Cause of unexplained infertility discovered for 80% of couples

11:59 PM Health No Comments

The cause of ‘unexplained infertility’ for 80% of couples trying to have a baby has been discovered by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast and published in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online.

According to the report, around 50,000 couples in the UK, and 1 million couples worldwide, undergo fertility treatments every year. Upwards of one third of them are told that they have unexplained or idiopathic infertility, meaning doctors cannot seem to find anything wrong with either the male or female after analysis of sperm and fallopian tubes or uterus.

Professor Sheena Lewis from the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s has found that around 80% of couples who are diagnosed with unexplained or idiopathic infertility have a known cause called high sperm DNA damage. The new trial can help these couples understand better treatment options, which will keep them from wasting their money, time, and emotions.

Lewis explained:

“The majority of couples experiencing problems with fertility are able to receive an explanation for their infertility. These causes range from low sperm count, poor sperm motility in the man to blocked falllopian tubes or endometriosis in the women. Once the causes for infertility have been established the appropriate course of assisted conception treatment can be undertaken.

For almost one third of couples, until now, there has been no obvious cause for infertility and these couples are given the diagnosis of ‘unexplained fertility’. These couples often invest a lot of time and money in fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) unlikely to be successful. In our study we have now had a breakthrough which explains the cause of infertility for many of those couples. Now that we have found the cause of infertility for many of those couples suitable treatments can be tailored for them which will direct them straight to the best treatment and increase their chances of having a baby.”

The other significant finding revealed by the study is that it is the first to present evidence suggesting that the likelihood of conceiving after IVF is linked to the amount of damaged DNA a man’s sperm contains. A small amount of damage (less than 15% of sperm) is considered normal. However, if the damage reaches more than 25% of sperm, the chances of having a baby are lowered, even if the couple is going through fertility treatment.

The new evidence, which came from over 500 couples, and utilized the male fertility test called SpermComet™, is the most recent from a round of trials conducted by the well-known male fertility experts at Queen’s Centre for Public Health.

Lewis concluded, “We are Queen’s have developed the SpermComet™, which is a unique test for male infertility that measures damaged DNA in individual sperm – providing all couples with specific information about the causes and extent of their infertility. This test can predict the success of infertility treatments and fast-track couples to the treatment most likely to succeed, leading to reduced waiting times and improved chances of success. With one million couples worldwide requiring fertility treatment, these new research findings will give many fresh hope of having a family.”





Source: Punch News

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Committee evicts flood victims in Bayelsa

11:57 PM News No Comments

Scenes of floods in Bayelsa
| credits: Mike Odiegwu.

Tempers rose at various flood relief camps in Bayelsa State following an eviction order issued to the victims by the state Emergency Flood Management Committee.

The committee, headed by the deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.), had ordered the victims to leave the camps and go back to their communities.

But the displaced persons, who spoke toSaturday PUNCH, accused the committee members of working at variance with the promises of the government to resettle them.

Most of them insisted that they would not leave their camps because they had no place to go.

They asked the committee to account for the N2bn budgeted by the government and the relief materials donated by people and companies for the management of the disaster.

They insisted that members of the committee had exploited their plight to enrich themselves, recalling that Governor Seriake Dickson had once passed a vote of no confidence in the committee.

Most of the victims, who decried the development, wondered why the committee should ask them to go home without any financial assistance.

They claimed that the method adopted by the committee lacked a human face, accusing the committee members of sending security operatives after them.

When Saturday PUNCH visited one of the camps at BDGS, security was tight in the area as operatives of the Joint Task Force, riot police officers and operatives of paramilitary agencies had surrounded the facility.

The flood victims said the security officials were deployed in the area to enforce the eviction order and wondered what would happen to all the relief materials stockpiled by the committee in various warehouses.

The coordinator of victims from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr. Boro Friday, said members of the committee had withdrawn cooking materials and other facilities from the camp.

“We are stranded. The way they are going about closing this camp is not what we expected. It is different from the promises that the government made to us.

“We are asking them to, at least, give us some money and some foodstuff to enable us to start our lives afresh,” he said.

But the Media Coordinator of the committee, Mr. Markson Fefegha, said the panel had decided not to give money to the victims to avoid a crisis.

Fefegha, who is also the state commissioner for information, said the materials would be shared to the victims after they had relocated to their communities.

He, however, admitted that the committee that was inaugurated immediately the floods started lacked the accurate statistics of the displaced persons in the state.

He added that those who were hired by the committee to take records of the number of victims sabotaged the system.

Claiming that hoodlums had hijacked most of the camps, Fefegha said some of the saboteurs diverted food items meant for the victims.

He said the N2bn received by the government to manage the crisis was not meant to be spent on food alone.

“We are surprised that the people who said they were ready to go home are now complaining that they don’t have anywhere to go,” he said, adding that the committee had provided buses for the victims to return home.

On the allegation that the money meant for the victims was shared to commissioners, Fefegha said the commissioners were not given money by the committee.

He said, “The money was shared to the local government management teams, who were mandated to manage the crisis within the local councils.”

Conversely, however, 11 relief camps in Anambra State have been closed following massive decamping by the victims.

The displaced persons left the camps in spite of a directive by the state government that they should not leave until their flooded homes were fumigated.

The Executive Director, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Nwabufo Ijezie, confirmed the closure of the camps.

He said the agency could not stop the flood victims from leaving the camps if they wanted so the camps had to be closed and those left behind moved to other camps.

He said most of the victims, who are farmers, said they needed to go home and farm since the flood water had receded.

“They are used to fishing and farming businesses. But they have decided to go home in spite of the directive from the government that they should not go yet,” he said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, had said the government would continue to cater for victims who would stay back in the camps.

He said the government’s decision to ask the victims to stay back was to allow the state to take stock of the affected communities, to identify defective houses and fumigate the homes.

He promised that the state government would pay the West African Examination Council and the National Examination Council examination fees of pupils of the affected communities.







Source: Punch News

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Eso’s death, a great national loss – Jonathan

11:56 PM News No Comments

President Goodluck Jonathan
| credits: File copy

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said he received the news of the death of Justice Kayode Eso (retd.) with sadness and a feeling of great national loss.

Jonathan made the comment in a statement made available by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

The President said even at old age, Eso displayed commendable patriotism by constantly being ready to take on national assignments whenever he was called upon to do so.

The statement read, “On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, (President) Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to the Eso family, their friends, associates and the government and people of Osun State as they mourn the eminent jurist, courageous judge and consistent advocate for an independent judiciary, whose long and exemplary life was dedicated to the service of law and order, and the dispensation of true justice, equity and fairness to all.

“He urges them to take solace in the incontestable fact that Justice Eso will forever be remembered as a very bold, fearless and courageous judge, who contributed enormously to establishing the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, and the national effort to entrench the highest levels of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the country’s legal system.

“President Jonathan believes that members of the legal profession in Nigeria will always owe a debt of gratitude to the late Justice Eso for his immense legacy of learned, erudite and seminal judgements, prodigious writings and major interventions in national debates on and outside the Bench which will always be remembered for their incisiveness, thoroughness, intellectual touch and impact.”

He prayed that God would grant the soul of the revered jurist eternal rest.

Similarly, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State described the passage of Eso as another great loss to the nation and the judiciary in particular.

He said Eso’s exit, coming a few days after the death of a former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, and the strongman of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki, had robbed Nigerian legal jurisprudence of a great mind.

He said Eso, a legal iconoclast, played his part in promoting the cause of justice and rule of law, doing it with passion that had no equal.

Also, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. David Iyofor, described Eso as an accomplished jurist, a rare breed with sharp intellect, who always stood on the side of the law and what was right.

He lauded Eso’s enormous contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s legal and justice system and the good work he did as a justice of the Supreme Court.

“Justice Eso was a man of uncommon virtues. His work in the Supreme Court would not be easily forgotten. Most important to us here in Rivers State was his commitment to the Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he chaired, contributing to the return of peace and sanity to the state,” he said.

His Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, described Eso as “an incomparable legal giant whose contributions to jurisprudence will remain indelible in Nigeria and Africa.”

The governor said Eso was “an impartial, incorruptible and fearless judge, who did justice to all cases before him regardless of the personalities involved.”

