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The gubernatorial
candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Kwara State, Mohammed
Dele Belgore, has described as political extremism Tuesday’s
demolitions of his billboards and those of other opposition candidates
in the state by thugs suspected to be working for the PDP and the state
government.

Mr. Belgore said
such acts were meant to intimidate Kwarans whom he said wanted a break
from the years of misrule, suppression, and corruption. He, however,
warned that “no amount of intimidation can hold back the drive for
liberation his party is championing in the state.”

Opposition
politicians in Kwara State alleged that the PDP and the state
government sponsored the violent removal of opposition billboards to
impress the visiting Nigerian president that there was no opposition to
the PDP in the state.

All the billboards
belonging to the opposition in the state capital were destroyed,
leaving only billboards belonging to the PDP governorship candidate,
Abdulfatah Ahmed.

“This is to alert
the whole world to the barbarism and political extremism going on in
Kwara State at the instance of the ruling PDP and the state government.
This barbarism is underscored by the recent violent actions of the
thugs loyal to the party, some carrying out their barbaric actions
right under the protection of the state government,” Rafiu Ajakaye, the
media aide to Mr. Belgore, said.

“All the billboards
in Ilorin belonging to the ACN governorship candidate, Mohammed Dele
Belgore, and other opposition candidates were either defaced or
uprooted outrightly by thugs being sponsored by the PDP-led state
government. At Emir’s Road, near the Belgore’s family house, for
instance, these thugs arrived at around 12.30am in a convoy of eight
vehicle containing arms and munitions, shooting sporadically into the
air to scare away any potential challenger of their barbarism, and then
tearing down the billboards.

“These actions were
repeated almost in all the key areas across the state capital,
including at Unity, Airport, and Iyana Afon Junctions, and at the Gairi
Alimi Roundabout, where they destroyed our billboards despite the fact
that the sites were duly registered and paid for under the auspices of
the Kwara State Advertising and Signage Agency (KWASA),” Mr. Ajakaye
said.

Remain calm

Mr. Ajakaye noted
that the message the ruling party and the state government are sending
to the people of Kwara is that the coming April polls would not be free
and fair.

“They have told anybody who cares to listen that the election would be a do-or-die affair,” he said.

Mr. Belgore, who
said he will not support violent reaction to the attacks, said politics
is about improving the lives of the people.

“Such actions can’t
stop liberation effort,” he said, urging the “provoked people” of Kwara
State to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands.

“These barbaric
actions only go to show that the state government and its agent
provocateurs have no respect for law and order,” he said.

Efforts to get the
reaction of Mas’ud Adebimpe, spokesperson to the Kwara State governor,
Bukola Saraki, did not succeed at press time.

Former Minister for Power and Steel, Tunji Ishola
Sarafa has been appointed as the Chairman of Campaign Committee of the
Peoples Democratic Party{PDP} governorship candidate in Ogun State,
Tunji Olurin.

Mr Sarafa, who was an aide of the incumbent governor,
Gbenga Daniel in 2003 before they later parted ways, was yesterday
announced by the party leadership at the Peoples Democratic Party{PDP}
Secretariat, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

Other committee members for the campaign team
include, Semiu Sodipo, Dayo Adebayo, Ade Odulaja, Banjo Ogunbiyi and
Michael Fasinu [the Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of
Assembly}.

The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by Mr Olurin,
his deputy, Tunde Oladunjoye, party candidates for State Assembly,
House of Representatives and Senate as well as party chieftains.
‘‘Today, I believe, marks the beginning of our collective journey to a
renewed Ogun State. It is indeed a point whereby our efforts must be
made momentous,” chairman of the party, Dayo Soremi, said. ‘‘We are
gathered today to further spur ourselves with the utmost need to gird
our loins in the bid to ensuring 100% success for our great party at
the April polls. I congratulate all party members to have successfully
come this far.”

The party boss charged the committee as well as
other members to double their efforts in endearing the party and its
candidates to the minds of the masses. ‘‘The time to work more
assidiously than ever for our collective success, the time to
consolidate on our long anticipations and struggles has come ,” he
said.

