I’m Determined To Re-Direct Governance In Nigeria, Buhari Vows

December 5, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he is determined to change the direction and content of governance, including the management of the country’s resources with priority on accountability, transparency and result-orientation in governance.
This was even as he counted on the partnership of the Peoples Republic of China, which he acknowledged to be a strategic and dependable partner.
Buhari spoke in South Africa today at the Roundtable of Chinese and African Leaders on the last day of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The President said that his administration has since its inauguration in May this year, embarked upon the task of re-focusing the governance on the real needs of the vast majority of Nigerians, adding that he was confident that China will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in its quest to fulfill the aspirations of the citizens to propel them to prosperity.
President Buhari, who commended the theme of the Second Summit, “China-Africa Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development,” expressed the hope that it would engender the right platform to engage Africa in all fields of human endeavours, such as provision of essential infrastructure, skills development and capacity building, diversification of our economies and beneficiation of resources.
He identified with the laudable objectives of FOCAC in cultivating, fostering and deepening political, economic, technological, social and other forms of relations between China and Africa, even as he praised China for the vision behind the establishment of FOCAC as a platform for higher level Africa-China relationship.
“Africa expects Chinese investment flows to the real sector of our economies to promote African enterprises. Our over-riding objectives are to tackle the challenge of unemployment, wealth creation, food security and industrialization.”
He stressed the crucial link between political stability, security and sustainable development on the African continent.
“We are convinced that Africa can only leverage productively on the potentials of ties with strategic and development partners in an atmosphere of political stability and security of lives and property as well as in a policy environment that guarantees the sanctity of collaborative joint ventures and investment on the basis of agreed rules and regulations.” President Buhari drew the attention of the Summit to the threat posed by global challenges such as fresh political conflicts, terrorism and other forms of extremism; trans-border crimes; illegal arms trade; irregular migration and cybercrimes, saying that collective action was required to confront these new threats to global peace.
“These are veritable threats to peace and security and without peace and security we cannot succeed in our development objectives.”
According to President Buhari, China and Africa must work together to confront the above threats, as well as the challenge of climate change “for which Africa remains badly affected with severe threats to food security and social stability.”
This, he said, is in addition to “unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment and youth restiveness.” [myad]

Dickson Of PDP Leads In Bayelsa Bloody Governorship Poll

Greenbarge Reporters

December 5, 2015

Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in clear early lead in the state governorship election held today throughout the state, even as the election was marred by violence and bloodletting.

The violence was said to have claimed the lives of a policeman and four others. The policeman was killed in Famgbe, a remote suburb in Yenagoa, the state capital. He was said to have been killed because he refused to allow the thugs change results in the area.
He was macheted by the thugs and bled to death.
The hoodlums were said to have been led by a renowned political thug in the area.
Meanwhile, from the on-the-spot calculations, PDP is leading as follows:
PDP has won in Adagbabiri: PDP 396, APC 142.
Sagbama Ward 10: APC 47, PDM 0, PDP 118.
Sagbama Ward 9: APC 53, PDM 0, PDP 126.
Nembe Ward 2: PDP 48, APC 14.
Kaiama Unit 4, Ward 5: APC 49, PDP 57. Invalid 5.
Unit 1: APC 51, PDP 93.
Unit 2: APC 32, PDP 71.
Unit 5: PDP 75, APC 59.
UNIT 3 ward 5 Kaiama
PDP 70,
APC 40
UNIT 11 ward 5 Kaiama
PDP 36
APC 51
UNIT 15 ward 5 Kaiama
PDP 37
APC 24

UNIT 14 ward 5 Kaiama
PDP 56
APC 41

UNIT 10 ward 4 Kaiama
PDP 63
APC 35.

[myad]

907 Road Safety Officers Promoted

Greenbarge Reporters

December 5, 2015

The President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammad Buhari has approved the promotion of

No fewer than 907 Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Officers have been promoted today to various ranks.

Head Media Relations and Strategy, Corps Commander Bisi Kazeem, said in a statement that the promotion was approved by the President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Kazeem gave the breakdown of the number of officers promoted to the following positions as: 90 Assistant Corps Commanders promoted to the rank of Deputy Corps Commanders; 35 Senior Route Commanders promoted to the rank of Chief Route Commanders; 24 Route Commanders promoted to the rank of Senior Route Commanders; and 758 Deputy Route Commanders promoted to the rank of Route Commanders.