Describing the late jurist as “the conscience of the nation’s judiciary,” Fayemi recalled that Eso was fothright in arriving at his decisions as a judicial officer and never allowed anybody to initimidate him.

He stated that Eso’s death had created a big void in the league of eminent Nigerian jurists, whose counsel and contributions would be crucial as the nation embarked on another round of constitution amendment process.

From Delta State, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said the nation had lost a true patriot, a statesman and a professional to the core.

He prayed that God should grant the family and the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.

On his part, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said the passing of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court was a monumental loss to the judicial profession and the country at large.

He said, “(Justice Kayode) Eso was one of the brightest justices Nigeria has ever produced. I can recall some of the landmark judgements he had delivered, all of which had helped in furthering the course of justice and the rule of law.

“He was one of the greatest protagonists of the independence of the judiciary. He was also known for his avowed commitment to maintaining discipline in the judiciary and ensuring that its integrity was not compromised.

“He was very brilliant, articulate, colourful, charismatic and outstanding. He brought finesse into the judiciary and the legal profession. He was an incorruptible judge.”

The governor said he was particularly saddened by the passage of the celebrated jurist because he (Eso) lived most of his adult life in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, adding that he would miss the wise counsel of the retired Supreme Court justice.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State expressed his condolences to Eso’s widow, Mrs. Helen Aina Eso, describing the deceased as one of the most fearless, courageous and incorruptible jurists ever to sit on the Supreme Court bench.

He said Eso had been described as one of the most erudite judges Nigeria has produced and the nation’s closest answer to the famed Lord Denning.

“His mastery and elegant use of the English language elevated the reading of judgements to the level of an experience, and will continue to be a reference point for many generations of lawyers,” Fashola said.

He noted that the death “symbolised the end of an era of unquestionable integrity and intellectual ability, passion for justice and the rule of law and a bold and consistent campaign for a corrupt-free judiciary.”






Source: Punch News

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Jonathan allocates N178bn to agencies proposed for abolition

11:55 PM News No Comments

President Goodluck Jonathan
| credits:

The Federal Government has sustained full budgetary allocations to departments and agencies recommended for merger and abolition in the 2013 fiscal year, suggesting that the proposals of the Oronsaye Committee on a manageable Civil Service might have been dumped.

An examination of the 2013 budget proposals submitted to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan showed that the FG made a provision of at least N178.79bn for government bodies recommended for abolition next year.

Out of the N178.79bn, the government budgeted N122.28m for recurrent expenditure and N56.51bn for capital expenditure.

The Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of FG Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, headed by a former Head of Service, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, was constituted by Jonathan in August 2011 “to cut the waste and high cost of governance in the country.”

The committee, which submitted its report on April 16, 2012 to the President, proposed the abolition of 38 agencies, merger of another 52 and reversion of 14 agencies to departments in the relevant ministries.

In receiving the over 800-page document, Jonathan had given an assurance to Nigerians that a White Paper committee would be set up immediately would be given two months to deliberate on it and come up with a final submission.

However, on April 18, a White Paper Committee headed by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), was set up to review the recommendations of the Oronsaye Committee.

Members of the panel are the Minister of Land and Housing Ms. Ama Pepple, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali; Minister of Labour and Productivity; Chief Emeka Wogu; Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; and Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman.

Others are Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Mrs. A. J. Awosika, BPE Director-General, Emeka Eze, Senior Special Assistant Economic Matters to the President, Dr. Ochi C. Achinivu, and a Permanent Secretary in the General Services Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Mr. Femi Olayisade (who is the secretary).

The committee was given 60 days to submit its recommendations.

Although the Oronsaye Committee proposed the merger of the major anti-graft agencies – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Code of Conduct Bureau – for the Anti-Corruption Tribunal, the agencies got N9.388bn, N4.47bn and N3.01bn respectively in the 2013 budget proposals.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, which is also recommended for scrapping (with a suggested transference of its responsibilities to the Highway Department of the Federal Ministry of Works and the Police), got an allocation of N30.718bn for the 2013 fiscal year.

Similarly, the National Hajj Commission and the Nigerian Christian Board were allocated funds in the 2013 budget proposals in spite of the recommendations of the committee that the two bodies be scrapped.

“Issues of pilgrimage are individual religious affairs, which could be undertaken without government sponsorship,” said the report in recommending the abolition of the two bodies.

While the NHC received N724.46m, its Christian counterpart, the NCPC, got N634m for 2013.

The National Poverty Eradication Programme, the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and the National Directorate of Employment got a vote of N3.34bn, N1.5bn, and N5.4bn respectively.

The Oronsaye panel had recommended a merger of NAPEP, NDE and SMEDAN and their functions transferred to a National Agency for Job Creation and Empowerment.

More curious are allocations to agencies, which are commercial and should generate revenue.

For instance, N3.4bn was budgeted for the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd., which is supposed to concentrate on commercial activities relating to space research and development of the National Space Research Development Agency.

The committee, in its report, had advised the government to, among other things, sell off its shares in NigComSat, and restore all activities relating to space development to NASRDA.

The Abuja Security and Commodities Exchange Commission, which was established to be self-sustaining and income generating, got a total budget of N278m.

The committee had recommended that the commission should be privatised.

Also, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency of Nigeria and the Ministry of Police Affairs, which the committee said should be scrapped, have votes of N34.72bn and N8.5bn respectively.

On Friday, when our correspondent contacted a member of the White Paper Committee, he said that the committee had finished its job several months ago.

However, the member was silent on the specific date the committee concluded its work.

The committee member would also not speak on what was preventing government’s implementation of the report and instead referred our correspondent to the Minister of Justice, Mr. Adoke.

When contacted, the AGF said the report had been submitted. “The report has since been submitted and is awaiting action,” Adoke said in a text message.

Oronsaye, the deputy chairman of the Petroleum Revenue Task Force led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had openly disagreed with the submissions of the panel before Jonathan on Nov. 2, 2012 in Abuja.

The Ribadu panel had discovered widespread irregularities in the oil sector from 2008 to 2011, with the 146-page report detailing the non-payment of $183m in signature bonuses to the FG, among others.




Source: Punch News

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BAKASSI: The case for a fresh suit

11:53 PM Politics No Comments

DISTURBED by the maltreatment, violence and rape of Bakassi people by Cameroonian gendarmes and the failure of Cameroon to observe the Green tree agreement (GTA) Bakassi indigenes, lawmakers and other stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to file a fresh case to recover the Peninsula.

Coming 37days after Nigeria lost Bakassi to Cameroon on account of the International Court of Justice, ICJ, judgment of October 10, 2002, the stakeholders and participants of a National Dialogue on Bakassi organized by Project Nigeria and Citizens’ Advocacy Group at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, recently, said with a fresh avalanche of facts Nigeria could recover the territory or minimize the loss, if the needful was done.

Notable Nigerians at the Dialogue included Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Prof Bola Akinterinwa; Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Rep Nkoyo Toyo, Hon Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, Col Tony Nyiam (rtd), Sir J.O Alabo Eniola, High Chief Nimika James, Dr Emma Doh, Alhaji Shettima Usman Yerima, Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi, Mrs. Ganiyat Fawehinnmi, Mr. Wale Okunniyi Dr Baba Omojola, Sir J.O Alabo Eniola, Comrade Fatmah Abdulkareem, Mr. Debo Adeniran, Hajia Aminat Irawo, Barr Malachi Ugwumadu and Princess Juliet Binitie.

Legal backing for fresh case

Bakassi protesters Photo by Johnbosco Agbakwuru

Consequently, the participants said with new facts available, a legal team should be constituted by the Citizens’ Advocacy Group to explore the option of the “invocation of the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ”…. as contained in Article 36 paragraph 2 of the Statute. (Art 36 para 2), which states inter alia that …. ‘each State which has recognized the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court has in principle the right to bring any one or other State which has accepted the same obligation before the Court by filing an application instituting proceedings with the Court, and, conversely, it has undertaken to appear before the Court should proceedings be instituted against it by one or more such other States. The Declarations Recognizing as Compulsory the Jurisdiction of the Court takes the form of a unilateral act of the State concerned and is deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.)’”

