The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has expressed serious doubt over the ability of the Kwara State Session of
the High Court to do justice in the appeal filed by the party against the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal on
the Chairmanship of Ofa Local Government.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said
its concerns stemmed from a number of factors, including the improper constitution of the court, its perpetual refusal of
ACN’s applications while granting that of the PDP and the frustration of ACN’s appeal to the Court of Appeal on the
decisions of the High Court’s decision.
It therefore appealed to all lovers of democracy and rule of law to prevail on their Lordships of the High Court of Kwara
State to ensure that justice is not only done in this case, but that it is seen to have been done.
ACN is challenging the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal on the basis that the Tribunal exceeded its jurisdiction in the
determination of the election petition filed by the PDP and its candidates against the victory of the ACN candidate during
the re-run election into the Chairmanship of Ofa Local Government held on January 12th, 2011.
The party has observed, however, that since the inception of its appeal, the Kwara State Appellate Session of the High Court
has always been improperly constituted by just two judges, contrary to the requirement of the law that three judges must sit to
determine the appeal.
”The implication of the court being composed of only two judges is that there cannot be a majority decision in case there is a
disagreement in the opinion of the two judges, and there would be no way to state the position of the court. This is the basis of the
law requiring a panel on appeal to be composed of odd number of judges,” the party said.
It also said that while all ACN applications have been refused, the court has always granted all applications made by the PDP
as the respondent, while at the same time frustrating ACN’s application to the Court of Appeal on its (Kwara Appellate Session)
decision..
”It is trite law that where a party to a matter requests that a case be stated by the High Court to the Court of Appeal on interpretation of any provision of the Constitution, the High Court has no choice in the matter as it is bound to so grant the application.
”It is rather disappointing that their Lordships of the High Court of Kwara State are hell-bent on determining this case in a proceeding which has shown an outright bias in favour of the respondent, PDP. Pursuant to that, the ACN’s application for case stated to the Court of
Appeal, which raised a recondite point of law on whether the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal had the jurisdiction to interpret any provision of the Constitution and declare certain provisions of the Kwara State Local Government Electoral Law, 2004 illegal, was rather refused by the High Court of Kwara State in a questionable proceeding.
”This is quite worrisome as we believe it is the constitutional right of every litigant who is displeased with the decision of a court of law to appeal against same in accordance with the law. While the Notice of Appeal have been filed in this case more than a week ago, their Lordships have refused to allow us compile the record of proceedings by which the appeal would be transmitted to the Court of Appeal,” ACN said.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)
Lagos, Dec.19th 2012
There can be no gainsaying the fact that the primary responsibility of every government is to provide the needs of its people in terms of food, shelter and health. On no condition, therefore, should a citizen be denied of these life essentialities.
But as complementary efforts to that of government, many humanitarian non-government organizations (NGOs) abound. Some of these NGOs are backed financially by philanthropists while others indirectly depend on governments.
In connection to somewhat humanitarian works, government set up agencies like National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to respond to emergency cases of Nigerians as well National Orientation Agency (NOA) not only to seek integration of the citizenry but also to identify needs of the underprivileged and bring them to the tables of the responsible authorities. Also most well-established business outfits often set up humanitarian units that seek to carter for the underprivileged of the society when any of such is brought to it.
Many cases have raised the question on how effective and genuinely humanitarian governments in Nigeria are, not to talk of the NGOs. I have watched in the African Independent Television (AIT) and heard some radio programmes such as Hembelembe and that aired on Wazobia FM very sad stories of Nigerians who need humanitarian supports to sustain their life. Such sad stories are often repeated severally before the humanitarian support come. In some cases, the poor victims who are really so by their own making but by the societal circumstances, die outrightly or by installment without rescue from government or humanitarian NGOs.
Methink, as the primary objectives of such NGOs are to respond to the plight of the underprivileged when it is brought to them or to go round such places as hospitals, schools, recreational centres or even markets in search of people who genuinely need humanitarian services, the number of death and pains of Nigerians from natural occurrences would have reduced.
