Nation
THE STATES
Ijesha Land
Prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ijesha land have resolved to champion the course of re-electing Senator Iyiola Omisore as the Senator representing Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District at National Assembly in the forthcoming re-run in the zone.
Towards matching their words with action, Hon. Oluwole Oke representing the same constituency at the House of Representatives, Chief Dosu Fatokun, a chieftain of the party from the state have raised an initial donation of about N5 million in their commitment to mobilize support for Omisore in all nooks and crannies of his senatorial district.
Financial support for Omisore’s re-election moves also came from Ifeland with Chief Mrs Olu Awope donating a total sum of N250,000.
PDP Director of publicity, Prince Adeolu Adeyemo, who made this known to The Tide source in the area stated that the commitment was made at a well attended meeting with the leadership of the party in Osogbo.
Kwara
14 rural communities across three existing 16 in Kwara State had in the last one month been connected to the National Grid.
The development formed part of the state government’s plan to electrify 105 rural communities in the state before the end of this year.
The 14 beneficiary communities are Odone, Budo Oba/Aikojo, Ile Apa, Isokun/Oloyin and Onikoko all in Ilorin East Local Council.
Others are Ayedum, Ilale, Igosi/Igba, and Erinmope, in Oke Ero council.
From Ifelodun local government area are; Omi-Aro, Ita Olomo, Alomi Laya/Amoyo, Sango/Tayo Atada Aja Ali and Okaka/Ajibowo.
The state commissioner for energy, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed Tuesday at a press briefing in Ilorin, said work in 60 other communities had reached to 70 per cent completion.
Besides, 10 others have been completed between 40 and 50 per cent level mile 10 others with poor terrain would be completed by the first week in December.
The state government under a joint project endeavour with the councils, has earmarked a sum of N1.2 billion for the project.
While the state will pay 60 per cent of the total fund, the council swill contribute 40 per cent.
The commissioner said that the government’s plan was aimed at reducing the high rate of rural/urban migration and encourage the establishment of cottage industries across the state.
Ekiti
Following expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to government by leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti State, within which to pay the workers September and October Salaries workers in the state Thursday embarked on a two-day warning strike to press home their demand.
However, there was a twist as the Public Service Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) immediately dissociated itself from the strike.
In its reaction to the development the state government, which denied owning the workers, described the leadership of the labour union as agents of destabilization.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, queried the rationale behind the warning strike, saying that the salaries had been paid up to date.
The Ekiti State chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Messrs Joseph Arogundade and Raph Kolawole, respectively, in a statement Wednesday, alleged that their demands had not been met by the state government.
Ojo-Lanre described the labour leaders as agents of destabilization, adding that in some states, they are owing seven months, if they go on strike, government may down size, saying that the labour leaders should come and discuss.
Osun
Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Adejare Bello, has officially declared the seat of Osogbo state constituency vacant following the Monday judgement of Appeal Court that ordered the nullification of the election.
The Court of Apeal sitting in Ibadan had in a judgement read by Justice Dauda Bagge, ordered a re-run in state constituency within 60 days.
The court also ordered Akintude Adegboye of AC representing the constituency to vacate the seat immediately.
The Progress Peoples Alliance (PPA) had challenged the validity of the election on the ground that it was excluded from the polls by INEC.
In his comments, Bello charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to, in no distant time, fix a date for a re-run that will afford the Osogbo State Constituency representation in the state parliament.
The speaker said with the current arrangement, the state parliament now has its members reduced to 25 from 26, until there is an election to produce a representative of Osogbo in the Assembly.
Abuja
The first step towards implementating the health sector component of vision 20:20:20 through a Presidential Health Summit is being taken by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH).
At a media briefing in Abuja, Minister of Health, Prof Babatunde Osotimehin, announced that the summit scheduled for yesterday and today is entitled, accepting Collective Responsibility for improving our health in Nigeria. It is aimed at engaging the governors towards obtaining their commitment in the on-going efforts to meet the health needs of the people and the achievement of the seven-point Agenda of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
According to Osotimehin, the summit which will be in two parts, will feature a draft agreement on the health agenda and the way forward.
This will undoubtedly position the state and the local councils to achieving participate in the delivery of healthcare at their various levels.
As part of the expected out come, Osotimehin said, a partnership agreement known as National Health partnership declaration and mutual Accounting, for measurable Results which will reflect key and measurable deliverables within the health sector that will benefit the majority of our people in the short, medium and long term, will be developed.”
Ondo
The rank of Labour Party (LP) members in Ondo state swelled at the weekend in Ofon, headquarters of Ose Local Council, when hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithfuls defected to the ruling party.
Led by former Chairman of the Board for Technical and Vocational Education during the last PDP administration of Dr Olusegun Agagu, Elder Samuel Aborowa, the decampees, at an impressive rally, said they decided to join the LP because of the leadership style of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
The Aborowa group in the PDP, which claimed to have thousands of supporters at the grassroots, said its movement out of the party has sounded its death knell in Ose, reputed to be one of the councils with high voter population.
