Wednesday 31 October 2012

Mrs. Sheila Solarin: Exit of a revolutionary educationist

Mrs. Sheila Solarin: Exit of a  revolutionary educationist

By Adaeze Atueyi-Ojukwu
Over the last few days, only few events have grabbed more headlines more than the unexpected demise of Mrs. Sheila Solarin, famous educationist and widow of the late Dr. Tai Solarin, foremost human rights activist, and founder of the Mayflower Schools, Ikenne, Ogun State. The news took a prominent position in the Nigerian media. Mrs. Solarin, a Briton, who was known for her immense contribution to the country’s education sector, passed on, last Sunday, leaving behind a huge community of mourners and sympathizers who have continued to spill emotions in flowing quantities.
She was aged 88. Until her passage last week, the grandmother was bubbling with life and beaming with passion for what she had been known for – imparting knowledge on younger generations of Nigerians. The famous Mayflower Schools, one of the most respected secondary schools in Africa, are a landmark educational group that would continue to testify to the late principal’s priceless contributions to national development as far as molding and nurturing individuals is concerned.
Having invested several decades in developing and mentoring many young minds, the octogenarian bowed to the ultimate call following injuries sustained from a minor domestic accident. She was reported to have fallen off a chair while at the family home in Ikenne, Ogun State and never came out of the pains and trauma alive. Corin, the first of Sheila’s two children, recalled to the paper circumstances leading to her mother’s death. She said that the ordeal started on Sunday, July 15, when her mother slipped and sustained a broken leg and was subsequently admitted at the Babcock University Medical Facility. “She was already recuperating when on Sunday, October 21st, she became very animated and said she wanted to join her senior brother, Uncle Bill, who passed on last year,” Corin recalled.
“She was also saying that she wanted to see Tai, late papa. She was singing, “Will your anchor hold”. We were singing and talking with her when she passed on. “We would miss her charity, patience and love for people. She was a wonderful woman, highly intelligent, very modest and an ideal mother. She was an action woman. Apart from taking her regular classes, she taught English, she also taught non-literate adults to read and write even up to a few weeks before her demise.
She worked till the end of her life and I feel honoured to be one of her children.” Describing his mother’s situation, about half an hour before her passage, Tunde, the last child of the family, said she was feverish and was trying to speak. “She was connected to a heart-monitor machine,” he reveals. “The doctors at the Babcock Hospital did their utmost best but the age at which she sustained the leg injury did not help matters.” In spite of the huge setback, Tunde is proud that his mother’s life has been, and would continue to be a positive influence to all. He was full of thanks to old students of Mayflower and, indeed, everyone who had spared some thought for the family. Otunba Tiwalade Sobo, a son-in-law of the legendary educationist/teacher, could not hold back his feelings.
He had good words for the departed, insisting that she lived a good life. “Mama has been a blessing to humanity,” said Sobo. “She has lived a successful life. She died without any problem. We all know that Mayflower School is one of the first schools in Nigeria, having been established in 1956. Her husband came all the way from England to establish the school. Mayflower has trained thousands of Nigerians doctors, lawyers, ministers and others. Most of those she trained still call her mama even in death.” Continuing, he said, “ I would miss a lot about her.
She is somebody that we love so much and we are going to miss everything about her. She advises us on how our kids should go to school and also advices the kids on the kind of education they should pursue. At the end of the day when they go to different universities and take mama’s advice, they excel. I don’t think in the next five years we would be able to see somebody like her to give us that kind of advice and the way she stood by us. If I come back to this world again, I would take her to be my mother-in-law,” he said. It is not only the Solarins that have been ruing the loss of their daughter, individuals from all walks of life have also shared in their pains, too.
Traditional ruler of Ikene town, Oba Adeyinka Onakade Moruwafu 1, the Alekenne of Ikene, described the late Sheila Solarin as a valuable treasure that would be missed. “The educational activities of mama are immeasurable,” he said in an interview with our reporter in his palace on Tuesday. “It was she and her husband who brought light to Ikene community. The adage is that “ knowledge is light”, they brought us knowledge and the light has been shinning so brilliantly ever since.” He states further that mama won’t be forgotten especially for her roles and encouragement to the people. “We won’t forget her forever in this town because the role she played is very valuable to our community. We have lost a very important educationist in Ikene town and we mourn her death and we pray that after her death the community would not go into darkness.”
The principals, teachers and students of Mayflower schools were not also left out. They had heartwarming words for their departed heroine. Many of them told the reporter that the influence she had on their lives was indescribable. To them, she was not just a leader but also a mother who made each person’s welfare her priority. Olarewaju Ola, Principal of Mayflower Senior Private School, said this of the departed Solarin. “I always take her as God personified. This is because she has always demonstrated unalloyed love to everybody, regardless of the race, creed or where you come from. “Her love for educating people is immeasurable.
All her life, she was not thinking of anything but how to educate others. She made sure that things are done in the right way, showing compassion for every student particularly the girl child. She has always said that no girl must remain uneducated. She was a firm believer in the maxim that ‘if you educate a girl, you are educating a nation.’ She would always ensure that the girls are always around to tap from her wealth of experience and knowledge. She would always do her best to put them aright, correct them when they go wrong and she was quick to forgive. She does not keep malice. She does not believe in witches or wizards. “Mama believed in leading a pious life.
She believed that living a life of purity is great gain. She had no time for malice. She nursed no ill feeling against anybody. When anybody does anything wrong, she forgives, forgets and forges ahead. She believed strictly in doing things meticulously. If she gives you an assignment, she wants you to be meticulous about it because that is what she would do. “Sometimes ago, she won the price of N2 million for taking part in the who wants to be a millionaire game show.
