Okorocha Launches Imo security Network

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Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has as part of the strategic
measures aimed at intensifying the war against kidnapping and crime in
the state launched a special vigilante outfit christened Imo Security
Network.

Governor Okorocha at its inauguration at the Ahijoku Convention
center, Owerri explained that the outfit is put in place to compliment
the efforts of the security agencies, community vigilate groups and
traditional rulers who by the provisions of the community government
are the chief security officers in their respective communities
towards making Imo a crime free state.

While throwing light on the operation of the outfits, governor
Okorocha said “imo Security Network that is being inaugurated today is
to compliments the efforts of security agencies and the already
existing vigilante groups. They will also collaborate with the
traditional rulers whose position as chairman of Community government
have placed them as chief security officers in their various
communities. These gentlemen will no longer live in their homes but
in places that will be provided for them as barracks in nine locations
across the state. They will introduce themselves to the people with
phone numbers that will be dedicated for their operations and in the
case of suspicion, they will be called upon for prompt responds. Each
team will be attached with a police man to ensure that they operate
within the ambit of the law”

The governor who charged them to operate within the ambit of the law
as his administration will not tolerate any form of indiscipline,
extortion and harassment of innocent citizens, further describe the
outfit as a vigilante outfit approved by government and established by
the law with powers to check crime in partnership with the Nigerian
Police Force and other security agencies.

Governor Okorocha also canvassed for synergy and healthy collaboration
between Imo Security Network and other security agencies in the
collective fight against crime in the state.

“Let me say that Imo Security Network is set up by the law and with
full awareness of Imo State Government as should be treated as a
security outfit in partnership with the police to check crime. Even
as the state will not tolerate indiscipline, extortion and harassment
of innocent citizens by men of this security outfit, may I also say in
the same manner that no one should intimidate Imo Security network”

Governor Okorocha further explained that the operations of Imo
Security Network will include fishing out the hideout of the
kidnappers and criminal by combing the forests and uncompleted
building in the nooks and crannies of the state.

He however urged the people to join in the relentless war against
crime in the state by volunteering useful information that will lead
to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and crimes operating in the
state.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Ifeanyi
Nwachukwu said Imo Security Network comprises of 324 men drawn from
the 27 LGA of the state and trained by the security department Imo
college of Advance Professional Studies [ICAPS] manned by American
Security expert.

The Senior Special Assistant on Security [Administration] Barr Okey
Okorocha also in his remarks said the men of Imo Security Network
where trained to assist the security agencies to overcome the
challenges of insecurity in the state.

The commissioner of Police, Mr Adisa Bolanta represented by the Asst.
Commissioner of police [Operations] of Imo State Command and heads of
other security agencies declared to collaborate effectively in making
Imo a crime free state and safe during the yuletide.

OAU At 50: How Far, Thus Far

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     DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST MOVEMENT (DSM)

OAU Branch, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State.

National Office: 162 Ipaja Road, Agbotikuyo Bus-stop, Agege, Lagos State.      E-mail: dsmcentre@yahoo.com

Tel: 08075263865, 08133927663                                                                                  Website: www.socialistnigeria.org

Motto: Struggle, Solidarity, Socialism

 

Press Statement

 

OAU AT 50: HOW FAR, THUS FAR

 

*For immediate and unconditional restoration of the students’ union

*Stop the intimidation of student activists now

 

Some days ago, the university administration rolled out its drums to mark the 50th anniversary of the institution. Contrary to their plans, the event was far off from being all-encompassing with a very low turn out at most of the events including the road walk held on Tuesday, 6th of November. The only event largely attended was the music show where a vast majority of students only saw it as a social activity and a time to relax after strenuous academic activities and not as a ‘celebration’ of the 50th anniversary.

 

The disenchantment displayed cannot be detached from the undemocratic manner in which the university is being run which cuts off a vast majority of students and other members of the university from the decision making process of the university. Students were not part of the planning of the event which revealed itself with the manner in which the anniversary ‘celebration’ held. There was shortage of the anniversary jersey which led to the few available being scrambled for as they were thrown. In addition to this was the sudden painting of buildings and walkways to create a false image of the University. This ridiculous situation is reminiscent of bourgeois politicking where politicians distribute items such as transformers, foodstuffs, clothing, e.t.c when elections are near to serve as cover for their inadequacies. Worse still, nobody has the slightest idea of the amount of resources gulped by the anniversary ‘celebration’. This underlines the need for the democratization of the decision making organs of the University including the financial structures. The decision making organs must include elected representatives of students, staff and other stakeholders in the university community. The poor participation is a resultant effect of the lacuna created by the absence of a collective platform of students which of course emphasizes the need for the immediate restoration of the students’ union.

