A member of the House of Representatives, Patrick Obahiagbon [ACN Edo] narrowly escaped suspension yesterday over his disagreement with the plan to make lawmakers automatic members of parties' National Executive Committees (NECs).
Mr Obahiagbon, who last week briefed journalists about his reservations concerning the amendment bill seeking to alter the 2010 Electoral Act to make members of the National Assembly part of the NEC of their parties, was verbally lampooned by his colleagues on the floor for describing them as "legislative tyrants."
But for the careful handling of the matter by the Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, the House of Representatives would have suspended Mr Obahiagbon over his stance against the proposed amendment. Trouble started for Mr Obahiagbon as soon as Mr Bankole announced the commencement of business of the day, and Igochukwu Aguma [PDP Rivers] interrupted the Speaker with a point of order.
Citing Order 5 Rule 1 of the House of Representatives' standing rules, and relevant sections of the Legislative Houses Privileges Act, Mr Aguma said Mr Obahiagbon had during the media briefing and at another appearance on a television programme, referred to his colleagues as rascals, arguing that his personal privileges and that of the House, including that of the Speaker had been breached...
He urged Mr Bankole to immediately refer this matter to the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the House which is the internal disciplinary organ of the House. Mr Bankole, who called for understanding from members who were in support of Mr Aguma, yielded the floor to Mr Obahiagbon to defend himself.
The lawmaker explained that he was only calling on the National Assembly to take a second look at the proposed amendment and what he said was that (quoting from the text of the press conference) "it would amount to legislative rascality, if it goes ahead with the amendment." The Speaker said Mr Obahiagbon had not denied making the statement, and then offered him the opportunity to speak again, which he said would equally influence his decision on the matter.
Mr Obahiagbon later tendered an unreserved apology after repeated persuasions by the Speaker.
But he was also made to withdraw the statement before Mr Bankole convinced his colleagues to pardon him, and then hit the gavel amidst verbal protests.
Inciting Nigerians
But not satisfied with that, Cyril Maduabum [PDP Anambra] who co-sponsored the controversial bill, raised another point of order and launched another round of verbal attacks on Mr Obahiagbon whom he accused of calling on Nigerians "to rise up in arms against the National Assembly," if it did not drop the amendment bill.
"I listened to Patrick Obahiagbon on AIT's Focus Nigeria where he openly called on Nigerians to rise up in arms against the National Assembly, rise up in arms. He was inciting Nigerians to cause violence...Is it because he thinks he can speak English?
"My privilege was breached and Obahiagbon should be held responsible for anything that happens to me and my children," Mr Madaubum stated.
Mr Bankole appealed to members that there was so much to be done and time should not be wasted on trivial issues.
"Most of us here have decided to choose this [lawmaking] as business and I can understand the passion you have demonstrated. But I urge you take this as part of the hazards of this job. Obahiagbon has made the unfortunate comments but we should not give unnecessary attention to statements that don't mean much after today," he said.
In a bid to legitimize the official activities of members of the Delta state executive council, the Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Sam Onyeka Obi has directed the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect. Erstwhile Governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, had during his occupation of office as governor of Delta state since 2007, appointed 29 commissioners and over 230 political aides. Recall that Huhuonline.com reported that Uduaghan's political appointees in the state were gripped with panic, following agitations from various quarters that all commissioners and political aides in Uduaghan's administration should seize to occupy offices after the Appeal Court verdict that annulled the April 14, 2007 governorship election in the state.
A statement issued at Government House, Asaba and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Beatrice Omeni said 'All serving commissioners have been directed to hand over the management of their ministries and Directorates as well government properties to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior Directors. 'The Acting Governor, while commending the commissioners for their various contributions towards the growth and development of the state wishes them well in their future endeavours'. ..
The statement adds that the State Executive Council will be reconstituted shortly. A government source disclosed that 'Obi's action to dissolve the State Executive Council is not far from the fact that the present State Executive Council constituted by Uduaghan has become illegitimate due to the erstwhile governor's removal office'.
Another source said that 'these set of commissioners are illegal since the governor who appointed them ran an illegal term since 2007. The commissioners could no longer sign documents. The acting governor simply wants to run a legitimate government at least for three months. Some of them may be recalled but the right thing has to be done. 'The acting governor needs a new team to work with to perfect plans for the forthcoming re-run election in the state. Prince Obi and Uduaghan are working together and towards the same achievable goal of ensuring that PDP holds forth in the state. 'There is no doubt that Prince Obi has been attending rallies across the state in support of Uduagha's re-election bid and he recently told a gathering in Agbor that those against Uduaghan are nailing their coffins. That shows exactly where he is heading to and you know it', the source said.