Pathetic cases that should rout the minds of any philanthropic patriot or NGO are many. A man was said to have died in a hospital because of N5,000. Another gave up the ghost while in an effort to rescue the wife who could not go to deliver in a hospital. These could be very quick cases that may not be noticed. But there are cases when the victims yield for help to no avail.
An instance is two year-old child who was half burnt by a wild fire from adulterated kerosene on 22nd June, 2012 at the Eneka axis of Port Harcourt metropolis, the Rivers State capital. This innocent child, Emmanuel Ubong was said to have left his sister’s house to his anty’s and was with her for two weeks till the ugly incident occurred.
The child was hospitalized in Meridian Hospital, No. 21 Igbokwe Street, D/Line, Port Harcourt where he was rescued under intensive care, accumulating a bill of over N2,000.000 (two million naira). Gospel Cyril Effiong, with telephone no. 08038852344, 08179824924, being the child’s only hope in Port Harcourt tells a tale of woe.
According to her, as at 15th October she had cried out for help through letters to the Governors and wives of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Rivers State, African Independent Television (AIT) and Silver Bird but to no avail. What is life for if a life cannot be saved!
While the survival of the little boy has been abandoned to Effiong – a very low-income earner and hustler – can a private hospital discharge a patient who has been rescued after over six months of treatment? This is a food for thought for humanitarian organizations and philanthropists.
–
Muhammad Ajah is a writer, author, advocate of good governance and humanity E-mail: mobahawwah@ yahoo.co. uk
Remarks By His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR On The Occasion Of The Launch Of The 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem And Appeal Fund For The 2013 Celebration, Abuja, December 18, 2012
PROTOCOL
1. I welcome you to the formal launch of the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund, which is coming barely four days after the tragic helicopter crash in which the country lost a serving Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna state, now of blessed memory, and a former Army Chief, General Owoye Azazi who last served the nation as the National Security Adviser.
2. Our sincere condolences go to their families as well as the families of their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Murtala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi Olukayode Sowole who died in the unfortunate accident. I want all the affected families to know that we share in their grief. May the Lord be with you and grant you strength and His unfailing Grace.
3. In continuation of a proud tradition, we are here gathered today to acknowledge the gallantry and excellent participation of our military men and women in every effort to keep this country safe and secure and protect its sovereignty. Indeed, the challenges and the calls to duty have been many: the first and second world wars, the Nigerian civil war as well as peace-keeping operations in several parts of the world, particularly the West African sub-region.
4. It is therefore, with humility and gratitude that I address such a gathering as this in honour of our distinguished men and women of the armed forces who have served and are serving our great country and indeed humanity as a whole.
5. Let me say that we remember today, the heroes that have fallen, but also our serving military men and women. We remember today as always, the sacrifice that our armed forces have made and are still making so our country can continue to live in peace and remain secure.
6. To those who have served, and those who are still serving, we say thank you for the sacrifice that you have made: sacrifice that is borne out of patriotism, sacrifice that is a strong message of inspiration to the rest of us. And a lesson as well, particularly at this crucial moment, in our lives, when we all need to stand firm, as one.
7. For me the strongest message in this, is that of unity. The men and women that we remember today were drawn into national service from all parts of Nigeria. They served gallantly regardless of differences in religion, or ethnicity. They were united by the same purpose: to keep Nigeria secure. Their oneness of purpose and spirit reminds us of the significance of national cohesion. Together, we can achieve a lot.
8. Whatever may be our differences: religious, ethnic or personal, Nigeria is more important. We must be united in rising above our differences, and in promoting values that bind us together. We must refuse to be divided by those who impose ethnic and religious meanings on every national issue. Soon, it will be 100 years since Nigeria emerged as one country. It is a heritage that we all must be proud of; the legacy of our past heroes is something we must cherish as we strive together to leave an even worthier legacy for future generations.
9. Let me add that the Nigerian Legion, the umbrella body of military men and women who have served this nation gallantly, and some of whom are present here today, is a respectable organization that we cherish and adore. It is an association of men and women who have contributed meaningfully in various ways, to the evolution of the Nigerian military and the pursuit of national stability and progress as well as world peace.