Justifying the movement at the rally which was attended by a colorful array of LP chieftains led by Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olamusi, Aborowa said, “The Labour Party is made up of progressives, peace-loving and caring people. With the few months they have governed the state under the leadership of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, they have embarked on many projects that are people-oriented.”
Taraba
Both the Taraba State radio and television have not been functioning for over a month due to use of obsolete equipment.
Unlike the television which still manages to transmit for about three hours daily, the radio station has totally been out of transmission.
The reasons according to the General Manager, Sani Sule Sale, are connected with lack of equipment which include power generating sets, transmitters, etc.
“There are other problems which we have been reporting. Personally, I know that a radio station needs additional back up. You cannot have a station where only one transmitter will be working daily without a back up,” he said.
Saleh, who spoke Tuesday with pressmen at the station’s premise, described the transmitter as “the heath of the radio that can fail at anytime.”
Oyo
Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Muruf Atilola has declared the seat for Akinyele Constituency One, hitherto occupied by his deputy, Jelili Adeleke, vacant following the nullification of his election by the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal, by unanimous decision on October 29, 2009, nullified Adeleke’s election, owing to unlawful exclusion of the Labour Party (LP) Logo from the ballot paper, and ordered a re-run within 60 days.
LP’s candidate in the election, Mukaila Akinrinade, had petitioned the tribunal on the unlawful exclusion whose decision the appellate court upheld.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed November 14, as the re-run day in the constituency, as well as the Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency where the election of Folake Olunloyo-Osinowo, had also been nullified by the same appellate court.
However, as the speaker declared the seat vacant, attempt for and election into the vacant deputy speaker seat in the Assembly was resisted by Atilola Ajekiigbe, of the action congress (AC).
Middle Belt
In response to the on-going clamour for constitutional reform, the middle belt forum has demanded for the implementation of true federalism in the country, insisting that every state in Nigeria should take total control of their resources and pay 75 per cent tax to the federal government while developing and controlling the resources.
The forum also called on the federal government to create a special savings fund through which the effects of the proposed deregulation could be cushioned.
In a statement signed Wednesday by the National Chairman of the Forum, Mr Williams Juta, and National Publicity Secretary. George Ohemu, the forum said the proposed 10 per cent stake in the oil industry for the oil producing states will become unnecessary once this fundamental issue is addressed through constitutional amendments.
Kaduna
Legal practitioners from all over the federation have converged in Kaduna for the third yearly conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri, are expected to speak at the event.
In a statement issued yesterday, NBA National Publicity Secretary, Murtala Abdulrasheed and Chris Nnoli, secretary publicity sub-committee of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said the theme of the two-day conference, “legal practice” changing times, changing strategies,” will feature Bernard Sullivan as the keynote speaker.
The Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola will be the session chairman with the topic, “when financial transactions become financial crime the powers of regulatory bodies and judicial institutions.”
Other lead speakers include Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Prof. Joe Goldface-Orokalibe, former president of the association, Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Ganiyu Ogunlaye.
Niger
Crisis of confidence rocking Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a turn for the worse Wednesday, as the former National Vice Chairman, North Central, Alahji Abubakar Magaji, resigned his membership from the party in a letter addressed to his ward chairman, dated October 22, 2009.
“I here tender my resignation as a member of the PDP. Consequently, I am also withdrawing my membership of the party. Also I no longer wish to belong,” he said.
Magaji was one of the three founding fathers of the PDP in the state. “I pray to God to give our leaders the fear of God and conscience to do right,” he said.
Another party stalwart who is equally a founding father of the party in the state and also served as the chief political adviser of the immediate past administration, Alhaji Mokwa has also resigned his membership from PDP.
In is letter dated November 3, 2009, he said “I have the singular honour to inform you that I wish to tender my resignation from the PDP. “It is worthy to note that this is without prejudice to any ulterior motive or bad feelings against anybody or other members of the PDP family in general,” he said.
“I still remain a good friend and brother to you and other good people of Niger State in general,” he concluded.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Eastern Zone, has applauded the appointment of Hon. Benibo Anabraba as Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) by His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara,
The Socio Cultural Organisation described the appointment as a masterstroke of leadership and wisdom.
MOSIEND in a statement by the Acting Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Gibson, and the Assistant Secretary, MOSIEND Eastern Zone, Dr. Tams Longjohn hailed the appointment as a reflection of Governor Fubara’s Eagle-eyed discernment, belief in merit, and unwavering commitment to building a peaceful and people-centered administration anchored on excellence and integrity.
