APC sweeps gov polls

 

 

Mon Apr 13th, 2015 - Abia

 

By Our Reporters
Wins 19 states, leading in four others
LAGOS — WITH ferocious intensity, the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, swept into its kitty most of the 29 governorship seats contested at the weekend. The huge victory has catapulted the party to the enviable position of the dominant party in Nigeria.
With the results announced at press time, the APC won in 19 states and was leading in Plateau and Kebbi states while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Gombe and Enugu and was coasting home to victory in Rivers, Delta and Taraba.
This came as the PDP made in-road to the Lagos State House of Assembly winning six seats for the first time as APC’s Mr Akinwunmi Ambode won a tightly contested governorship election beating PDP’s Jimi Agbaje.
Meanwhile, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday, broke the re-election jinx, which has dogged Oyo State politics since 1983 by winning the governorship polls after fencing off Senator Rasheed Ladoja of the Accord Party; Christopher Alao Akala of the Labour Party and Teslim Folarin of the PDP among others.
States where the APC won the governorship are Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger, Borno, Adamawa, Lagos, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe, Zamfara, Oyo, Ogun, Benue, Imo, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Benue (see table).
Umahi wins Ebonyi in landslide victory
Ebonyi State Deputy Governor and PDP Governorship candidate, Engr Dave Umahi won the April 11 governorship election after scoring 289,867 votes to beat his closest rival, Edward Nkwegu of the Labour Party, who polled 124, 817 votes. The governorship candidate of APC, Senator Julius Ucha came third with 27, 583 votes.
Dave Umahi
Announcing the result at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) headquarters in Abakaliki, the State Collation Officer and Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku declared that Umahi had met all the constitutional requirements and returned elected.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Chief Martin Elechi was defeated in his home town in Ikwo Local Council, as he was unable to deliver his preferred candidate, Nkwegu.
APC’s Abubakar wins in Bauchi
In Bauchi State, Mr Mohammed Abubakar of the APC won the governorship election.
Abubakar scored 654,934 votes to beat his main challenger, Auwal Jatau of the PDP who scored 282,650 votes across the 20 local councils of the state.
Abubakar won in 19 local councils while Jatau, who won only in Bogoro local government area of the state where he polled 16,980 votes as against the APC which had 9,914 votes.
The Bauchi State returning officer, Mohammed Kabiru Faruk, a Professor and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State who announced the results at the INEC office in Bauchi returned Abubakar as the winner after meeting all the requirments.
El-Rufai prevails in Kaduna as Yero concedes defeat
El-rufai
Kaduna State Governorship candidate of the APC, Mallam Nasir El Rufai emerged winner of the contest, beating his main rival,incumbent Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of the PDP.
Governor Yero conceded defeat even before the final announcement of the results in favour of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
El-Rufai tweeted that Governor Yero had called to congratulate him.
El Rufai tweeted at 3:20pm yesterday saying, “I just received a phone call from Gov. Mukhtar Yero congratulating me for winning the Kaduna guber election. I thanked him too”.
Meanwhile, the returning officer for Kaduna state Gubernatorial election, Prof. Jafar Makau Kaura, declared Mallam Nasir El Rufai of the APC as the governor elect of Kaduna State at 6.20 p.m.
APGA sweeps Assembly polls in Anambra
Results of 25 out of the 30 House of Assembly seats in Anambra State have been declared by the INEC, with the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state winning all.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Edwin Nwatarali, who gave details of the Saturday’s polls in the state, said that there would be elections on April 18, 2015 in four state constituencies where the exercise was inconclusive.
The result of Anambra West state constituency was still being collated at the time the REC was briefing reporters.
Areas where there were inconclusive polls include Aguata 1 constituency (where election will be repeated at Uga ward), the whole of Ekwusigo constituency where a chieftain of one of the political parties led thugs to cart away election materials before the commencement of the exercise on Saturday, as well as in Anaocha 1 constituency, where there would be repeat election in five polling units at Adazi Ani, one polling unit at Adazi Nnukwu and Agulu Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4.
In Anaocha 11 constituency, there would be a repeat exercise at Nri Wards 1 and 2.
The 25 constituencies already declared for APGA were Aguata 2, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Awka North, Awka South 1, Awka South 2, Dunukofia, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala 1, Ihiala 2, Njikoka 1 and Njikoka 2.
Others were Nnewi North, Nnewi South 1, Nnewi South 2, Ogbaru 1, Ogbaru 2, Onitsha North 1, Onitsha North 2, Onitsha South 1, Onitsha South 2, Orumba North, Orumba South and Oyi.
Oyo: Ajimobi breaks re-election
Governor Abiola Ajimobi has become the first governor to govern Oyo State twice.
He defeated two other former governors in the state to clinch victory in a keenly-contested election.
This came as Accord Party refused to sign the result sheets saying he was directed by his party not to sign.
The secretary of the party, Nureni Adisa, said the mandate of his party had been stolen.
The former governors who contested with the incumbent governor are Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala of Labour Party and Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord.
At press time, Ajimobi had won 20 out of the 33 local governments in the state leaving Ladoja with only seven and Akala with six.
Ambode wins Lagos gov poll
Akinwunmi Ambode
Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC has emerged winner in the governorship election in Lagos beating his close rival Jimi Agbaje of the PDP
Ambode polled 811,994 votes to defeat Agbaje of the PDP, who polled 659,788 votes.
APC won in 15 local government areas, while PDP won in five local government areas across the state.
Prof Isaac Adewole, INEC, returning officer for Lagos State governorship election, announced Ambode as winner at about 7. 30 pm having satisfied all the requirements in line with the electoral act
According to Adewole, the margin of lead between Ambode and Agbaje is 152,206 while the total number of voters is 13,972, this he said was far less than margin of votes and would not invalidate the exercise.
He said both parties scored 25 percent of votes cast in 20 local government areas.
While describing the exercise as one of the most credible elections in the country, Adewole expressed his appreciation to INEC officials, security agencies, IG, Suleiman Abba and AIG, Joseph Mbu and other security agencies for providing adequate security as there was no recorded life loss throughout the exercise.
Representatives of each of the contesting political parties later signed the result sheets.
Ambode, in a swift reaction to his victory as posted on his facebook, thanked all Lagos residents for trusting him and promised to fufill all his campaign promises in collaboration with them.
He said: “Thank You Lagosians we promise to serve you better. Thank you for trusting APC, we will work harder to serve you better.”
Cancelled votes
Some results were cancelled in some polling units in areas like: Mushin, Kosofe, Agege Alimosho, Epe. The electoral officers said the results were cancelled for electoral offences such as over-voting and thuggery.
Elliot, Lai Mohammed’s son, others declared winners as Obanikoro, Ajomale’s sons lose
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made in-road into the Lagos State House of Assembly, winning six of the 18 seats so far declared. Results for 22 constituencies are being awaited. Among the six PDP House members-elect is an Igbo, Mr Emeka Idimogu elected to represent Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II.
This is as Nollywood star, Desmond Elliot of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Surulere I constituency and Lai Mohammed’s son, Folajimi also of the APC won the Ikeja I seat.
Meanwhile, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro’s son, Babajide and Chief Henry Ajomale’s son, Olayinka, failed to win their constituencies. Babajide ran in Eti-Osa II while Olayinka sought for the Oshodi-Isolo II seat.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed is the National Publicity Secretary of the APC; Ajomale is the Lagos State Chairman of the APC while Senator Obanikoro is Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.
Those elected include:
Desmond Elliot (Surulere I), APC
Mrs Mosunmola Sangodara-Rotimi (Surulere II), PDP
Mr Folajimi Mohammed (Ikeja I), APC
Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja II), APC
Mr Wasiu Sanni (Lagos Island I), APC
Mr Giwa Shakirudeeen (Lagos Island II), APC
Mr Adekanye Oladele (Lagos Mainland I), APC
Mr Moshood Olarenwaju Oshun (Lagos Mainland II), APC
Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho (Mushin I), APC
Hon. Olayiwola Olawale (Mushin II), APC
Dipo Olorunrinu (Amuwo-Odofin I), PDP
Hakeem Bello (Amuwo-Odofin II), PDP
Mr Mudashiru Obasa (Agege I), APC
Mr Ishahu Gbolahan (Eti-Osa I), APC
