Uduaghan Threw Delta Into N637.22 Billion Debt, Okowa Laments

June 25, 2015

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said his administration inherited a debt profile of N637.22 billion, with a call on all Deltans to be ready to make sacrifices necessary to put the state on the path of economic recovery.

Giving a breakdown of the debt profile, Okowa disclosed that N98.62 billion is as a result of Revenue Bond and indebtedness to commercial banks, while outstanding contractual obligations stood at N538, 601,962,421.50.

Okowa who addressed members of the State House Of Assembly in Asaba on the financial status of the state, said that it became necessary to let the lawmakers know the state of affairs in order “to put the Legislature on the same page with the Executive, so that we can think together, plan together, and tighten our belts going forward.”

“I see more opportunities in our current economic predicament than the threats it poses. We must muster the resolve and political will to boldly and decisively – confront the challenges that we face, right the ship of our State and lay a solid foundation of prosperity both now and for future generation of Deltans. It won’t be easy. It is not supposed to be easy. But there is no gain without pain, no prize without a price.

“A good place to start is for us to reject the old ways of doing business. First, beginning with me and this honourable House, we must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to reduce the cost of governance. Secondly, the endless turf battles and approach to legislative action would need to give way to civility and respect for each arm of government. Thirdly, the House must make laws that protect and promote the interest of the State and our people. Fourthly, we must act with the sense of urgency that our current situation demands, and navigate the ship of state aright.”

The Governor told the House that the 2015 budget of N409 Billion as passed has to be reviewed because it is no longer realistic in the wake of current realities, which clearly show that our expected revenue is now far below what was projected in view of the declining earnings from FAAC occasioned by the crash in oil prices.

He assured the House that the administration is frantically working at putting the necessary machinery in place to boost our IGR, and steps will be urgently taken to plug the loopholes in our revenue collection process. In our land resource management, action will be taken to re-certify Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) beginning with our urban settlements, while MDAs will be made more accountable in the generation of revenue.

He called for a cordial relationship among the different arms of government, reminding the Legislature of their constitutional responsibility “to make make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the State.” Governor Okowa promised to build a “model worthy of emulation” in Executive-Legislature based on his experience as a former member of the Senate.

Okowa appealed for patience and understanding regarding the suspension of the civil service recruitment even as he admitted that it was a painful and difficult decision to make. He added: “we came to this inescapable decision because the entire recruitment exercise was riddled with fraud and corruption as it violated established Civil Service Rules and Regulations. More so, it was not logical that a State struggling to meet its payroll obligation should employ more persons.”

While sympathising with those affected by the exercise, he urged the house members to appeal to their constituents who were affected by the exercise for understanding because “we do not mean them any harm” and “you have my highest assurances that in the long term this decision is for the benefit of everybody. Sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better.”

Governor Okowa enjoined the house members to be mindful of their place in history.

“The focus of responsible leadership is not always about the next election; it is about the next generation,” he declared. “We would have written our names in gold if in the next four years Delta State can boast of a functioning public school system that ensures that the children of the poor are provided quality education, accessible and affordable primary and secondary healthcare system, a flourishing agricultural and agri-business sector, and the proliferation of Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (that ensure our teeming youth population is productively engaged), well planned and environmentally friendly cities, and integrated rural development.”

In a brief remark, the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Tim Owhofere, member representing Isoko North, thanked the governor for the briefing and promised that the legislature would partner with other arms of government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. [myad]

Ghanaian Football Star, Asamoah Gyan, In Sex Scandal

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

The captain of the national Ghanaian football team, Asamoah Gyan, has been charged by police for the rape and sodomy of Sarah Kwablah, a 22 year old student at the University of Ghana. Kwablah’s lawyer, Maurice Ampaw, said the complaint was made two days ago at the Victim Support Unit (DOOVSU) of the Ministry Police Station in Accra.

Gyan has admitted to having sex with Sarah Kwablah. However, he claims that the sex was entirely consensual.

Kwablah, is also accusing Gyan of fathering her pregnancy. Hospital scans have shown that she is indeed pregnant but Gyan claims that the child is not his. He has demanded a paternity test to determine the veracity of her claims. Reports say he is prepared to take responsibility of the child if it is proven that he is the father.

According to numerous reports, Kwablah is also asking for a fully furnished apartment, a housemaid, and a $1,000 monthly stipend from Gyan. The Black Stars captain, Gyan, has called the demands outrageous.

Kwablah has also threatened to release a sex tape of the couple, from the time they had a relationship, which supposedly began in February. A case of blackmail was subsequently filed by Asamoah Gyan’s lawyer, Kissi Adjabeng, at the Ordorkor Police Station.

In light of the madness, Gyan spoke to the Ghanaian radio station, Happy FM, saying “all through my career, I have always contended with obstacles whenever I’m trying to do anything but I never give up because I am mentally strong. I have not always had things running smoothly for me but I try to sail through.