Working hard

Mr Olurin said the party has mandated the campaign
committee to work hard, just as he called on other members to give
necessary support for the committee. “We must use our experience to
make our party great” expressing optimism that by May 29, 2011 he
would be the next governor of the state alongside with other elected
candidates of the party,” he said.

“We shall not discriminate, our party is well
prepared for election. I believe in unity of PDP in Ogun State. Nobody
will be able to divide us. By May 29, Oke-Mosa straight. We shall win.
My activities has carried me all over the world, it would not be
difficult for us to use that experience.”

Mr Ishola said the job is for all members of the party, assuring
that, his committee will not disappoint the party leadership and
members. ‘‘Our objective is victory at the poll for PDP,’ he said.
‘‘Victory is ours, the sign we see today is a right step in right
direction. I want to enjoin everybody to give maximum support, the
committee shall not let you down.”

At least two
students of the Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun yesterday
sustained serious injuries during a face-off between the police and
students of the college. The students had in the early hours of
yesterday protested against the failure of the state governor, Rauf
Aregbesola to reduce the tuition fee in the institution, as he promised
after the Education Summit organised by the state government. The
protest which led to the burning of tyres on the campus caused the
vandalisation of vehicles owned by lecturers of the institution and
other vehicle owners.

The students who carried placards with various
inscriptions also burnt tyres in front of the private residence of the
National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Bisi Akande who is
also the Asiwaju of Ila-Orangun.

Reports say trouble
started in the college when the dean, faculty of science, J. O Bamgbala
announced at a meeting with students of the faculty that both the 100
level and 200 level students of the institution would pay N28,000 as
tuition fees. While the new students agreed to pay, the 200 level
students allegedly refused on the basis that they paid a similar amount
as tuition fees in the last academic session. The students thereafter
mobilized their colleagues against the arrangement. The students locked
the main gate to the campus and prevented people from entering. They
also went to the staff schools and locked the pupils up, preventing
their parents who are mostly lecturers of the college from gaining
entry into the schools.

The students also took their protests round the community but were
met by Mobile police officers who shut down the protests by shooting
sporadically into the air, causing some of the students to sustain
injuries. prevented them students from further protest.

Hundreds of
students of tertiary institutions in Kano took to the streets of the
ancient city protesting the non- implementation of the agreement
reached between their lecturers and the state government on the payment
of salary increment.

The students who
were in solidarity with their striking lecturers went on rampage and
clashed with police. The protesters, who marched through the ancient
city to the Government House, were immediately dispersed by armed
policemen stationed at the Government House premises.

The students, who
carried placards made bonfires and barricaded the entire length of the
strategic and ever busy Zaria road that links the commercial city with
Kaduna and adjoining states. However, police presence was noticed in
all strategic locations in the state in their attempt to disperse the
aggrieved students, as canisters of teargas were shot into the air.

Motorists on
Kano-Zaria road resorted to alternative routes to avoid the rampaging
students, who blocked the roads, causing heavy traffic jam, which
lasted for hours before the police finally restored sanity.

Reports suggest
that one of the protesting students died but the police in a swift
reaction dismissed such claims, stressing that they are in firm control
of the situation. Kano state police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majiya, who
confirmed the protests, said the policemen have taken over the security
of the schools, he dismissed as untrue, speculation of any death,
pointing out that normalcy has since been restored.

He warned that the police will not relent in their efforts to
ensure the security of lives and property. Mr. Majiya assured that
police will not tolerate any move to disrupt peace in the state, adding
that any hoodlum found will face the wrath of the law, while advising
parents to caution their wards

The former Lagos
state governor, Bola Tinubu, yesterday blamed politics for the
stalemate in wage demand by the striking Lagos medical doctors and
advised the doctors to look for jobs with federal government or get
sacked. “Those people make me angry, there is no point dialoguing with
them again, sack them and recruit other doctors,” Mr. Tinubu said,
advising the state governor, Babatunde Fashola never to yield to
blackmail.

“We have provided a
conducive environment for them to work and yet they are still not
satisfied. It is not compulsory, you work for the state government, if
you are not comfortable, you can go to the federal government that pays
more or other private establishments.” The former governor made the
statement while soliciting the support of Christian leaders, who had
gathered at a meeting with Mr. Fashola.