Mr Kazeem Alimi (Eti-Osa II), APC
Mr Oluwa Olatunji Fatai (Ajeromi-Ifelodun II), PDP
Mr Shokunle Hakeem (Oshodi-Isolo I), PDP
Mr Emeka Idimogu (Oshodi-Isolo II), PDP
PDP wins 19 House seats in Ondo as two die
The PDP in Ondo State won 19 of the 24 house of Assembly seats declared by INEC in the last Saturday election just as two hoodlums were shot dead for hijacking electoral materials.
It’s main opposition APC secured five seats while the results of Ilaje 1 and 11 constituencies were declared inconclusive.
The PDP won in Idanre, Ifedore, Ese Odo, Akure South 1, Akure North, Akoko South East, Akoko North West 11, Akoko North East, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Irele, Odigbo 1 and Odigbo11, Okitipupa 1 and Okitipupa 11, Ondo East, Ondo West 1 and Ondo West 11, Ose, and Owo 1.
The opposition APC won the seats in Owo11, Akoko North West 1, Akoko South West 1, Akoko South west 11 and Akure South 11.
Addressing newsmen in Akure yesterday on the outcome of the Saturday poll, the Resident Electoral Commissioner Olusegun Agbaje said that the two electoral offenders were shot dead by Naval Officers in the oil rich Ilaje areas of the state.
Agbaje added that eight guns, six mobile phones belonging to INEC Ad-Hoc staff and other materials belonging to the commission were recovered from the hoodlums.
Speaking on the election results Agbaje said over 35,000 voters were disenfranchised in the 73 units in Ilaje constituencies where electoral materials were hijacked by the hoodlums.
Agbaje said that the election was characterized by low turn out of voters across the state and pockets of security breaches in some local government areas.
He listed the areas to include Akoko North West, Akoko south West, Ese Odo, Idanre, Ilaje, Irele, Okitipupa,Ondo East, Owo and Ose.
Amosun’s victory: PDP kicks, alleges irregularities
The PDP in Ogun State has kicked against the declaration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as winner of the governorship election in the state.
The party said the development “ is clearly not a true reflection of Ogun people’s wish and it will be challenged as appropriate”.
The INEC in the state had declared Amosun who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress as governor-elect having polled 306,988 votes to defeat the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Prince Gboyega Isiaka who polled 201,440 votes.
Reacting to Amosun’s declaration, the party, through the Gboyega Nasir Isiaka Campaign Organization declared the gubernatorial election “as very unfortunate and a travesty staged to help the APC achieve victory”.
The party in a statement signed by Director of Media , Ifekayode Akinbode , said “whereas , INEC declared APC the winner with 307,008 votes and the PDP coming second with 201,440 votes, we are not oblivious of the clear manipulations, misrepresentations, underhand dealings and outright rigging by the APC; and most unfortunately with the culpability of INEC.
“Let us quickly state emphatically that we are displeased with the outcome of the governorship election particularly as being irregular in most aspects.
“However, we must state a few facts here to support our preliminary position. Before the election, we alerted that huge numbers of uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were in the possession of APC stalwarts with the intention to give same to their party members for use with active connivance of compromised corps members and INEC staff.
“This was indeed what happened. Secondly, on the election date, Ogun people trooped out and actually voted for the PDP. As at 3pm we were actually receiving good results from all over the state as results were being announced and posted from various polling booths.
“This was the situation until Sen. Amosun defied the electoral law and moved out of his polling zone into other areas of Abeokuta and then to Sagamu, Ota and Ifo local government areas with a full retinue of buses.
“What followed were reports of snatching of ballot boxes and stuffing of same in these locations. Same manipulation happened enroute the collation centres.
“It was for these reasons that some PDP agents refused to sign the results sheets; yet the umpire went ahead to announce results despite the overvoting, result falsification, harassment of our party agents and other irregularities. Clearly, the huge votes from Ogun central local governments of Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Odeda, Obafemi Owode as well as Ado Odo/Ota local governments in Ogun West Senatorial district were a true reflection of the rigging.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that our legal officers and the party are looking at the results and they shall come up with a clear position on this election that was marred with gross irregularities. We implore our supporters, party faithful and indeed Ogun people to remain calm. We appreciate the support, trust and confidence reposed on Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.
“He remains committed to making Life More Abundant for the masses and so shall it remain. God bless Ogun State”, the party said.
Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed
wins in Kwara
The Chief Returning Officer of gubernatorial election in Kwara State, Professor Musbau Akanji yesterday declared the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed as winner of the election.
Professor Akanji said that Governor Ahmed who was seeking re-election polled 295,832 votes to defeat the candidate of the PDP Senator Simeon Ajibola who scored 115,220 votes and came far second while the candidate of Labour Party Dr Mike Omotosho polled 2,973 to come third.
Similarly, the APC as declared by the respective returning officers won all the twenty four House of Assembly seats across the 16 local governments in the state.
Ugwuanyi wins Enugu guber poll
The PDP, candidate in the April 11 governorship election, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has won with 482,277 votes against his main challenger of the APC, Okey Ezea who polled 43,839 votes.
Returning officer of the election, Prof. Hillary Edoga, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, announced the result precisely at 3.36 p.m. at the INEC office, Independence Layout, Enugu.
The announcement was followed with wild jubilation as residents of Enugu made bonfires along strategic streets in Enugu metropolis.
However, the APC candidate in a press conference called for the cancellation of the election.
“As far as we are concerned, there was no election in Enugu State, so we call on the INEC to cancel the exercise and fix a date for a fresh election
“We cannot continue with this rubbish in Enugu State any longer; all of you are witnesses to what happened yesterday and if that is what we should expect in Enugu State, it is very unfortunate.
“They want to push us out of the politics of Enugu State but that will not happen; we shall never give up,” he said.
BENUE: Ortom wins gov poll
Ortom
The APC, governorship candidate in Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom has emerged the winner of last Saturday’s governorship elections in the state.
In the results so far collated by INEC in Makurdi, from 22 out of 23 local government areas of the state, Dr. Ortom polled 394,047 votes to defeat Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor of the PDP who polled 302,324 votes.
Though the votes from Buruku Local Government Area were being expected at press time, it was not expected to alter the outcome of the entire result.
As it stands, the difference between the votes garnered by the APC and PDP candidates is 91,723.
Meantime, the PDP won 15 of the State House of Assembly seats so far released by the electoral body, the APC had 10, Labour Party secured one seat while results from four state constituencies were still being awaited.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was yesterday declared winner of the Sokoto State governorship election.
The state’s Collation and Returning Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Bagudu , who is a Deputy Vice Chancellor, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, declared that Tambuwal polled the highest number of votes in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Announcing the results at about 7.15 p.m, Prof. Abdullahi Bagudu disclosed that the total votes cast were 958,736 while total valid votes were 926,682 and voided votes were 32,054
Tambuwal polled 647,609 votes, while the PDP candidate, Sen. Abdallah Wali scored 269,074
The Speaker won in all 23 local government areas, while his PDP challenger did not win in any local government.
In the State House of Assembly election, the APC won 28 seats, PDP won two while PDM got one seat.
Stalemate in Abia
There was stalemate in Abia State, yesterday. after the returning officer for the governorship election reversed himself on the cancellation of the results in three local government areas following a visit to the INEC office by Governor Theodore Orji.
Earlier, the returning officer for the election, Prof. Benjamin Ozurumba, had cancelled the results presented for Osisioma, Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa North on the basis of alleged irregularities. The decision was, however, vehemently challenged by officials of the PDP leading to a stalemate that was only broken after the visit of Governor Orji to the INEC office where he held private meetings with the REC.
The decision to revalidate the results from the three local government areas, has, however, been seriously rejected by the APGA representatives at the collation centre. Both APGA and PDP were running neck and neck in the results, at press time.

The Ebonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi, has expressed his dissatisfaction with reports of violence in some parts of the state during Saturday’s State Assembly and governorship election.

Voting had started about 1:03pm in Echi-Alike ward in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, where the State Governor cast his vote.
Residents turned out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice and the general expectation was that the early calm would be maintained.
It was later confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party Chairman in Ishielu LGA, Emeka Nwaorie, had been killed by suspected thugs in Ezza-Egu community in Ishielu LGA.
The Governor has condemned the violent turn of events, saying killing, shooting, scaring of voters and taking away ballot boxes is not a welcome development in an electoral system.
Attacks by Hoodlums
Channels TV correspondent who was on assignment escaped attack from hoodlums that disrupted the electoral exercise with machetes, guns and dangerous weapon in Onu-Nkwuda community, Ameka ward in Ikwo LGA.
In Ishi Nkwo-Ukawu ward Polling Unit 003 and 007 in Onicha LGA, electoral materials were taken away by unknown persons, who attacked the ad hoc staff and some INEC officials.
At Ngambo-Ukawu ward in Onicha LGA, after the accreditation exercise, some unknown persons who identified themselves as party agents disrupted the voting exercise and made away with the electoral materials including the ballot papers and 2 ballot boxes.
The materials were later recovered with the efforts of some vigilant voters who ran after them while the assistant presiding officer said that voting would not continue again. He stressed that he was the only official present as the other INEC officials ran away.
During the election exercise, one Mike Ojon was killed at Noyo, Ikwo LGA by suspected thugs while another Ocho Monday was stabbed to death for confronting suspected thugs involved in illegal thumb-printing at Ohage Village Sqare, Effium ward 1 in Ohaukwu LGA and the Collation Officer in Nkalagu, Ishielu LGA was also reportedly killed.
Security operatives however, arrested some youths accused of making attempt to cause mayhem during the election exercise in Itim ward A, Amauru town hall, in Afikpo North LGA of the state.
It was peaceful as the votes were counted before the different party agents at Okuzzu-Ukawu ward, where Ebonyi State Commissioner for Finance, Barr. Timothy Odaah, cast his vote.

All my political appointees will declare their assets on resumption and termination of their appointment - Buhari

All my political appointees will declare their assets on resumption and termination of their appointment - Buhari

President elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari says all political office holders, governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, head of foreign staff and others, will be declaring their assets before a law court on assumption of their appointment and at the end of their appointment. According to him, this would ensure accountability amongst public servants. He said this in an interview with Sahara TV yesterday April 12th

"All those that were governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, head of foreign staff and all those with political appointments will have to declare their assets on the assumption of their appointment and definitely with the courts. And once they leave they have to re-declare their assets.” he said

He said that his administration will not interfere in the judicial process that will be used to pursue corrupt officials. According to him, if his administration “become embroiled in investigation of every ministry, then the government will not have time to move forward.”

Reacting to the recent remarks by the Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the fiscal conditions and government spending in Nigeria, Gen Buhari said “I’m afraid the Finance Minister has no cause to complain because the governors cannot force the central government to act outside the Constitution.”

Regarding the controversies surrounding oil block ownership in Nigeria, Gen Buhari said partisan politics has been responsible for award oil wells to people who do not have any business with it in the first place

"Proliferation of oil fields to people who don’t even know what it is, is one of the messes partisan politics has brought.” he said

Reacting to insinuation in some quarters that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was indirectly having influence in his incoming government, Gen Buhari said "I think that people have to accept the realities of Nigeria’s political development. General Olusegun Obasanjo is the only living Nigerian that led Nigeria for more than 11 years, so for anybody to think that General Obasanjo is irrelevant or he was trying to push his influence over issues, I think is being uncharitable and not being fair to Nigeria’s political development."

