Fayose seeks Judiciary intervention on Kogi election crisis
By; Oladele Adedayo, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has called on the judiciary to be bold enough to provide the necessary intervention on the Kogi stalemated election.
Fayose who described the Kogi State election debacle as a show of shame by the Independent National Electoral Commission warned that the electoral umpire must be mindful of the consequences of perpetrating the same electoral abracabra in Bayelsa State.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on behalf of the governor in a release issued on Wednesday, said “INEC has created total confusion in Kogi State with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon. James Faleke, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Governor Idris Wada, governorship candidate of the People for Democratic Change (PDC),Hon. Emmanuel Daikwo and two others now in court challenging the supplementary election scheduled for Saturday.
“APC on its part has presented Yahaya Bello as late Abubakar Audu’s replacement. But Faleke, who should be his running mate, has written to INEC to withdraw his name as Deputy Governorship candidate, and INEC has not told Nigerians how APC will field governorship candidate without a running mate.
“Or has INEC also waved the Electoral Act requirement for a governorship candidate to be nominated with a deputy just because it is the APC that is involved?”
He posited that INEC ought to have approached the Supreme Court for proper interpretation on the relevant laws since the Kogi scenario was not captured in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
The governor said; “If INEC could mess up its first assignment under President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, that Nigerians should get prepared for manipulated electoral processes.”
He said; “INEC must tell Nigerians what it would have done if it was the candidate of any of the 42 political parties (apart from APC) that participated in the election that died while the election was ongoing. Would INEC have resorted to the illegal amendment of the Constitution as it did to protect the interest of the APC or simply go ahead and delete the dead candidate and announce the winner based on votes scored by the remaining candidates?”
Speaking further, Governor Fayose noted that “PDP ruled for 16 years, Nigeria was not thrown into this kind of electoral mess and confusion.
“I imagine if Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had acted this way, will Nigeria be where it is now? Wouldn’t democracy have been scuttled?
“Painfully, many honourable people that supposed to talk have kept quiet, seeming to be enjoying the macabre dance of INEC.”
Fayose seeks Judiciary intervention on Kogi election crisis By; Oladele Adedayo, Ado-Ekiti
I’ll leave achievements not enemies at the end of my tenure – New UI VC. By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
I’ll leave achievements not enemies at the end of my tenure – New UI VC.
By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
The new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka has declared that his choice was divine and ready to leave behind achievements rather than enemies at the end of his five year tenure .
Professor Olayinka who stated this at the inauguration service held for him at the University of Ibadan Chapel of The Resurrection declared that nothing can stop him from pursuing his set goals and vision for the University.
The new Vice Chancellor maintained that he is committed to moving the University forward as he was very much at home in the institution where he had been for almost four decades both as student and as a lecturer during which he held various positions which ensured his interaction with both the low and the mighty within the community.
According to Professor Olayinka, all the 13 candidates that contested for the Vice Chancellor’s seat were eminently qualified to hold the position, but, it was natural that somebody would have to be picked and that it was just by providence that he was chosen.
Emphasizing his readiness to work with all the stakeholders to take University of Ibadan to a higher level, the new Vice Chancellor lauded the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for fighting for academic freedom which made the choice of VC the prerogative of every university in the country.
He stressed that if it had been days when three names would be sent to Abuja for the Presidency to make choice, his name would not have crossed Oba River in the university’s campus not to talk of River Niger, talk less of Abuja, the seat of power.
Speaking with journalists thereafter, he solicited the cooperation and support of all the members of the university community, saying, “pull him down attitude” would not help either the individual or the university system.
Professor Olayinka then urged his colleagues still grumbling over his choice to accept his emergence as the verdict of God, work together with him on his vision and mission for the institution.
“There is always another time, five years will just be like five days, so, let’s all put behind us what has happened in the past and look forward to a glorious future”.
The Chaplain of the Chapel of The Resurrection, The Very Rev. Timothy Olatunji described the day as an historic one in the life of the institution and charged the VC to see Psalm 75:6 as being manifested in his life and be conscious of it that promotion only comes from God.
Reverend Olatunji however charged the new VC to be ready to stand alone like the Biblical Daniel, saying,”it is most unlikely that some of your supporters while contesting for the position will stand by you when and if you do the right things.
“Don’t use your precious time writing petition which is our past time in the country, but, use your time to build on the good things done by your predecessors, there is rot in every institution in Nigeria and the University of Ibadan is not an exception, but dare to stand alone and do the right thing. You should always acknowledge that all the 13 Professors that contested the position alongside with you are potential VCs, but, by providence, God made you the VC, so, please, don’t despise them, give them room to support you”, he charged the VC.
