Featured

Outrage As Dead Appointees’ Names Buhari’s Boards Rise

Published

6 years ago

January 1, 2018

There was outrage, last weekend over President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of eight dead persons into boards of Federal Government agencies.
This follows the release of a list of 1,258 members into 209 boards of Federal Government- owned agencies and parastatals by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, last Saturday.
Prominent lawyers and civil society groups, in separate interviews, said the inclusion of dead people on the list of appointees was a demonstration of incompetence by the Buhari administration.
They noted that the appointments, which were made two and half years after Buhari’s assumption of office, should have been done without errors.
Some of the dead persons on the list released included late Senator Francis Okpozo, who died in December, 2016, but was named the chairman of the board of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC).
Another was the late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Donald Ugbaja, who died in November, 2017, but listed was as one of the members of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC).
Also on the list was the late founder of Fidei Polytechnic, Rev Christopher Utov, who died in March, 2017, but was listed as a board member of the Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER).
Others included on the list are the late Alhaji Umar Dange, an APC leader in Sokoto State, who was appointed as a board member of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta; and Kabir Umar, a former Emir of Katagum in Bauchi State, who died on December 9, 2017, appointed into the board of the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi.
According to the list, a staunch supporter of the APC, Ahmed Bunza, who died at Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, and was buried May 22, 2017, was also on the list, among others.
Condemning the appointment of dead persons into the boards, the President, Campaign for Democracy (AD), Usman Abdul, said, “This tells you how confused the leadership of Nigeria is. First, you will realise that coming up with a list of such significance requires careful scrutiny.
“The release of the faulty list shows that neither the President nor his aides has the memory of the people they are ruling at heart, otherwise, they would have spotted the errors.”
The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights President, Malachy Ugwummadu, described the development as “quite unfortunate.”
Ugwummadu said, “It is a sad commentary. In a country where we have surplus disciplined and credible people for appointments, it shows that background checks were not done before the list was released.
“There should be a rigorous investigation as to how such names found their way into the appointments.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yusuf Ali, said the shocking discovery showed that the Federal Government was not diligent in its responsibilities.
He said, “The constitution of the boards has been long overdue. This government came to power about two and a half years ago. The discovery shows that the list was compiled a long time ago and due diligence was not done before it was released.
Also speaking, the Second Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Monday Ubani, described the appointment of dead persons into the Federal Government boards as unfortunate.
He said, “It is unfortunate that the president delayed in doing most of the things he was supposed to do; and those things have come to haunt him.
“It is obvious that the dead people were appointed after they died. It does not speak well of any serious government that dead people are appointed into public offices.
“Had it been that they were appointed as of the time their names were submitted, this embarrassment would not have happened.”
The lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, and a delegate to the 2014 National Conference, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, described the controversial list as belated.
Sani, in his tweets, said Buhari should have posthumously honoured those who were deceased on the list instead of giving them appointments after their death.
Similarly, Mohammed said, “The list confirms a trend that has been the hallmark of this government since it took power in 2015. It shows how unprepared the President and the cabal in the Presidency are for the serious work of governance.”
The pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, criticised the Federal Government, describing the blunder as an untidy approach to governance.
The spokesman for the group, Yinka Odumakin, said some officials should be sanctioned for the embarrassment.
He added, “To have one dead person on the appointment list is scandalous, but to have many shows lack of thoroughness, no attention to detail. And, if this is the way our lives are being run, it is very shameful that the government at the highest level cannot sort the living from the dead.”
But in a swift apology, the Presidency apologised for the errors, but quickly added that there was nothing “scandalous” or “extraordinary” in the inclusion of the names of some dead persons in the list of appointments into the boards.
It said the list was prepared over two years ago and nobody could stop some of those included on the list from dying between then and now.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who gave the explanation in an interview with journalists in Abuja, added that the process of compiling the list started in 2015, while a reviewed list was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 shortly before his health challenges.
