EKHA to impeached ex-Speaker: We have no powers to re-instate you
By; OLADELE ADEDAYO, Ado-Ekiti.
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has told an impeached former speaker of the House, Dr. Adewale Omirin that it has no power under the law to reverse his impeachment carried out by the Fourth Assembly in the State.
According to the Speaker of the Fifth Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole, who addressed a press conference in company with other members of the House, Omirin had written a letter to the House, asking that his purported ‘unconstitutional’ impeachment be reversed.
Oluwawole said the letter dated 19 October, and titled; “Reversion of Unconstitutional impeachment: Re: Rt. Hon. Adewale Albert Omirin”, read in part that “on 20th November, 2014, 7 out of the 26 members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly purportedly sat and made a declaration of my impeachment as the Speaker and made Hon. Dele Olugbemi the speaker.
“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is the fulcrum of the legislative arm of government, states the requirement for the impeachment of a speaker which cannot be less than two-thirds majority.
“Hence, the action of the aforementioned date should be reverted and all records of Hon. Dele Olugbemi as the erroneous speaker should be obliterated and a declaration of the legally-constituted House of Assembly should re-write the wrong done to me and the status quo ante maintained.”
But the House added that it had replied Omirin via a letter with reference number EKHA/SHA/05/VOL.V/183, dated 9th November, 2015, that Omirin would recall that he “instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Lagos Division to upturn your impeachment in suit no: FHC/L/CS/1823/14; Rt. Hon. Adewale A. Omirin and 18 Others vs Hon. Dele Olugbemi and 13 Others, which was eventually struck out upon the filing of notice of discountenance by your humble self.
“Sir, while we will not comment on the constitutionality of the impeachment or otherwise, one point remains sacrosanct that there was an impeachment exercise against you on 20th November, 2014, upon which you instituted the matter referred to above.
“It must be borne in mind that whether your impeachment is legal or not is for the court of law to decide. But we, with due respect to your person, are helpless in the circumstances. Against this backdrop, the Present House of Assembly is not empowered by either the constitution or the Case Law to obliterate the records of Hon. Dele Olugbemi as the speaker between 20th November, 2014 and 5th June,2015.”
Oluwawole stated that the House had, however, resolved that “as a respected colleague”, its members would wish to accede to all the requests of Omirin as contained in his letter of reference, “if not for the fact that we are incapacitated by circumstances beyond our control as already expressed above.”
He added that the House might consider a pardon of the reasons that warranted Omirin’s impeachment, but not for “pseudo re-instatement for a period you never acted in that capacity.”
EKHA to impeached ex-Speaker: We have no powers to re-instate you
YSFON congratulates Golden Eaglets
YSFON congratulates Golden Eaglets
By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos.
The Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has congratulated the victorious Golden Eaglets for winning the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup back to back in Chile.
The Eaglets last Sunday defeated their counterparts from Mali 2-0 to lift the trophy for a record five times.
In a statement by the President, Dr. YUSUF Gawuna, the Federation noted that the victory is an indication that with proper and adequate planning, Nigeria can dominate the world in Sports particularly in football and at the senior level.
According to Gawuna, YSFON is particularly happy that most past and present members of the squad are its products even as it pledged its continuous support to the development of grassroots sports in the country.
Earlier Gawuna congratulated President Mohammadu Buhari for the victory saying the fact that Nigeria first lifted the trophy in 1985 when he was Military Head of State, and wining it again as a civilian President is a sign of good things to happen to sports under this present administration.
2015 polls: Probe of ‘soldiers’ partisanship’ begins in Kaduna
2015 polls: Probe of ‘soldiers’ partisanship’ begins in Kaduna
By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna.
The five-man senior officers panel of inquiry constituted by the Nigerian Army authorities to investigate and make appropriate recommendation over alleged involvement in partisan politics by some officers and men of the Army during the 2015 general elections in the country has commence in Kaduna.
The panel which began work Monday at the headquarters of 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna, has the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade as its President with Col. Danladi Salihu as Secretary.
Other members of the panel include, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kabuk, Brigadier General Sunday Araoye, and Brigadier General Baba Ibrahim.
