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Helicopter Crash: Bayelsa Govt. Awaits Outcome Of Investigations

The Bayelsa Government said it was awaiting the outcome of investigation into the navy helicopter crash that killed former Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, retired Gen. Owoeye Azazi and four others. on Dec. 15.

Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa gave the indication on Monday in Yenagoa, when he received the investigation team from the Federal Government led by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba. 

The governor, who described the crash as a monumental tragedy, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment and support for the investigation. 

He commended the naval chief and the team for their prompt response by visiting the state to carry out an assessment of the crash site at Okoroba Community in Nembe Local Government Area. 

Dickson expressed the condolences of the government and people of Bayelsa over the death of Yakowa, noting that he was a guest of the state, building relationships. 

On the former National Security Adviser, Azazi, the governor said “here we have lost one of our best, who means so much to the state and has contributed towards nation building”. 

Dickson described the navy pilot among the dead as diligent officers, who had served in the state during the flood period and commended their sense of duty and professionalism. 

“I condole with the entire military, as well as their families for their tragic loss. We are all in mourning with the loss of these great patriots." 

The governor remarked that the navy had been a critical pillar of support to the state in the quest to ensure peace and stability. 

He said that the administration had already declared three days of mourning in the state, adding that all formal government activities had been suspended. 

Dickson assured the chief of naval staff that the state government would continue to play its constitutional roles and called for more interactions from the Nigerian Navy to discuss issues of common interest. 

Earlier, Ezeoba urged Nigerians to remain united in spite of the pain and grief occasioned by the national loss. 

According to him, in spite all, we will continue to give thanks to God. 

Ezeoba said that President Goodluck Jonathan had directed a detailed investigation into the rash, and gave the assurance that necessary steps would be taken to unravel its cause.

 

 

Continue ReadingHelicopter Crash: Bayelsa Govt. Awaits Outcome Of Investigations

First Lady On Condolence Visit, Wepts For Yakowa

First Lady Patience Jonathan wept in Kaduna on Monday when she paid a condolence visit to Mrs Amina Yakowa, wife of Gov. Patrick Yakowa, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

``I am sorry I am crying because I am a woman; I know what she (Amina) is passing through. It's quite unfortunate that we lost a peaceful and supportive man, a man who was always filled with joy.

``My only advice to you my friend is that you should take heart, have faith in God because only God can comfort and protect you and your kids.’’

Jonathan prayed to God to grant Yakowa’s soul eternal rest.

Earlier, Vice President Namadi Sambo, who welcomed the guests, had described late Yakowa as ``a solidifier’’.

``He was a true Nigerian and a friend to everyone. He solidified Kaduna and he sought to bring people together.''

Sambo expressed ``deep and sincere appreciation’’ to all those who came to commiserate with Yakowa’s family and the state government over the governor’s death.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that governors Ramalan Yero of Kaduna, and Sule Lamido of Jigawa were present at the occasion.

Also present were wives of the governors of Gombe, Nasarawa and Katsina States, Niger, Benue, Zamfara, Kogi, Adamawa and Taraba.

It will be recalled that Gov. Patrick Yakowa and a former National Security Adviser, Gen.  Andrew Azazi died in the crash, which took place near Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa.

Others, who died in the crash are Dudas Tsoho, a top politician from Kaduna; Azazi’s orderly, the pilot and the co-pilot.

The victims were returning from Yenagoa after attending the funeral of the father of Mr Oronto Douglas, a presidential aide.

Continue ReadingFirst Lady On Condolence Visit, Wepts For Yakowa

Yakowa’s Death: Governors Support Call For Investigation

The Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) on Monday reiterated its support on the call for investigation into the crash that killed Gov. Patrick Yakowa and five others.

The Chairman of NGF, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers made the call in Kaduna when he led 10 other governors on a condolence visit to Gov. Mukhtar Yero.

Amaechi said the visit was to condole with the family and the people of the state over the ``tragic death'' of the former governor.

`` The first thing is to support the President in his call for investigation, and we also agreed to come here to pay our condolences to you, the people of Kaduna State, his wife and the immediate family of Yakowa.’’

