hausa-Fulani will only make the PDP a regional party. So they can afford occasional incendiary outbursts from the likes of Fani Kayode but they must find leaders who will rebuild their northern appeal. And their prestige.
The PDP will not return to national reckoning if its leaders publicly preach hate and demonize the Muslim North. Cattle herdsmen have committed unspeakable atrocities but the PDP leaders in the south should not champion the inflammation of ethnic tensions. A former senate president shed tears after Agatu and declared that the herdsmen came to punish those who voted for him in a rerun election.
He privatized a national tragedy. Rumours can be sweet but governors do not have the luxury of barbers to peddle rumours publicly. Buhari is not synonymous with the Muslim North. PDP can pillory Buhari . But must court the ordinary Hausa- Fulani , like the Ijaw. They were once so cosmopolitan. Now, their spokesmen are freely fanning embers of secessions. Why do they now sound so suicidal? They may not like the defunct AC but they must learn a bit of it’s politics in opposition. That party didn’t promote ethnic or religious chauvinism. Didn’t stoke fires. Didn’t malign other groups even when it was a sectional champion. It had an eye on the future. Except PDP be born-again it shall not go back to Aso Rock. [myad]
The Niger Delta Avengers have boasted that they were able to blow up some oil installations in the region despite the presence of the Nigeria soldiers deployed to fight them.
They said that the attacks were in keeping with its warning that the international oil company should not attempt to fix its strategic pipeline at Abitiye area which the group had blown up recently.
The NDA said that it successfully carried out the bombing of the pipeline despite the fact that the facility was heavily guided by military personnel.
The group said that the reported meeting of Niger-Delta stakeholders meeting held last Wednesday in Abuja was as an insult to the sensibility of the people of the Niger Delta region, which it said needed independence from the Nigerian federation.
The militants said that they were infuriated by talks of the federal government offering the region palliatives including contracts to carry out surveillance of pipelines in the region against vandalism and crude theft.
“The Niger Delta stakeholders’ meeting is an insult to the people of the Niger Delta. What we need is a sovereign state, not pipeline contracts.”
They warned via the NDA Tweeter handle: “To the International Oil Companies, IOCs and the Nigeria military, watch out! Something big is about to happen and it would shock the whole world.”
The NDA has also rejected the idea of dialogue, pointing out that it was out to secure self-rule for the Niger Delta people, describing the stakeholders’ meeting as an insult to the people of the oil-rich region, threatening more devious actions.
Although there was no official security confirmation of the incident, as none of the top security operatives who could make comments on it were unavailable but a reliable senior naval officer confirmed that an explosion had been recorded close to Egwa 1 area, which the oil fields Batan community is located.
The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta), Warri, Commodore Raimi Mohammed refused to speak on the matter.
Meanwhile, disturbed by the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organization: IjawNational Congress (INC), has embarked on consultations with Ijaw leaders, youth groups and various associations across 78 Ijaw clans within and outside the region. [myad]
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The Oroigwe people in Rivers state have conferred the chieftaincy title of “Omenma Eli 1 of Oroigwe 1 on the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in appreciation of the road he has constructed for the community.
