Within 24 hours Gov Owelle Rochas Okorocha declared government intention to expose the activities of Ikedi Ohakim within the period he served as governor of Imo state,his kinsmen have backed the decision as well as describing it as a bold step towards moving Imo forward.
In a solidarity visit to the governor by the political leaders of Isiala Mbano LGA, the local government origin of the former governor led by Sen.B C Agunanne, the group declared its support to the transformation agenda and other programmes of Okorocha -led administration including the efforts geared towards recovering funds looted by the past administration.
Sen.Agunanne said the people of Isiala Mbano and Okigwe zone have benefitted more from the government of Gov. Okorocha within a short period compared to four years their son held sway as governor of the state.
He lauded the free education programme ,hospital and modern school projects,massive road construction project in Okigwe zone as well as the ongoing urban transformation of Okigwe city that has gulped billions of naira.
While he pledged their support to the rescue mission administration of the governor,Sen.Agunanne said the group would resist any attempt to distract the governor in delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Imo state.
In his reaction,Gov. Okorocha reiterated his commitment to good governance by embarking on policies and programmes that will always impact possitively on the lives of the people.
He said “I am only committed to programmes and policies that will impact positively on the lives of Imolites, Let me say it again that the state including Isiala Mbano and the entire Okigwe zone is my constituency and that has always guided me to ensure that projects are spread equitably in every part of Imo .For me ,that is good governance and quality leadership”
He described the looting spree by the past administration and promised to take legitimate means to ensure that funds stolen by operators of the past administration are recovered for the development of the state.
Dr. Umar Ardo is a gubernatorial aspirant in the 2011 PDP Primaries in Adamawa State and also a major contender to Governor Murtala Nyako. In this interview, the master strategist and politician spoke about the recent contentious local government election in the state, he also spoke about the alleged culpability of the PDP National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in the state PDP crisis and other sundry issues in the state PDP.
The excerpts
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What are the fundamental issues in the Adamawa PDP crisis?
To me, the issues are purely on acts of impunities and lawlessness in the operation of party affairs by mainly the leadership of the party; although members too have their blames. These include breaching Article 14.5 of the PDP Constitution in the formation of the dissolved EXCOs in the state way back in 2006 as the foundational base of the problem; then the obdurate refusal to conduct congresses in 2008 in accordance with the party constitution; then the ignoring of INEC’s Letters on the conduct of the congresses and repeating same in 2012; there is also the contemptuous disregard of 4 major Stakeholders resolutions for the conduct of these congresses; then lately the ignoring of the directives of the NWC against the conduct of the last LGC’s Primaries. These are on the party side. On the government side, there is the ignoring of Court Orders and Injunctions on the conduct of the LGC’s elections by the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission. While a Court Injunction restraining the Commission from holding the Local Government elections was in force, the Commission went ahead to draw up elections’ timetables, made press statements,, screened candidates, recruited Ad hoc staff, continued to make public announcements that the date of the election still stands and declaring Friday 23th November as a Public Holiday for workers to go back home to vote the next day. The only public office that worked on that Friday throughout the state was the very court whose order was disobeyed. It sat to remove its order after being criminally violated by the executive branch; and ignoring the letter of a duly constituted Caretaker Committee of the PDP withdrawing the list of PDP Nominees from the Commission for the Local Government election. Another aspect which though not directed connected but of serious significance to the issues at hand is the absolute silence of INEC on the status of its letters to the PDP. INEC cannot send letters that are central to the crisis that is threatening to tear the very foundation of the party and the commission to keep complete silence on the matter as if it did not write these letters. INEC owes the country a responsibility to state its position on its letters to the party. Its current silence is hypocritical, unhelpful and unacceptable.
To me these are the fundamentals of the crisis, though I know others input underneath power tussles among some key power blocks in the state. Yes, the tussles may be there, but I can assure you that in the context of today’s politics in Adamawa these tussles are only incidentals and not the fundamentals.
A few weeks ago, things seemed to be going well for the opposition and against the Governor in the party at the state, but all of a sudden the governor bounced back and seems to be getting his way all through. What happened?
Well I do not know whether he is getting his way all through. The only thing he seemed to have gotten his way is the admission of his doctored list by the state INEC as PDP Nominees in the LGACs election. Nothing else, but even this can be easily upturned if very concrete court action is taken by an interested party.