“What has kept me going up to this time is my mental toughness,” he went on, confident that his history of dealing with challenges on his way to greatness will come in handy again.

“You will notice that at almost every point in my life I have had challenges. I am blessed to have been able to go through all the time so I will go through this one too, again.” [myad]

Kano Sharia Court Sentences 2 To Death For Blasphemy Against Prophet Muhammad

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

An Upper Sharia Court, Rijiyar Lemo, in Kano, has sentenced two persons, Abdul-Inyas and Hajiya Mairo, to death for blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam.

The offence, committed in early June, triggered protest in Kano. The demonstration was however promptly quelled by law enforcement agents.

A statement by the State Sharia Court of Appeal, signed by a man named Nasiru, said the two persons were found guilty under section 110 and section 382b of the Sharia Penal Court law year 2000.

“They are hereby sentenced to death,” the statement read.

The statement acknowledged that some Muslim faithful in Kano threatened violence if the accused were set free.

The court however freed Alkasim Abubakar, Yahya Abubakar, Isa Abubakar, and Abdullahi Abubakar, who were arrested alongside the two convicted persons.

They were found not guilty by the court.

Already, news of the judgment has sparked jubilation by a section of Kano residents. [myad]

President Buhari Appoints Haruna Idris Accountant General Of The Federation

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Ahmed Idris as the new Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).

In a statement today, the Director of Communications in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Haruna Imrana, said the appointment took effect immediately.

“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Barrister Danladi Kifasi who announced the appointment said that the appointment is with effect from 25th of June 2015,” the statement said.

It said the new AGF who hails from Kano State, was born on November 25, 1960, and was until his appointment, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

The position of AGF became vacant after the former Accountant General, Jonah Otunla, resigned on June 12.

The Office of the Head of Service later conducted examinations for prospective candidates for the position.

All Directors of Finance and Accounts and some in the Audit department, from all the Ministries, numbering over 60, attended the first round of examination.

It was gathered that about 20 eligible candidates were eventually dropped after the first sitting. [myad]

APC Senators Respect Party’s Choice For Majority Leader, Deputy

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

Majority all Progressives Congress (APC) Senators have for once, respected the party’s position by ratifying it’s recommended candidates for North-West and North-East zonal caucuses for the positions of Senate Majority Leader and Deputy Majority Leader.

While Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume from Borno State got approved for the Majority Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah from Kebbi central was ratified as Deputy Majority leader. Francis Alimikhena was equally confirmed as Deputy Chief Whip.

Details later. [myad]

Ex Senate President, David Mark, Lays-Off 120 Staff, Including His Son, Brother

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

The immediate past Senate President, David Mark is said to have shed off no fewer than 120 personal assistants and domestic workers, including his son and younger brother, following his loosing hold of power he wielded as Senate President.

Mark’s son, Babatunde Mark was his Special Assistant on Special Duties and Interior while his brother, Igoche Mark was his Personal Assistant (PA).

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under which platform he was elected, is now in minority whereas the former major opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) controls the majority and therefore, the Presidency of the red chamber.

Information reaching Greenbarge Reporters showed that David Mark decided to dispose of the excess staff as a way of cutting costs of running his new, lowly office..

Mark led the Senate for eight years, a feat no legislator has achieved in the history of Nigeria.He was believed to have maintained as much as over 300 personal assistants and domestic workers.

However, things fell apart after PDP was booted out of power and the mantle of leadership was taken away from the retired soldier to Bukola Saraki; hence his decision to cut cost by disengaging some of his workers.

An insider hinted that some of his domestic workers were even been owed for several months before they were sacked.

“What is the essence of keeping them when he is no longer in power? What will an ordinary floor member of the Senate be doing with over 200 workers? The money is no longer coming so he had to cut his coat according to his cloth.

“To tell you how serious it is, his son, Tunde was also affected and his brother, Igoche as well. However, Igoche is still working closely with him”, he hinted.

Asked why he sacked his own son, the source said: “His son, Tunde is not an illiterate. He studied Biochemistry and immunology from the prestigious Kings College, London. He needs to start his own life since his father is no longer in power. He has since flown out of the country following his disengagement”.

“Sometimes in the past, hotels in Otukpo would be fully booked because of some persons who came from far and wide to meet with him. Now even hotel owners are complaining of low patronage,” the insider claimed.

Asked if the yearly Mark ‘D Ball basket ball competition will still hold, the insider said, “Igoche is the one in charge of that. But considering the expenses involved, I am not sure the event would hold this year.”