The sacked commissioners and members of the state executive council include, Barrister Raymos Guannah (Ministry of Lands, Urban and Regional Planning), Barrister Victor Otomewo (Ministry of Justice), Dr. Joseph Otumara (Ministry of Health), Hon. Anthony Akpomiemie (Directorate of Science and Technology), Barr. Richard Mofe-Damijo (Directorate of Culture and Tourism), Queen Victoria Ikenchukwu (Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development), Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay (Ministry of Energy), Chief George Ugbomah (Ministry of Works), Mr. George Orogun (Ministry of Finance), Mr. Oma Djebah (Ministry of Information) and Hon. Ross Uredi (Bureau for Special Duties). Others are Barrister Bello Orubebe (Ministry of Environment), Chief Lawrence Osiegbu (Directorate of Transport), Mrs. Juliet Agoba (Ministry of Education -Basic. & Sec.), Barr. Ejaife Odebala (Directorate of Project Monitoring), Dr. Nnamdi Onochie (Special Duties, New Government House Project), Mr. Bernard Okumagba (Ministry of Economic Planning), Rev. (Mrs.) Shola Williams (Directorate of Youth Development), Mr. Patrick Mozea (Directorate of Local Government), Mr. Emmanuel Eboh (Special Duties -Ugbenu-Koko Road Project), Mr. Azuka Osakwe (Ministry of Commerce and Industries), Chief (Dr.) Tony Nwaka (Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource), Chief Frank Omare (Ministry of Housing). Dr. Chris Oghenechorwen (Ministry of Water Resources), Mrs. Orezi Jane Esievo (Special Duties -DESOPADEC), Dr. Hope Eghagha (Ministry of Higher Education), Lady (Barr.) Kate Mudiaga-Erhueh (Special Duties - Abuja ), Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor (Special Duties -Government House), Barrister Fred Majemite (Special Duties -Warri Water Project) were also sacked.
Meanwhile, Barrister Raymos Guannah and Barr. Ejaife Odebala has since resigned their appointments to contest elections into the House of Assembly to represent Patani and Sapele constituencies respectively.
MTN Project Fame West Africa III is over ..but the music plays on…
The top 6 finalists from the season have just released the lead single from the Project Fame West Africa Season 3 compilation album.
The song is titled ‘Winner‘ and was produced by Cobhams Asuquo.
The singers on the track are PFWA3 winner Chidinma, 1st runner up Kesse from Ghana, Eyo, Yetunde, Tolu and Ochuko.
The compilation album will be released in December 2010 and will contain solo songs from the final 6 contestants.
Project Fame West Africa III winner Chidinma is being managed by the Goretti Company. She is currently in the studio recording her debut album and working with notable producers includingCobhams Asuquo, Tee Y Mix, J Martins and eLDee. Her album is scheduled to drop in the first quarter of 2011.
The wife of the former Governor of Delta State, Theresa Ibori, has been sentenced to
jail for five years by a London jury after she was found guilty on a
two count-charge of money laundering.
Found guilty with Mr Ibori’s attorney, Bhadresh Gohil, who was on trial with Theresa. Mr Gohil was found guilty on a similar charge and was remanded in police custody.
He will be sentenced after the conclusion of another trial involving the laundering of proceeds of V-Mobile shares by James Ibori, Henry Imashekka, David Edevbie and former Akwa Ibom governor, Victor Attah. The trial will commence next Monday.
The recent anti-corruption campaign on the Ibori’s has also seen the conviction of the former governor’s sister Christine Ibori-Ibie; and mistress, Udoamaka Okoronkwo-Onuigbo in a previous trial for helping him move an estimated £70 million worth of looted funds through several London banks. The two women are currently serving five-year jail terms each in a London prison.
Mr Ibori is currently detained in the United Arab Emirates where the Dubai court of First Instance ruled in October that he should be extradited to the United Kingdom to face charges on corruption, official theft and money laundering saying he has “a case to answer in the UK.” But he is appealing the judgement at the Emirate’s Supreme Court where he is reported to have sought political asylum.