He was especially
sad about the call for the reinstatement of Ibrahim Olaifa, the sacked
union leader of the doctors, whom he said was employed by him on the
recommendation of the then Oyo State governor, Lam Adesina. He said the
same Mr. Olaifa is now campaigning for House of Representative ticket
in Oyo State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party while
fomenting trouble in Lagos State. “We are not going to reinstate him
because the moment you subject the authority given by the constitution
to blackmail, you are finished,” he said.

Mr. Fashola also
hinted at the possibility of a political undertone because, according
to him, it is baffling that his administration has offered to implement
95 percent of the doctors’ demands, yet they insisted on 100 percent
implementation. “The most junior doctors in the state today have their
salary increased from N110,000 to N170,000 while consultants now have
their salaries increased from N300,000 to N700,000,” he said, adding
that, as the governor of the state, his salary monthly is N850,000
while other members of the State Executive Council do not earn above
N500,000.

Second term endorsement

At the meeting,
Mr. Tinubu urged the Christian leaders to support Mr. Fashola’s second
term ambition because “a vote for Fashola is a vote for progress and
development.” Mr. Tinubu said he is always amazed at how Mr. Fashola
has been able to, within a short period of time, transform Lagos state.
“Leadership is not all about religion. Rather it is all about
personality and character. It is all about action and vision. It is all
about putting people first. It is all about development. It is all
about you and me. We can see what Mr .Fashola has been able to achieve.
This is why we invite you to renew his contract for another term,” he
said, insisting that “Fashola is the best man for the job.”

He however believes that Mr. Fashola could have performed better “if
the federal government has allowed fiscal and true federalism to
thrive. Despite this, we are more secured than any of the states in the
federation. I am proud to be a father and brother of a successful son.
Fashola deserves a renewed contract.” Present at the meeting were
Christian leaders including the Methodist Church of Nigeria Prelate,
Dr. Ola Makinde and Secretary-General of the Christian Association of
Nigeria (CAN), Bishop George Amu.

Following the recent evacuation order by the Federal
Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to domestic airlines operating at
the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), experts in the sector on Tuesday
criticised the directive, describing it as “dictatorial.” Explaining
that the airlines have tenancy and operational agreements with the
airports authority, the professionals argued that operational issues
should not be with immediate effect as directed, but should be well
planned with both parties coming to an agreement that should give the
least operational and disruption cost.

“FAAN can only refuse to rent out the counters (in
GAT) at the expiration of their (carriers) tenancy, not using the
forceful eviction mode,” said Olumide Ohunayo, head of Zenith Travels
and former president of the National Cabin Crew Association (NACCA).
Last week, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), an umbrella
association for indigenous carriers operating in the country,
instructed its members not to obey the relocation directive issued
domestic airline operators to leave the General Aviation Terminal and
commence operations at the new Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) which
is presently managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.

“FAAN has no right to relocate our members to any
terminal which presently does not belong to them. The action of FAAN is
a violation of contract agreement between FAAN and our members, which
results to victimisation and unnecessary use of force,” said Steve
Mahonwu, Chairman of the AON.

Speaking further on the relocation mandate, Mr.
Ohunayo disclosed that the airports authority should not hold against
the airlines, allegations of repatriating profits to the operator of
the new domestic terminal after generating the revenue from the FAAN
controlled General Aviation Terminal. “It was alleged that some of the
carriers board and park their aircraft at MMA2, while they only sell
tickets at GAT, in a nut shell generating revenue for Bi-Courtney
through the FAAN owned ,GAT,” he said, adding “well, that brand of
marketing is not new to the industry, it’s an age long marketing
strategy employed by the local carriers. It’s not a bad idea provided
they pay for those counters.”

Why exclude Arik?

The former NACCA boss said that the exclusion of Arik
Airline in the relocation directive could best be viewed as
prejudicial, stressing that in the interest of peace and tranquillity,
no carrier should be left to continue operating from the old domestic
terminal.

