Wole Soyinka Laments For Nigeria, Says We Are Living Under Cloud Of Shame

November 17, 2014

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has lamented over what he called a cloud of shame, embarrassment and feeling of dereliction which has been casted by insurgency that has been allowed to thrive because of the incompetence of the government and lack of genuine leadership.

Soyinka spoke at the 2014 Foundation Day Anniversary and Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Ibadan, where he was honoured with doctor of letters.

Soyinka, who was described by the institution as the courageous voice for human rights, said that although the gathering was meant to celebrate success, but that it would be difficult to cast aside the plight of children who were sent to school in Chibok but never returned.

He said: “This is a festive occasion but we are all sitting under a heavy cloud. We are sitting under a cloud of heavy embarrassment, shame of the feeling of dereliction, sullen responsibility towards children. We are sitting under a cloud of impotence, of a calamity that was not without notice, and whose myriad causes is quite disenable. We are here because of education because we will never stop learning till death. This cloud is made up of a sense of humiliation. We sent our children on an errand and they did not return. The errand is what we are celebrating today. The errand was to prepare the children for today but they never came back, that is what we cannot allow ourselves to forget.”

The celebrated playwright said the gradual disappearance of the University of Maiduguri because of the activities of a set of people who flourished on hate, intimidation and intolerance called for reflection. He said that Nigerian government is guilty of the failure to protect its children and build a safe nation for all.

“We are familiar with what is going on so I have decided that there is nothing new in what I am going to say. In Port Harcourt where I made a speech at the University of Science and Technology three years ago, I asked deliberately, ‘where is the University of Maiduguri today?’ In the US back in 1957 at the time of racism, the president of that nation federalised the National Guard and ordered it to protect a young girl.

“Do we send children to school to have their hands tied and their throat slit? Yet, we have leadership that is asking the terrorist to come to the table and negotiate with it while children were being killed and taken away in Chibok. What crime did they commit? This is not what our children deserve. It begins with the failure to respond as the US president did to protect the little girl. What is the difference between Nigeria’s Boko Haram and American night and day riders of hate and destruction? Both thrive on hate, intimidation and inculcation of fear, intolerance and terror. This is what is happening to our institutions especially in the northern part of our country.” [myad]

Nigerian Government Moves To Extend Emergency Rule In 3 Boko Haram Troubled States

Greenbarge Reporters

November 17, 2014

Nigerian Federal Government has made a move to extend the state of emergency declared in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States for the third time. The emergency rule was first declared in the affected states on May 14, 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan over the continued activities of members of the Boko Haram sect.

Since that first declaration of six months, the emergency rule had been extended twice. The third tranche of six-month emergency rule expires on Thursday.

The decision to extend it for the third time was taken at a meeting of the National Defence Council, presided over by Jonathan today.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) told newsmen shortly after the meeting that the council resolved that the government should request the National Assembly to extend the emergency rule.

When asked when the request would be sent bearing in mind that an arm of the National Assembly is currently on break, the minister said it would be done immediately.

“The council reviewed the issue of the state of emergency and the government will be requesting the National Assembly to extend the emergency rule. It (the communication) will go in immediately.”

The Council, which is one of the federal executive bodies established by Section 135 of the nation’s Constitution, has the power to advise the President on matters relating to the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Its members include the President who shall be the chairman; the Vice President who shall be the Deputy Chairman;Minister of Defence; Chief of Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff; Chief of Air Staff; and such other members as the President may appoint.

Those who attended today’s meeting included the CDS, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; COAS, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah; CNS, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin; CAS, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu; Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba; and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

Others were Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim; Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Guasu (retd.); and the Minister of Interior, Mr. Aba Moro.

While declaring emergency rule in the three states in 2013 in a nationwide broadcast, Jonathan had invoked Section 305 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He had announced that regardless of the state of emergency imposed, the political structures in the affected states would remain intact.

Following continued violence in the state in spite of the emergency rule, there were calls for the sacking of the state governors to pave way for the appointment of military administrators.

