2015: Jonathan Opens ‘Secret’ Campaign Office

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The New Jonathan Campaign Headquarter

Information recently made available to 247ureports.com through sources close to the activities inside the Aso Villa indicates that the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebelemi Jonathan has initiated the final stages of his 2015 presidential re-election campaign.

According to the information, the President has secretly set up an office space in Utako district of Abuja manned by the controversial Habu Fari, a former  chief of staff to Bamanga Tukur, the national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party [PDP].  The information indicates that the selection of Habu Fari may have perturbed a few stakeholders within the PDP.

Habu Fari had served under the PDP national Chairman – Bamanga Tukur – as the chief of staff – until he was fired unceremoniously. Sources  said Habu  Fari ran into trouble with the PDP National Executive Council [NEC] members when  he objected to the salary structure  that was proposed for national officers with Tukur getting about  N2million monthly. The chief of staff  was said to have objected to approval of N13million meant to be given to Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] auditors. Habu Fari recommended that N300,000 should be given instead. Habu Fari was sacked by the PDP chairman as his conflict with top party members worsened.

Habu Fari is said to have begun work at the new office – along with his an assistant – Alhaji Aminu Yakudima, a Borno State politician who served as Special Assistant to Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo as PDP Chairman. According to published reports, the Campaign Office is to work with the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

Okupe, on his part, has employed the services of seasoned journalists to assist in the anticipated media war. One of the new addition include, Malam Nasir Zahraddeen, a former Deputy President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists [NUJ] who retired recently as an Assistant Director in the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA. Already, the publisher of an online publication [pointblanknews], Jackson Udeh was hired as a personal assistant to Doyin Okupe.

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Meanwhile another source within the presidency has revealed to 247ureports.com that it appears the presidency may be involved in a multi-pronged approach to the upcoming 2015 presidential election. The source stated that another veiled Campaign office was opened at Wuse zone 2 in Abuja three months ago – headed by Prof Adeniran.

Prof Adeniran was the national convention chairman of the January 13, 2011 PDP presidential primaries. He was responsible for the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as a presidential candidate in 2011.

Our source indicates that the presidency to be actively involved in ‘reaching out’ to stakeholders in the many regions of Nigeria – with aim to ‘settle’ them out of being in the opposition to his 2015 aspiration. “Diezani Madueke is the cash cow used to bribe them“, said the source who added that many of the political leaders within the south east – who had spoken publicly against the 2015 re-election ambition – were invited to the Presidential Villa for a meeting between the President and Diezani Madueke.  Most of the meetings resulted in an ‘agreement’ between the parties involved – to down tools and support the president.

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According to the source, the campaign office is kept silent for now to avoid solicitation of trouble from the politicians of the northern part of Nigeria. President Jonathan had pledged that he would only serve out the one-term remaining from the Yar’Adua/Jonathan ticket. He vowed not to join the contest in 2015.

Lam Adesina’s death: ACN says Nigeria has lost an irrepressible voice of conscience

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The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described the death of Alhaji Lam Adesina, former Governor of Oyo State, as a devastating blow to the party in particular and a big loss to the nation in general.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday by its National Publicity  Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said with the demise of the  former Governor, Nigeria has lost an irrepressible voice of conscience.
”Lam Adesina has remained a constant fixture in the nation’s body polity for over three decades, either as a newspaper columnist, member of the  House of Representatives, social and political critic, prisoner of  conscience, state governor, or an elder statesman.
”Though deceptively meek, he was a political lion who was  ferociously effective. A perfect validation of the saying that all  politics is local, Lam Adesina never lost control or confidence of his  people. Even during the locust years when the PDP captured the body of  Oyo State politics, the soul of the people remained with the former Governor,” it said.
ACN said it was remarkable that even after he was rigged out of the state’s governorship, he remained in his Molete residence in Ibadan, right in  the midst of his people, instead of migrating to the GRA or other  elitist areas of the city as many in his class would have done.
”From that modest abode, he influenced political discourse and direction in Nigeria. There is no better attestation to this than the fact that he never lost touch with the ordinary people  during his rich and purposeful lifetime,” the party said.
ACN prayed that God will grant repose to the soul of the departed, and give his family the strength to bear their irreplaceable loss.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)
Ibadan, Nov. 11th 2012

Gunmen Kills Police Inspector in Bauchi, Sets Police Station Ablaze, one wounded

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Information reaching 247ureports.com indicates that a police officer in the town of Itas in Bauchi State was gundown by unidentified gunmen.

