Who Wins Tomorrow Governorship Election In Kogi?

November 20, 2015

With the election of governor coming up tomorrow in Kogi state, the aggressive campaigns embarked upon by the major parties in the race have exposed the strengths and weakness of the parties in each of the zones across the state.

Although 22 political parties have been recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to participate in the battle for the Lord Lugard House as the Government House is called, only four parties have so far shown considerable desire to be taken seriously for the election.

They are the PDP, whose candidate is the incumbent, Captain Idris Wada from Dekina Local government Area in the Eastern Senatorial zone of the state; Abubakar Audu of the APC, from Ofu LGA also in the Eastern flank of the state while the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Philip Omeiza Salawu is from Ihima in Okehi LGA and his kinsman Enesie Emmanuel Ozigi of the PPA, is an Okene man from the Central flank of the state.

The western zone of the state seems not to be interested in the governorship race but comfortable with the deputy governorship slot zoned to the area by the two major parties. The PDP has the incumbent Deputy Governor, Architect Yomi Awoniyi while Hon Abiodun Faleke of the APC is working hard to snatch the position. However, the center of election gravity is going to be fiercely fought on the soil of the Eastern zone, where the two dominant parties – PDP and APC had picked their governorship candidates.

Wada hails from Odu in Dekina LGA, one of three traditional Divisions in the Kogi East. Analysts believe that since the defeat of Audu of the then ANNP in 2003, PDP has never lost governorship elections in these local government areas from the zone considered and referred to as traditional base of the PDP.

These council areas known as home of the PDP include Omala, Ibaji, Bassa, Idah, Igalamela and Dekina, not forgetting Ankpa LGA which was ceded to the PDP with the transmutation of a political juggernaut and strategist, chief Ibrahim Linco Ocheje, from the ANPP to the PDP which was believed to have given victories to the party in both the 2007 and the 2011 governorship elections.

But the fortune seems to be waning with the sacking of Ocheje by the leadership of the party, who at the time of the rise of PDP in Ankpa was the zonal vice chairman, East and had to defect to the APC for the electoral defeat of the PDP in the two House of Assembly seats of AnKpa LGA, House of Representatives seat for Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency and senatorial ticket for the zone.

Hitherto, the PDP enjoyed comfortable support from the aforementioned LGAs before the Buhari presidential and National Assembly tsunamis that altered the party’s traditional support base, losing the lone senatorial slot and two House of Representatives seats but struggled to retain Idah Federal Constituency by the whiskers.

Observers believed that the hullabaloo generated towards the conduct of the PDP governorship primary election in which the major stakeholders were divided in their support for Wada and Jibrin Isah Echocho had caused a major crack in the party, paving the ways for the APC to infiltrate the traditional support base of the PDP in the nine local government areas of the zone.

However, with the return of the Baba Kogi and political generalissimo, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris to the forefront of Wada’s campaign train, the peoples’ confidence was believed to have started to incline across the districts and the state at large, with possible marginal win in the zone on the November 21, 2015 gubernatorial poll.

Meanwhile, Audu and his APC, although with different names in the previous elections had enjoyed unalloyed support of Olamaboro LGA, his mother’s origin; Ofu his country home and Ankpa, which has considerable residents of the Ogugu clan.

According to commentators on Igala politics said, as far as Audu’s governorship election is concerned, it would always attracts sizeable supporters from the “Ogugwu clan” scattered across the five out of the nine LGAs that made up the zone. They noted that in a free and fair election involving Audu and his party, he always commands some degree of followership from Ankpa, Dekina, Ofu, Olamaboro and Igalamela which has pockets of Ogugu settlers.

Audu, who has contested all the governorship elections held in the state since the state was created 24 years ago, hopes to reclaim the office he vacated 12 years ago with the help of his party at the centre. He seems to believe that with the whirlwind of the Buhari election, the state could re-enact the feat to actualise his stunted aspiration, committing his energy and resources with the determination to prosecute the rescue mantra even as he has concentrated his struggle on the Eastern zone, which commands superior population above the other zones.