He said that the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, has commended the performance of the newly promoted officers, and has encouraged Officers of the Corps to put in the best in the course of their duties.

“The Corps Marshal is assuring Officers of the Corps that there are more opportunities for promotion in the near future, and is calling on all Officers to work hard and put in a great effort to enable the Corps achieve its mandate of Road Traffic Crash Reduction.”

Kazeem said that the management of the Corps will be assigning new job designations to the newly promoted Officers in accordance with their new ranks. [myad]

APC In Early Lead In Kogi Supplementary Election

Greenbarge Reporters

December 5, 2015

Some results of the supplementary election held today in 91 polling units of Kogi state have indicated that All Progressives Congress (APC) is in the lead while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trails behind.

According to the on-the-spot calculation which, though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to officially announce, APC led in one of the units in Odo Ape Ward of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area with 41 votes while PDP has 18 votes.

In Okehi local government, the results are as follows:
Oboroke ward two                                          APC 110                                 PDP 0
Apanko poling unit                                         APC 212                                 PDP 2
Oboroke Uvete II polling unit 10                   APC 108                                 PDP 2.

Ijumu LGA; Aiyetoro ward 1: APC 86 PDP 102.

Bariki ward in Okene local government APC 201 PDP 2

This was even as thugs disrupted the voting in Eti Aja 2 in Anyigba, the commercial city of Igalaland.

Trouble started when thugs stormed some of the polling units in the area, shooting sporadically into air shortly after accreditation. However, normalcy was returned to the polling units by security agents.

But as soon as voting started, the thugs stormed the place again and chased the voters on queue away, disrupting the entire voting arena. Electoral officers and prospective voters were seen scampering to safety.

Meanwhile, the Governorship candidate of the APC, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who is most likely going to emerge as the new governor of the state, has vowed to do all he can to unite aggrieved parties.

Bello told journalists in Lokoja today that he would not be a sectional governor. Rather, he said he would be a governor for all, irrespective of ethnic or political affiliation.

“I may be from Kogi Central, but that does not mean I will favour the place at the expense of other areas, I am for the development of Kogi State and that will be my focus.

“I do not believe in power shift as some people are advocating. The development of the state as a whole will be my priority. I will ensure that sectional division among our people is taken care of.” [myad]

Faleke Calls Himself Marathon Runner, Says Judgment A Ruse

Greenbarge Reporters

December 4, 2015

The running mate to late Prince Abubakar Audu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State, Abiodun Faleke, has described himself as a marathon runner even as he said that the judgment today was a ruse.

He vowed to appeal against the Abuja Federal High Court’s ruling which said that it lacked jurisdiction over the case.
In a statement today, Faleke said that he would take the matter to the Court of Appeal to get the mandate rightly given to him by the electorate in the state.
He said the judgment fell short of expectation, adding that the battle to get justice has just begun.

Faleke who appealed for calm among members of the All Progressives Congress and his supporters in the state, however, condemned the attack on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Dekina Local Government Area of the state by yet to be identified hoodlums, describing it as barbaric and a desperate move to subvert the wishes of the people.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole had declined ruling in a case brought before him on grounds that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kogi State has advised the electorate, political parties and other stakeholders in the political crisis rocking the state to embrace peace.
A statement by the state branch of CAN called on the people to abide by the verdict of the appropriate authorities in the overall interest of the state.
The statement, signed by the state Chairman of CAN), Archbishop Emmanuel Egbunu, asked the youths to resist being used for narrow intents and shun all forms of violence.
Egbunu also called on Christians to earnestly pray and intercede for a peaceful resolution of the present political uncertainty over the state. [myad]

Imam Describes Boko Haram As ‘New Form Of Satan’