According to the information received, the gunmen struck in the evening of Saturday, Novermber 10, 2012. Another police officer was reported to have received serious bullet wounds following the attack.

The gunmen – suspected to be men of the Islamic terrorit group attacked the police station at Itas – carting away ammunitions and bullet proof vest. The unknown gunmen burnt down the police station and killed an inspector of police, civilian and injured a police officer in two separate attacked that occurred in Zango a suburb of Bauchi metropolis and Itas town head quarters of Itas Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

An unarmed civilian was shot dead in Zango area a suburb of Metropolis. The civilian was attacked along a lonely road yesterday

The Bauchi State Police commissioner Mohammed Ladan confirmed the attack of Police station in Itas Gadau Local Government Area and the killing of Police Inspector and injury of one Policeman. Ladan indicated that the Police has commenced investigation over the incident in order to fish out the culprits.

Calls placed to the chief press secretary to the governor were not answered.

 

Stay tuned

Ifeanyi Ubah: Presidency summons Cosmas Maduka

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Cosmas Maduka

The Eagle Online learnt that Mduka was summoned on Sunday afternoon as he was about leaving his Abuja home for the 70th birthday celebration of a former Governor of Anambra State, Dame Virginia Etiaba

Owing to his face-off with the boss of Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Ubah, the owner of Coscharis Motors, Cosmas Maduka, has been summoned to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Eagle Online learnt that Mduka was summoned on Sunday afternoon as he was about leaving his Abuja home for the 70th birthday celebration of a former Governor of Anambra State, Dame Virginia Etiaba.
It was gathered that it was the wife of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Dame Patience, that summoned Maduka.
Informed sources told The Eagle Online that Mrs. Jonathan, who has the confidence of Ubah, wants to prevail on Maduka to drop his face-off with Ubah, which accounted partly for why the oil magnate is being tried for his alleged role in the fuel subsidy fraud.
Ubah was arrested by the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police and has been on trial.
He was remanded for about two weeks before the trial eventually commenced, when he was then granted bail.
The Eagle Online will keep you posted as events unfold at the Presidential Villa.
Maduka was yet to leave the seat of power as at press time.

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Source: The Eagle Online

PhotoNews: Oshiomhole’s thanksgiving

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[flagallery gid=61 name=Gallery]

PDP chieftains join Oshiomhole in thanksgiving

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Top chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday joined Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State in a special thanksgiving to usher in his second term.

Among the PDP chieftains in attendance at the Thanksgiving mass held at the St Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City were former Governor of the State and aspirant in the last election, Prof Osariemen Osunbor and another aspirant in the July 14 election and former NDDC Commissioner representing Edo State, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Benin City, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze assured the Governor and his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu of the continued support of the Christian community, saying his victory at the July 14 governorship election is a vote of confidence on him by the people of Edo State.

In his homily at the Special Thanksgiving Mass, the Archbishop said Oshiomhole’s re-election is a unanimous decision of the people for good governance.

“Edo people have reposed so much confidence in you and they have demonstrated this through their votes that you will bring respite to them. However, let me remind you that to whom much is given, much is expected. Do not give the people any reason to wish otherwise,” the cleric noted.

“We promise to continue to support you always with the generosity of our prayers,” he added.

In his remarks, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole thanked the Christian community for their support, noting that, “as you have prayed for us I want you to continue to pray for us that God would help us to govern Edo state. Unless the Lord governs Edo state, Pius and I would govern in vain.

“We ask God to give us the clean heart to do good even to those who were opposed to us. To give us the spirit of forgiveness and to remind us that as governor, we are governor of all”, Comrade Oshiomhole said.