He expressed the forum's support to the new governor, urging him to strive hard towards accomplishing the set goals of his predecessor.

`` We pray that the same wisdom God gave him to carry out programmes for Kaduna people, that same wisdom be bestowed on you to be able to continue and complete his programmes and those things that will impact on the lives of  people.’’

Responding, Yero assured the governors that he would carry on with the projects embarked by the late governor.

`` Whatever he has put in place as a foundation for the development of the state, been part of the system, been part of the government, i assure you we will continue with the good work he started.

``We would try to consolidate on it and improve on all the things he started.’’

He expressed appreciation to the forum for commiserating with the family and the entire people of the state, adding that  `` nobody envisaged'' the death of the late governor.

`` Our governor has left a big vacuum and we are trying to see how we can accommodate it. And by the grace of God, we will do our best to improve the lives of the people in Kaduna State.’’

The governor also reiterated his commitment towards ensuring peace, unity and development in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Kashim Shetima (Borno), Idris Wada (Kogi), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Peter Obi (Anambra) were on the delegation.

Others were Theodore Orji (Abia), Jonah Jang (Plateau) Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Garba Umar (Taraba).

 

 

Continue ReadingYakowa’s Death: Governors Support Call For Investigation

WHO: Financial Shortfall Threatens Anti-Malaria Fight In Sub-Saharan Africa

The WHO World Malaria Report 2012, says financial shortfall threatens progress on malaria deaths throughout sub-Saharan Africa, just as historic gains are being realised. The WHO said in a statement on Monday that the progress continued in 2012. It als...

Continue ReadingWHO: Financial Shortfall Threatens Anti-Malaria Fight In Sub-Saharan Africa

Tafida, Kaduna Indigenes In UK Mourn Yakowa, Others

Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, Nigeria's High Commissioner to the UK, has described the death of Gov. Patrick Yakowa as a great lost to the nation. 

Yakowa died on Saturday in helicopter crash with Gen. Andrew Azazi, former National Security Adviser and four others. 

Tafida, in an interview with the Western Europe correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in London, said Yakowa was a humble and hardworking man who rose from grass to grace. 

``Late Sir Patrick Yakowa was a fantastic gentleman, hardworking, and somebody who grew from grass to grace as he rose as a civil servant to the peak of service in Kaduna State and then a minister at the federal level. 

``Just as we come, so we will go anytime God wants us, we will go. Yakowa was an excellent person, I worked with him as Secretary of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project.

“I hope and pray that his family will be able to accept the will of Allah," Tafida said. 

Similarly, some Kaduna State indigenes resident in the UK have expressed shock over the incident which they described as "unbelievable". 

Mr Inuwa Bako, a member of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), urged the Federal Government to carry out a full investigation into the crash. 

Bako told NAN that a probe would proffer solutions to prevent a recurrence, especially those caused by human and technical faults. 

In another development, Mrs Maria Shemang, a Kaduna indigene, said ``we were told the governor will visit the UK in 2013, and that should have been an opportunity to meet him one on one, and voice out our concerns, and areas we can contribute to developments at home." 

Shemang prayed to God to grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the losses.

Continue ReadingTafida, Kaduna Indigenes In UK Mourn Yakowa, Others

NMA Calls On The National Assembly To Ensure Speedy Passage Of Health Bill

The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Osahon Enabulele, has called on the National Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the National Health Bill.

He made the call while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday to discuss the outcome of the association’s national executive meeting, held in Nasarawa State from Dec. 9, to Dec. 16.

Enabulele said that this call was necessitated by the recent protest march held against the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu in Abuja.

He said that the march was an attempt to scuttle the passage of the National Health Bill (NHB), which he said was a veritable tool for transforming the health care system of Nigeria.

“The NMA calls on the distinguished members of the National Assembly, to resist any vacuous act of blackmail and intimidation in their consideration of the NHB.

“But to be guided at all times by international best practises and the need to secure health dividends of democracy for the poorest of the poor,'' he said.

