Summary:
Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, attended the meeting of the coalition of opposition presidential candidates in the forth coming presidential election. The meeting which took place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, was attended by, the All Nigeria Peoples Party’s presidential candidate, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, and the Action Congress vice-presidential candidate, Chief Ben Obi. During the meeting, , Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa (the Democratic Peoples Party’s presidential candidate), said "there was no election in the country, especially in his state, Sokoto". He also added that all his party and state officials were arrested by police. He said, ”Just like in any other state of the country where we don‘t have the police or military, I was so surprised to see a high-powered detachment of police, led by the EFCC boss in Sokoto." The chairmen of the political parties have called for the immediate dissolution of INEC and the removal of its chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu claiming that the conduct of the election on Saturday was ”a total sham characterised by massive irregularities that paled into insignificance what occurred in the 2003 general election and also Iwu must be disbanded to save the nation due to his failure.
Issue:
It is a good idea that the opposition party co-operate together to fight PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) which has proven to tough to be sacked. I hope that they reach a conclusion and at the end of the day, they compenciate themselves accordingly.
Significance of issues:
Through co-operation, teh opposition parties can achieve whatever they want to achieve. PDP is just one party eventhough it the "ruling party". For the fact that PDP is proving too togh, the party needs to be eliminated for the good of Nigeria.
full article: http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200704182561175
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Oyinlola imposes curfew on Ilesa over violent protests by Gbenga Faturoti, Correspondent, Osogbo
Summary:
A dusk to dawn curfew as been imposed in Ilesa, Osun state by Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola after Rotimi Makinde (AC senatorial candidate) was abducted after the election by people suspected members of his political opponent. Mrs. Makinde confirmed the story. Currently, members of the AC (Action Congress) in the state have gone into hiding to prevent them from being arrested while some other members are living under fear in the state. This protest by people of Ilesa as been linked to Oyinlola’s declaration as winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Issue:
Govenor Olagunsoye Oyinlola's victory is not supported by members of his state. It is in his best interest to seek the request of Osun residents and know how best to behave for them to accept him as their governor.
Significance of issue:
Govenor Olagunsoye Oyinlola should clearify all issues he has with members of his state. If he is not accepted as their governor, he should step down so that peace can rain in the state.
full article: http://odili.net/news/source/2007/apr/17/601.html
A dusk to dawn curfew as been imposed in Ilesa, Osun state by Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola after Rotimi Makinde (AC senatorial candidate) was abducted after the election by people suspected members of his political opponent. Mrs. Makinde confirmed the story. Currently, members of the AC (Action Congress) in the state have gone into hiding to prevent them from being arrested while some other members are living under fear in the state. This protest by people of Ilesa as been linked to Oyinlola’s declaration as winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Issue:
Govenor Olagunsoye Oyinlola's victory is not supported by members of his state. It is in his best interest to seek the request of Osun residents and know how best to behave for them to accept him as their governor.
Significance of issue:
Govenor Olagunsoye Oyinlola should clearify all issues he has with members of his state. If he is not accepted as their governor, he should step down so that peace can rain in the state.
full article: http://odili.net/news/source/2007/apr/17/601.html
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Ribadu gets second term, now AIG reported by Chiawo Nwankwo and Oscarline Onwuemenyi of THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER
Summary:
As a result of a job well done and the contribution of EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) towards eradication of corrupt practices in Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo has approved the extension of the tenure of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the chairman of the Commission and also as the an Assistant Inspector-General of Police. Ribadu‘s re-appointment, was well supported by some members of the House of Representatives. According to Mr John Agoda, chairman (House Committee on Information), "Ribadu‘s re-appointment demonstrated Obasanjo‘s total commitment and boldness to the fight against corruption".
As a result of a job well done and the contribution of EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) towards eradication of corrupt practices in Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo has approved the extension of the tenure of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the chairman of the Commission and also as the an Assistant Inspector-General of Police. Ribadu‘s re-appointment, was well supported by some members of the House of Representatives. According to Mr John Agoda, chairman (House Committee on Information), "Ribadu‘s re-appointment demonstrated Obasanjo‘s total commitment and boldness to the fight against corruption".