Mark, a former governor of Niger State under General Ibrahim Babangida and one time Minister for Communication was a pioneer member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He has been in the senate since 1999 and had affirmed that he would not leave the party despite its defeat in the last general election. [myad]

Speaker Dogara Plays ‘Maradona’ In Rowdy Reps Session, Adjourns It To July 21

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara played a fast one on his colleagues today when he promptly adjourned the House plenary to July 21 amidst rowdy session that nearly resulted into physical fight amongst the two opposing members of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The rowdy session today was the continuation of the crisis that has since engulfed the lower chamber of the National Assembly over who occupied the position of principal officers among members of the majority APC.

The lawmakers at today plenary, were almost engaged in fisticuffs, even as the Speaker was held hostage on his seat for over an hour.

In the ensuing confusion which started immediately the plenary commenced, some lawmakers, believed to be opposed to the emergence of Dogara as the Speaker, attempted to hijack the mace, but were unsuccessful. The mace, a symbol of was subsequently smuggled into the inner office of the Speaker by security men.

In the confusion which lasted more than an hour, the pro-Speaker lawmakers were shouting, “Dogara, Dogara,” while those supporting the position of APC on the allocation of the position of the principal officers were shouting “on party supremacy we stand.”

However, supporters of the Speaker swiftly moved to form a ring around him even as he remained on his seat, occasionally consulting with some members while the confusion lasted.

While some lawmakers remained glued to their seats while the confusion lasted, others were on their feet, shuffling and shouting at one another.

It was gathered that the House was scheduled to decide on those to occupy the position of the principal officers during Thursday’s plenary.

The Speaker appealed for unity among members after order was restored after the over one hour confusion as he emphasized that Nigerians expect so much from the National Assembly.

He promptly adjourned the plenary to 21 July.

The leadership of APC had in a letter to Dogara, proposed Femi Gbajabiamila who was defeated by Dogara in the June 9 election, as house leader, Alhassan Doguwa, as the deputy house leader, Mohammed Monguno as chief whip and Pally Iriase as deputy chief whip.

Dogara however failed to read the letter during the plenary. It was not clear if the Speaker had intended to read the letter before the fracas that broke out in the House today.

Some lawmakers who are in support of the party’s position had walked out of the chamber before order was restored.

But some lawmakers, especially those who supported Dogara to emerge Speaker in defiance of the preference of APC had opposed the nomination from the party.

The North-central and the Southeast caucuses of APC had Wednesday rejected the zoning of the offices as proposed in the letter by the party national chairman.

The two caucuses had at a press conference in Abuja decried the exclusion of their zones from the principal positions of the house.

Ahman Pategi who spoke for the North-central APC caucus noted that the directive of the party to the leadership of the House to take necessary action on the purported choice made ‎by the party, was a clear usurpation of the powers of the zonal caucuses and their members as guaranteed by the constitution and the standing rules of the House of Representatives.

He added that the North-central caucus “believes that there should be fairness and equity in the selection of other principal positions of the House of Representatives following the emergence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.”

Also, Austin Chukwukere from Imo state, on behalf of the southeast caucus of the APC in the house, said if the southeast was not involved in the appointment of principal officers, it would not be able to serve the party. [myad]

Vice President Osinbajo Picks Hole In Nigeria’s Constitution On Principle Of Federal Character

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

“In every successful system in the world, you start by placing people first in order of merit, then you have a percentage for affirmative action, you have a percentage for federal character. You don’t start by saying lets have federal character first, and then merit.”
These were the views of the Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yomi Osinbajo when he spoke today in Calabar, Cross River State, at the 10th Year Memorial Anniversary lecture of late Justice Peter Odo Effiong Bassey, which held at the University of Calabar International Conference Centre. The event, with the theme: “Social virtues in the Nigerian Renaissance,” was organized by the P. O. E Bassey Foundation.
Professor Osinbajo insisted that one of the reasons “why we have had a lot of difficulty in getting quality people into government is because we insist first on federal character before we insist on merit. We must start with merit and then go to federal character.”
He was disturbed by what he called misunderstanding of the Federal Character principle contained in the Nigerian constitution over merit, which he said should not be the first rule.
Saying that the concept of federal character should be observed as an exception to the rule, the Vice President explained that the federal character has succeeded in breeding impunity in the way businesses are run in this country.
Professor Osinbajo said: “when somebody commits an offense, the rule of law kicks in and they face the consequence. The reason why we have the chaos in the past years is because there has been no consequence for wrongful conduct; people get away with anything,” the attitude which he said is now becoming cultural.
He called on Nigerians to respect the rule of law and that the “moral call we must make is that we must accept that at any time, the judgment can come very close to home.”
The Vice President spoke about hard work, integrity and social justice which he said are the other essential principles a country needs to prosper.
According to him, successful nations of the world were built on these sets of values.
“A nation can only advance if it’s values are clear and settled. It is by right behaviour, character and good virtues that a nation grows or develops.
“There is no society that has developed today, wherever that society may be that has not kept to some core values and those values are captured in the words -social virtues or righteousness. There is no nation in the world that has developed that can be considered great, considered successful that has not had to base its ideals and governance on these principles.”
Vice President Osinbajo who said the late Justice P.O.E Bassey was a professional to the core and an epitome of integrity, commended his children for upholding his good name and virtues.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade congratulated the family of the late Justice for upholding his legacy and keeping his memory alive even as the daughter of the late Justice, Professor Ekanem Wokoma said the foundation promotes the law profession and education in general through the award of scholarships and building of libraries among other programmes and projects.
The guest speakers at the occasion, including former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke and former minister of education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, stressed the need for Nigerians to uphold the rule of law and imbibe positive core values in their daily affairs. They stressed the need for Justice and fairness for all.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, of the last book that was authored by the late Justice, titled: “The Nigeria Judiciary, the departing glory.” Foreword to the book was written by the Vice President, when he was Attorney-General of Lagos State.
Justice P. O. E. Bassey was the first High Court Judge of the then South Eastern State. He contributed immensely to the foundation for the Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State judiciaries. He died on 27 February 2005. [myad]