The NMA president said that the bill had passed through the first and second readings in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.

The association also called on President Goodluck Jonathan to reconstitute the governing board of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), to enable it perform its statutory regulatory functions.

He added that if the council was granted a protected tenure, there would be sustained progress in the regulation of medical and dental practises.

The association also called on the Federal Government to accelerate public-private partnership in the health care sector.

The NMA president said that it remained a veritable tool for improving service availability, productivity and delivery in the sector.

Enabulele said that there had been a heavy burden of taxation on the salaries of health care workers, hence, an increased level of restiveness and job dissatisfaction.

“The NMA calls on all tiers and levels of government, the Ministry of Finance, FIRS, Joint Tax Board, all state internal revenue boards, to review the current taxation of salaries of health care workers.”

Commenting on polio eradication, the president called on state governments in polio high risk states, to engage the services of members of the NMA in their states and boarder states.

“This is to ensure polio comes to an end for the benefit of Nigerians and in line with global commitment.”

He said that NEC also suspended Dr A. A.G. Jimoh, for allegations levelled against him by some patients, over his inappropriate handling of their fertility case.

“He would be referred to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for necessary action,’’ He said.

He said that association was saddened by the death of the Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, Gen. Owoye Azazi, and the four others, who died on Saturday.

The NMA president, however, urged Nigerians to drive carefully during the festive season and called for faster rehabilitation of roads and other means of transport in the country.

Continue ReadingNMA Calls On The National Assembly To Ensure Speedy Passage Of Health Bill

Finance Minister Links Her Mother’s Kidnap To Oil Subsidy Payment, SURE-P

Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Monday linked her mother's kidnap to fuel subsidy payments and Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

In her first news conference in Abuja following the kidnap and subsequent release of her 83-year-old mother, Prof Kameme Okonjo, the minister said her mother was left without food and water for five days.

Okonjo, a professor of sociology and the wife of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State, regained her freedom on Friday after she was kidnapped on Dec. 9.

 ``My mother is a very courageous woman; God was with her because she suffered a great deal in this. She was taken away and kept for five days and without food or water; and for an 83-year old woman, it’s a miracle.

 ``While she was there, she kept asking what it was all about and she was told that her daughter did not pay oil subsidy money and that her daughter blocked payments to certain parts of the SURE-P programme. Those were the two things that were said.

 ``I just want to clarify that in the case of the payments for oil subsidy, we have been paying marketers who have been verified by the Aig-Imoukhuede committee.”

She insisted that government and the public position on fuel subsidy payments was that payments would be made only for verified transactions.

 On SURE-P, she said the finance ministry was not involved in the disbursements, adding that the committee set up to manage the programme was responsible for the payment process.

 The minister expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Senate President, David Mark and the governors of Delta, Anambra and Rivers states for their support during her mother’s ordeal.

She also acknowledged the love and support of Nigerians and security agencies during the trying times, saying that many Nigerians prayed in the churches and mosques for the safety of her mother.

 The minister, who said ``the experience has strengthened her faith in Nigeria’’, described the outpouring of international support as ``unprecedented.’’

 She said she received goodwill messages from UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, the U.K Prime Minister, David Cameron, the United States government, and the World Bank President, Jim Young Kim. 

 

Continue ReadingFinance Minister Links Her Mother’s Kidnap To Oil Subsidy Payment, SURE-P

Reps Will Investigate Navy’s Helicopter Crash

The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation said on Monday that it would investigate the remote and immediate causes of the naval helicopter crash in Nembe, Bayelsa. 

This is contained in a statement by the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Nkiruka Onyejiocha (PDP-Abia), and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.  

She said the committee would strengthen its oversight function of the aviation sector to ensure air safety in the country. 

``We will leave no stone unturned toward ensuring air safety in Nigeria by strengthening our oversight function of the relevant regulatory agencies in the aviation sector," she said. 

According to her, the committee will liaise with the military authorities to ensure that proper and due diligence check was conducted regularly on military aircraft in the country. 

She condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the crash, especially the government and people of Kaduna State.

