Alamieyeseigha Could Be Paid Billions By Nigeria Based On Court Ruling, Lawyers Say

247ureports
-
1

8106492.bin

Former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, may be paid billions of naira, the value of the assets seized from him after his conviction for money laundering.

President Goodluck Jonathan had granted Mr. Alamieyeseigha a presidential pardon, rendering the former Bayelsa State governor a freeman.

While Mr. Alamieyeseigha was convicted, properties he acquired from his money laundering regime were seized, and most of them sold by the federal government.

After his pardon, since his rights and privileges will be restored according to Nigerian law, it is uncertain if he will retrieve the items or the value of the items he corruptly acquired from the Nigerian government.

Some lawyers say the presidential pardon bestowed on Mr. Alamieyeseigha grants him fresh rights to the items he acquired with wealth he stole. All, however, condemned the pardon granted the fugitive, who is still wanted in the U.K. for jumping bail after he was arrested for money laundering.

Though both the Federal Government and Mr. Alamieyeseigha are yet to speak on the forfeited property, lawyers said the former Bayelsa Governor has a case to demand the return of his forfeited property and may infact go to court for same.

Should he achieve success in court, and since the property have largely been disposed off, the federal government may pay billions of naira in lieu of the property.

He should get the property

Activist lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said the precedence of an Appeal Court ruling on what pardon means, implies Mr. Alamieyeseigha can ask for his asset to be returned and actually get them.

“This is the implication of a full pardon,” he said.

Mr. Falana cited the case of Olu Falae versus Obasanjo, where Mr. Falae challenged the eligibility of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to contest for presidential election in 1999 saying the former military head of state was not granted full pardon by the then military junta.

“According to the Court of Appeal in the case of Falae V Obj, it means that a man who has been pardoned is a new man (homo novus) in the eye of the law. The conviction and sentence are wiped out and he is entitled to the full restoration of his rights and privileges as well as the return of his seized assets,” Mr. Falana said.

While challenging the result of the presidential 1999 election, Mr. Falae had argued that Mr. Obasanjo did not get “full pardon” from Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar after his conviction for involvement in the 1995 coup plot and therefore is not qualified to contest the election.

But the Court of Appeal while dismissing Mr. Falae’s argument had ruled that:

“The word used under Section 161 (1) and Exhibit 11 is “pardon”, and in this context, pardon may be with or without any conditions. It is clear from Exhibit 11 that the pardon granted to the 1st Respondent was not made subject to any conditions. In my view, under the Nigerian law, a “pardon” and ”full pardon” have no distinction. A pardon is an act of grace by the appropriate authority which mitigates or obliterates the punishment the law demands for the offence, and restores the rights and the privileges forfeited on account of the offence. The effect of a pardon is to make the offender, a new man (novus homo), to acquit him of all corporal penalties and forfeiture annexed to the offence pardoned. I am of the view, that by virtue of the pardon contained in Exhibit 11, the disqualification of the 1st Respondent was to suffer because of his conviction, has been wiped out.”

Lagos lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, also argued in his article that based on the Appeal Court’s ruling, which was not upturned by any superior court, Mr. Alamieyeseigha can demand the return of his asset. He said the ruling of the court suggests that Mr. Alamieyeseigha is free to make a claim for the property or their value.

The other side of the argument

Some other lawyers, however, disagree with this interpretation.

 

“The forfeitures were made before the pardon was granted, so what happens if the properties forfeited to the Federal government have been sold to a third party,” asked activist lawyer, Bamidele Aturu.

“When you forfeit something, it is what you forfeit that you will get back. Those goods have been forfeited to the Federal Government there is no way this act of pardon can release that. So I don’t know by what legal abragadabra that anybody will say that the forfeited goods should be handed over to him unless they want to perpetrate serious fraud on Nigerian people. Those properties have been forfeited and forfeited for life,” he added.

Another lawyer, Charles Musa, said forfeited asset cannot be returned to their former owners irrespective of a presidential pardon. But he said Mr. Alamieyeseigha can contest this in court.

“If you have suffered any punishment, the punishment remains,” Mr. Musa said.

“It’s left for his lawyers to argue that. He can go to court but I doubt if he will succeed. What of those who served time, can they get the time back?” he questioned.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which successfully prosecuted Mr. Alamieyeseigha would not comment on its possible response should the ex-governor demand his seized

The commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, did not respond to calls or text messages sent to him on the subject.

The presidency has aggressively defended President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to pardon Mr. Alamieyeseigha, while Nigerians and the international community have condemned the pardon granted the former governor.

The National Council of States headed by Mr. Jonathan, had last week Tuesday, pardoned Mr. Alamieyeseigha and seven others.

Below are the asset seized from Mr. Alamieyeseigha and which he could claim back.