Greenbarge Reporters

December 4, 2015

Chief Imam of a Friday Mosque in Gwagwalada, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ustaz Abdullahi Mohammed has described Boko Haram as the new form of Satan predicted in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith.
Mohammed appealed to Muslims that turned up to observe the Friday prayer today for the grueling body searches conducted on each of them before being allowed to enter the Mosque premises.
The Imam said that the body search might be embarrassing to the worshipers, but that it was necessary to checkmate the ‘new Satan’ that have been parading public places, including religious houses to unleash havoc.
He stressed that whoever is still referring to Boko Haram as Islamic group is not kind to the religion and even themselves as it is now clear that the Boko Haram has been attacking both Muslims in their Mosques and Christians in their Churches.
“There is no sane human being even without religious affiliation who would knowingly kill himself or herself in other to kill others in form of suicide bombing. It is only a Satan that can do that.”
Abdullahi therefore appealed to Muslims to bear the inconveniences they have to go through before being allowed to enter Mosques, even as he called on them to be security conscious anywhere they are, until the situation is brought under control.
Meanwhile, the United States of America has warned that intelligence report available to it shows that extremist groups are planning to attack areas frequented by Westerners in Nigeria.
In a message on the website of the Embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria, such areas were listed to include hotels, mosques, churches and other places of worship.
According to the security message for US citizens, they were warned to be wary when visiting such places..
Titled: “Areas Frequented by Westerners Possible Targets for Extremist Groups,” the statement to the Americans in Nigeria, issued on Thursday, reads in part: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has received information that groups associated with terrorism may be planning to mount attacks against hotels in Nigeria that are frequented by westerners. No further information is available regarding the timing or method of attack.
“The U.S. Mission maintains close contact with the Nigerian security services.
“The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be vigilant when at hotels and around areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers; e.g., churches, mosques, and other places of worship; locations where large crowds may gather; and government facilities. Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings; and monitor local news stations for current information and updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.” [myad]

Burnt Office: INEC Moves Operations In Dekina To Police Station

Greenbarge Reporters

December 4, 2015

Following the burning down of its office in Dekina by unidentified arsonists, ahead of tomorrow supplementary governorship election in 91 polling units of Kogi state by hoodlums, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has quickly moved its operational office to the Dekina Police Divisional Headquarters.
INEC, which has since delivered some sensitive electoral materials to the state, part of which were burnt along with its office in Dekina, insisted that election would be conducted across the 91 polling units tomorrow.
It gave assurance that election would be free, fair and peaceful even as it appealed to the people of the state to cooperate for the success of the poll.
Earlier in the day, some unidentified youths had stormed the Dekina office of the electoral body and burnt down the office and sensitive electoral materials which have already been sent to the office for distribution for tomorrow’s election.
Dekina local government has the highest number of polling units where the supplementary election would be held.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon E Arase, has placed an order restricting movements within the boundaries of Kogi and Bayelsa States where elections would be held tomorrow, with effect from 6.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday, 5thDecember, 2015.

For Kogi State supplementary election, the IGP directed intra-city restriction of vehicular movement, in areas where supplementary election will be conducted from 6.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday. However, persons on essential duties such as Ambulance service providers, INEC officials on-duty, security men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists, etc are not affected by this order.

While imploring the general public for their understanding and cooperation towards the enforcement of this order, the Force notes that the order is informed by the need to forestall plans by criminal elements to undermine the electoral process as gathered through intelligence reports.

The police boss advises travellers to take advantage of alternative routes to their destinations where necessary within the hours of this restriction of vehicular movement on Saturday 5th December, 2015, as Police, complemented by the military and other security agents on duty at strategic points will subject motorists and other travellers plying the affected routes to civil and meticulous security search.

The IGP, while assuring all law-abiding electorates of a secure and enabling environment to exercise their franchise, warns all security details to refrain from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election, as only security personnel specially assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the election designated places.

This was made public by the Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole, the force public relations officer.

In a related development, Naij.com correspondent in Bayelsa reports that the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) has ordered the closure of water ways in Bayelsa by 5pm today ahead of Saturdays’ election.

It was gathered that as a result of the order, passengers are stranded at the water side of the state. [myad]

