Career Recruitment... John Snow, Inc. (JSl)

• Career Recruitment... John Snow, Inc. (JSl)
  LOCATION: Calabar - Nigeria
  
  Our Client
  John Snow, Inc. (JSl) is a US based international public health firm managing three supply chain management related projects through its integrated offices in Abuja, Nigeria. JSl is implementing the USAID/DELIVER PROJECT a technical assistance project funded by USAID to increase the availability of essential health supplies through procurement services and strengthening supply chains in developing countries. JSI also implements the Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) contract for the US Government as part of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. In addition to the public health program areas, the USAID/DELIVER PROJECT works in malaria.
  
  We are recruiting to fill the following position:
  
  VACANCY - LONG-TERM CONSULTANT LOGISTICS ADVISOR
  
  
  JOB DESCRIPTION
  The USAID/DELIVER PROJECT is seeking to fill the position of a Long-Term Consultant Logistics Advisor to be based in the project office in Calabar. Under the guidance of the Associate Director Public Health, the Consultant will manage public health commodities logistics activities implemented by the USAID/DELIVER PROJECT in Cross River and surrounding states. The selected candidate may be tasked with supporting other areas of work when necessary.
  
  JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  Support the establishment and routine meetings of procurement and supply management coordination working groups and committees for public health commodities
  Provide technical leadership and support for annual national/state quantification and Procurement planning of public health commodities, in collaboration with all program stakeholders and partners
  Facilitate the design and implementation of assessment and evaluation studies and analyze and present results to stakeholders
  Provide technical input into logistics system design, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for routine PSM activities for public health commodities
  Provide technical input into developing training curricula and in training federal, state, LGA, and SDP-level program and logistics officers in implementing and monitoring adherence to public health logistics SOPs
  Monitor and provide supportive supervision to the national logistics officers and state level teams as appropriate
  Draft routine quarterly and annual reports for submission to program funders.
  Contribute to identifying best practices and success stories for JSI Nigeria’s periodic logistics bulletin
  Work with Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA) providers to provide required technical assistance for activities, and facilitate transfer of skills to appropriate local staff
  Perform any other duties assigned
  
  JOB QUALIFICATIONS
  A clinical degree or a degree in Public Health, Pharmacy, Logistics Management or Business Administration
  Three years of professional experience in health care supply management
  Specific experience in essential Medicine supply chain is strongly desired
  Demonstrated ability to monitor, supervise, and train in health logistics SOP
  Good knowledge of the Nigerian public health sector.
  Strong analytical and problem Solving skills
  Excellent technical writing and presentation skills is highly desired
  A proven ability to work as part of a team and to be self managing
  knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  Ability and willingness to travel in the field
  Project management experience is desirable.
  Note:This is a long term consultancy position based in Calabar, with the possibility of transition to full-time position. JSI offers excellent benefits, salary will be commensurate with experience and salary history.
  
  HOW TO APPLY
  Interested applicants should submit their cover letter and resume with salary expectation boldly written at the top of the resume to: logistics_advisor@ng,jsi.com
  please ensure that you write the position applied for in the subject line of your email, otherwise you will be disqualified. Multiple applications will also be disqualified
  
  DUE DATE: 9th May, 2013

UNOPS mission... Recruitment

• UNOPS mission... Recruitment
  
  VACANCY - SENIOR ADVISOR: INTEGRATED RIVER AND LAKE BASIN MANAGEMENT
  
  VACANCY CODE: VA/2013/B5002/2277
  LEVEL: ICS-11
  DEPARTMENT/OFFICE: GPSO, International Waters
  DUTY STATION: Home based
  CONTRACT TYPE: International ICA
  CONTRACT LEVEL: IICA-3
  DURATION: Approximately 1 year
  
  Our Client
  UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.
  
  Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.
  
  By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.
  
  UNOPS employs more than 6000 personnel and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.
  UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.
  
  Background Information - IWC
  International Waters Cluster
  The UNOPS International Waters Cluster specializes in executing projects to prevent and reverse the degradation of transboundary water systems, including multi-country rivers and large marine ecosystems such as oceans, lake basins and shared groundwater resources. The cluster is executing over 30 projects for its partners, helping countries to work together and share knowledge to reduce ecological stress, such as that caused by overfishing and industrial pollution.
  
  BACKGROUND INFORMATION - JOB-SPECIFIC
  “Enabling Transboundary Cooperation and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Extended Drin River Basin”
  
  The GEF is funding the Project Preparatory Grant (PPG) phase for the Full Size Project (FSP)“Enabling Transboundary Cooperation and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Extended Drin River Basin”. The project will contribute towards the joint management of the water resources of the extended transboundary Drin River Basin. The project builds on the on-going cooperation of the Drin Riparians under the Memorandum of Understanding for the Management of the Extended Drin Basin (Drin MoU – signed in Tirana, 25 November 2011) and the Action Plan for its implementation.
  The project will include the following components:
   
  Component 1: Consolidating a common knowledge base;
  Component 2: Building the foundation for multi-country cooperation;
  Component 3: Institutional strengthening for Integrated River Basin Management;
  Component 4: Demonstration of technologies and practices for IWRM and ecosystem management;
  Component 5: Stakeholder Involvement, Gender Mainstreaming and Communication Strategies
  
  The PPG phase runs for a 16-month period to develop necessary background information, identify partners among the key national and international actors in the area, secure co-financing and develop the FSP Document. Key actions under the PPG phase will include: Preparation of a preliminary analysis and identification of major transboundary problems, taking into account the analysis developed under the Drin Dialogue in the period 2009-2011; Preparation and agreement with countries of the detailed content of a Training Program in support of the Project’s objectives; Preparation and agreement with countries of the detailed contents,budget and allocation of co-financing for a Program of pilot Demonstration Activities; Preparation of a preliminary Stakeholders Analysis; Preparation of the FSP Document.
  
  The institutional structure established for the implementation of the Drin MoU will provide support for the realization of the PPG Phase. This will secure that the FSP is wellaligned with the agreed priorities and aims by the Drin Riparians (includingn on-project beneficiary Riparians i.e. Greece and Kosovo) with regard to the management of the Drin Basin at the transboundary level.
  The institutional structure comprises the:
  Meeting of Parties;
  Drin Core Group (DCG) that coordinates action for the implementation of the Drin MoU;
  Three Expert Working Groups (EWG) of the DCG:
  
  Implementation of Water Framework Directive EWG,
  Monitoring and Information Exchange WEG,
  Biodiversity and Ecosystems EWG.
  
  FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  The International Consultant (IC) will: design the GEF Full-sized Project (FSP); draft the FSP document (and associated Annexes and documentation) using the input and support of other consultants, the UNDP/GEF and UNECE and; make sure that the FSP meet the GEF strategic priorities under the International Waters focal area. The IC is expected to undertake three missions in the Drin Basin.
  
  The IC will undertake the following activities during the PPG phase:
  PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES (HOME BASED):
  Review the preliminary project design (PIF and PPG documents) and supporting documents to determine key information needs for the proper development of the FSP. Review material prepared through the Drin Dialogue process and the GEF supported projects in the Prespa and Shkoder/Skadar lakes. On the basis of the above,prepare an initial information gap analysis for the design of the FSP and the preparation of the FSP document.
  On the basis of the information gap analysis and additional feedback provided by other competent partners, assist in the finalization of the draft ToR for the national consultants that will contribute in the preparation of the background documents to be used in the development of the FSP: (i) situation analysis; (ii) training programme; (iii) programme of pilot demonstration activities; (iv) preliminary stakeholders analysis.
  Provide advice to the PPG Facilitation Team for the preparation of the agenda and background materials for the Regional Consultations (see below).
  
  REGIONAL CONSULTATION
  Undertake the following missions:
  The first to participate in the PPG Inception Meeting in the Drin Basin area and meet project stakeholders and consultants. The objective of the mission is to provide advice to national consultants as well as the stakeholders on the key information needs and project development process. Provide information on best international practices on IWRM, ICZM and ecosystem-based management of river basins, and their inter-linkages as relevant.
  The second after the preparation of the draft/interim Project Brief, to facilitate face-to-face interaction between the consultants and executing partners to assess remaining information gaps and define next steps for the design of the FSP and the preparation of the FSP document;
  The third at the end of the PPG phase, to present the Draft FSP document to counterparts and partners in the Drin Basin with the aim to obtain feedback and possibly additional information required for the finalization of the FSP.
  Lead the aforementioned meetings technically.
  