Nassarawa lawmakers begin impeachment proceedings against the Governor

Nassarawa lawmakers begin impeachment proceedings against the Governor

Nassarawa State House of Assembly members have commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor of the state, Umaru Al-Makura.

At its plenary session this morning, the Speaker of the House, Ahmed Mohammed, directed its clerk, Ego Maikeffi to issue a 16-count charge impeachment notice, signed by 20 of the 24 lawmakers, to the governor for alleged gross misconduct, extra-budgetary expenses and  misappropriation of funds.

Nasarawa has 20 PDP, lawmakers and four APC, lawmakers. The governor is a member of the APC.

Photos: Malala Yousafzai meets President Jonathan

Photos: Malala Yousafzai meets President Jonathan

Girl-child education advocate, Malala Yousafzai, accompanied by her dad, met with Pres. Jonathan today Monday July 14 at the State House. Speaking during the meeting, president Jonathan said;

"Terror is relatively new here and dealing with it has its challenges. The great challenge in rescuing the Chibok girls is the need to ensure that they are rescued alive.The Govt and its security agencies were very mindful of the need to avoid the scenario in rescue attempts in other parts of the world where lives of abductees were lost in the efforts to rescue them.” he stated. See more photos after the cut...

'The national anthem is very bland and uninspiring' - Etcetera writes

'The national anthem is very bland and uninspiring' - Etcetera writes

Etcetera now doesn't think our national anthem is inspiring enough. Find his thoughts below...

After hearing of the proposal of some delegates at the ongoing confab that we should revert to the old national anthem, I sat by my piano and played both anthems. Playing and singing to the current anthem “Arise O’ Compatriot” was basically easy because I had done that countless times and I wasn’t even looking at the piano keys as I sang through the verses. I downloaded the lyrics of the old anthem just to be sure I was singing the right words. I know the tune by heart because my dad frequently sang it to me when I was a little school boy. And I felt nothing as usual singing it. But right from the first line of the old anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” I felt a strange sense of pride and patriotism. I felt very strange because like every Nigerian, I am saddened that as a country, we have lost our way. 

We are a giant tied to undeveloped nations, and kept in bondage by our leaders whose corruption and greed demonstrate a lack of love for their own people. As I got to the point that says “Though tribes and tongues may differ and in brotherhood we stand,” I discovered that I had stopped playing the piano and was just reciting the words. Struck with the fact that the composers took to mind our vast ethnic differences and even proffered a solution that in “brotherhood” we will stand strong against adversaries, home or foreign. Our tribal and ethnic differences have been at the bottom of every problem we have faced as a country.

President Obasanjo had all the right in the world to dream, a leader who does not dream, hardly accomplishes much, but my point is that a leader has to dream right, and not take the nation on a pipe dream. There were lots of bridges our nation needed to cross at that time. There were lots of things a good leader should have seen happen, before going after such an unwarranted project of changing the national anthem. Singing further, it became clear to me why the old anthem must have been changed immediately I saw the line that says “To hand on to our children a banner without stain.” The words of this anthem can only resonate in a country with moral leadership, starting from its leaders and permeating all tiers of the government from top to bottom. Corruption is no longer a problem in Nigeria as it has become a full fledge institution and a way of life.

Every morning at schools, chorus of voices try to hit the high notes of the current anthem, which have proved uninspiring even for the little kids. Ask our politicians why they always muffle the lyrics. In fact, many people consider ours the world’s least singable national anthem. I think it is time for a revert to the old anthem. Just like the confab delegates have pointed out.

It is obvious that we can no longer be comforted by the drum roll in the current national anthem. I haven’t seen any Nigerian smiling with pride whenever it is being played. I am sure Pa Odiase won’t be smiling at me now from heaven for saying this. But truth be told, the music of our current anthem has failed to inspire one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

A lot of Nigerians have become too comfortable being tone-deaf and have resisted every attempt for their hearing to be restored. A lot of Nigerians love the tone of deceit as much as to dance to it. I have sung the current anthem countless times but my literary appreciation and criticism would not allow me to accept it. I kept asking myself what evil have we committed as a nation to warrant our leaders to seek escape from a vow to “hand over to our children a banner without stain.” They have changed the prayers in the old anthem to fading echos. Little wonder the country is at the brink of collapse.

We love Nigeria and believe in her great potential, but we must also address issues of oppression and injustice within her as written in the old anthem. I love the part that says “Our flag shall be a symbol that truth and justice reigns.” Today, wherever you find the Nigerian flag, it is either torn or rumpled so bad or on make-shift poles that you wonder if our leaders in government and people ever consider such symbols as important at all. How can you indoctrinate your people on how to appreciate and value their citizenship and nationality if symbols like that mean nothing to you? And when you don’t value what you have, how do you expect other nationals to value it? It all boils down to the nation doing what it needs to do to make its citizen proud to belong. Our governments, state and federal, just don’t value such things.

The current anthem talks about love. But our political leaders show only love for themselves and their immediate family. We are living the opposite of everything called for in the current anthem. Our leaders with their blindness are unable to see the car crash waiting to happen. They should know that the history of this nation can never be altered or erased no matter how hard they try.

THE OLD ANTHEM (1960- 1978)

Nigeria we hail thee, Our own dear native land, Though tribes and tongues may differ, In brotherhood we stand, Nigerians all are proud to serve, Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol, That truth and justice reign, In peace or battle honour’d, And this we count as gain, To hand on to our children, A banner without stain.

O God of all creation, Grant this our one request, Help us to build a nation, Where no man is oppressed, And so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed.

10 Years After, Nigeria Reactivates Technical Aid Programme With Jamaica

10 Years After, Nigeria Reactivates Technical Aid Programme With Jamaica

Abuja, By Edegbe Odemwingie

— July 6, 2014

The Department of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) and the ministry of foreign affairs has reactivated of the Technical aid corps programme between Nigeria and Jamaica after over ten years of the suspension of the programme.

This was disclosed at a meeting between the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affair and the Director General of the Department of Technical Aid Corps (TAC), Dr. Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi.

Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje commended the recent transformation at DTAC.

Elendu-Ukeje recalled the good diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Jamaica and reiterated the importance attached by both countries to the need to further strengthen the relationship.

The committee stressed the need for Nigeria and Jamaica to cooperate in the area of petroleum and energy cooperation, trade and banking and tourism.

“I must commend the DG of TAC of this landmark achievement in successfully reviving the Technical Aid Programme with Jamaica. This shows that TAC is working and marketing the country abroad,”‎ Elendu-Ukeje‎ stated.

Earlier, the TAC DG briefed the House Committee on the activities of the agency particularly on the third session of the Nigeria-Jamaica Joint Commission, which was held in Kingston on the 25 to 26th of June, 2014.