NAN recalled that on Dec.15, a naval helicopter carrying late Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and  a former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi and four others, crashed  in Nembe, killing all passengers. 

 

Continue ReadingReps Will Investigate Navy’s Helicopter Crash

UNDP Advises Political Parties To Support Women For Elective Positions In 2015

Mrs Adekemi Ndieli, National Programme Officer, UNDP (UN Women), has challenged the political parties in Nigeria to be more affirmative in supporting women to win elective positions through concerted efforts.

Ndieli told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that women should be made to be more relevant in the political scheme of things.

According to her, the usual belief that women are to be seen and not to be heard should be jettison.

``Affirmative action is not a permanent mechanism rather a temporary measure put in place to give women the opportunity to come up to the same level with their male counterpart.

``The measure is also to ensure a level playing field for women over a period of years,’’ she said.

Ndieli said that the 35 per cent affirmative action should be implemented before the  2015 elections to enable women take their right political positions.

She said that the measure became imperative, because women were not having equal participation in politics with Nigerian men.

Ndieli said that right now, there was no level playing ground for women to participate in politics, because men were making politics to be a difficult task for women.

``For example appointments in the three tiers of government are getting better, but when it comes to elective positions, it has become a big problem.

``This is as a result of the internal democratic practise of all the political parties,‘’she said.

Ndieli said that affirmative action was just a temporary special measure that would not last forever, because by the time women came up, the measures would fizzle out.

She said there was the need for accommodation of women, who had been systematically excluded over the years to allow for equal participation.

``The element of more women participation in politics should be inserted in the constitution, mostly a provision within representational capacity,’’ he said.

 

The programme officer said that Nigerian women were formidable forces in Nigeria politics, but that their enthusiasm and skills had not been translated into getting elective positions.

Ndieli said there were so many factors within the political parties in Nigeria that were militating against women access to elective positions in the country.

She said that this had to do with male domination, violence, ``god fatherisms'' and religious aspects of life.

Mrs Margret Ikwunja-Ejeh, Director Gender in INEC, said women should not lose the advantage of 2015 and put an end to their partial representation in the various elective offices in Nigeria.

She said INEC as an umpire was making a giant stride to sensitise women in all aspects of elective participation.

According to her, INEC is trying to look into problems confronting women in Nigeria politics and find a lasting solutions to them so that women can participate fully in politics.

Ikwunja-Ejeh emphasised the need for women to make themselves to become more relevant and formidable at all political levels.

She said that the commission had begun sensitisation campaigns to attract more women into mainstream politics, but that INEC could not initiate a law to this effect.

``The campaign include training, workshops, counselling, voter education and advocacy, while more than 3,000 NGO’s, women professionals, religious bodies and party members are being trained to train others.

According to her, the traditional rulers support for women has also been enlisted in enhancing the campaign.

She said that this measure became necessary because of the social, cultural and religious attitudes of some Nigerian ethnic groups, more often than not relegate women to the background.

Ikwunja-Ejeh said Nigerian women could only take their rightful positions in the administration of this country through active participation in politics between now and 2015.

 

Continue ReadingUNDP Advises Political Parties To Support Women For Elective Positions In 2015

Merger Talks Will Solve Nigeria’s Political Problems, Says Onu

The National Chairman, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that the merger talks between opposition political parties would “definitely” solve the political problem facing Nigeria, when concluded.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Emma Eneukwu in Kaduna, on Monday.

The statement said that Onu expressed the optimism when he led a delegation of ANPP leaders on a condolence visit to rtd. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, over the death of his daughter.

‘‘The merger talks are ongoing right now, and we hope that it will be successful, we want to give Nigeria effective political competition in the political arena.

``We are convinced that when we have this in the country, we will be better for it; many of the problems that have confronted the nation over the years shall be solved,'' he said.

Onu urged the Federal Government to tackle insecurity, unemployment and poverty, adding that ``these are serious problems that should not be in our land''.

The delegate includes the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Ibrahim Shekarau, former BOT Chairman, Gambo Magaji, National Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Tumsah.

