Hell on Niger Bridge: Kalu invites Jonathan

Following the pains and stress travellers suffer crossing the Niger Bridge in Onitsha, former Abia State Governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has invited President Goodluck Jonathan to come and witness it himself.
Kalu in a statement issued by one of his aides, Emeka Obogi, said: “When Jonathan told the world in Onitsha that the first bridge was constructed under an Azikiwe (Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe) and another Azikiwe (President Jonathan) would put up a second one, I believed him. But I just want him to come over after work, between December 24, 2012 and January 15, 2013 to see for himself what his country men are going through despite money allocated in the past and promises by former leaders.
His visit would make things happen next year, even if it means setting up a task force.”
The Igbere-born politician-cum business mogul reminded the Federal Government not to forget that it took two years to construct the Eko Bridge in Lagos after Carter Bridge suffered serious structural problem in 1957.
“Major repairs were carried out on Carter Bridge in 1957,but it was obvious another bridge was needed to ease traffic in Lagos. Government moved fast. By December 1,1965 work officially commenced on a new bridge, Eko. By December 17.1967, it was ready. And the contract was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Aktiengesellschaft. Since 1980, it had been hectic crossing the Niger.
I just hope Mr. President will handle this. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, knows about the pains of the failed attempts,” Kalu added.
The former Governor who praised Jonathan for his resolve to construct the Second Niger Bridge, said that only a presidential visit and the setting up of a task force would stalk the inhumanity trailing the commencement of the project.
“It took Nigeria about 10 million pounds to complete Eko Bridge in 1967.Although government got a loan of six million pounds from German Bank Kreditanstalt Fur Wiederaufban, more money was spent to build 58 high-rise homes to accommodate those who lost their houses on the Lagos Island, about 12,000 persons. I am sure we are going to see the same treatment across the Niger,” Kalu emphasized.
DailyPost

New Deputy Governor Of Kaduna, Bajoja Is A Betrayer - Southern Kaduna

Concerned Southern Kaduna Professionals have described as a ‘betrayer’, the new Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Mr. Nuhu Bajoga, who is giving up his chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for the deputy governor’s slot, asserting that he has made Southern Kaduna to forfeit its control of the PDP machinery.
The group made the remark in a statement signed by Dr. John Danfulani and Pedon K. Yates, following a SaharaReporters story on Bajoga becoming the next deputy governor.
“Despite the unanimous decision reached by all concerned people of Southern Kaduna extraction against his nomination, the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party in Kaduna State Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, who hails from the area went ahead and extricated himself by accepting his nomination as the next Deputy Governor of Kaduna State even with clear signs that it was done to perpetually enslave the people of Southern Kaduna politically, socially and other wise,” the group said.
They further expressed the view that the insistence by Vice President Namadi Sambo and Governor Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero that Bajoga be made Deputy Governor demonstrates that there are machinations and plots against the people of Southern Kaduna who since 1998 have been the ostrich laying golden eggs for the PDP in the history of elections held in Nigeria.
“By accepting his nomination and subsequently swearing in, Ambassador Bajoga has also revealed himself as a Judas who evidently is an unprincipled and unworthy sibling of Southern Kaduna, and indeed betrayer of the Southern Kaduna struggle. What is more painful and amazing is, at his age and exposure he had allowed his quest for political power to mortgage future of present and upcoming generations of Southern Kaduna, as Concerned Southern Kaduna Professionals consisting of those in the academia, private and public sector, media and other endeavours we will not relent in placing him in the right place he deserved in history of Southern Kaduna, the group warned.
Warning Bajoga that he has betrayed late Governor Yakowa in death and in trust, the group said that as people of God, they believe that the Law of Nature and of Karma will certainly catch up with him some day for betraying their collective cause and affirming more subjugation, domination and oppression of Southern Kaduna people.
They called on him to search his conscious and conviction, and asserted he will further find he has begun a journey into the wilderness of slavery, oppression, domination and political emasculation.
“And he will have no rest nor peace as power is transient, and flexible and largely dotted with evil,” the group said.  “As he was made to believe he is bride, tomorrow it may turn out to be bitter.”
Turning to Vice President Sambo and Governor Yero, they noted that while they may have captured Kaduna politics, they should search their conscience, and that they will realize that there is more harm to power grab on the alter of injustice, oppression, domination and politics of exclusion.
“We will continue with the struggle for fairness, peace and justice and we are assuring them that the days of their PDP have finally come to an end in Southern Kaduna,” they concluded.
Leadership

Ngige: ACN Will Test Merger with Other Opposition Parties in Anambra 2014

Senator Chris Ngige

The senator representing Anambra Central senatorial district, Senator Chris Ngige, yesterday the 2014 governorship election in Anambra will be a test case for the proposed merger between the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other political parties.