Political solution

At the forum other options discussed include allowing Cameroon to tap the oil resources of Bakassi on the grounds that Nigerians living in the territory would be guaranteed all fundamental and socio-economic rights.

Another approach is for the National Assembly as promised by Senate President David Mark at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Canada, to meet with the Cameroonian parliament and resolve the matter at the IPU level. And if all these fail, Nigeria should support the self-determination efforts of Bakassi and people of Southern Cameroon to become an independent nation.

Prof Akinterinwa, who chaired the parley, said Nigeria needed to take action on the fate of the region because Bakassi has two perspectives: the people and the territory.

He noted that while the ICJ ruling indicates that Cameroon has authority over the people and the territory, Bakassi people say they are of the Efik stock and do not want to be part of Cameroon. They want to remain as Nigerians.

Since they do not want to be detached from their natural environment, which resettlement in Nigeria necessitates, Akinterinwa said with the failure of Cameroon to honour the Green Tree Agreement guaranteeing that the culture of the people should not be tampered with Nigeria has to find a way of protecting her citizens.

Nigeria abandoned us – Bakassi indigenes

Senator Henshaw (PDP, Cross River South), who saluted Senate President David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal for the roles they played on the Bakassi question, flayed the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Bello Adoke (SAN) for allegedly stalling Nigeria’s quest to appeal the ICJ ruling in flagrant disobedience of President Goodluck Jonathan’s order.

Noting that Cameroon had not implemented the GTA as Nigerians living in the Peninsula are being dehumanized, Henshaw said it was sad that no Nigerian official had visited Bakassi independently to see how the people are living.

A festering sore

He lamented that the issue was not over and was deteriorating with serious security implications for Nigeria, he urged the National Assembly to go ahead with the plan to engage the Cameroonian Parliament to resolve the matter at the IPU level. “If it is oil that Cameroon is looking for, give them the oil but leave Bakassi people alone. They can live without the oil because they are fishermen,” he pleaded.

We must tackle the issue at all levels – Toyo

On her part, Rep Nkoyo Toyo (PDP, Calabar/Odukpani Federal Constituency), said the Bakassi matter transcends Nigeria hence actions to address it should be taken at three levels: within Nigeria, in Cameroon and at the international community.

At the level of Nigeria, she said Bakassi people would refuse efforts to demarcate the maritime boundaries between Nigeria and Cameroon until all outstanding issues affecting Bakassi people had been addressed.

Other actions include revisiting the failure of the Green Tree Agreement, which has one more year to run; addressing the losses of Bakassi people arising from ceding the territory, addressing constitutional issues affecting Bakassi since Bakassi is still in the 1999 Constitution; and addressing the issue of resettlement and integration of the people on mainland Bakassi from their own perspective and not by merely assuming that they want a new place to live on.

At the Cameroonian level, Toyo said issues to be dealt with include citizenship of Nigerians on the Peninsula and all their rights accruing to them from the GTA and its warped implementation; working with the People of Southern Cameroon to ascertain the status of Bakassi within their context; and addressing the issue of the union between French and English Cameroon following claims by Southern Cameroon that they had been annexed by French Cameroon and the union has not been consummated.

And at the international level, she suggested among others a revisit of the human rights failures, maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea particularly within Calabar waters, engage the parliaments of both countries as proposed by Senate President Mark as well as working on the issue of self-determination including declaring a special status for Bakassi.

Bakassi indigenes never consulted

According to a communiqué issued after the dialogue, the participants said that given the refusal of the Federal Government to pursue the revision of the ICJ judgment; the people and owners of Bakassi had no choice but to take their advocacy to the wider Nigerian public for help.

They noted the consistent complaint by the people of Bakassi that they were never consulted even at the time of the Anglo-German Treaty of 1913(which was never ratified) and in all subsequent transactions affecting Bakassi including the submission by Nigeria to the jurisdiction of the ICJ and the follow up Green Tree Agreement between presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Paul Biya.

They were of the view that no further action should be taken, which will impact directly or indirectly on the Nigerian people within the Bakassi Peninsula and their returnee elements within the new Bakassi LGA in Nigeria without their direct involvement and/or the participation of their legitimate representatives, who are duly appointed by them.

The participants advised that the vexed issues of resettlement and self-determination for the people of Bakassi Peninsula should be people -based and peoples’ driven and resolved in a manner that aligns the rights of the Bakassi people with the aspirations of other indigenous nationalities within Nigeria and Africa while bringing the injustices arising from the purported ceding of Bakassi to the attention of the appropriate organs of ECOWAS, AU and the UN.

Bakassi still in Nigerian Constitution

Noting that Bakassi is still in the Nigerian Constitution despite being ceded to Cameroon they called on the National Assembly via the on-going constitutional review exercise to address all outstanding matters including the issue of the rights of the people of Bakassi to vote and be voted for in all subsequent elections. They hoped that the constitutional and electoral status of the new Bakassi Local Government would be fully and finally regularized.

The deplored the losses suffered by Bakassi and called on stakeholders within Bakassi to raise a claim which will be forwarded to the organs of ECOWAS, AU and UN in a bid to ensure reparations and/or compensation.

On the increasing maltreatment, violence and rape of the people of Bakassi by Cameroonian gendarmes, they called for increased advocacy on the plight of the people.

“The struggle should not be restricted to the Bakassi People alone but should rather be taken as a broad national issue. In this wise, the attention of the entire country and the whole world should be drawn to the suffering and injustice occasioned by the conduct of the Cameroonian authorities on the people of Bakassi,” they said.

Consequently, the Forum resolved to mobilize all its Nigerian and international allies against any further boundary demarcation around the Bakassi Peninsula by the Nigerian Boundary Commission working in tandem with the Nigeria-Cameroon Mixed Commissions as stakeholders demanded a stay of further action on the demarcation of the remaining territory of Bakassi until various violations of the rights of the Bakassi people as well as the flagrant abuse of the GTA are addressed.

FG’s promise

They said the Attorney General of the Federation should be taken up on his promises as contained in his statement of 8th October, 2012 on the reasons Nigeria was not going to seek revision of the ICJ judgment captured as follows:

‘Government is however concerned about the plight of Nigerians living in the Bakassi Peninsula and the allegations of human rights abuses being perpetrated against Nigerians in the Peninsula and is determined to engage Cameroon within the framework of the existing implementation mechanisms agreed to by Nigeria and Cameroon in order to protect the rights and livelihoods of Nigerians living in the Peninsula.

Nigeria will also not relent in seeking appropriate remedies provided by international law such as the invocation of the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ; Petitioning the United Nations Human Rights Council and good offices of the United Nations Secretary General which has played pivotal role in ensuring the peaceful demarcation and delimitation of the boundary between the two countries and other confidence building measures and calls on the United Nations to continue to provide assistance to the affected populations.

Finally the Federal Government wishes to assure all Nigerians especially the people living in the Bakassi Peninsula of its determination to explore all avenues necessary to protect their interests including but not limited to negotiations aimed at buying back the territory, if feasible, the convening of bilateral meeting of the Heads of State and Government to ensure protection and development of the affected population.’





Source: Vanguard News

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Unemployment: Nigeria sitting on keg of gun-powder

11:47 PM News No Comments

With an estimated 60 million unemployed persons representing nearly one-third of the country’s population, human capacity development is being seriously endangered.

This situation is not only making a mockery of Nigeria’s so-called vision of becoming one of the 20 leading economies in the world by the year 2020, but also threatening national security as obviously the nation seems to be sitting on a keg of gunpowder likely to explode at any time with devastating consequences.

But more astonishing is the recent disclosure by a human resource company, Employment Clinic, that the government spends N960 billion annually on artisans from abroad to work in the country.

President Jonathan and Emeka Nwogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity. while at the the background job seekers scramble for few job opportunities.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian education system is still structured to prepare graduates for employment in an over-saturated labour market in which organisations or establishments in both public and private sectors of the national economy are cutting jobs while the concept of self employment remained a novelty.

Although the tertiary education system is only now trying to embrace entrepreneurial skills development to tackle problem of unemployment among graduates, the nation is still far from the ideal of education for employment, that is knowledge for practical action.

The present realities make this style of going to school in order to be employed after graduation no longer fashionable.