But how did this admission come about when you said the Caretaker formally wrote to the Electoral Commission withdrawing the list earlier submitted by the defunct EXCO?
It is my belief that the admission came by as a result of two incidents; whether they are correlated or independent of each other, I cannot say. The first was a meeting of the Caretaker Committee along with two PDP Stakeholders from Adamawa State, former Sanator Zwingina and one Walin Ganye, summoned, we were told, by Mr. President’s Chief of Staff along with Mallam Abba Dabo, the Political Adviser of the Vice President at the Legacy House, the official PDP Presidential Campaign Office. In the meeting the Caretaker Committee was told in no uncertain terms that the PDP must participate in the LGC’s elections at the date already fixed by the state Electoral Commission. This basically means admitting the doctored list of Governor Nyako. Since that meeting, things started to take different and in fact strange turns. On the day after the Legacy House meeting, Thursday 22nd November, a letter addressed to the Chairman Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission forwarding names of PDP Nominees for the LGC’s election, ostensibly signed by the National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola surreptitiously came into circulation throughout the state. The letter first came to light when the Governor displayed it to his supporters at the Yola Airport on his return from Abuja that day. Thereafter, it was photocopied in thousands and distributed to virtually every Unit center in the state as proof of authority for the PDP to participate in the Local Govt elections. But there are many serious and reasonable questions to doubt the validity of this letter.
What are these serious questions?
Let me answer your question by listing my thoughts in the following manner. If the letter was not written, back dated, signed and issued, why was the NWC silent on it for over a month, from 12th October to 22nd November while serious controversy on the issue raged?; The letter contradicts the statements of the National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of the party of the 17th October, 5 days after it was allegedly written. Both before and after the so-called primaries, the NWC, through the NPS rejected the entire exercise and warned the defunct state EXCO not to proceed with the exercise; Oyinlola’s October 12th letter was dated Friday 12th October and officially received by the State Independent Commission on Saturday, 13th October 2012. But curiously, while the Councilors’ primaries for two Senatorial Districts officially ‘took place’ on Wednesday 3rd October, that of the Council Chairmen officially ‘took place’ on Sunday, 14th October. How could a letter of 12th October contain list of nominees whose election officially ‘took place’ on 14th October, 2 days after it was purportedly written?; The letter also conflicts with the announcement of the defunct State EXCO which stated that primaries would take place only in the Southern and Central Senatorial Districts and not in the North because of the security situation there. Oyinlola’s 12th October letter contains nominees for all the 226 Wards and 21 LGAs of the state. How could the letter forward names of Councilors’ Nominees whose election was officially not conducted?; If the 12th October letter was indeed genuine, why should the NWC thereafter accuse the state EXCO on 17th October of disregarding its directives on the conduct of the Local Government Primaries, castigate the EXCO on same and dissolve it in consequence? Clearly, the contents and purpose of the 12th October letter and the text of the resolution of the NWC on the dissolution of the Kugama-led State EXCO are mutually contradictory. The letter was purportedly written before the dissolution, but oddly enough it was never brought to the notice of the State Caretaker Committee duly constituted by the NWC; the letter came to light after the withdrawal of PDP Nominees from the State INEC by the Caretaker Committee on 13th November on two grounds; first, that the primaries were not authorized by the NWC which constitutionally reserves that power, and secondly the Nominees were themselves not elected through a democratic process. If the Oyinlola letter was there since 12th October, how could the Caretaker Committee then write the State INEC and withdraw the list forwarded by the National Secretary of the party on behalf of the NWC? My believe of the truth is that the letter was written, backdated and submitted to the State INEC in a way and manner that cannot but be ill-intended. All these would seem to boil down to one thing: – the letter is factually false and its purpose mutually contradictory to earlier and later positions of the NWC. Clearly, the perpetrators of this act are unmindful of the dear ‘need to raise this country to the highest level of moral dignity’ in the conduct of public affairs as enshrined in the Preamble of the PDP Constitution. The cumulative results of such misdemeanors constitute the greatest threat to our country. Let us remember that what is morally wrong cannot be politically right. What we in Adamawa want cleared is the truth of the 12th October letter. Was the letter genuine or forged? If it was genuine, was the letter written and backdated by National Secretary or was it written and signed on October 12th? If it was not genuine, then let the National Secretary come out and deny his involvement, in which case the NWC should institute, a committee to investigate and bring to book those behind the ugly incident. And if the National Secretary actually wrote and signed the letter, then let him come forward and defend it against all the manifest incongruities. If he cannot, then he should resign his office as the National Secretary of the party. If he refuses, then the NWC should come out and disassociate itself from the October 12th letter and convene a meeting of the NEC of the party to consider the issue and take appropriate action against all involved in the scam. For exactly that is what it should be seen to be – a BIG SCAM. Such a serious issue is a grave threat to our democracy and to the general well being of our country and should not be swept under the carpet.