 

The university administration having discovered this vacuum created by the absence of the students’ union ridiculously went as far as mobilizing ethnic associations through tips paid to their leaders, particularly for the Tuesday road walk. This was obviously aimed at faking a representation of students.

 

Ab initio, the question that comes to mind is the essence of the celebration. This is against the backdrop of debilitating living and studying conditions depicted by erratic water and power supply, poor sanitary system, overcrowded lecture theatres amongst others. In the past, asides the rich history of the union, OAU used to pride itself as Africa’s most beautiful campus owing to its glamorous architectural masterpiece. This has become history owing to poor funding of the university as well as mismanagement of funds by top paid officials of the University.

 

Conclusively, on the restoration of the students’ union, we reiterate our stance on the need for a transparent and democratic process in tandem with the democratic tenets and principles of independent unionism. We condemn the delay tactics employed by the administration and demand immediate elections to be conducted based on the provisions of the union constitution. From information gathered, the delay tactics employed by the university administration is aimed at providing a fertile ground for a planned fee hike in the coming session without opposition. We also reject the blackmail of the administration that the union has been destructive and irresponsible, hence the need for an elusive workshop. We rather hold that the continuous ban on the union has been caused by the high-handedness of the administration. Students have at no point in time vandalized school property while demonstrating. Infact, the union has always abhorred such acts and never hesitated to mete out appropriate penalties.

 

We also condemn in strong terms the iron fist method of the administration to clampdown on student activists who are joining other students in agitating for the immediate and unconditional restoration of the union. We condemn the recent attempt of the administration to intimidate some student activists with the invitation to a vindictive panel and alleging them of fomenting problems on campus.

 

 

 

 

Signed

Eniayekan Odunayo

Secretary

 

John Bolton: Iran Has Israel ‘Encircled’

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Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton said Monday he believes the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict playing out in Gaza is a direct result of Iran testing Israel’s ability to handle attacks on multiple fronts.
“I don’t think this a question of Hamas and Israel. I think this is a question of Iran and Israel,” Bolton told Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren Monday evening, adding: “This is Iran showing that it can unleash both Hamas and Hezbollah [in Lebanon], if need be, in response to an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”
“If Israel decides to do something about the Iranian nuclear weapons program, the Israeli air force will be in a very difficult position because it can’t be in three places at once,” Bolton continued. “It can’t be over Iran, and over Gaza, and over the Bekaa Valley trying to take out Hezbollah missiles.”
Bolton said he believes Iran has intentionally stirred up Hamas to illustrate that it has the capability of posing “a direct threat” to the Jewish with the missiles that it has provided to Hamas and Hezbollah. He said If the Iranians also provide full guidance systems and other capabilities for the missiles, they will be capable of striking long range targets, not just in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
Asked about President Barack Obama’s response to the crisis, the former U.N. ambassador under President George W. Bush said the administration would still, in effect, prefer to ignore the reality of what’s happening in the Middle East and negotiate a deal with Iran on its nuclear program rather than confront Tehran directly.
“I think President Obama still believes he can find a way to negotiate with Iran over the nuclear program,” Bolton said. “And I think there’s a deal out there, unfortunately, that he will try and cook when he can.”
But in the meantime, he said Iran, sensing a “weakness and vulnerability” on the part of Israel as it prepares for elections in January, “is making it clear they now have, in effect, Israel encircled [by] Hezbollah on the north, Hamas on the south, and their own capabilities from the east.”
Asked if the U.S. had let Israel down by not going along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for a military strike against Iran, Bolton said the administration’s failure to get tougher on Iran has endangered Israel and American interest in the region as well.
“I think we’ve been pressuring Israel for the last four years to cut a deal with the Palestinians, not to do anything about the Iranian nuclear weapons program,” he said. “We’ve been ignoring what the real strategic reality is, that Iran, its support for terrorism, its nuclear weapons program, is the real destabilizing influence.
“Now, combined with the Arab spring that’s gone so badly wrong, things are going downhill in the Middle East, not just from Israel’s perspective but from the American perspective,” Bolton added.
He said Israel’s position would continue to deteriorate regardless of whether a ceasefire can be negotiated with Hamas as long as Iran poses a threat in the region by backing Hamas.
“There is no deal, there is no truce with a terrorist group like Hamas,” he said.
“So this is a no-win situation for Israel,” Bolton added.
In a taped interview with Van Susteren, Sen. John McCain also accused the administration of weak leadership in the region and encouraged President Obama to speak out more forcefully in condemning the attacks on Israel and making it clear that the United States will back the Jewish state with all its power.
“We have to make sure that we reassert American influence and that means American power, and that doesn’t mean leading from behind,” said, McCain, who was one of the first to call for the president to send Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to the region in an attempt to defuse the crisis in Gaza.