Meanwhile, the belligerent parties have had their best moments in the western zone before Buhari’s election altered the political equation. Although the PDP has also had considerable influence on the zone since 1999, the presidential and National Assembly elections had wreaked havoc on the party as Dino Melaye, who once represented Yagba Federal Constituency on the platform of the PDP, used the APC to humble former Senator Smart Adeyemi out of the senate, sources believe might join forces with the deputy governorship candidate of the party, Faleke to cause some upset in the election.

Experts reckon that with the deputy governorship position of the parties occupied by the two hostile federal constituencies of Okunland, it might attract sympathy votes to the son of the soil.

But with Adeyemi throwing punches at Faleke from Ijumu Federal Constituency and the reinforcement through an uppercut from the PDP deputy standard bearer, Awoniniyi, Olusola Akonmode, General David Jemibewon and T. J. Faniyi, could midwife victory for the PDP.

For Lokoja/kotonkarfe Federal Constituency, the combined forces of the Director-General Wada/Awoniyi Campaign Organisation, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Musa Ahmadu, who had oiled their political machinery to extinguish the flames from Buba Jibrin and another former House of Assembly member, Alhaji Salifu Akawu Seidu of the APC, could do the magic.

The second epicentre of the Ides of November 21 is the central Senatorial district, which is reputed with the highest turnout of votes during elections, but which may experience voters’ drought this time around as none of their politician is fielded by the two dominant parties (PDP and APC).

But with the consolatory entry into the race of a former deputy governor, Philip Salau of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA), Mr. Enesi Ozigi might change the impending voters’ apathy, observers believe.

Philip Salau from Ihima district of Okehi LGA, analysts contend might have been drafted into the race by one of the dominant parties to whittle down the rising influence of the opponent.

A politician from the area, Itopa Salifu noted that the former deputy governor has taken a wrong step to waste his money on a venture he knew might not yield. Salifu was quick to add that the candidate of the Labour Party might have been contracted to play a spoiler’s role, saying the antecedents of Salau as deputy governor is a snag to his ambition.

Although the relatively unknown candidate of the PPA, Enesi Ozigi from Okene and from one of the vociferous and populous clans in the area has to contend with the political maestros of the moment, Hon. Yahaya Karaku, supported by the chairman of the LGA Hon. Ahmed Ogembe and other notable PDP politicians, his hope of having a good support base may be forlorn.

The lackluster support from Senator Mohammed Ohiare, foremost APC governorship aspirant, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and former Senator Salihu Ohize for Audu’s candidature and the inability of President Buhari to attend the recent APC rally at Okene for the presentation of flag to Audu may spell doom on the votes from the zone.

In addition, the resilience of the kingmakers, who have largely remained intact since the PDP took over power in the state in 2003, could also be an albatross for Audu’s governorship dream. In all, the speculations would be laid to a final rest from tomorrow when the elections would have been conducted and a winner announced. Until then, all eyes on Kogi. [myad]

Lagos Government Apologizes For Disruption Of Water Supply

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

The Lagos State Government has apologized to the people in the state for the discomfort and inconveniences caused during the disruption of water supply in the last few weeks
This is even as it informed the people that the Water Corporation has resumed production and water supply across the State.
A statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde today said: “the government sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding displayed by the general public as our unrelenting efforts are geared towards ensuring quality, improvement and safety of water supply for the benefit of the residents of Lagos State.” Ayorinde said that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has empowered the Lagos Water Corporation to ensure a smooth and safe discharge of its duties.
“We sincerely regret the disruption and assure the general public of safe and regular potable water supply.” [myad]

Excessive Heat Sacks Judges, Lawyers At Federal High Court

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday brought to an abrupt end the day’s sitting as a result of excessive heat.
Ayo-Emmanuel said he needed to suspend the sitting because the courtroom was too stuffy.
Just before the day’s first case was called, the judge had announced that if the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company failed to restore electricity, the court session would end with the first case.
Consequently, at the end of the first case, the judge rushed out of the courtroom to his chamber.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the court had to suspend its sittings on a number of occasions due to epileptic power supply.
The acute scarcity of fuel in the state had further compounded the problem as it had become increasingly difficult to power the generating set.
Some lawyers and litigants, who spoke with NAN on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration at the current development.
The respondents implored IBEDC and other relevant agencies to ensure normalcy in electricity distribution. [myad]