Briefing Journalists in Kaduna, Major General Oyebade said the panel has two weeks, beginning from Monday, to submit its report to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai.
The panel President called on individuals with useful information about the issue to visit the panel and testify accordingly, adding that it is open to the general public even though it is purely a military affairs.
The Panel President said, “as most of you are aware, the last general elections conducted in March 2015 elicited criticism in some quarters, especially from the general public, particularly on conduct of Nigerian Army personnel during both the gubernatorial and presidential elections respectively.
“These allegations were centered on the gubernatorial elections conducted in some States such as Ekiti, Osun, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, to mention a few.
“It is therefore based on all these weighty allegations that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on assumption of Command articulated his vision of having a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles instituted this Board of Inquiry.
“The panel is to investigate these allegations and recommend appropriate measures to prevent a reoccurrence in the future.
“The military as a noble profession of arms must remain apolitical in our democratic dispensation. Politics, we strongly believe should be left entirely to the politicians.
“I must hasten to add however, that in spite of these worrisome allegations, the military has to a large extent, performed creditably as the foremost guardian of the nation’s democracy.
“On this note, I would like to call on all the strata in the society and of course, the general public to please as a matter of urgency appear in person if they so wish and forward their petitions in form of memorandum either personally to Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kawo, Kaduna or via courier addressed to the secretary, panel of investigation on elections, HQ 1Division, Kawo, Kaduna”.
Politics is over, it is time for governance – Bantex
Politics is over, it is time for governance – Bantex
By; BENEDICT SUNDAY, Kaduna.
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State Arch. Barnabas Bala Bantex, has said politicking is over and it is time to focus on governance and tasked Christians to key into the current political change train in the country both in attitude and perspective.
He made the called during the 8th Annual Convention and Fund Raising of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), at the conference ground in Goni Gora.
Bantex noted that politics is over, it is time to work, stressing that all hand must be on deck as in no distance time, all campaigned promises will be fulfilled both in the state and at the federal level.
According to him government is in partnership with the Church as well as the traditional institution and leadership for the sustainability of security, law and order, by ensuring some of the social vices such as drugs addiction which is a major challenge among youth is reduced to the barest minimum.
“The vision of the government is the same with that of the Church, but the only difference is that the church is more spiritual, although the state government is withdrawing from pure funding of religion functions” he stressed.
The Deputy Governor supported the conference with the sum of one million naira.
Also speaking the Sa’a Gbagi, Dr. Danjuma S. Barde enjoined Nigerians to use their religious differences as a tool to bind the society together, work for the development of the state as well as the country at large and not to maim each other.
The tradition ruler while urged Christians in the state to pray and imbed the culture of peaceful coexistence with their neighbours, called on Nigeria Youth to shun any act capable of resulting in chaos in their communities.
In his welcome address, the District Chairman of ECWA, Kaduna South, Rev. Iliya Yunana said the convention was organize in order to glorifying God for His marvellous deeds to the ECWA Church as well as to seek the face of God for the feature of the Church, the state and the country, and to raise funds to upset the loan took by them to build mission guest House at Unguwan Yelwa, Kaduna.
In his closing remark, Rev. Dr. Yusuf Biniyat called on the Christian family to stand firm in this hard time, saying no matter how difficult the situation may be, nothing should separate us from the love of God.
JAWOM partners BB4P on league for Zaria Churches
JAWOM partners BB4P on league for Zaria Churches
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna.
In its bid at ensuring that sporting talents are discovered from places of worship, the Jesus is Life Outreach Ministries (JAWOM) will partner with Basketball For Peace (BB4P) in organizing an annual league for Churches in Zaria.
General overseer of JAWOM, Bishop Tunde Bakare disclosed this while speaking at the a sporting competition organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the ministry held at the JAWOM Sports For Life Peace Zone in Zaria at the weekend.
According to him, he wants the sporting fiesta to be a permanent event in all the Church’s future Master Coventions. He explained that the importance of sports cannot be overemphasized, in view of its importance in ensuring good health, as well as its economic benefits to professional sportsmen and women.