The presidential spokesman said, having recovered fully, Buhari only instructed the new SGF, Boss Mustapha, to release the list, and assured Nigerians that the nominees who are dead would be replaced.
Shehu explained, “This is a historical list. It dates back to 2015. The president asked all state chapters of the APC to forward 50 names for appointments to the SGF through the national headquarters of the party.
“The then SGF, Babachir Lawal, presented the report in October, 2016, one year after he was commissioned.
“The report was disputed by state governors, who said they were not carried along or the list was not representative enough.
“So, the president constituted a new panel chaired by the vice president. The panel has some governors and some leaders of the party as members. They were asked to go and review the list.
“The panel did its work and turned in its report early in 2017. The President had his health challenges during that period.
“Now that he is back and strong, he asked the SGF to go and release the list. So, the new SGF did what he was asked to do. There is nothing scandalous or extraordinary about what has happened.
“If a list was compiled over about two years ago, obviously some people would have died. Nobody can stop that from happening. Whoever is dead will be replaced. There is nothing extraordinary about it.”
However, the Peoples Democratic Party described as an unpardonable national embarrassment, the appointment of deceased persons into the various boards of federal agencies by the Federal Government.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbodiyan, said in a statement that the development had further confirmed the PDP’s position that the APC “administration is completely confused, disorganised and grossly incompetent.”
He added that the development exposed Nigerians to the level of recklessness and shoddiness inherent in the management of the nation under the APC.
Ologbodiyan noted that the situation also revealed why the nation’s economy is in a shambles under the APC.
He wondered how a government which could not tidy up a routine issue like board appointments for over two years could successfully handle the complex issues of governance.
“Nigerians can now see why the nation’s economy has been in a shambles in the last two years. When we say that this government is completely inept, some Nigerians did not know to which level, but now they do,” he added.
Ologbodiyan asked Nigerians to disregard what he described as lame excuses by the APC government, urging Nigerians to hold them responsible for the woes that have befallen the country under President Muhammad Buhari.
But in response, the APC described the PDP as sore losers for “making a fuss over the secretarial error which led to the inclusion of deceased persons’ names on the list of board appointments.”
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said, “It is pathetic that the PDP has yet to overcome its loss of the 2015 elections. They should get used to the fact that we are in government and in power.
“It is becoming laughable that even if a NIPOST member of staff fails to deliver a letter they claim it is evidence of APC’s unpreparedness.
“How can they say a secretarial error involving five names out of over 300 is a sign of failure? This administration is focused and will not be distracted.”
Reacting to the appointment, wife of the late Chief Francis Okpozo, Anna, said she received the news of the appointment of her deceased husband by President Muhammadu Buhari with surprise.
The widow, however, said that she did not take offence at the development.
The late Okpozo, a former senator in the Second Republic, who died on December 26, 2016, made the list released by the Presidency alongside his son, Harrison.
Mrs. Okposo described her late husband as one of the founders of the All Progressives Congress, and a close friend of the President.
She said, “Although the news of my late husband’s appointment raised some concerns, I will not take it in bad faith.
“If he was aware that his (late Okpozo) name was on the list, he (Buhari) would have corrected it.
“I am not taking offence at all because, as a President, he cannot know everything about everybody in the whole country. Maybe he had delegated the selection to some people to do and they did not consult but just published it (list).
“I cannot cry over spilt milk. He is gone; the living can forge ahead. But I commend him for remembering my son.”
Meanwhile, Harrison, the second son of the late Okpozo, has described the ‘posthumous appointment’ of his father by Buhari as an honour of the Second Republic senator.
Harrison, who was appointed as a board member, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, said it was regrettable that his father never lived to witness his appointment.
Also speaking, a nephew to the late Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Chris Utov, whose name made the list, Bunde Upurugh, described the appointment as a belated honour.
He further said the Federal Government recognised the contributions of the late Utov to the development of the nation.
He said, “The sad thing is that the appointment came many months after he died. Why did it take the Federal Government over two years to appoint board members?”
Upurugh is the Dean, Student Affairs of the Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko, which was established by the deceased.
In Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Umar, a relation to the late Alhaji Umar Dange, said that the publication of his deceased brother’s name on the list was a great embarrassment.
He said, “Dange died early this year. He was a great politician and I am not aware that he was ever given any appointment in his lifetime.
“This is a clear demonstration that President Buhari is not in control of his administration.