She donated the money to the school to buy science equipment and materials. She wanted the students to have a good science lab. And to ensure that the money is spent judiciously and on what it is meant for, she created a special account for it, of which I was a signatory. She ensured the money did not go to any other thing than she dedicated it to. All her life, she always thought of how to educate the students. In his tribute, David Akinnuga, Principal Mayflower Senior Public School, observed that the late Sheila was an embodiment of humility.
“The late Sheila was an embodiment of humility, hard work, discipline and humanitarianism,” he says. “While she was here, she stood behind her husband like a rock. She was hardworking and, therefore, made the first principal of Ikene High School. She helped students who did not have enough money to further their studies. She was a truthful person; she was someone who likes neatness. If she is around, and sees a piece of paper on the ground she would tell the closest person to pick it up, or she would personally pick it up; and I imbibed that from her.
We would miss her around here, because while she was here, it looked like she was a guiding angel for the school.” Kweku Attah Kakra, vice principal of the Mayflower Private School said the grand old woman was not only interested in graduating students, she was more concerned in training people who would leave secondary school and be ready for the labour market. Kweku, a Ghanaian who has worked with mama for 25 years, says it would be almost impossible for anyone to fill her shoes. “I think it would be difficult to fit into mama’s shoes,” he continues. “She produced students who, after passing out of secondary school, are prepared to go out there and work. She taught them extra things, not just classroom work.
Students would come out knowing how to bake bread, how to do a little bit of plumbing and electrical work. While other schools are only concerned about education, she was concerned about life in and life after school.” Olumide David Odukoya, a mathematics teacher testifies that mama was interested in the welfare of teachers, helping children from poor background and ensuring that children are educated properly. “She cares a lot for our welfare,” Odukoya says. “Formerly the staffs had the privilege of having free their breakfast, lunch and supper. There was also free accommodation for staffs. We did not pay for it.
“She was interested in helping children from poor background. During the civil war, I was a student at that time and the late Tai Solarin would go to the Biafran area to bring children to the school for free education. He even went as far as South Africa to bring some unprivileged children to learn. “It is very difficult for me to describe her; she is an epitome of womanhood. She is ready to give assistance especially where necessary and she would not mind whatever cost it would be.” The reporter also engaged scores of the students of Mayflower during the visit. Many of them fought back tears as they reminisced on the life and times of the late Sheila.
They could not muster enough courage to describe, in the past tense, a woman they had grown to love and who loved them back. Oke Oyetade, a Senior Secondary 3 student, fought tears as she paid tribute to the late Solarin. “She was a good woman,” she says. “She was always advising us. She would tell us not to look down on ourselves. She encouraged us to unite. Whether you are rich or poor, she always advised that we stick together as one.” Saka Folorunsho, another student who had experienced the 88-year-old in recent time, just before her death, holds fond memories of her as well. He disclosed to the paper that mama taught him how to be excellent in writing and helped him become a good public speaker as well. “Madam Sheila was a woman of courage,” the student testifies. “She was somebody that was always willing to help and was ready to give whatever she had into education. I will miss her. She has impacted on my academics more than any person I know.”
President Goodluck Jonathan, in a condolence message, recognized the great contributions of Solarin to the education sector in the country, describing her demise as a huge loss for the country. “Her remarkably long period in running the popular Mayflower School, Ikenne, and teaching English in that school made her to leave an indelible impact on generations of students who, today, occupy prominent positions in all sectors of the Nigerian society. A great soul, highly respected mother, peacemaker and community worker, I commend her courage and patriotism in making Nigeria her permanent home before and after the death of her husband. Her decision to carry on with the legacy of her late husband, even up to a very advanced age, speaks a lot about her indomitable spirit and a great lesson for others to emulate.”
The newly re-elected Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, stands on the same podium with Jonathan. He admits that the loss of the gem would, indeed, be felt in the area of education. His words: “A great loss to the nation in general and the educational sector in particular, no doubt, Sheila had left a vacuum that may be difficult to fill in education sector. “An educationist par excellence, she was a rare talent, whose experience of two diverse cultures made her unique and rich in terms of knowledge that many benefited from.” Born in Carnforth, England, on May 31, 1924, Sheila, popularly called ‘Madam’, attended Levens School, Westmorland Upper Primary School, Shropshire, England; and Higher Wych Primary School, Denbighshire in Wales for her primary education before proceeding to Whitchurch Girls High School, Shropshire,
England, for her secondary education where she obtained her secondary school certificate and higher school certificate between 1940 and 1941 respectively. She studied as a medical auxiliary between 1945 and 1946 before moving to Manchester University where she graduated in July 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts honours in English. She also went to Ontario Institute of Education, Toronto, Canada for her Master’s degree in Education in 1975. Even though she had enjoyed a sparkling career in the years preceding that time, it was after she ventured into full-time teaching with her husband, Augustus Taiwo “Tai” Solarin, a renowned educator and author in 1952, that she had her life transformed.
She joined him to work at the famous Molusi College in Ijebu Igbo and left in September 1955 to assume office as the Principal of Ijebu Igbo Girl’s School where she was until 1956 when she and her husband established Mayflower School. Since that time, the school has gone on to produce many prominent and exceptional individuals who have emerged as leading figures in the country and the world today. Solarin was the author of the book, English Grammar and Comprehension, which was first published in 1982 by Macmillan Book Publishers and was until her death a prolific writer who bared her voice on important national debates. She would, indeed, be sorely missed by all.
TheSun

