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Let us talk at the confab

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Let us talk at the confab

By Eze Onyekpere

Nigerians, over the years, have clamoured for a national conference. During the military era, the agitation was for a sovereign national conference. After the return to civil rule in 1999, the widespread agitation did not go away but abated a bit. The continuation of the agitation was based on the fact that the 1999 Constitution lied about its origin because the Nigerian people did not give themselves a constitution. Rather, the military by the fiat of a decree imposed a constitution on the people. It is a fundamental aphorism that you cannot give what you do not have. Thus, since the soldiers of fortune did not have the consent of Nigerians to craft a constitution, the output and outcome have been this charade going on in Nigeria in the name of governance. Although some advocates continued with the call for a sovereign national conference, the popular agitation however got watered down to a conference without the word “sovereign”. By the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly claims the right to make laws, amend and alter the constitution and felt it could not give away the sovereign legislative power to any other body of persons. But the truth is that when a structure is built on quick sand, founded on a lie or a misrepresentation of facts, it is bound to run into troubled waters. Such a structure will eventually collapse.

Events in the last few days following President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to set up a committee to advise on the structure, modalities and legal framework of a national conference seem interesting. The committee is to consult widely with stakeholders, devise a timeframe, make recommendations on representation, etc. Initially, the President was opposed to the idea of a dialogue and David Mark’s leadership of the National Assembly opposed any form of national dialogue which he saw as an affront on legislative  powers. The Senate President had earlier hinted on the need for dialogue during the visit of the splinter Peoples Democratic Party to his office. Whatever may have induced this change of mind in the Presidency and the legislature is welcome and should set the tone for frank, honest and constructive dialogue among Nigerians.

But the challenge is that there are disparate voices opposing the President’s decision to convene a conference; voices that dismiss the idea as a distraction and a waste of time. There are even some self styled progressives and activists opposing the idea before the details have been drawn up by the committee and accepted or rejected by the presidency and the National Assembly. In a democracy, everyone is entitled to their opinion but the voice of the majority should always carry the day. There are so many national questions swept under the carpet which cannot be resolved by mere cosmetic constitutional amendments.  However, the more the sweepers think they have buried the issues, the more the issues resurface. Any pretensions that all is well and that what is needed is the sharing of the proverbial national cake will not bring development to Nigeria. Yes, some critics recall the previous conferences called by the late Gen. Sani Abacha and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and cynically ask what Nigeria got out of them. But the answer is straightforward. Nigerians got as much as they invested in the conferences. We did not seem to care and were apathetic and so the two leaders had their way. Others have raised questions about whether the National Assembly will still have powers to vet the decisions of the conference for them to become law and binding; the modalities of voting and how the contentious issues will be resolved. Some of the contentious issues include resource control, state police, political structure, etc.

It is my suggestion that there should not be any “no-go” or “settled areas” for the conference. The conference should be free to discuss anything that touches on the country’s governance and take a decision on it. Where decisions cannot be reached, there should be wider consultations and realistic bargains with contenders “giving and taking” until some form of consensus is reached. Any one currently in an elective or appointive position in any tier of government should not be part of this conference. The decisions of the conference should be subjected to a referendum where the people decide on the recommendations that would become law and those to be jettisoned. The power to take fundamental decisions regarding governance structures and their fundamentals even by the 1999 Constitution is vested on the people. Section 14 (1) (a) of the Constitution is unequivocal in its statement that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through the Constitution derives all its powers and authority. Sovereignty in Nigeria neither resides in the President or the National Assembly! The agent or delegate cannot be greater that his principal.

In 1999, many of the persons who fought for democracy refused to participate in the process that led to the erection of the current political structures we have today. With the experience of the rigmarole of the military, especially Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s endless transition, activists and real progressives did not take the idea of participation seriously. Since then, Nigeria has paid dearly for it by handing over power to persons who never spent a minute thinking about how they could improve the livelihoods of their compatriots. Some of the current occupants of power were those who supported Abacha’s murderous gangs. Even Obasanjo was brought straight from prison to play a script. Empirical evidence has shown that he was grossly unprepared for the Presidency and he laid a solid foundation for the rot we have today. So, we must take this conference seriously and invest time and energy into it and direct discussion to areas that touch on the living conditions of the common people. The conference should not just be about the East or West, North or South or Middle Belt and claims of a right to the Presidency. It should also be about duties to the state and baking the national cake before we begin the dialogue of sharing. Nigerians must insist that the agreements of the conference must not become the subject of retrogressive politics.