The unemployment situation is worsening with every passing day moreso as thousands of graduates are being churned out from tertiary institutions yearly to besiege those already hopelessly waiting for employment and roaming our streets searching for means of earning a living. For some years now, we have piled graduates upon graduates mortgaging the nation’s future and our children’s future for the greed, avarice and planlessness of our leaders through bad governance.

The enormity of unemployment challenge which has become a colossal one – a socio-economic affliction of great proportions can be illustrated most vividly when out of the 13,000 applications received by the Dangote Group of Companies for Graduate Executive Truck Drivers, there were six Ph.D, 704 Masters and over 8,460 Bachelor degree holders.

Most astonishing was the fact that the company only needed 100 drivers but got 13,000 applications, most of them from reputable universities.

According to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, more than 41% of Nigerian graduates are without employment after the mandatory National Youth Service Corps engagement.

The National Bureau of Statistics said over 50% of youths in Nigeria are jobless, while the World Bank puts the figure at 56%. Considering the country’s estimated population of about 167 million and 60 million jobless, these are grim figures portending danger to economic growth and development of a nation with the largest concentration of black people on earth.

Perhaps worried that the youths are at the receiving end of this unemployment scourge, President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration came up with an initiative of youth entrepreneurship in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communication and Technology, Ministry of Youth development and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development called “The Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN)”.

This will help to generate jobs by encouraging and supporting ambitious and creative enterprising young men and women to develop and implement business ideas for job creation. It is envisaged that over a 3-year period in which the second cycle will be completed in 2013 (September) between 80,000 to 320,000 new jobs will be created at cost of N10 billion.

In addition, the Federal Government said it has given over 1,000 youths who distinguished themselves after screening and training offered them in various vocations a take-off grant of about N1 billion to actualise their aspirations.

There is also Women and Youths Employment project carried out under the subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment programme targeting employment for over 300,000 unskilled youths, women and the disabled each year.

Some experts doubt the sustainability of these initiatives and whether they can be permanent bearing in mind the failure of the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) and the Micro Finance Bank initiative launched in 2005.

Invariably, all these are mere palliatives, only trying to scratch the surface of the unemployment problem.

Government can arrange special stimulus packages to several companies and conglomerates operating in Nigeria from oil to telecom, construction and manufacturing to expand and provide employment to qualified youths. Government should engage in specific projects with the objective of creating jobs.

Areas begging for massive investment include infrastructure like roads, electricity, housing, agriculture, railways, environmental sanitation, bridges, water and refineries. Others are education, health, petrochemicals, mining, excavation, as all these projects have potential to create millions of jobs.

An American scholar puts it succinctly in this way: ”One of the unwritten and unspoken commonplaces lying at the root of modern academic policy is that the various universities are competitors for the traffic of merchantable instruction in much the same fashion as rival establishments in the retail trade compete for customers.”

The school system comprising primary, secondary and tertiary is not providing patriotic, productive, self-actualising, creative thinking individuals, while at the same time, the various regulatory agencies have failed to set standards and to ensure compliance at all times.

President Obama once said that the American youth needs education that will make them possess 21st century skills like problem solving and critical thinking, entrepreneurship and creativity. This is because economic progress and educational achievement have always gone hand in hand.

It was the belief of Professor Julius Ihonvbere while delivering a Foundation Day Lecture of Lead City University, Ibadan, that Nigerian youths need even a higher level of that standard, especially in this internet age.

“Rancid educational and economic policies that pay cursory attention to unemployment, coupled with unyielding and formidable peer pressure, are combined attractions for crime for the present day youth.”

It was noted that the leaders are no longer trusted and the mill of the antisocials enlarges by the day. No wonder we have armed robbers, political thugs, kidnappers, religious/tribal fanatics, drug couriers, yahoo yahoo boys all of them designed to cut corners. And they all passed through one school or the other. Against this background, there is urgent need for massive employment in order to check youth restiveness.

A nation not interested in developing the youth (as is the case of Nigeria), will only be stranded in the earliest forms of pre-industrial and primitive stages of existence.

According to Ihonvbere, it is wicked for present day public office holders to insist that fresh graduates must be self employed without the enabling environment. In civilised world, it is the duty of government to ignite such a revolution in the youth.

None of the big economies which Nigeria aspires to be part, leaves her productive sectors to the vagaries of market forces just like that.

Saturday Vanguard investigation showed most graduates of higher education are still looking for jobs rather than create jobs. Only about one out of one thousand graduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions get employment. The low level of entrepreneurial zeal among graduates of higher education can be attributed as the main reason why they are not starting their own businesses coupled with inability to access loans provided by some banks, especially bank of industry.

“In fact, the major challenge is the take-off capital or seed money required for some of these graduates in moving forward,” declared Engr. B.A. Odufuwa, Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos City Polytechnic in the 5th Convocation address.

Many eminent persons and scholars have also pointed to entrepreneurship education as a bail out from unemployment.

The Vice Chancellor, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Prof Tolu Odugbemi affirmed that one major outstanding feature of the institution is the emphasis on entrepreneurial training and skill development for the students.

“Our students are being trained in over 20 various vocational skills aside from their normal academic pursuit to make them self-reliant, independent and job creators after their graduation,” he told this writer recently. He expressed concern over the teeming number of graduates produced annually by universities without employment opportunities.

Similarly, Covenant University, Ota, runs a Centre for Entrepreneurial Development Studies (CEDS) aimed to develop capacity to nurture the talents and ideas of students to create and sustain businesses and become creators of jobs, not job seekers. Prof. Pat Utomi, at the 4th Convocation Lecture of Redeemer’s University, titled “Entrepreneurship as panacea for unemployment in the 21st century – The Role of the University”, said that entrepreneurship is a fundamental part of our human dignity and it goes beyond passing a course but using what one has learnt and apply the knowledge in what one is primarily engaged in to create value and wealth.

On the other hand, it is believed that federal government’s 2013 budget would not favour job creation needed to tackle unemployment as allocations to infrastructure such as electricity, roads, etc are grossly inadequate.

It was also noted by stakeholders that banks have zero tolerance for risk and this is stifling private sector growth and capacity of entrepreneurs to create jobs.

Lack of skills has been identified as the reason many of our graduates are unemployable in the first place.

According to a human capital development expert, Mr. Williams Ibiyinka, there is a clear difference between acquiring university education and acquiring skills.

Human capital or skill development is another strategy to reduce unemployment in this country. A lot of stakeholders want efforts to be intensified to ensure that youths are productively engaged and government provides necessary infrastructure to establish small and medium enterprises so as to reduce unemployment.

Again poverty level seemed to have risen, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The Statistician-General of Nigeria, Dr. Yemi Kale was reported in the press as saying:

“It remains a paradox that despite the fact that the Nigerian economy is growing, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty is increasing every year. This trend may have increased further if the potential positive impacts of several anti-poverty and employment generation intervention programmes are not taken into account.”

If the federal government is sincere with promises being made to provide millions of job for the unemployed, then the nation should be seeing signs towards that direction. “But what we have are mere slogans without concrete actions to show as the unemployment situation worsened.

I left school since 2006, till today nothing to do. I don’t have sufficient capital to go into productive business,” laments Mr. Tuoyo Paul, an accounting graduate of University of Benin.

Another engineering graduate of University of Ibadan who has spent the past five years going about looking for employment (names not disclosed) said the situation is highly frustrating and embarrasing.

“Most employers give conditions like obtaining second class upper, not above 25 years and some years of experience. It’s just too bad.”

The construction sector, agriculture, environment, housing, can throw up thousands of jobs for youths if government can harness the potentials for national development.

“But government has left these options open to foreigners to exploit at the expense of our teeming young population seriously trapped by unemployment,” said Rotimi Funsho, an economist.






Source: Vanguard News

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Another fuel hike ‘ll collapse your govt, NLC warns Jonathan

11:45 PM News No Comments

NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday advised President Goodluck Jonathan against further increases in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, warning that such increases would collapse the government.

Reacting to President Jonathan’s claim that only the removal of fuel subsidy will allow for domestic refining of fuel, NLC in a statement by its President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, noted that President Jonathan’s claim was not only highly disturbing, but dishonest to Nigerians.

