SUBSIDY STRIKE: NLC ACCUSES SUSPENDED ABIA CHAIRMAN OF SABOTAGE

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Subsidy strike: NLC accuses suspended Abia chairman of sabotage
On January 26, 2012 · In News

BY ANAYO OKOLI

UMUAHIA—THE national leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has suspended the chairman of Abia State chapter of the congress, Comrade Silvanus Eyeh, for alleged sabotage during the week-long strike declared by NLC to protest removal of oil subsidy by the Federal Government.

In his stead, Abia State chapter of the NLC yesterday elected Comrade C.C. Ebeniro, 1st Vice Chairman of the congress, to act as the chairman.

Eyeh was accused of not properly managing the NLC/TUC strike in the state and was accused of having worked against the strike.

Though Abia workers did not engage in any protest or rally during the strike, Eyeh’s trouble started on the third day of  the industrial action when Labour/TUC planned to hold a rally at School Road Primary School, Umuahia.

NLC/TUC members in response to radio announcement on the planned rally had gathered at the venue as directed and waited for hours for Eyeh and other leaders to arrive.

While they were waiting, words got to them that Eyeh and other leaders were called for a meeting at Government House by Governor Theodore Orji to appeal to them to cancel their planned rally/protest.

After the meeting, Eyeh emerged at the venue and announced to the disappointment and anger of the waiting workers that they should all go home and that the planned rally had been shelved.

The action infuriated the workers who attacked him and wanted to lynch him, but he escaped through the assistance of passers-by who hurriedly ferried him away.

The action of the suspended NLC chairman did not go down well with the headquarters of Labour which ordered his suspension.

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UNLAWFUL DETENTION: IGP PRAYS COURT TO VACATE COMPENSATION ORDER

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Unlawful detention: IGP prays court to vacate compensation order
On January 26, 2012 · In News

By Abdulwahab  Abdulah

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, has urged an Ikeja High court to vacate an order directing him to pay N500,000 compensation for unlawful detention to Bishop  Kayode Williams, Director General, Prison Rehabilitation Mission International, PREMI.

The IGP’s request was contained in a motion by Mr. Abraham Fadipe, his counsel, who asked the court to lift the order on the ground that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.

Williams had asked the court to award damages against the police for unlawful arrest and detention, where the court awarded N500,000 against the respondent.

Other respondents in the suit are the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and Mr Bashiru Kehinde.
When the matter came up, yesterday, the police IG also informed the court that its order was procured wrongfully, because the police was not put on notice.

The police, urging the court to vacate  the order for payment of compensation, contended that the applicant was under investigation in a case reported by the National Industrial Court, Lagos, following some exhibits found in his laptop.

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REPS TASK NOA ON ENLIGHTENMENT

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Reps task NOA on enlightenment
On January 26, 2012 · In News

By Caleb Ayansina

ABUJA – CHAIRMAN, House Committee on Information and National Orientation, Omar Buba Jubril, has charged National Orientation Agency, NOA, to educate Nigerians on how to be vigilant in the wake of unrest created by Boko Haram in the country.

Jubril, who gave the charge when the committee visited the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Michael Omeri, on oversight function in Abuja, said people needed to know what to do in case of any suspicious movement around them.

The committee members, in a separate contribution, noted that the agency was diminishing in terms of efficiency, just as they challenged the new management to make use of their mega budget to earn the support of not only the lawmakers, but also Nigerians.

They said people could not feel the impact of the agency in the state and local levels, thereby preventing them from making meaningful inputs into government policy.

He said: “The reflection is what we witnessed in the last subsidy protest in the country. NOA as it is known in those days, longer exist. It is rather diminishing.

“I hope your administration will bring back the vibrancy. If you do not do your work, you don’t expect proper funding. But the little funds you have, make the best use of it.

“There must be a message. Find a way to drive it. The country has to be known with something. The impact of NOA is not felt at the state and local levels.”

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UWAZURUIKE USING MASSOB TO EXPLOIT IGBOS, BIAFRAN GROUP ALLEGES

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Uwazuruike using MASSOB to exploit Igbos, Biafran group alleges
On January 26, 2012 · In News

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

AWKA- ANOTHER  group agitating for the actualization of Biafra, the Biafra Zionist Movement, yesterday accused leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, of exploiting Igbos and misleading them in the name of championing the struggle for the actualization of Biafra Republic.