To the President, I have a clear message. Make no mistakes; if the idea is to buy time and distract Nigerians and you from the PDP divisive politics and the heat turned on the Presidency by a section of the country, then it is better to forget the idea of a conference. But if you mean real business, then continue and I assure you the momentum, interest and passion of Nigerians will overtake any attempts to scuttle the decisions of the conference by any cabal from any quarters whatsoever. Once you let the progressive cat out of the bag, it will be extremely difficult to rein it in. Nigeria is in need of fundamental changes and this conference provides an opportunity to discuss and resolve challenges. If we have fought a bitter civil war, promoted insurrection and the challenges refuse to go away, I am confident that dialogue is the way forward.

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Terrorists In Kenyan Mall Attack Named

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Terrorists In Kenyan Mall Attack Named
Four men believed to have been involved in the deadly shopping mall attack in Nairobi last month have been named.
The Kenyan military identified them as Abu Baara al-Sudani, Omar Nabhan, Khattab al-Kene and Umayr.
The naming of the men came as CCTV footage was aired showing four attackers calmly walking through a room in the mall holding machine guns.
All  four were believed  killed during the standoff.
“I confirm these were the terrorists, they all died in the raid. Nabhan was a Kenyan of Arab origin and al-Kene a Somali linked to al-Shabab. Further details about Umayr had not yet been verified,” Kenya Defence Forces spokesman, Maj Emmanuel Chirchir said.
Kenyan police chief, David Kimaiyo, told KTN television station it was now believed that four to six gunmen had carried out the attack, not 10 to15 .
“None of them managed to escape from the building after the attack,” he said.
Kimaiyo also said that wanted British woman Samantha Lewthwaite had not been involved.
“We have also established that she was not part of the attackers in the building. There was no woman,” he said.
Lewthwaite, 29, is the widow of one of the four suicide bombers who attacked London on 7 July 2005.
In addition to the 67 people killed in the attack, 39 are still missing, according to the Kenyan Red Cross.
The al-Shabab group said it carried out the attack on the Westgate Mall on September 27.
The al-Qaeda-linked group said the attack was in retaliation for Kenya’s military involvement in Somalia.
About 4,000 Kenyan troops were sent to Somalia in October 2011 to help pro-government forces end two decades of violence, with clan-based warlords and Islamist militants all battling for control of the country.

Army Kills 30 Terrorists In Weekend Raid

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Army Kills 30 Terrorists In Weekend Raid

Musdapha Ilo -Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army says it killed over 30 insurgents in weekend raids on Boko Haram camps and hideouts in Borno state.

A press statement issued by the acting Army spokesman, 7 Division, Aliyu Ibrahim Danja, a captain, indicated that the insurgents were killed in both air and ground attacks on their bases and hideouts over the weekend.

“In continuation with the fight against terrorism in Borno State, troops of 7 Division launched Pre-emotive attacks on Boko Haram concentration at Izza Town of Borno State in the afternoon on October 6 2013,” the spokesman said.

“The operation which involved air strikes and ground attacks on Boko Haram terrorists was conducted following a report by military intelligence about plans by the terrorists to attack Bama town.”

According to Denja, 5 Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns conveying terrorists’ and one 18 seaters bus conveying the terrorists’ stores were destroyed in the raid.

The statement said further that a related development, “troops of 7 Division pursued and engaged Boko Haram terrorists who fled Damboa town following encounter with security forces on October 5 to Ajigi and Kafa. 30 of the terrorists were killed including a prominent leader (Amir) of the sect who was believed to be leading the attack on Damboa.”

Danja said the 7 division is currently conducting aggressive operations on terrorists’ location along Maiduguri-Damaturu road in order to ensure safety of citizens not only within towns and villages but also those plying roads within the its area of responsibility.

The military said the clampdown was to frustrate a planned attack on Bama town by the outlawed sect.

Centenary Village To Cost N3.2 Trillion

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Centenary Village To Cost N3.2 Trillion

The proposed Centenary Village, an ultra-modern city within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to mark the 100 years of the Nigerian nationhood, will cost N3.2 trillion.

Former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is chairman of the board of Centenary Village Plc, disclosed this while presenting a report to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.

The Centenary Village Plc is a public liability company to be set up by the private sector to finance the project,

The former militaryleader, who led other members of the company’s board to the Presidential Villa, said the Centenary Village would be wholly financed by the private sector.