Ngige made this known in Awka at the opening of his constituency office in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
He expressed optimism that the fresh talks ACN had with other opposition parties

would ensure a smooth take-over of power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 general election.
According to him, the talk is to help save the country from the grip of the ruling party
under whose watch the country is experiencing insecurity.

“ACN is the leading opposition party in the country and it behooves it to reach out to other opposition political parties to talk on how the country could be taken away from the grip of the PDP, so as to save the country,” he said.
Ngige, a former governor in the state, used the occasion to reward party faithful with eight Toyota Camry.

He also distributed bags of rice, cartons of tomato, saying it was part of his constituency project to the people.
Other items announced as constituency project were a N100 million scholarship grant to students.
He also gave cash donations to churches, schools and orphanages; with a promise to train women and youths on skills acquisition by March 2013.
Ngige said seven constituency offices would be opened in all the seven local governments that made up the senatorial zone to facilitate easy access to information.

ThisDay

ACN, ANPP, CPC merger faces fresh obstacles

National Publicity Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria, Alhaji Lai Mohammed

The three major opposition political parties  planning  to  merge  in 2013  are having problems agreeing on a name, symbol and other identities for the proposed mega opposition party.

Findings  by The PUNCH show that the three parties–the Action Congress of Nigeria, the All Nigeria Peoples Party and the Congress for Progressive Change–set up separate committees to ensure that the  merger plan materialised.

The committees were mandated  to prepare the position of their parties for an enlarged meeting of all the three committees.

The committees, whose members are working in secrecy, are also to suggest a name, logo, symbol and slogan for the proposed party.

However, our correspondent learnt that one of the parties is insisting that any new party resulting from the merger must bear its name and have its symbol.

A source privy to the goings on in one of the committees spoke to our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday. However, he refused to disclose the  name of the party that wanted the mega party to assume its identity.

The source said, “We may have problems choosing a name and a symbol, because one of the parties is insisting on dictating the name and the symbol.

“This is, however, expected, but I believe  that as time goes on, we will get over this. It is one of the teething problems we expected.”

Our correspondent, however, learnt  that unlike in 2011 when merger moves failed, the three parties were  ready to reach a compromise.

But when contacted, spokesmen for the  political parties, however, allayed fears over the problem.

 They said in different interviews with our correspondent in Abuja that the merger would work.

But National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, debunked the rumour of problems in the merger talks. He alleged that  the PDP  was behind the rumour.

He said, “If PDP wants to know what is happening in our merger talks, they should come out openly to say so.

“The real matter is that the PDP is worried about this merger and wants to erect artificial obstacle against it. It will not work.”

Mohammed said the ACN and its leaders would not renege on their promises concerning the merger plan, adding that talks aimed at achieving this were ongoing.

 He said, “The merger talks are  going on well and I can tell you that we are committed to this. The three parties are committed to this, and the Peoples Democratic Party  is aware that we are coming up stronger, which may not be good for it.”

Also, the National Chairman of the ANPP, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said  that the merger talks between opposition political parties were at a critical stage now, and would definitely solve Nigeria’s political problems when concluded.

Onu, who  added that the PDP was not comfortable with the talks,  said  the leadership of the opposition political parties were united in their resolve to merge.

He said, “The merger talks are ongoing right now. By the grace of God,  the merger will be successful. We want to give Nigeria effective competition in the political arena.

“We believe that competition, which is good in the social and economic arena, is also good in the political arena.

 ‘‘We are convinced that when we have this in the country, we will be better off. Many of the problems that have confronted this  nation over the years shall be solved. We are hopeful that once we come together and form a government, everything will be solved for the good of everybody.”

 National Publicity Secretary of the CPC, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, told our correspondent that the three political parties had realised that it would be difficult to unseat the PDP if they failed  to team up.

Fashakin said, “We will work hard to merge  and that will be achieved. Before now, the three political parties had tried individually to dislodge the PDP from power, which did not materialise.

 “The reality that they would not be able to do it alone dawned on them during the last general elections with the sophistry with which the PDP rigged the polls.

“Now, we have agreed that we do not even need collaboration or alliance. What we need now is merger or nothing else. I can confirm to you that a merger is a foregone conclusion among us.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, however,  said that the PDP was not threatened by such a merger  since it remained the only truly national political party that was deeply committed to the continued existence of Nigeria  and  its transformation.

