The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has uncovered a grand plot by the opposition to use the media to cause disunity in the PDP Governors’ Forum as well as discredit the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Godswill Akpabio and bring him to public disrepute.
Our investigations revealed that the opposition, in their desperation to deceive Nigerians, have recruited political mercenaries who are heavily paid as hatchet men to fabricate and plant spurious and malicious reports in the media to stigmatize Akpabio and the PDP and taint them before Nigerians.
These spin doctors have continued to portray Akpabio’s genuine benevolence and kind heartedness in bad light, all in a desperate attempt to disparage him and cause a division in the PDP Governors’ Forum.
For the avoidance of doubt, all the governors of the PDP are united and there is no division in the PDP Governor’ Forum.
Also, the leadership of the PDP completely identifies with Governor Akpabio and his landmark developmental projects with which he has brought uncommon transformation to Akwa-Ibom state.
The landmark achievements of Governor Akpabio stand out for all to see. His success in transforming Akwa Ibom from the obscure geographical area in the country and placing it on the world map is phenomenal and unprecedented.
Akpabio has been widely acknowledged for delivering on his electoral promises with optimal transparency, a development which has aroused deep jealousy in the masterminds of the orchestrated merger, whose governors have nothing to show.
It is only a group with selfish interests like the opposition that will see anything wrong in Akpabio’s continuous gesture in helping the less privileged and the needy.
Also there is nothing wrong in Governor Akpabio helping in mobilizing PDP members who came for the party’s South South zonal rally. The N1 million Akpabio donated to each of the six state chapters of the PDP in the South South was not for an individual but to provide welfare for over 500 delegates from each of the chapters, who travelled all the way to Port Harcourt, River State capital for the rally.
Every single donation by Akpabio has been on issues, extolling the values of Akwa Ibom to care for humanity. However, in their desperation and traditional homage to deceit, propaganda and lies, the opposition has become completely blinded to the truth.
Instead of taking a cue from Akpabio, the opposition chieftains have become lapdogs to their godfather to whom they channel resources meant for the development of their states.
While Akpabio is using his resources for the benefit of the people, other Nigerians who have made themselves tin gods and emperors are busy appropriating state funds while converting the property of the state to personal belongings in their gullibility and blind quest for material acquisition.
Nigerians know those who are brazenly looting their state resources. They know those who are milking their citizens with high taxes and extorting money from local government councils with which they acquire media business, airlines, sprawling estates and engage in unscrupulous spending in wasteful society parties including their birthdays.
Nigerians are not deceived by the messianic posture of the opposition even with their much orchestrated merger. This is evident in the elections held since 2011, the most recent being the FCT council polls where the PDP won five out of the six area councils despite the alliance by the opposition.
The opposition should stop chasing shadow as it is clear that Nigerians have since found out that they have nothing to offer.
Things have fallen apart, the center cannot hold, we are no longer at ease, this was the expression of Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji of Abia state when he received the news of the death of Prof Chinua Achebe.
Speaking through his chief press secretary, Ugo Emezue chief Orji said that Ndigbo has lost a literary icon, a legend of all times and a hero whose novels remain a reference point in and outside the country.
Chief Orji who lamented the exit of Prof Achebe maintained that he is yet to come to terms with the sudden demise of this statesman of international repute.
The Abia state helmsman declared that Prof Achebe has impacted positively on the lives of people through his literary works. Prof Achebe, Abia governor stated will be remembered for always standing up for Ndigbo at all times despite all odds.
Though Prof Achebe became a bit challenged through an accident that affected his legs he waxed stronger, impacting knowledge on the younger ones as a lecturer abroad, the governor added.
Chief Orji said that the governors of the south East will do their best to give their departed illustrious son a befitting burial.
He commiserated with the family of the bereaved and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly (Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu) has described the death of the literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe as not only a personal loss to him, his family, Imo State House of Assembly, but also as a loss to all lovers of knowledge and development, globally.
Speaker Uwajumogu stated that with Chinua Achebe’s death, socio-political and economic development have finally “fallen apart” due to the fact that his wise counsel, moral instructions, constructive criticisms and towering iconic image would no longer be available.
Hear the Speaker, “Honestly I lack words to describe Professor Chinua Achebe. He was the Professor of Professors, Socio cultural icon, foremost socio-crusader of our time. He was the Ogbuefi of African literature. English language saw him and bowed. He impregnated the world with love, dedication, knowledge, constructive criticisms and selfless service to humanity.