Mr Ibori was arrested in the Emirate by the International Police (INTERPOL) in May after he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly mismanaging N528 million shares of Delta State in Oceanic Bank a month before his arrest in the UAE after evading arrest in Nigeria. A warrant of arrest was also issued on him by the UK Metropolitan Police for money laundering......
Once you get into this sort of work, looking at your life and deciding what you want to be doing differently, it can sometimes feel like a lonely journey.
That sense of quiet sadness, overwhelming responsibility - I've felt that at times.
It's one of my biggest lessons, and one that I'm still (slowly, slowly) learning, is that the way to a life of fun, inspiration and action lies in inviting in other to your inner circle. It involves letting go of the affliction
many of us bear, the Superman Syndrome, where we feel we have to do it all
ourselves.
Who's in your army/ Who's on your side? Who's got your back?
There are two steps to this.
There are three types of people you might consider inviting in to play with you.
1. People who love you. There are some people who'll stand by you no matter what. People who are happy to pick up the YOU banner and wave it with all their might.
2. People with skills to help you. In this ultra-connected world, there are extraordinary people with skills and talents and insights who can help you. Six degrees of separation? These days
it's closer to two or three degrees, You have a global reach now.
3. People with power. People who have resources, connections and influence. People who can help get stuff done.
Knowing these people is nothing if you don't connect with them, invite them in to play.
It will be no surprise to hear that no one particularly loves a stranger showing up and demanding something.
So try this. Contact people. spend time with them. Ask them, "How can I help you?" Build a relationship, not a transaction. And see what grows.
So, who's on your side?
peeps here's to your life of fun, inspiration & action.
Chelsea have promoted Michael Emenalo from his position as chief scout to assistant first team coach.
Emenalo, who has been with the Blues since October 2007, succeeds Ray Wilkins in the role and Chelsea say the move is "recognition of his efforts".
The 45-year-old represented Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup and won 14 caps.
Emenalo, who briefly played for Notts County in the mid-1990s, will continue to scout for the first team while he updates his coaching qualifications.
The Nigerian's playing career also took him to the United States, Spain, Germany and Israel.
Assistant first-team coach Paul Clement, who was alongside boss Carlo Ancelotti in the dug-out at Stamford Bridge for the defeat against Sunderland on Sunday, was expected to step up to fill the role...
Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, had also been linked with the job, as had Mauro Tassotti and Alessandro Costacurta who worked under Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti at Milan.
Ex-Chelsea first-team coach Steve Clarke and former West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola, who was a fans' favourite during his time as a player at Stamford Bridge, were also thought to be in the running.
Governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Babatunde Gbadamasi, has accused the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola of implementing policies aimed more at impoverishing the people of the State than better
their lives. The aspirant, who is a real estate professional, accused the Governor of embarking on cheap publicity adding that he had not done much for the State apart milking the people to death. Gbadamasi, in an interview with Huhuonline.com correspondent, said with N18 billion generated monthly as revenue from the State and another N4 billion from the Federal Government, the Governor had no excuse for failing the people. “Now, my position is: with N18 billion IGR per month, with N4 billion per month federal allocation, there is a responsibility on the government to provide services. ..
“There is one argument put up by him and members of his executive and that is that there is so much pressure on the infrastructure of the State because of the huge population, but do you know that in other places this population would be regarded as an added advantage, because it means more people that are able to pay taxes once you can sort out the infrastructure and social services problem? These people are all milking us to death,” he said. Continuing with the accusation, he said: “If you want apply for physical planning permission today, apart from the physical planning fee you pay, there is a whole number of other fees you are forced to pay.
“In some cases, by the time you are through, you would have paid about three times the actual amount you paid for your plot of land. There is the infrastructure development charge, which is an undefined charge added arbitrarily in an ad hoc manner without a formula for its calculation. “Somebody just decides depending on how his mood takes him for that day and he says go and pay such amount to the State. It is clear that these people do not know their left from their right. They do not know what they are doing.
“We were in this State when Jakande was the governor, we were in this state when Mudashiru was governor, we were in this state when Mobolaji Johnson was governor and we saw how government ought to be run. It is not been run like that and this is supposed to be democracy.
“Tejuosho Market was deliberately burnt down by some people, in my opinion, who are keen to profit from other people’s calamity and we now see that they have built a massive edifice in its place and they are quoting unbelievable amount of money for the rent or sale of the shop, which they know the former residents could not afford.”