The statement contended that the January protests would seem a child’s play compared to what might follow any attempt to deregulate the downstream sector of the oil industry, which in government language meant increases in pump price of fuel.

According to the statement, “With the wave of revelations regarding monumental corruption in the Petroleum industry it will be unimaginable to contemplate any other thing than focusing on ridding the industry of the endemic corruption that has become so pervasive in the industry. Nigerians would love to see President Goodluck Jonathan dissipate energy on fighting corruption in the industry as he promised Nigerians. All those so far indicted in corrupt practices in the Fuel Subsidy scam have not yet been prosecuted. More revelations on corruption keep coming out by the day. The argument proffered that domestic refining of Petroleum products is only possible under private operators cannot be defended. Our refineries were built and operated successfully as fully public owned enterprises in the past until the industry was massively inflicted with corruption and home for corrupt government officials and their cronies, the refineries functioned well.”

“Today, the problem with the petroleum industry is largely lack of decency and political will on the part of the government to deal with those who have already been identified as having corruptly enriched themselves with funds meant for the industry. We believe Mr. President is not being honest with Nigerians about the real problems of the industry. The same President who set up several committees to identify the crisis in the industry and who have been given detailed reports by the committees cannot validly say he is still helpless. Some of the committees, including those set up by the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee led by Hon. Farouk Lawal identified not just the problems of the industry but specifically named individuals and companies who have diverted subsidies meant for the industry to private use. Majority of them are political associates of those in power. Indeed, the President has been seen severally hobnobbing in public with some of the key persons indicted by the reports.”

Continuing NLC said “In a decent society, all those who have been indicted by all the reports would have been facing accelerated prosecution or serving severe jail terms for committing economic crimes injurious to public interest. As at this moment, N1.7 trillion meant to subsidize the industry has been diverted by identified private individuals and companies and the government is not in any hurry to prosecute the alleged thieves. We can’t therefore understand why the President is in so much haste to inflict deeper poverty on Nigerians.’’

When government kept silent over the prevailing scarcity of petroleum products in the country, we alerted Nigerians that it was clear the government was testing grounds for further increases in fuel prices and we wish to reiterate our resolute rejection of such attempts.”

“No responsible government will allow private interests to hold her hostage against the collective interests of the people. It is becoming apparent that those in power seem more inclined serving individual interests than protecting our collective treasures. And we will massively mobilize Nigerians against his new anti people plans.

While the Department of Petroleum Resources of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum has the responsibility to ensure consumers are not shortchanged by marketers, the DPR, security and other government agencies watch helplessly as marketers sell far above the official rates.

They are even bold enough to display the unilaterally fixed new prices in their pump meters. These cannot be reigning under a serious government.”

“The crisis that will welcome any announcement of further withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products will be so monumental and so far reaching than envisaged by anyone.

The January protests would seem a child’s play compared to what might follow any attempt to deregulate the downstream sector of the oil industry.

This government has more than enough reports and details to commence a honest process of punishing those in illegal possession of our collective wealth rather than inflict more pains on Nigerians, while industries and virtually all public infrastructures have collapsed.”






Source: Vanguard News

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I’m inspired by beautiful fabrics – Josenta

11:43 PM Fashion/Lifestyle No Comments

Josenta Ogbhemhe is the CEO of Jojo Bernard’s Couture, a budding fashion outfit in Benin-City, Edo State, that specialises in creating customised clothing. A graduate of Computer Science who says designing has always been her first love, Josenta is fervently working towards becoming one of Nigeria’s biggest designers. In this interview with FEYI BANKOLE, she recalls her childhood love for designing and lets us into her life as a young designer.

Why delve into fashion when you’ve got a B.Sc in Computer Science?

Fashion has always been my first love. As a child, I loved to sew and mend clothes, and Home Economics was one of my best subjects. I could remember I even once told my dad in the presence of his friends that I wanted to be a designer. He wasn’t quite happy, anyway. For me, I will say I was born a designer.

I’ve always been very handy and could make baby clothes, draw and even fix up things in the house at a very young age. So, after my service year, to perfect my skills, I went for a year training in designing, and then started my own fashion line. To God’s glory, Josenta Bernard’s Couture is actually improving and growing more than anticipated.

*Josenta

What inspires your designs?

I’m inspired by beautiful fabrics. When I see a fabric, from the texture and look, I could draw up ideas in my head, sketch them out on paper, make amendments if necessary, and a new design arrives! I have passion for fashion, and I make customized clothing for both men and women. I work with all kinds of fabrics.

You look very much like a model; have you ever been into modeling?

Yes, I am a facial model. I have graced the front pages of two magazines and also contested for several facial pageants; only made it to the semi-finals but never won, anyway. I’m however still hoping that one day I’ll be one of those faces on Delta soap’s billboard (laughs).

What’s your opinion on the Nigerian fashion industry?

The industry has really improved. Some ten years back, nobody had anticipated it would grow this big. I’m sure many others would have gone into the industry if they could see into its future. You know, there was always this fear of not disappointing one’s parents by going to a fashion school, or even dropping a first degree and venturing into fashion. Today everything has changed, and parents now encourage their children to go into the industry.

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Is the industry providing a level playground for budding designers like you?

It is helping, but still needs to do more by conducting fashion seminars, inviting young designers for fashion shows and events, and enlightening young designers more about the industry. This could be an inspiration for some of us who might be on the verge of giving up on the industry due to some kind of challenge. It could help us stay focus and aim higher!

What are your aspirations for ?

My designs are known for their beauty, perfection and elegance, so, I hope to see Josenta Bernard’s Couture become a household name in Nigeria and across the world someday.

So, what’s your definition of style?

For me, style is looking good but not over-doing everything. Simplicity is the best; it stands you out always, and that’s what my designs stand for- simplicity and comfortability.

What fashion item would you invest so much in?

My dresses and my shoes definitely! I’m crazy about these two. I can actually spend my last kobo to own a nice pair of shoes and a gorgeous dress!

Who are your role models?

All Nigerian are wonderful and gifted, but my best designers are Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi and Lisa Folawiyo. I like them because their designs are exquisite and beautiful. They are my role models.

Source: Vanguard News

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Jose Mujica: The world’s ‘poorest’ president • Donates 90% salary to poor • Shuns presidential mansion • Rides 1987 Volkswagen

10:00 AM News No Comments

President Jose Mujica
| credits:

It’s a common grumble that politicians’ lifestyles are far removed from those of their electorate. Not so in Uruguay. Meet the president – who lives on a ramshackle farm and gives away most of his pay.

Laundry is strung outside the house. The water comes from a well in a yard, overgrown with weeds. Only two police officers and Manuela, a three-legged dog, keep watch outside.

This is the residence of the president of Uruguay, Jose Mujica, whose lifestyle clearly differs sharply from that of most other world leaders.

President Mujica has shunned the luxurious house that the Uruguayan state provides for its leaders and opted to stay at his wife’s farmhouse, off a dirt road outside the capital, Montevideo.

The president and his wife work the land themselves, growing flowers.

This austere lifestyle – and the fact that Mujica donates about 90% of his monthly salary, equivalent to $12,000 (£7,500), to charity – has led him to be labelled the poorest president in the world.

“I may appear to be an eccentric old man … But this is a free choice.”

“I’ve lived like this most of my life,” he says, sitting on an old chair in his garden, using a cushion favoured by Manuela the dog.

“I can live well with what I have.”

His charitable donations – which benefit poor people and small entrepreneurs – mean his salary is roughly in line with the average Uruguayan income of $775 (£485) a month.

All the president’s wealth is a 1987 VW Beetle.

In 2010, his annual personal wealth declaration – mandatory for officials in Uruguay – was $1,800 (£1,100), the value of his 1987 Volkswagen Beetle.

This year, he added half of his wife’s assets – land, tractors and a house – reaching $215,000 (£135,000).

That’s still only about two-thirds of Vice-President Danilo Astori’s declared wealth, and a third of the figure declared by Mujica’s predecessor as president, Tabare Vasquez.

Elected in 2009, Mujica spent the 1960s and 1970s as part of the Uruguayan guerrilla Tupamaros, a leftist armed group inspired by the Cuban revolution.