 Metuh said Nigerians were capable of separating the wheat from the chaff, and that they would choose “between a merger  where vaulting personal interests will ceaselessly riot and yield no support to national stability.”

ThePunch

2015: Jonathan, Obasanjo Meet Secretly

 GEORGE AGBA and OLAOLU OLADIPO

As part of efforts to keep his second term bid on track, indications have emerged suggesting that President Goodluck Jonathan has commenced moves to pacify one of his predecessors in office, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
This is coming on the heels of reports yesterday in which the President denied insinuations that the relationship between him and ex-president Obasanjo was strained.
The relationship between the two seemed to be on the slide in recent times owing to the verbal exchanges that have ensued between them, prompting suggestions in some quarters that the Owu-born soldier-turned-politician might dump his protégé for another candidate in 2015.
There were speculations that two serving governors had been lined up to square up against President Jonathan in the event that he decides to contest the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). One of the two being propped up and others from the northern part of the country have been making contact with the former president with a view to enlisting his support, especially to lend them his platform in the south west.
Sources close to the former president told LEADERSHIP in Lagos that President Jonathan penultimate Friday paid a secret visit to Obasanjo to reconcile issues with him over some grievances that the former leader might habour against him.
The source said one of the nation’s respected Christian clergymen (names withheld) was part of the presidential delegation, during which the two spoke for some hours before Jonathan proceeded to the retreat camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God for the monthly Holy Ghost service.
“The president was in the Lagos-Abeokuta axis two Fridays ago (December 14) to see Baba (Obasanjo) on the perceived gulf between the two of them, which has become common knowledge. Owing to the respect which the former leader has for the office of the president, he (Obasanjo) had to wait for him as he was scheduled to travel on the said day,” the source said.
After Jonathan’s visit, the national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,  was also reported to have visited Obasanjo in Ota and the two met behind closed-doors, after which the host was reported as saying that he would not stop speaking out when he sees anything going wrong in the nation’s polity. The full details of the meeting between Obasanjo and Tukur are still very sketchy at the time of filing this report, but sources said the visit might not be unconnected to the fallout of the earlier visit by the president.
According to the source, a former deputy-governor of Lagos State, the president used the opportunity of the visit to really ascertain the misgivings of his host, with a view to mending the cracks cropping up in their relationship.
The former leader reportedly gave some conditions that should be met for him to soft-pedal on his continued opposition to the president’s second term bid, which he reportedly promised to look into.
“One of such conditions was that the president must not in any way try to diminish his  (Obasanjo’s) status as the leader of the party in the south west, as he was the most senior former or current office holder as recognised by the PDP constitution,” the source stated. Details of the other conditions are still being closely guarded for strategic reasons, but the source stated that President Jonathan seems disposed to meeting with them, “at least half way in the interest of peace and progress.”
Obasanjo also called on the president to ensure that a party member from the south west replace him as the chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of the party, contrary to the suggestion that he was rooting for the candidacy of Senator Ahmadu Ali, a former national chairman of the party.
On whether the former leader was scheming to stage a return, the source said an emphatic no, but stated that the demand was due to too much pressure on Obasanjo by party members in the zone who have continued to lament their marginalisation from the power loop.
“Though it might be tough for the zone to produce any candidate that can match the status of Senator Ali amongst members of the board from the south west caucus, Baba’s demand   is premised on the need to look for something worthwhile for members of the party in the zone,” said the source.