  ACQUISITION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION
  Provide advice to the PPF Facilitation team with regard to information sets required, reports’ structuring and content etc. for the preparation of background documents referred in point 2.2.
  Coordinate and provide guidance to the national consultants that will provide expert input for the design of the program of pilot demonstration activities, ensuring timely delivery while meeting the necessary standards for inclusion in the FSP.
  
  STRATEGIC RESULTS FRAMEWORK (SRF) ANALYSIS AND PROJECT DESIGN
  Prepare the FSP’s SRFproviding the project objectives and corresponding outputs, outcomes,indicators and activities according to the GEF standard.
  Based on the SRF prepared,design a project strategy.
  Assess technical feasibility and sustainability of interventions and activities recommended by the national consultants and stakeholders.
  Design a structure and mechanism for FSP implementation making maximum use of the institutional structure established by the Drin Riparians for the implementation of the Drin MoU. The structure and the mechanism should be operationally and politically compatible with the national, bilateral arrangements for the management of the Drin Riparians.
  Prepare a program of pilot demonstration activities, based on feasibility assessment and cost effectiveness analysis, on the basis of inputs from national consultants employed under the project.
  Ensure that the project activities, outputs and outcomes streamline at the maximum possible level and meet the provisions of the Drin MoU and the Action Plan for its implementation.
  
  UNDP FULL SIZE PROJECT DOCUMENT
  Develop a sound baseline scenario for the project.
  Prepare the Incremental Cost Analysis (ICA) and cost-effectiveness analysis between the baseline scenario and the GEF alternative scenario for input to the GEF FSP.
  Prepare a Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Plan.
  Develop a stakeholders involvement plan.
  Prepare the project's budget.
  On the basis of information gathered and the background documents prepared (see points 2.2 and 2.12) the consultations undertaken and design work completed (including the detailed implementation and financing arrangements), develop the draft FSP document.
  Coordinate with the PPG Facilitation Team that will lead the regional consultations.
  Prepare the Draft CEO endorsement template based on the GEF standards.
  Review all comments on the draft Project Document received by the UNDP/GEF IW Coordinator, and other relevant Agencies as applicable and finalize the UNDP full size Project Document for submission to the GEF for final approval. On the basis of feedback from GEF SEC, STAP, GEF Agencies, GEF Council Members etc., assist in the preparation of necessary responses / revisions if required until such times asthe project is either approved or rejected.
  
  MONITORING AND PROGRESS CONTROLS
  The consultant should deliver the following:
  Information gap analysis for the design of the FSP in the form of advice for: the preparation of the ToR of the national consultants to be employed under the PPG: information sets required, reports’ structuring and content etc. for the preparation of background documents.
  Strategic Results Framework according to GEF standards.
  List of project components, outcomes, outputs and activities for GEF FSP.
  Project planning matrix (Project strategy design) – Work Plan.
  Program of pilot demonstration activities.
  Finalized draft FSP document based on the GEF format with all the necessary annexes and CEO endorsement template.
  Finalized FSP Document for final approval incorporating comments received on the draft FSP document.
  
  Reports will be verified by the UNDP RTA with the assistance of UNECE and GWP-Med for integrity, comprehensiveness and quality.
  The consultant is expected to arrange his/her travelling to the places the PPG meetings will take place.
  The consultancy work will be performed on the basis of the following indicative schedule:
  
  May - June 2013
  Home based review of background documentation, communications with project implementing agency and executing partners, conduct information gap analysis, assist in the preparation of final ToR for consultants, provide advice for the preparation of the agenda and background materials for the Inception workshop.
  
  27-28 May 2013
  Participation in the PPG Inception meeting with beneficiary countries and stakeholders, PPG implementing agency, executing partners and team of consultants aiming the detailed planning of steps forward, receive advice on the key information needs.
  
  June – September 2013
  Home based preparations for development of draft FSP document with input from other consultant
  Co-ordination through e-mail with PPG Facilitation Team with regard to information sets required, structuring and content of the reports to be prepared by the national consultants involved in the PPG.
  Co-ordination through e-mail and guidance to the national consultants regarding the preparation of the program of pilot demonstration activities.
  
  23 September 2013
  Preparation of interim Project Brief (draft SRF, draft project strategy, draft set of activities, draft threats/root causes and barrier analysis).
  
  September  2013 (exact date to be set)
  Meeting aiming face-to-face interaction between the consultants and executing partners to assess remaining information gaps and define next steps for the design of the FSP and the preparation of the FSP document.
  
  30 November 2013
  Preparation of the Draft FSP document.
  
  December 2013 (exact date to be set)
  Regional consultation to present the Draft FSP document to counterparts and partners in the Drin Basin with the aim to obtain feedback and possibly additional information required for the finalization of the FSP.
  
  31 January 2014
  Submission of final Draft FSP document to UNDP/GEF and UNDP.
  
  February – March 2014
  Finalization of FSP document after incorporating UNDP/GEF and GEFSEC comments and preparation of UNDP Project Document and CEO endorsement template and all other relevant annexes.
  
  The Consultant will carry out any other relevant duties falling within the scope of his/her competence, which may arise during the course of his/her assignment, as requested by the UNDP.
  
  EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
  EDUCATION
  The consultant should hold a post graduate degree in water resources management, environmental sciences, biological sciences, geological sciences or equivalent.
  
  WORK EXPERIENCE
  The consultant should have a minimum of seven years experience in water resources management in the framework of GEF projects.
  Experience in developing GEF IW projects and drafting the respective documents is required.
  
  KEY COMPETENCIES
  The consultant should have knowledge of the GEF International Waters portfolio including GEF 5 and be aware of eligibility criteria for such GEF projects.
  Demonstrated experience with report writing
  Fluency in English is mandatory.
  Integrity
  Professionalism
  Respect for Diversity
  Commitment to continuous Learning
  Accountability
  Planning and Organizing
  Results orientation
  Communications skills:
  Teamwork skills
  Client orientation
  Creativity
  Technological awareness
  
  CONTRACT TYPE, LEVEL AND DURATION
  Contract type: International ICA lumpsum
  Contract level: 3
  Contract duration: approximately one year
  
  CLICK LINK TO APPLY
  
  DUE DATE: 10 May, 2013

JAMB releases 2013 UTME results, withholds 12,110 results

• AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Report:  JAMB releases 2013 UTME results, withholds 12,110 results
  Africcon Media, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Results.
  The board, however, withheld 12,110 results for possible disciplinary action.
  
  The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, announced this at a news conference on the release of the results in Bwari, FCT, on Friday.
  
  The registrar said after thorough processing of answer scripts of the candidates who sat for the examination, the board discovered some forms of malpractice perpetuated during the conduct of the examination.
  
  “However, the results of 68,309 candidates from various centres are undergoing further screening to ascertain the culpability of 12,110 candidates’ results.“
  
  A total of 1,629,102 candidates applied to sit for the Paper Pencil Test (PPT), while 15,008 candidates applied for the Dual Based Test, bringing the number of candidates  to 1,644,110.
  
  “The general performance of candidates in this year’s examination shows remarkable improvement compared with last year.
  
  “Ten candidates scored 300 marks and above, while 127,017 candidates scored between 1-159 marks.
  
  “About 40,692 candidates’ results were invalid due to either multiple shading or no shading at all.  After processing all the results, the board also discovered that about 47,974 candidates were absent.“
  
  The registrar assured the candidates that their results could be accessed on the JAMB Website: www.myjambresult.com using their registration numbers.
  
  He said about 40 centres would be screened to ascertain their culpability and warned the public against Internet fraudsters.
  
  “Information reaching JAMB shows Internet fraudsters are already telling candidates that their results could be upgraded in one form or the other. “
  
  This is pure deceit, the public and candidates are hereby advised to disregard these fraudsters since they do not have access to our data.
  
  “Let me once again state that candidates are allowed to change their choices of institutions and courses once only, this change has to be effected within two weeks from today. “
  
  Ojerinde said the Computer Based Test (CBT) is scheduled to take place from May 18 to June 1 and appealed to candidates to reprint their e-registration slips afresh to further ascertain their CBT centres.

Obasanjo part of Nigeria’s problems –Prof. Ango Abdullahi

• AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report:  Obasanjo part of Nigeria’s problems –Prof. Ango Abdullahi
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  A former Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, who is also a leading member of the Northern Elders Forum, speaks about the controversies of his tenure, and the proposed amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, in this interview with JOHN ALECHENU
  
   What was your experience as the Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University?
  