He was shot six times and spent 14 years in jail. Most of his detention was spent in harsh conditions and isolation, until he was freed in 1985 when Uruguay returned to democracy.

Those years in jail, Mujica says, helped shape his outlook on life.

“I’m called ‘the poorest president’, but I don’t feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more,” he says.

“This is a matter of freedom. If you don’t have many possessions then you don’t need to work all your life like a slave to sustain them, and therefore you have more time for yourself,” he says.

“I may appear to be an eccentric old man. But this is a free choice.”

The Uruguayan leader made a similar point when he addressed the Rio+20 summit in June this year: “We’ve been talking all afternoon about sustainable development. To get the masses out of poverty.

“But what are we thinking? Do we want the model of development and consumption of the rich countries? I ask you now: what would happen to this planet if Indians would have the same proportion of cars per household than Germans? How much oxygen would we have left?

“Does this planet have enough resources so seven or eight billion can have the same level of consumption and waste that today is seen in rich societies? It is this level of hyper-consumption that is harming our planet.”







Source - Punch News

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Anxiety Heightens Over First Lady’s Health: Presidency goes spiritual, seeks special prayers

1:32 AM News No Comments

Nigeria's First Lady - Dame Patience Jonathan

Perturbed by the continued absence of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, from the country as a result of ill-heath, the Presidency has resorted to prayers to quicken her recovery and return to the country.

Dame Jonathan, a serving Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa, her home state, was reportedly flown to a German specialist hospital two weeks ago for an undisclosed medical treatment.

But the Presidency has kept mum over her health condition and whereabouts.

When the media broke the sudden disappearance of Mrs. Jonathan from the country, the Presidency was forced to admit that 'she went to take a rest' but neither disclosed the country where she was observing the rest nor when she was expected back at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

While a section of the media speculated that she went for an operation, others claimed she was admitted for food poisoning treatment.

But Sunday Vanguard learnt yesterday that the condition of Dame Jonathan, who was reported to be recuperating and expected back in the country since last week, was still causing some concerns to her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, and her handlers.

It was gathered that the Presidency had asked close associates and friends of the First Lady to continue to render unceasing intercessory prayers for the woman to recover from her ailment.

A source close to the Presidency confirmed that the daily morning devotion, which Jonathan and her wife usually attend at the Villa, is being used to offer special prayers for the First Lady.

The source said, "The President, as you know, is a very devoted person who has been praying for the wife and those of us who are close to them do not stop to pray for her as well.

"Yesterday (Friday), a special prayer session was conducted for her and we know that God Almighty has already healed her of whatever is afflicting her and that she will soon join us as she used to do every morning."

There were speculations, last night, that the woman would soon be back in the country but none of the presidential spokespersons was willing to talk on the issue.

Calls put to Dr. Reuben Abati, the Presidential Media Adviser and Dr. Doyin Okupe, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, were not responded to.

While an online news portal has maintained that she underwent a surgery in Germany, others speculate that she had food poisoning and had been admitted in Italy.

Despite the claims and counter-claims over Dame Jonathan's condition, her spokesman, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, has insisted that the President's wife traveled out of the country to take a "moment's rest."

ACN to the Presidency: ‘Speak out on First Lady’s health’

Meanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)has challenged the Federal Government to tell Nigerians the truth about the illness of the First Lady, saying the people deserved to know.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ACN ,Alhaji Lai Mohammed, threw the challenge yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State at a welcome reception for former members of the PDP, ACPN and Accord Party who defected to the ACN.

He posited that Nigerians deserved to know the exact situation of the First Lady’s health status.

The ruling PDP, Mohammed insisted, has never been truthful to Nigerians on any national issue ,citing the "many lies the PDP government churned out to Nigerians on the illness of the late President Umaru Yar'Adua".

The ACN spokesman, who also pointed out that the PDP Federal Government government has no solution to the nation's problems, accused the government of lacking the capability to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

Mohammed said the PDP-led government's ineptitude has resulted in the alarming rate of youth unemployment, epileptic power supply and general infrastructural decay.







Source: http://odili.net/news/source/2012/sep/16/306.html

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Oba of Benin pays royal visit to Oshiomhole

1:24 AM News No Comments

BENIN-IN a rare show of public appearance and support, the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday, paid a visit to the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at Government House, Benin City.

The Oba, who is rarely seen in public, arrived Government House in the company of some senior palace chiefs and Enogies and urged the governor to keep up with his good work.

The royal father said: "I came to congratulate you on your swearing-in. I watched it on television and it was very impressive. You have done well. Keep the flag flying".

Aligning himself with prayers offered, His Royal Majesty noted: "My chief broke kola and said, may God continue to enrich the treasury with the wherewithal to do what you are doing. Please finish the projects. Thank you very much.

"My brother traditional rulers are waiting for you to continue work in their domains."

The Oba praised the governor for speaking ex-tempore at his inauguration, saying, "you are a wonderful man."

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole expressed deep gratitude to the Oba for his support and prayers.

He said: "I am deeply indebted to your Majesty.Your Majesty has been a father to me and to all of us in Edo State.

"My own biological father would not have done better for me than what you have done."

Outlining his vision for the second term, the governor noted: "I am determined to do more than what I did in the first term. We have overcome our learning curve."

Oshiomhole listed the next phase of work to include aggressively reclaiming the moat and sustaining the work on the Benin Masterplan, adding that over the next two years, it would be completed.

He explained: "Your Majesty, we would restore the beauty of this great city. This is the capital of this kingdom, this is the capital of Edo State. I am indebted to the Bini for accepting me as a son and a brother. By their votes they spoke very loud and clear".










Source: http://odili.net/news/source/2012/nov/16/308.html

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Adams Oshiomhole names new aides

1:23 AM Politics No Comments

EDO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has made key appointments into his cabinet.

Prof. Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere is the new the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and replaces Dr. Simon Imuekemhe.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Patrick Obahiagbon, is the new Chief of Staff, replacing Mr. Osarodion Ogie. Mr. Stephen Idehenre, the new Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor's Office, succeeds Mr. John Odigie Ejale.

Mr. Yakubu Aliyu is the governor's new Principal Private Secretary.

Mr. Godwin Obaseki remains chairman of the Economic Team, while the former Chief of Staff, Mr. Osarodion Ogie, is vice chairman of the Economic Team.

Princess Theresa Erediauwa retains her position as the focal person and Executive Director, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Mr. Peter Okhiria also retains his position as Chief Press Secretary.

Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, has in a statement by its Head (Worldwide), Mr. Bemigho Eyeoyibo, congratulated Oshiomhole on his "well-deserved re-election" and commended him on the new cabinet appointments, saying: "Ihonvbere and the others are competent professionals with integrity."






Source: http://odili.net/news/source/2012/nov/15/15.html

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Oil wells saga: Why Presidency is angry with Amaechi

1:22 AM News, Politics No Comments

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, must have ignorantly incurred the wrath of the Presidency, following his insistence that Soku/Oluasiri oil wells should not be taken away from him and given to neighbouring Bayelsa State.

Rivers and Bayelsa states, which constitute President Goodluck Jonathan's home front, are embroiled in a bitter feud over the ownership of the oil wells.

Protesters, including top traditional and political leaders from the two states have taken turns to vent their anger over any attempt by the other state to claim further revenue from the disputed wells.

But in a swift move to prevent the two sister states from fighting over the oil wells, President Jonathan has held several meetings with the two sides and asked them to sheath their sword.

However, while the rapprochement is ongoing, the Presidency is said to be angry with Amaechi for allegedly being 'confrontational' over the oil well saga.

Although Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governors' Forum, has not directly confronted any presidential officials over the matter, it was learnt that the Presidency suspects that he is being used by some Northern elements to work against the establishment.

According to one competent source, the impression in the Villa is that Amaechi is working towards becoming a vice president to a northern presidential aspirant and has not given due respect to 'constituted authorities'.

Specifically, the action of the governor is seen as an affront on the powers that be and unbecoming of a man who should rally round the President at all times because of his affinity to the President.

The government is said to have been miffed by the governor's silence on the amount of oil revenue the Presidency has so far ordered the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to refund to Rivers State based on unmerited claims by other states over time.










