We’ll Deal With Judicial Officers That Bend The Democratic Rules – New Chief Judge

November 20, 2014

The new Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed has vowed to impose maximum disciplinary measures against any judicial officer who circumvent the democratic rules as the nation marches to the 2015 general elections.

Justice Mahmud, at his formal swearing-in today by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Auja, said that the judiciary would remain vigilant to play its constitutional roles towards sustaining the nurturing democracy.

He said that he had taken part in the reform of judiciary in conformity with the current democratic and legal practices, adding that he would continue to improve on them to bring back the glory of judiciary to the country.

The new CJN commended his immediate predecessor, Justice Mariyam Alloma Mukhtar for the transformation she had brought to bear on the judiciary.

Swearing-in the CJN, President Jonathan reminded him that Nigeria is on the threshold of another general election when politicians and political parties jostle for power.

He said that in the midst of these contestations, Nigerians look up to the judiciary as impartial arbiters in the polity, saying that the role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes in the country has been commendable.

“This has, over the years, engendered public confidence thereby discouraging resort to self-help with all its attendant negative consequences. I therefore urge our new Chief Justice to continue to steer the judiciary on the path of forthrightness required to entrench democratic consolidation.

The President noted that Justice Mahmud is assuming office at a time when the nation, including the Judiciary, is implementing institutional reforms in order to improve on governance and service delivery.

“It is particularly gratifying to note that he has been a critical part of these reforms from the onset, and therefore, at a vantage position to superintend over the process. I have no doubt that his tenure will witness even greater zeal in reforming and repositioning the judiciary for the effective and efficient discharge of its constitutional mandate.”

He assured the new CJN his administration’s steadfast commitment to uphold the independence of the judiciary, respect for the rule of law and the fostering of a harmonious relationship with the judiciary.

The President expressed gratitude to Justice Aloma Mukhtar for her invaluable service to Nigeria, saying: “in addition to the historic feat of being Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice, she has established her place in the honour roll of great drivers of Nigeria’s growth and development through her committed efforts at repositioning the Judiciary.

“As she retires, it is my hope that she will remain ready and willing to continue to avail the nation of her worthy attributes of courage, diligence, and selfless service.”

He also congratulated Justice Mahmud as the 14^th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria, even as he immediately conferred on the new CJN the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). [myad]

We Won’t Vote For PDP If It Tampers With Zoning Arrangement, Akwa Ibom Stakeholders Threaten

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2014

Stakeholders of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State have threatened to vote against the party if it tampers with the existing zoning arrangement in Uyo Senatorial District.

They are claiming that the senatorial ticket for 2015 has already been zoned to Uyo Federal Constituency where Uruan Local Government remains the only area that had not produced a senator since the commencement of the zoning arrangement 30 years ago.

The stakeholders are angry that even though they have already adopted former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bassey Etim, from Uruan local government, the State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio is now pushing for Obong Bassey Albert Akpan from Ibiono where the incumbent senator, Ita Enang comes from.

Albert had originally collected forms to contest the gubernatorial position of the state but was forced to step down following the insistence the state PDP on zoning the 2015 governorship post to Eket Senatorial District.

His stepping down to senatorial position has already received the endorsement of the National Working Committee (NWC) which noted in Abuja on Wednesday that it is in line with the zoning arrangement being encouraged by the national leadership.

“Akwa Ibom State PDP governorship aspirant, Obong Bassey Albert obeys NWC decision on zoning the 2015 governorship election to Eket Senatorial District, dumps gubernatorial ambition and picked form for senatorial election,” an unsigned statement from the PDP said.

However, rising from a meeting in Uyo, the Uyo Senatorial District Stakeholders Forum vowed to defend the original zoning arrangement to ensure that Uruan does not lose out in position.

Chairman of the Uyo Senatorial District PDP Stakeholders Forum, Bishop Asuquo Ekandem, told newsmen that what the stakeholders are asking for is equity and justice.

He threatened that if the existing zoning arrangement is violated and Uruan is not given the ticket, they will be forced to vote for another party as long as that party fields an Uruan indigene.

According to him, the area has been practising zoning for about 30 years, even as he insisted that there will be acrimony and absence of equity if zoning is abandoned at this point.

“We expect everybody to be fair minded, we expect everybody to observed agreed rules and procedures so that when it is the turn of another area, we will agreed to allow them to nominate people.

“We expect people to have integrity and abide by decisions that have been used and used successfully.”

He hoped that the PDP will do the right thing and “allow people to have their fair share of the cake,” Bishop Ekandem observed that it is necessary to remind the party to stick to the promise it has made.