Assets fraudulently acquired by Alamieyeseigha forfeited to the state

 

a. Account number 10659347 with Barclays Bank Plc, United Kingdom with a balance of GBP203, 753.34 as at 15th February 2005;

b. Account number 3239940 with UBS Warburg AG, 1 Curzon Street, London, W1J 5HB with a balance of $2.5 million as at September 2005; account number 338931 in the name of FALCON INC. with UBS Warburg AG, 1 Curzon Street, London, W1J 5HB;

c. Account number 7341553/7341596 FOR us dollars with Barclays Bank Plc at International Banking Unit, 88 Dighemis Akritas Avenue 1644, Nicosla, Cyprus; account number 7341588 for GB pounds Sterling with Barclays Bank Plc at International Banking Unit, 88 Dighemis Akrltas Avenue 1644, Nicosia, Cyprus ;

d. Bank account number 5005220454-7 in Denmark with JYSKE Bank at Bseterbrogate, 9, DK-1780, Copeenhagen V with a balance of at $2.5 million;

e. Bank account number 005482562491 with Bank of America United States of America in the name of Peter Aklamleyeseigh with a balance of $160,000.00

a. Property known as Water Gardens, London W2 2DG which I bought at GBP1.75 million in the name of my company known as Solomon & Peters Ltd;

b. Property at 14 Mapesbury Road, London, NW2 4JB which you bought at GBP1.4 million;

c. Property at 14 Jubilee Heights, School Uphill, London, NW2 2UQ, which you bought at GBP241,000;

d. Property at No. 68-70, Regent’s Road, London, N3 bought at 3 million Pounds Sterling.

Chelsea Hotel Abuja worth of N2 Billion for which N1.5 Billion was paid;

Two block of luxury flats at Plot 26 Bashir Dalhatu Close, Abacha Estate, Ikoyi worth of N45;

c. Acquired a property at John Kadiya Street, off Jose Marti Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja worth N350 million;

An Estate of six luxury duplexes at No. 1 Community, Road, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos worth N200 million

One Billion Naira worth of Shares acquired in defunct Bond bank

 

• Plot 916 & 917, Wuse II District, Abuja

 

• Plot 7, Cadastral Zone A6, Maitama Abuja

 

• Plot1267, Amazon Road, Abuja

 

• Plot 3375, cadastral Zone A6, Abuja

 

• Plot 1372-1374, Cadastral Zone A7, Wuse II, Abuja

 

• Plot 1281, cadastral Zone A4, Asokoro, Abuja

a. A personal bank account with Barclays Bank Plc which was opened on 5 January 2004 and the balance stood at £203,753.34 as at 15th February 2005.

b. A personal bank account with HSBC, London, but the account was closed sometimes in March 2003 while all the money in the account was transferred to Santolina Investment Corporation’s account with National Westminster Bank, London.

c. Personal account with Bond Bank in Lagos which was opened sometimes in January 2004 and the balance stood at N105-14.942.61 as at 16th September 2005 and another personal account in Oceanic Bank Plc (The Salo Trust) in the names of Enitonbrapa Alamieyeseigha, Embelakpo Alamieyeseigha, Ebipadei Alamieyeseigha, Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, Saleaka Alamieyeseigha and Margaret Alamieyeseigha.

d. Account with Bank of America in the name of Peter Alamieyeseigha with account number 0054 8256 2491 which balance stood at $1, 600,000.00 as at August 2003.

• 247, Water Gardens, London, W2 2DG, which is the registered

 

 

 

address of Solomon & Peters Ltd. This property was purchased

 

for £1.75 million on 20/8/2003

 

• 14, Mapesbury Road, London, NW2 4JB. This property was

 

purchased for £1.4 million on 6/7/2001.

 

• Flat 202, Jubilee Heights, Shoot uphill, London, NW2 3LJQ,

 

purchased for the sum of £241,000.00 on 28/10/99.

 

• 68-70, Regent’s Park Road, London, N3 which was purchased in

 

July 2002 for the sum of £3 million.

 

All the properties listed above have a combined value in excess of £S 381million

 

• A property at V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa worth over £1 million.

 

• Royal Albatross Properties 67 a company registered in September 2005 in Cape Town, South Africa.

 

• A property in 504, Pleasant Drive, King Farm Estate, Maryland USA, and another one in 15859, Aurora Crest Drive, Whither, California, USA, 906

Source:Premiumtimes

Group wants CJN to probe Ekiti judges South Africa trip

247ureports
-
0

A group in Ekiti State, the Ekiti Justice Group (EJG) has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Muktah to probe the trip embarked to South Africa by all the judges in the State, describing the trip as suspicious and unwarranted.

All the 11 judges in the Ekiti State High Courts had travelled to South AfrEica last Saturday on the bill of the State government.

In a letter signed by the EJG Coordinator and Secretary, Comrade Ebenezer Olaleye and Gbenga Babawibe respectively, which was delivered at the office of the CJN in Abuja yesterday (Wednesday), the group alleged that about N200 million Ekiti State fund was released for the trip by the Ministry of Finance.

The letter dated March 20, 2013 read; “We humbly write to bring to your attention the trip to South-Africa embarked on by 11 High Court justices in Ekiti State on Saturday, March 16, 2013.

“Though the purpose of this trip is not known, but we are reliably informed that the State Government, which sponsored the trip, claimed that it was for the judges to attend a training programme in South Africa.