Leader of the group, Mr. Benjamin Onwuka, who addressed newsmen with members of his group, said MASSOB had been cashing in on the ignorance of the people and using the struggle for the Biafra Republic to make money for themselves.

According to him, Uwazuruike knows that he is not going about the struggle the right way that would lead to the actualization of the new republic.

He  added that the right thing to do was to get the international community to support the struggle, which his group was doing.

He said:  “We must get the support of the United States of America to be able to undermine the United Kingdom who do not want us to be free, and as I talk to you now, the process is in place”.

There is no way you can split an oil producing nation without the knowledge of the USA, this is a country that buys more oil from Nigeria than we consume.

“We cannot divide this country without being in the foreign media and making the USA see reasons why they should support our secession bid”, he said.

But the Director of Information of MASSOB, Mr. Uchenna Madu, who reacted to Onwuka’s allegation, accused the group of being sponsored by government to cause confusion among the Igbo.

He said MASSOB remained the foremost organization working for the actualization of Biafra, adding, however, that his group would not stop any organization with genuine intentions for the support of the cause.

Madu said:  “MASSOB represents the most genuine interest of Ndigbo and has maintained consistency in the hands of the Nigerian government persecutions, torture, detention, imprisonment.

“Uwazuruike has paid a lot sacrifices for the sake of Ndigbo. He has no match. Agitations are not done on pages of newspapers. Ndigbo should ignore Onwuka and his group because they are looking for cheap popularity.”

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DELTA BOOSTS PRIMARY EDUCATION WITH 10 MODEL SCHOOLS

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Delta boosts primary education with 10 model schools
On January 26, 2012 · In News

Delta State Government is constructing 10 new model primary schools in the state to upgrade primary education and expose pupils early in life to electronic learning and academic excellence.

The state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who disclosed this yesterday while inspecting construction work in one of the primary schools in Asaba, said the schools would be completed in April, but would not start functioning until September because of the school calendar.

He said: “The model primary schools will be ready by April but they will not take off until around September because of the school calendar. We are indeed working hard to upgrade primary education.”

Dr. Uduaghan disclosed that the model primary schools would comprise nursery and primary sections and teachers for the schools would be trained by the British Council and donor agencies.

He said although primary schools are the responsibility of local governments, the model primary schools will be funded and run by the state government so that the burden would not be too much for local governments to bear.

The governor explained that when the schools become functional, the standard obtainable would be comparable to some of the best in the world.

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AKINGBOLA FAULTS EFCC OVER CALL TO DISQUALIFY TRIAL JUDGE

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Akingbola faults EFCC over call to disqualify trial judge
On January 26, 2012 · In News

By Innocent Anaba & Chinenye Uduagbala

LAGOS – Mr Erastus Akingbola, former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank, yesterday, insisted that it was unethical for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to seek to disqualify the current judge trying the charge against him before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Akingbola is standing trial for alleged grant of unsecured loans and abuse of office, before Justice Archibong.

The commission had in an application, asked the trial judge, to disqualify himself from further hearing the matter, accusing him (judge) of bias in the manner he was conducting the case.

Akingbola in a counter-affidavit to the application, averred that it would be unjust and inequitable to grant EFCC’s request, as it would amount to allowing the anti-graft agency  pick and choose the judge to handle a matter in which it is a party.

He contended that the EFCC’s application was filed in bad faith and was an abuse of court process, because the allegation of bias raised against the judge was in respect of another civil matter he had earlier filed to protect his fundamental human rights against the abuse of power by EFCC and wondered why what happened in another different matter entirely would be transferred to the criminal matter.

At the hearing of the matter, yesterday, EFCC’s counsel told the court that there was a pending application seeking to transfer the case to another judge, but that Akingbola’s counsel just served them a counter-affidavit and written address to the application in court.