“In view of this, JAWOM in collaboration with BB4P will sponsor annually, a larger Zaria Churches League Season,” he stated.
Meanwhile, a total of eight Churches participated in the competition; tagged Sports For Life. They are Chapel of Redemption, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, All Saint’s
Anglican, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, JAWOM, Calvary Baptist
Church, Hekan and ECWA.
All Saints Anglican emerged winners, beating its seven opponents to
lift the trophy.
It was co-sponsored by RCCG Palace Katy, Texas, USA, who provided jerseys for players, medals, balls and trophies. JAWOM provided certificates, refreshment and logistics.
Mark Jacob to HFN Board: Wake up or get kicked out
Mark Jacob to HFN Board: Wake up or get kicked out
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna.
The board members of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) should
sit up or get ready to be kicked out of office, veteran handball player, Barrister Mark Jacob has warned.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday at the opening ceremony of the National
Open Handball Tournament in Kaduna, he said the present leadership of
HFN lack initiatives, a development that is killing the game in the country.
“From January to now, this is the first tournament that is being held in the country. This is as a result of lack of sponsorship and initiative,” he said.
Jacob who was a former Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General in
Kaduna State said the absence of activities in handball, drew the attention of ex players, under the umbrella of Mega Veterans to sponsor the tournament, which has so far gulped six million naira.
“We are trying to revamp the game. We sponsored a similar event last year. We decided we had to give the younger ones opportunities to play and improve on their game,” he said.
Commenting on the turnout of teams, clubs and spectators, he described it as unprecedented. “We didn’t envisage the crowd, we are glad it is turning out to be a
bigger tourney,” he added.
In the absence of an HFN organized league, Nigeria’s representatives for next year’s African Club Championships would emerge from the tournament which ends this weekend.
Cleric warns politicians on amassing wealth at the expense of the poor
Cleric warns politicians on amassing wealth at the expense of the poor
By; VITALIS UGOH, Calabar.
The General Overseer of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) Calabar, Bishop Emmah Isong, has warned Nigeria politicians to desist from establishing financial empires for themselves in cities at the expense of the general public and the poor.
Bishop Isong made this remarks in Calabar in an interview with the New Nigerian shortly after the unveiling of his book entitled, “Crossing the Boundary”.
Lamenting, he said “what Nigerians, especially the less privileged needed from the ruling class was food on the table not the current situation where they are left to die in abject poverty in the rural areas”.
He called on politicians to, despite party affiliation, ensure that the much preached change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari is applied and translated into action order to achieve desired result.
He urged both the state and federal governments to address the issue of dilapidated roads across the country, provision of affordable and effective healthcare delivery services and constant electricity supply amongst others.
He said the less privilege were no more interested in celebrating the rise of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or Gross National Product (GNP) when it has not visibly impacted their standard of living.
“As a clergy, I remain the only link between the rich and the poor. I want to use this opportunity to advice politicians to stop heating the system with political languages that are not translated to tangible dividends of democracy.
“It is not a matter of running big companies in Abuja and in Lagos at the expense of the public. The poor people in the rural areas don’t know the meaning of manifestoes. Our leaders must understand that the essence of government is to put structures in place so as to attract development not only talking”.
CRIN crisis worsens as female workers protest half nude in Ibadan
CRIN crisis worsens as female workers protest half nude in Ibadan
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
Workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, (CRIN) Ibadan Monday staged a protest half nude in continuation of their demand for the removal of the Institute Executive Director Professor Malachy Akoroda from office.
The workers mostly women, as early as 7.30am stormed the Ibadan-Ijebu ode road main entrance to the Institute half naked chanting anti Professor Akoroda song round the road leading to the Institute.
Most of the half naked protesters, especially the women have vowed to remain on the street, until the institution’s Director is removed from office by the federal government.
The protesters were seen busy singing and chanting “Akoroda must go” amidst heavy presence of security agencies to forestall anything untoward.
One of the leaders of the protesting workers who is also a research scientist at the Institute, Mr. Solomon Adebiyi lamented that all efforts at resolving the prolonged crisis since 2012 failed, adding that the Institute workers can no longer allow Professor Akoroda to continue as head of the research institute.