10. They served this nation in times of war and peace, determined to make the ultimate sacrifice. And many, no longer here, did. And many who are still here, bear many scars: physical and psychological. I salute all of you who are still here today; I salute the courage and commitment of every other member of your special group and the sacrifice that all your families have made.
11. The Nigerian Legion has every cause to be proud of its heritage and especially its members who have historically provided and are still providing excellent service to the nation even in retirement.
12. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not about the colourful appeal of poppies. It is about the memory that we hold dear, and the gratitude of a nation for lives lost and services rendered.
13. In this regard, I commend the professional expertise of our military men and women and all veterans especially in providing a secure environment for the socio-economic development of our nation. To those gallant soldiers who lost their lives in the process, we pay tribute to their memories and pray for the repose of their souls.
14. January 15th every year, remains a special date in the annals of modern Nigeria as that is the date we have set aside to remember our fallen and living heroes.
15. This annual event serves not only as a forum to remember the dead and celebrate the living, but also an opportunity to show gratitude to their beloved families. For those still serving, it is our way of assuring them that their services to the Fatherland will always be cherished. Today, we begin that process of remembrance. We cannot forget because we are a country of cherished ethics and values. Lest we forget, we have chosen to remember.
16. I call on our countrymen, wherever they may be, never to forget our heroes. I urge all citizens to reciprocate the sacrifices made by our veterans and heroes to donate generously to the Nigerian Legion. We remember the sacrifices that they have made and are still making, and to all families that have had to make a sacrifice so that this country can be where it is today, we say thank you.
17. The emblem launch today is meant to appeal to all Nigerians to donate generously in support of the Nigerian Legion. One of the ways we can show appreciation and reciprocate the gestures of our veterans is through generous donations. Your donations in whatever means will surely complement government’s efforts in improving their welfare.
18. The Federal Government, on its part, remains committed to addressing the challenges of our senior citizens. Particularly we are currently resolving contending issues associated with pension and gratuity of veterans. It is gratifying to note that the Armed Forces pension scheme is working efficiently.
19. Whilst the Federal Government will not shirk its responsibilities, I call on all State Governors, being the Patrons of the Legion in their respective States, to continue to provide adequate support, concessions and facilities for the benefit of the veterans.
20. Let me reiterate my call to Nigerians to not only get the emblems and wear them with pride; but to also donate generously towards supporting our veterans.
21. Distinguished veterans, Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure and honour, at this point, to launch the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund.
22. God bless our country.
23. I thank you all for listening.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Moscow: Iran will not cave in to external pressure and halt 20-percent uranium enrichment, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation said Tuesday.
Iran to continue uranium enrichment, says n-chief
“The Islamic Republic will not stop 20-percent uranium enrichment at the demands of other countries,” Fereydoun Abbasi Davani was quoted by Iranian news agencies as saying.
Iran to continue uranium enrichment, says n-chief
Abbasi’s remarks follow media reports saying that the next round of negotiations between Iran and a group of international mediators could take place in January 2013.
The IAEA has said an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme could be achieved in January.
Western countries led by the US suspect Iran of pursuing a secret nuclear weapons programme, but Tehran insists it needs the enriched uranium for peaceful energy generation
Somalia’s Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents said Monday they had broken ties with an U.S. extremist who rose to fame for his rap videos urging fellow Americans to join him to fight.
Omar Hamami — better known as Abu Mansoor al-Amriki (the American)– was once viewed as a key foreign leader within the Shebab, and was placed last month on the FBI’s list of most wanted terrorists.
But the Shebab on Monday accused Amriki of “spreading discord and disunity” amongst the insurgents, following video release and statements from the 28-year-old alleging he had been threatened by fellow fighters.
“Abu Mansoor Al-Amriki does not, in any way, shape or form, represent the views of the mujahedeen in Somalia,” a statement posted via a link on the Shebab’s Twitter site read.
The “superficial allegations” made in the videos and statements are “the results of personal grievances that stem purely from a narcissistic pursuit of fame,” the statement added.
Amriki, who grew up in the town of Daphne in Alabama, was raised by a southern Baptist mother with Irish roots and a Muslim father with a Syrian background.