“Don’t forget that people have options to vote for other candidates. If people decide this time they will not observe equity, they will not observe fairness, they will not stand by their integrity and agreements reached, people can always vote for some other persons.

“If they go and bring somebody from somewhere else, the people of Uyo can decide to vote for another party.” [myad]

Senate President Shuts Down National Assembly As Security Operatives Cause Pandemonium

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2014

Senate President, David Mark has shut down the National Assembly following attempt by security operatives to prevent speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal from entering the Assembly premises to preside over a reconvened House to deliberate on the request by President Goodluck Jonathan to extend the State of Emergency in the three north east states ravaged by Boko Haram. The security operatives’ action led to a pandemonium , during which teargas canisters were indiscriminately thrown at the lawmakers who ran in different direction to take cover.

Reports said that though Speaker Tambuwal eventually gained entrance into the complex, but that other lawmakers had to scale a fence to get into the complex.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba has been summoned to explain the action of the security operatives at the National Assembly.

Today’s resumption was to enable the House of Representatives to deliberate on Consideration of President Jonathan’s request for extension of the existing State of Emergency.

The spokesperson of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Lai Mohammed confirmed to journalists at the APC secretariat in Abuja that security operatives prevented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, from gaining entrance into the National Assembly Complex.

“I spoke with speaker Aminu Tambuwal five minutes ago and he confirmed to me that he has been locked out of the National Assembly complex at the second gate,” Mr. Mohammed said.

The APC spokesperson said that while Tambuwal is disallowed from entering the complex, his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, is already in the chamber.

‎”The Speaker reconvene the House at the instance of the President who wrote a letter to the Speaker asking for an extension of the state of emergency in three states and now he is being ambushed and not allowed in, it is a sad development for our country

“There must be limit to impunity and we are being ridiculed in the eyes of the world.”

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal incurred the wrath of the ruling PDP after he announced his defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress on 28 October. He then adjourned the sitting of the House till 3 December. But on Tuesday, he announced an emergency reconvening of the House following President Jonathan’s request for an extension of the state of emergency in three north east states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. [myad]

Security Siege On National Assembly Highlights Arrogance Of PDP Government – Atiku

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2014

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has described the crisis caused by the security siege at the National Assembly today as the highlight of the arrogance and incompetent of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which he said has lost the meaning of good governance.

“This crisis highlights the absolute failure of the current PDP’s idea of government: arrogant, indifferent and incompetent,” Atiku asserted.

Reacting to the incident at the National Assembly where heavily armed security operatives prevented Speaker Aminu Tambuwal from gaining access to the House to preside over the deliberation on the extension of emergency rule in the North-East, the former Vice President said in a statement by his media office that the “siege mentality” of the Jonathan administration poses grave threats to Nigeria’s democracy, the rule of law and the separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended.

“Obviously, the emergency rule has failed to stem the unrest. The Federal Government must work with, rather than against those who understand and have been elected by the people to govern.”

According to Atiku, this crude display of power by the President and his agents portends ominous signals for the future of our democracy, which is not a surprise as President Jonathan did not participate in the costly struggle that brought our present democracy into being.

He said the behaviour of the PDP-led government towards Tambuwal was not decent and acceptable under a president that has committed himself to uphold the rule of law.

The former Vice President regretted that abuse of power by using state agents to harass, intimidate and humiliate perceived opponents by the President was not only capable of heating the polity on frightening scale, but also carried the risks of polarizing and politicizing security operatives in the country.

He reminded the President that he was elected to uphold the Constitution of the country, and not to use power arbitrarily against political opponents.

The former Vice President advised President Jonathan to practice what he preaches by not heating up the polity, an accusation he always directs at opposition politicians.

“What is happening at the National Assembly taken together with what unfolded today on Thursday at the Ekiti House of Assembly is totally strange. It is not the democracy we fought for; for which many of our compatriots paid for with their lives. These free-riders should not be allowed to destroy what others built with their sweat and blood.

“It is not too late, however, for President Jonathan to pull the plug on these assaults to our democracy because it is inconceivable that the show of shame at the National Assembly is what he wanted as a birthday present.” [myad]

I Will Not Give Up To Blackmail, President Jonathan Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

November 20, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has made it clear that he would not give up to those who are out to blackmail his government. This is even as he is angered by those he said, have been making statements that are treasonable but hide under the constitutional immunity clause.

President Jonathan spoke today when he received Bayelsa state stakeholders who paid him a visit at his resident in the Presidential Villa, Abuja. to wish him happy birth day.

The President admitted that Nigeria, like other countries in the world, are facing some challenges, but that he was sure that the country will come out of those challenges better.