The Presidency had however said it was unconstitutional for the President to sack state governors. [myad]

Violence: Governor Al-Makura Imposes Dusk-To-Dawn Curfew On Lafia

Greenbarge Reporters

November 17, 2014

Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Lafia, the state capital, following unceasing violence in the state capital and its environs.

The governor said that the decision was reached today after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council held at Government House, Lafia.

The governor added that the curfew has become necessary to stop the spate of violence and killings in the state. He explained that the curfew would start at 6pm and end at 6am. [myad]

Professor Iwu, Ex INEC Boss, Delivers Lecture On The 2015 Elections In Lagos, Wednesday

Greenbarge Reporters

November 17, 2014

Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu is scheduled to deliver a lecture titled: “Nigerian Democracy: Getting It Right in 2015” at the second anniversary lecture of The Realnews Magazine and Publications Limited on Wednesday, November 19.
The event which will attract other dignitaries and scholars, will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
The annual lecture will also feature the Managing Director of Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Roberts Orya, who will talk on “the Economic Implication of Getting the Right Leadership.”
A statement by the Publisher/Editor of The Realnews, Maureen Chigbo said that the occasion will be chaired by the Managing Director of Falcon Corporation Limited, Professor J.C. Ezigbo. He was a lecturer for more than 20 years at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), before venturing into the oil and gas business as the first indigenous gas distributor in the country.
She said that former chairman of the National Population Commission, Eze Festus Odimegwu will give the keynote address even as a book titled: “Paragon Of Journalism,” co-edited by Maureen Chigbo and late Mike Akpan, publisher/editor and editor-in-chief of Realnews magazine, respectively, will be presented at the event. The book, according to her, will be reviewed by Dr. Ngozi Anyaegbunam, lecturer, author and journalist.
She said that the Anambra state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprise, Benjamin Dikki, former governor of Anambra state, Senator Chris Ngige and other prominent Nigerians are expected at the lecture.
Realnews, a general interest magazine, is an online publication which thrives on investigative journalism debuted November 19, 2012. It focuses on oil and gas sector with its attendant environmental challenges as well as issues relating to business and economy, politics, power, health, women and youth. [myad]

Factional Ebonyi Speaker Writes President Jonathan, Says Governor Elechi Mismanaged N16.5 Billion

Greenbarge Reporters

November 17, 2014

Factional speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chukwuma Nwazunku has accused the Ebonyi state governor, Martin Elechi of mismanaging the N16.5 billion bond obtained from the capital market in 2010 for the execution of certain capital projects in the state, including the International Market, the State Secretariat, Oforekpe Water Scheme and others.

In a letter he wrote and signed, the speaker called on the President to withhold his approval of the second bond of 15 billion sought by Governor Elechi for the state.

Nwazunku further indicted the governor of diverting the bond money noting that the projects that the money was meant for “are scarcely attended to, to the extent that even in the next one-year the project will never be implemented.”

“Since our approval of the second bond, however certain revelations have come to light to warrant keeping the second in view pending a proper detailed briefing of the house on the use of the first bond.

“It does not appear as if the first bond has been properly used in view of the fact that the target projects the bond was meant for was scarcely attended to, to the extent that even in the next one-year the project will never be implemented.

“We have requested for proper briefing on the use of the first bond but rather that do so, all hell has been let loose on some house members. We are, however, not bothered by this state of affairs.

“In view of the fact that the target projects for the first bond obtained will still take over one year to complete, and in view also that the tenure of the present administration will be rounding off in the next 6 months, we respectfully invite your excellency to graciously withhold your kind approval of the new second bond which the Ebonyi state government has applied for pending when our relevant committee is properly briefed on the use of the first bond.” [myad]

Army, Local Vigilantes Push Boko Haram Out Of Chibok

Greenbarge Reporters

November 16, 2014

The Nigerian army, working with local vigilantes known as the Civilian Joint Task Force have pushed members of Boko Haram out of, and repossess Chibok town in Borno state. Book Haram had, on Thursday, captured the town, from where about 300 female students of the Government Girls Secondary School were abducted by the same Boko Haram on April 14 this year.

The Army spokesman, General Olajide Olaleye said: “Mopping up ops ongoing. (The) town is now secured.”