Issues:
So far, EFCC has done remarkably well in helping Nigeria scrub and bring to awareness those corrupt officials in government. I support Mr John Agoda's statement that Ribadu's re-appointment is a sign of Obasanjo's commitment towards fighting against corruption but, my concern is that; will EFCC continue it's good job? Almost all governors and government officials have been examined, what will be EFCC's next agenda when all officials are examined?
Significance of issues:
The issue of corruption in Nigeria is gradually turning a new leaf. It is a welcome development that should be encouraged in Nigeria. If truly EFCC will perform their due without being bias, then they will get the support of some Nigerians.
Full article: http://punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20070411144635
Youth Attack Idris’ Aide Over Attempt To Defraud Them reported by Olufemi Yahaya, Special Correspondent, DAILY INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER Lokoja
Summary:
Mrs Comfort Onoja (Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Inter-party Affairs) was stripped naked, molested and beaten up by angry Igbo youth at Govrnment House, Lokoja. Hell broke out when Mrs Comfort Onoja was suspected of fraudulent attempt over a cash gift of N1 million given to a group of elders and the Igbo youth who paid Governor Ibrahim a solidarity visit. Mrs Onoja was reported to have reserved N500,000 for herself and deliver the rest N500,000 to the visitors.Mrs Onoja was thoroughly beaten up and stripped her naked by the angry youths. She was later rescued by two policemen who used tear-gas to scare the youths away.
Issues:
It is a sad development that while Nigeria is still battling to fight against and stop corruption, a governor is still caught in such Act. If a group of people pay him a solidarity visit and they were rewarded with N1 million, then it means if 5 groups visit him, he might likely reward them with 4-5 million naira. This attitude is really unfair to Nigerians. Instead of just giving away such amount of money, it could be used to build schools, repair roads and any other thing that will be of benefit to Lokoja residents. Besides, it is also shameful that such improper behavior could happen within the government's house premises.
Significance of issues:
Kogi state residents really need to examine whom ever they want to elect as their governor. Based on Olufemi Yahaya's report, the present administration is not up to the task of being re-elected.
read full article: http://www.independentngonline.com/?c=44&a=24521
Mrs Comfort Onoja (Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Inter-party Affairs) was stripped naked, molested and beaten up by angry Igbo youth at Govrnment House, Lokoja. Hell broke out when Mrs Comfort Onoja was suspected of fraudulent attempt over a cash gift of N1 million given to a group of elders and the Igbo youth who paid Governor Ibrahim a solidarity visit. Mrs Onoja was reported to have reserved N500,000 for herself and deliver the rest N500,000 to the visitors.Mrs Onoja was thoroughly beaten up and stripped her naked by the angry youths. She was later rescued by two policemen who used tear-gas to scare the youths away.
Issues:
It is a sad development that while Nigeria is still battling to fight against and stop corruption, a governor is still caught in such Act. If a group of people pay him a solidarity visit and they were rewarded with N1 million, then it means if 5 groups visit him, he might likely reward them with 4-5 million naira. This attitude is really unfair to Nigerians. Instead of just giving away such amount of money, it could be used to build schools, repair roads and any other thing that will be of benefit to Lokoja residents. Besides, it is also shameful that such improper behavior could happen within the government's house premises.
Significance of issues:
Kogi state residents really need to examine whom ever they want to elect as their governor. Based on Olufemi Yahaya's report, the present administration is not up to the task of being re-elected.
read full article: http://www.independentngonline.com/?c=44&a=24521
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Atiku Can’t Stop Elections – Obasanjo By Chesa Chesa, Abuja, and Kazeem Akintunde of DAILY INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
Summary:
President Olusegun Obasanjo has vowed that his governement will not accept any form of misbehaviour from those planning to disrupt the smooth running of the forthcoming elections, because of their disqualification by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He commended the INEC (Independent Electoral Commission) for their role in filtering out elegible candidates from the candidates'list. President Obasanjo has assured Nigerians that April elections would go ahead as planned. He also requested for the assistance of the general public not to support or part-take in any form of evil schemes planned by selfish individuals and corrupt politicians whom he said, " want power by any means necessary".