N125 Billion Allegedly Spent On 2015 Polls Angers Election Stakeholders

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

Election stakeholders have condemned the N125 allegedly spent by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on the recently concluded 2015 general polls.

The stakeholders who gathered in Abuja today to take a look at the conduct of the 2015 general elections in the country, called for a reduction in the cost of conducting election in the country henceforth due to the economic meltdown that the country is experiencing.

Speaking at a public presentation of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) final report on the 2015 election, Samson Itodo, the head of Research, Policy and Advocacy of the Youth Initiative for advocacy growth and advancement (YIAGA) said that although the INEC intends to make the report on the election funding public next week, election stakeholders are deeply concerned about the huge fund expended.

“We all know that election is a very expensive activity especially in a country like Nigeria that has a very high electoral demography and a vast population; however there is a need for us as a nation to cut down the cost of running elections”

“Nigeria as a country cannot continue spending that much on election, INEC have to devise means to cut down the cost

“The country cannot be procuring electoral equipments every time the country have to embark on election, it is frivolous

“INEC spent huge amount of money for the recruitment of ad-hoc staffs for the election, that is quite understandable, I think Nigerians too should be able to make some sacrifices, we need to have volunteers that will assist INEC during elections, this will go a long way in cutting the cost of election in the country” he said.

He also advised President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the appointment of the next INEC Chairman as a matter of great importance.

“If there is anything that the President should be greatly concerned about at the moment, it is the appointment of a very credible person to head the INEC

“Buhari should not bring another character like Iwu or any person that will come and tarnish the good image that the outgoing Chairman, Attahiru Jega has laboured to provide, Nigerians need a person with high integrity to pilot the affairs of INEC in years to come,” he added.

The deputy country director of the Mac Arthur Foundation, Oladayo Olaide who also spoke at the session, expressed great concern about the future of elections in the country

The TMG Chairman, Ibrahim Zikirullahi who presented the report, advised INEC to improve on the technical aspects of its activities in future elections.

Cholera Outbreak Ravages Ebonyi, Claims 3 Today

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2015

Cholera outbreak has hit Ebonyi state in South East Nigeria, resulting into the death of no fewer than three persons. This brings the number of death to 28 since the outbreak in the state since February this year.

The latest deaths were recorded in Ndiogbu Ndieze village in Izzi Local Government Area of the state, while 17 are hospitalized.

Those hospitalised are currently receiving treatment in Sudan United Mission Hospital and Iboko General Hospital in the local government.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr.Francis Onwe, and other officials of the state Ministry of Health, who visited the area today, distributed drugs including ORS, sanitizers, chlorine for water disinfection to the residents to control the epidemic.

Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the state, Dr. Christian Achi, had confirmed more deaths in Ikwo community, Ikwo Local Government Area of the state as a result of fresh outbreak of the disease in the area.

A stakeholder of Ndiogbu Ndieze village, Chief Austin Igwe Edeze, whose younger brother was among those that died following the outbreak, said that people who attended burial of a resident of the area came back and started vomiting and defecating uncontrollably.

“Nobody suspected that cholera was responsible for the frequent vomiting and defecation by the people that attended the burial ceremony.

“So before we noticed it was cholera, it was already late, as he was vomiting and stooling. We took him to the hospital and he died early in the morning. ‘We raised alarm to the Ministry of Health and the officials advised that we should quickly bury him to avoid the disease spreading to other people around which we obeyed.

“The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry sent a team who visited us for enlightenment on the prevention of the disease and donated some drugs after the lecture’’ he said.

While addressing the people on the outbreak of the disease in the area, the state Epidemiologist, Dr. Francis Onwe, said the state health officials were contacted by Chief Austin Igwe Edeze, whose younger brother was among those that died as a result of the epidemic. [myad]

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