Trust me, Jonathan urges Nigerians
Meanwhile, President Jonathan yesterday implored Nigerians put their trust in the determination and political will of his administration to better their lot as he had pledged during his campaign.
In his goodwill message to Nigerians to mark the Christmas celebration, the president reiterated that Nigerians would soon begin to see the outcome of diligent planning and execution of developmental projects by his administration as they enter 2013, the security challenges confronting facing the country at the moment notwithstanding.
He said stressed the need for significant achievement in the critical areas of public infrastructure, power, roads, education, job creation, agriculture, healthcare and industrialisation, among others.
“It is my hope and expectation that more of the efforts, actions and measures we are already undertaking in these areas will successfully come to fruition next year and make the results of the diligent project planning and execution being done under this administration more apparent to all Nigerians.
“No one should doubt that we have the political will and determination to deliver on our promise of positive changes in the living conditions of our people in the shortest possible time,” he said
The president added that Christmas and the lessons of Jesus Christ’s mission on earth had great significance for Nigerians as a people, adding that there could be no doubt that the entire citizenry, irrespective of their religious beliefs, could draw immense strength and inspiration from the Messiah’s enduring personification of selflessness, dedication to duty, and commitment to the well-being of others as the nation continues to grapple with the challenges of development and nation-building.
Jonathan promised that his administration would continue to do its best to give the country effective leadership towards rapidly overcoming present challenges.
He also expressed gratitude to “the vast majority of patriotic Nigerians who have kept faith with this Administration since its inception,” saying, “we will continue to count on your support and cooperation, as well as your prayers for peace, stability and progress of our beloved nation.”
Meanwhile, as Nigerians join their counterparts all over the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, the First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to pray for peace and progressive development of the country.
According to a statement by her media assistant, Ayo Osinlu, the First Lady wants Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, love, peace and tolerance, all attributes of Jesus Christ, who came into the world to redeem mankind.
She enjoined all Nigerians to demonstrate the spirit of charity and brotherliness, by sharing with the less privileged in the society during this Christmas period, so that they too can experience the joy of the season.
 Leadership

SEC face-off: Presidency set to redeploy Oteh

By CHIDI OBINECHE
The face-off between the Presidency and the National Assembly over the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, may have come to a head, at the weekend with a soft landing for her. The Presidency is set to redeploy her to the new Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Daily Sun learnt. Her stay at the commission has strained the understanding and relations between both arms of government, with the latter consistently demanding her sack, and refusing to do business with SEC, under her leadership.
The Senate Committee on Capital Market recently walked out the SEC team that came for budget defence. This was quickly followed with the National Assembly, passing the budget with a zero allocation to the commission. A top National Assembly source, however, confided in Daily Sun that the allocation to SEC was merely withdrawn and kept out of the books, pending compliance with demands for her sack, and would be promptly facilitated for a new leadership at the commission.
“The money for SEC was budgeted for, but kept out. When a new director general is engaged, it will be availed for the new person,” the source said. The Presidency was, however, aware of the dangers in spending unbudgeted funds and was not keen on falling prey to charges of constitutional abuses. Recently, President Goodluck Jonathan at a meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly at the Aso Rock villa, sought for a special understanding in the passage of N168.7 billion spent unbudgeted funds.
At the parley, which also had his Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadome in attendance, the National Assembly leaders tasked Jonathan on the need for mutuality in their relationship, reiterating the need to comply with the House of Representatives resolution to sack Oteh. They were told that ‘something was being done about it’. As part of the rapprochement, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was confidentially enjoined to source for a fitting soft landing for her, in a manner that would not hurt the pride and esteem of the Presidency. Following the new understanding,
Oteh was reprimanded over her outburst at the walk out of her team by the Senate Committee on Capital Matters. Consequently, she and officials of the commission did not react to the zero allocation to the commission in the 2013 budget. Meanwhile, the Presidency is set to recruit a replacement, who has, at least, 15 years experience in capital market operations in line with the demands of the National Assembly and the Capital Market Act. Oteh, who previously worked abroad at the Africa Development Bank (ADB), was said to boast of only 10 years experience in the finance sector, before assuming office at the helm of SEC.
TheSun

Don’t lose hope, Tinubu urges Nigerians

National leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Nigerians who have survived the outgoing year have done so through dint of hardwork, perseverance and courage than through the support of the Nigerian government.In his Christmas message, Tinubu noted that the Federal Government has disappointed many Nigerians because it has failed to deliver on many of its promises, particularly that of transforming their lives.
“This current administration rather than translating its touted transformation agenda into impactful performance has hastened the transformation of most Nigerians into poverty, into a world of unemployment and insecurity”.
Tinubu urged Nigerians not to lose hope and to continue in the spirit of Christmas to make the sacrifices necessary to make Nigeria better.
He enjoined all Christians to continue in steadfast prayers for Nigeria, noting that every good leader needs the support and prayers of the followers to succeed.
” Our faith will never let us down.We must trust in God and pray for a better country. When we pray, God will give Nigeria leaders that are capable, compassionate and committed-”.
Tinubu also charged the nation’s current leaders to step back and take stock and thereafter commit to governing this country better.”
“The situation our country is in today is both sad and unacceptable. We are as a people without a leader, a country with no trustworthy men at the helm of affairs and a nation lost at sea. Our leaders must commit to a better country, not tomorrow, but beginning now, today because time is not on our side and the continued patience of the people may no longer be guaranteed”, he said.
PMNews