Lagos Growing Faster Than New York – Commissioner

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Anifowoshe Abiola has observed that the city is acclaimed to be growing faster that New York and Los Angeles in the United States of America, thereby making it mandatory for any plans to ensure the welfare of the people to be elaborate.
According to him, Lagos, unlike any other city in Nigeria, requires adequate planning considering its limited landmass and its ever increasing population.
The population he emphasised, is considered to be growing faster than that of the states of New York and Los Angeles in the United States of America.
Abiola spoke today at a Stakeholders’ Forum themed “Keying into Benefits of City Development for Urban Sustainability” at Ojo Town Hall with professionals in the building industry, traditional rulers, members of Community Development Associations, artisans, market men and women in Ojo area of the State.
He made it clear that the state government would not compromise the development of the Badagry Development Master Plan in view of the economy viability of the axis and its importance to the growth of the State economy.
He said that the state government is determined to open up the axis for more government presence as well as improve the welfare and wellbeing of residents in the area.
This was even as the General Manager of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA, Toyin Abdul said that the State Government had embarked on the expansion of Lagos-Badagry Expressway into ten lanes including BRT lanes as well as the provision of Light Rail, in view of the strategic location of Badagry.
He emphasized that the developmental plan for the area will pave way for more key projects such as Alaba new mixed development area, Alaba International Market (Electronics), Linear Park Stations and upgrading of various schools in Ojo and its environs, adding that other upgrades will include health facilities and waterfront development in addition to the proposed Deep Sea Port and Refinery for the area.
Abdul underscored the need for public involvement in every segment of planning, hence the periodic stakeholders’ forum as an avenue for public participation and stakeholders’ involvement in the entire developmental plan.
“Achieving sustainable physical development requires collective and active participation of residents, Community Development Associations, Real Estate Property Developers, Land owners, traditional rulers, and professionals in the built industry as well as functionaries at State and Local Government levels. These interactive forums are necessary for successful implementation of physical development plans, planning laws and regulations so that collectively we can protect and safeguard our environment”, the General Manager said.
Similarly, State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson, said that construction work is set to commence on two major roads, Okuta road and Deji Aladejobi street, in Bariga Area of the State.
The Commissioner, who spoke at a meeting held today between the Ministry and the residents/stakeholders on the rehabilitation and upgrading of the two roads, solicited for the cooperation and support of the residents in achieving the desired goal of transforming the infrastructural landscape of the area.
Engr. Johnson, represented by the Director, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation, Engr. Saliu Adeyemi, said the State Government is investing heavily on the provision of roads through regular maintenance, rehabilitation, upgrading and reconstruction with the ultimate goal of opening the socio-economic potentials of the affected communities.
He stated further that the choice of the two roads followed the completion of Igi-Olugbin street, coupled with the fact that their rehabilitation and upgrading will decongest the traffic in the area by serving as a major by-pass from Ikorodu road to Gbagada Expressway.
In their own remarks, the representatives of the community suggested the provision of accessible and motorable alternative routes during the rehabilitation of the two roads and the employment of youths in the area for the construction works.
They also called on the State Government to provide more standard roads for the community. [myad]

Don’t Tamper With N18,000 Minimum Wage, Labour Union Warns Governors

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

The Rivers State branch of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN) has warned Nigeria Governors’ Forum not to tamper with the N18,000 minimum wage for whatever reason.

The labour union, which was reacting to the statement by the governors that they might not be able to pay the N18,000 minimum wage again owing to dwindling resources, insisted that workers would not take it kindly if the minimum wage is tampered with..

The TUC said that while it could be agreed that the Nigerian economy is in bad shape due mainly fall in oil price from $115 per barrel in June 2014 to less than $48 per barrel now, the issues of poor governance and corruption by the political class accounted for inability to pay workers as and when due.