With his death, things have finally fallen apart. Therefore on behalf of Imo State House of Assembly, I condole with the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, the good people of Ikenga – Ogidi in Idemili North L.G.A of Anambra State, the people of Anambra State and indeed to all lovers of knowledge globally to bear this irreparable loss.” Speaker Uwajumogu concluded.
A new twist emerged in the N458 million naira contract sagas against the Imo State Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, when his elder brother, Chief Martin Agbaso made scathing revelations on the deal with his family and the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha before the latter’s election as Imo governor in 2011.
Agbaso said Okorocha agreed to hand over power to him after four years on the saddle, while he (Okorocha) was to produce a deputy in the event Martin Agbaso clinches the governorship seat in 2015.
Agbaso, who spoke to newsmen when entourage of Owerri Zone Political Leadership Forum (OZOPOLF) led by Ikeduru oil magnate, Prince Charles Amadi paid him a solidarity visit, said the deal was brokered by Former APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh.
According to him, Umeh successfully brokered the deal that was mutually agreed by himself and Okorocha.
He stated that he never knew Rochas from Adam, until he approached him to use the APGA platform to actualize his governorship ambition in 2010.
“I met Rochas Okorocha in September 2010 when he came to appeal to me to run for the governorship of Imo State on APGA platform. Then I had a case with Ohakim and INEC in court. Because I had no interest to run for governorship in 2011, I bought the idea”.
Agbaso noted that Rochas wanted to take the APGA structure by forceful means by directing his supporters to invade APGA office.
He revealed that Okorocha promised to award him a multi-billion naira contract to reticulate water in Owerri on the basis that he (Agbaso) had a vast wealth of experience in water management and distribution.
“Despite his promise, he never came forth with the contract. He also told me to co-ordinate the IGR of the state, I borrowed Two billion naira from Diamond Bank to finance the project, only for him (Okorocha) to cancel the entire project. Now, I’m indebted to the bank”.
On the issue of appointing his kith and kin as key members of Okorocha administration, the Ochiudo Owere, denied ever imposing his “people” on Okorocha.
He said “I never imposed anyone on him for appointment. He only sought for my clarification on anyone from my area he wanted to appoint in his cabinet. Is it proper for me to condemn anyone from my area he wanted to appoint into his executive?
Agbaso stressed that things began to fall apart when Okorocha wanted to restructure APGA unilaterally. “I resisted, refused and persuaded him not to do so. Thereafter we went to Kosovo, where he gave me and others who escorted him on the trip a paltry $5,000. That was the only dime Rochas gave me, since then, nothing has been forthcoming” he said.
Agbaso revealed that the current travails of his younger brother, and Deputy Governor of Imo State, Sir Jude Agbaso was stage-managed by Okorocha a long time ago. He said “Owelle had a grand plan to impeach my brother a long time ago. Owelle gave the contractor the contract, brought the contractor, approved the payments and the payment was carried out by the Accountant General. How can JPross, the contractor pay N458 million naira to my brother, who did not give him the contract”.
He said his brother has been singled out for vilification, saying “no one has made efforts to cross check the accounts who withdrew the money and who authorized its withdrawal. I will die for this battle. We will pursue this matter to the end and we shall know who deserves to be impeached. I assure Imolites will see the truth. I helped Owelle realize his dream of becoming governor of Imo state, I’m yet to realize my dream, it will not succeed” he concluded.
In his speech, the Deputy Governor and Martin Agbaso’s younger brother, Jude, said he never collected a dime from any contractor, stating that he stands on the path of truth and justice.
“I have no need to steal; I have never taken bribe before. I am not a politician and I will always thread on the path of truth and justice” he said.
Earlier, leader of OZOPOLF, Prince Charles Amadi said he and his group are in solidarity with the Agbasos over their ordeal.
Truth can only be delayed for some time not all the time, conventional wisdom has it with time the power of truth will supersede that of lees. These most be the encourage tonic sustaining the beneficiaries of the embattled 10,000 job scheme on their struggle to get justice through the temple of Justice, National Industrial Court, Enugu.
At the National Industrial Court Enugu the noose was tightened on Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s as all his strategies and stunts to stall the substantive hearing of the petition filed by the 10,000 job beneficiaries at the National Industrial Court, challenging their unjustified and vindictive dismissal by the incumbent rescue government failed to yield anything tangible impact.
The case has entered into the hearing of the substantive matter with the taking of evidences from the claimants. When the came up for hearing last Wednesday the first witness for the beneficiaries moved to adopt his written deposition on oath.
Subsequently, the counsel to the beneficiaries, Barr. Uche W. Durueke informed the court that the claimants have brought the original copies of the document pertaining to the employment which the government is denying any knowledge and possession for the physical examination by the court and admission as evidence.