  That was a very long time ago. I left ABU as VC in 1986, that’s about 27 years ago; it’s been a long time.
  
  Each time people talk about your tenure, they remember the “Ango must go” crisis…
  
  (Cuts in) My tenure was the most peaceful of all tenures of vice-chancellors.
  
  What happened then?
  
  There had been (Prof.) ‘Ishaya (Audu) Must Go,’ (Prof.) ‘Iya (Abubakar) Must go,’ ‘Akinkugbe Must Go,’ and after Ango left, so many other ‘Must Gos’ have happened. In fact, I think, I had the least number of student demonstrations in my eight years. If you look at the eight years, there was one in 1981 and another in 1986. The one in 1986 was the one that became fatal, that was what gave it the big umbrella of debate and concerns. Policemen shot some students in the course of trying to keep peace on campus and we were criticised for inviting the police. ABU is part of the country and if there is a breakdown of law and order in any part of the country, you call on law enforcement agents. That was what really happened. After the hue and cry, government succumbed and instituted a panel of inquiry headed by General Abisoye. When they wrote their report, they particularly underlined the place where they said the VC is completely blameless. That became an additional certificate for me. When I was contesting for elections, some people wrote a petition about my tenure at ABU and brought out the report for electoral purposes and I said this is my certificate in terms of that crisis and if there is anything or anywhere where they said I touched one kobo of ABU’s money, I will be delighted to answer. The only thing I can tell anybody is that I was the first person to be elected as the VC of ABU.  Prior to the election, I was the acting VC but I was not interested in becoming the (substantive) VC. My colleagues insisted that I should become the substantive VC and I said in that case, there must be an election because there were six candidates. I told the registrar to go and prepare secret ballots for the election. The (university) Senate was full; it had 116 members that evening. They were told that the acting VC has decided that the Senate will have a say in who becomes the VC, they came and the ballots were cast. I scored 73 votes and the next person to me, Prof. Gomwalk scored 18, then I knew the university was ready for me to provide leadership. I thanked them and told them that: Anytime you are tired of me, just let me know, I will walk away.” It was not something I insisted on doing. I told the registrar that the election results must be put in the archives because the way VCs emerged over the years in many universities, leaves a lot to be desired. It has led to a lot of bloodletting, arguments, so on and so forth. It’s a job that is honourable, but it’s a job that is also thankless. When I started in ABU in 1979, I had to go to the bank to take overdraft to pay salaries but when I left ABU as VC in 1986, the university could run a full session without subvention from government.
  
  How did you achieve that?
  
  When Prof. Nayaya, who took over from me and saw these funds, he ran to my house shivering and said Ango, what happened? He said, “I left Calabar with a lot of debt and when you put all the universities together they don’t have this kind of money in their accounts. How did you do it?” I said go to my bursar; go to my director of works, that’s where it happened. I’ve never seen a bursar like Daniel Ugbabe, he is an Idoma man. Until of recent, he did not have a car. It’s just a matter of sacrifice. I refused to have a generator in my residence, the car Iya Abubakar and Akinkugbe used was what I used for eight years. So, no head of department could walk into the office of the vice-chancellor and ask for a new car. It was not possible because he knew I was using an old car so why should he ask for a new one? This is really a matter of leadership style and sacrifice which is not available anymore, not only in the university but everywhere and that is why the country is in crisis today.
  
  Was this due to the academic culture that was prevalent on our campuses then?
  
  Exactly! Even today, I criticise universities for being indolent, subservient and quiet. Last month, I had an occasion to lecture at the Congo Campus of ABU and I said I missed the days of Bala Usman, Femi Odekunle and the likes of them who kept everybody on their toes not only within the university itself but the country. They were watching out for bad leaders, exposing and criticising them. I still argue that universities are the last bastions and if we cannot stand and really protect the interest of the Nigerian public, nobody can. Right now, we have crisis with the police and the judiciary, there is no fallback position, none.
  
  It was also during your tenure that the fiery Caribbean academic, Patrick Wilmot, was deported from Nigeria. What went wrong?
  
  Oh yes, it was during my time. It was during the Gen. brahim Babangida regime. You know back then, you had the Marxist group of academics who were not at all times in good terms with the government especially when there was this change from the Gen. Muhammadu Buhari regime to Babangida’s. People saw Babangida as a stooge of Western political and economic interests — the devaluation of our currency, the IMF debate which said Nigerians should reject the loans and so on, and that’s how perhaps they (Wilmot and co) began to criticise them and then he (Babangida) had to pick on somebody and since he could not deport Bala Usman, he had to deport Wilmot who was not a Nigerian.
  
  Universities now have a single five-year tenure for vice-chancellors. Has this helped the system?
  
  I don’t know. Whether you stay for two years, five years or for eight years as I did, it all depends on what you set out for yourself to achieve and what the institutional goals are and how hard you are working towards achieving them. The question is: What are the institutional goals? Let’s strive and get them. Do we have the resources to get them? Once you identify them and once the institutional goals are known, all you worry about are the resources to carry them out. The resources are human and material. Human in the sense that you work with your heads of departments, your deans, you work through the committee system and of course the management of resources is in the hands of the VC, bursar and principal officers. The number of years doesn’t matter, it all depends on the attitude of those in charge and the resources that are available for them to carry on.
  
  In the 1970s up till the late 1980s, most Nigerian universities could boast of intellectuals from different parts of the world. Can you say the same of our universities today?
  
  No, sadly. Today most of them have either become ethnic enclaves or are in the process of becoming one. I am glad that the Minister of Education, referred to it at the inauguration of new governing councils for universities the other day. She said university councils must find a way to take universities particularly the federal ones, out of their ethnic cocoons. That is what is breeding the kind of elite dichotomy and disunity you find in this country today. Our forefathers even though they were in regions did more for unity of the country than we have been able to achieve now. The thing is so intense now. Definitely, the universities have become small enclaves and ethnic crossbreeding is not flourishing. That is perhaps why there is more intense ethnic divide now and to some extent even religious ones in the country. The universities, if they can re-orientate themselves, will have a major role to play in dealing with this.
  
  ABU was famous across Africa for its agricultural research among others. The same cannot be said of the institution presently, what happened?
  
  What happened was abandonment. By the time Ahmadu Bello university was transferred to federal control, the support for research, particularly agricultural research, moved away from the direct beneficiaries, we began to have problems. In addition, I think because of the federal intervention which was not there before, additional research institutes just like universities were created. They started mushrooming; we started having more research institutes as if the numbers are more important than the quality of work that was going on in the existing ones. If they had expanded and consolidated on the existing one, it would have been adequate for the entire country because they were diversified to reflect the ecological areas where they were working. When I started as an extension specialist, there was no part of the North that I didn’t set my foot on and this was how we produced the groundnut pyramids, cotton and the rest of it. But now, the policies are gone; no adequate funding for the research and the lecturers are satisfied with their petridish experiments behind and inside their offices. But there are no funds for practical research that will help direct application in the field. It is such a pity.
  
  Some have said you have never won an election and so, you cannot speak for the people of the North. How do you react to this?
  
  (Prolonged laughter) I have contested for and won elections six times. Let me list them for you: I contested and won an election for the first time in the history of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to become VC with an overwhelming number of votes from members of the University Senate; that was free and fair election. Then when I started politics in Kaduna State together with General (Sheu) Yar’Adua, I won an election first in the primaries of the Social Democratic Party to clinch the SDP ticket and the candidature of the party to contest the governorship of Kaduna State. I also won the governorship election; everybody knew I won the election. I defeated Dabo Lere, he was in National Republican Convention and of course, the powers that be said they would not want to handover Kaduna State to a radical governor. I was among one of the first people to suffer being denied victory in an election. Go and ask anybody in Kaduna State today, who won the election between me and Dabo Lere, they will tell you, Prof. Ango Abdullahi won. I won an election to emerge as the Presidential flag bearer of Kaduna State under the option A4 arrangement. I contested against Maikori to be the flag bearer of Kaduna State under the option A4 in Jos, to contest with Abiola, I contested with many people to emerge winner. Since then, I won three other elections to represent my constituency in three Constitutional Conferences, one in 1987/ 1988, one in 1994/1995 and another one in 2005, the constitutional reform conference.
  
  We are still looking forward to working together with the groups claiming to be speaking for the North. We have to find a forum where we should speak with one voice.
  