Featured

Be Firm In Fight Against Oil Theft, Fubara Tells CNS …As Navy Moves Training Hqtrs To Rivers …Seizes 14 Vessels In Three Months

Published

22 hours ago

April 26, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has encouraged the Nigerian Navy to be firm in the fight against all forms of economic sabotage, particularly crude oil theft, in the nation’s waterways.
The Governor noted with delight the positive results already recorded by the Navy in the State due largely to the tremendous support it has received from his administration.
Governor Fubara spoke when he hosted on courtesy visit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla with his delegation of top officers of Navy High Command at Government House in Port Harcourt,yesterday.
The Rivers State Governor stated that Nigeria was facing myriad of crises, including economic challenges, rising insecurity and criminal activities that threaten the national economy, which should not be overlooked.
He said, “We are working together, we will give you all the support to make sure that you deliver on your mandate.
”And what is the mandate? You were appointed at a time when our country is facing a lot of crises, and your duty, among others, include to reduce, if it cannot be eliminated completely, the criminalities perpetrated on the waterways; oil theft and others.
”And I am happy that they are positive and commendable records of achievement so far, in the course of your tenure.”
Governor Fubara said the good news of reduced level of oil theft in Rivers State is evidence of the many positive things that are happening in the State beyond the much hyped negativity, and assured that such positive achievements will be sustained.
The State Chief Executive insisted: “The success of the Nigerian Navy in our State, in the areas of oil theft, is because the State Government has given you all the necessary support.
”We have collaborated with the command here. We supported them morally, and with all the necessary logistics.
”We have also maintained good relationship with the communities to make sure that whatever it is that is required for these operations to be successful were granted. I am happy to be associated with these very laudable achievements.”
Governor Fubara said: “So, I have to say that I am happy that the Chief of Naval Staff, today, is commending the success of the exercise. He is commending the doggedness of the men in fighting oil theft, not just in the Niger Delta, but particularly in our State.
”I want to assure you that we will continue to give them the support, and discourage any act that would be a sabotage to the economy of our State.”
Governor Fubara said that Rivers State was not named in error: there are several water channels that can boost the operations of the Navy. This is why we are requesting that the Nigerian Navy move all its bases to the State.
”It was not a mistake they called it Rivers State. It is surrounded with all forms of rivers. You want the Atlantic region, you can get it here. You want those small creeks, you can also get it here. Maybe, if you want an Island, you can also find it here.
”So, it is proper if we work with you and you have all that is required within this geographic region, to have all your bases relocated to Rivers State,” he said.
He further said: “We must continue to give you the necessary support to make sure that you succeed. I am happy to also say that, as the Governor of the State by the special grace of God, we are still here, not minding the dramas here and there. We will not let our people down in ensuring that we protect their interest.
”We will support the genuine course of governance; the protection of lives and provision of basic amenities. And these can only be achieved when there is a peaceful environment.
”And the peaceful environment can only come when there is a collaboration with security agencies to prevent crimes, and protect lives and property of residents.”
In his address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterated that the Nigerian Navy and Rivers State are like conjoined twins who cannot do without each other.
This is because, he said, they needed collaboration on various aspects of their activities ranging from training, operations, logistics, adding that Rivers State is key to their performance.
”My purpose of coming here today are three folds. The first is to inform His Excellency that on Saturday, we are graduating a set of former civilians who have been trained at our Basic Training School, Onne, and are graduating to join the ranks of the Nigerian Navy as ratings in order to beef up our strength.
”The second reason is to first appreciate the Governor and the entire Rivers State Government for the schools they donated to us: the Ambassador Nne Krukrubo Model Secondary School at Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area, and the Model Secondary School, Egbelu in Oyigbo Local Government Area.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla stated further: “We also want to use this opportunity to inform His Excellency that following that donation, and based on our strategic plan of moving our facilities to areas where we have enough space to be able to carryout out duties, we have renovated the school at Eleme.
”We are happy to report, today, that the erstwhile location of Headquarters of Naval Training Command, Lagos, is moving to that particular school location in Eleme, tomorrow.’
Speaking on the operational successes recorded thus far, he said that propelled by the charge given to them by President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy, under his watch, has impounded 14 vessels caught to be conveying stolen crude oil and several other individuals arrested, adding that investigations into their culpability were ongoing.
”I am here today to report Sir, that, with the “Operation Delta Sanity”, launched in January, 2024, we have been very successful, and within the period, we have recorded tremendous successes and achievements.
”Over 14 large crude carrying vessels have been arrested within that period. Most of them are at various levels of investigation. We have also arrested several barges and other companies and organizations that are involved in oil theft.
”As a result of the operations, we are happy to report that there has been tremendous improvement in terms of security in the maritime environment,” Ogalla added.