“We are also aware that it is only the National Judicial Institute (NJI) that is saddled with the responsibility of organising and, or approving trainings (both local and international) for judges in the country.

“Most worrisome is the fact that it was the State Ministry of Justice that organised the trip, with the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Solicitor General as part of the contingents. About N200 million Ekiti State fund is alleged to have been released for the trip by the Ministry of Finance.

“Also, all High Courts in Ekiti State have been under locks and keys since Monday, with no official explanation as to the judges South Africa trip thereby leaving litigants and lawyers stranded. Lawyers, who came from far and near on Monday to Ekiti State on the account of cases their clients have before the judges had were stranded as no one gave them any prior information that the judges had travelled.

“This trip also has serious implication on the independence of the judiciary in Ekiti State, which was the essence of the law passed by the State House of Assembly under the Segun Oni Administration which granted Financial Autonomy to the judiciary arm of government in 2008. We believe as other members of the public do that the trip is a ploy to arm-twist the judiciary and influence the judges in the State, who have remained one of the most vibrant and upright in Nigeria notably with the courage of some of the judges in rebuffing undue pressure of the Government and giving landmark judgments against the  executive lawlessness of the government in  power.

“It also important to point out that the State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi was also  in South-Africa to receive a dubious award of “Best Governor in Africa” last week and we are of the opinion that there is  political undertone to the judges trip to South-Africa. The NJC owes Nigerians a duty to prevent such political onslaught on the judiciary as this portends serious danger for the country.

“Our questions therefore are: Was the NJI aware of this trip? Was the State Judicial Service Commission involved in the trip? If Ekiti State Ministry of Justice is lavishing State fund on judges’ foreign trip, what is the fate of litigants whose cases against the State government are still pending before these judges? What is the essence of shutting down the Ekiti State judiciary for SEVEN days?

“We are therefore urging you to use your good offices to direct an inquiry into this trip with a view to unravelling its propriety and the rationale behind it.”

Calabar Traditional Ruler Docked For Kidnapping

247ureports
-
0

judiciary_logo

A fifty four year old traditional ruler in Calabar, Muri Maurice Eyo, with two others said to be his accomplices, Francis Orok and Eyo Okon were on Tuesday arraigned before a Calabar Magistrate Court for kidnapping.

In the first of the four count charge brought by ASP Augustine Timin, at Magistrate Court three, presided over by Magistrate Kate Ephraim, the three were alleged to have conspired to commit felony on the 2nd of May 2012 at Eneobong Avenue in Calabar South by kidnapping one Muri Francis Effa Bassey, Chief Archibong Effanga and Chief Effanga Effiong Henshaw which is an offense punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code.

On count two, the charge sheet states that the three on the 2nd of May, 2012 at no. 1 Eneobong Close unlawfully imprisoned Muri Francis Effa Bassey, Chief Archibong Okon, and Chief Effanga Effiom Henshaw by forcing them into a taxi “under gun point and covering their eyes with a black cloth and taking them to the compound of Muri Maurice Okon Eyo where they were kept seated on the floor for three hours while inflicting them with severe beating”. This the charge sheet says is punishable under section 314 (2) of the criminal Code

On count three, the traditional ruler was singled out and charged for falling to use his powers to prevent the kidnapping of the other three traditional rulers which contravenes section 515 of the criminal code and on the final count, Muri Francis Orok was alleged to have hit one Francis Efa Bassey which resulted in his sustaining injuries and subsequently been rushed to hospital.

Muri Francis Eyo who pleaded not guilty was granted bail on condition that he provides a surety who is a civil or public servant on grade level 15 and must own a landed property.

Source: Crossriverwatch

Gov Dickson Attributes Spate Of Rumours On Lack Of Education, Under Development, Decline In Public Ethics

247ureports
-
0

Gov-dickson

  • As Committee On Public Info Mgt Swings Into Action

Bayelsa State government says it will soon sponsor a bill seeking punishment for malicious rumour mongering and misinformation of the public to the State House of Assembly.

Governor Seriake Dickson who disclosed this while inaugurating the State Public Information Management Committee at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, said the move has become imperative in view of the ever-increasing rate of rumour mongering and its attendant consequences on individuals and the state in general.

Acknowledging the existence of relevant laws on criminal defamation of character in the country, Governor Dickson emphasized that the enactment of such legislation in the state would go a long way in checking the unwholesome practice.

Hon. Dickson observed that the recent spate of rumour mongering in the state was being spurned by propagandists, who do not mean well for the state and warned that anyone found wanting by the proposed legislation would be punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

“Going forward, we hope to sponsor a legislation that will provide punishment for false dissemination of information and propaganda, either against the reputation of private individuals or about government or its officials. Of course, we are all aware that the existing laws provide for offences such as criminal defamation of character and so on. But we are going to come up with a legislation to punish ‘dem say, dem say’ people.”

Blaming the ugly trend on lack of education, under-development and decline in public ethics, the State Chief Executive charged the committee to be on the vanguard of promoting value re-orientation and good governance in the state.

He also mandated the committee to work closely with other relevant government agencies to embark on effective enlightenment campaigns on the policies and programmes of the present administration.