According to the DG, while the Nigerian delegation to the session was led by the minister of state 1 for foreign affairs, Prof. (Mrs) Viola Adaku Onwuliri, the Jamaican side was led by the minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Senator the Honourable Arnold J. Nicholson.

When the process of reactivation of the technical aid corps programme is completed, the Department of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) will send Nigerian volunteers who are professionals in various fields to Jamaica to help the country.

Governor Fashola condemns military rampage today

Speaking with Channels TV this evening, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola described today's action by the Nigerian Army as very disappointing, stating that they are public servants paid with tax payers money, so shouldn't behave in such a manner. He however said he's waiting for a formal report to know what really transpired.

"I spoke with the Brigadier General who said he was managing and controlling the situation. Nothing I have yet is verified. I am waiting for a formal report before we then can ventilate a position. There is allegation that somebody who was not supposed to be on the BRT route was on the BRT route. As far as I know if something happens to you while you are conducting an unlawful act, it's a criminal offense in its own sense. Its really disappointing to put it mildly that public servants, and that is what soldiers are, paid with tax payers money will act in a manner that is being suggested here, and I say this being suggested because I am waiting for official report to let me know really who played what role, what happened, whether or not even the brigade commander has been able to identify the people who were involved...but if it turns out to be true, it would be a very very irresponsible conduct to put it very mildly" he said.

Senate confirms Shekarau, Adeyeye, others as ministers

The Senate today July 2nd confirmed former Kano state Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau as Minister.

Also confirmed by the senate are Abu Bulama from Yobe State, Stephen Oru from Delta State who is the Deputy Vice-Chairman South South of the PDP and Adedayo Adeyeye from Ekiti State who is the Party leader in Ekiti state.

President Jonathan had on June 4th forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation as ministers. The new ministers would now be sworn-in by the president and positions assigned to them.

Presdent Goodluck Jonathan condemns Bauchi bomb attack and mass killings in Kaduna

Read the State House press release below...

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan condemns Friday night's bombing in theBayan Gari area of Bauchi State and the recent mass killings in Southern Kaduna.

The President commiserates with all the families who lost loved ones in the heinous attacks and extends his heartfelt sympathies to all those who suffered injuries or lost their properties during the wanton assaults on Bauchi and Kaduna States.

President Jonathan reassures the people of Bauchi and Kaduna State that the Federal Government will continue to take all necessary action to apprehend the perpetrators of thedastardly attacks and restore the fullest possible  security to all parts of the country.

The President directs all relevant federal government agencies to continue to speedily make emergency medical and relief assistance available to all those who were either injured or displaced by recent bombings and attacks. 

He urges all Nigerians to give maximum support and cooperation to the Armed Forces and security agencies who continue to work incessantly to end the menace of insecurity in the country within the shortest possible time.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to President

(Media & Publicity)

June 29, 2014

APC: Reality beckons!

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, OKEY NDIRIBE, DAPO AKINREFON & Simon Ebegbulem

Fresh cracks may have emerged within the ranks of the nation’s leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC as a fall out of its national convention which ended Saturday morning in Abuja.

APC National Convention: Convention Committee Members Senator Olorunbe Mamowora discussion with Senator Chris Ngige and others at the Convention . Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan

The convention which was slated to commence by 10.00 a.m. did not start until about 9.00 p.m. In between the about 11 hours while delegates waited inside the Eagles Square convention ground, party chieftains were in different locations in Abuja, and through telephones, were aiming to settle disputes between senior contenders and stakeholders that threatened to scuttle the first national convention of the party.

In the end, the trouble shooting efforts were partially successful. But not totally.
Chief Tom Ikimi, the man who announced the birth of the new party last year and who hosted and chaired most of the meetings of the merger committee absented himself from the convention ground.

Convention venue
“I was not at the convention venue, I bought the chairmanship form, but I did not fill it when I found out what they wanted to do,” Chief Ikimi told Vanguard over the telephone.
“I still have the forms with me. I never stepped down for anybody I did not participate in the exercise, I boycotted it,” he added saying “I will come up with a statement soon where I will explain what transpired.”

The questions about Ikimi are, however, not new as party insiders revealed that for some time, party officials had feared about the continued loyalty of the party for some time especially given his recent vituperations against alleged highhandedness by some party chieftains from the Southwest.

In the end Ikimi refused to step down, but another contestant for the post of national chairman, Chief Timipire Sylva after much dithering procrastination succumbed and stepped down for the favoured choice of the top hierarchy, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun who was favoured for his ideological purity.

But the way and manner Ikimi, Sylva and another contestant, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja were coerced to step down exposed to some extent a kind of similarity between the APC and the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP which the former had consistently ridiculed as anti-democratic.

APC leaders Vanguard gathered were determined to enter the convention ground with a consensus list of candidates for the most high profile positions, notably, national chairman, deputy national chairmen, national secretary, national publicity secretary and national organizing secretary.

Party leaders like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who championed the consensus option were seriously rebuffed by Ikimi and Sylva.

In some cases, the consensus candidates were chosen by zonal caucuses and after serious deliberation. For example one of the favoured candidates for a legal office zoned to the South-South was dropped at a caucus meeting presided over by Governor Rotimi Amaechi after party chieftains raised issues about his legal qualification.

In other cases, candidates were picked as consensus on the whims of influence moulders in the party. Tinubu was indisputably the major force behind the ascension of Odigie-Oyegun and he successfully marketed him through Senator Bukola Saraki to the northern caucus of the party.

Chief Bisi Akande who also strongly backed Odigie-Oyegun to emerge as his successor was said to have seriously canvassed his ideological purity as he said that those who had in the past been the face of the PDP should not become the new leaders of the PDP.

That was the argument that derailed the candidacy of Sam Sam Jaja and Ikimi. Sylva, Vanguard learnt was side-stepped on account of the court issues bordering on corruption he is currently facing.

Party chieftains said they could not afford to have their national chairman being dragged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, something, they believed President Goodluck Jonathan would be well pleased to do.

However, the failure to take Ikimi’s major role in the merger of the legacy parties to form the APC is said to have rankled the former foreign affairs minister.
Ikimi was the one who announced the merger, chaired and hosted many of the meetings that gave birth to the new party.

Newly Elected National Chairman of APC Odigie-Oyegun at APC National Convention in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

By weekend many party leaders including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Vanguard learnt were moving to halt Ikimi’s exit from the party.
Party leaders, however, agreed to give those from the PDP a sense of belonging by zoning the office of deputy national chairman to those from the former PDP.