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NIPR ADVOCATES MORE FUNDING FOR NOA

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NIPR advocates more funding for NOA
On January 26, 2012 · In News

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has urged the Federal Government to fund the National Orientation Agency, NOA, now that the country was facing multi-faceted challenges that are testing the fabrics of the society, which requires not only the understanding of the citizenry but also it’s active participation in the process of surmounting the challenges.

NIPR said the picture painted by the former Director-General of NOA, Alhaji Idi Faruk, during the handing over ceremony to his successor, Mr. Mike Omeri, was not a rosy one for an outfit expected to play the role of mass mobilisation.

In a statement signed on behalf of the President of the association, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, by a member of the Governing Council, Alhaji Mukhtar Zubairu-Sirajo, said: ‘’NIPR has followed with keen interest the change of guards at NOA, and notes that at times like these, it should, as of necessity, be mobilised and supported to play the leading and crucial role of galvanising and re-awakening our people.”
’’With the kind of situation on ground, even a genius would be at his wits end. To expect an extra-ordinary performance in that kind of situation would be asking for too much.

’’It is, therefore, imperative that government takes a critical look at NOA with a view to radically improving on the support that goes to it so that an enabling environment is provided for the agency and its staff to muster and give us their best.

’’The agency should be given a prime of place in the scheme of things. Such support and encouragement must, however, go beyond mere rhetorical policy statements.”

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S-EAST MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION RUES OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

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S-East manufacturers’ association rues operating environment
On January 26, 2012 · In News

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

AWKA—THE South East zone of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, MAN, said yesterday, that the zone has lost its prime position in commerce and industry in the country, blaming it on difficult situation faced by traders in the area.

Chairman of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states branch of MAN, Dr Chike Obidigbo, who spoke in Onitsha during a familiarization visit to  Onitsha Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers Union, OPPMDU, regretted that traders in the zone had been subjected to various humiliations and sabotage by the country’s authorities.

According to him, lack of effective airport, sea ports and constant power supply in the zone has contributed to the woes of industrialists and traders in the zone.

He said: “Ndigbo used to be the greatest people in commerce and industry and Onitsha used to be the biggest and largest market in the West African sub-region, but today, it is no more and this is because of efforts by some people to hijack the fortunes of the people in the zone.

“Also, the lack of basic facilities like effective seaports for transportation of goods and services have also contributed very well to the dwindling fortunes of commerce and industry in South East.”

Obidigbo said that there is a need for the South East governors to intervene by bringing those in the production, distribution and commercial sectors together to work with the governments to change the situation, adding that if the economy picks up, there would be employment and rate of crime would reduce.

Chairman of OPPMDU , Mr. Emeka Ezeanyika lamented the ordeal of traders in the market which he said was caused by unavailable seaports and other basic facilities in the commercial city of Onitsha .

He said: “Traders in South East and Onitsha in particular had been exploited by government agencies in other zones of the federation. For instance, when one imports goods, he goes to Kano to clear them and it will take so much time and when you finally clear them, you will face another heavy exploitation from customs and police and all these things happen because we don’t have our own seaport or airport”

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Praye Tiatia At War With Selorm Galley, Winner Of ‘Miss Goldenwood’ 2011 & Talent Hunt!

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Praye Tiatia and Selorm Gallery

Praye Tiatia, the shortest member of the Praye group also known as Steven Fiawoo a.k.a. BIG J has turned a new leaf and changed overnight to spend enough quality time with his girlfriend for the fear of losing her to a rich man.

What triggered such a decision?

Many musicians don’t share the idea of revealing who they are dating to the general public. Though the public is aware who some of them are dating, many believe due to the womanizing attitude of some male musicians, it would be unreasonable for any of them to publicly name who he’s dating.Praye started their musical journey as a trio. Now they are a duo as one member according to report was ‘forcefully’ pushed out of the group. The group is left with Eugene Baah [Praye Ho Ne Ho] and Steven Fiawoo [Praye tiatia].

The former is dating Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo whiles the latter is kicking it with the newly crowned queen Miss Selorm Galley according to GhanaCelebrities.Com investigations.

According to our investigations, ever seen Selorm Galley beat nine others to win the maiden edition of the ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ organised by West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited, life has been tough for her.