  What do you think about the rejection of the amnesty proposal to the Boko Haram sect?
  
  That Shekau is reacting or his group is reacting to the position of government on amnesty is itself a good beginning of dialogue. It may not be a face-to-face discussion but dialogue through the media is a good beginning, as far as I am concerned. At some point, I believe there will be more of such exchanges and these exchanges will throw more light on the positions taken by each side and those who are mediating whether openly or behind the scenes will have more tools with which to work to be able to bring the two sides closer together. I believe that when you go back to the Yar’Adua time when amnesty was given to the Niger Delta youths, he gave six months offer of amnesty after which the amnesty will be withdrawn and they kept on dilly dallying until the last week. I don’t want to look at it negatively and say when they reject, what remains? Do they want us to continue to use force? To use force will not solve the problem and this has been acknowledged by most reasonable opinions. That it is not the way forward. We must try everything possible to encourage this interaction even at the beginning when it appears to be hostile with rejection.
  
  Are you still a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party…
  
  (Cuts in) No, I am not. I was a founding father of the PDP I left it 10 years ago.
  
  Why did you leave the PDP?
  
  It is not running the way it should. We wrote the constitution. I was one of those who sat to consider it, the party simply began not to obey the rules; it was not only disobeying the rules of the party, starting from this issue of zoning, it was also disobeying the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in so many ways. I thought that when we started with Yar’Adua, we were going to start something really very far-reaching and sustainable. Of course, Shehu (Yar’Adua) didn’t make it and it was a major loss to Nigeria and since we lost him, unfortunately we haven’t got a replacement. We have not gotten a new rallying point. That is why I am not in any of these things.
  
  What is your take on the talk of power shifting come 2015?
  
  It is unfortunate that people who are benefiting from a very good arrangement of being their brother’s keepers are now kicking against it. Power is transient. No matter how many you are; no matter how strong your voting power is, there is a time in which you will relinquish power to others. This was what zoning was all about and I thought this was done in good faith and should have been encouraged until such a time that Nigerians feel they don’t need it and there is enough understanding by all Nigerians that they don’t need zoning to be able to find a leader, irrespective of where he comes from. This is what the principle was and we are not saying it should be permanent but at some point, we will discard it ourselves. But unfortunately, those who started it, who benefited from it, were the ones who wanted to begin to create all the problems we are experiencing now-Obasanjo in particular. He was the first beneficiary, he was not a politician, he was in prison when he was picked up, cleaned up, pardoned, given money to run his campaign and he became the President but he was the first to say there was no zoning.  Obasanjo, who was the first beneficiary of the zoning arrangement, said he did not know anything about zoning. To even think that he was going to go for a third term, shows you how untrustworthy some leaders can be. This was what went on and on until the person who succeeded him, Umaru (Yar’Adua), came to say he didn’t know anything about zoning.

Boko Haram: Fear of kidnap grips governors

• AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report:  Boko Haram: Fear of kidnap grips governors
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The fear of being kidnapped by the fundamentalist Boko Haram sect has gripped governors in some of the states across the federation forcing them to beef up security in government houses and their homes, SUNDAY PUNCH reports.
  
  One of the governors, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, had on April 26, raised the alarm that state executives were not immune from kidnapping.
  
  While reacting to the invitation to attend the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ conference coming up in Asaba, Delta State, Aregbesola said he was wary of being kidnapped.
  
  “They kidnapped the chairman of a local council area authority, which is not even up to a council and they demanded $1m. How much would they demand if they kidnap a governor, $1bn? You might just stroll to stretch your legs and off you go – you get kidnapped. Where will Osun get that kind of money?”Aregbesola asked.
  
  While some of the governors have set up anti-kidnap squads, others have ensured that all their vehicles and those used by members of their families now have tracking devices.
  
  Some of the state executives, our correspondents learnt, had also reduced the number of visitors they attend to. In some states, only one of several gates in government houses is used.
  
  Apart from governors, top politicians have also relocated their relatives from the villages to the city where they could be easily protected from kidnappers.
  
  Parents and guardians of very important personals had been the target of kidnappers in the past few weeks and they were only released after millions of naira were paid to their abductors.
  
  The Joint Task Force in Borno State, Operation Restore Order, had on April 28 raised the alarm that Boko Haram had a new kidnapping squad whose objective was to kidnap and demand ransom to finance its terror operations.
  
  JTF in a statement by its spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said the sect resorted to kidnapping when it realised it was losing its members to the superior fire power of security agencies.
  
  Musa said, “Intelligence available to the task force has indicated that Boko Haram terrorists have resolved to concentrate more on kidnapping than robbery since kidnapping is more lucrative, less dangerous and requires short time to plan and execute.
  
  “Similarly, a special kidnapping squad has been earmarked and tasked by Boko Haram sect to kidnap persons who could have wealthy relatives, politicians, businessmen/women, traditional rulers, senior civil servants and foreigners alike.”
  
  The sect reportedly received the sum of N500m from France and Cameroon as ransom for seven French hostages.
  
  The Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Eni Akinsola, said on Friday apart the governor, other citizens of the state had to be protected from kidnappers.
  
  According to him, a new strategy involving relevant security agencies in the state and residents of the various local communities led to the arrest of some kidnappers recently.
  
  Akinsola, who said the security arrangements put in place to check activities of criminals in the state was yielding results.
  
  He said, “We have our plans but we won’t disclose that on the pages of newspapers but I can assure you that we have ensured that there is no hiding place for kidnappers and other criminals in the state.”
  
  The Senior Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Media and Communication, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, also confirmed that  Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed had set up a Joint Task Force which conducts “stop and search” in the state’s entry and exit points.
  
  Akorede said, “The governor has set up a Joint Task Force comprising the army, the police and civil defence who now conduct ‘stop and search’ at exit and entry points of the state capital, entry and exit points to all major towns in the state and entry and exit points from the state.
  
  “All the borders are patrolled to stop people of questionable characters from entering the state and perpetuating crimes.”
  
  Although security at the Ekiti State Government House was tight as usual on Friday, our correspondent in Ado-Ekiti observed that one lane of the dual carriage ways leading to the Governor’s Office was closed to motorists while the other one was manned by security agents.
  
  Most vehicles with the pass issued by the government to allow them into the Governor’s Office were restricted to the car park before the office.
  
  CROSS RIVER
  
  It was learnt the state government has set up a special anti-kidnapping squad made up of the police, State Security Service, army, navy, air force and local operatives as a proactive measure to forestall kidnapping.
  
  The State Security Adviser, Mr. Rekpene Bassey, was however, silent on extra measures adopted to protect the governor, his deputy or high ranking officials, but stressed that the state was already “planning to procure a tracking device that would make it easy to track down kidnappers whenever they struck.”
  
  ANAMBRA
  
  The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Mike Udah, told SUNDAY PUNCH that the state governor was not taking “his personal security for granted”
  
  He added, “We are aware of what has been happening in other parts of the country, including the kidnap of a local council area authority in Lagos State, and even the kidnap and killing of a former deputy governor of Anambra State. But that incident happened in Delta State, not here. We are concerned but the situation in Anambra State is not out of control.”
  
  OYO
  
  Armoured Personnel Carriers were stationed at the Oyo State Secretariat and other strategic locations in Ibadan while a detachment of heavily armed mobile police was stationed at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
  
  It was learnt that security of the state was reviewed recently and the state police command repaired some APCs and put them in strategic places in Ibadan.
  
  The Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said, “We are happy to say that there is peace in Oyo State since the advent of Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration. Government is not joking with the issue of security as it has continued to consolidate on the peace it bequeathed to the state.”
  
  AKWA IBOM
  
  At the Akwa Ibom State Government House, a single gate is now being used as entrance into the house. APCs are stationed at both the Government House as well as the state secretariat, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, while the number of heavily armed security personnel has been increased.
  
  Although none of the government official was willing to speak on the new security measures in place, a civil servant, Francis Ekong, said, “With the huge security details built around political office holders and their families in the state, I don’t think any kidnapper or armed robber can go near them.”
  
  OSUN
  
  Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, said the government had procured 130 patrol vehicles and a helicopter for security purposes.
  
  “Osun is secure. The Federal Government should take a leaf from the employment of 20,000 youths by the Aregbesola administration to stem the tide of unemployment. The devil finds jobs for idle hands,” Akere said.
  
  BAYELSA
  
  Politicians in Bayelsa State have taken measures to protect themselves and their family members from kidnapping.
  