According to him, “the resources that we control are meant for the good of the people, that God would give us wisdom to do that which would deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of people.”

The Governor urged the people to continue to remember the government in prayers adding that, “with God we would take Edo State to the next level.”

The highpoint of the special thanksgiving mass was the thanks giving offering by the Governor and his Deputy, Rt.Hon Pius Odubu.

Amongst the dignitaries who graced the thanksgiving mass was former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, two Former Governors of Edo state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and Prof. Osariemen Osunbor, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Action Congress of Nigeria Chieftains, members of the National Assembly, Edo State House of Assembly members,  Judges of Edo Staste judiciary, led by Hon Justice Cromwelll Idahosa, traditional rulers, among others.

State House Press Release: Lam Adesina Will Be Remembered And Honoured As An Exemplary Leader – President Jonathan

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President Goodluck Jonathan is deeply saddened by the passing away of elder statesman and former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina.

On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Adesina’s family and the Government and people of Oyo State.

The President joins late Alhaji Adesina’s family, relatives, friends, associates and all who knew him in mourning the renowned educationist and political leader who devoted his entire adult life to working for the progress of his people and the nation.

President Jonathan believes that Alhaji Adesina’s indefatigability in political struggles as well as his honesty, integrity, sincere commitment and dedication to the service of his people before and during his tenure as governor have ensured that he will be honoured and remembered by present and future generations as an exemplary leader who did his utmost best to improve the lives of his people.

He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Adesina’s soul and grant him eternal rest.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

Irri Federal Advancement Network: A Quest for Isoko Leadership – By Godday Odidi

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Since the creation of Isoko region in 1996, Irri clan has been totally relegated to the background of Isoko leadership. Irri is one of the largest clans in Isoko but not politically recognized in the national or state level. In spite of Irri sons and daughters are greatly doing well in their various professions. The recent flood disaster in Isoko , some of the sons and daughters have greatly extended their kind hearted and munificent donations to salvage the present predicament of famine in Isokoland while Irri camp of flood victims was not recognized by the Delta State government due to marginalization at the highest level of governance..

The recent plan to set up Irri Federal Advancement Network (IFAN) to checkmate the excesses of failed leadership in Isoko land was a welcome development. Irri clan is big enough to have its own local government without qualms but the reverse is the case. Some of the past and present elections conducted so far in Isoko, Irri clan has the highest votes but not actively involved in political governance. This Irri Federal Advancement Network (IFAN) is to bring hope to local leadership within the Irri clan and nothing else. Irri clan has over 10 villages that are Ivrogbo, Orie, Uro, Ivori, Utuwhe, Idheze, Warri- Irri, Ekeneni- Irri , Ikpideand Ada. The purpose of setting up this Irri Federal Advancement Network (IFAN) is to resolve some internal conflicts within the Irri clan. Most Irri high-flying sons and daughters have tried to contest for some key Isoko political positions but not able to attain such enviable heights of leadership except few. Though each of the Irri clan villages operate with its own Union which tagged as Ivrogbo Progressive Union (IPU), Idheze Progressive Union, Ada progressive Union and others which is affiliated with Irri Federal Union (IFU).

It is heartrending and tear-jerking that Isoko development Union (IDU) is not recognized at the national or state level due to leadership tussle among members of the union. One of the significant problems of Isoko leadership is that many people elected into the community leadership are mere illiterates not exposed to advance leadership whiles those that are grounded with knowledge and wealth refused abruptly to attend their local meetings in Isoko region. Even in Igbo, Urhobo and others, they help to promote their regions with community leadership by fixing learned brains into the system but in Irri clan or Isoko will rather criticize the local leadership to the latter. Most Isoko people lack encouragement spirit which has drawn the region backward over the years. Even some Irri people prefer using the name as Irri Advancement Network (IAN) which helps to project Isoko vision to the Promised Land. The agitation for Isoko region to have their own constitution through Hon Leo Ogor of House of Representatives is a welcome development if all Isoko fathers and mothers will support the noble ideal to grow without sentiments or altercations. The present President of Irri Federal Progressive Union (IPU) Mr A. D Akeni must be totally commended for the assemblage of Irri communities to set up this network to promote creative leadership in Irri clan.The archaic system of Irri leadership in the 10 communities that copy the symbol of Irri as Union is gradually taken another new invention of digital style of leadership in Irri clan with the kind of people being elected into power in recent times.