Abubakar said the board had in the report also requested President Jonathan to grant certain concessions to the private investors who are willing and ready to be part of the project.

“Specifically, government should make the land for the project available with the status of an export free zone. Tax holiday should also be granted to the investors for equipment and materials to be imported for the projects, among others,” he said.

President Jonathan thanked Abubakar and other members of the company’s board for the work done so far.

He said the presentation by Abubakar was not only “fascinating” but reassuring that “our dream that we will get a city better than Abuja is gradually coming to fruition”.

Jonathan said the centenary city would be planned in a way where the infrastructure would be centralised.

“People living there will not need to drill borehole or get personal cylinder for gas, and the management of solid waste and other environmental issues will be centralised,” he said

“It is a big dream but we are hopeful that we are getting close. With the board’s commitment and the commitment of government, we will get there,” the President said.

Jonathan assured that he would consult with relevant cabinet ministers on the requests made by the company’s board before giving approvals and directives.

Police Arrests Zamfara Traditional Ruler For Robbery, Rape

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Police Arrests Zamfara Traditional Ruler For Robbery, Rape

The Zamfara State Police Command on Monday arrested the acting district head of Keta Village in the Tsafe local government area of Zamfara, for complicity in armed robbery and rape.

The command’s public relations officer, Lawal Abdullahi, a deputy superintendent of police, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the incident in Gudau.

He said that the acting district head, Mainasara Yandoto, along with three others, attacked the residences of five persons in Keta Village, robbing them of N115,000 and foodstuff worth N100,000.

The police spokesman said that other persons whose name he gave as Zayyanu Amadu, Idi Namarake and Yabo Salisu were helping in police investigations.

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He said that during the operation, the suspects held one of their victim, Muhammad Lawali, hostage and gang-raped his wife.

Abdullahi also said that Yandoto had collected N20,000 from the gang as his share, while 113,000 had been recovered.

G7 Governors Hold Talks With Jonathan

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G7 Governors Hold Talks With Jonathan

The seven breakaway PDP governors (G7) met with President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday to resolve the lingering crisis within the ruling party.

At the end of the meeting, a communiqué jointly read by one of the aggrieved governors, Babangida Aliyu of Niger and Cross River governor, Liyel Imoke, who is in the main PDP, stated that both sides remained committed to resolving the crisis.

The statement read: “Sequel to the meeting held September 15 and in line with the agreements reached at the meeting, the governors met with the President, Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih.”

“The meeting which was cordial, resolved that in spite of the unfortunate events that arose after the meeting of September 15, the parties remain committed to the resolution of the differences.”

It said both parties agreed to continue to take steps towards implementing the resolutions agreed on at previous meetings.

“In view of the above, some of the governors resolved that the meeting be reconvened shortly after the Muslim hajj and Christian pilgrimages are concluded,” the communique read.

There were apologies from three of the breakaway governors – Sule Lamido of Adamawa, Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa – who travelled for the Hajj.

The other “New PDP governor at the meeting were Ahmed Abdulfatah of Kwara, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Rabiu Kwankwoso of Kano.

Governors Idris Wada of Kogi, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom and Ibrahim Shema of Katsina also attended the meeting.

Oshiomhole: Delta Senatorial poll, another test for INEC

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By Jessica Tamaradonye, Warri

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that the independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has another golden opportunity in Saturday’s Delta Central Senatorial by-election to show its neutrality and independence in conducting free polls in the country.

Oshiomhole said Monday while addressing a large crowd that converged at a mega campaign rally held in Warri by the All Progressives Congress in Warri, for its candidate in the election, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

“There would be threat, there would be intimidation, there would be blackmail, but what would live for ever is what we should be remembered for. A system thrives only when those who are in it choose to keep quite. The day you decide to stand on your feet, stop agonizing and start mobilizing the forces of darkness will give way to the forces of light.
“I believe the Federal Government and the security agencies must maintain the law and order; they must ensure that the votes are protected because the world is watching. This is the first test not only for APC but also for INEC. People want to see whether anything is going to change,” Oshiomhole said

According to Oshiomhole, the Delta Central senatorial district has shown by action beyond rhetoric your capacity to stand for what you believe in and to refuse to be tempted, adding that it was the only senatorial district that voted for a candidate different from where other people were going.