“This committee has a very serious responsibility. I expect you to embark on far -reaching enlightenment programmes not just on government activities but also about the development of positive and right values and attitudes. They need to depart from this pervading feeling of negativity in this state because the people are more interested in negative stories. That is not right and therefore must be checked.”

According to the Governor, the committee will among other responsibilities, serve as a clearing house for members of the public to clear their doubts on issues concerning government and the state.

To this end, he enjoined the public to cooperate with the committee by calling on the designated hotlines that would be provided to enable them confirm doubtful issues to avoid unnecessary speculation.

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Chief Boma Spero-Jack wondered why people still indulge in rumour mongering in the state in spite of the transparent manner the present administration runs its activities.

According to him, “people who do so are those who have the opportunity to hear from the horse’s mouth but choose to make insinuations that contradict government’s good intentions and policies”.

While expressing gratitude to the Governor for the appointment, the Chairman pledged that the committee would work as a team to achieve set goals for government.

The committee, which has no definite time frame for the completion of its assignment, has Lady Gesiere Dorgu and Dr. John Idumange as Vice Chairman and Secretary.

While Mr Tarinyo Akono, Kola Oredipe, Union Oyadongha, Ekio Benson and Retired Capt. Wisdom Amba Ambaiowei are to serve as members.

Others are, Chairman of RATTAWU, Bayelsa Chapter, Mrs. Vienna Imoukhuede, Mr. Zipamo Akanyo, a representative each of the Clergy, traditional rulers, market women, state security service and the Nigeria Police.

 

 

Police Dock Lawyer Over Seditious Publication

247ureports
-
0

police logo

The Anambra state Police command yesterday arraigned an Awka-based legal practitioner, Mr. Franklin Iguh before an Ogidi Magistrate Court for allegedly causing an illegal, unauthorized and seditious publication in a national daily, on Feb 7, 2013.

The publication, according to the Police prosecutor, Mr. F.E. Okoi, Esq in the suit No MD/114c/2013 dated March 19, 2013 was made likely to injure the reputation of Chief Maurice Ebo who is the incumbent Executive Chairman of Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Development Union and the management of DAVIS REAL ESTATE LTD, an estate developer, by exposing them to public hatred, contempt or ridicule, or likely to damage them in their profession or trade.

Iguh, whose wife is currently a sitting Senior Magistrate in the state, as a result of the alleged publication thereby was accused of committing an offence punishable under Sec 325 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol 11 Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria 1991 as amended,.

The charge sheet read in part, “that you Franklin Iguh ‘M’ of No 43 Zik Avenue Awka, on the 7th day Feb, 2013 at Nkwelle-Ogidi within Idemili North Magisterial District did without having any personal interest in the piece or parcel of land situate at Nkwelle-Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra state or without being a member of the Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Union made a publication in the Daily Sun Newspaper warning the general Public not to purchase any stall/store on the said land and that DAVIES REAL ESTATE LTD is illegally developing the said land the subject matter of Suit No HID/314/2012 Pharm Harold Ozo Obika & 8 Ors Vs Chief Maurice Ebo & 8 Ors pending at Ogidi High Court, a publication likely to injure the reputation of Chief Maurice Ebo the Executive Chairman of Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Development Union and the management of Davis Real Estate Ltd by exposing them to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or likely to damage them in their profession or trade.

“You thereby committed an offence punishable under section 325 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol 11 Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria 1991 as Amended”.

Chief C.J Asiegbu, leading a team of 12 other lawyers stormed the court in defence and solidarity with Mr. Iguh. Asiegbu told journalists shortly after the session that they were irked that Iguh was arrested and charged for doing his job as a lawyer representing his client.

Mr. Bogzy Uzoechi, representing Chief Ebo and Davis Real Estate Ltd said the defendant, though a colleague was caught in the web of professional overzealousness by causing a publication without proper authorization.

The suit has been adjourned to April 21 and 30 for accelerated hearing.

Fresh Crisis Claims 35 Lives In Plateau

247ureports
-
0
Jos Crisis

A fresh clash between Fulani and Taroh herdsmen in Wase local government area of Plateau state has resulted in the death of over 35 inidivuals and damages including the burning of 15 houses.

The incident happened after the killing of two men said to be of Taroh extraction by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

The men were allegedly killed while riding along the Wase – Kadarko Road.

According to an eyewitness account, the crisis broke out at about 1. 45am on Wednesday when some youths invaded Fili Mavou, the hometown of the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Idi Waziri and burnt 15 houses.

“Many people were killed before men of the Special Task Force raced to the village.” The eyewitness revealed.

The Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Olakpe, who confirmed the incident, stated that only eight people were killed. He also disclosed that the “Emir has had a meeting with local government officials and security operatives on how to stop the ugly incident from spreading to other areas.”

“Yes there was an attack in Mavou community early this (Wednesday) morning and eight people have been confirmed killed. Operation is going on to control the situation.” Mr. Olakpe stated.

Spokesman for the Special Task Force, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said security personnel were deployed in the area following a distress call from the Mavo community.

