Govs Reverse Order Of Primaries, Endorse Jonathan But S/East Govs Absent

Nigeria’s powerful governors on friday,Dec 2010 rose from an emergency meeting of the party with a lukewarm endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s candidacy in the 2011 presidential elections.

Though twenty state governors signed a statement endorsing Jonathan, they succeeded in reversing the order of the party’s primaries which was a major point of disagreement between the governors and Jonathan.

With the new agreement, the governors’ primaries will now come before that of the president. This will ensure that the governors retain their influence and guarantee that the President will support them if he hopes to get the favor returned during the presidential primaries.

However, a look at the signatories to Jonathan’s endorsement reveals that no South East governor signed the document. One Ada Okwuonu signed for Imo State governor. No other governor from the zone signed.

The statement, made available to Thetimesofnigeria.com states:

“At the emergency meeting of PDP Governors held Thursday 16th day of December, 2010 and having deliberated extensively on Democratic practices the world over observed as follows:

 1. Democratic systems all over the world recognize the

    principle of incumbency and continuity.

 2. Entrenched Democratic culture persistent in presidential system and our constitution entitles our President to run for a second term which the POP Governors support.

 3. The Governors also recognize the Yar'adua/Jonathan ticket and therefore hereby support and endorse President

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) to contest the 2011 election as the PDP Presidential candidate for a period of four years only.”

A governor who was at the meeting told Thetimesofnigeria.com that “this was a victory for us. We only gave the President a face saving concession.”

“We wanted the order of the primaries reversed so that our election would come first and we got it. After each governors must have gotten the party ticket we are free to vote our mind afterall this is a democracy.” The governor who is from one of the Northern states said.

I AM READY FOR ARREST- ATIKU DERES JONATHAN

Former Vice President and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said that tolerance for dissenting views and opponents remains an integral component of democracy.

The former Vice President made the assertion last night in reaction to President Goodluck Jonathan’s threat, which was ostensibly a reaction to the former Vice President’s widely reported comment on the consequences of resisting change.

Atiku had at the National Stakeholders Conference warned that “those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable.” He had also added that “this (violent change) is not what we want for Nigeria.”

In a statement by his Campaign Organisation in Abuja last night, the former Vice President said that he and his supporters will not be intimidated or deterred in the commitment to ensure that the PDP abides by its zoning arrangement in line with the party’s amended constitution.

Atiku is a democrat who has at all times toed the path of constitutionality and rule of law in advancing the cause of democracy and therefore can no not be recommending a path that is at variance with his long life struggles to deepen democracy in Nigeria.

He said that his comment at the National Stakeholders’ Conference on Wednesday was borne out of historical reality when the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy warned against the consequences of making peaceful change impossible.

He maintained that the statement should be taken in its historical context in terms of bitter experiences injustice has caused around the world, and as evidenced in the looming crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.

He noted that it was a patriotic admonition to all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and avoid desperate actions which might spell avoidable consequences for Nigeria’s corporate entity.
“As a responsible and dignified statesman, Atiku will never resort to scare-mongering or any anti-social action which can undermine Nigeria’s co-existence,” the statement added.

The PDP presidential aspirant argued that accusing him of causing tension is like putting the saddle on the wrong horse.

According to him, no Nigerian leader in recent memory has caused so much bitterness, division, suspicions and animosity among Nigerians like President Goodluck Jonathan because of his ambition to run in 2011.

Atiku recalled that a serving federal minister in this administration once threatened that Nigeria could face dire consequences if President Jonathan was forced out of the presidential race.
He wondered how a president that tore the PDP apart and caused so much bitterness within his own ruling party because of his ill-advised ambition could turn round and accuse anyone else of causing tension.

The presidential aspirant asked his critics to appeal to the conscience of President Jonathan to lead by example.

The statement recalled that with previous scheming to hang a badge of infamy on
the necks of his political opponents over the October 1, 2010 bomb blasts, the
latest attacks on Atiku was a typical desperate measure to divert attention and
blame opponents for causing tension in the country.