“Hon. Anabraba is a statesman in every sense, an accomplished lawyer, a tested grassroots politician, and a man of Peace whose record of service stands tall,”
The statement noted that “from his days as a grassroots politician to his election as a legislator, his tenure as Minority Leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his service as a Commissioner, Hon. Anabraba has remained a model of maturity, courage, and dedication to the Rivers project.”
MOSIEND expressed confidence that Hon. Anabraba will bring his trademark calmness, intellect, and wealth of experience to bear in his new role, assuring that the people of Rivers State will feel the positive impact of his leadership.
The group commended Governor Fubara for his strategic and inspiring commitment to peace, stating that the appointment once again demonstrates the administration’s preference for competence, loyalty, and results over political convenience.
“We are proud of this choice,” MOSIEND affirmed. “It signals continuity, stability, and a renewed focus on people-oriented governance.”
The organization congratulated Hon. Benibo Anabraba and prayed for divine guidance, good health, and strength as he takes on this vital assignment in service to Rivers State.
Chinedu Wosu
Nation
HYPREP Remains Steadfast In Adhering To International Standards—Zabbey …As Regulators, Asset Owners Hail Project
The Project Coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, has said that the Project remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols, contending that it would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently to achieve set goals and targets.
This is even as regulatory stakeholders, regulators and asset owners have expressed satisfaction with the work so far being carried out by the Project in Ogoniland, commending it for sustaining the momentum of the ongoing cleanup project.
Zabbey, who gave the indication during the third quarter meeting of HYPREP with regulators and asset owners in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said as an interventionist and community-based project, HYPREP would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently, as it addresses challenges that may arise during project implementation.
To this end, he noted that the continuous support and constructive feedback of regulators and asset owners remains vital in helping the project coordination office overcome challenges and sustain the momentum of progress.
Zabbey said the quarterly meeting with regulators and asset owners serves dual purpose of providing a platform for the Project to share updates on the status of the cleanup project, highlighting areas where further support is required; and allowing “regulators and asset owners to provide constructive feedback that would help our collective approach.”
According to him, the meeting is ultimately designed to catalyse deeper collaboration and synergy between HYPREP and its regulatory stakeholders.
While appreciating and recognising the invaluable roles of the regulators and asset owners in the project’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control(QA/QC) framework, the Project Coordinator said their consistent oversight, technical input, and commitment to upholding standards have remained essential to the integrity of the Ogoni cleanup efforts.
He noted with a sense of satisfaction that Quality Assurance and Quality Control are being given increased attention at all levels of the cleanup project, and solicited for the continuous support of the regulators and asset owners.
“QA/QC considerations are a key part of HYPREP’s policy framework, from the Governing Council decisions to field-level work,” he said, emphasising that this focus ensures that HYPREP’s interventions and activities are executed professionally, safely, and in compliance with national regulatory standards and global best practices, guaranteeing value for money.
“As we continue to consolidate the gains made so far, I want to reassure you that HYPREP remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols”, he said.
Zabbey announced that considerable progress is being recorded across various thematic areas of the cleanup project, including remediation of hydrocarbon-impacted sites; mangrove restoration; provision of potable water; public health interventions; the Ogoni power project; and the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; among others.
He said these coordinated interventions are gradually restoring confidence in the cleanup effort and bringing renewed hope to Ogoniland.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the performance status of the cleanup project by HYPREP’s Evaluation and Monitoring Unit, which put the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration at 92.5 percent completion, among other legacy projects.
In their response, the regulators and asset owners were unanimous that HYPREP has recorded remarkable improvement so far in the cleanup efforts, and solicited for more support of the project.
Environmental Resource Manager of the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development(CEHRD), Mr Meshack Uyi commended the Project Coordinator and his team for the remarkable improvement recorded so far in the area of environmental remediation and mangrove restoration, describing the Ogoni cleanup as one of the most robust in Africa.
He applauded HYPREP for its human capacity building initiative, saying, building the capacity of Ogoni people and training them to become mangrove vanguards are boosting their economic wellbeing.
Uyi said what is going on in Ogoniland is a learning process for the Niger Delta, saying, “those who think that nothing is happening in Ogoniland, they should come closer and see that a lot is indeed going on, and this can impact on Nigeria, the Niger Delta and Africa.”
He called on people all over the world to come on board to support HYPREP to achieve far greater milestones.
Also, the representative of the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mrs Doris Wilcox Balafoma commended the Project for doing very well, working and collaborating with its partners, saying, “We are always with them in the field.”
She scored HYPREP 90 percent for its cleanup efforts, insisting, however, that the abandonment of some ongoing water facilities in some Ogoni communities is due to cost variations.
For the Executive Director of the Society for Women And Youth Affairs(SWAYA), Dr Stella Amaine, HYPREP has recorded a great improvement in the area of women inclusion and livelihood restoration.
She, however, noted that she looks forward to the realisation of the 45 percent empowerment quota for women as promised by the Project Coordinator.
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