The PDP aspirant accused the State governor of hiding something from the people by not disclosing how it has spent money over the years. The government of Fashola is actually known for its secrecy on government spending. Gbadamasi explained that in the last 12 years, Lagosians have been in bondage and held hostage by a group of people and now need to be liberated by an opposition.
“Our roads in Lagos are in a parlous state. They are in a pathetic state and the reason is that the current governor has become so comfortable as the incumbent that he has decided that he has no responsibility to the people any more.
“He thinks he does not have to fix the roads and the drains or provide education and health care services to the people. All he needs to do is force people to paint their buildings and everybody would clap and say ‘hosanna, the governor has come. “Today in Lagos State , we are spending over 50 per cent of our lives in traffic daily. How can this augur well for trade? Despite all the noise in the media, I make bold to say the few roads that are motorable in the State today are federal roads.
You might want to criticize the fact that the Federal Government would not come all the way from Abuja to repair roads, but don’t forget that the federal government has given all authority to the State Governments to go ahead and repair federal roads in their domain and then go ahead to seek compensation which would be promptly paid. He tasked the people of the State to ensure the governor’s re-election bid is frustrated.
Starting from Sunday 21 November, Idols, the highly publicised and anticipated music show, which has turned many into stars and captivated the entire world, will begin airing for the first time on Nigerian television as first season of Nigerian Idol debuts.
•Idol Judges.
For five consecutive months, television audience across Nigeria will have the pleasure of watching the biggest music talent competition and the opportunity to root and vote for their favourite Idol wannabe.
The Nigerian Idol auditions just wrapped up after a month of searching for talents in Enugu, Calabar, Abuja and Lagos, with Lagos audition producing an astonishing number of 5,000 young talents all hoping to become the next international music superstar from Nigeria.
Broadcaster Yemisi Fajimolu, fondly called Misi, by her radio fans, will be the host of the talent hunt show. She will be joined by Anis Holloway, a former reality show contestant.
For the first time ever, Audu Maikori, Chocolate City boss, American superstar Jeffrey Daniel and singer Yinka Davies, have taken up positions as judges of Nigerian Idol and they will play their role in commenting on the performances of this year’s contestants while helping the wannabes be the best they can.
Originally referred to as Pop Idol, Idols debuted on British TV in October 2001. Nigerian Idol is sponsored by Etisalat, Pepsi and Royal Exchange Assurance. The winner will go home with a cash prize of N7.5 million, a BlackBerry phone, Ipad, Ipod and an easy net data card along with a recording contract with Sony BMG
The first runner up gets N1.5 million, a BlackBerry phone, Ipad, easy net data card and an Ipod, courtesy of Etisalat, while the second runner up receives N1 million, a BlackBerry phone, Ipad, Ipod and easy net data card, also courtesy of Etisalat...
African Michael Jackson From Naija !As the final countdown to the announcement of a consensus candidate by the North begins, the four Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential aspirants (former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former National Security Adviser, NSA, General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau and Kwara State governor, Abubakar Bukola Saraki) on the bill of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF, are already holding talks on their individual and collective post announcement activities...
More confounding, Sunday Vanguard has been informed, is the exploration of the possibility of producing a consensus running mate for whoever emerges as the consensus candidate....
The consensus candidate was also said to be ready but the committee was withholding the announcement for reasons best known to the Forum.
Also, the Directors-General of the campaign organizations of the four aspirants are also engaged in their own levels of exploratory talks.
In addition, the campaign structure to be mobilized by whoever emerges as the consensus candidate, it was learnt, is likely to enjoy some form of contribution from the three other aspirants.
These are part of the talks presently going on between the candidates on the one hand and the candidates and the Mallam Adamu Ciroma Consensus Committee on the other hand.
A source close to the Consensus Committee revealed, at the weekend that “the candidate is ready but the committee knows why it has not announced the choice.”
“The source went on: One of the things happening now is that the presidential aspirants are in constant touch with one another, contrary to the story of bad blood being peddled in some quarters.
“It would also interest you to know that some of the details being worked out now is the exploration of an imminent possibility of collapsing the campaign structures of all the aspirants in a manner that they would all work for the consensus candidate once he is announced.
“I can tell you that even the Directors-General of the campaign organizations are also in talks.
“And in order not to make it a winner takes all situation, talks are also on for the possibility of adopting a consensus running mate for whoever emerges as the candidate.
“It is those who think the committee can not come up with an acceptable consensus candidate that are flying that kite.
“As far as the committee members are concerned, they are moving on since the candidate of choice is ready.