He revealed that three of the attackers were arrested but was remained silent on the number of casualties.

Olakpe said, “our personnel were swiftly moved to the scene of the incident and they repelled the attack. Three of the suspected attackers were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation.”

He assured the comunity that the situation has been brought under control as normalcy has been restored and that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other perpetrators.

Source: Channelstv

We Have A Passion To Positively Impact The Lives Of Nigerian Youths -FDI

247ureports
-
0

DSC_0135

A non-governmental organization, Fast Track Development Initiative FDI, says it is poised to empower and motivate a generation of Rivers and Nigerian young citizens to take positive action in their communities, for their families and for themselves. Executive Director of the FDI, Justus Ngerebara told our correspondent Precious-Werner Ahiakwo in Port-Harcourt that his vision is born out of desire to address some of the issues this young generation is confronted with. The Excerpts

Briefly Sir Can you tell us about yourself?

I am Justus Ngerebara, the executive director of a non-governmental organization, Fast Track Development Initiative FDI

What is FDI all about?

We are a team of young professionals coming together to see how we could contribute our own portion to the development of Rivers youths and beyond: that transcends to Rivers State and National.

What’s your drive for this vision?

It’s a strong desire to see that we bring about the change in Rivers State, interms of the development of our youth. We want to see how we could contribute our own quota to change the life of somebody.

How do you intend to do this?

We have designed some strategic programmes which we will be rolling out next month. The programmes are strategically designed to change lives. We have in the programme what is called the innovation box: we will be calling for ideas that will be impactful in these youths. We know that a lot of young people are blessed here in Rivers State. Some of these youths are potentially blessed. We are calling for life transforming potential ideas into the innovation box, and then we can link you up with certain resource persons or agencies. We also have what is called Empowering Actions: this has to do with building capacity. If you talk about development, you have to be equipped. By equipping, we are talking about capacity, so we will be building the youths with capacity. We will also be talking about leadership skills which have to do with training our youths in terms of acquiring leadership skills. We believe that if we look at these three points critically, at the end of this programme, lives will be impacted and translated in our society.

Do you intend to work with the Rivers State government, because it is also running similar programme, or with any Organization to achieve this vision?

We intend to work with non-governmental organizations, talking about the United Nations and other non- governmental organizations outside the State, leaders and people of like minds.

Who is qualified to gain from of this initiative?

Primarily, we are targeting young people, both female and male not minding your background or where you are coming: Rivers State or beyond. A graduate or non graduate in the village or city is also qualified to take part. we have chosen the youth because in the world population, 43% are made up of young people, then, in Nigeria we have 63% of entire population made up of young people, any positive change you are able to affective on this young people, you will automatically translate into change in the whole country, that’s the kind of people we are looking at.

This is the first time Rivers youths are coming together with a strong desire to do this, and we believe it will go beyond the State and impact our nation, Nigeria.

How do you fund your programmes?

From people who are ready to support us, already we have people who are seeing what we are doing and are talking of supporting us. The Board of Trustees is filled with eminent personalities who are already supporting us morally. In the BOT are Former Minister for Water Resources, Chief Precious Ngalale, Pastor George Izunwa of Gateway International Church, former member of House of Representatives, Dr. John Imegi, Sole Administrator, Greater Port -Harcourt, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam and Dr. Charles Member.

I almost mistook the inaugural occasion of the BOT members for a church service (smiles), why involve these men of God in this?

The reason why we have to start up on this note, by involving men of God is that, we believe strongly that any foundation that is properly laid is bound to stand the test of time, most especially the foundation that is laid on Christ is bound to stand the test of time. It is not really a church, we just ensured by bringing these men of God ( Rev. Steven Akinola) to help us properly lay the foundation of this Vision FDI, to strive, and that’s an achievement for us.

What first step has FDI taken so far?

We are calling on every talented youth out there to take part of this life transforming initiative of FDI, they should also watch out and stay abreast of our programmes in Port-Harcourt center for now.

ACN gets new Executives in Ebonyi

247ureports
-
0

acn_logo2

Finally, the protracted leadership crisis rocking the Ebonyi State Chapter of the Action Congress of Niger, ACN has been put to an end following the emergence of a new state executives led by Dr. Sylvester Nwambe.

 

The party had been immersed in leadership squabbles which saw to the expulsion of the former State chairman of the party in the state, Elder Igwe by the National Working Committee of ACN and ordered for a fresh state congress which produced the new state executives of the party.

However, the newly elected state working committee of the party was elected in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital under the strong supervision of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.   Speaking shortly after the election, the newly elected state chairman of the party in the state, Dr. Sylvester Nwambe described the electoral process as credible and promised to bring unity to the party.
Dr. Nwambe further stated that the party has been properly repositioned to champion liberation of the people of the state, adding that his executive would work in harmony to unite the members of the party.

 

“Today marked the beginning of a new dawn in the history of our great party in the state as we are witnessing a re-birth of Action Congress of Nigeria ACN which plays a role of a liberator and today just like other states across the country have been liberated by the party from their oppressors, we have no doubts that we are going to achieve greater things in future”

 

Dr. Nwambe also disclosed that the party would start process of reconciling members of the party in the state, adding that he will run an open door policy to accommodate old and new members into the party which he described as being at the peak of its existence in Ebonyi state ahead of next political activities in the country and Ebonyi state in particular.