  Our correspondent gathered that political office holders had relocated their key family members especially their parents to Yenagoa, the state capital.
  
  In a desperate measure to stop abduction in the state, the Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, had approved death sentence for kidnappers in the state.
  
  PLATEAU
  
  The alarm raised by a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Bitrus Kaze, might have necessitated a reappraisal of the security arrangements in the state.
  
  Kaze had said there was a plot to either assassinate or kidnap him and some prominent citizens of the state.
  
  Although the Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Olakpe, had said the command had yet to receive any report on the alarm raised by the lawmaker, it was learnt that the police command had placed its anti-terrorism squad on the alert to protect the governor and other political office holders.

Fear of flood in Lagos

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  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report:  Fear of flood in Lagos
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  On Sunday, April 14, 2013 heaven opened its bowel and discharged its liquid content on most parts of Lagos.
  
  It happened at night and the fear of another disaster was high in most residents because after almost four hours of heavy downpour, many parts of the city and the suburbs turned into swimming pools as most places became flooded.  Before the Sunday rainfall, Lagosians had a dose of what to expect this rainy season on April 2. It rained for less than two hours but when it subsided, not a few residents groaned, as water surged into many homes while the streets and major roads including Apapa-Oshodi expressway, were submerged. Residents of the affected areas were able to salvage whatever was left of their household property and resist the intruding flood because it occurred during day.
  
  But according to Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), worse days are still ahead. The agency in its 2013 forecast had warned residents to prepare for worse times than the devastation recorded last year.
  
  The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, hinted in Abuja that, “the rainfall for 2013 would be above normal in comparison with 2012 in the Northern States of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and Zamfara, while catchments of River Niger and parts of the Niger Delta have higher chances of even more rainfall this year than previous years.” Consequently, he advised all and sundry to prepare for likely tough times ahead.
  
  Residents get set
  
  Checks by Sunday Sun revealed that the two recent rains in Lagos have sent jitters down the spine of many residents and they have started making frantic efforts to lessen the likely impact of expected flood in their areas when the rainy season goes full throttle. One popular approach to the looming problem across the state, is de-silting of drainages.
  
  Curiously, residents in most places, fund the self-help project. They hire laborers for the job. The various residents associations impose levies on houses and supervise the job, or direct each house to handle the de-silting of its perimeter. It was gathered that in most places, each house pays between N4000 and N5000.
  
  At Ojora Street in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area and Dillion Street in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Sunday Sun  reporter saw men clearing blocked drainages. One of the men supervising the Ojora Street, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the work was necessitated by the fear of the coming rain.
  
  “We have to do it because we hear that the rain this year, will be worse than that of last year. Last year, many places here were flooded. Our expectation is that with this de-silting, the flood will be better checked than we did last year”, he said.
  
  But while residents of these areas are making concerted efforts to guard against possible flooding this year, those in places like Ijora, Makoko and Tolu by waterside, seem to have resigned to fate.
  
  Warning to residents of low-level areas
  
  The Lagos State Government has persistently warned residents of flood-prone areas to relocate ahead of the coming heavy rains. During a sensitization tour of the local government areas, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, stated that the state expected heavy rainfall this year, and advised residents to vacate such areas to avoid disaster.
  
  Also, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, has repeatedly appealed to residents of the state to be conscious of their environment during and after rainy seasons. He said that the government had developed a map showing the topography of lands in the state to all the chairmen of the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas to enable them sensitize residents in their domains.
  
  “I want to appeal to residents living in flood-prone areas of the state to move immediately. In the first place, they are not supposed to live in these areas. We are expecting heavy rains and naturally, that will come with floods. Though the government has put so many mitigating measures in place, it is essential that these people move to prevent emergency situations”, the commissioner said. He explained that the map was to enable residents know the safe grounds in their areas, and where they are expected to temporarily relocate in times of flooding, adding that government was also carrying out de-silting.
  
  Checks revealed that some of the common lowly places are Agiliti in Ketu Local Government Area, parts of Owode on Ikorodun road, Ijora, Ajegunle in  Olodi-Apapa, Iwaya waterside and Agege.
  
  LASEMA pledges readiness
  
  On its part, the State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has vowed to curtail any emergency by the rains in the state. The General Manager, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency was collaborating with all the engineers in the local councils to achieve the objective.
  
  “We are prepared for emergencies as we’ve learnt from the past to prepare for the future. The agency has put in place adequate measures to reduce flood. We have ensured continuous dredging of canals, construction of new primary, secondary and tertiary canals. Our preparedness has yielded results”, he said.
  
  However, the LASEMAA boss urged Lagos residents to desist from blocking canals with refuse, and advised them to contact the residential engineers in their respective local governments for any flooding or emergency.
  
  NEMA calls for campaign
  
  Also, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is the emergency intervention body at the national level, has strongly warned all stakeholders to take the 2013 weather forecast seriously by embarking on last-minute activities against anything that could turn predicted heavy downpour into sweeping flood in identified towns and cities in the country.
  
  The agency said the warning was due to serious shortcomings noticed during its assessment of the level of preparedness of all segments of the society. The Information Officer of NEMA (South-West Zone), Ibrahim Farinloye, described the level of preparedness as appalling, saying that the residents of the identified areas were not appropriately enlightened and sensitized.
  
  He said that state and local governments are closer to the grassroots, and should mobilize the people towards mitigating possible harsh fall-out of coming heavy rainfall.
  
  “NEMA had embarked on an independent exercise to monitor the state of preparedness of all towards the readiness of the nation against the challenges of climate change which has been taking its tolls on the African society.
  
  NEMA had mobilized all critical stakeholders in the three tiers of government, private sector, individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations immediately after the presentation of 2013 Seasonal Rainfall Predictions (SRP) in series of meetings.
  
  State Governments were fully involved but the outcome of the exercise has left much to be desired” he stated.
  
  Farinloye said that in the South West geo-political zone that includes Lagos, the prediction revealed that Saki and Ibadan in Oyo State, Ondo and Akure in Ondo State and Ijebu Ode in Ogun State would experience excessive rainfall.
  
  According to him, the excessive down pour that may occur in Saki will flow to Lagos as usual while the residents of Ajegunle, Majidun, Odo Ogun and Oke Ogun settlement along Ikorodu road may have high impacts of rainwater running down to their areas from Oyo state.
  
  Farinloye stated that NEMA’s assessment around these areas, especially at Ajegunle, showed that the people were not prepared for the rains because the drainages and water channels were filled with things that could pose serious danger to the residents during normal rainfall.
  
  He noted also that the areas are located in flood-prone area and that the ongoing road rehabilitation has endangered the communities due to creation of craters in some residential areas. “These craters will prevent rainwater in the residential areas from spilling to the stream or the creeks. Instead, the rainwater would be collected in the crater and spill into the residential areas, as water would find its way.
  
  “The Arigbede, Ayinla, Abayomi Ololade, Ondo, Thomas Laniyan, Irawo and Dejibo streets drainages and water channels were fully filled at Ajegunle as at Friday (April 12) when the assessment exercises were concluded in Lagos”, he said.
  
  However, the agency gave kudos to the Lagos state government for its emergency flood abatement activities adding that there would be less negative impacts of flooding in the state if the residents can comply with the rules. The rules, he said, include not sending children on errand while the cloud is heavy for rainfall, stop dumping of waste products on drainages, and water channels among others.
  
  The NEMA West-Zone spokesman said the agency and other stakeholders appealed to Ministries of Health, Environment, Water Resources and Agriculture to mobilize resources for tackling the attendant adverse effects of excessive rainfall such as cholera and spread of malaria that is faster during the period.
  
  “Also, agricultural extension workers and veterinary doctors would be at hand to help farmers in the management of their livestock and plantations against excessive rainfall.
  
  Corporate organizations are enjoined to contribute their quota in risk reduction as disasters do not discriminate,” he added.
  
  Self-help measures
  
  Investigation by Sunday Sun revealed that residents of the Oshodi axis of Lagos are making frantic efforts to forestall possible flooding in the area. These include construction of drainages all over the place.
  
  At the popular Church Street, work was ongoing and parts of the road and some houses had been torn apart. A resident who identified himself simply as Tony told our reporter that the ongoing construction was causing a lot of traffic hold-up, especially during the rush hours.
  
  “I am happy about what the government is doing. I just hope that it will prevent flooding when the rains come. The painful part is that because almost all the roads have been broken down for the construction of drainages, the traffic here these days, has been really terrible.”
  