“Country like Israel, I’m not sure whether they have known peace; they are always fighting, yet they are moving and developing despite fighting. Our challenges should not deter us from moving; the country is not coming to an end. We must overcome these challenges. This country must unite.

He said that people who have been making statements threatening the survival of the country do not wish the country well. He is particularly disturbed by the destructive statement being made by those who he said, are enjoying constitutional immunity.

“Those people are abusing the privilege. That is why most Nigerians say the immunity clause should be removed, because some people don’t merit it. Some people are making statements that are treasonable. Nobody can upturn this country. This country must continue. We will not give up to blackmail by anybody. We will do our best and Nigeria must survive this temporary setback.” [myad]

President Jonathan Flies To London To Meet Key Investors

Greenbarge Reporters

November 19, 2014

President Goodlcuk Jonathan will travel to London tomorrow evening to preside over a meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investment Council (HIIC) which opens in the British capital on Friday.

The HIIC which was established in 2004 advises the Federal Government on matters pertaining to Nigeria’s economic development, making the Nigerian economy more competitive globally and attracting greater direct foreign investment to boost domestic industrial growth and job creation.

According to a statement from the Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, deliberations at the HIIC meeting in London will focus on the current investment landscape in Nigeria, developments and opportunities in the ongoing upgrade and expansion of Nigeria’s public infrastructure, as well as opportunities and reforms in Nigeria’s rail transportation, power and construction sectors.

He said that the President will be accompanied to the meeting by key ministers including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, the Minister of Defence, Gen Aliyu Gusau (rtd.) and the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar.

They will be joined at the meeting by the Coordinator of the HIIC, Baroness Lynda Chalker and other key members of the Council including Haruki Hayashi of the Mitsubishi Corporation, Yves Louis Darricarrere of Total, Andy Brown of Shell, Guillame Roux of Larfarge, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Jim Ovia, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, some state governors and the Chairmen of the National Assembly Committees on Transport.

President Jonathan is expected back in Abuja on Sunday. [myad]

Opposition would Have Messed Me Up If… Jonathan Confesses

Greenbarge Reporters

November 19, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has confessed that if it were not the strong support which the stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave him, the opposition political parties would have confused him and mess up his Transformation Agenda.

“The opposition is getting stiffer everyday as we approach the 2015 general elections, but thank God and for the PDP family that has stood by me.”

The President spoke today at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Post Declaration luncheon at the Presidential Aso Villa, Abuja. The President used the occasion to dissolve the Presidential Declaration Committee, headed by the former minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello.

Jonathan reminded the PDP top shots and members that the task ahead as the nation enters the campaign era is very tough, and that everyone should be on his or her toes.

He expressed confidence that with the caliber of people in PDP, no other party would be able to measure up to its high standards, even as he assured the stakeholders that with their continued support, he would move Nigeria forward to where it supposed to be in the comity of nations.

President Jonathan considered himself lucky to be what he called “a privileged Presidential aspirant” whose candidature would be confirmed at the party’s national convention in a fortnight from now.

“I want the aspirants in the party at whatever level to take whatever result they get at the party’s state congresses in good faith. Some of the aspirants are privileged like me, but those who will be elected at the congresses should work hard for the success of the party.

“in life, what I looked for I didn’t get; it is what I did not look for that I got.”

Speaking at the occasion, the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu said that the road to 2015 general elections is tough and rough but that the party is up to the task.

Mu’azu called on the party members to remain focus and be disciplined, adding: “this is the only way we can move forward.”

The chairman described President Jonathan as the most successful leader in Nigeria today, adding that his declaration to run for the second term in office was ‘presidential.” [myad]

Nigeria Crashes Out Of Africa Cup Of Nation Tournament, Holds South Africa To 2-2

Greenbarge Reporters

November 19, 2014

Nigeria will not be in Equatorial Guinea to defend the title it won in 2013 after failing to qualify from their group for the 2015 African Cup of Nations. The super Eagles, today, drew 2-2 with South Africa on Wednesday.

The Super Eagles needed to better Congo’s result to make it through from Group A but fell behind 2-0 in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom state, after two goals from Bournemouth’s Tokeo Rantie before battling back to earn a point through a brace from Hull’s Sone Aluko.

But that was not enough as Congo’s win away in Sudan ensured that the Red Devils finished as runners-up behind South Africa and qualify for January’s tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea and Zambia also booked their places in the finals on Wednesday in the final round of qualification matches. Cameroon, Algeria, Mali, Cape Verde Islands, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Senegal will also contest the 16-team tournament.

Tokelo Rantie scored either side of half-time as 10-man South Africa came within two minutes of claiming their first ever win against Nigeria in Nigeria and their first against the Super Eagles in six attempts, dating back to 2004.