 

The state chairman further stated his readiness to work together with the new state executive committee of the party with a view to fostering unity and cohesion to the party while insisting that the door is still open for those who have strayed from the party to come back and join the new political movement being championed by the party in the country.
Earlier, the Electoral Committee chairman and the chairman of ACN in Anambra state, Chief Joseph Obidike commended Ebonyi people for maintaining high discipline in electing new executive of the party.
He described the election as transparent one in the history of state congress in the state, adding that the party has been repositioned to win elections and to lead the people of the state out of political bondage.

 

Chief Obidike said he was in the state to exercise his powers as enshrined in the constitution of the party as well as in accordance to the electoral law to make sure the new executive of the party was elected in accordance to the constitution of the country.

 

He further described the new executive of the party as spectacular, adding that with their vast experiences and great integrity, they would surly make the party a bride for all and pilot the affairs of the party to the next level, while calling on trouble makers and mischief makers to steer clear of the party.

 

Another member of the Congress committee, Rev. Dr. Ogwale O. Ogwale also called for understanding and unity among the members of the party starting from the leadership to the ward levels, while insisting that the party would be stronger under the new leadership.

 

Rev. Ogwale further reiterated the readiness of the people of the state to corporate with the new leadership of the party under Dr. Nwambe to bring unity and transparency in the party while commending the transparent and peaceful nature of the state congress that produced the state executives.
The INEC Head Public Affairs, Mr. Sunday Johnson who led other members of INEC in Ebonyi state to monitor the state congress also described the election as transparent and urged other political parties to borrow a leaf from the party to conduct elections in credible and transparent ways.

 

He said they were in the venue to monitor the election to make sure it was conducted in accordance to the stipulated laws concerning the conduct of political party congresses and described the state congress of ACN as commendable.

The Dilemma Of Criminal Hypocrisy In Nigeria – By Theophilus Okoro

247ureports
-
0

 

okorotheo@yahoo.com, 08037306264

Hypocrisy refers to actions that contradict proclaimed values, and is generally condemned as a form of dishonesty. According to John Milton ‘…it is the only evil that works unnoticed except to God, No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.’ Charles Caleb caps it up by saying

“If Satan ever laughs, it must be at hypocrites; they are the greatest dupes he has; they serve him better than any others, and receive no wages.

 

The UNDP Human Development Report of 1994, states that; “The goal of governance should be to develop capacities that are needed to realize development”. In line with this reality, many countries all over the world are increasingly working hard to build democratic institutions to further strengthen democratic governance. But building democratic institutions in many of these countries have come with a great cost. In Nigeria, the major challenge has always been how to develop institutions and processes that are more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, including the poor, in other to  eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, develop a global partnership for development and combat terrorism of all kinds.

These challenges must necessarily be tackled for any meaningful development to take place. But the emerging trend of criminal hypocrisy that is ravaging the country is assuming a disturbing dimension both in public and in the private sector and even within the civil society. In the polity, it is common place for people to now dishonestly proclaim a commitment to standards or principles they intend to breach. We also see a situation where people who have overtime, paraded themselves as men and women of integrity, become deeply enmeshed in corruption.

 

Rochas Okoroacha, the Governor of Imo state, once said that we have more politicians in Nigeria than leaders. When asked the rationale behind this, he said, ‘Politicians are thinking of the next election, while Leaders are thinking of the next generation’. This indeed, is a master class utterance aimed at pointing out vividly to us that the paucity of leadership in the country over the years, both in public and the private sector in Nigeria, is the major reason for the slow pace of development in our national life.

We have many leadership positions in the country and people who have sought to occupy these positions overtime, are not motivated by the drive to serve, but rather driven by the demonic lust for profit, unlimited power and wealth. This is why our country’s leaders -both past and present- have lived in the firestorm of constant criticism. Past leaders; for their failure to steer the nation out of the doldrums despite the numerous opportunities the nation had for economic, political, social and cultural advancement, and Present leaders; for their inability to quickly bring about the needed changes that our nation urgently needs.

We have held numerous conferences, retreat after retreat and many other discourse foras and interviews to discuss Nigeria and the stifling challenges that bedevil her, but to no avail. Participants at these events, are usually in high spirit, criticisms are rife, solutions are proffered but people go home with no clear-cut mandate on how to effect positive change in their work places, and at the end of the day, nothing changes. It has become a vicious circle of criticism and mudslinging in regards to failed government policies and programmes.

When you listen daily to public analysis by lawyers, public affairs analysts, captains of industries, and experts, from diverse fields of human endeavor on contemporary issues of national discourse; usually aired on NTA, AIT, Channels Television and several other media platforms, you will understand that we are not a nation lacking in ideas or relevant laws to make for a productive and viable nation. But, entrust these public analysts and experts with leadership responsibilities; you will be surprised at the level of corruption or failure they would most likely exhibit. Thus, one is left to conclude that we must either be some bunch of hypocrites who are openly hungry for change but secretly not ready to pay the price for the transformation of our nation. What hypocrisy!