  When Sunday Sun visited the Arowojobe and the Mafuloko axis of the area, the story was the same. At the Ladipo side of the town, it was discovered that the major road that links Oshodi to Shogunle (Oyegunwa) was blocked to traffic due to ongoing construction of two culverts on that road.
  
  A middle-aged woman, Mrs. Oyedeji, explained why the culverts would be useful during the rainy season. “Whenever it rains, this particular road is usually flooded and vehicles cannot pass through the road. And sometimes, because the road waterlogged, it would be easy for the water to enter people’s houses. Now, the rainwater will be channeled through the culverts down to the canal close by.”
  
  She talked about a new culture of cleanliness among the people living in the area. “You will hardly find people throwing things into the gutters and the canal any longer. In fact, people are more likely to come out for sanitation to clean their gutters than before. I can say that they are becoming more conscious of their environment now.”
  
  Other safety measures
  
  Investigations also revealed that in preparation for the coming rains, people are building shelves in their homes, where they hang valuables such as documents, clothes and jewelries to prevent them from getting damaged in the event of flooding.
  
  We’ve nowhere else to go
  
  Despite warnings by the authorities, particularly Governor Babatunde Fashola who had urged residents of flood-prone areas to relocate, findings by our correspondents showed that the people in this axis were not moved.
  
  A landlord who has been resident in the area for more than two decades, Mr. Femi Oladapo, said: “We have nowhere else to go. Where do I get money to rent another house? The economy has been so bad, and some of the tenants have been defaulting on their rents and you can’t kill them. There is so much hardship in the land.”
  
  Many residents of Oshodi were of the same view. One of them also urged the state government to provide alternative homes for them. “That is the only way out for most of us. We don’t have anywhere else to go if we leave this place”, he stated rather sadly.

Why Rivers PDP is in crisis –Opara, Ex Deputy Speaker, House of Reps

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  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report:  Why Rivers PDP is in crisis –Opara, Ex Deputy Speaker, House of Reps
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  That the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in crisis is stating the obvious. The latest development was the move to suspend the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and his other colleagues. In this interview,
  
  Honourable Austin Opara, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) from Rivers State spoke with journalists on the festering crisis rocking the  party in the state. Excerpts…
  
  What exactly is happening in the Rivers State chapter of the PDP?
  
  What has happened is that there was a court judgment, a competent court for that matter, which declared the Chief Felix Obuah-led  executive as the real and authentic executive of the PDP  in the state. That was the declaration by the court. And this is a democracy where everybody is guided by the rule of law, so everybody has to obey the court judgment.  There is nothing extra-ordinary at all; there is a subsisting court judgment which is being obeyed by all.
  
  But there have been rallies both for and against the judgment. Some stakeholders have denounced the judgment and have even vowed not to obey or honour it.
  
  Obviously some people are aggrieved. Those who lost in the exercise are aggrieved but that doesn’t  mean that Rivers PDP is in crisis. It’s up to Nigerians to decide whether in a democratic system, where we should be governed by the rule of law, people should be allowed to say they will not obey a court judgment.  To me, that is rascality. But I don’t think any right thinking individuals will say they will not obey court orders. The worst that has been said, which you probably heard, must have been as a result of anger or disappointment and  they have the right to feel so but not  that they will not obey the court judgment.
  
  What do you consider as the way forward?
  
  I am very sure that all the frayed nerves will soon calm down because we need to reconcile, we need to ensure that everybody is carried along and that everybody falls in line. But sincerely, if anybody feels or thinks otherwise, we can’t force that person to stay or remain in PDP. The issue is, and I have made  this point recently, why will anybody pick and chose which court judgment to obey or not to obey and which to respect or not respect? Must it be the one that favours you only that you will obey? Let me ask you, how did the present Governor, Rotimi Amaechi get to power? In 2007, during the campaigns, Amaechi was somewhere outside the shores of this country. He never campaigned, he never voted nor was he voted for but the Supreme Court declared that he is the governor. It’s like the court declaring that a man is a woman. What did we do? We all obeyed it. Rivers people could have gone to the streets to protest, especially since there was no opportunity to appeal because it was the Supreme Court.  But we all obeyed. Why should it be now that some people are not ready to obey a court judgment declaring somebody the real and authentic leader of the PDP in Rivers State?  So to me, what is happening is a minor misunderstanding, which is being handled by the appropriate authorities. I know that the new executive has set up a reconciliation committee, people will go and talk to people. It has happened before and we didn’t leave PDP. We are still in the party and we delivered it in 2011. This one will not be different.
  
  It is being insinuated that what is happening is a fallout of a frosty relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi though the Governor denied it two days ago in Kano. Is that true?
  
  As you have said, I also read in the papers too, where Amaechi said he does not have problems with the President. I don’t understand why we should impute meanings into what, in my view, does not exist. The man has said they don’t have problems. I have not heard the President say he has problems with Amaechi. What is happening in Rivers State now is just a situation where an aggrieved party or executive that felt cheated went to the court to seek redress and got judgment from the court. It has nothing to do with the President. It is a local Rivers PDP affair.
  
  …Or perhaps can it be the 2015 governorship ambition of certain individuals as it has been alleged elsewhere?
  
  Every living being is ambitious. You have an ambition, perhaps to either be good or bad. You are aspiring for one thing or another. So, if there are people aspiring to be governor in 2015, it is legitimate. They have the right to be ambitious. But what I want you to understand is the fact that the present situation is as a result of the fact that some  people felt aggrieved, they felt deprived and they went to court and got the judgment they desired. People should stop imputing unnecessary interpretations and meanings into ordinary issues. The fact, as I know it, is that Chief Felix Obuah and his executive went to court and got judgment.
  
  The PDP in Rivers State used to be a model in terms of being one strong, united family. Where and when did it all go wrong?
  
  It shows you that some rascality has come into the system, that is as far as I am concerned. Rivers has always been a PDP state and we I’ll remain so. In 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 the PDP consistently won, and overwhelmingly for that matter in the state . It will not change this time. The fact that a few persons, minority for that matter, are aggrieved does not remove the fact that Rivers is a PDP state. I want to assure you, Nigerians and the PDP at the centre and the PDP-led Federal Government in the country that Rivers is a PDP state. In the last election, we delivered 2 million votes. We will still deliver the same whether some people are aggrieved right now or not. The state is a PDP state and it will remain so. Let me tell you quickly, my local government area, which is Port Harcourt, has a voting strength of over 400,000. Obia/Akpor has over 500,000 votes. So when you talk of 2 million votes, we know where they came from. These are only two local government areas accounting for almost a million votes. Rivers State has a voting strength of 2.4 million. Yet some people will always shout at the top of their voices that they delivered 2 million votes when their local government has less than 100,000 registered voters. They use votes from other  areas to negotiate and brag all over the place. Please, enough of the rascality going on in the state. It’s time to move Rivers State forward and the process has just begun.
  
  So, where do you see Rivers State after this stormy moment?
  
  There is nothing stormy about what is happening and I still maintain that. We will come out stronger. Let me tell you, within the past six years, most of our strong members left the party. Some to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), others to the All Progressive Grand Alliance ( APGA). But now, we are going to bring all those people back to the fold. What led to their exit are the issues we are addressing now and they will come back again.
  
  Issues like what?
  
  Issues like dictatorial tendencies, lack of consultation, lack of respect for very senior people of the state, the politics of exclusion and others. These are some of the things that sent many of these  people parking. Suddenly, they were  no longer in reckoning, they were forced out of the system, and  marginalized . Once you air your opinion, the immediate explanation will be that you have been asking for money, that you want the state money shared. That is blackmail and many people felt that it was best to stay away instead of being blackmailed. So, everybody stayed away. But we can’t continue like that because in governance, especially for a state like Rivers, we need all hands to be on deck to move forward. In effect, we are in the process of rebuilding Rivers PDP and to strengthen it ahead of 2015. That is what is happening. So there is nothing to worry about. We would come out stronger. What has happened in the past couple of years is that the majority has been excluded and the minority dictated what has been happening . But because everybody wants peace, and like I said, once you speak your mind you are labeled as a favour seeker and blackmailed, many chose to stay away. But where we are now is bringing everybody back to the  fold. I am aware that the new executive will set up a reconciliation committee, a disciplinary committee and a contact committee. There would be so many  activities that some of those in the outgoing executive would be involved in at one level or another. It is a party for everybody. I expect the party to give me assignments and I will do them very well because I am a loyal party member.
  