I will make development of UNIUYO my priority – new VC By; Patrick Titus, Uyo
The new Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Enefiok Essien said he will place the development of the institution on a front burner.
In doing this, Prof. Essien pledged to sustain and add value to the development records of his predecessor in office, as well as carry everybody along since only through togetherness for a common purpose that he can achieve the heights set before him.
Speaking during a threshold prayer service of his administration held at the Victory Chapel of the University on Tuesday, the new Vice Chancellor said that his administration would welcome advice and constructive criticism that will help to raise the standard of the institution higher.
“Every administration is happy to see the succeeding administration raise the bar of development in that organization, therefore as partners in progress, I urge everybody to endeavour to add value to the system”, Prof. Essien stressed.
He also admonished the students to always show good moral conducts and study hard with a passion to make good results from the University.
In his remarks, Pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Prof. Kimse Okoko represented by Retired General Wilson Gbor, thanked the outgoing VC, Prof Comfort Ekpo for her immense contributions to the development of the institution, saying that the council was pleased with her efforts.
He also congratulated the incoming VC, Prof. Essien and pledged the council’s support to his administration to ensure more successes in the University.
The new Vice Chancellor who took over from Prof. Comfort Ekpo whose five-year tenure in office lapsed on 30th of last month, described the day of his assumption of office as the day the Lord has made and shall remain memorable in his heart.
A Professor of commercial law, Essien who is the 5th Vice Chancellor of the University, was appointed into the coveted office of the institution on October 16, 2015 by the Governing Council of the University presided by the Pro-Chancellor, Prof Kimse Okoko.
Earlier, the chaplain of the University, Rev. Iniobong Udoh in an exhortation, advised the new VC to lean his strength on God, besides the support of management staff and other ranks of the University as well as students.
He also stressed the need for unity and harmony among all and sundry for the University to develop to a greater height academically.
Commenting on the expectations from the new VC, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Linus Asuquo described Prof. Essien’s assumption of office as the new Vice Chancellor as a unique chapter in the development of the University of Uyo.
He advised him to beware of sycophants but make use of good advisers and rely on God for direction in the running of the University.
Don’t be complacent in victory – Gov Udom tells Akwa United FC By; Patrick Titus, Uyo.
Don’t be complacent in victory – Gov Udom tells Akwa United FC
By; Patrick Titus, Uyo.
Ahead of the 2016 confederation competition, Akwa United FC of Akwa Ibom State, winners of FA Cup have been urged not to be complacent with the victory but work harder for a higher crown.
The state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel stated this in Uyo, during a Dinner/Gall Night organized by the state government in honour of the team for winning the coveted trophy in Lagos.
It would be recalled that Akwa United FC that narrowly escaped from relegation in the national league had last Sunday, brought joy to many footballs fans in the country when the team trashed Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi by two goals to one at the finals of FA Cup played at International Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Governor Udom, who was elated by the victory of the team which he noted had eluded the state for over 50 years, pledged government readiness to give all needed support to make the team go into continental competition and emerged victorious.
“We will not shrink for that noble responsibility. Bring to us the blueprint on how you plan to penetrate the continent triumphantly and we will provide all the enablement. But you have an even greater role to play”, he stated.
Noting that complacency is poisonous to excellence, the Governor said, “Do not revels in victory long enough to forget that a higher crown awaits you at the Confederation tournament. You lived a dream at the FA Cup, live larger dreams in 2016. There is no substitute to hard work and perseverance. You need these attributes more than a penalty kick. Let this long heroic journey of Akwa Ibom State go forever upward.”
Governor Emmanuel described the victory by Akwa United FC in Lagos as a lesson to everyone. A lesson that nothing is impossible where there is unity and determination to break even.
He charged the people of the state to eschew bitterness and narrow dictates of politics of destruction, of blackmail, of ethnic bigotry, of ‘Pull Him Down’ syndrome but rather come together and allow the divine plans of God to stand in the state.
Earlier, Mr. Monday Ebong Uko, Commissioner for Youth and Sports thanked Governor Udom for his supports to Akwa United FC, adding that the success of the team was due to contributions of eminent persons in the state.
Highlights at the occasion included the redemption of financial pledge to the players and coach by the Governor amidst thunderous cheers by the audience and fans of the Akwa United FC. Among them were members of the state executive council, other political class, the clergies, youths and women groups.