Ikimi was not the only one that came out with a beef from the convention. Sylva even if he announced he was stepping down apparently did it very reluctantly albeit, belatedly.
Ikimi’s refusal to withdraw and Sylva last minute decision to step down were reasons behind the late commencement of the convention which commenced 11 hours late.

After party leaders belatedly got an assurance from Sylva to step down, the decision to proceed with the convention was taken irrespective of Ikimi’s plans. Even by then, Tinubu and the other pro-Odigie-Oyegun canvassers had successfully locked down whatever votes that would have been needed to push their candidate through.

Ikimi was not the only loser at the APC convention. Alhaji Kashim Imam, who served as Presidential Liaison Officer to the Senate in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term was another loser. Imam had been packaged by Tinubu for the position of national secretary. Many at the convention ground had believed that he was a shoo-in for the office given the momentum and force of the Tinubu forces.

However, other interests in the party, notably the northern caucus was said to have bucked at the idea of allowing Tinubu produce the national chairman and national secretary. So, in the end, despite the earlier momentum, Imam was sidestepped.

However, besides the two major offices of national chairman and national secretary, the election of other national offices proceeded almost uneventfully.

The unopposed election of former Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni as National Deputy Chairman, South arose from the decision of the national caucus to reward those who came from the PDP a sense of belonging given the strong objection by ideological purists not to give them the post of national chairman or national secretary.

Others who emerged at the convention were Senator Lawal Shuaibu, as National Deputy Chairman North Lai Mohammed who retained his position as National Publicity Secretary;  Hon. Zakare Ede, National Vice-Chairman for North-Central; Hajia Ramatu, National Woman Leader; Jock Alamba, Deputy Welfare Secretary; Hajia Hassan, North-Central Zonal Woman Leader and Hon. Nelson Alapa, ex-Officio member  for the North-Central.

Besides Ikimi, Chief Timipire Sylva is another top party official who came out of the convention unhappy. Though Sylva, apparently may not go to the PDP given that his nemesis, President Goodluck Jonathan remains the de facto leader of the ruling party.

Convention Day: The day began with what could be described as political fireworks during the accreditation of delegates at the secretariat of the Convention Planning Committee of the party along Emeka Anyaoku Street, Area 11, Abuja.

Violence broke out after two members were beaten up by some party faithful from Abia and Ebonyi states while policemen looked on. One of them who was labeled as “Ngige boy” was stripped naked near the gate of the Secretariat.

Investigations by Vanguard revealed that the fighting erupted between delegates of different factions of the party from Abia and Ebonyi States. Some of the aggrieved  delegates from both states who spoke to Vanguard alleged that although they were elected as state and local government officers of the party and therefore automatic delegates for the party’s convention, they had been denied accreditation by the Convention Planning Committee headed by Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Aliyu Wammako with Senator Chris Ngige as Secretary.

One of the delegates from Abia State who identified himself as Uche Emeka accused Ngige, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, former National Chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and  Interim National Vice-Chairman of the party for the South-East, Mr Nyerere as being responsible for their plight.

According to Emeka: “We were reliably informed that Ngige and Okorocha have instructed that our Chairman who is Fabian Okonkwo and the rest of us from Abia State should not be accredited.
Another delegate from Ebonyi State who spoke to Sunday Vanguard identified himself as Ali Christian and Secretary of the party in Ishielu local government.

Said he: “ There are two factions of APC in Ebonyi. One is led by Chief Ogbonnaya Onu while the other is led by Senator Julius Ucha and because of that, there seems to be a power tussle between the two of them.

The Eagle Square venue of the convention, located opposite the National Assembly Arcade and sandwiched in-between the Office of The Head of Service of the Federation and the Federal Secretariat looked like it was about to host a major carnival Friday morning. APC contingents from the 36 states of the federation jammed all the adjoining streets in the area. Many of them were adorned in different attire while some came with their band which played music while the delegates danced.

Many APC faithful had arrived the vicinity Thursday evening and slept in the open with their mats. By Friday morning, the entire area, including the access roads leading to the Presidential Villa had been jam-packed with people and vehicles. A total of 6,855 delegates attended the convention from the  36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Security was also tightened at all entry points into and within Abuja.

This notwithstanding, the commencement of the convention proper was delayed for hours as the National Caucus of the party held series of meetings which deliberated on choice of candidates for the key positions in the party.

Earlier in the week, the National Caucus had allocated different positions in the party to different zones.
When the business of the day eventually began, ratification of  the party’s constitution and its code of ethics were handled first.

The motion for the ratification of certain sections of the constitution was moved by Senator Kabiru Gaya and seconded by House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla. The constitution was adopted by voice vote. This approach also applied to the adoption of the APC code of ethics. Senator Osita Izunaso moved the motion which was seconded by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Grace Tomori.

The election of the party’s new leadership was preceded by speeches delivered by the Interim National leaders.
Former Interim National Chairman of the party Chief Bisi Akande who spoke first.

Going down memory lane he said: “When we consummated our merger, we said the aim of that unprecedented  and historic achievement was to create a credible alternative platform for Nigerians, who were tired of the perpetual misrule of the PDP.

“Now, I can say clearly that Nigerians have heard us and have reacted in joining our party in huge numbers. Our membership registration attests to this, as we all know by now that the membership registration, which started on February 5, was supposed to be over by February 10 but the response of Nigerians was so overwhelming that we had to shift the exercise to February 12.”

ISSUES

Ikimi boycotted the convention because he felt he was not wanted
Atiku making moves to bring back Ikimi
Tinubu did not have his way completely, his man Kashim Imam was stepped aside for National Secretary
Convention was delayed by eleven hours because of intrigues
Accreditation was poorly managed by the media sub-committee
Party disappointed critics as no open quarrel emerged

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/06/apc-reality-beckons/#sthash.bLIUmAH9.dpuf

Pics from APC Convention held yesterday in Abuja

Here are some photos from the All Progressive Congress (APC) Convention that held yesterday, June 13th at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The delegates elected former Edo state governor John Oyegun as its National Chairman while Mai Mala Buni from Yobe state was elected the party's National Secretary. Former governor of Ekiti State Segun Oni who defected from PDP to APC in May was elected Deputy National Chairman (South) while former National Secretary of the defunct ACN, Lawal Shuaibu, was elected Deputy National Chairman (North). Current Interim spokesperson of the party, Lai Mohammed, was returned unopposed as the National Publicity Secretary. See more pics

Ghen-Ghen! Police ordered to arrest new Emir of Kano, Sanusi, for 'Fraud'

The President Jonathan vs Sanusi war has begun! According to a report by Sahara Reporters, police have been ordered to arrest the new Emir of Kano for 'Fraud'. Below is how SR is reporting it..