Source: http://odili.net/news/source/2012/nov/15/323.html

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Jonathan more concerned with fixing Nigeria than politics – Okupe

12:37 AM Politics No Comments

Dr. Doyin Okupe is a familiar face in the Presidency, having worked as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo before being tapped by PresidentGoodluck Jonathan early this year to handle some very critical and image-related issues for him and the administration.

Although his appointment was greeted with opposition particularly from his South-West home base, he has so far deftly managed to overcome the initial furore and given President Goodluck Jonathan some image mileage and put the opposition on their toes.

Okupe has stoutly defended his boss and the seat of power, insisting that Nigerians are yet to see the best of Mr. President, given the numerous projects and programmes he claims are yet to mature.

In this interview, he speaks passionately about what Mr. President is doing to move Nigeria forward and why Nigerians should have faith in his transformation agenda. Okupe says Jonathan is more concerned with fixing Nigeria than thinking about 2015, which he says will be determined by God and Nigerians. Excerpts:

You have claimed that President Jonathan would emerge as the most loved Nigerian President at the end of his tenure. Given the problems on ground how could this happen?

The President himself has said that in public and private. Look, let me tell you that as an insider I also know what he has been doing since he took over as President of Nigeria. I am very certain in my mind that Nigerians are going to applaud him and even if he does not want to run for election, Nigerians are going to force him to run again because of the level of performance.

I am also aware of what he is doing with infrastructure and roads. I have confidence that he is going to achieve success. It is also becoming obvious that with the passage of time, the issues of insecurity will also be brought under control. He will succeed in that direction too. The economy is also being prudently managed by the best set of people that Africa can put together. And indices are already coming out in our favour. Various international agencies and fora are commending Nigeria for its transformation agenda and management of its economy. When the economy is put right and power and infrastructure are in place, I am certain, Nigerians will come to appreciate the extent of work that this man has been doing silently since he came on board.

Okupe: Mind my roar

Do you think that President Jonathan can achieve all these within the lifespan of his first term?

Let me tell you, the President is not a showman, not a theatrical man, who wants to play to the gallery. This president does not talk but acts. This president I know. I hope I am not overstepping my bounds. Jonathan has given himself a deadline of 2013-2014 to deliver. I am sure most of these things would be done and Nigerians would come to see the level of his seriousness and sincerity.

Is that why he signed Performance contract with ministers?

Of course, the contract is to keep every minister on their toes and to enable the President to judge them objectively. If he asks anyone to go, it does two things: it makes people who are serious-minded to sit down and get their jobs done and also convinces those who are not doing well to know why they should not complain if they are shoved aside.

Nigerians are not convinced about the sincerity of this government to tackle graft. Do you believe the government is serious about the issue?

Nigerians are just generally frustrated and fed up with government because of past failures. Nigerians have become very cynical and skeptical about government because of past failures. But I want Nigerians not to judge Jonathan by the failures of the past.

This is a sincere person untainted by the politics of the past and an innocent politician not deeply entrenched in the principalities that have ruled us. Nigerians must be careful in criticizing him. There is no justification to chastise this administration where the issue of corruption is concerned. It was this government that started the subsidy probe before it was taken over by the National Assembly.

They may not take him serious about fighting corruption because he declared that he did not give a damn when he was asked to publicly declare his assets.

No, that is not what he meant. It was taken by people totally out of context. He meant that he had declared his assets before and that there was no need to make him to do the same all over again. He meant that he had complied with the provisions of the law. That was the literary meaning of what the President said.

Are you happy doing this work for Mr. President given the spate of direct and indirect attacks and criticisms leveled against you by many Nigerians?

You know what? I was not forced to take up this job. Even before I took up this job I was acting outside government in a similar capacity. So it is something that I have decided to do as a choice and I am an experienced person and I am not doing this thing for popularity.

I am doing the job because I have a deep conviction about Goodluck Jonathan and since I came in, the conviction has even more than tripled because I have seen the amount of work, commitment and the fairness of mind by him to do well for the country. This president from what I have seen does not have the capacity to do evil.

I have never seen that from a political leader. He has no capacity to do evil. None! Even under provocation, he just lets it go and faces what he has to do. And it is amazing and that encourages us to follow him all the way. I believe in a leader ruling with the fear of God and I have found in this man a man that fears God. And that is why he is going to overcome all opposition in the land.

Are you therefore convinced he will win the 2015 Presidential election, if he decides to run given that he had promised to do only one term?

I am not aware of when he said he would run for only one term. Only God and the people of Nigeria will decide what will happen in 2015. But I think what is uppermost in the President’s mind is to solve the basic needs of Nigerians by improving power, infrastructure, roads and check insecurity in the land.

When he achieves all these, Nigerians will decide what to do with him. In fact, when we get to the bridge we will learn how to cross it. That is what I can say about 2015 for now.








Source - Vanguard News

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CBN lambasts telecom operators over poor services

12:32 AM News No Comments

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, lambasted telecommunication operators in the country over poor services, saying there was need for them to invest more in their facilities given the huge money they earned from Nigerians.He also criticized the use of dollar as a second national currency for the country.

The apex bank also advocated the need for banks to establish consumer protection units as part of measures to address some of the challenges of its cashless initiative.

The CBN called on banks to lend to the real and agric sectors of the economy, while allowing the capital market to play its role of providing long term funds, saying there was a mismatch of funding in the Nigerian financial system. According to the bank, this does not augur well for the growth and development of the economy.

CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Governor of CBN, Lamido Sanusi, who stated this at the 2012 forum of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) in Lagos, said: “ If I was the regulator of the telecom industry I would not renew the licenses of telecommunication operators because of their poor services until they were able to invest more on their facilities. These operators are making much money from Nigerians and are giving us poor services. It should not be allowed to continue in this way. There should be condition of guarantees in terms of their services if their licenses should be renewed.”

Commenting on the use of dollar as second national currency for Nigeria, he said, “It is very bad and improper for Nigerians to use dollar as second national currency.”







Source - Vanguard News

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Archive: Justice Eso’s last interview: ‘Why plea bargain breeds corruption’

12:31 AM News No Comments

This interview was first published October 23, 2011.

* Says woe unto corrupt judges
*’True federal system, the way forward’

Justice Kayode Eso needs no introduction. For a man whose career as a legal mind spanned about four decades with meritorious alacrity, this former Justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court will never change.
With what some have described as a caustic tongue, especially when delivering judgments, at 86, retired Justice Eso did not disappoint Sunday Vanguard in this interview.
Sharp-minded, morally upright, Eso is your quintessential legal mind per excellence.
Recently honoured during the Hallmarks of Labour Awards, Eso says “I felt happy and fulfilled when I received the letter telling me about the award. And I thought that all my labour has not been in vain. That whatever, I have been doing in the judiciary has not been in vain. That is the way I felt”.
But on the many ills confronting the Nigerian nation, the erudite justice lamented the sorry state of the judiciary, expressed angst at the concept of PLEA BARGAIN, felt insulted by the conciliatory approach of the federal government on the Boko Haram issue and concludes by saying that if Nigerians wants to make progress as a nation, true federalism is the way forward. He insists that the attempt to amend the Nigerian constitution would end up as a fools errand because it would not address the real issues.

Excerpts:

When you were still in active service in the judiciary, people applauded you for standing against corruption. But today, it seems the system has changed and what you hear today is that the judiciary is very corrupt. How do you feel when you hear this knowing your hard stance against corruption?

When I was in the judiciary, I stood up against corruption; and when I left the judiciary, I still stand against corruption.

So till now, I still stand against corruption.

I am not happy to have a corrupt bench. It is a deadly thing.

You see, the judiciary is the only hope of those who do not have money to push their ways around. Judiciary is the yardstick of the situation in the country.

Even investors look at the judiciary of a nation before taking their money to that nation. If an investor believes he cannot get justice in a country, he would not invest.

In any event, it is an honour for anybody to be appointed a judge.

If you are appointed a judge, you should not corrupt that system at all. It is woe unto anybody to corrupt the course of justice. I do hope that we will find a way to stamp it out.

Justice Kayode Eso

As an experienced judge, what do you think we can do to get out of a corrupt judicial system?


Well, let me say at this stage that the present Chief Justice of the country has identified the issue of corruption as one of the things he must deal with.