What do you do with the ‘elected’ Council Chairmen and Councilors already in place?
As I said earlier, this can only be dealt with by the courts if those with locus standi on the matter decide to approach the courts or tribunal. Let me tell the world that other than the impunities committed by the state government and the disregard of court orders, the Governor Sworn-in the ‘elected’ Local Government Chairmen around 7:30am on Monday 26th November without waiting for a formal declaration of results, pronouncement of winners and issuing of certificates by the Electoral Commission. It is only 5 days later those results for Councilors were formally announced. It certainly sounds unbelievable, but you better believe it – it is what happened in Governor Nyako’s Adamawa.
What do you expect of the Caretaker Committee of the party in the state?
We expect the committees at all levels to be open, sincere and transparent. By the party constitution, the caretakers have a maximum term of 3 months. This means that minus the 21 days of court injunction, its term will end on 6th February. So they have very little time left to attain their mission, central of which is the conduct of free, fair, transparent and credible congresses for the election of the party EXCO at the ward, LGA and state levels. This is the only thing that can resolve the crisis in the state. They must not only make a clear departure from the impunities and dishonesty of the dissolved EXCO but must be clearly seen to have done so. To this end, Adamawa people need to see their programmes in very specific terms … like timetables and timelines for membership registration, standardization of registers, conduct of congresses at the ward, local govt and state organs. We need to see such details as number of registers and membership cards obtained from the National Secretariat, their mode and manner of distribution; dates, time and venues of registration. We also expect to get details of time, ways, manner, mode and places of obtaining forms, including fees and modes of payment, for various party offices for interested aspirants into party EXCO. These entire plus a whole lot more are being expected by the Adamawa people from the Caretaker Committees at all levels.
I know you have a court case against the nomination of Governor Nyako as the PDP’s Gubernatorial Flagbearer. What is the state of the case?
The case is for judgment at the Court of Appeal, Yola. No matter whose side the judgment went, the matter will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. That I know for sure. The lesson the nation should draw from the case no matter how it ends is that Pre-election (Party Nomination) cases are as important as the post-election cases. But while the Electoral Act gives due importance to post-election cases by stipulating for Election Tribunals with specific timeframe to conclude litigations, it regrettably glossed over pre-election or party nomination litigations. The best the law provides is ‘admonishing’ the courts to give ‘accelerated hearing’ to pre-election cases. But from my experience going to courts on pre-election matters, this clause is hardly given effect by the courts. I therefore would need to suggest for the amendment of the Electoral Act to give specific timeframe within which courts should conclude pre-election cases. To this end, I will suggest that the Act should stipulate that party primaries should be concluded and nominees submitted to INEC at least 6 months before general elections. Also, courts should be given 90 days within which to conclude all litigations on pre-election cases. That way the law would be forcing internal democracy within the parties, at least at the nomination process.
Federal Minister of Labor and Productivity, Emeka Wogu
With the nation presently undergoing severe economic and potentially dangerous sociological turns, the governing and/or administration blocks of the federal republic of Nigeria appear lost in the age-old practice of extortion in the manner executed during the dictatorial period in Nigeria. Information available to 247ureports.com obtained through sources employed at the Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity indicates the Federal Minister in charge of the Ministry, Chief Emeka Wogu may have been engaged in financial crimes and other corrupt practices – over the years of his service to the Ministry as Minister – to the tone that amounts to over N3billion. One source states the Minister has amassed enough wealth – to bolster his decision to vie for the office of governor in Abia State come 2015.