“Curiously, why was Arik, a private carrier without
any form of public participation excluded from the decree issued by
FAAN ruling council to other privately owned carriers? Was it due to a
pending court case, instituted by Arik? Or is it an attempt to
surreptitiously hand over the GAT terminal to them?” he asked.
“Whichever way fairness and transparency must be paramount or the
attempt will be kicked against.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has remained
silent on the development. However, a copy of the “relocation of
check-in counters to MMA2” directive made available to NEXT did not
stipulate reasons why the airlines are to relocate.

It was 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 9. Ramatu Bako,
35, a tall, dark woman, and her team of seven lawyers poured into Court
6 of the Abuja High Court to commence a fierce legal battle against the
British Council, the United Kingdom owned international cultural
relations organisation. Dressed in a black suit, an ash-coloured
headscarf and a pair of black shoes, Ms. Bako, who was project manager
in the Abuja office of the UK charity organisation until her sack on
July 1, 2010, wanted Justice S.E Aladetoyinbo to compel her former
employer to reinstate her, pay her N100 million in damages and settle
her outstanding salaries and allowances.

Ms. Bako, a lawyer, worked for the British Council
for 10 years. But in March last year, they had a disagreement which
eventually led to Ms. Bako’s sack on July 1, 2010. Since then, Ms.
Bako, had battled to be reinstated, saying she was discriminated
against and that her sack violated Nigerian labour laws and the terms
of her contract. After it became clear that the British Council was in
no mood to reopen her case, Ms. Bako headed for court last December.
The case was mentioned for the first time on February 9.

The face-off between Ms. Bako and her former employer
began March 1 last year. The British Council had, as part of its
cultural exchange programmes, hosted some citizens of Northern Ireland
to participate in a programme with some Kano indigenes. Being the
council’s project manager for intercultural dialogue and social
cohesion programmes in Nigeria, Ms.

Bako was directly in charge of the event. But a day
into the six-day programme, Ms. Bako said she fell sick and left Kano
for her Abuja. In her absence, Ben Fisher, a Briton and the
organisation’s programme manager for Kano took charge of proceedings.

Complaints led to dismissal

While in Abuja, Ms. Bako said she received complaints
from some Nigerian participants in the programme that Mr. Fisher
discriminated against them by attempting to shut them out of the
delegation’s visit to the Emir of Kano. Some of the furious local
participants later sent protest mails to the Council and to Ms. Bako on
the matter.

NEXT learnt that Ms. Bako later circulated
disparaging electronic mails about Mr. Fisher among local and
international staff of the organisation. An enraged Mr. Fisher in turn
complained to authorities of the Council accusing Ms. Bako of bullying
him and defaming his character. Ms. Bako was queried based on Mr.
Fisher’s complaints and after her response, she was issued a letter of
warning on Thursday, July 1, 2010. Ms. Bako said a few hours after
receiving a warning, another letter, announcing her sack, arrived her
desk.

In a statement of claim she filed before the court,
Ms. Bako contended that instead of turning it’s (the British Council)
attention to Mr. Fisher whose action caused “reputational” injury on
it, the council issued her letters of warning and dismissal on the same
date.

“The segregational policy of refusing local
participants the privilege of riding in the same bus with participating
Northern Ireland nationals to the irritation and revulsion of the local
participants, refusal of the local participants the right to make a
speech at the Emirs palace,” were some of the discriminatory policies
Ms. Bako told the court that Mr. Fisher executed.

Her dismissal, she argued, contravenes section 7
subsection 2 of the British Council rules which states that, “where a
final warning is issued to a staff, it is placed on his file for six
months of observation before any action can be taken.” The court
adjourned the matter to March 15, to enable the British Council, file
its statement of defence and memorandum of appearance.

More staff grievances

It is not just Ms. Bako that is not happy with the
Council. A source tells us that a few other staff are just as outraged
with their British boss, David Higgs, who is being accused of
mistreatment of staff, in collusion with a Nigerian assistant director
called Ojoma Ochai. In fact, while Ms. Bako was in court that
Wednesday, another former staff, Debo Akande, was trying to meet with
Alan Curry, the Africa Regional Director, who was on a visit to
Nigeria, to register his grievances.