Issues:
It is now clear that due to the court rule on AC (Action Congress), PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) might have an edge over most other parties. It seems to me that in Nigerian politics, success is mainly about the destruction of other parties and the raise of one's party. If eventually AC is dis-allowed to part-take in the forth coming election, then PDP stands a chance of retaining presidency.
Significance of issue:
The battle fought by AC has now gotten to a point whereby only the court and INEC can make final decission(s). Even if AC is dis-allowed from part-taking in April 2007 election, they have in many ways influence the politics of Nigeria. Many people are now politically conscious and legal ways of tackling political issues have being unleashed. Tese and several archievements of AC makes them my best political party in Nigerian history.
full article: http://www.independentngonline.com/?c=181&a=22921
President Olusegun Obasanjo has vowed that his governement will not accept any form of misbehaviour from those planning to disrupt the smooth running of the forthcoming elections, because of their disqualification by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He commended the INEC (Independent Electoral Commission) for their role in filtering out elegible candidates from the candidates'list. President Obasanjo has assured Nigerians that April elections would go ahead as planned. He also requested for the assistance of the general public not to support or part-take in any form of evil schemes planned by selfish individuals and corrupt politicians whom he said, " want power by any means necessary".
Issues:
It is now clear that due to the court rule on AC (Action Congress), PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) might have an edge over most other parties. It seems to me that in Nigerian politics, success is mainly about the destruction of other parties and the raise of one's party. If eventually AC is dis-allowed to part-take in the forth coming election, then PDP stands a chance of retaining presidency.
Significance of issue:
The battle fought by AC has now gotten to a point whereby only the court and INEC can make final decission(s). Even if AC is dis-allowed from part-taking in April 2007 election, they have in many ways influence the politics of Nigeria. Many people are now politically conscious and legal ways of tackling political issues have being unleashed. Tese and several archievements of AC makes them my best political party in Nigerian history.
full article: http://www.independentngonline.com/?c=181&a=22921
Appeal Court stops Atiku by Tobi Soniyi, Abuja of PUNCH NEWSPAPER
Summary:
Atiku Abubakar‘s bid to contest in the April 21 2007 presidential election has been rejected by the court of appeal. The presiding judge, justice Umar Abdullahi agreed that in accordance to the 1999 Constitution's Electoral Act, (INEC) Independent National Electoral Commission has the power to screen and disqualify candidates for the election and also disqualify any candidate that fails to meet the criteria set out by the 1999 Constitution without having to go to court.
Issues:
The court of appeal's judgement is fair, in the sense that, justice Umar Abdullahi's judge was in accordance with Nigeria's constitution. If trully INEC has the constitutional right to disqualify candidates, then it means that Akitu Abubakar's faith depends on INEC.
Significance of issue:
April 2007 election probably just a few weeks away. Disqualification of candidates at this moment is really not a good way of practising democracy. Atiku Abubakar and his supporters have come along way to swallow any form of resistance or hindrance that will prevent them for pursuing presidency. INEC should endeavour to forget with ever issues they have with Atiku and grant him permission to contest.
full article: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2007040412131993
Atiku Abubakar‘s bid to contest in the April 21 2007 presidential election has been rejected by the court of appeal. The presiding judge, justice Umar Abdullahi agreed that in accordance to the 1999 Constitution's Electoral Act, (INEC) Independent National Electoral Commission has the power to screen and disqualify candidates for the election and also disqualify any candidate that fails to meet the criteria set out by the 1999 Constitution without having to go to court.
Issues:
The court of appeal's judgement is fair, in the sense that, justice Umar Abdullahi's judge was in accordance with Nigeria's constitution. If trully INEC has the constitutional right to disqualify candidates, then it means that Akitu Abubakar's faith depends on INEC.
Significance of issue:
April 2007 election probably just a few weeks away. Disqualification of candidates at this moment is really not a good way of practising democracy. Atiku Abubakar and his supporters have come along way to swallow any form of resistance or hindrance that will prevent them for pursuing presidency. INEC should endeavour to forget with ever issues they have with Atiku and grant him permission to contest.
full article: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2007040412131993
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