Man has learnt to control the sun to heat his house; control mighty rivers to produce electricity for our cities; control satellites in space to transmit communication signal to the nations of the world; control deadly diseases with wonder drugs, but we have not learnt how to control and lead ourselves aright. We have become very greedy. Leaders both in private and public life are deeply enmeshed in corruption. The led are also tacitly encouraging corruption by paying lip service in the fight against it, praise-singing and awarding chieftaincy titles to dubious politicians, putting undue pressure on elected representatives for monetary rewards and gratifications as their own share of the ‘national cake’ and refusal to raise alarm when they see people living above their means.

Among the political elite, the situation is damning. It is even a dangerous dimension of criminal hypocrisy. Those who have sworn to uphold the law and order in the country and to live within the dictates of the law have belligerently violated it. Many disgruntled politicians, particularly those who lost-out in elections and those in the opposition parties, continually accuse the government in power of ineptitude, corruption, favoritism and the likes but these ‘anointed’ critics have never fared better when it comes to good governance practices particularly when they ascend the positions of leadership, thus, leaving the electorates with no credible alternatives. Some of these so called ‘critics’ have remained so, not because they have the interest of the nation at heart, but for selfish and ulterior motives of theirs. It is usually the case, that when you block the sources of criminal and illegal enrichment by some of these desperate politicians, they will usually fight back with greater desperation. Consequently, the country is left at the mercy of these crops of disgruntled individuals who can do anything including unleashing terror on the masses in order to actualize their selfish ambition.

Certainly we have got problems in our country and we all know it. These issues confront us in our daily lives. We have had to continually challenge corruption, ineptitude, negligence and mismanagement in the schools, in our interaction with the police, army, customs, immigration officers, in the National Assembly, in MDA’s, hospitals, courts of law, banks and even in the private sector, in spite of the fact that these organizations and the different positioned therein, are mostly manned by Nigerians who  constantly howl for transformation and good governance in our country but who nevertheless have neither brought any transformation to bear in their lives or in their work places. This, is indeed double standards!

Regrettably, the Judicial arm -both the bar and bench- has been caught-up in this quagmire. Many Judges have been compromised in the discharge of their official duties. Worse still, many legal practitioners have remained overly critical about governance in Nigeria; but on the other hand, they continue to frustrate the legal process and make cases unending just to satisfy greedy politicians and enrich themselves to the detriment of the nation. More so, the concept and practice of plea bargaining is now making a mockery of our judicial system. How can the nation develop when the people who are supposed to be adjudicators on civil and criminal matters frustrate the process for selfish ends?  How can an arm of government which is considered by many as the last hope of the common man become highly politicized and corrupt? There is an urgent need for judicial renewal and transformation in our nation. There is even a greater need to strengthen our legislative systems, improve access to justice and public administration and develop a greater capacity to deliver basic services to those mostly in need. This is because; any society that uses falsehood and hypocrisy to dispense justice will not experience peace, harmony and progress.

The civil society is not left out in the mess the country is experiencing, in that while they remain overly critical about government policies, programmes and procedures, they stay hugely divided and largely insincere about the best way forward for the nation. Certainly, many civil society and good governance bodies in Nigeria have been hijacked by politicians and have become highly compromised. Their antagonism towards government policies and programme is tailored to achieve primordial and political objectives.  Those that are still trying to work honestly and earnestly, merely concentrate their attention on the Federal Government alone, neglecting almost totally, the deep rot and corruption that happens in the states and local governments that are even closer to the people. Thus, making their impact almost not felt by the citizenry and even when felt, is insignificant. This is a wake-up call for good governance and civil society groups in Nigeria.

No nation can be transformed beyond the capacity of her civil service. You will agree with me that with the kind of over bloated civil service that exists in Nigeria today, we might not yet be ready to move forward. Interestingly, the government is working hard to downsize or right-size this huge drain-pipe, that is highly unproductive and corrupt called the Nigeria civil service. All over the world, the civil service is seen as the engine-room for the implementation of government policies and programmes. Apart from this, the civil servant is supposed to be a trained technocrat who checkmates the excesses of politicians. In Nigeria, however, this is not the case. What we have had to endure overtime, is a class of civil servants, who are least dedicated to work and whose work ethics is very low. More so, among the top echelon of the civil service, many of those who are presiding over the affairs have corrupted and twisted their mandate and have also collaborated with the political class to milk the nation dry. Remember the December 2007 Ministry of Health cash sharing scandal and the expose at the power sector probe that involved legislators in both chambers of the National Assembly, the pension scam, BPE probe, fuel subsidy probe, among several others that revealed mind-boggling figures stolen by individuals whom I presume, want to live eternally on earth without tasting death. These persons should have long been thrown-off the corridors of power but as it is usually the case, they will do anything to cling to power and the nation is worse-off for it.