I was not arrested in London, says Ajimobi’s wife

by:

I was not arrested in London, says Ajimobi’s wife
Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, yesterday denied the story of her arrest by the London Metropolitan Police.
The PM News yesterday published a piece entitled: “Anxiety over Florence Ajimobi’s alleged arrest in UK”, which it claimed was written by an online agency, Newsleak.
The publication claimed that the governor’s wife was arrested in London for money laundering.
It said Mrs. Ajimobi had travelled abroad 52 times since her husband assumed office.
The Metropolitan Police and the United Kingdom Border Control Agency said it did not interrogate Mrs. Ajimobi.
An official of the Metropolitan Police said: “We have no knowledge of the arrest.”
Speaking with reporters on the telephone yesterday, Mrs. Ajimobi said she was not arrested. She described the news of her arrest as the handiwork of the opposition to discredit her husband’s administration.
Mrs. Ajimobi said: “I do not know what they are talking about or where they got the information from. I left Nigeria on Sunday and I was not arrested. “
Asked if she was invited by the police on her arrival in London, she said: “No, not at all. I came here with my daughter on Sunday and I am preparing to return home. I was not invited by the police and I do not know what this is all about.”
On the reason for her trip abroad, she said she took her 14-year-old daughter back to London, where she is schooling.
Mrs. Ajimobi said: “I have a 14-year-old daughter, who has been in London for seven years. She has been here since 2007. She came to Nigeria for two weeks and we left Nigeria on Sunday morning. That is my mission here.
“I read the report here in England and I was shocked. There is no truth in it. I am surprised that some people can descend so low to write falsehood. I am disappointed in the reporter that allowed himself to be used to carry out the hatchet job. I am expected back in the country tomorrow morning (today).
On the allegation that she had travelled 52 times since the inception of the administration, she said: “Then it means I am not living in Nigeria. When I return, I will show you my passport, so that you can count how many times I have travelled. I want you to deal with facts. I have an underage daughter that has been schooling in London since 2007. If you look at my passport since 2007 and compare the way I travelled then with the way I travel now, you will discover that I travel less now.
“My daughter complains that I do not visit her regularly. I make her come to Nigeria more because I cannot afford to spend 10 days or more abroad.”
An aide of the governor, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “So far, the governor has spent 68 weeks in office, how do you reconcile the claim that his wife has travelled 52 times since the inception of this administration? Does it mean that she travels every week?”
 TheNation