The statement by the Rivers State Chairman of the TUC, Comrade Hyginus Chika Onuegbu, added: “for instance, the political leaders at all levels did not stop the industry scale oil theft of some 400,000 barrels of oil per day; refused to diversify the economy away from oil and gas; refused to pass the PIB; made no savings for the rainy day such that the excess crude account is just $2bln, external reserves is below $30bln and Nigerian Govt debt is over $63bln etc.

“The situation becomes clearer when you juxtapose Nigeria with Saudi Arabia that has a smaller population but external reserves in excess of $900bln.

“We want to state very categorically that this is not a time for any unilateral action by any level of government as such will be resisted by the workers and the Unions that represent them including TUC Rivers State. We therefore appeal to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to dialogue with NLC and TUC with a view to co-creating acceptable win-win solutions to the current economic crises rather than making vexatious pronouncements that are capable of deepening the economic crises and overheating the polity. For the avoidance of doubt ,workers will not accept any reduction in the meagre N18,000 minimum wage.” [myad]

Jonathan Swears: I Did Not Award $2 Billion Arms Procurement Contract

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied ever awarding contract for arms procurement for $2 billion.

Jonathan spoke in Washington DC, United States of America on the topic: “Presidential elections and democratic consolidation in Africa: Case studies on Nigeria and Tanzania.” It was a conversational forum co-hosted by the National Democratic Institute and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Speaking on the procurement of arms, Jonathan said: “I did not award a contract of $2 billion for procurement of weapons.”

This came against the background of the claim by National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki that his former boss approved all the contracts on arms procurement. [myad]

Sports Minister Meets Empty Office At 9.30am

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong met an empty office when he carried out a surprise on-the-spot check visit at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The unscheduled visit caught many staff unawares as they were not on their seats.

Dalong demanded for explanation on why they were not in the office by 9.30am.

He equally demanded for actual time that some staff received official files and the time they took action on them.

Dalong also inspected the Ministry’s facilities and the open Registry even as he frowned at the poor ventilation and lack of conveniences like fan, air conditioners in some offices, a development he described as “not conducive for a result-oriented working environment”.

Barrister Dalong had during his handover ceremony on November 17, 2015 declared zero tolerance for corruption and warned staff against acts of indiscipline such as truancy, lateness and closing before official time.

He made it clear that he will not condone any act of indiscipline as the new change agenda calls for hard work, honesty, sincerity of purpose and sound work ethics. [myad]

Central Bank Gives 3 Banks June Deadline To Re-Capitalise Or…

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

The Central Bank of Nigeria has given three commercial banks until June 2016 to recapitalize or face stern action. This was after the three banks have failed to hit a minimum capital adequacy rate of 10 per cent.

The CBN, on its website did not however name the banks but said they were from the group of 14 in Africa’s biggest economy that have licenses to operate as regional and national lenders, with respective capital bases of N10 billion ($50 million) and N25 billion.
With a number of Nigerian banks having postponed moves to raise fresh funds, the CNB said it was monitoring the three lenders’ recapitalization plans and that 10 others with international status met the 15 per cent minimum capital rate for that category of bank at the end of June.
The recapitalization schedule, contained in a report dated October 30, only came to light today.
Nigerian lenders have been shoring up their balance sheets in preparation for adopting stricter international requirements that analysts say could erode capital ratios by between 100 and 400 basis points to near the regulatory minimum of 15 per cent.
Meanwhile, poor capital conditions at home due to slowing economic growth have weakened domestic markets, analysts say.
Last week, the CBN told commercial lenders to double provisions on performing loans to 2 per cent to build adequate buffers against unexpected losses, as liquidity ratios fall.
It said lower revenues for government and oil companies due to plunging crude prices have led to unsecured exposures for banks that are likely to increase credit risk and loan losses.
Ratings agency Moody’s said this week it expected non-performing loans to rise above 5 per cent but remain below 10 per cent over the next two years as the weaker naira increases the risk of dollar loans and suppresses bank capital.
NPLs in Nigeria’s banking sector rose to 4.65 per cent at the end of June due to a fall in asset quality following a devaluation of the naira and amid rising inflation, the CBN said in the report.
Stanbic IBTC last week said it had doubled its non-performing loan ratio to 8.8 per cent. The Nigerian unit of South Africa’s Standard Bank was also planning to raise fresh funds.
Pan-African bank, Ecobank, and Nigeria’s Skye Bank have both suspended plans to raise fresh equity owing to weak market conditions and slower loan growth.
Wema Bank, which suspended plans partly because of the naira weakness, said on Thursday it would resume a share sale next year and has started a process to raise $100 million worth of naira bonds after getting approval to switch from a regional to a national bank.
Reuters. [myad]