Speaking to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity, the highly placed source within the Labor Ministry pointed to the proposed 2013 Budget for the Ministry of Labor and Productivity – as a document laced with legalized financial crimes. The source explained that the Minister and some of his closed associates have perfected the act of embezzling Ministry funds through the special crafting of the Ministry’s budget to be submitted to the Presidency. The explains that it is for this criminal reasons that the proposed budget of N10.04billion [N10,042,103,205] contained 81.45% [N8,179,103.203] recurrent expenditure and 18.55% [1,863,000, 000] capital expenditure. Typically, budgets are expected to have higher percentage of capital expenditure over recurrent.
Cursory examination of the proposed 2013 Budget for the Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity shows that drafters of the proposed budget may have had financial mischief as objective.
The mischief points directly to the appropriation of monies within the proposed budget. Particularly, N393.1million was earmarked for transportation for the fiscal year 2013 – representing 3.9% of the entire Ministry’s budget. The Ministry of Labor and Productivity is made of four divisions, namely – Minister’s main office – the Ministry’s headquarters, National Directorate of Employment, Michael Imodu Institute of Labor Studies, for National Productivity Center, and Industrial Arbitration Panel
Out of the N393.1million, N199million is reversed for transport services for the Minister’s main office – the Ministry’s headquarters. Another N77.68million reserved for transport services for the National Directorate of Employment, N49.23million for Michael Imodu Institute of Labor Studies, N32.72million for National Productivity Center – and N31.39million for Industrial Arbitration Panel.
It is uncertain the reception the National Assembly [NASS] will give proposed budget but it will remain the hope of many within the Ministry of Labor and Productivity for the members of NASS to inspect the proposed budget thoroughly as to close the looting avenues laced in the proposed budget.
During the minimum wage brouhaha that swept across the nation via indefinite strikes by civil servant, it is recalled the role played by the Ministry and the Minister. The call by the Presidency to increase the minimum wage to N18,000 per month, saw the various State governments thumb their noses to the call to peg the minimum wages at the aforementioned amount. As a result, worker’s strike began and quickly spread across the country – while threatening to fracture the already delicate peace. The Minister, Emeka Wogu, instead of acting to ensure the enforcement of the minimum wage directives – stayed docile. To date, only a few of the State governments have complied fully with the minimum wage directive. Our source indicates that Emeka Wogu reached an understanding with the respective State governors.
Emeka Wogu is currently in preps to contest for the 2015 gubernatorial elections in Abia State under the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP].
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Matthew Kukah says Governor Peter Obi has introduced dignity, character and decorum in governance. Bishop Kukah was speaking as a Guest Speaker at the Second National Congress of the Benedictine Oblates of Nigeria at Saint Abbey, Umuoji, Anambra State on Sunday.
Most Reverend Kukah noted that Governor Obi has made governance easy through his open door policy that made him accessible to the masses as well as his consistency in promoting participatory democracy that carries everybody along.
He explained that leaders like the Governor are needed at the centre of national politics to draw a new roadmap to transform the country.
The Bishop charged Nigerians to renew their commitment and allegiance to the country by avoiding divisive tendencies and promoting issues that promote unity.
He reminded security agencies of the need to be alive to their responsibilities to inspire public confidence and encourage people to see defence of the society as a patriotic responsibility stressing that timely and accurate information was key to effective security network.
In his speech, Governor Obi called for collective efforts to discourage misappropriation of public resources, regretting that self enrichment through public wealth has led to collapse of key infrastructural facilities.
He expressed satisfaction that return of schools to the mission owners has brought a new dawn in the education sector by promoting efficiency, hardwork and healthy competition.
The Governor assured that his administration will sustain adequate funding of the schools to restore their lost glory and achieve set objectives.
Information reaching 247ureports.com indicate that the operatives of the dreaded Islamic terrorist group, the Boko Haram have refocused their attention on the northern state of Kano. This is as breaking reports from Kano indicate that the agents of Boko Haram are presently engaged in a gun fire battle with the men of the Joint Task Force [JTF].
The gun fire exchange began at about 7:30am – when a group of gunmen suspected to be agents of Boko Haram attacked a JTF check point by detonating an explosive device – believed to be an Improvised Explosive Device [IED]. The JTF agents were quick to respond and – firing back at the gunmen. As at 9am [December 6], the gun battle continues.
The incident is said to be taking place at Kano Ring road by Kano eastern bypass – near Maiduguri road – an area that had suffered numerous attacks by the agents of Boko Haram.