An elder in Chibok, Mr. Pogu Bitrus confirmed too that Chibok was recaptured in a joint operation between the army and the local vigilante. He said that the vigilantes fought inside Chibok while army soldiers “stayed outside the town to mop up the insurgents trying to escape.”

Boko Haram fighters had captured the town on Thursday after a battle lasting several hours that local officials said left many victims among both the insurgents and the local militias dead. Several residents said the army had fled the assault, leaving the vigilantes to fight on their own against Boko Haram.

There was no immediate information about any casualties from Saturday’s battle for the town, which witnesses said is virtually empty of residents. [myad]

I’m Going To Senate To Push For 10 Percent Equity Participation For Oil Producing Communities – Uduaghan

Greenbarge Reporters

November 16, 2014

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that he wants to represent Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly to enable him push for the oil producing communities to have 10 percent equity participation in oil companies operating in their areas.
Speaking at the weekend at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attended by aspirants and leaders of the party at its secretariat in Asaba, Governor Uduaghan said that he is determined to ensure that the Niger Delta region is no longer short-changed.
Dr. Uduaghan promised to pursue with vigour the participation of oil producing communities in their naturally given resources to address years of neglect and insensitivity to their plight by the oil companies.
“My desire is to ensure that the 10 per cent equity participation by oil producing communities in oil companies sees the light of the day. My passion is to vigorously pursue this goal. This informed my decision to represent my people (Delta South Senatorial District) at the Senate.”
The Governor said he has demonstrated the spirit of sportsmanship in the pursuit of his senatorial aspiration, promising to embrace his opponents should he wins or loses as politics, to him is not a do-or-die affair.
Governor Uduaghan dismissed allegations of imposition and manipulation of the ward delegates lists levelled against him by some leaders of the party, pleading with aspirants to shun mudslinging and falsehood as well as other acts that are capable of inciting members of the party against one another.
Meanwhile, the expanded Executive Committee meeting of the State’s PDP , attended by leaders and aspirants
have elected Chief Edwin Uzor as Acting State Chairman of the party even as it affirmed its position in the harmonized list of ward congress of each local government areas as reached by leaders and elders of the party in the state.
Governor Uduaghan, who is the leader of the party in the state, charged the acting chairman to be firm and steadfast, particularly in this period of the primaries to guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants.
The Governor explained that Uzor was elected following the resignation of the former chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi who left to pursue a political ambition, explaining that the acting chairman would be in charge pending the conduct of state congress to elect a substantive chairman.
Speaking shortly after his election, Chief Edwin Uzor who was the state PDP Auditor, pledged to carry everyone along and to support to Dr. Uduaghan’s Administration’s three point developmental agenda.
Highlight of the meeting was the motion by Chief Nwaoboshi for the retention of the ward delegates list without alteration as prepared by the elders and leaders of the party. The motion for the retention of the list which the Executive committee said will be used for all the primaries were seconded by the Majority leader of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Monday Igbuya. [myad]

You Have Strong Will-Power, Delta Monarch Tells FCT Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

November 16, 2014

Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, Joshua Igbubguru, the Ibenabowei (King) of Bomo Kingdom, has wondered over the rapid development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, attributing it to the minister’s strong will-power.
He emphasized that the Minister’s success story has been as a result of his strong will power and commitment to the Nigerian project.
The Monarch who spoke to newsmen in Abuja today, commended the recent flag-off of the construction of 40,000 housing units for workers by the FCT Administration, describing the scheme as unprecedented in the history of the nation.
King Joshua Igbubguru said that the minister’s
execution of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, especially through the provision of standard housing and infrastructural facilities is uncommon.
He took a look at the Abuja land swap policy which was introduced by Senator Bala and said that it is another revolutionary measure that has contributed to the acceleration of housing development in the nation’s capital.
“It is, indeed, an outstanding act in vision and courageous leadership for a minister to initiate and embark on the opening of ten new districts in Abuja at a go. You know that before this minister came on board, Abuja was facing serious crisis of scarcity of approved houses and illegal developments everywhere, but today, anywhere you go in Abuja there are thousands of modern estates, offices and houses springing up. “This will go a long way to help achieve the target of decent housing for all and also carter for the large number of people relocating to Abuja from all parts of the country.” [myad]