Also, an Assistant Chief Agric Superintendent at the Institute, Mrs Regina Adeyemo during the protest vowed to remain half naked on the street until the Executive Director is removed.
Despite the presence of the Police, the workers barricaded the main entrance to the institute with loads of sand and log of woods where they inscribed various inscriptions, which reflected their moods together with some community leaders and youths.
Contrary to the allegation by the workers that the state Police Commissioner has threatened to use force on the protesting workers, the Area commander for Idi Ayunre Police command who led his men to the scene of the protest, declared that Policemen were at the Institute to maintain peace and order, saying, “we are aware of their agitation but it is our duty to ensure their protest did not turn violence.”
All effort to speak with the Institute’s Executive Director Professor Akoroda on phone failed as he said “I cannot speak on this issue except the express permission of the Permanent Secretary”.
2019 Election: Kaduna stakeholders want INEC to kick -start Process
2019 Election: Kaduna stakeholders want INEC to kick -start Process
By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna.
Participants at a workshop organized by Centre for Research and Documentation (CRD) reflecting on the 2015 general elections in Northern part of Nigeria has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to kick start preparations for 2019 electoral process now in order to overcome some of the unnecessary challenges encountered during the 2015 general elections.
They said until INEC makes the issue of 2019 election a priority, Nigeria may as well face some avoidable problems as it was during the last elections.
According to them, late preparation almost hampered the last elections which resulted in postponement that almost led the Nation into chaos.
They identified low level of sensitization by INEC, poor distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVC), late arrival of election materials, non adherence to the principles and operations of card reader in the use of PVCs which gave room for under aged voters as some of the problems.
The participants at the Workshop which took place in Kaduna on Monday were made up of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Persons with Disability, Traditional and Religious leaders, Youth leaders and Journalists.
In their submission, they recognised the role of card reader in the improvement made in the 2015 general elections and charged INEC to do everything possible to perfect the electronic voting system in the country, saying if banks can achieve the registration of Bank Verification Number (BVN) within a short space of time why can’t INEC do same.
The election stakeholders also commended the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for swiftly accepting the election results and congratulating President Buhari as according to them, that averted major crises in the country.
They equally praised the contributions of the social media which they said gave opportunity to citizens to monitor the election.
They urged INEC to be sensitive to the plight of women and physically-challenged persons by providing special facilities to carter for their needs within the polling units.
While commending INEC for improvement recorded in the last elections, they called on it to do everything within its ability to make electronic voting system a reality in the country.
They therefore urged INEC to regulate all funds utilised in elections by political parties and to also ensured that accreditation and voting are done simultaneously in subsequent elections.
Declaring the workshop open earlier, Executive Director of CRD, Mallam. Ahmad Mohammed said the objective of the meeting was to take a critical look at the 2015 general elections and to develop a concept note on how to improve on subsequent elections by INEC.
Buhari seeks prosecution of electoral offenders …Promises non interference with INEC
Buhari seeks prosecution of electoral offenders
…Promises non interference with INEC
By; SUNDAY ODE, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday called for the prosecution of electoral offenders by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying that the country needed to move away from mere cancellation of results and ordering of fresh elections.
He said that was the way to go if the country’s electoral system was to be given the needed vigour.
Buhari stated this while swearing-in the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and five National Commissioners in the Aso Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said: “Another area of concern is the justice administration of the Electoral Tribunals. It is long overdue that our justice system addresses these shortcomings. It is not just enough for an election to be cancelled and a new one ordered.
“It would be much better if all whose actions or inaction that led to the cancellation of such election are to be investigated and if culpable prosecuted, whether they are individuals as candidates or party agents, Institutions such as political party, electoral body, or public officers as electoral staff or security agents.
“Similarly, perpetrators of electoral violence and thuggery should not be spared. Unless our system stops covering up all forms of electoral malpractices we can hardly get it right. No system endures with impunity.”
The President who also promised to respect the independence of INEC in fulfillment of his campaign promise, said that his government would not by any means interfere with its operations.