He intends to set up a committee to look into the issue. (He has already done that). The committee will be meeting very soon. I believe, this week. I happen to be a member of that committee therefore, I cannot talk more about it. I won’t, I won’t say anything that would prejudice the noble attempt of the present honourable Chief Justice of the country.

First of all he wants us to advise him on how to tackle corruption on the bench and to find a way of stamping it out. I’m ready to support him on that.

What is the most interesting case that you ever tried and which one was the most difficult sir?

No case is difficult at all once it is in pursuit of justice.

That is the truth about it.

In justice, one case is as good as the other.

I cannot really think of anyone that gave me a kick after. The only one I can say gave me a kick is the case of Awolowo versus Shagari.

I stood firmly to say that you cannot break up a state to have a unit of that state and that when you have 19 states and you are looking for the two-thirds of that, you cannot really get the two_third of that state.

Please explain what you mean?

It is simple: How do you get the two-thirds of a state? I thought it was silly for anybody to conjecture that. How it gave me a kick was that as soon as I delivered the judgment, which, of course, was in the minority, the constitution was amended.

After the amendment, how did that feel – vindicated, satisfied?

That gave satisfaction.

It is the opinion of the public that it is because the allocation of the judiciary comes from the executive that is the judiciary cannot be completely independent. What is your opinion on this?

The judiciary should not only be independent but it should also be economically be independent of the executive. It should not rely on the executive for money to flow through the system. No. it is not good enough. When you have the admixture of the judiciary with the executive, you are only putting the judiciary as an appendage of the executive, that cannot be right.

Ordinary Nigerians today see Justice Salami as a victim of the clique of people who are bent on destroying the judiciary?

On the Justice Salami case, it is in court. I’m a disciplined judicial officer, though retired. When a case is subjudice, it is not right to comment on that case. What I would say is that the matter would still have to be determined by a court, so I would rather not air my view, though I have my own view. I cannot state my view because it would still be determined by a court. So, let us wait for the determination of the court.

Penultimate week some ex-governors were arrested by the EFCC for alleged stealing of N101 billion. If just three persons could allegedly take as much from the state resources, what is then left for other ordinary Nigerian to spend?

It is still an allegation and I, as a judge, I always like to listen to the other side.

Let us see what their defence is.

The allegation is that they have looted the nation to the tune of N101 billion.

If it is correct, they should be punished. The problem with Nigeria is about the type of punishment meted out.
This notion of coming out and talking about plea bargain is something else.

They bargain with the judge, bargain with the accused person, he returns half of the money, and then they give him some hairy-fairy punishment – go and serve three months in prison and the three months, will, of course, be in the hospital.

This is an encouragement for other governors to steal when they come into office. There is no plea bargain in our law.

The importation is wrong. To me, it is corruption to bring plea bargain into the law of Nigeria. Look at the issue of Igbinedion in Edo State who was alleged to have stolen billions and billions of naira. They said they had this system of plea bargain.

They asked him to plea bargain, there and then he was fined three million naira which, he picked out of his purse and paid there.

It sent a notion that it had been pre_arranged that it would not be more than three million. Now, after that they started to gloat and shed crocodile tears and said the punishment was not adequate.

Of course, the punishment can never be adequate when they import this issue of plea bargain.

But, let us say the issue of plea bargain was not introduced and he was punished as he deserved, others would learn.

Years back, I was saddled with the case of Oba Akran and Ademiluyi – Oba Akran was the Oba in Badagry, and Ademiluyi was the chairman of the biggest corporation in the country, they were alleged to have stolen 500 pounds.

They appeared before me and I gave them seven years after I had found them guilty. They wrote to the Supreme Court because there was no Court of Appeal then, their appeal was dismissed. That was justice not this way of palliating people, rubbing them with oil in the name of plea bargain.

Plea bargain is actually not our law.

And they come around and say it is done in other countries, Nigeria is not any other country. Nigeria is Nigeria not just any other country. In other countries, it may be right for them to have plea bargain. We never had plea bargain.

It is corruption for anybody who imports plea bargain into our law.

Looking at the damage and backwardness this issue of corruption has brought to this country, would you subscribe to capital punishment for those who plunder the resources of this country like it is done in Asian countries where they kill them?

No, I do not believe in capital punishment.

It is better to punish somebody and make the person live to get the pains of that punishment.

For instance, somebody who has stolen billions of naira, let them give him proper punishment and let him forfeit all his property.

Let him live in penury and let him see the difference between his stolen affluence and what actually he should be.

Is our constitution just a book given to us by the military or a book we are just living with?

The 1999 constitution lied about itself when it says we Nigerians. We Nigerians never did it but soldiers and half-baked lawyers among them sat down and wrote the constitution for us.

1999 constitution is not a constitution of this country, we should have a real constitution of this country. When you start to patch the constitution like we are patching now, we can never be there. Why are we shying away from a Constituent Assembly.

Things should not be done half way. Go all the hog.

Boko Haram has caused deaths of thousands of Nigerians. Some people are calling for dialogue with this sect. Even, government is considering amnesty for them. Do you support amnesty programme for this deadly and violent sect?

You dialogue with people you know.

Do they know who Boko Haram people are? If they know, they should arrest them. Give them amnesty for what. People are killing and you want to give them amnesty even without trying them. I do not believe in what is going on at all. These people are a menace not only to this country but to the whole world. They have given the picture of Nigeria as a failed nation that cannot even deal with security within its borders. If we have that system, we are only creating problem for ourselves and our children because once the investors believe that there is no security, they would not come with their money. And if we don’t have investors in this country, we cannot exist. Coming round and say we want to dialogue with them, dialogue with who?

Some people say let us give Boko Haram amnesty and Boko Haram say, no we don’t want amnesty. What are they saying?

In other words, they are challenging the government. Do we have a parallel government of Boko Haram?
Why don’t we arrest them? Why don’t we deal with them? Who are they? Why are they being palliated? These are the issues we should find out. Who is Boko Haram or who are Boko Haram? Who are behind them?

They went to the UN building and destroyed it, killed people. UN would not be happy with that at all and I believe they are removing their stand in Nigeria and taking it to Senegal. If that is the case, then we are a big loser in this country.

It is a failure if we don’t stamp out Boko Haram in a correct way.
The correct way is to arrest them and take them to court. It is laughable that we are giving amnesty to those who are killing us.

I don’t understand what is going on. May be it is because I’m not a politician. May be they would understand.

The political situation in the country is funny; what’s your take on that?

Things seem to be stagnant in terms of the economy.

In terms of politics, I’m not a politician, but as an observer, my candid opinion is, wait and see.

The president has just mounted the throne. Let us see, let us give chance to see how he is going to do it. The state of the nation is muddled. Let us see how he intends to pull the nation out of the muddle. That is all I can say. There is no doubt that we got it wrong, but we have a president there now. Let us give him time. Let us not judge him. I do not want to judge him before he performs. And I’m prepared to give him some time.

What is your opinion on federalism? At 86, you have seen it all, especially when compared to fiscal federalism as practised during the First Republic?

To me, we are not practising federalism in this country at all and this is what we should practise.

The west was governed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo for the federal system status. There was no question of being unitary which is what we are patching up now and calling it federal system. This country will only succeed if we practise true federalism.

The way we are being ruled, the states go cap in hand begging the Federal Government for money to develop the state and majority of those states stay poor – and in some instances, the President gets to blackmail some state governors?

It is because we are not practicing federalism at all. The states should not go cap in hand to the Federal Government. If we have true federal system, there should be enough for all the states to spend. The issue that would be decided by the FG would be so minimal.
Some people suggested that we should go back to the regional system that we practised before? I would advocate six provincial system.

That would be better because if you have federal system and you have 36 states, that would be very difficult. Already, we have six geo-political zones; have each zone as a federal unit. Then, we can have a true federal system and until we do that, we are just deceiving ourselves.

How do you feel about the award you are being conferred with?

I felt happy and fulfilled when I received the letter telling me about the award. And I thought that all my labour has not been in vain. That whatever, I have been doing in the judiciary has not been in vain. That is the way I felt.

Sir, people still wonder that at 86, you still look agile and sound. What is the secret?

It is God. Nothing else but God and discipline!




Source - Vanguard News

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