Due to the enormity of the documents brought before the court in a big “Ghana must Go” bag, the presiding judge, Hon Justice Auwal Ibrahim ordered as appealed by Barr Durueke that both parties should on their own jointly peruse and sort out those document that have any arguable features, instead of saddling the court with unnecessary arguments on all the documents, in order not to delay the process.
The counsel to the Imo state government, Barr Eddy Onyema, whose wife is alleged to be one of the beneficiaries, did not make many contributions to the proceeding. As he appeared to be demoralized and subdued by the intimidating presence of over 500 members of the 10,000 job scheme in the court room.
It will be recalled that the government in her recent amended submission/defence by their counsel Barr. Onyema denied the existence of the entire processes of the employment and the documents pleaded as evidence by the beneficiaries.
However, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to the 29th April and 2nd May for continuation of hearing.
Unknown Gunmen Friday night laid complete siege on Ganye, headquarters of Ganye Local Government in Adamawa State, with heavy casualties.
The gunmen said to be numbering about thirty overran the divisional police station, the prison headquarters and an old generation bank, all located some meters from each other.
Also attacked were relaxation places, where the heavy casualties were recorded.
Eyewitness account told vanguard in Yola that the attackers first struck at divisional police station which was set ablaze before proceeding to the prisons where the inmates were set free and the building also set on fire.
The attack, according to the eyewitness which took the residents by surprise began moment after the last Muslim prayers, ISHA’I where the attackers were shouting “ALLAH is Great, ALLAH is Great, as the marched round the town unchallenged.
At the old generation bank, the attackers were reported to have used dynamites to pull down parts of the building before gaining entrance into the banking hall and the strong room.
No confirmation yet of the amount of money stolen from the bank but the eyewitness said the amount runs into millions as rappers of various denominations littered the entire premises of the bank.
Almost all the Hotels and other relaxation joints in the town was set ablaze and ransacked, even as fun seekers ran helter skelter for their dear lives.
The eyewitness added that most of the casualties were recorded in the relaxation centres as the attackers opened fire sporadically on people seen to be patronizing the drinking joints and their owners.
Adamawa State Police command has confirmed the incident. The command’s public relations officer, PPRO Mohammed Ibrahim (SP) said already detachment of Military and Police have been dispatched to the area.
Also, the comptroller of Prisons incharge of Adamawa State, Mr. Andrew Barka equally confirmed the ransacking of Ganye Prisons, but failed to give further details.
Ganye local government council which shares common border with the Republic of Cameroon has been vulnerable to attacks by gunmen of recent.
247ureports.com can confirm that two explosions this morning rocked the ancient city of Kano, according to an eyewitness; the first explosion took place around 7:45 am at Hotoro area, close to the NNPC Mega station.
As gathered from witness, the explosion happened from a suicide bombers car that refused to stop for search at a military stop and search point and as such he was pursued by JTF whom he engage in a gun duel with and that caused the car to got exploded due to heavy explosives it was carrying.
Meanwhile the second explosion happened at Tishama neighbourhood along the Eastern Bye-Pass Road, which also has causes sporadic gunshots even as the men of the JTF are surrounding the affected areas.
Meanwhile four people were caught by the JTF as they confesses that they were Niger Republic.
Professor Zakari Aliyu, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Taraba State Specialist Hospital Jalingo, who granted an interview concerning the health condition of Governor Danbaba Suntai, appeared before the ad hoc committee of the Taraba State House of Assembly. Weekly Trust was there.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Taraba State Specialist Hospital Jalingo, Professor Zakari Yusuf Aliyu, who was summoned by the State House of Assembly after granting an interview to Daily Trust on the condition of ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai, yesterday appeared before the lawmakers.
The doctor told a five-member ad hoc committee of the Assembly that based on his recommendation; Suntai was about three days ago moved from Germany where he has been receiving treatment to an American hospital for a better treatment. He also said that the Suntai might not return to duty soon.
Professor Zakari, who was summoned by the lawmakers after saying in an interview that the governor had lost some cognitive abilities due to a brain injury, stood by what he said in the interview.
Answering questions on the floor of the Taraba State House of Assembly, he said that his interview was meant to ensure that the ailing governor is moved to a better health facility where he would be given the best medical attention available in the world.
He said he was dissatisfied with the condition of the governor when he visited him in Germany and had earlier written a memo to the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, in February this year to that effect.
“I granted the interview with sincerity of mind and purity of purpose,” Prof Zakari told the committee.
He said the information he gave to the press on the health condition of the governor was a routine one and not privileged or confidential as beeing insinuated; stressing that he only gave one per cent of the governor’s health information at his disposal.