His words: “In the conduct of elections we promised to respect the independence of our electoral body; INEC. We promised non-interference in its activities and above all we promised to encourage them to conduct transparently free and fair elections. I hereby pledge to keep that promise.”
Accordingly, he urged the Commission not to allow it to be unduly influenced or subjected to the control of extraneous forces.
“You must respect the law and we will hold you bound by the oath which you have just taken. The Nation has reposed a lot of trust and confidence in you. You cannot afford to fail,” he charged the new officials.
The President also frowned against State Electoral bodies that hide under the cover of legal technicalities to deny citizens their rights, vowing that the Federal Government would protect the citizens at all times.
“I am aware of the Federal Government’s constitutional constraints in its engagement with the State’s Electoral Bodies. But the government has a social responsibility to protect the democratic rights of all.
“I am of the view that it is totally unacceptable to hide under the cover of the technicality of law to deny the citizens’ rights,” he stated.
To that extent, he said that the Federal Government was considering a different
strategy of engagement with State Electoral Bodies to make them come to sync with INEC with regard to credibility and acceptability to Nigerians.
Buhari noted an unfortunate trend in almost all the States, whereby the party of the sitting government would win all the Council Elections.
He said: “While there is nothing wrong with that if it is the true wish of the people, but majority of Nigerians more often than not think it is not, hence have little respect for the outcome of our council elections. This is responsible for questioning the integrity of such election winners throughout their tenure.”
“Needless to add that the APC is not limited to the control of Federal Government alone. There are many states that are APC controlled; I expect them to do no less in the way they handle their various States’ Electoral Commissions.
“All of us, and this includes other political parties have a responsibility to safe-guard the sanctity of democratic values; and the foundation of such values are free association, transparent electoral process and free and fair elections.”
He also stated that the change promised Nigerians by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government should be all embracing in electioneering in the country.
“It starts from change of attitudes, change of work ethics, change in attitude to corruption and corrupt practices, change of party political conduct-right from primaries to the emergence of candidates and finally the conduct of elections, he declared.
Buhari thanked the Press, the Social Media, various Local and International Monitoring Groups, International Community, particularly the Donor Agencies for the support to Nigeria’s electoral management and operation, expressing optimism that such cooperation would continue.
Responding to the President’s address on behalf of INEC, Prof. Yakubu pledged the commitment of the commission to discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour.
“We shall not fail the nation.” He declared.
In a chat with State House Correspondents after the ceremony, he added: “The constitution and also the electoral Act are very clear. These are the two documents that will guide the operations of INEC under my chairmanship and we will not waver.”
On what he is bringing on board, he said: “Well, we have achieved universal accolades for the successes recorded in the 2015 general elections. I think it is prudent that we are going to consolidate on these elections so that what counts ultimately is the will of the Nigerian people.
“Whoever Nigerians vote for, they should be rest assured that their votes count. And those they vote for will be their representatives at all levels.”
He also said his commission would sustain the use of card readers: “In fact if there is any value that technology is going to add in addition to the card readers, we will happily introduce that.
“As I said at the screening at the Senate, no more will elections be won and lost at the headquarters of INEC. Whoever wishes to represent Nigerians at whatever level, he or she has access to the ballot box and whatever Nigerians chose is what INEC will uphold.”
According to him, the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa States governorship elections would be strictly conducted in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.
He said: “It is about doing the right thing that the Constitution and the electoral Act enshrined. So, yes there will be elections in Kogi on the 31st of this month and election on 5th December, as far as INEC is concerned, they are routine matters, governed by the constitution and the law.
“It is not like we are going to do anything new that Nigerians don’t know. The goal post is not going to shift; Nigerians will know that the elections will be credible as the 2015 general elections were adjourned as credible.
“The card reader will be deployed and the PVC will also be deployed and thereafter, if there is any value technology can add, we are going to also explore it,” he stated.
The Commissioners who took oath of office on Monday included Mrs. Amina Zakari, Mr. Solomon Adedeji Soyebi, Professor Antonia Taiye Okoosi-Simbine, Dr. Muhammed Mustafa Lecky and Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo.
Dignitaries in attendance included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.