Police arrest killers of Customs Officer in Owerri By: Victor Duruamaku, Owerri. Imo State Commissioner of Police Mr. Taiwo F. Lakanu Wednesday paraded two suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a Customs Officer who in company of some of his colleagues, was on beat duty at Umuhu Ngor Okpala along Owerri Aba road, in Ngor Okapala Local Government Area of Imo State. According to the police boss on September 29,2015, some Customs Officers who were on beat duty along Owerri Aba road, were attacked by some suspected hoodlums who emerged from the nearby bush and in the process, one Customs Officer was killed and his AK 47 riffle and his Mazda 626 saloon car, were taken away by the hoodlums. He further said, on getting the information, operatives of the State and intelligence department painstakingly went in to investigation and the prime suspects in connection with the killing were arrested. The Commissioner of Police gave the names of the suspects as Chibuzor Ike of Umuota, Umuhu in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area and Henry Ndubuisi Sermon of No 24 New road in Amakohia Owerri North Local Government Area of the State pointing out that the suspects later led the operatives to their hideout at the World Bank Area in New Owerri, where the Customs Officer’s AK 47 riffle and its magazines were recovered. Also, the Commissioner told journalist that on November 23, 2015, upon the receipt of information that kidnappers broke into the house of one Chief Reginald A. Anyadike of Umuchukwu Agbala in Owerri North Local Government Area Of Imo State with the intension to kidnap him, the operatives responded swiftly to the distress call and the Police patrol team engaged the kidnappers in a shootout during which one Ikechukwu Wisdom Ezike a native of Umulegbo in Owerri West Local Government Area was arrested with fatal bullet wounds while others escaped.
Police arrest killers of Customs Officer in Owerri
By: Victor Duruamaku, Owerri.
Imo State Commissioner of Police Mr. Taiwo F. Lakanu Wednesday paraded two suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a Customs Officer who in company of some of his colleagues, was on beat duty at Umuhu Ngor Okpala along Owerri Aba road, in Ngor Okapala Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the police boss on September 29,2015, some Customs Officers who were on beat duty along Owerri Aba road, were attacked by some suspected hoodlums who emerged from the nearby bush and in the process, one Customs Officer was killed and his AK 47 riffle and his Mazda 626 saloon car, were taken away by the hoodlums.
He further said, on getting the information, operatives of the State and intelligence department painstakingly went in to investigation and the prime suspects in connection with the killing were arrested.
The Commissioner of Police gave the names of the suspects as Chibuzor Ike of Umuota, Umuhu in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area and Henry Ndubuisi Sermon of No 24 New road in Amakohia Owerri North Local Government Area of the State pointing out that the suspects later led the operatives to their hideout at the World Bank Area in New Owerri, where the Customs Officer’s AK 47 riffle and its magazines were recovered.
Also, the Commissioner told journalist that on November 23, 2015, upon the receipt of information that kidnappers broke into the house of one Chief Reginald A. Anyadike of Umuchukwu Agbala in Owerri North Local Government Area Of Imo State with the intension to kidnap him, the operatives responded swiftly to the distress call and the Police patrol team engaged the kidnappers in a shootout during which one Ikechukwu Wisdom Ezike a native of Umulegbo in Owerri West Local Government Area was arrested with fatal bullet wounds while others escaped.
Air Force Officer’s son found dead hanging in Kaduna By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna.
Air Force Officer’s son, found dead hanging in Kaduna
By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna.
A 23-year old man identified as Reuben James was found dead hanging in front of a shop at Ungwan Boro, Kaduna, Wednesday morning.
Passers-by who saw the body dangling from the staircase notified the shop owner, who contacted the Sabo Police Division, before the body was brought down.
The shop owner, Kennedy Abhuru explained to newsmen that he was informed about the incidence around 6:30am and promptly informed the Police of the sad development.
When New Nigerian arrived at the scene, the corpse was still hanging, with residents of the community thronging the area.
A sister of the deceased, Mrs Deborah Iyoha was traced to her residence in the area and she informed that late James came to Unguwan Boro on Sunday from the Air Force Base in Mando where he was residing with his father.
“He came to Ungwan Boro on Sunday, telling us that he had issues with his father. He said that his father seized his credentials and clothes, before reporting him to the police in the base.
“We were planning to visit his father to resolve the issue on Saturday before I received a call that our brother was found hanging,” she explained. When asked where he was sleeping since Sunday, she explained that their elder sister that he came to visit is residing in a two-room apartment with her five children, as such, the brother told them he would be going to squat with his friend at Unguwan Pama, a neighbouring community.
When the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Zubairu Abubakar was contacted, he said he was yet to be briefed about the development, but promised to get in touch with the DPO of Sabo Division and furnish our correspondent with details. As at press time, he was yet to get in touch.
Adamawa Deputy Gov advocates total fuel subsidy removal By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna
Adamawa Deputy Gov advocates total fuel subsidy removal
By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna
More prominent Nigerians are lending their voices in support of the total removal of fuel subsidy regime from the nation’s petroleum industry, with the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State Engineer Martins Babale being the latest advocate.