Despite FG’s promise to cut travel cost, EFCC proposes N488m for trips


The assurance by President Goodluck Jonathan that his administration will reduce travel cost to save money for more capital projects may be an empty one, as Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has proposed a whopping N488m on local and international travels next year.
The breakdown of its 2013 budget shows that its officials will travel within the country with N400.5million while N88.2million will be used to travel around the world.
In addition, N43.8million will be spent on international training while N66.2m will be used for local training of officials.
Its legal department has proposed to pay N100m as legal service charges while N14.7m will be used for refreshment and meals in the 2013 budget.
The agency has also proposed to spend N31.9m on motor vehicle fuel while its power generating plants will gulp N74.3m in the agency’s next year budget which allocated N2.1bn for capital projects.
For sporting activities, a total of N39.3m is needed while N24.1m will be used to buy and sew new “uniforms and other clothes” for some of its personnel.
Many Nigerians believe the Federal Government reneged on its promise to drastically slash the recurrent expenditure in the 2013 budget.
DailyPost

Abah John Abah: Oil Prospecting In The North – Politics and Issues


The Sokoto state governor recently stoked the fires of Nigerian oil politics when he announced to the world that oil(hydrocarbon) has been discovered in commercial quantity in Sokoto state. The governor, Aliyu Wamakko, chose the special occasion of the end of Ramadam fast in August to make the announcement, and quickly took his claims to the presidency. Wamakko disclosure is just one of the series of events/activities that have renewed the hope of Oil prospects in the North, and Nigerian inland petroleum basins in general.
My interest in politics of mineral exploration was triggered early when as young student of geology, just in my second academic year, I attended an informal lecture by a renowned Nigerian professor of Geology. The lecture was titled Economic Politics of Mineral Prospecting in Nigeria. In the eye-opening lecture, the prof took us through issues and high-wired international and national politics that has bogged national projects like Oil search in the North, the Ajaokuta Steel project and solid mineral mining in Nigeria. If I could accept most of the issues, my teething geological mind could not comprehend how Oil could be found in the ‘dry’ north and why anyone would scuttle such an interesting possibility. It was a good awakening for an aspiring geologist from a village within such inland basin in the middle belt of Nigeria.
Interests in oil prospecting in the North and Nigeria inland basins gathered momentum recently when in August this year, the person who should know, the president of Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society, Akinola A. George made a case for oil search in the North. Similar anxiety has been expressed by some leading voices in the North including the Arewa Consultative Forum. It was thus nerve-calming when the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, with the officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) announced that there is a renewed effort to work with relevant companies to speed up prospecting of exploitable petroleum deposits in the Chad Basin and other inland Basins. Exploration campaign in these basins have been halted because it is believed in some quarters that the basins holds no exploitable deposits of hydrocarbons. As argued by Akinola, until advanced geological studies, using new technology is carried out, such claims of unviability will be hasty. History is replete with failed oil expedition overturned by technology. Ghana recently struck oil after 20 years of failed attempts. When the British were invited to prospect for oil in Saudi Arabia they returned after unsuccessful campaign to announce to the Saudi kings that the Arabian deserts was only good for rearing camels. The Americans went with hi-tech exploration technics and today Saudi Arabia is the world largest producer.
That oil exist in commercial quantity in Nigerian inland basins is known by every geologist familiar with sedimentary basins. Nigerian petroleum basins are the Chad Basin- covering most of North Central Africa with Nigerian part reaching to Borno, Yobe and Bauchi; Rima Basin- actually the western extension of the Chad basin covers Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina; Benue Trough- encapsulating the River Benue and surrounding states; and the Anambra Basin- Anambra, Enugu and parts of Benue and Kogi. For a long time now, the existence of petroleum in exploitable quantity in the Anambra Basin and Benue Trough is know by prospecting companies in Nigeria. Orient Petroleum recently resumed production in the Anambra Basin and the Lower Benue Trough. The resumption of production in these areas has renewed the fervour for oil search in the Chad and Rima Basins. Experts believe that it is only a matter of time before production move up to the Upper Benue and Northern basins.