According him, while in Germany, he spoke with some of the nurses and health officers handling the governor’s health and was able to get information about his health condition.
“When I arrived in Germany, I met the physicians of the governor and we reviewed the details of his medical report. I asked the nurses attached to the governor and they made available to me all his medical records,” he said adding that “Given the nature of His Excellency’s condition, he can’t be expected home in one or two weeks.”
Professor Aliyu also told the committee that he had earlier met with the acting governor in the presence of the Majority Leader of Taraba State House of Assembly Charles Maijankai where he was questioned on the rationale behind his interview which he explained to the satisfaction of the acting governor.
When asked whether he was the personal physician to Governor Suntai, Aliyu told the committee that he is not the direct personal physician to the governor, but he is the Consultant that oversees the personal physician to Suntai, adding that he has been treating the governor for the past five years and knows more about his health history.
He told the committee that Governor Suntai has three chronic medical health conditions which he has been treating for the past five years.
“Since I am the consultant overseeing his personal physician, the routine interview I granted on his condition was to ginger up the acting governor to hasten Suntai’s movement to U.S. which I am glad they finally did.” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Abel Peter Diah, who represented the speaker, Mr. Istifanus Gbana, said the investigating committee was not set up to prosecute or crucify the doctor, but to ascertain whether the publication was ill-motivated or out of line with the Civil Service Rule.
He said the outcome of the public hearing with the doctor would be presented to the entire House at plenary for discussion.
During the public hearing, the committee members were guided and led by a three-man counsel who crosses examined the CMD. The hearing was witnessed by large turnout of people including journalists and executive members of the Nigeria Medical Association, Taraba State.
Meanwhile, mixed reactions had continued to trail the summoning of the CMD by the state House of Assembly over the recent newspaper interview in which he made startling revelations on the condition of Governor Suntai.
Suntain was flown to Germany few days after sustaining injuries from the plane crash in October 2012 near Yola, Adamawa State. Suntai was flying the plane himself. He was said to have suffered brain injury.
In an interview with Daily Trust recently, Dr. Aliyu said that Governor Suntai suffers from speech loss and inability to comprehend same because of brain injuries.
But when contacted, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, Silvanus Giwa, said he could not confirm the hospital which the governor has been moved to but promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as he gets that.
According to him, the movement of the governor is not according to the dictates of Prof Aliyu Zakari Yusuf as claimed. The acting governor’s spokesman could not be reach yesterday.
Taraba State Commissioner for Information Emmanuel Bello was not immediately available for comment last night. But in a recent statement, Bello dismissed the doctor’s comments, saying he was not qualified to speak on Governor Suntai’s health condition since he was not his personal physician. Bello also said that the governor was recuperating contrary to what was said by the doctor.
While reacting, a human right activist and legal luminary Barr. Solomon Dalung said the lawmakers goofed for hurriedly setting up a committee to probe the CMD, adding that the path being taken by the lawmakers cannot save the situation over the health status of the governor.
“I do not think the way members of the state House of Assembly are going about it is ideal. They have absolutely no control over issues of ethical conduct of doctors; they are not the regulatory body and so if they have any issue with the CMD’s comments on the state of health of the governor, what they should have done was to refer the matter to the regulatory council which is the Medical and Dental Council or his association, Nigeria Medical Association. Therefore they have absolutely no responsibility in that regard,’’ he said.
He noted that the lawmakers ought to have understood that there are strict regulations and laws in terms of professional conduct which should not be violated. “Whatever complaint or whatever feelings and position they have, they should have conveyed to the appropriate bodies to look into the matter rather than to assign the power to themselves by setting up committee to probe it,’’ he said.
Also in a swift reaction, Taraba Concern Citizens Forum alleged that there were sinister moves by a cabal who doesn’t want change in the status quo to sack the CMD for revealing the governor’s health condition.
The spokesman of the group, Barr. Mustapha Bello noted that “the lawmakers were acting on stereotype script punched by some elements in the state and this has since created uncertainty and despair. The governor is not just an ordinary person whose ailment should not be revealed; he is a public figure being treated by state resources,’’ he said.
He said “it is laughable that the legislators would harass the CMD of the state’s Specialist Hospital, Dr Aliyu Zakar for being truthful over Suntai’s health condition. Concerned indigenes had been condemning their action; and even the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has kicked against the move.’
Gov. Peter Obi who broke the news of Achebe’s death has described him as one of the finest minds the world has known.