He expressed his views on the issue while responding to questions from newsmen in Kaduna.
“The problem with our nation is that people don’t want change. When we talk about privatisation, or removing subsidy, it is the only solution to the fuel scarcity in Nigeria when it is done, investors will come in and build refineries.
“Let everyone be allowed to bring in fuel, competition will then come in and stabilize the price,” he stressed.
Commenting on the dividends of democracy from the APC-led government in Adamawa State, he said that so much was being done to touch the lives of the masses.
“Thank God for the zeal of the governor of Adamawa State. When we came in there was nothing on ground, nothing in the treasury. He came in with a vision and we have a vision. Now we have network of roads going on, about 23 roads from Mubi to Yola and other parts of the state. Asides that, we have other programmes that are touching the lives of the people. We are floating a programme called ‘Bindow For Social Change’ which is seriously touching lives.
“Thank God for the bailout, we have been able to clear outstanding salaries. There are so many programmes too numerous to mention but we are focused people,” he assured.
On the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu, he described it as shocking “I remember when APC Progressives Governors’ Forum met in Bauchi, Audu was there, with Timipre Sylva from Bayelsa State to give us situation report on their preparedness for the elections. When the national headquarters decided to go to Lokoja to present the flag , I was also there in Lokoja. Along the streets people were dancing shouting, I remember the way Prince Abubakar Audu was dancing like it was his last dance despite his age and we also joined him in dancing. So I call on Kogi people to look up to God. Unfortunately this thing happened I call on them to bear the loss,” he advised.
When he was asked to suggest a way forward out of the development, he said that INEC should have clear solution to the brewing crisis. “The election is between APC and PDP, not between Audu as a person and Wada the present governor. The problem is from about 90 poling units
left out of thousands. I am not a lawyer the APC is contesting the election, not an individual. I believe the running mate is a good candidate, but that is left with INEC, no one should talk about any personality,” he opined.
‘Lucky’ Red House wins Braintrust Inter-house Sports By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna.
‘Lucky’ Red House wins Braintrust Inter-house Sports
By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna.
Red House with a slim victory emerged champions of the 6th edition of Braintrust International Schools Inter-house Sports, held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna at the weekend.
They garnered 296 points to lift the giant trophy, closely followed by Blue House which scored 295 points to finish second in the keenly contested competition.
Third position went to Green House, who failed to take advantage of the green pitch at the stadium, trailing at 271 points, while Yellow House settled for the fourth position with two points less at 269 points.
In an interview with newsmen after lifting the trophy, Red House Master, Abel Peter said that he was excited with the success. “What I have learnt from this victory is to never give up in spite of the odds. At the beginning we were downcast, never envisaged winning, but thank God at the end, it went our way,” he said.
Commenting on the officiating, he described it as free and fair, from external officials and coaches.
Also speaking, Proprietor of the school, Mr. Stephen Ohepo Isaac explained that the school cannot do without organizing the bi-annual competition because of its contributions to the extracurricular development of students.
“Sport brings unity, love and a forum for interaction between students. There is the need to promote positive rivalry among them using events like sports. This is the 6th edition in the 18-year existence of the school,” he added.
For double medalist, Usman Sanusi, representing Red House and contributing to the success makes him happy. “I am very happy that we won. I am also happy I won two medals for my house,” he added
UNILORIN to host next 2 editions of National Youth Games – Are By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna
UNILORIN to host next 2 editions of National Youth Games – Are
By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna
In view of the potentials of the National Youth Games (NYG) in then discovery of talents from the grassroots, the University of Ilorin has agreed to host the next two editions.
Director, Grassroots Sports Development, National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Ademola Are disclosed this while responding to questions from New Nigerian Sports on phone.
According to him, the Vice Chancellor of UNILORIN has already agreed in principle to host the Games and sign the Memoranda of Understanding in respect of the agreement would be signed by both parties.
“The Director-General, Malam Alhassan Yakmut approached the VC bearing in mind their facilities and he has graciously agreed in principle to host. The MoU is being prepared and would be signed soon,” he said.
When asked about the importance of the NYG, considering the fact that the National Sports Festival (NSF) already exists, he explained that the former is an afterthought of the latter.
“The NYG as an U-17 competition is an afterthought of the NSF because it was no longer achieving its primary objectives of talents identification, featuring mostly elite athletes. That is why the NSC decided on the NYG which is an age grade competition to identify talents from secondary schools ,” he explained.
Dr Are went on to outline the successes drawn from the maiden NYG which was organized under the then Director Grassroots Sports Development, Malam Alhassan Yakmut, to include the discovery of talents that have represented Nigeria at the various youth games including the Olympics Youth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games and the
Africa Youth Games.