Aregbesola Pays N87.9 Million To Acquire Church For Road Construction

Greenbarge Reporters

December 4, 2015

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state has paid the Apostolic Church of Nigeria the sum of N87,932,510 to acquire the land at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo, the state capital, for the construction of a new road.
The governor presented the cheque covering the amount today to the National President of the church, Pastor Gabriel Oladele Olutola.
Receiving the cheque, Pastor Olutola said that the Church is in partnership with the governor in his quest to turn Osun’s fortune around for good, adding that it is as a result of this this that the the church agreed to surrender the branch of the church to enhance free flow of traffic at the Olaiya Junction.
He expressed satisfaction over the decision of the state to compensate the church, saying that governor Aregbesola has distinguished himself as an epitome of transformation and performance.
Olutola said that the leadership of the church found it easy to cooperate with government on the removal of the church building because it has been the principle of the church to abide and support the authority.
‎”We want to thank God today that the leadership of our church and government of Osun state were able to arrive at a meaningful conclusion that resorted in this compensation.
“Our general principle in the Apostolic Church is respect for constituted authorities and government, because the Holy Book (Bible) teaches us to obey those people in the position of authority. That is why we deemed it fit to release the church for the state to construct road which we believe will serve the general public.
“With this compensation, our Governor has really shown to us his love for peace and passion for development which has manifested and impacted tremendously in the lives of Osun people.
“It is our duty as men of God to pray support and as well assist government in all ramifications for general success, and we are ready to continue in supporting this administration because once government fails, we all fail.
‎Governor Aregbesola reiterated that his administration remains committed to its resolve to turn the state around through massive infrastructural development and financial re-engineering despite the present cash crunch in the country.‎
Aregbesola said that the church was valued at sum of N57.9 million and that the state government considered the constant renovation of the church and resolved to add N30 million to its valued cost, amounting to N87.9 million.
The Governor said that his administration had paid over one billion Naira as compensation to people whose property will be affected in the course of development and transformation of the state.
According to him, the state government has also made available N392 million as compensation for another set of 149 bodies that have been identified to have been affected by various constructions going on in the state.
Aregbesola emphasised that people whose property fall between Olaiya-Odiolowo axis will be compensated monetarily, while those around Isale-Osun/Ita Olokan axis would be resettled at Awosuru area in Osogbo.
He pointed out that his government would not in any way trample on the rights of the citizens, even as he acknowledged that time has come for all and sundry to see personal sacrifice as a veritable tool to all-round development.
Governor Aregbesola said that his government has no intention to victimize or disturb people of the state including religious organizations.
“Before our administration, physical planning of our towns and cities was nothing to write home about as the state lacked availability of good access roads. I am confident that this era would go down in history. Our desire is to modernize our towns particularly the state capital and city centres through our urban renewal projects.
“Our joy is in the fact that the leadership of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria has agreed to our request to remove one of its branches in Osogbo for the purpose of upgrading and beatification of the state.
“Our government has set aside N392 million as compensation to our people whose property will be removed in the course of the ongoing reconstruction of Olaiya-Ita Olokan.
“We are doing this in other to give our towns a befitting look and guard against any form of human and vehicular conflict within our cities, dual carriage ways have been the priority of our administration since inception.”
Governor Aregbesola commended the leadership of the church for being part of the state developmental process.
“I thank the leadership of this church for their willingness to be part of the progress of our state, particularly the state capital. We thank God that your church has really cooperated and supported us. In fact, this is win-win for us.
“We pray God to reward the leadership of the church, the members and those who contributed to the success of this agreement.” [myad]

Buhari Admits There Were Lapses In Jonathan’s Rail Projects With China

Greenbarge Reporters

December 4, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted before the Chinese President that there were lapses which have hindered the implementation of agreements signed with China under the government of President Goodluck Jonathan for the development of rail.
The President, at bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping at the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, said that his administration will take necessary action to make corrects.
President Buhari who did not disclose the lapses, said however, that he would strive to fulfil Nigeria’s obligations under the agreements.
According to Buhari the implementation of the agreement would help to boost Nigeria’s economy and generate thousands of new jobs for the numerous jobless Nigerians.
“I have looked into the previous agreements and we will now keep our part of the bargain,” President Buhari assured President Xi Jinping.
The President applauded China’s ongoing support for the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He said that Chinese advisers deployed to some states of the federation were helping to train farmers on water conservation and the use of more productive seeds.
This was even as President Jinping described Nigeria as a very important ally of China in Africa, saying that the two countries need to boost their bilateral relations, for the good of their citizens.
He said that China was keen to work with Nigeria for the mutual benefit of both countries.
At the opening session of the summit, attended by President Buhari and more than 30 other African leaders, the Chinese President had pledged $60 Billion Dollars of new development aid to African countries. [myad]

Governor Umahi Angry With Teachers Over Students Poor WAEC Performance

Greenbarge Reporters

December 4, 2015

Ebonyi State Governor, Eng. David Umahi has frowned at the poor performance of Ebonyi State students in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) which he traced to poor teaching, even as he asked teachers in the state to start re-evaluating themselves before the middle of January 2016.

Umahi made it clear that he would also be re-evaluating the teachers next year, because “we can’t continue to come last in WAEC evaluation. We need to come from between one and three.”

The governor who received a delegation of the state council of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at the EXCO chambers in Abakaliki, stressed that the re-evaluation of teachers is necessary to arrest the dwindling academic standard in the state since “we cannot afford to mortgage the future of our children.”