The Nigerian police have been ordered to arrest the newly-crowned Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on fraud-related charges stemming from his tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to reliable sources at the Presidency in Abuja, the team of policemen at the Emir’s palace in Kano received the order from the Nigeria police headquarters to place Mr. Sanusi under arrest if he leaves the Kano Governor’s lodge.

The sources told SaharaReporters that Mr. Sanusi was to be arrested at his private home on Sunday night after his appointment was announced by the Kano State Governor.

It would be recalled that the presidency embarked on several frantic measures to frustrate the former CBN governor’s emergence as Emir, including the premature congratulations of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to one of the candidates before the choice was announced.

Since becoming Emir, Mr. Sanusi has been inside the Kano State governor’s lodge, receiving visitors and undertaking traditional rites.

The source also told SaharaReporters that some notable northern leaders have already warned President Jonathan to avoid such a reckless action so as to avoid setting fire to the already volatile situation in the city of Kano. It is not known if President Jonathan is favoring back channel dialogue aimed at resolving the mess. Observers point out that he has yet to offer congratulations to the new Emir despite the PDP doing so.

Picture: Federal Executive Council meeting in memory of late Akunyili

Today's session of the Federal Executive Council meeting was dedicated to the memory of former Minister of Information and NAFDAC boss, late Prof. Dora Akunyili who passed away on Saturday, June 7th at a specialist hospital in India. President Jonathan, VP Namadi Sambo and ministers took turns to eulogize the late minister. A moment of silence was observed in her honor...

Today's session of the Federal Executive Council meeting was dedicated to the memory of former Minister of Information and NAFDAC boss, late Prof. Dora Akunyili who passed away on Saturday, June 7th at a specialist hospital in India. President Jonathan, VP Namadi Sambo and ministers took turns to eulogize the late minister. A moment of silence was observed in her honor...

The Governor Fashola declares tomorrow June 12 public holiday

  The Governor Fashola declares tomorrow June 12 public holiday

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, today June 11th approved Thursday, June 12, 2014 as public holiday in Lagos to commemorate the June 12 1993 presidential election that was won by Late Chief Moshood Abiola.

The approval was contained in a circular signed today by the Head of Service Lagos State, Mrs Oluseyi Williams. The circular reads in part;

“In commemoration of June 12, 1993 as significant in the actualization of Democracy in Nigeria, it is hereby notified for general information that His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, the Governor of Lagos State, has approved Thursday, 12th June, 2014 as a work free day.”

I'm sure Lagos state workers will be happy to hear this. Work will resume on Friday, June 13th.

Cause Of Dora Akunyili’s Death Revealed(A MUST READ)

The death of Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili has been blamed on misdiagnosis by some doctors in the United States. The doctors were said to have claimed she did not have cancer after her Nigerian doctor’s diagnosis to the effect she had the sickness.

After surviving several rumours of her death, the  former Minister of Information and Communication and erstwhile Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, bowed to ovarian cancer early Saturday 7.

News of her death was officially announced by  former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, on the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS. Obi  said  Akunyili  died after a protracted battle with cancer.

Obi, in the statement, said: “On behalf of the Akunyili  family, I wish to officially confirm the death of Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Nkem Akunyili, OFR, in a Specialist Cancer Hospital in India today at 10 am, Nigerian time, after a two-year battle with cancer. In spite her illness, Prof. Akunyili was unwavering in her belief in a better Nigeria. That was why she defied her condition and was part of Anambra State Handover Committee and the National Conference.”

The statement continued: “The last time I visited her in India, even when she needed all the prayers herself, she was full of concern for the abducted Chibok girls, security and other challenges facing the country and told me that she remained prayerful for the release of those girls and for God to help President Goodluck Jonathan to overcome all the challenges facing the nation.

“She therefore urged all Nigerians to remain prayerful and committed to building a better society for our children. We all prayed together and I promised to be visiting her every month. “We thank all those who remain fervent in prayers for her recovery and urge them to remain prayerful for the peaceful repose of her soul.”
Concern about Akunyili, who had been on admission in hospital for an undisclosed ailment, had made the rounds  in recent times.

For several weeks, rumours of her battle with ovarian cancer dominated  the social media. Although family sources debunked the stories, the rumours got stronger.

Her public appearance at the National Conference heightened anxiety about her well-being as she looked  frail and a shadow of her old self.

Findings showed that the former Minister’s ill health first came to the fore a couple of years ago while on a trip abroad. A  medical check up showed she had cancer.

Misdiagnosis

The Cable, an online medium quoting a family source, yesterday, blamed misdiagnosis for Akunyili’s death.
According to the source, when in 1998, the former Minister was the Zonal Secretary (South-east) of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, Nigerian doctors gave her what many of her family members considered to be a health scare. They said she had a growth and needed surgery.

The source narrated: “Akunyili, then 44, decided to travel to the United States, first to get a second opinion and then undergo the prescribed surgery. The bill for the medical trip was $17,000, including $12,000 for the surgery. During pre-surgery check-up in the US, the doctors told her the Nigerian doctors had made a wrong diagnosis and that she did not need any surgery.

“It was said to be a minor issue that medication would solve. She thanked the doctors and, to their surprise, said she was going to return the money meant for the surgery to PTF. That was strange. Nigerian government officials had devised a way of making sure such monies were not returned to the treasury.

“The hospital informed the PTF, under the leadership of Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, about one honest Nigerian they had found. Buhari, himself a straightforward person, was very impressed. He wrote a letter to Akunyili commending her honesty. NAFDAC Then came 2001. President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to appoint a director-general for the National Agency for Drug and Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and asked for the recommendation of an honest Nigerian pharmacist. Akunyili’s name promptly came up.

“Someone who had heard about her PTF record recommended her. There was a little problem, a Nigerian problem. Objections were raised that the minister of health, Prof. ABC Nwosu, was an Igbo from Anambra State and NAFDAC, being a powerful agency under the ministry, should not be headed by another Igbo from Anambra. It was also argued that the market for fake and substandard products were controlled by the Igbo, with Onitsha – also in Anambra State – a major centre for the illicit business. She was going to protect “her people”, the antagonists said.

“Obasanjo, stubborn to the cause, ignored the observations and appointed her. She went on to do a credible job and ended up as one of the most outstanding public officers in Nigeria’s history, celebrated locally and globally. She had lost a sister to fake drugs, and that was perhaps the impetus she needed to go on the offensive. Misdiagnosis Meanwhile, Akunyili always went abroad for check-ups and she was always given an all-clear. She continued to look robust and energetic, and took up another government job as minister of information and communications.