“You did not only vote against them, you voted for the late senator and you defended the votes. You have a spirit, a history behind you. You do not need anyone to give you lectures about principle, courage and determination and even the essence of sacrifice. As you leave just go from village to village, remind the people the importance of having a senator of your choice. Urhobo nation could have got much more than they have gotten from Nigeria.

“You need a courageous voice, you need an independent voice, you need an articulate voice, you need a man who cannot be bought. When somebody said O’tega has spent over hundred million on the people, he was not doing that because he needed your votes. He did it because he believed in the cause of the Urhobo people. He did not do it because he wanted to be senator. I ask you to stand by people who are used to giving. These are people who are priceless.” he noted.

Other speakers at the rally include the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Chief John Oyegen, Chief Frank Kokori and Vice Chairman South South of APC, Chief Tom Ikimi.

Comrade Oshiomhole later presented the flag of the APC to the party’s candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

Jonathan Inaugurates Advisory Committee On National Conference

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Jonathan Inaugurates Advisory Committee On National Conference

Caption: President Jonathan and members of the Advisory Committee on National Dialogue in a group photograph

President Goodluck Jonathan has inaugurated the 13-man national advisory committee saddled with the task of working out modalities for a national dialogue which he believes will promote understanding among citizens and expand the frontiers of inclusiveness in governance.

While inaugurating the committee on Monday in Abuja, thevPresident emphasised that the national talk is a sincere and fundamental national project that aims to realistically examine and resolve longstanding impediments to the country’s growth and development.

He said as challenges emerge season after season, leaders must respond to them with best available strategies to ensure that the ship of state remains steady in its voyage.

“Nations rise to the challenges that each epoch presents. It is imperative therefore, that in our march to nationhood, we have to be dynamic in our approach and response to the problems, even as we seek solutions to them. We cannot proffer yesterday’s solutions to today’s problems,” the President said.

Making references to several conferences held in Nigeria along with their corresponding benefits which include the present constitution, the President expressed the view that the conference will allow for a robust outcome that would lead to greater understanding and a more cohesive and inclusive union.

“Clearly, every dialogue adds something valuable to our evolving Nation. The urgency of a National Conversation in the present therefore, need not be over emphasized. As we continue to strive to build a strong and virile Nation, especially in the midst of agitations and tensions, we cannot deny the fact that sitting down to talk is one right step in calming down tensions and channelling our grievances, misgivings and suggestions into more positive use for the good of our Country.” he said.

According to him, the concept of participatory democracy is such that even after the people have given their representatives the mandate to make laws and act on their behalf, there is also a space for the governed to make further input into the political processes, without undermining the authority of the statutory bodies.

“Sovereignty continues to be with the people even as the people evolve strategies and tactics to strengthen its foundation for the benefit of successor generations. It is this sort of collaboration between the people and established institutions of government, that this conference aims to promote,” Jonathan added.

He also addressed scepticism expressed in some quarters about the need for a national conference and fears that it would further create division among citizens.

He said: “I will therefore like to allay the fears of those who think the Conference will call the integrity of Nigeria into question. This National Discourse will strengthen our union and address issues that are often on the front burner, and are too frequently ignored.”

Continuing, he said: “I was one of those who exhibited scepticism on the need for another Conference or Dialogue. My scepticism was borne out of the nomenclature of such a Conference, taking into cognizance existing democratic structures that were products of the will of the people.”

President Jonathan urged the committee chaired by Femi Okurounmu to consult widely before sitting down to develop the framework that will guide and guard the proceedings of the discussions.

“In the task before you, no voice is too small and no opinion is irrelevant. Thus, the views of the sceptics and those of the enthusiasts must be accommodated as you formulate this all important framework,” he said.

Other members of the committee are: Akilu Indabawa, Secretary; a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, George Obiozor; Khairat Gwadabe; Timothy Adudu, Tony Nyiam, a retired colonel; Funke Adebayo, Mairo Amshi, Abubakar Sadiq, Dauda Birma, Buhari Bello and Tony Uranta.

Ben Nwabueze, a senior advocate of Nigeria and named member of the committee has opted out citing health reasons.

The committee has been given six weeks to submit its report.

Anambra Guber: Ezeemo’s aide escapes assassination Attempt

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Anambra Guber: Ezeemo’s aide escapes assassination Attempt

The Inspector General of Police has been asked to order investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on the media director of the Godwin Ezeemo Campaign organization, Okey Nwoke.

Ezeemo is vying the governorship in the forthcoming Anambra elections under the platform of the People’s Progressive Alliance PPA.