© 2012 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

State House Press Release : President Jonathan’s Younger Brother Dies In Abuja After Brief Illness

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President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan announces with sadness the death earlier today of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan.

Chief Meni Jonathan passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.

Formal burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 20, 2012

Police open investigat​ion into the theft of a newborn baby

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According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of State CID Umuahia. The investigation into the theft of a newborn baby at a gunpoint at Okaiuga Nkwoegwu in Umuahia last Tuesday at a Private Maternity home has commenced.
Briefly Newsmen in his office, the new Assistant Commissioner of police in charge of the state CID Umuahia Mr. Patrick Garba confirmed that four nurses and the Father of the stolen baby are assisting the police in their investigation. He assured all of a swift investigation.
Meanwhile, some friends to the husband of the wife have testified against him following his remarks before the birth of the baby girl that he will be unwilling to accept a baby girl as a fourth child. Some concerned citizens are also concerned about the father’s brief visit when the child was given birth on that fateful day and the immediate kidnapped operation that took place a few minute after he stepped out of the clinic. Following the Nurses statement to the Police and the SSS, the Mother of the child was at the time of the incident; unconscious after the childbirth and that a female child was given birth to, not a male child. The father came into the maternity centre when he was informed of his wife child birth but decided to leave immediately without seeing the new baby and mother.
The Assistant Police Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Garba confirmed questioning the father of the baby, the nurses and the maternity security man to aid the ongoing investigation.

Atiku Abubakar Extols Okorocha’s Bold Steps On Education

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The former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has
extolled Governor Okorocha’s free and compulsory education initiatives
in the state.

Alhaji Atiku who was in the state for special function at Okigwe
Federal Government College, called on the state governor at Government
House Owerri, said he shares same dream of making education free and
compulsory, especially for the less privileged in our society.

He noted that Imo is wearing a new look, commended Governor Okorocha
for his bold steps towards transforming the state, urged him to extend
the gesture to areas like health, agriculture, industries, among
others to enshrine his name in the sands of time.

Alhaji Atiku said he believes in the future and equal opportunity to
the youths of the nation, for a better tomorrow.

Atiku urged Imo people to give their support to the present
administration, noting his confidence that Governor Okorocha will take
the state to a greater height.

He was of the opinion that additional state be given to those who are
willing to follow the constitutional provision, process and producers
since creation of state is a constitutional matter, added that the six
geo-political zones of the federation be restructured.

In his response, the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha thanked
the former Vice President for his commendation and goodwill, added
that the state will always look forward for his official visit.

Governor Okorocha used the occasion to highlight on the on-going
developmental projects in the state, pointing out that the state
government is contributing its quota towards the development of the
state and nation at large.

President Jonathan Receives Five New Ambassadors

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President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan urged five new Ambassadors to Nigeria to focus attention on the strengthening of economic ties during their various tenures.

 

President Jonathan was speaking after he received letters of credence from the Ambassadors during different audiences at State House, Tuesday.

 

The new Ambassadors are Mr. Isaac Genesis Munlo of Malawi, Mr. Carsten Nilaus Pederson of Denmark, Mr. Shyam Lal Tabadar of Nepal, Mr. Myint Naung of Myanmar and Mr. Alex Lamadrid of the Philipines.

 

President Jonathan told the new Malawian Ambassador that the Administration was working hard to make agriculture a business in Nigeria, instead of a subsistence occupation, in order to attract younger farmers and provide more jobs.

 

The President told the Ambassador of Denmark that Nigeria wanted more robust economic relations with the Nordic countries.

 

He acknowledged and welcomed the ongoing cooperation with Phililpines and the training of Nigerian seafarers in that country.