Atiku Asks Federal Government Not To Abdicate Its Responsibility On Education

Greenbarge Reporters

November 16, 2014

Former Vice President and Founder, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Atiku Abubakar, has asked the Federal Government not to abdicate its responsibility of providing qualitative and affordable education for its citizenry. It is only through such way, he added, that the country would have a comparative advantage among its peers.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Ninth Founder’s Day celebration of the decade old citadel for Africa development at the Lamido Aliyu Musdafa Commencement Hall of AUN in Yola today, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful, told the assembly of global eggheads and other guests in the university’s ultra modern auditorium that “private education is not, should not and cannot be a substitute for proper government-financed public education.
“Rather, private education should be supplementary and by choice for those who wish to and can afford to use its services.”
Atiku said that a good government must and should invest appropriately in public education for development to take root in the country.
He recalled however that education in Nigeria started by private efforts, since the early schools were established and ran by colonial missionaries.
Atiku was conferred with the Institution’s prestigious Harris Watford Global Citizen Award, during which time the American Peace Corps Association described him as “no private businessman in Africa has worked harder for democracy or contributed more to the progress of higher education than Atiku Abubakar.”
In her own remarks, President of AUN, Professor Margee Ensign, said that the purpose of the annual Founder’s Day is to celebrate the founding, development and remarkable progress of the development university.
“AUN is a reflection of our Founder’s vision, and it has only been made possible by his extra-ordinary generosity. The AUN Community is particularly pleased to use this occasion to publicly thank its Founder, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, for making American University of Nigeria possible.”
This year’s grand ceremony was marked with colourful procession, reflective speeches on the consequences of insurgency in the North East and the threat of Ebola as well as the achievement awards to deserving students, staff and outstanding friends of the university.
Among the Special guests in attendance were Professor William Ellis Bertrand (keynote speaker), former minister of education and Director-General of Atiku Campaign, Professor Babalola Aborishade; Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and elder statesman, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe who is an age-long friend of the founder. [myad]

APC Is Night Soil Man Out To Clean-Up PDP’s Mess On Nigeria, Dr. Davies Ikanya Says

Greenbarge Reporters

November 16, 2014

Chairman of River state APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya

Chairman of the Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya has justified the statement made by the Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi in 2011 to the effect that APC is a party of night soil men, adding that they are out to clean up the socio-economic and security mess which the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had thrown Nigeria into.
In a statement in Port Harcourt the APC Chairman described as disgraceful those who cannot stand the rigours of intellectual political debate over Governor Amaechi’s 2011 statement to the effect that ‘those who carry brooms are night soil men and juju priests.’
“Like the true African that he is, Amaechi was speaking in parables but suffice it to say that he did not in any way contradict himself by later dumping the torn umbrella of the doomed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the clean-sweeping broom of the APC.”
Dr. Ikanya insisted that Amaechi was 100 percent right in his 2011 statement and had to take his leave from the PDP when the mess by the PDP-controlled Federal Government under the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan became an unmistakable threat to the very survival of the country, thus leaving all patriots with no other option than to join the league of proverbial night soil men.
“The mess by the PDP-led Government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as manifested in monumental corruption, suffocating insecurity and strangulating economic hardship is such that every Nigerian patriot needs to carry brooms to flush out this evil party and clean up the country for the sake of present and future generations.
“There is no gainsaying that going by the present sorry state of Nigeria, the country desperately needs good night soil men to clean up PDP’s faeces. Indeed, it is time for all those who truly love Nigeria to bring the brooms out and get down to work with APC’s broom revolution as we seek to bring about change after forming the next government in 2015.”
He berated the faceless Association of Concerned Indigenes of Rivers State and other faceless groups being promoted by the Presidency and Rivers State PDP Leader, Nyesom Wike, “for wasting billions of taxpayers’ money on a worthless advertorial in some National and Port Harcourt based papers in its doomed propaganda campaign that can only make Governor Amaechi and APC stronger as they work to salvage Nigeria from the evil grip of PDP.” [myad]

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