Buhari Flies To Iran To Attend Forum On Gas Exporting Nations

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to leave for Tehran on Sunday where he will participate in the 3rd Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum (GECF) opening in the Iranian capital on Monday, November 23.
A statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that Buhari and the leaders of Iran, Russia, Qatar, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Oman, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bolivia and other member-countries of the GECF are expected to review the current market outlook on gas and discuss strategies for boosting gas production during their meeting in Tehran.
The statement said that Nigeria and other GECF members currently account for 42 percent of global gas production‎, 70 percent of global gas reserves, 40 percent of pipeline transmission of gas and 65 percent of the global trade in Liquefied Natural Gas.
It said that President Buhari is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with other participating Heads of State and Government on the sidelines of the GECF summit and will also meet with Nigerians resident in Iran.
The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd.).
The President, according to the statement, is expected back in Abuja on Tuesday. [myad]

Gregoire Ahongbonon Wins 2015 Daily Trust African Of The Year Award

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2015

A national of the Republic of Benin, Gregoire Ahongbonon has emerged as the winner of the 2015 Daily Trust African of the Year for his humanitarian work to the indigent in parts of Africa.
Announcing the winner of the prestigious award in Accra, Ghana, the chairman of the selection committee, former Tanzanian Prime Minister, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, described the awardee as an unsung African, who has committed himself to alleviating the suffering of the underprivileged in the society.
“After a thorough process of screening and discussion among committee members, we are pleased to announce that the 2015 African of the Year is Gregoire Ahongbonon, a national of the Republic of Benin, who is doing extra-ordinary work in caring for under-privileged people with mental disabilities,” Dr. Salim said.
Ahongbonon’s St. Camille Association mission, which is based in Cote d’Ivoire, offers care, support and help to the mentality ill and also assists in their reintegration into the society.
His extensive humanitarian work covers Cote d’Ivoire, Benin and Togo and is committed to “rescuing mentally ill people, some of whom have been put in chains by their families. He is the only recourse for hundreds of people with mental disabilities,” the chair of the selection committee said.
Ahongbonon, who was born in 1953 to a farming family in a remote village in Benin Republic and migrated to Côte d’Ivoire, will be presented in Abuja on January 13 and will receive the prize of USD 50,000 being given by United Bank for Africa, which has sponsored all past awards.
The Chairman/CEO of the Daily Trust Newspapers, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, said the award was designed to recognize Africans, who were working tirelessly to ameliorate the problems of the underprivileged.
Yusuf said that the cash award would help to promote the sustainability of his humanitarian work.
The winner of the seventh award was selected by the newly inaugurated committee of the prestigious Daily Trust African of the Year award, with members drawn from the five sub-regional blocks of Africa, include Ambassador Mona Omar (North Africa), Mr. Pascal Kambale (Central Africa), Professor Sylvia Tamale (East Africa), Mr. Amadou Mahtar Ba (West Africa) and Ms. Gwen Lister (Southern Africa).
Previous winners of the award are Dr. Denis Mukwege (Congolese surgeon, 2008), Late Dr. Tajudeen Abdulraheem (Nigerian activist, 2009) and Dr. Danny Jordaan (South African football administrator, 2010), Mrs. Salifou Fatimata Bazeye (Nigerien jurist, 2011), Thabo Mbeki (former South African president, 2012) and Donald Kaberuka (former AfDB president, 2013). The 2014 edition did not hold because the selection board couldn’t meet as a result of Ebola outbreak.
African of the year award is an initiative of DAILY TRUST, Nigeria’s leading newspaper. The annual award is for Ordinary Africans who have distinguished themselves in their various walks of life and/or do charity projects in their immediate communities that are of positive impact to the people. [MYAD]

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