Those who are opposing efforts to carry out reforms in the civil service should stop doing so in the interest of Nigeria. While genuine individual rights should be protected and respected, the overall interest of the nation should be paramount. Our corporate aspiration should supersede the career aspiration of certain elements whose service records have not been able to take us out of the abyss.

Let us explore the place, role and relevance of the opposition in the troubled Nigerian project. People have truly wondered if we have a credible opposition in the country. Political parties are lacking in clear-cut ideologies, and if it exists at all, must be merely on paper and not in practice. Parties do not have clearly defined roles for the youths. Youth wings are usually handed over to old men whose interests and views about youth participation and relevance in politics are highly contrary to their expectations. Politicians have become bunch of ‘prostitutes’ who cannot stand  firm in upholding sound democratic principles and ideals but prefer to jump from one political party to the other just to achieve selfish ambition. As a result, electorates are left with no other credible choice but to stick to the ‘evil’ they know rather than the one they cannot fathom.

Nigerians are desirous of positive change in the country but many are not ready to change their attitudes in public life. They drive against the traffic, give chieftaincy titles to corrupt politicians and government officials, award degrees to undeserving individuals and politicians for a fee. The maxim of work and eat does not apply to many youths today, it is now eat, eat and eat. The get-rich-quick syndrome is rife and it is truly the leading cause of social vices among the youth population. Nigerians also crave for reformation in governance, but many, are divided about the degree, aspects and nature of the reforms. In reality, many Nigerians are not willing and ready to endure the difficult challenges that come with true reforms.

One thing I know for sure is that; the problem of Nigeria, will be solved by no other persons but Nigerians. Evidently, ours is a case of endemic mismanagement of resources. Undeniably, we need to change some of our managers and inject new people that could start off with a new culture of accountability. But the question remains: How/Where can you identify these new crops of leaders who would be selfless, patriotic and who would handle government business with diligence, transparency, accountability and with a high sense of patriotism? If they are eventually identified, will the politics of ethnicity, geopolitical configuration and the likes not hinder such persons from taking positions of leadership?

More often, when new crop of leaders are brought in, they tend to be diligent and efficient for some time, after which, they begin to lead corrupt lives. These situations have become overly recurrent that many have wondered if the nation would ever get it right. Leaders do not descend from the moon. The leaders that we have had over the years both military and civilian are products of the society we live in and the leaders we will continue to have would definitely be products of the same society. We must begin to make our society better; each and every one of us must change the way we live our life both individually and collectively as a people, if indeed we want to have a truly prosperous nation. We must be accountable in our small places of work; we must be committed; we must not remain aloof to demanding accountability from our leaders or intimidated into docility by vindictive politicians.

The concept of nation-building is a collective effort. We must all display high sense of responsibility in all our endeavours, and it is the aggregation of these responsibilities that would make a great nation. The challenges we face in the country is not peculiar to our country alone. Countries all over the world are faced with one peculiar challenge(s) or the other. In issues of national life, most Nigerians have lost hope about a better future for the country. We have continued to express words of discouragement, defeat, doom and gloom, thus have elevated despair in place of hope. The truth remains that, if we keep saying that things are going to turn out bad, we have a good chance of becoming prophets, and our days in the wilderness will be long and full of despair.

In every facet of our national life, we must begin to evolve a civil society that will grow beyond the realms of arm-chair criticism and becoming partakers in the project of developing the country. No nation can be built on the pages of newspaper. Citizens must have to climb down from their high horses and put their skills and talents at work for the good of the nation.

Good governance is truly challenging and good leaders who bring about changes must constantly expect criticism. They must also be disciplined enough to be able to overcome constant criticisms, character assassination and conspiracy. True changes and reforms comes with pain and people abhor pain in whatever form  or shape and would do the necessary to put an end to reforms that bring temporary or long term pain.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you are called to be a street sweeper, you should sweep as the famous Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. You should sweep the streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” As for Nigeria, history will smile on us for becoming the model of a country that achieved a successful reversal of the climate of corruption to emerge as a landscape of integrity, transparency and accountability.

When truth is rejected, all that is left to embrace is a culture of lie, deception, hypocrisy and sentiments.

We must truly shun criminal hypocrisy NOW!!!

This is an important wake-up call to political, religious and media leaders and even the entire citizenry in our pursuit for true national development.

 

President Jonathan Takes Economic Diplomacy To Equatorial Guinea

247ureports
-
0

 

In continuation of the federal government’s efforts to boost economic and trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will embark on a two-day state visit to Equatorial Guinea, tomorrow, Thursday, March 21, 2013.

President Jonathan will in the course of the visit hold talks in Malabo with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on various issues of mutual interest to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea including the enhancement of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, exploitation of oil and gas resources, and the enhancement of developmental cooperation between both countries.

President Jonathan will also lead a delegation including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, Honourable Cyril Egwuatu, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Edem Duke, the Minister of State (Defence), Erelu Olusola Obada and the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed to formal bilateral talks with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.

It is expected that new agreements on the strengthening of economic relations and developmental cooperation between both countries will be concluded and signed before the end of the visit on Friday.

President Jonathan will also meet with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Abuja.

1...5,3545,3555,356...5,829Page 5,355 of 5,829