The text of his message reads: “I woke up early this morning and saw two missed calls from Prof. China Achebe’s son, Dr. Ike Achebe, with whom I have been in regular touch to ascertain his father’s well being. I immediately returned the call, and to my greatest shock and disbelief, he informed me that his father has just passed on.
The world has lost one of her finest minds. Africa and Nigeria have lost one of their greatest global Ambassadors.
I have duly contacted Mr. President to inform him about the sad development. I have also contacted some prominent Nigerians who also expressed shock at the development”
Obi who said he was in touch with the Achebe family is said to have completed arrangements to depart to the USA later today to confer with the family.”
Thanks you Barrister Chuma Mbonu, for that kind introduction.
I am glad to be here and it is my singular honour and privilege to represent His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi (CON) at this dinner — an innovative idea that represents a tradition of excellence, nobility, elegance and conviviality. His Excellency had intended to be physically present, but is unavoidably absent due to the exigencies of his state functions.
If I took a photograph of this august event and emailed it different parts of this country, very few would believe that this is happening in Awka. Civilized occasions like this are not supposed to happen here in Anambra. As such, I feel privileged to be present in such a very cultured gathering.
I gather that this is the second Annual Anambra State Judiciary Dinner – may you have many more. I thank the Chief Judge Peter Nnanna Chukwudi Umeadi for his vision. I also thank our keynote speaker, Hon. Justice John Ajet Nasam of Ghana for his well rendered and illuminating lecture.
On behalf of His Excellency, Gov. Peter Obi, I congratulate the Anambra Judiciary for work you do and for the seamless corporation between the three arms of our government. We take nothing for granted.
For its part, the Executive Branch is doing its utmost to deliver the dividends of good governance through the Anambra State Integrated development Strategy (ANIDS) Programme.
With exactly one year to go, the Peter Obi administration continues to push ahead with public policies and projects that promote good governance and an enabling environment. We are not relenting in our service delivery to Anambra people. The evidence is there for all to see.
We (Anambra State) remain at this juncture:
(1) The State with the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the nation outside the oil sector;
(2) We can, in keeping with acceptable international standards sustain our monthly recurrent expenses for 3 months without recourse to federal allocations from Abuja; and
(3) As per long-term and sustainable planning, we have a cumulative investment totaling some $100 billion.
These achievements which are directly related purposeful leadership and the transparent and prudent management of our resources are noteworthy, considering that we are not the most richly endowed state in Nigeria. Indeed, under Gov. Obi we in Anambra State manage our lean resources shrewdly. As a government we are committed to pursuing the proper means and ends of good governance.
We therefore value highly what the Anambra State Judiciary is doing. We appreciate your positive and proactive role and collective effort at the expeditious disposal of cases before you despite the overload of your various dockets.
We in the Executive Branch support fully the desire to appoint more Judges so as to ease your burden. Recently, we work very hard at getting 12 new judges appointed, but in the end, got only five brilliant persons. We congratulate them.
While we acknowledge the challenges the Judiciary face, we know there is more to be done, to enhance the bond of performance between the three arms of government. Indeed, there is more to be done – especially in areas where delayed cases might impinge on our revenue mobilization and specifically, internally generated revenue (IGR) efforts. We do not ask for preferential rulings in favour of the government, but for expeditious rulings in all such cases. There is no gainsaying that we need the resources to carry out our statutory functions.
In the same vein, the courts remain the last resort for the aggrieved. And while I am not privileged to be a lawyer, to my mind, I subscribe fully to the notion that justice delayed, is justice denied. So, we will continue to exhort you to do your utmost in matters within your remit.
For our part, we will continue to support the judiciary within our limited resources. We remain committed to ensuring that the Anambra Judiciary ranks high and compare favourably with those of the 35 other states. We remain of the view that given the unique role of judges, you must be shielded from the temptations of our warped societal values and vagaries of our politics. I wish therefore to announce here that we have completed the building of the Judges Quarters in Onitsha and stand ready to hand them over.
In closing, let me underline the unfettered commitment of H. E. Gov. Peter Obi to assisting the judiciary fulfill its constitutional mandate. Similarly, I feel compelled to touch once amore on the bond of performance that must exist between the three arms of the government to arrive at the much needed synergy that yields good governance and dividends of democracy.
Permit me to end these brief remarks on a personal observation and note. We are all too familiar with our national political terrain. So, I must advocate, without prejudice to merit, that we need to fast track the appointment of younger, brighter and competent Anambra lawyers to the bench with a view to getting them to the Superior Courts earlier. This task must not be taken lightly.
In closing, I wish you all well, and God willing, I hope I will be invited back to the next dinner on 21 March 2014. Thank you all and God bless you. [End]