Over the years, Irri clan only produced few political leaders but not nationally recognized. The problem with our politically elected office holders in Irri clan is that they easily abandoned their local leadership and root which invariably drawing Irri can leadership backward in all ramifications. Our political office holders in Irri clan axis must be answerable to the people that voted them into office. Even some of the sons and daughters in the private sector that are doing very well fail to help the downtrodden ones while the mystic of voodoo powers are the mechanism of the rot in Isoko land. No region in Nigeria that is not induced with evil powers but still making significant progresses at all levels. The zoning arrangement of Isoko leadership into Political offices should be discarded because of its digital system of leadership in Nigeria. Even the National political parties have discarded zoning system which led to the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP. Irri clan is made of two notable political parties that are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Democratic peoples Party (DPP). Most of these think thank Isoko sons and daughters especially in the irri clan do not belong to their local community meetings which adversely creating unstable and failed leadership system in irri communities while illiterate leaders pilot the affairs with selfish mindsets of siphoning the community monies while few have the minds of the people. Those with good minds to lead are not allowed to move their communities forward which is beclouded with many impeachment notices and motions. The good leaders are yet to be born in Isokoland. As big as Isoko region, there is no father representing the voice of Isoko nation since the glorious demise of Chief Ekpre Otobo of Uzere kingdom. During the electorate registration, only few Irri clan communities who reside outside isoko region came out to register their names at that time. The fear of being killed by mystic powers is one of the factors that are negatively contributing to the retrogression of Irri clan. It has been observed that that those that rule some of the political offices in Isokoland always favor their communities than others and showcase projects that are not visible

Out of the 17 clans in Isoko region, Irri is one of the marginalized clans in all ramifications. Irri sons and daughters must wake up from slumber to build strong synergy of future leaders in Irri clan. Though most of our sons and daughters have language and cultural challenges which makes it difficult for some to be involved in community leadership. Even no higher institution is sited in Irri clan except secondary and primary schools, divisional health centres and nothing else. If the present government is sensitive with development, then some irri communities would be have used as tourism centres while some bridges would have been constructed to link some Irri riverside communities. Some of these secondary and primary schools are overstretched which needed to be converted into polytechnics and Universities. The only study centre in Irri clan is College of Education and multiple communications and nothing else. Our market system is still rotating four or three days which population of the region has drastically dropped as a result of high migration of people from the rural settlement to the urban region due to lack of basic social amenities in Irri clan. There isc no court, police stations, banks, and other government offices. The population of Irri clan is over 100 000, yet the political recognition is at the lowest ebb.It is a shame to our so-called political leaders representing Irri clan. The likes of Hon Benjamin Essien and others must be commended for their significant development in Irri communities while Hon Leo Ogor must be questioned for his third term without achievements.75 percent of Isoko people are fully represented in public offices than Irri clan. The mindset of Irri community must leave beyond violence and too much reliance on Agip oil and gas as means of employment to our youths. While Irri Federal Advancement Network to train irri youths on entrepreneurial skills and others and advance on digital leadership in the region. The likes of Hon Raphael OKelezo of Mazino hotels, chief Sunny Okedi, Chief Edwin Ozah, chief Emmanuel Omoefe, Evang J. E. P Othe, chief Okih John, Godwin Akporube, Richard Akpavie, Cornelius Ubuwere, Lucky Oria, Blessing Okpowo , and Akeni must be commended for their visionary mindsets of moving Irri forward in the nearest future.

Lastly, Irri clan must unite its people to enhance growth and development and elect egg head people into community leadership. Everybody in Irri clan must think what to do for the irri communities to grow now.