Featured

118 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Niger Prison

Published

23 hours ago

April 26, 2024

The Tide

A heavy downpour has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 118 inmates.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the spokesperson, Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, yesterday.
Duza noted that the downpour which occurred on Wednesday night, caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
However, 10 fleeing inmates had been recaptured following a swift response by the NCoS in collaboration with other security agencies.
Duazu promised that efforts were ongoing to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates, adding that their database would soon be made known to the public.
Recognising the vulnerability of ageing facilities, many of which were built during the colonial era, Duza acknowledged that the NCoS was committed to modernising its infrastructure.
The statement further noted that the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, assured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
The public was encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
The statement read in part, “A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility.
“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.
“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.
“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”
Meanwhile, the United States has underscored the significant challenge of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons.
The US, according to its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ published on its website on Tuesday, noted that numerous correctional facilities were grappling with a staggering 50 per cent increase in the number of inmates beyond their intended capacity, revealing a systemic issue.
Furthermore, it disclosed that a notable proportion of these prisons, some with histories dating back 70 to 80 years, faced difficulties in meeting even the most fundamental standards of living.

Featured

Rivers’ll Be Known For Peace, Not Crisis -Fubara

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that peace has prevailed because he draws strength from God to resist insults and tantrums thrown at him while frustrating attempts by some disgruntled persons who wanted to plunge the State into unending crisis.
The Governor also said that because he has anchored his Government on promoting peace, the enabling atmosphere has been provided for investments and sustainable development to flourish.
Governor Fubara made the assertion when he received a delegation of members of the Bishops and Gospel Ministers’ Association International Incorporated, Rivers State Chapter, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, Governor Fubara said while most people took his meekness for weakness, his stance on peace has unarguably enhanced harmonious atmosphere of concord as residents sleep with their two eyes closed, and investors and shareholders are happy with the returns on investment.
He said, “Before, what they hear of Rivers State is that they are fighting, and some genuine investors will not come. Some people even ask you: How are you coping in Rivers State?
“But now”, he asserted: “The Governor has brought about a lot of changes in the State. One of the most important things is that he has changed the negative narrative. It is no longer Rivers of blood. It is now Rivers of peace.
“We are enjoying our lives here. Why? Because there is a change in the narrative. We have peace. The Governor is, as much as possible, absorbing any level of insult at him only for one purpose: that Rivers State may have peace; that we may grow; that this state will experience genuine development.”
Governor Fubara urged them, as members of the Christian family in the State, to continue to pray for the State and the Government so that the enemies of the State will be put to greater shame.
“This peace is what I want you to embrace. Go and continue to pray, because when the sower of the seed went and sowed, the enemy went in the night and sowed tares inside there. But the Governor is sowing peace.
“When I listened to the leader of the team, His Grace Eddy Ogbonda, he said you came all the way from Eleme Junction, and stopped at major junctions, and you uttered prayers for the peace of Rivers State.”
He also said: “I, hereby want to thank you for identifying with the Governor at a time like this. At a time when it looks as if someone wants the Governor’s peace posture misunderstood as weakness.
“When someone has the strength to fight back, but refuses to fight back. That is a bigger strength; that power of restrain does not just come, it can only come from God.
“You cannot give peace, if you do not have peace within you. The Governor is not interested in any form of trouble or violence. What he is interested in is known, and it is: let there be peace in Rivers State,” he said.
In his address, leader of the group, Archbishop Eddy Ogbonda, said they had observed a week-long intensive prayers that culminated into a peace rally, which brought them to Government House, and assured the Governor that God will continue to give him victory over his adversaries while preserving Rivers State.
“It is Rivers State Prophetic Prayer Convocation and Rally 2024 with the theme: ‘Peace be still’. Of a truth, everyone of us understands that we live in a time when we need peace much more than any other thing.
“Rivers State needs peace. Everyone as individuals need peace. The country needs peace, and the world at large needs peace. So, we are here to do a peace march. We pray that God will command His peace to reign in Rivers State,” he said.