  What would be your appeal to the stakeholders back home in Rivers State?
  
  My appeal is that everybody should be calm. The matter is before the  Court of Appeal, the Justices of the court will decide. Nobody should take the law into his hands. The days of moving people to Abuja to demonstrate; hiring  people from Nasarawa State University and University of Abuja to come and demonstrate here are gone. We are in a civilized society. Go to court, get your lawyers and let the court decide. That is a more civilized thing to do. It is no use calling the judiciary  unprintable names because those calling the judiciary names today are direct beneficiaries of the rulings of the court yesterday. Somebody  said , on a lighter note, that this is a situation where an armed robber is complaining when a pick-pocket  just stole a little from him. How would you compare this to the ruling of 2007? If anyone is dissatisfied, let him appeal; they have even done that anyway. There is no need to make the heaven fall.
  
  What’s your ambition come 2015 ?
  
  What we are doing is to rebuild the party. What I am interested in is to consolidate on what is on ground right now. To bring back all those who  left because of one grievance or another . We have to make the party stronger than it is now, that is the first thing, ambition will come later. There are very many things, many positions to contest, many appointive posts to hold. There are many contracts for people to do. It must not always be an elective post. But first, let us rebuild our party and build our state. That is the most important thing. We have so much human capacity in Rivers State that we are yet to tap from . Instead of doing that, what we have had is the politics of exclusion, people being chased out, people being marginalized and blackmailed and tagged with different names . But we cannot continue like that any longer. We want all hands to be on deck so that each and everyone can contribute whatever he can to the development of our state.
  
  The kind of resources or money that  has gone into the state, when placed side by side with what is on ground doesn’t add up. It is difficult to explain. We go to places like Lagos and see what is happening there but when you go back home what is on ground is irreconcilable. All you hear is mega this and mega that, yet we don’t see anything.
  
  Talking about the new executive, there are insinuations that it’s being powered by the Presidency. What is your reaction?
  
  As far as I am concerned, the President has no hand in it. Chief Felix Obuah and his team felt aggrieved, oppressed and deprived and they went to court to ask for remedy which was granted after due consideration of the facts of the case. So what is happening is strictly a Rivers State affair. It has nothing to do with outside influence. It is an internal thing that we must settle internally and that is why I am reassuring the PDP at the centre that we would come out stronger. The state is a PDP state and that is the truth, the records are there to show. But being a PDP state doesn’t mean that it was the efforts of one person, be he a governor, past and present or chairman of the party  or lawmaker at the federal or state level. Rather, it was because of the people who own the party. As a governor, on an election day, you will be at your unit, or at the most your ward or local government. And you have just one  vote like any other person. I will also be at my own just as another is at his. Nobody can be at two different places at the same time. So I advise people to stop the unmerited claims they make everyday. It is disgusting when people say  “  I single handedly delivered Rivers State or I single handedly delivered 2 million votes”. Democracy doesn’t work like that.

Day I cried over my boyfriend –Halima Abubakar

• AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report:  Day I cried over my boyfriend –Halima Abubakar
  Africcon Media, NigeriaFrom: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Kogi State-born but Kano bred actress, Halima Abubakar, some years back gained instant fame for baring her cleavages. She was taken to be in the league of Cossy Orjiakor who became popular as a boobs baring actress.
  
  Even though, Halima became known, she certainly did not get movie roles she so much craved. And so she withdrew into her shell. But when she resurfaced, Nigerians saw a reformed and well-groomed Halima. In this interview, the actress talked about a number of interesting issues. Excerpts:
  
  Can you tell us about your new movie, The Mistress?
  
  Yes. It’s about a group of friends who all have individual private lives. Its basically the stress that goes through every normal relationship that we put together as a movie for entertainment and to learn one or two things about the other side of relationships. And to tell the people that relationship is meant to be private in nature and fulfilling. So, the story is just meant to teach us lesson about relationship basically.
  
  It’s really uncommon for actors in the English sector of Nollywood to produce movies. What gave you the gut?
  
  I just felt it’s about time I do something instead of wasting money. I needed to lay the foundation. I am not competing with anybody… just because I am producing this does not mean I am producing forever. And the fact that I am producing this one does not mean I am stopping; I just wanted to produce this one and be happy.
  
  Could it be said it’s a way for you to be more fulfilling?
  
  Yes, I am just trying to be happier than I am, and being who I am, I am trying to do business.
  
  When did you come up with the idea of doing your own movie and did you write the story yourself?
  
  The story was co-written by Ruth Kadiri and me. Ruth also wrote the screenplay and acted in it. It was a creative idea between the two of us and it was written under three months. We polished it until we got what we wanted. Erike, the assistant director, added other things.
  
  Who were the people you worked with?
  
  I have myself and Yvonne Nelson from Ghana. There were three directors, Afe Omo-Oluwa, Eyika Obim and Ifeanyin Ogbonna who was the main director and Malio Entertainment coordinated in the UK because I also shot in the UK. Also, I have Maria Kukara, she lives in the UK and works as an actress there. I have Moyo Lawal and Mary Uranta who supported Yvonne Nelson, the major character in the movie. And I discovered three people on Twitter, Ibraheem, who acted as well. I am happy I was able to discover talents.
  
  Can you put a figure to how much it cost you to shoot the movie?
  
  I spent N9 million and I am still spending. The movie is a major hit already and that is what we are praying for. The movie is not released yet and it is everywhere, everyone is supporting and I am grateful.
  
  What is the experience you have had as a producer?
  
  Production is tasking, demanding, and heartbreaking.
  
  How impactful are you in the industry?
  
  Of course, I am treasured and my contribution is highly felt. You can ask my president (AGN) and my fans can tell. I have contributed in discovering a lot of stars, we don’t need to go into the details because we all know, and I don’t need to be the highest paid actress to know that I have touched lives but knowing that I have is a joy I have within.
  
  Being around for a while, how can you describe your experience?
  
  It’s a journey, only the strong can take it. My journey in life, only the strong can actually handle it. That’s the truth.
  
  What are the positive things that being an actress have attracted to your life and what are the ones you never wanted that are happening?
  
  It has only given me a sense of belonging. I used to be very impatient, I get angry over everything but now I am changed. I am matured.
  
  There was so much noise about you when you just came into the industry but that has really changed. What can you say to that?
  
  This question I really don’t know what it’s really about. I am busy. I am winning awards, what else do you want to hear? I don’t know! What else do you want to hear? My private life or what?
  
  May be I am driving at the fact that you were a little bit controversial?
  
  So? Are you not changing as a human being? The question is funny.
  
  What would you say prompted the change because your controversial deeds looked intentional?
  
  Just growth. I am a different person than I was. Like I said, I have changed. I have changed in every ramification of life so, I believe in growth, maturity.
  
  What was your mission or motive when you started out as an actress?
  
  Nothing. I just wanted to act. Seriously, I never knew I was going to last in Nollywood because I just wanted to act and return to something else, get married or something. I just wanted to act and keep the tape; it was cassette at that time. I just wanted my face in the movies, that’s all.
  
  You just said you wanted marriage but it does not seem to be on your list at the moment?
  
  I am not in that age where I would give up yet. I am not in that age where I will be bothering myself about marriage. When I clock 34, people can begin to say whatever they want to say. Then I will start thinking, but that is not in my budget now.
  
  As a sort of role model, what is your disposition to being a single lady or single parent?
  
  I cannot speak for them because I am sure they will have their own stories to tell.
  
  What are your aspirations as an actress?
  
  I want to be a UNICEF ambassador; I want to go for summits and I want to reach out to as many people I can reach out to. I want to be a teacher someday and I want to see how I will be able to incorporate it into showbiz, if I will still be in showbiz because anything can happen. I might decide to do something else and I might still continue because I am enjoying it.
  
  Are there things you would want to change in the industry?
  
  I would want us to be together because I have actually experienced tribalism from some people. I know people are going to say it does not happen but I have experienced it personally, it happens. So, we need to check that, and welfare of people needs to be properly taken care of. We also need to be more loving, we need to be together and support each other, if we have that, we have everything.
  
  What roles have you played that you consider most challenging?
  
  I am still looking for a challenging role. I am not saying those I have done were not challenging, but I am still looking for the greatest one.
  
  How do you put aside issues that are bothering you when you want to act?
  