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BY GODDAY ODIDI. Public Affairs Analyst 08058124798. 20 oro street Ajegunle Apapa Lagos

 

 

Africa’s Local Government Workers Body Honors Uduaghan

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In appreciation of his support for the growth and development of Local Government Administration in Nigeria, the Africa Municipal and Local Government Unions Network (AMALGUN) has decorated Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State with the Grand Patron of their continental body

Governor Uduaghan was the only Governor so honoured by the body which is made up of Local Government Workers Unions in English and French speaking African Countries, at the launch of the Nigeria branch of the organization in Abuja at the weekend.

The ceremony attended by Local Government Workers Unions delegation from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Seirra-leon and Azania, was witnessed by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar among other dignitaries.

The Africa Municipal and Local Government Unions Grand Patron award was presented to Governor Uduaghan by the body’s Chairman who is also the General Secretary of the South Africa Municipal Workers Union, Comrade Walter Theledi.

Speaking at the event, the National President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel explained that Governor Uduaghan was honoured for supporting good governance at the Local Government level by not tampering with their allocation as well as for the provision of six hundred million naira monthly bail out to Local Government Councils to pay Primary Schools Teachers salaries.

He appealed to other Governors to emulate Governor Uduaghan while pledging the co-operation of Local Government Workers to the State Government.

Comrade Khaleel appealed to the National Assembly to intervene in the crises between Local Government Workers in Ekiti and Plateau States with their states Government which have not paid their council workers for over six months.

In his remarks, Governor Uduaghan thanked the Africa Municipal and Local Government Unions Network for the gesture.

He appealed to the Federal Government to increase the monthly revenue allocated to Local Governments from the federation Account or remove the responsibility of paying Primary Schools Teachers salaries from the councils.

He said that Primary Schools Teachers salaries took up to seventy-five percent of Local Government Council’s revenue allocation, leaving the Councils with little or no money to meet other development challenges adding that the development has forced the State Government to provide six hundred million naira monthly bail-out fund for the payment of their salaries.

Governor Uduaghan advised critics of Local Government Councils to first understand that inadequate funds had hampered fast development in the Councils.
He dedicated the Honour to Local Government Workers in the State and pledged support for their welfare and the growth of Local Government Unions.

While launching the Africa Municipal and Local Government Unions Network, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal pledged the National Assembly’s support for Local Government’s financial independence from State Governments adding that a bill to that effect would soon be passed.

He said the National Assembly would put a clause in the law to deny revenue allocation to Local Governments councils whose officials were not elected.

Honourable Tambuwal commended Governor Uduaghan for his efforts in developing Local Governments in the State, while congratulating him on the honour.

In his goodwill message, Nigeria Labour Congress, President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar described the Grand Patron of the Council Workers gesture on Governor Uduaghan as well deserved.

Comrade Omar called on the Federal Government not to tie Local Government revenue allocation to that of State Governments to expedite development.

Earthquake in Myanmar 1 Week Before Obama Visit

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A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on Sunday a week before US Pres. Barack Obama is due to visit.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on Sunday. At least 12 are dead and a gold mine collapsed, just one week before the scheduled first-time visit of an American president to the southeast Asian nation – U.S. President Barack Obama.

The earthquake was felt as far away as the capital, Naypyitaw, 225 miles (365 kilometers) south of the epicenter. Several windows were shattered in the parliament building there.

The temblor was also felt in the capital Bangkok, in southeast neighboring Thailand. The country is bordered to the west by India, and to its northeast by China.

The epicenter of the temblor, which struck at 7:42 a.m. local time near the Irrawaddy River, was in an underdeveloped area.

The region, known as a mining center for gemstones and minerals, is sparsely inhabited, and local media are reporting casualty figures as they come in.

According to a local official, at least six were killed in Sintku township, with another 11 injured. Many were miners. In addition, two monasteries, several large sculptures, a number of temples and a bridge also collapsed.

Other damage was reported in Mogok, an area containing abandoned ruby mines, east of the epicenter, where centuries-old temples were damaged but no one was injured.

Myanmar is known also as a source country for human trafficking, according to the CIA website, and is the world’s third largest producer of illicit opium, with an estimated production of 2009 of 250 metric tons.

The majority of its population is Buddhist (89%), followed by Christians (4%) and Muslims (4%).

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