The National Chairman of United Progressive Party (UPP) Chief Chekwas Okorie has joined other Christian faithful to the Holy Land of Jerusalem to perform his religious obligations in this years Christian Pilgrimage organized by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Board. While in Jerusalem the National Chairman will among other things dedicate the United Progressive Party to the Almighty God for his Mercy and benevolence and pray for His guidance, grace and blessing for the success of the party in all its activities,
This is the first of a series of dedications and thanksgiving service lined up by the leadership of the party to praise and glorify God for the successful registration of the United Progressive Party and for His divine guidance in all the democratic encounters and political parties our great party shall be engaged in.
It will be recalled that at the inaugural National Executive Committee meeting of the party held at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja on Friday November 30, 2012, NEC enjoined all party leaders and members of both Christian and Muslim persuasions to constantly present our Party to the Almighty God in their daily prayers. We believe firmly that by constantly seeking the face of God that our aspiration for our party and our country Nigeria shall be realized.
The National Chairman Chief Chekwas Okorie has delegated the duties of his office to the Deputy National Chairman of the Party (South) Chief Benji I. Duru who will function as the acting National Chairman of the party for the period of duration of the pilgrimage at the Holy Land. This is in accordance with the relevant provisions of the constitution of the party registered with INEC. In this way, the party activities shall not suffer any set back as a result of the temporary absent of the National Chairman
Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has bowed to pressure mounted by groups and Imolites seeking for immediate probe of the administration of ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim.
Addressing a group known as Joint Action Group (JAG), comprising of keke operators, mechanics, transporters and artisans that had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum for Ohakim’s probe at the house of assembly complex, Owerri, Gov. Owelle Rochas disclosed that government has decided to make public the activities of the former governor within 14 days.
He said “Let me inform you the decision of the present administration to bring justice to bear following your protest over the activities of the past administration. Nobody has negotiated to cover the activities of ex-governor Ohakim within the four years he governed the state, rather it may interest you to know that the panel set up to look into the activities of the former governor has just presented its report. Within the remaining 14 days of your ultimatum, we shall make Ohakim’s activities in government house known to the public”.
Gov. Okorocha who posited that it is worrisome that Ohakim did only 3 uncompleted projects and 87 kilometer of roads also uncompleted in four years, added that government will ensure that the funds stashed away by the former governor are recovered for the development of the state.
“I want to thank you for your patience so far. Honestly, I agree with you that it is worrisome that Ohakim did only 3 uncompleted projects in four years and 87 kilometer of uncompleted road project. So, the money must be somewhere and if that money is recovered, it will help to make Heath-care services free in addition to free education programme” Gov. Okorocha said.
He urged them to be law-abiding as the security agencies and other relevant authorities are set to ensure that the former governor faces the full wrath of the law.
Earlier, the leader of the group, Rev. (Mrs) Ngozi Amadi, said they are disappointed that the state government is yet to take position on the former governor after it issued a 21-day ultimatum last week.
She said “Your Excellency, instead of arresting and trying Ohakim, we have his men still gallivanting and threatening fire and brimstone. Our leadership have been receiving threatening calls but never will that derail our call for justice. If this is democracy, then we every right to call our leaders and ask for what is reasonably attainable. It is true that we commend your revolutionary feat in transforming our state; we surely will not rest on our oars until those who looted our treasury are brought to book”.
Rev Amadi maintained that ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim’s squandered public funds on non-existent Oak Refinery, Midwest Airline, Dredging of Nwaorie River, Oguta Lake Resort as well as diverted substantial sum of the N18.5 Billion Bond.
She, however, lamented that it has become worrisome and insulting to hear Ohakim claiming that he invested N25.7 Billion on President Goodluck Jonathan during his election as such would not be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi arrive outside the Egyptian presidential palace on December 5, 2012 in Cairo, Egypt. Islamist supporters of Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi chased opposition protesters away from the presidential palace, as the vice president said a vote on a controversial charter would go ahead as planned. AFP PHOTO/GIANLUIGI GUERCIA
Opposition groups claim two people were killed after supporters and opponents of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi clashed outside the presidential palace in Cairo. The escalating tension has reportedly brought three of Morsi’s advisors to resign.
RT’s correspondent Tom Barton reports “a pandemonium” in front of the Ittihadia presidential palace, where a violent standoff between rival demonstrations continues.