Others were the National Women leader, Hajiya Ramatu Tijani, National Financial Secretary, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed and the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

Onu prayed God to give Buhari the fortitude to bear the loss.

`` The ANPP deemed it very important to come and condole with you; the creator will receive her soul and grant you and your family the strength to bear the pain,'' he added.

Responding, Buhari thanked the delegation for being with him “at this moment of loss”.

 

 

Continue ReadingMerger Talks Will Solve Nigeria’s Political Problems, Says Onu

Sambo, Buhari, Others Condole Mrs Yakowa

The wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Amina Sambo and former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari were among the hundreds of sympathisers that commiserated with the family of late former governor Patrick Yakowa on Sunday.

Mrs Sambo was accompanied by a large delegation of women, who were there to condole with the former governor's wife, Amina Yakowa, the government and people of the state.

On his part, Gen. Buhari extolled the virtues of the late governor, saying that in spite of the diverse challenges affecting the state, he was still able to unite and promote peaceful coexistence amongst the people.

He advised public officers to emulate the good virtues displayed by the late governor towards promoting peace, unity and development.

Others who condoled with the family were the former Military Administrator of the state, Brig.-Gen. Lawal Jafaru Isa, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi and former Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr Samuila Makama.

The late governor's opponent in the 2011 election, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi, traditional rulers, women groups and members of the Knights of St. Mulumba also commiserated with the family.

 

 

Continue ReadingSambo, Buhari, Others Condole Mrs Yakowa

Yero Takes Over As Kaduna State Governor

Alhaji Mukhtar Yero was on Sunday sworn-in as the new Governor of Kaduna State by the state Chief Judge, Justice Rahila Cudjo.

The ceremony conducted at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna was witnessed by members of the state Executive Council, government officials and traditional rulers.

Yero replaced Gov. Patrick Yakowa who died in a helicopter crash on Saturday in Bayelsa.

In his acceptance speech, the governor pledged to continue with the transformation agenda laid by his predecessor.

``I sincerely desire to build on the good foundation that my boss had laid,’’ he said, adding that he would ‘’secure, unite and develop the state’’.

He paid tribute to Yakowa for his outstanding contributions to the development of the state and humanity.

`` He invested so much on this and had started reaping the fruits of his labour.

``His wish was to consolidate and advance on the achievements so far made and hence, tagged Kaduna State’s 2013 budget as Budget of Consolidation and Advancement.’’

The governor commiserated with the family of the deceased and people in the state over the loss of ``a humble and dedicated person''.

`` His humility, dedication to duty, fairness to all and a high sense of humour, endeared him to many, near and far, irrespective of religious, tribal or sectional inclinations, ‘’ he added.

Yero said the occasion called for sober reflection, adding that it was time to mourn `` a good man'' and to adopt strategies to ensure continuation of his legacies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yero, 44, was born in May 1968 in Zaria.

He attended LEA Primary School Kaura-Zaria between 1974 and 1980, Government Secondary School, Ikara between 1980 and 1985 and Government Day Secondary School, Zaria from 1985 to 1986 for his West African School Certificate and GCE O' level.

The governor was at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria where he obtained a Diploma in Banking in 1988, Bsc Accountancy in 1991 and Masters Degree in Business Administration in 2003.

He was also at the College of Accountancy, Jos for Certificate in National Accountancy between 2003 and 2004.

Yero did the mandatory national service under the National Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC) at Ogun State Bulk Purchasing Corporation, Abeokuta between 1991 and 1992.

The new governor began his public service career as a Higher Executive Officer at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1992 before joining the defunct Nigeria Universal Bank Limited in 1993.

Yero also worked at NALADO Nigeria Limited, Kaduna as Chief Accountant between 2002 and 2007.

In 2007 he was appointed Commissioner for Finance, Kaduna State and later in 2010 as the state Deputy Governor.

A keen horse rider and polo enthusiast, Yero is married to Hajiya Fatima and has six children.

 

 

Continue ReadingYero Takes Over As Kaduna State Governor