The governor however assured that no teacher would be disengaged as a result of the re-evaluation even as he asked NUT to liaise with the Commissioner for Education, Professor John Eke, to come up with a programme that would enable the government mount consistent and effective supervision of schools.

The governor also assured of his commitment to the payment of teachers salaries on the 15^th of every month in spite of the fact that allocation from the Federation Account get to the states a month after.

He explained that his administration would not toy with the welfare of teachers because of their importance to the upbringing of future leaders, adding that in spite of the economic hardship in the country, the state government had resolved to put smiles on the faces of its workforce.

“During this Christmas, every teacher must go home with a bag of rice. In this Christmas every senior civil servant must receive 50 per cent salary bonus and every junior civil servant must receive 100 per cent salary bonus.”

The governor said that the state Executive Council (SEC) had approved the purchase of computer laptops for primary and secondary school teachers in the state, but noted that certain conditions must be met before the purchase.

“EXCO has okayed laptop for teachers; but certain measures have to be guaranteed . And it is to protect you(teachers). I want the deduction on the teachers to be very low. No teacher should pay more than N2, 000 monthly deduction under this programme,” he stressed.

The governor, who accepted the proposal for the establishment of at least one ICT centre in each of the senatorial zones of the state, stated that the government had commenced the training of teachers on ICT to bring them in tandem with development across the world.

The governor directed the managers of the education system in the state to as a matter of state policy re-introduce clubs like the debating societies, press clubs, drama clubs, etc into primary and secondary schools in the state to assist in brushing up the students.

He appealed to the teachers to support the government’s agricultural policies, stressing that the 2016 budget of the state was predicated on Agriculture.

In the arrears of salaries and leave allowances owed to the teachers, the governor said, “I will appeal to you to look at our circumstances and continue to believe that we are owing you.”

Earlier, the state Chairman of the state NUT, Comrade Joseph Nweke, told Governor Umahi that his team came to thank him for his kindness towards the teachers in primary and secondary schools in the state.

Nweke, who enumerated various areas teachers had benefited from the government, applauded the governor for his giant strides in infrastructural developments across the state.

Meanwhile, the governor, today, flagged off the construction of three major roads in the three senatorial zones of the state.
They are the 23.7km Hilltop- Nwofe and the 15.5km Nkalagu/Ehamufu Roads awarded to China Zunghaoi Ltd as well as the 23.5 km Amasiri/Okposi/Uburu Road awarded to CONROCK Nigeria ltd.
Governor Umahi said that the commencement of work on the Hilltop- Nwofe Road was a dream fulfilled, adding that the reconstruction of the road was underscored by the overwhelming support and solidarity he received from Izzi people during the governorship election in the state.

Recalling that the road had suffered many years of neglect, he pointed out that his decision to award the contract was also informed by the massive support from the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, who is an Izzi man.

The governor, who directed that work must go simultaneously from the two ends of the road, directed that three civil engineers from the local government areas where the road passes must be engaged to be part of the teams to supervise the three roads.

According to him, the engineers would garner more experience from the contractors to enable them benefit from projects that would be awarded in future by his administration.

At Nkalagu, the governor described the Nkalagu- Ehamufu Road which last received government attention almost six decades ago as not only important to Ebonyi State but to the entire Igbo race.

He disclosed that negotiation had reached advanced stage for Ibeto Cement Company to take over and revitalize NIGERCEM Cement Factory in Nkalagu to regain its past glory.
“By flagging off the construction of this road, it is no longer a hidden agenda that Ibeto must come and develop NIGERCEM and by 7th of this month, we must have concluded with Ibeto and do agreement with him to ensure that the rights of our communities, Local and state Governments are protected,” he added.

At Amasiri junction where he described the gathering as being akin to a political rally, the governor announced plans to construct Effium,Agba/Ohoffia road,Ntezi/Isu road and Ebwona road next year.

He said the Amasiri-Okposi-Uburu Road was important because it also links Ebonyi State with Enugu State.
Governor Umahi directed local government chairmen and coordinators of development centres whose areas are linked to the roads to monitor the progress of work by the contractor.

He said, “there is no project started by this administration that will be stopped. They have their money. Where our money stopped, they continue with their money and we will be paying. It is in the agreement.
“I will give you a road built on concrete that for 50 years, nobody will touch the road.

The Commissioner for Works, Engr.Fidelis Nweze, who observed that the Hilltop-Nwofe Road had never received attention since the inception of old Eastern Region. [myad]

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