The Health Ministry says at least 221 people were wounded in Wednesday violence across Cairo, while opposition groups claim two people died in the clashes outside Ittihadia.
Thousands of Morsi supporters and opponents attacked each other with petrol bombs, stones and sticks outside the president’s residence in Cairo. Gunshots could be heard, reporters said, describing the scene as “a disaster zone.”
Security forces had to boost their presence at the scene in a bid to separate the rival parties, but demonstrators continued swarming in from different directions.
Demonstrators have also set fire to and attacked a number of Muslim Brotherhood offices throughout the country, according to local media. Offices in Ismailia and Damietta, north of Cairo, were attacked. Molotov cocktails were thrown into offices in Zagazig and thousands from the opposition are marching to the party’s headquarters in Suez.
The volatile situation led to the resignation of at least three more advisors to Morsi including Dr. Seif Abdel Fattah, Ayman Sayyad and Amr Leithy.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Muslim Brotherhood called for a rally backing President Morsi in front of the presidential palace, while leftists planned a counter-protest there. Initial reports from the scene suggested that demonstrators were clashing with police. Now it appears the violence flared up after a thousand-strong pro-Morsi column marched into the square where the president’s opponents were staging a sit-in and attempted to “cleanse the place.”
Muslim Brotherhood supporters destroyed the opposition’s tent camp. Security Forces appeared on the scene two hours into the clashes forming human barriers to separate the warring sides, say local media.
Sporadic scuffles in Tahrir Square were also reported.
The violence broke out shortly after President Morsi returned to the palace. Despite the recent developments, Morsi and his office insist the constitutional referendum will proceed as planned on December 15. Egyptian Vice President Mahmoud Mekky said that “the door is open” to amend the disputed articles of the Constitution ahead of the referendum.
“There must be consensus,” Mekky said, expecting a dialogue to begin soon with the opposition to end the crisis.
“The demands of opposition protesters must be respected,” he noted, adding “I am completely confident that if not in the coming hours, in the next few days we will reach a breakthrough in the crisis and consensus.”
The opposition aliance has reportedly turned down Mekky’s suggestion unless Morsi’s recent declaration is retracted.
An injured Egyptian opposition protestor (C) runs as he is surrounded by members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi during clashes with anti-Morsi demonstrators on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
The crisis forced several privately owned TV channels to break a strike to cover the clashes. ONTV, ONTV Live, Dream TV, Dream TV 2, Al-Hayat Network and the CBC network planned a blackout from 6pm to 12am on Wednesday to object to clauses in the draft constitution related to press freedoms. But as the clashes unfolded, the broadcasters resumed transmission, reports Ahram Online daily.
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi carry an injured comrade during clashes with anti-Morsi protestors on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
On Tuesday, Morsi was forced to flee his residence after violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. Around 10,000 demonstrators gathered near Morsi’s palace in Cairo to protest his decree granting his office vastly expanded powers, and a draft constitution that was quickly adopted by his allies.
The demonstrators dubbed their siege “the last warning” demanding the decrees be cancelled.
Violence on Tuesday saw 18 people injured, with police firing tear gas to stop the crowds from assaulting Morsi’s residence. Hundreds of anti-Morsi demonstrators then moved to Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square to spend the night in a tent encampment erected almost two weeks ago.
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi try to extinguish a fire as they clash with anti-Morsi protestors on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
Journalist Wael Eskandar told RT he is worried that the government will not adequately respond to the ongoing clashes.
“There’s no presence of the police or military at all, despite weapons that we can hear and see,” he said. “Fighting the authorities was clear to the protesters, but now they are fighting other civilians. This could develop into a more chaotic situation.”
Eskandar said that the anti-Morsi protesters are being chased away by Muslim Brotherhood supporters who use rocks, Molotov cocktails and even “shotguns.”
“So far the anti-Morsi protesters aren’t armed,” he added. “I’m not sure, but if some of them would feel that they require arms, and if they get arms, it might get really bloody.”