Oil search in the Chad basin began as far back as 1976, championed by the NNPC in collaboration with her oil major joint partners of Shell, Mobile, Elf, Chevron and Agip. The exploration has been bedeviled by myriads of problems ranging from funding, politics, technology and basic economics of scale by the oil giants. There have been bouts of efforts by successive governments but the search progressed with such snail speed that clearly showed the NNPC and government have been complacent because we are gifted with abundant reserves in the Niger Delta. Soon after the beginning of the present republic, the senate, urged by Senator Salisu Matori(Bauchi) launched an inquiry into NNPC exploration of oil in the North. Many revealing facts already expressed in many quarters came to light. Following the Senate intervention, the Federal government commissioned a consortium of indigenous and international consultants to do an integrated study and review of past exploration strategies and come up with a new approach that will lead to commercial oil find. This ‘renewed’ approach went in the way of past efforts fuelling the speculation that the government, and the NNPC lack the commitment to pursue the project of North oil search to a successful end.
Many of the oil companies granted exploration blocks in the Chad basin and Benue Trough have carried out exploratory drilling without the yield of what geologist called ‘wild cat wells’, the theoretical one strike out of ten exploratory drills. Doubts have been expressed over the depth of wells drilled and the technology deployed. The seismic study that highlights the depth of oil-bearing reservoir rocks had been done with 2D technology instead of the more advanced 3D used in other parts of the world. Exploratory drill depth had been restricted to the controversial 3,000 meters ‘oil window’ approved by the NNPC for most of Northern basins. Experts have questioned the decision to peg the oil window at such depth when the technology deployed is suspect. The structural studies reveals a sedimentary pile of up to 6,000meters and it is likely that 3D seismics and better technology can point to a deeper ‘oil window’.
Exploratory drilling campaign is a painstaking and expensive venture and this is where NNPC funding has been called to question. As confirmed even by Senate findings, the exploration have often been halted because the efforts have been solely funded by the prospecting companies. These are companies that have their hands full in the oil-rich Niger Delta where new exploratory campaign is, hugely complimented by existing data, cheap. Any investor with such prospects would simply apply the economics of scale. What is the use throwing millions of dollars into an uncertain project that holds little comparative profit? They would rather concentrate on the Niger Delta where the turn over is a lot better. The refrain among the NNPC joint venture partners seems to be “if you want oil in the inland Basins, then commit funds”.
Oil production in the foreign parts of the Chad basin- Chad and Niger Republics, has helped to reaffirm the belief by experts that Nigeria has not started production in our parts of the basin because our exploration lacks the required vigour or/and hampered by undue politicking. Exploration only begun about two decades ago in Chad and Niger republics but their campaign was sustained through political backing and funding born by the prospecting firms. It is clear that the major NNPC partners constitute an interesting factor in the equation. It is difficult to get these companies commit all the fund needed without assistance from the government as long as they have better investment prospects in the Niger Delta. Investment analyst believe that Nigeria needs a fresh programme for interested oil companies for whom the Inland Basins will be an exciting prospects. We can look beyond the western oil majors as Niger and Chad Republics have done.
The Federal Government and the host states need to work with the NNPC to evolve new strategy to actualise the dream of oil production in the Basins. The success of Orient petroleum in Anambra state underscores the huge impact the backing of host states can make. Successive state governments, across party lines, in Anambra state have ensured the prospecting programme was sustained, with significant state funding and equity. It is not enough for state governments to make claims of oil finds. They should show some dexterity in this regard. The disclosure by Sokoto state government that they are seeking the help of Niger Republic is laughable. Nigeria has leading experts in oil technology known all-over the world. We may lack home-grown technology but we have been in the business long enough to do it without the help of minnows like Niger republic. The boundary states should be careful as modern multi-lateral drilling has made it possible for neighbouring countries to suck oil from under your backyard by simply sitting wells just close to the border line.
This discuss cannot be concluded without addressing the issue of security. Oil find in the North has the potential to redefine the present security challenges in the region. The huge wealth oil exploitation can bring holds tempting appeals for secessionist fighters. Oil alone can be a bargain collateral for arms support from enemy nations. There need to be concerted effort to quickly end the Boko Haram insurgency and other crises in the North, not just for peace of oil workers but that the anticipated wealth becomes a blessing to be enjoyed instead of a curse.
DailyPost