After winning the pageant put together to scout for young ladies with the passion for acting and nurture them for the fame and glitz, Selorm’s independent and privacy has been curtailed. Winning the crown has not only brought happiness to her life, it has also increased her fiancée’s jealously and suspicion about her.

According to GhanaCelebrities.Com’s investigations, for the fear of losing his girlfriend because of the attention she is gaining, Praye Titia has been putting excessive pressure on Selorm to have and spend quality time with him.

Before she became ‘Miss Goldenwood’, people hardly knew who she is dating because they were never seen together but it appears her current status has changed everything.

“Now they are always together. They spend more time together as well as see each other every day. Something which was not on their cards before then. It is also interesting to note that, her whereabouts must be communicated to him” GhanaCelebrities.Com was told.

As part of her prize for winning the competition, she received a brand new Kia Picanto car. A trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival, modelling jobs, managing contracts, one year bragging right and lead roles in movies.

Our investigations reveal that, recently Praye Tiatia travelled, upon returning from their trip, his girlfriend was nowhere to be found.

Praye Tiatia was set to have gone to the offices of the organisers, for which he was told the girl has travelled to Nigeria for a discussion with a movie producing company. He nearly created a scene when he was refused details of the deal and venue of the meeting in Lagos.

A worker at the company who pleaded anonymity said the turns of events are frustrating the girl as well as the company in executing the plans the company has for her. Asked if the company will go the way of TV3 by taking the crown from the winner and hand it over to the first-runner up as was done in Ghana’s Most Beautiful when Lamisi was given the crown in the midst of Nasara’s phone theft allegations.

The source was tight-lipped. However, her demeanour suggests that, the company will not to go that road. When Selorm eventually returned to Ghana, Praye Tiatia was said to have picked a quarrel with her for not alerting him when travelling to Nigeria.

Selorm will be going to South Africa few weeks time and Praye Tiatia has promised to do everything possible to be included on the trip. He was quoted as saying that, if the organisers refuse to put him on, he will be obliged to acquire a visa for himself and join the trip by force.

All attempts to get Big J and Selorm to confirm or deny the above has proved unsuccessful. The organisers however have promised to release statement soon.

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War On Piracy Hits Ghanaian Video Rental Shops!

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War On Piracy Press Conference:From left to right John Issa, Malik Maduakor, Steve Hackman Mustapha Adams and Socrates Sarfo

Film Distributors Association of Ghana, in collaboration with Film Regulatory Board of Ghana, has issued a directive to start clamping down on operators of video rental shops in Ghana.

This is part of the association’s ongoing anti-piracy war to reduce the rate at which some unscrupulous persons are taking the law into their hands to pirate local movies.

At a press conference last week Thursday Maxlot Hotel in Accra, under the theme ‘War On Piracy’, the association said its members had not granted any video rental shop the right to rent their movies. As a result, any video rental shop that rented local movies was in contravention of Copyright Law, Act 6: 90.

The association will as such deal with the rental shop’s operators as the law demands.

The anti-piracy operation will be carried out by a special task force, assisted by national security forces in coming weeks.

The war is expected to also affect other sectors of the entertainment industry including persons who pirate movies on the internet, and dealers of ten-in-one pirated African movies.

However, members of the association were reluctant to disclose techniques they would use in executing their anti-piracy campaign.

Speaking at the anti-piracy conference, old time producer of Hacky Films and President of the Association, Asare Hackman, said piracy had been a canker for so many years.

“We can only prevent it. Imagine a producer spends GH¢60,000 to produce a movie and he can’t get GH¢20,000. Pirates just sit in the comfort of their rooms, rip the movies and go to offices to sell and make money while we lack,” he lamented.

He also called on the general public to support their course by reporting individuals engaging in piracy activities. According to him, the association would make sure that the identity of whistle blowers was well protected.

He emphasized that the association would make sure that the right thing was done and that individuals should be mindful because they would not favour anybody.

He maintained that the loss they incurred as a result of piracy also affected the general economy; hence everybody should join the war on piracy campaign.

At the ceremony were Socrates Sarfo, John Issa, Malik Maduakor and Mustapha Adams.

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