Mr. Akande, the former President of the Staff Union,
was allegedly “forced to resign” based on findings by the Council that
a relative of his, (contrary to regulations) was benefitting from the
Council’s programmes. Mr. Akande refused to grant an interview based on
his lawyer’s advice. But a top official close to Mr. Akande denounced
the allegation, saying Mr. Akande was being persecuted because of his
position as a leader of the staff.

Some members of staff, whose names were given as Suleiman, Jogwu and Isah, were also allegedly dismissed without due process.

Mr. Curry reportedly met with some aggrieved staff,
including Mr. Akande, on Wednesday and Thursday last week with a view
to resolving the imbroglio. A source stated that the meeting “may work
out a solution” which will be beneficial to all parties. The solution
may include the re-instatement of some of the staff.

British Council responds

When contacted, David Higgs, British Council Director
for Nigeria said: “Due to confidentiality, I am not in a position to
comment on any individual employee.” Mr. Higgs however hinted that the
dismissal of Ms. Bako and her colleagues may have been due to bad
conduct or poor performance saying “our policy incorporates a code of
conduct and disciplinary procedures that guide our actions when there
are performance or related problems. We adhere to these procedures
carefully.”

Mr. Higgs also denies the existence of any
discrimination among staff, saying “the British Council works to build
trust and understanding between cultures and therefore,
‘discrimination’ contradicts our working culture and our values….I
and my colleagues reject the idea that we exercise any form of
discrimination.” The British Council Director however, insisted that
Mr. Curry’s visit to Nigeria was routine and not for the resolution of
any crisis.

Blame the Global Meltdown

Some sources spoken to at the Council explained that
the dismissal of staff was just the Council’s way of responding to cut
in funding to the Council by the British Government during the global
economic meltdown.

“Because of the financial uncertainties in the UK,
they said that my office can’t continue,” said a former staff of the
council who insisted that he was not dismissed due to discrimination.

“The only thing that annoyed me was that everything
happened on the phone. I was dismissed on the phone even though I had
done nothing, absolutely nothing wrong.” He added.

Mr. Higgs also confirmed that some of the dismissals were as a result of the global meltdown.

“As a result of economic conditions, all UK
government funded organisations are contributing to budget reductions
and the British Council is no exception. This led to some redundancies
in early 2010.”

President Goodluck
Jonathan yesterday promised that he will run a government that will not
discriminate against any individual or group, saying his administration
will constantly work for the unity of the country.

Speaking during a
courtesy call on the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari during his
campaign visit to Kwara State, Mr Jonathan emphasized the commitment of
the Federal Government to running an efficient administration.

“If a country is
not well managed, there will be poverty which knows no ethnic,
religious or other sectional barriers,” he said.

Mr. Jonathan said
that to improve the economy, which is his number one priority, farming
by irrigation, especially in the northern states, must be used to
create jobs while industries will be revived.

He praised the
Kwara State governor, Bukola Saraki, for his leading role in
agriculture development and promised that the two irrigation and other
power projects in the state will be completed.

The President also
identified road construction and youth education, as special areas that
must be given proper attention in order to give the economy a new lease
of life.

“We will not
disappoint Nigerians and will ensure transparent elections through one
man, one vote without manipulation of votes,” Mr Jonathan said.

The President thanked the Emir and other traditional rulers in the country for supporting the FG to enhance peace in the nation.

Emir’s support

He also commended
Mr. Saraki, who was a former PDP presidential aspirant, for his
support, adding that both of them have a good working relationship as
the former even consulted him before joining the presidential race.

The President, who
referred to Saraki as the longest serving Chairman of the Nigerian
Governors’ Forum, attributed the feat to the governor’s dedication and
hardwork.

The Emir, who said his Emirate has enjoyed the Jonathan
administration, prayed for the success of Mr. Jonathan’s presidential
aspiration while also pledging his personal support and that of the
people of Kwara State during the April 9 presidential election.

The governor of
Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda yesterday at the People’s Democratic Party
(PDP) North-East women rally, made a promise to deliver the zone to the
incumbent president at the April polls. Mr Yuguda in his address at the
event said the party is working hard to ensure that women are
adequately mobilised to participate in the elections.