Reportedly based in anarchic Somalia since late 2006, he has issued previous videos calling for foreign recruits, including singing rap songs praising jihad, despite the fact that the Shebab ban music under their strict interpretation of Islam.
Amriki had previously been seen as a leader for foreign fighters in the Shebab, alongside top Somali commanders Muktar Robow and Sheikh Hasan Dahir Aweys.
But the Shebab, while saying they still welcomed foreign fighters, dismissed Amriki’s importance.
“The jihadi theatre nevertheless accommodates people of all sorts. Some, above others, occasionally rise to prominence often with little merit save for their uniqueness,” the statement read.
“Contrary to portraits of the grand strategist, recruiter and fundraiser portrayed by the Western media, Abu Mansur Al-Amriki does not hold any position of authority.”
The Shebab are on the back foot having lost a string of key towns in recent months to African Union forces, Somali troops and Ethiopian soldiers.
HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE,
(DR) MUKHTAR RAMALAN YERO for & on behalf of the Yakowa family & the entire people of Kaduna State, hereby announces the final burial arrangements for our Late Beloved Governor, SIR PATRICK IBRAHIM YAKOWA (CON) as follows:
1. Wednesday, 19th December 2012, Valedictory Executive Council meeting at the Government House by 10 am.
2. Wednesday, 19th December 2012, Wake – keep at Government House Kaduna, Time 3pm.
3. Thursday, 20th December 2012, Corpse leaves St. Gerard Catholic Hospital at 7am, for its final journey to Fadan – Kagoma.
4. Thursday 20th December 2012, Burial/Funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Fadan – Kagoma, Jema’a L.G.A at 11am.
MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE, AMEN.
SIGNED:
His Excellency,
(Dr) Mukhtar Ramalan Yero
Executive Governor,
Kaduna State
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson escorts the procession bearing the remains of the Late Former Governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa during the special valedictory session held on behalf of the deceased in Yenagoa Photo by Goodluck Ayebatonye, Government House, Yenagoa. Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson paying his last respect to his departed colleague, Sir Patrick Yakowa during the special valedictory service held on behalf of the late former Governor of Kaduna State in Yenagoa. Photo by Goodluck Ayebatonye, Government House, Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson paying his last respect to his departed colleague, Sir Patrick Yakowa during the special valedictory service held on behalf of the late former Governor of Kaduna State in Yenagoa. Photo by Goodluck Ayebatonye, Government House, Yenagoa Late Sir Yakowa final Journey home: the Pallbearers carrying the caskets bearing the remains of the Former Governor of Kaduna state Governor, Late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and other victims of Bayelsa Helicoter crash in Okoroba, in Bayelsa State. Photo by Goodluck Ayebatonye, Government House, Yenagoa.
The management of flour Mills PLC has donated relief items worth 5.7 million naira to the Abia state government to help alleviate the plight of victims of the recent flood that ravaged parts of the state.
Handing over the items to the governor, the Group managing Director of the company, chief (Dr) Emmanuel Ukpabi who said the relief items comprises the assorted products of the company including rice, macaroni, spaghetti, semovita etc, also stated that the company is touched by the recent disaster that engulfed the country.
He said that the company has been going round the affected 14 states in the federation to give succor to the victims and appreciated the efforts of the various tiers of government in alleviating the plight of the affected persons.
Chief Ukpabi pledged to continue to identify with Abia state.
Receiving the items, the governor thanked the management of flour mills for the gesture and expressed joy that some companies are sympathetic to the plight of the victims.
He said that the phenomenon is above the capacity of the state and appreciated the commitment of flour mills to the people.
The governor called on other private and public companies especially those in Aba to emulate the gesture of the flour mills.
He pledged that the materials will reach the people for which they are meant.
Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has flagged off the 2012/2013 Free Rural Health Scheme with an assurance to Deltans that adequate and affordable Healthcare remains paramount to his administration.
Besides, he warned health officials and dubious members of the society against extorting money from the people as the rural health scheme was totally free, saying anyone caught sabotaging the programme would be dealt with severely.
Dr. Uduaghan who gave the assurance yesterday, at the flag-off ceremony in Illah, Oshimili North local government area of the state, said that the initiative was to provide free health care for rural dwellers in the state.