Rantie broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time with his third goal of the qualification campaign, before slotting his second four minutes after the restart as South Africa looked on course to wrap-up group A with their fourth win of the campaign.

Sone Aluko scored in the 68th minute to set-up a tense final 25 minutes, which ended in disappointment for South Africa, who relinquished their lead to Aluko, who bagged his second of the night to deny South Africa a famous victory.

Shakes Mashaba’s troops headed into the clash with an unassailable four-point lead at the top of the group and would have been forgiven for taking it easy against Nigeria, who needed a win to stand any chance of defending their Afcon crown in January next year.

But Rantie’s double ensured South Africa continued their superb form away from home, notching-up Bafana’s sixth and seventh goals on the road, while maintaining their unbeaten record, to conclude a hugely successful campaign for Mashaba and his outfit, albeit with a disappointing share of the spoils with the Super Eagles.

Bafana finished the game a man down after Reneilwe Letsholonyane, playing in his 51st game for the country, picked up his second yellow card shortly after Aluko’s goal, leaving the visitors to hold on for a tense 20 minutes, which belonged to Nigeria.

The draw capped a miserable qualification campaign for the reigning Afcon champions, who had to keep one eye on the group’s other fixture in Khartoum, where Congo-Brazzaville edged their hosts to claim the second spot and advance to the tournament early next year.

Nigeria began the brighter as Ahmed Musa squandered three golden opportunities to take the lead inside the opening 20 minutes.

Darren Keet, however, in only his third international cap for South Africa, put in a superb display to deny Musa, who rattled the crossbar before thumping two shots straight at the goalkeeper, who had the better of the young Nigerian.

Just when South Africa looked like heading into the break scoreless, up stepped Rantie, who ghosted past four defenders before beating Vincent Enyeama at his near post to silence the home crowd and send Bafana on their way.

Ahead at the break, South Africa barely gave Nigeria time to breathe before Rantie hit the target for a second time after shrugging-off the last defender, rounding Enyeama and all but securing a win for South Africa.

But Nigeria’s Aluko had other plans. They pulled a goal back after benefiting from some slack South African defence.

With five added minutes looking a formality for Mashaba’s team, Aluko broke South African hearts when he slotted home with barely 90 seconds remaining.– Sapa. [myad]

Uphold Tenets Of Democracy, Atiku Advises New Chief Justice Of Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

November 19, 2014

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asked the new Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed to uphold the tenets of democracy which the nation is practicing. He also asked him to keep pace with reforms in the judiciary and uphold the Rule of Law as the nation grapples with the challenges of democratic development.

A statement by Atiku Media Office in Abuja yesterday, quoted the former Vice President as saying that the country has credible and upright judges and urged Justice Mahmud to use the opportunity he has got on merit to head the nation’s judiciary to keep pace with reforms in the judiciary and get it in tune with modern trends in democracies around the world.

Atiku reiterated that Nigeria cannot be left behind even as he said that no democracy survives without a strong, virile and independent judiciary.

“Destiny has placed on your shoulders the herculean task of being at the helm of interpreting the constitution of Nigeria at a time we all crave for a strong and independent judiciary capable of upholding the tenets of democracy and telling truth to power.” [myad]

Appoint Military Administrators For Adamawa, Yobe, Borno States, Elders Advise Jonathan

Greenbarge Reporters

November 18, 2014

Some prominent elders in Nigeria, operating under the canopy of Congress for Equality and Change (CEC) have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to as a matter of urgency replace the civilian governors of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States with military administrators as a way of eradicating Boko Haram from those states.

This is coming barely twenty-four hours after the President extended the state of emergency in these troubled states.

Members of the CEC, at its National Executive Committee meeting held at the Asokoro residence of Chief Edwin Clark are Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Major General Mohammed Gana (rtd.), Air Commodore Idongsit Nkanga (rtd), General Tony Hananiya, General Zamani Lekwot, General Lawrence Onoja (rtd.), Brigadier General Ibrahim Sabo (rtd.), General Sam Oviawe, Chief Mike Okiro, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Francis Doukpola, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas and Chief Depriye Alamieseigha.

Others include Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Professor S.D Mukoro, Senator Stella Omu, Senator R.S.Owie, Douigi Douglas-Naingba, Hon. Jonathan Asake, Hon. Emma Terwase, Alphonsus Ogbeh, Dr. M.P Okonny, Barrister David Barau, Hon. Tunde Akoni and Pet‎er Momoh.

According to them, only a full-scale State of emergency in the affected states and the appointment of military administrators would bring an end to insurgency in the zone. [myad]

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