“You cannot instigate the people against me” – Jonathan reacts to allegation of land grab


President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to the ongoing criticism on his person over his alleged position over the land grab between Bayelsa State and rivers State.
There has been a contentious issue between Rivers and Bayelsa states over allegations of land grab and oil royalties Which the Community elders under the Umbrella of Kalabari National Forum, on Monday, cried out that the president had devised a major means to manipulate in favour of Bayelsa in order to cede Kula, Soku, Ehem-Sargama, Idama and Abose Rivers communities with large oil deposit to Bayelsa.
This, they had expressed via a protest that was led by a former Minister, Alabo Graham-Douglas in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chairman of Akukutoru Local Government Area Traditional Council of Rivers State, Emmanuel Awoyesuau-Jack, said: “The self-explanatory effort was perceived to assuage the initial provocation of the Rivers State government. While Rivers State government patiently awaited the promised correction, of the error-laden 11th edition of the Administrative map of Nigeria, which ordinarily should have redressed the acknowledged fundamental misrepresentations, the RMAFC surreptitiously released all revenue accruing from Soku Fields and Wells, previously kept in an Escrow Account, to Bayelsa State without recourse to Rivers State.”
But the president through his Spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, had denied the allegation, accusing Rivers State of the ongoing complications in the matter.
The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication in some newspapers today about a protest staged by the Kalabari National Forum and some monarchs in Abuja, in which the so-called protesters accused President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of interfering in a boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states.
“The protesters alleged directly and through innuendoes, that there are plans to cede five Rivers State oil communities to Bayelsa with the connivance of various Federal Government agencies under the watchful eyes and supervision of his Excellency, Mr. President whose home state, most ingloriously, is the direct beneficiary.
“We consider these allegations irresponsible and most unfortunate, considering the status of the persons who reportedly championed the protest. The statutory agencies being referred to by the protesters do not take orders from the President; they are independent bodies.
Besides, there are laid down procedures for resolving inter-state boundary disputes. In this particular case, the dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states predates the Jonathan administration, and has been a matter for consideration by the National Boundary Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and other relevant agencies, long before now. The matter has never at any time been brought before either the President or the Vice President. The school-boy style protest is an attempt at cheap blackmail. We find the motive deplorable.
“It is all the more surprising that a man of Alabo-Graham Douglas’s stature, a former Minister who ought to know what is right, will team up with a group intent on causing disaffection between the President and his Ijaw kinsmen.
“We advise the Kalabari National Forum, its members and hidden sponsors, to avoid the temptation to instigate conflict between the Nembe and Kalabari people of Rivers and Bayelsa states, who are both of the same Ijaw stock. The statutory agencies assigned the responsibility of resolving boundary disputes should be allowed to do their work.
“President Jonathan appeals to the good people of Rivers and Bayelsa to refuse to be dragged into the politics of conflict being orchestrated by individuals pursuing a hidden agenda.
“The Federal Government, under President Jonathan’s watchful eyes and supervision, remains committed to the promotion of fairness and justice in the interest of all parties concerned.”
DailyPost