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi carry an injured comrade during clashes with anti-Morsi protestors on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace in Cairo on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
2012 International Women Day :Mrs Margaret Peter Obi wife of Governor Anambra state with Best couple of the year 2012 in Anambra Chief Mark C. R Eriobuna and wife Regina Ada Eriobuna flanked left by chairman on the occasion Hon Justice Vero Ngozi Umeh , Administrative Judge Otuocha Division and right by Hon Henrietta Agbata , women Affairs Commissioner Anambra and Hon Rebecca Udorji ,Committee Chairman on women Affairs state House of Assembly, Lady Chigozie Abiakam ,SA legal to the Governor as well as the Chairman of Anambra East , Hon Obidigwe
From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi
Thousands of women from Anambra state are empowered on fish farming and poultry farming by the wife of Anambra state Governor, Mrs Margarete Peter-Obi. Mrs Obi shared thousands of fingerling and feeds as well as a day chicks to the rural women during International Day of the rural women in the state.
The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Margaret Peter-Obi made the celebration unique. The programme is a United Nations (UN) programme to recognize the critical roles and contributions of rural women in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating poverty.
The state under Governor Peter Obi through his wife has employed all avenues of empowering rural women to end poverty and hunger. She coordinates her activities through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development , Lady Henrietta Agbata informed on why this year’s rural women’s day was celebrated at Anambra East local government area Headquarters, Otuocha. It was to enliven the spirits of communities in the flooded communities in the seven local government areas in Anambra North where the flood effect was highest.
She said other programmes of the ministry of Women Affairs like the Family Day and the School Social work were fused into the International rural women’s day celebration. That made the event a cynosure of all eyes as thousands of women and school children as well as couples thronged the council area.
Mrs Obi presenting the best couple award to Chief Eriobuna and wife Regina Ada
According to Director Social Welfare , Mrs Rose Udeagabara, the theme- Family Unity: Implication for proper child upbringing was Anambra’s theme but the International theme for the rural women day was ‘’Empower Rural women , end hunger and poverty while the theme for the International family day celebration was ‘’Ensuring work –family Balance’’. Her co-planner of the event, Director Women Affairs, Mrs Maria.N Ezeanuna said the themes were apt.
They said that the School Social work is targeted at enhancing the academic performance of students; enhance emotional and psychological growth of students through those charged with responsibility of dealing with school children at homes, schools and communities.
In her speech Governor Obi’s wife expressed gratitude to the rural women who thronged the venue from the over 177 communities in the state to showcase the agricultural product they had the unique selling points on.
She was happy that despite the flood the women from the flood ravaged areas were able to participate and added colour to the celebration. She reiterated the state government’s continued efforts to ensure that its government remained the most gender friendly state in Nigeria.
The Best couple Chief Mark C. R Eriobuna and wife Regina Ada Eriobuna holding their award
Obi’s wife insisted that her husbands government gave women 35 percent in his cabinet even as she encouraged women in authority to ensure they uplift other women to enable them appreciate that women are ‘something’ today against the believe in the past.
On the family day celebration she described family as wonderful and charged parents especially mothers to ensure their children are useful to the society rather than become failures. She advised that little time should be spared with children at doing their home works. She bestowed award to the best couple of the year Chief Mark C.R Eriobuna from Ihembosi and best family worthy of emulation Engr Sir Philip and Lady Elina Okika from Awka. She appealed to women to be role models in their families.
Mrs Obi later inspected the various food crops, tubers and other species on display by the various local government areas before distributing thousands of bags of poultry feeds known as chicken mash as well as thousands of day old chicks and thousands of fish feeds and fishes-fingerlings to rural women as empowerment schemes. They were also given pumping water machines for dry season cultivation of vegetables among others.
In her address of welcome the state commissioner for women affairs and social development lady Henrietta Agbata extolled Her Excellency Mrs. Margaret Peter Obi for the motherly love and care she has shown to her ministry.
The commissioner noted that the two themes are very apt, particularly at this period of economic recession. She stated that there is need to equally empower rural women and for all to work together in order to maintain a balanced family.
“In the bid to ensure that we reduce poverty and maintained a balance family, His Excellency has undoubtedly empowered the women folk in Anambra State, through the following: Grants to our 15, 000 women, distribution tools (sewing machine, palm oil, processing machine, welding machines, grinding machines, refrigerators, baking ovens, hair drivers, soap making machines, water pump machines, poultry and feeds to empower women to over 1, 500 skilled women and youths.