  Sometimes I just cry. I can cry anywhere, anytime, trust me. I don’t have shame when it comes to crying. I once cried at a supermarket when I was telling a lady who sells shoes, I don’t even know her, but I was just telling her about my boy friend. It’s not everyone you can do that to because they will start talking when you leave. But I don’t behave like nothing is happening where there is something because we all have private lives.
  
  Do you get carried away when acting romantic scenes?
  
  Never. In fact, I don’t kiss deeply on set. I don’t like to exchange saliva. It has happened like three times when an actor complained that I refused to open my mouth when kissing. And I was like, ‘must we exchange saliva before the message is passed across?’ I am a woman and he’s a man so I draw boundaries. Although, I kiss to convince viewers about what the character is all about, I am not going to go gaga because I am trying to play a role. I can’t go crazy because I am shooting a movie, I have boundaries.
  
  Is it that your man might get angry if you do?
  
  Not really but there are things to do and not to do. He’s a man and he would get jealous but aside that one should know where to put a stop.
  
  What comes to your mind when you remember those days when you used to bare your cleavages?
  
  It was just advert, an advert I did for a laundry company. It was just an audition picture where I was wearing a bikini. Back then, it was a big deal in our society but nowadays it’s common because ladies put pictures like that on their BB and nothing happens.
  
  What effects did the pictures have on you then?
  
  I actually did not know. It was only in Lagos that the pictures were seen. I spent most of my time in Kano then and those magazines hardly circulate in Kano. It was my father who saw the write-ups and you can guess what that would have meant for me. Funny enough, I ended up not getting the job for which I took the pictures because of the controversy that surrounded it. It got to a level that people were using the opportunity to ask me to do nude scenes in their movies. Many producers were writing scripts with nude scenes for me but I refused. I knew if I started to act nude at that point in time, I wouldn’t go back. I have seen one or two movies that people are becoming daring and all that. But then when I look back, I just laugh. I laugh when I think about all the things I have gone through in life.

Fayemi names new Deputy Governor

• AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report:  Fayemi names new Deputy Governor
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has named Prof. Modupe Adelabu, 53, as the new Deputy Governor. Governor made his choice known in a letter he sent to the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, requesting the legislative body to consider Prof Adelabu for the position of deputy governor, to fill the vacuum created by the death of the former deputy governor, Mrs Funmi Olayinka on April 6, 2013.
  
  This has brought to an end all the speculations about who would occupy the position following the death of Olayinka. Until her nomination to fill the vacant deputy governorship position, Adelabu was the chairperson of the State’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and a professor of Education from the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile –Ife, and former Head of the Department of Education Administration and Planning of the institution. She was appointed the chairperson of Ekiti SUBEB in July 2011. An Ado-Ekiti princess, Adelabu was born on May 23rd, 1950 to Prince and Mrs. Samuel Adepoju Adejugbe.

Edo LG poll: Matters arising

• AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report:  Edo LG poll: Matters arising
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The conduct of April 20, 2013 local government council elections in Edo State has come and gone (except for Esan North-East local government council which had its polls cancelled) but the scars of the exercise are still very obtrusive two weeks after.
  
  As a result, there have been claims and counter-claims by the losers and winners of the elections.
  
  The complaints of the opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the main, hinge on poor conduct of the elections arising from late arrival and non-availability of voting materials across the state. The argument is that the development compromised the integrity of the elections.
  
  Consequently, the party, led by its chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, has called for the cancellation of the elections and for fresh polls, even as he also called for the sack of the State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) for alleged incompetence.
  
  “We reject the results announced so far in all the local governments”, Chief Orbih said, and pointed out that the only two wards where free and fair elections took place out of the 192 wards in the state, were his own Ward, Etsako Central Ward 4 where the PDP won the councillorship seat and Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s Ward – Etsako West Ward 10.
  
  He wants Governor Oshiomhole to take responsibility for EDSIEC’s alleged failure and publicly apologize to the people of the state.
  
  Countering the claim of the opposition parties and their call for the cancellation of the elections, the Chairman of ACN, Hon. Thomas Okosun said the call was unnecessary as elections held peacefully in the state, adding that the opposition parties were never ready for the elections but to cause problem.
  
  Absolutely, his party and the state government from late arrival of electoral materials, Hon. Okosun said no political party has influence over EDSIEC as the electoral umpire was truly independent.
  
  “While the ACN was busy campaigning, the opposition was busy gallivanting and because they know they will fail in the election, they had to call for cancellation to cover up for their inadequacies”, he said, pointing out that the opposition would not have been calling for cancellation if they had won the election.
  
  The chairman of the State Electoral Commission, Mr. Solomon Ogoh had explained the reason for delayed arrival of electoral materials, saying the materials were escorted by security personnel from Lagos to Benin by road on election day and that they arrived Benin at about 4.30am.
  
  “The materials were received by EDSIEC officials and representatives of the parties that had gathered to receive materials for election. Distribution started immediately and by 9am there was no material or party agent waiting in the EDSIEC office. This was why EDSIEC postponed the starting time for accreditation from 8am to 11am”, he said.
  
  But voting materials for councillorship election, for Oredo and Ikpoba – Okha could not be delivered by the contracting firm that handled the printing of the electoral materials, forcing EDSIEC’s postponement of elections for the two local governments to April 25, 2013.
  
  Similarly, elections for Esan North-East local government was shifted to April 24, 2013, following delayed arrival of voting materials along with that of Esan West local government on account of alleged electoral violence.
  
  Apparently scandalized by EDSIEC’s lapses in the conduct of the election arising from the late arrival of materials, Governor Oshiomhole requested the electoral body to apologize to the people of Edo State.
  
  Buoyed by its resounding victory in the last gubernatorial election in the state in which the ACN won in all the 192 wards in the state, the party, having campaigned vigorously for the local councils elections had a target to win in all the 18 local government areas. The party’s optimism was fueled by the acclaimed good performance of the Oshiomhole–led government.
  
  Even though the ACN had a smooth sail, winning all 14 council areas during the first batch of elections on April 20, 2013, there were pockets of resistance not from opposition parties alone, but from aggrieved members of the ACN, arising from the fall-outs of the party’s local government primaries. Many of the party’s faithful, who felt dissatisfied, joined forces with the opposition parties. This accounted for why the governor’s convoy was pelted in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Estako West, his own local government area.
  
  Having protested the conduct of the elections, the opposition parties probably expected a positive response from the government but the strategy adopted by Governor Oshiomhole stunned everyone when he swore into office the 14 council chairmen the next morning after election. The action left the opposition parties with no room to contemplate possible legal option to hold down the swearing-in exercise.
  
  The same pattern was to be adopted by the governor when he also swore-in the chairmen that emerged from the re-scheduled elections for Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Esan West local government councils the next day.
  
  The only council which had its rescheduled election cancelled as a result of alleged violence is Esan North – East. The general belief is that the election was annulled because the PDP was likely to win in the area, but according to EDSIEC, the election was cancelled because of the interference of the Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememe which “contaminated” and made the electoral process “unmanageable”, in addition to alleged activities of thugs and some overzealous law enforcement officers who made it impossible for EDSIEC officials to perform their functions.
  
  Edo people and indeed Nigerians await the outcome of election in Esan North-East, Chief Tony Anenih’s local government whenever a new date is fixed by EDSIEC.
  
  As is the pattern in the country where any ruling party in a state conducts and win all the seats in a local government election, Edo State may be a little different if Esan North-East is won by PDP in addition to its already won councillorship seat in Etsako Central, Ward 4.
  
  However, that dream may be a tall order given the scenario playing out. The ACN is expected to mobilize its arsenal to try and win the election, just as the PDP lie in wait to resist that effort.
  
  Here lies the real local government election in Edo State where a test of the two parties’ strength would be showcased.
  
  The outcome of the election has generated mixed reactions and commentaries as well as pockets of protests for and against but there is nothing to show that the reactions would alter the results of the elections.
  
  Already, an Election Petition Tribunal headed by Justice Efe Ikponmwonsa as Chairman and with Justices Ohimai Ovbiagele and Stephene Omonua as members, has been constituted by the State Chief Judge, Cromwell Idahosa to hear and determine petitions arising from the conduct of the elections.
  
  It is yet uncertain whether candidates of the PDP in the election will file petitions at the tribunal if the comment of the Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih is anything to go by.
  
  “I respect the integrity of the chairman of the Tribunal but I have reservations about his choice because he is of the same parents with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly who amended the Local Government Law few days to the election”, he said while reacting to the outcome of the elections.