He stated that the health of the people was pertinent to maintaining a wealthy state as such his administration was committed to building a healthy state.
Governor Uduaghan explained that the state free mobile hospitals have been provided by government to enable Health workers visit the communities in the different Local Government areas and provide free treatment to the sick.
“The free mobile Hospital is one of the best in the country. It is well equipped and better than many hospitals in the country. We have provided them to enable Health personnel go to the interior areas of the state to treat sick people”.
The Governor appealed to Deltans especially those living in the rural areas to avail themselves the opportunity of utilizing the program for qualitative healthcare delivery.
He stressed that the treatment is free and advised the rural women not to pay for treatment or medication whenever they visit any of the Rural Health Centres.
“This is a free treatment programme, there is no age limit,. This Scheme includes general medical consultation, lab investigation, Basic eye examination, surgical intervention, HIV counseling, Immunization, among others and it is available for everyone living in the state”, he stated.
He charged Health workers to be committed to the Scheme and always be at their posts to attend to the people.
Governor Uduaghan advised the people to avoid going to the Health Centers to collect drugs when they are not sick and store it at home saying, “please make una no claim say una dey sick and go dey collect medicine from the Health Centers and keep for una houses only for una to drink am when una they sick later.Na bad thing be that”.
He continued: “maybe wen una go wan come use the medicine e fit be say the medicine don expire. This get side effect oh! So make una dey go hospital wen una dey sick and no self medication.”
In a brief address, The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara said the Free Rural Health Care include screening exercise for early detection and treatment of diseases, the preventive and curative care for all diagnosed medical and surgical disease conditions.
Dr. Otumara stated that the Scheme also included diagnostic laboratory services and pharmaceutical services among others adding that this services would be taken to the door steps of Deltans.
In a welcome address, the Chairman of Oshimilli North Local Government Transition Committee, Mr. Innocent Esewezie stated that the free rural health care has remarkably reduced the morbidity and mortality rate in the Local Government
He commended the governor for the initiative and said it has helped improved the Health condition of Deltans saying “I salute you Sir for the foresight and provision made so far to ensure the success of the programme.”
Esewezie assured the governor that his Local government would totally support the programme and called on his people to take advantage of the free Health Care Services.
Justice Salihu Garba of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, on December 7, 2012, sentenced Fidelis Teseer Tule, who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to two years imprisonment for impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence.
Tule was arrested following an intelligence report that he was parading himself as a Senior Crime Officer with the EFCC and defrauded unsuspecting Nigerians through a bogus claim that he could secure job placements for them with the anti-graft agency. Among his victims were Ekundayo Theophilus, Gbaanongon Victor Tyosoo and Ogodi Linus.
The fraudster, who operated within the judicial division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, used a false identity card titled “Economy Fund Crime Commission” and bearing Mr. Fidelis T. Tule with ID card No: SCO/236/008 to hoodwink his victims.
He was arrested and subsequently arraigned on an 8 count charge on November 10, 2011 for committing the offence which is contrary to Section 363 of the Penal Code Law Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria ( Nigeria ) 1990 and punishable under Section 364 of the same Law.
One of the charge reads, “That you Fidelis Teseer Tule, sometime in October 2011, in Abuja within the Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, did with intent to defraud obtained the total sum of N21, 400.00 (Twenty One Thousand, Four Hundred Naira) from one Gbaanongon Victor Tyosoo by false pretence purporting same to be for employment into Economic and Financial Crimes Commission which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act”.
During trial, the false document titled “Economy Fund Crime Commission Identity Card” was admitted in evidence as Exhibit A by Justice Garba who in his ruling said that “from the totality of evidence adduced, I hold the considered view that the document or writing marked Exhibit A is a forged document as confirmed by Exhibit D. The defendant knew that the document is forged as he confirmed that he made Exhibit A and that he is not a staff of the EFCC”.
“In conclusion and by the overwhelming and uncontradicted oral and documentary evidence as presented by the prosecution, the prosecution has proved the offences as charged against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt as required by Section 135 of Evidence Act 2011 (as amended)”, Justice Garba said.
He therefore sentenced the accused to two years imprisonment.