Chairman House Committee on women affairs/Member Representing Awka North constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon Rebecca .U Udorji and Permanent Secretary in the women Affairs Ministry , Ms Francisca Chikwendu and Chairperson Anambra State Association of Town Unions Women Wing ,Dr Chinelo Okechukwu all lauded the efforts of Obi’s wife in galvanizing and empowering rural women to fight poverty and hunger.
Hon Udorji charged the women to spend much of their time with children at home, noting that lack of commitment on the side of women has contributed immensely to the deplorable condition of our society, youths restiveness and also promoting moral decadence. The lawmaker, however, appealed to them to maintain their position in their family as they women are the family builders.
Chairman on the occasion Hon Justice Vero Ngozi Umeh , Administrative Judge of Otuocha warned on the dangers of negligent of duties by parents and encouraged all to live above board in the family matters as the children watch.
Transition committee chairman of Anambra East LGA Hon. Chinedu Obidiegwu, that of Awka North Hon Joy Enweluzor and Njikoka who doubles as chairman of chairmen , Hon Daza Udeozor expressed satisfaction on the way the organizers planned and executed the programme. They applauded the state government’s drive to ensure that hunger and poverty are reduced to its barest minimum and thanked the government for keeping up to its promises.
In their separate paper presentations entitled family unit: Implication for proper child upbringing by Dr. Mrs. F.O.O Nwazor, proper supervision of our children to prevent bad habits by Mr. Odimgbe Obinwanne and primary school health by Mrs. N. Ekwugha, they attributed the moral decadence which has engulfed our society to lack of proper supervision of our children, laissez faire attitude and approach of parents especially women towards their children. They remarked that quest for materialism has brought about damage homes children with lack of parental guidance, care as well as hooliganism.
Recipients of the best couple of the year and best family , Chief Eriobuna and Engr Okika expressed surprises at the award which came to them without prior knowledge that they were being watched. They appreciated the Obi administration for the level playing ground.
Highpoint of the occasion was given out of award of recognition to the best couple of the year also cultural display from the people of the council area not without a sign that the post flood rehabilitation is going to be tough as they lost everything.
Leader of the Triumphant Fellowship Church, Aba, Apostle Lawrence Tashemi, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for military option in the fight against terrorism as defective strategy which cannot solve the problem.
In an interview with our correspondent in Aba, the cleric commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.
It would be recalled that the former president at the 40th anniversary of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s call to ministry at the Word of Life Bible Church blamed Jonathan over what he described as his ‘weak’ approach to insecurity challenges facing the nation.
Obasanjo said, “They (Boko Haram) stated their grievances and I promised to relay them to the authorities in power, because that was the best I could do. I did report. But my fear at that time is still my fear till today. When you have a sore and fail to attend to it quickly, it festers and grows to become something else.
“Whichever way, you just have to attend to it. Don’t leave it unattended to. On two occasions I had to attend to the problem I faced at that time. I sent soldiers to a place and 19 of them were killed. If I had allowed that to continue, I will not have authority to send security whether police, soldier and any force any where again. So, I had to nip it in the bud and that was the end of that particular problem.”
Apostle Tashemi maintained that Obasanjo has not really understood the issues involved in the act of terrorism, especially the Boko Haram insurgency, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan should adopt the carrot and stick approach.”
“In principle, the military option (using violence to confront violence) is not the ultimate. Boko Haram should be viewed from the following perspectives: the religious philosophy, the political dimension, and the economic aspect of it.
“The suicide bombers are products indoctrination-somebody brainwashed them. The person who indoctrinated them, in my view is the real enemy and should be apprehended.”
The cleric called for value re- orientation on the sanctity of human life and fear of God.
“Religious leaders should be involved in telling them the consequence of their actions. Also, there should be attitudinal change in politics. Politics should no longer be a game of do or die.”
“Those who are elected political offices should use such to advance the lives of the common people. They should stop seeing it as opportunity for self- aggrandizement and enrichment at the detriment of the majority,” he stated.
An injured Egyptian opposition protestor (C) runs as he is surrounded by members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi during clashes with anti-Morsi demonstrators on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi carry an injured comrade during clashes with anti-Morsi protestors on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi try to extinguish a fire as they clash with anti-Morsi protestors on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi carry an injured comrade during clashes with anti-Morsi protestors on the road leading to the Egyptian presidential palace in Cairo on December 5, 2012.(AFP Photo / Mahmoud Khaled)