“But on July 13, 2013, something strange happened to her. She was preparing to travel to the United States to receive an award. The following day was her birthday. Her 59th, precisely. Then she fell ill. She was physically weak and having pains. She decided to go ahead with her trip and attend to her health in the United States. It was while she was there that new checks were carried out.

“Alas, she had cancer. The original diagnosis in 1998 was right. But the diagnosis at the point of surgery was wrong. She became seriously ill and there were fears she could lose her life. She was in the hospital for months and only returned to Nigeria this year when the doctors said she was improving. Her last public appearance was at the National Conference in Abuja, where she was a delegate. Pictures of a frail-looking Akumyili soon went viral on the internet”.

In a tribute, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Professor Akin Osibogun, described the news as shocking.

“It is indeed sad. I am just hearing the news from you now. Professor Dora Akunyili was a personal friend apart from working together during her days at NAFDAC.

The National President, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Pharm Femi Adebayo, stated: “My eyes were filled with tears when I heard about the death of a faithful and brave Nigerian,

Pharmacist par excellence. Dora rode where men trembled, especially her fight against fake counterfeit and adulterated drugs”.

Dora Akunyili, a distinguished citizen and patriot – President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has described late Dora Akunyili as a distinguished Nigerian and Patriotic citizen who would be sorely missed by all those who came in contact with her.

In a statement yesterday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati quoted the President as saying  he ‘ received with shock and sadness, news of the sudden and untimely death of Professor Dora Akunyili, former Minister of Information and Communications.

“The President believes that Professor Akunyili will live long in the memories of those who were privileged to know her as a diligent professional, a public-spirited and forthright public officer, and as a person of great convictions.

The First Lady, Dame Patience Faka Jonathan, described Akunyili as a “titan,” who left an indelible mark with the passion and conviction with which she served the nation. Dame Jonathan described the late Akunyili’s departure as “a great loss to the nation and the womenfolk.”

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State expressed profound shock and sadness over the death of f Professor Akunyili, describing it as a serious blow to the nation. Chime in a reaction signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said her death has robbed the nation of one of her finest breed of patriots.

Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Paul Orhii, described late Dora Akunyili as a patriot and a woman of great virtue.

According to Orhii: “It is with great shock but with total submission to the will of God that I received the sad news of the death of Prof. Dora Akunyili. She was a woman who loved Nigeria deeply and dedicated her entire life up till  the very last minute to the service of this great nation”.

National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, said the death of Professor Akunyili was very saddening, adding that it was a huge loss to Nigeria and the womenfolk.

Aka Ikenga also mourned this lady of substance for among other things, she was a titanic Amazon, according to Chief Goddy Uwazurike, the President of Aka Ikenga.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his own reaction, described the late former Information Minister, as an amazon.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun, who expressed shock and disbelief at the news of the demise of the one time Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), at the age of 59, said she deserves Special mention among nation builders in Nigeria.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu expressed grief and shock over the death of  Akunyili.

He said her death was not just a colossal loss to the entire country but also an exit of an uncommon role model.
Ekweremadu, in a statement through his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, described the late Pharmacist as a “woman of substance, unequaled character, and courage who brought respect and glory to the nation.”

The Campaign for Democracy, CD, described her as strong and brave woman fought  her last battle with cancer which she has just lost at the age of 59.

She will always be remembered for her doggedness,tenacity and courageous pursuit of ideals both as Director General of NAFDAC and Minister of Information

Also reacting to the death of Prof. Akunyili, Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Senator Andy Uba,  said that the late Prof. Akunyili dedicated her life to the service of her fatherland and waged great war against fake and counterfeit drugs in the country.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has  described as shocking, painful and saddening, the death of former Information and Communication Minister, Professor (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili,  lamenting that Nigeria has once again lost one of her gems.

Governor Imoke in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, said: “I received with a heavy heart, news of the death of our dear Dora Akunyili, who was one of the few Amazons of our time.”

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger state has described the death of Akunyili as a big blow to the country whose intellectual competence and patriotic citizenship cannot be equaled.

He also described her as a fountain of knowledge, professional expert who exuded servant leadership during her national service.

According to Joseph Evah, national coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, Nigerians will miss Prof. Dora Akunyili. She was the first person to risk her life for President Goodluck Jonathan during the period the late President Musa Yar’Adua became sick before he died.  Then, the Yar’Adua cabal, was determined to deny Jonathan his constitutional right as Vice-President to succeed the late President. The people of Niger Delta are grateful to her and are mourning her passing.

‘Adorable Dora’ (1954 – 2014)

Prof. Dora Akunyili, a recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, resigned her  appointment as Minister of Information on December 16, 2010, after two years of service to pursue her political ambition of representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly as a senator.

Fondly known as “Adorable Dora”, the internationally renowned pharmacist, pharmacologist, erudite scholar, administrator, and visionary leader, would, perhaps, be best remembered as the no-nonsense
Director General of  the National Agency for Foods, Drugs and Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

Born in Makurdi, Benue State, on   July 14, 1954, the deceased hailed from Nanka, Anambra State. The deceased always had a knack to be marked for distinction.

A post-doctorate Fellow of University of London and a Fellow of the West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists, it was NAFDAC, Director General that Akunyili proved her mettle as a leader and visionary.
She took on the hydra-headed problem of fake, spurious, unwholesome and substandard drugs, turning fortunes around for the nation’s lopsided drug distribution system and quickly gaining international recognition as a true advocate for public health and human rights protection.

A multiple award- winner for her work in pharmacology, public health and human rights, Akunyili was an embodiment of excellence academically – passing the First School Leaving Certificate Examination with distinction at St. Patrick’s Primary School, Isuofia, Anambra State, in 1966.

To prove her prowess, she went on to emerge with Grade I Distinction in the West African School Certificate Examination of 1973 from Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka.

This superlative performance earned her the Eastern Nigerian Government Post-Primary Scholarship and the Federal Government of Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship. In 1978, Akunyili bagged her first
degree in pharmacy, and her Ph.D in 1985 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Among her outstanding awards were the Time Magazine Award 2006 ( One of the 18 Heroes of our Time) – Time Magazine Inc.; Person of the Year 2005 Award by Silverbird Communications Ltd;   Award of Excellence by Integrated World Services (IWS), Dec. 2005;   Award of Excellence -

Advocacy for Democracy Dividends International, Lagos; Meritorious Award 2005;   An Icon of Excellence Award by the African Cultural Institute and Zenith Bank Plc;   2005 Grassroots Human Rights Campaigner Award London Based Human Rights Defense Organization, 2005; Most Innovative Director Award Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos, 2005 and Integrity Award 2003 winner given by Transparency International.