“Mind you, the committee members are also carrying along some political leaders in the three geo_political zones of the south so the members know what they are doing.”
Count us out — CAN
In the meantime, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has re_affirmed its determination to join forces with other groups and Nigerians in general from across the country for the emergence of a president in 2011, who will be acceptable to everyone.
A press statement, yesterday, by the Secretary of the Kaduna branch of CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said, “CAN has never and will not in any case be partisan in issues related to politics but will continue to maintain its neutrality being apolitical, but a religious organization conscious of national development, cohesion, integration and peaceful coexistence of our dear country.”
The statement explained that CAN decided to make the clarification following a report linking it with a certain committee working for the election of a northerner as President in 2011.
The statement said, “our attention has been drawn to a certain interview by a Christian clergy, Pastor Aminci, purportedly on behalf of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“The said interview emanated from a meeting with prominent northern Nigerian politicians in respect of the direction of Nigeria’s presidency in the 2011 elections.
“The interviewee was said to have stated that Christian community in the northern region has resolved to stand on the side of pro_zoning, by ensuring that Christians in the region vote on the side of a northern aspirant whether in the PDP’s presidential primaries and the general election as well.
“It is on this premise that CAN has found it imperative and of urgent need to put the record straight.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria, has no business with such partisanship politics, and has not in any way taken such a stand.
“Rather it is its persistent stand that Nigeria as a country has suffered a monumental underdevelopment, owing to nothing but corrupt and
bad leadership and as such Nigerians must, irrespective of religion,
ethnicity, political inclinations, rise and vote into power men and
women of virtue, moral and upright tendencies which CAN feel is the
solution to the mess the country is in.
“We wish to reiterate that Nigerians irrespective of their faith,
ethnicity have suffered due to corrupt and bad leadership which has no
religious backing of any kind.
“Conscious of that and the need to build a new Nigeria, CAN wishes to add that it has in collaboration with other religious organizations been in the forefront of ensuring that Nigerians be left alone to choose those they want to entrust in positions of trust.
“Again, another concern for CAN is that the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, National Assembly, Federal Government, political parties, civil society groups and other critical stakeholders act accordingly for the conduct of a successful electoral process.
“CAN is working together with other religious bodies in the country to ensure that a leader who will be loved by all Nigerians, irrespective of regional affiliation, emerges in 2011.”
WHEN MEN SAY THERE IS NO GOD, THE RESULT IS USUALLY............ UNTIMELY DEATH!!!!!!! !
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Hello 9ija,
Have you ever hung out with a bunch of five year olds?
They are bursting with creativity and ideas, alive with what's possible.
And somehow between then and now, most of us feel we've lost the capacity to have new ideas.
I think it's a combination of things.
==> We're often so busy that we don't have time to have new ideas - the first thought that comes along will do just fine (because hey, it'san idea, right? Any any idea is better than none!)
==> We live in a society that loves the fast and the first over the slow and the second... so there's not a lot of encouragement there
==> And finally, we just get out of practice. Let's face it, many of us are 90lb wimps in the Creativity Gym.
So why is it important to re-remember how to have new ideas and create new possibilities?
Because if the essence of 'stuck' is only having one option (and not liking what it is)...
then the essence of 'unstuck' is having the choice of powerful possibilities.
In other words, the capacity to have ideas and imagine what's possible IS the capacity to get unstuck.
So what can you do about it?
Here's a 6 step fandango for creating possibilities and new ideas. Test it out by taking on a real challenge your faced with right now.
#1. Give yourself some time. You don't need much. 5 minutes is great. 10 minutes, luxurious!
#2. Get away from your usual place of work. That doesn't mean leaving the building - it can just be turning your chair around. Butshift out of that 'be efficient and focused place' we all have.
#3. Set yourself a target of new ideas. Five is the minimum... after that, you can go crazy.
#4. Press the 'pause' button on that little voice inside your head that just went 'I can't have five ideas ... I'm not that creative ...I'm no good at this.' (Did you know the biggest influence on yourability to be creative is your belief that YOU CAN be creative? So justfor the next five minutes, pretend that you're creative and that you'reup for this.Go on - it'll be fine)
#5. Ask yourself some powerful creative questions to open things up. Here are some of my favorites:
#6. Start shaping a solution - take the best idea or ideas and start planning on how you're going to do what you want to do.
So... What's possible?
9ija here's to your life of fun, inspiration & action.
Warm wishes,
Angela.