Presidency Accuses Amaechi of ‘School-boy’ style protest over Disputed Oil Wells


Governor Amaechi in an animated moment
The Presidency and the government of Bayelsa state are in the middle of a cold war with the Rivers State government over the potential ceding of some oil producing communities to Bayelsa state.
The oil wells are currently under the purview of Rivers State and the State government is not going down without a fight.
The Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati in a statement accused the Rivers State government of ‘school boy style’ protest and also of ‘cheap blackmail’. The accusations arrived on the back of a protest by the Kalabari Traditional Forum in Rivers which was spearheadedby a former Minister of Aviation, Alabo Graham Douglas.
Abati’s statement said, “We consider these allegations irresponsible and most unfortunate considering the status of the persons who reportedly championed the protest.
“The statutory agencies being referred to by the protesters do not take orders from the President; they are independent bodies.
“Besides, there are laid down procedures for resolving inter-state boundary disputes.
“In this particular case, the dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states predates the Jonathan administration, and has been a matter for consideration by the National Boundary Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and other relevant agencies, long before now.
“The matter has never at any time been brought before either the President or the Vice President.
“The school-boy style protest is an attempt at cheap blackmail.
“We find the motive deplorable. It is all the more surprising that a man of Alabo Graham Douglas’s stature, a former Minister who ought to know what is right, will team up with a group intent on causing disaffection between the President and his Ijaw kinsmen.”
Meanwhile the Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson has also accused Amaechi of diparaging President Jonathan and of making statements capable of causing a lingering crisis between the two states.
Dickson has requested for an unreserved apology from Amaechi “over its unguarded, mischievous and misleading statements, which clearly are calculated to disparage the Presidency and incite violence between the two states.”
On the oil dispute and the legitimacy of Bayelsa’s claim to the oil fields, Dickson released a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson.
The statement reads, “The facts remain that all the relevant maps – the administrative map of Nigeria 10th edition produced in 1992 and the 11th edition produced in 2000 were clearly produced long before Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became the Vice-President and later President.
“It is therefore pertinent to state that no amount of blackmail or propaganda will deter the government of Bayelsa State from pursuing its legitimate rights and entitlements under the law.
“We wish to assure our good brothers in Rivers State not to allow themselves to be used for cheap blackmail or any form of propaganda against the President and Bayelsa State.
“Let it be clearly stated that the government of Bayelsa State is not interested in annexing Kalabari clan, as it is being alleged, for the purpose of claming derivation entitlements or any other purpose whatsoever.
“We condemn the deliberate and mischievous attempt to link the President to what is clearly an exercise of Bayelsa State Government’s right. The government of Rivers State itself has made several such claims of wrongful payments of derivation monies and has severally received refund in deserving cases.”
The Rivers State government has come out to deny thre allegations, calling President JOnathan a ‘bonafide Port Harcourt boy’ and a ‘worthy in-law’.
These remarks were made by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari.
She said, “The government of Rivers State has not made any statement suggestive of  blackmail against President Jonathan who is both a bona fide Port-Harcourt boy and a worthy in-law.
“However, I am aware that the people of Akuku-Toru lga have protested the redrawing of the geographical map of Rivers State that attempts to tear them away from their kith and kin in the Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State.
“I doubt that this exercise of their constitutional right can be viewed as blackmail against our brothers in Bayelsa not to mention Mr. President.”
BusinessNews

“They pounced on me and gave me the beating of my life” – Man narrates ordeal with FRSC officials


No longer able to condone the level of brutality meted on him by the men of Federal Road Safety, Oshodi Unit, a Lagos state based man, Mr. Gbolahan Olayinka, stormed their Lagos head office in seek of redress.
According to the visibly tortured man, the incident happened on Tuesday, October 24, 2013 at Oshodi where he had gone to fuel his official car at a filling station. Not quite long after he parked right inside the Filling Station, the officials approached him claiming the way he parked obstructed other motorists. Olayinka said he refuted their claims because his car was not on the road but parked according to the directions of the station manager.
But trouble ensued when one of the three FRSC men at the scene thereafter attempted to deflate his tyre but he tried to restrain him.
“I went to Mobil Filling Station, Oshodi to buy fuel. Suddenly, one FRSC official made an attempt to deflate my official car tyre. When I asked him why he was trying to do that, he said the side I parked my car was causing obstruction. I found it funny because it was untrue. Moreover, the filling station manager, who is a customer of our company, instructed my driver to park at the location. Other officers who felt I was preventing their colleague from doing his work pounced on me and gave me the beating of my life.
DailyPost