 

The new Ambassadors acknowledged the positive leadership role Nigeria has played in the African continent and commended President Jonathan for sustaining the tradition.

 

They expressed their commitment to strengthening relations between their countries and Nigeria, for the mutual benefit of the people on both sides.

 

The new Ambassadors, whose presentation of letters of credence coincided with the President’s birthday, wished President Jonathan happy birthday.

 

Oshiomhole appoints Kassim Afegbua Special Adviser on Media

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Governor Adams Oshiomhole has approved the appointment of Prince Kassim Afegbua as Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs.

A native of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Prince Afegbua holds a degree in English from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; a Post-graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and a Post-graduate Diploma in Good Governance and Democracy from Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States.

A seasoned journalist and public affairs analyst, Prince Afegbua was Director of Publicity, National Democratic Party (NDP) and later Acting National Chairman of the Party from 2006 to 2008.

He was also spokesman to former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida and Director of Media and Publicity of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state.

A columnist with Vanguard Newspapers and Publisher of African Statesman magazine, Prince Afegbua is married and blessed with two daughters.

President Jonathan’s Younger Brother Dies inside Aso Rock

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Information reaching 247ureports.com indicates that the younger brother to the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Meni Jonathan died at the Aso Rock clinic in Abuja today following a brief illness. As gathered, Jonathan’s younger brother – who had been battling an undisclosed illness was flown in from Mr. President’s home State, Bayelsa last week Sunday to the Aso Rock Villa medical center for medical treatment.

Sources close to the President stated that Meni was the President’s half brother and/or cousin – and had been head of Otueke council chiefs .

Meni died on Mr. President’s 55th birthday. Meni was aged 45.

Details of his death remain sketchy…

Uduaghan Signs MOU with University Of Texas to Develop Kidney Transplant Center in Delta State

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Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (2nd right), Executive VP and Provost Dean, Southwestern Medical School, Dr. J. Gregory Fritz (2nd left), Chief Medical Director, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Leslie Akporiaye (left) and Dr. Peter Igarashi, during the signing of an MOU on kidney transplant at DELSUTH, between the Delta State Government and the University of Texas Southwestern medical Centre, Dallas, Texas, at the weekend.

Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara (DELSUTH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSMC) to develop a centre of excellence for kidney transplant and treatment of kidney related diseases.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who led a delegation of the State officials to UTSMC, explained that the objective of the MOU was to “establish a partnership that promotes joint initiatives in the fields of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation between the parties”.

According to him, it would take between 14 and 16 months to set up the fields of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation of internationally acceptable standards at DELSUTH.

Specifically, this requires improvement of the Dialysis centre, the Laboratory, Radiology and Theatre departments of DELSUTH into centers of excellence.

To achieve this, the Governor disclosed that the State Government would in the next 10 months, enhance the infrastructures and equipment at DELSUTH as well as the capacity of the personnel.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (right) with Executive VP and Provost Dean, Southwestern Medical School, Dr. J. Gregory Fritz, during the signing of an MOU on kidney transplant at DELSUTH, between the Delta State Government and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, Texas, at the weekend.

He said that the personnel at DELSUTH would be sent to UTSMC for specialization and refresher courses to enable them cope with the new facilities and discharge their duties efficiently.

Dr. Uduaghan noted that the overall objective was to make the facilities for nephrology and kidney transplant available and at a cheaper rate for the people.

Besides, he said that it was part of the State’s larger policy of boosting medical tourism as well as enhancing the internally generated revenue base of the State.

The MOU was signed on behalf of DELSUTH, by Dr. Leslie Akporiaye, Chief Medical Director of DELSUTH and witnessed by Dr Daniel Omodon, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

Dr Peter Igarashi signed on behalf of UTSMC while Dr Juan Arenas witnessed. The UTSMC delegation was led by its executive vice president, Dr J Gregory Fitz.

In his remarks, Dr Fitz expressed delight at not just the collaboration between DELSUTH and UTSMC but the enthusiasm and determination shown by the Delta State Government on behalf of DELSUTH.

In particular, he said that the presence of the Governor at the signing of the MOU was an indication of the seriousness attached to the project by the Government.

Recently, DELSUTH successfully carried out knee replacement as well as cement-free hip replacement which are major surgery procedures rarely undertaken in Nigeria.

In fact, the cement-free hip surgery carried out by DELSUTH, at Oghara was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

 

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