Nwoke recounted to journalist his ordeal in the hands of hired assassins whom he said nearly killed him for abandoning the All Progressives Congress for the PPA.

He said he was attacked by riffle wielding young men numbering about six who trailed him for a while before blocking his path when he tried to overtake them.

His attackers, he said, operated in two cars; a maroon coloured SUV and a Toyota Camry car. While the SUV drove in front of him, the Toyota trailed behind with him in the middle the whole time.

“I left my home in Enugwu Adazi in Anaocha LGA for Mr Ezeemo’s place as we had a scheduled meeting today, and all the directors of Ezeemo campaign were supposed to meet in his house.

“As I drove through Igboukwu, I noticed a Toyota Camry car painted in ash colour following me. I did not suspect anything until I noticed another jeep in front of me which was not speeding as it should. It was when I made to overtake him that Camry and jeep blocked me, and before I could realize it, the two back doors of the car were open and two boys carrying AK 47 riffles stepped out and aimed at me.”

He said as he engaged his gear in reverse and waited to see their reaction, one of the two men shouted “he is the one; he left APC; this is the man!”

He told journalists that it was at this point that he sensed danger and began to reverse, which prompted the men to start shooting and running after him on foot.

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Nwoye’s vehicle after the assasination attempt

“Their cars also reversed and raced towards me and as they slowed for the two gun men to enter the cars, I also took the opportunity to reverse and started speeding away, while they pursued and shot at me. It was like something from the scene of a movie,” he said.

Nwoke said that from all indication, the assassination attempt on him was motivated by politics as the men who tried to killed him clearly stated that they were carrying out the attack because he left the APC for PPA where his principal, Ezeemo, who had run on the platform of APC against Ngige decamped after he lost at the primary election.

In a press conference last week to state the reason why Ezeemo dumped APC for PPA, Nwoke stated that he took the step after the merger deal, but left the party to join Ezeemo in PPA because he was rigged out of the primary election unjustly.
When our correspondent called Emeka Chukwuemeka, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command for confirmation, he said that he was not aware of the incident as he had not been briefed by the Area Commander of the Aguata Division.

The victim, Nwoke however told journalists that he has made entry at Nnanka police station and has been assured that the matter will be investigated.

Speaking on the incident, the chairman of PPA in Anambra State, Kanayochukwu Obidigbo, condemned it and on the Inspector General of Police to order a thorough investigation of the matter.

“We want the police and other security agencies in the country to take this seriously. I did not know that people will go to that extent in politics. Since Ezeemo joined PPA and started his campaigns, other aspirants have noticed that he is the man to beat, and they have been working to bring him down. The IG must ensure security for our candidate and even Nwoke who they are targeting now,” he said.

ICPC Warns Travellers, Travel Agents Against Visa Scam

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has warned those seeking to travel abroad, especially desperate young Nigerian, to undertake business, academic, leisure or medical trips, to be wary of using touts and dubious travel agencies in the procurement of visas.

Spokesman of the commission, Folu Olamiti, said the ICPC is set to investigate corrupt processes in visa acquisition as a result of recent arrests of culprits throughout the country.

He said most of these dubious agents usually hang around the vicinity of embassies and feed their clients with all sorts of false information, including claiming that they would not be required to physically appear for visa interviews at the embassies or high commissions.

“Our investigations show that these agents usually make mouth-watering claims of procuring lucrative jobs, citizenships and academic placements abroad for clients in addition to procuring visas in record time,” the ICPC said.

It said further that the dubious agents and touts offer services which include facilitation for the acquisition of international passports, assistance in filling their clients’ details in online visa application forms and the provision of required support travel documents.

These support documents are often times forged and include cloned bank statements, birth certificates, fake or real admission letters from foreign schools and invitation letters for professional, religious and academic conferences; business concerns or from family and friends.

According to the commission, the agents invariably provide misleading and incorrect personal data including wrong addresses, next- of-kin for emergency contact, employment records and referees.

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“These improper documentations, in this era of international terrorist activities, can lead to unintended hardships for their clients through discrepancies in data stored on their e-passport, driving licence, credit cards, school records and curriculum vitae,” it warned.

The commission further added that travelers, agents and anyone who collaborates with these fake agents risk being arrested or sanctioned.

“For avoidance of doubt intending travellers should contact reputable Travel Agencies, the Nigerian Immigration Service or embassies directly for clarification,” the ICPC added.

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