The governor said,
“We will give Jonathan 100 per cent votes in the north east zone, even
our votes during the recent PDP Presidential primary is a proof.
Jonathan has a humble background, he is well educated and he is a man
of experience having been a deputy governor, a governor and now a
president.” Speaking at the event which took place at the Ibrahim
Badamasi Babangida Square, Bauchi, the First lady, Patience Goodluck
Jonathan, called on women in the zone to come out en mass and vote for
the Goodluck Jonathan/Sambo ticket at the April elections. The rally,
which attracted women from the geo-political zone had the wives of the
PDP candidates in the six north eastern states; Borno, Yobe, Taraba,
Adamawa, Gombe, and Bauchi, as well as the wife of the Senate
President, Mrs Helen Mark, the wife of the Vice President, Amina Sambo
and several women leaders in attendance.

The president’s
wife appealed to women in the north east to ensure that they vote for
PDP as it had promised 35 per cent women participation in political
appointments. “The president has also promised to carry us along in
every appointment if we vote the government into power,” she told the
women. “PDP has the highest number of candidates who have promised
better deal for Nigerian women.” “I want to also appeal to you women in
the north-east to go from house to house, street to street and
community to community and appeal to your husbands and other women to
come out and vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President
Namadi Sambo at the forthcoming April elections,” she added.

The highlight of
the event was the official decamping of 1,000 women from other
political parties to the ruling party ,they were received by the PDP
National Women leader, Hajia Inna Ciroma who promised to work
tirelessly to see to the victory of the Jonathan/Sambo team.

Some leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)
who have been facing murder charges were yesterday freed by an Osogbo
High court, presided over by Justice Yinka Aderibigbe.

This judgement is coming four years after the
politicians were arraigned before Mr Aderibigbe for murder. Moshood
Adeoti and his colleagues were in June 2007, arrested by the police
over alleged involvement in the explosion that rocked the state
secretariat, Abere on June 14, 2007.

Delivering his judgment on the case yesterday, the
presiding judge, Mr Aderibigbe quashed the matter on the ground that it
lacked merit and that all the six witnesses called by the prosecutor
did not link the ACN leaders to the bomb blast.

Mr Aderibigbe stated that the prosecutor could not
prove beyond reasonable doubt that the suspects were masterminds of the
explosion as alleged by the police, adding that no proof of evidence
could be established against the suspects.

He subsequently dismissed the case and absolved the men of complicity in the bomb blast.

The suspects, who appeared before the court, include:
The state Secretary of the ACN, Gboyega Famodun; the party’s Director
of Research and Strategy of the Party, Sunday Akere; Minority Leader,
Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; a member of the house,
Folarin Fafowora and Assistant Director of Communication, Gbenga
Fayemiwo.

Others are: A former Commissioner for Health, Lai
Oyeduntan; elder brother to the state deputy governor, Sunday Laoye and
Gani Olayiwola.

Judge’s courage

Speaking to journalists after the court ruling,
counsel to the ACN chieftains, Wale Afolabi commended the courage of
the judge in dispensing justice fairly on the matter, saying the
verdict has set the record straight on the controversial case.

The prime suspect in the case, Richard Abayomi, who
lost his left eye in the explosion, is the only remaining suspect yet
to be tried on the matter.

Meanwhile, a member of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission set up by the Osun State government to investigate cases of
human right abuses between 2003 and November 2010, Waheed Lawal has
withdrawn from the commission.

Mr Lawal, who is also the state chairman of the
National Conscience Party (NCP), said his withdrawal was premised on
the fact that he and some members of his party have cases to present
before the commission and “I cannot be a judge in my own case.”
However, a replacement has been effected in the commission with the
appointment of Rufus Oyatoro, the state Chairman of the Labour Party
(LP) as a member of the commission.

“I and other members of the NCP in the state were
objects of harassments and vindictiveness in the hands of the immediate
past government and its individual operatives. We were arrested on
several occasions, even at the premises of the state High Court, Osogbo
on the order of the then Commissioner of Police, John Moronike,” Mr
Lawal said.