If the gist at Buzz’s disposal is anything to go by then, veteran juju maestro, Prince Adekunle is set to take rapper, Ruggedman to court.You might wonder why this veteran artiste wants to join issues with this hip hop artiste in court. The reason for this is not for fetched as we learnt that; Ruggedman used Prince Adekunle song to get back to 9ice without getting permission from Prince who is the owner of the song.
It will be recalled that 9ice has been joining issues with Ruggedman over Ruggedman’s closeness to his separated wife. This generated controversy in the industry to the extent that 9ice called Ruggedman all sorts of names in his newest album.
PRINCE ADEKUNLE'S ORIGINAL VERSION
This is an album by one of the greatest juju masters. Sir Shina Peters and Segun Adewale made their name with the band of Prince Adekunle but reached much bigger public than their teacher did. Although less known world- wide, Prince Adekunle's music belongs to Nigeria's very best. Most pages state this LP is from 1975 but this label clearly says '76. tracks; 1 Awodi nfo ferere - Banuso ma beniaso - Meta meta lore - Iwaju lao ma lo - Jossy olatunji shofunwa - E ma fiwon sepe 2 Omo niyi omo nide - A ki nromo ra loja - Ma se'ka iwo ore

Primate Ayodele claims to have predicted the death of Oshimhole's wife

Primate of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Elijah Babatunde Ayodele has expressed indignation at the death of the wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole and the legendary Fuji musician, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, which occurred during the week.
Reacting to news of their death, Ayodele said he was particularly angry with the development because he was not taken seriously when he warned of the likelihood of their death in the last year edition of his yearly prophecy book—Warnings to the Nation.
He condemned the attitude of Nigerians to warnings and prophecies of God delivered by His servants, saying they always waited for the things warned against to happen only for them to start rueing.
On Oshiomhole wife’s death, Ayodele had warned in the 2009/2010 thus: “Let us pray so that none of our first ladies will be on emergency list in hospital.” Mrs. Oshiomole died in National Hospital Abuja after previous treatment abroad.
Also on page 38 of the 2010/2011 edition of the book, Ayodele also foretold of Ayinde Barrister’s death when he wrote: “Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) must pray to ward off the death of a one-time president of PMAN and a prominent member of the Association.
The primate said though some men of God by their actions and deceptions may have disappointed many and caused them not to have trust in pastors again, they (the people) should know that not all pastors, prophets, bishops are deceptive and ungodly.
Beside the death of the two prominent Nigerians, one other prophecy in the book that has come to pass is the upturning of the election of the former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
In his case, Ayodele prophesied in the book concerning him thus: “The Governor Of Osun State needs prayers concerning his political moves so that it will not be faulted. The state needs prayers as I foresee A dark horse emerging as the governor of the state; that is, someone without any previous involvement in the administration of the political machinery of the state.”

NIGERIA PICKS MAJORITY OF MAMA AWARD

Nigerian singer 2 Face Idibia took the awards for artist of the year and best male performer at the MTV Africa Music Awards on Saturday night.

Known for his catchy, fast-paced pop song Implication, 2 Face took the spotlight in a live performance, throwing himself into the crowd and running away from two scantily clad dancers dressed as police officers.

"One love to Nigeria," he said, brandishing the golden MTV award while his audience roared its delight.

It was the third MTA Africa Music Awards ceremony, popularly referred to as the MAMAs, celebrating excellence in African music. Hosted by U.S. hip-hop artist and actress Eve, this year's gala event was held in Lagos, Nigeria's financial capital.

And Nigeria ran away with many of the top prizes. Nigerian act P Square won the prize for best group, Nigerian rapper Sasha garnered the best female performer award and Nigerian Ko Ma Roll crooner Mo Cheddah notched her first MAMA win for best new artist.

National pride ran high as rapper Banky W took the stage, carrying the country's green-and-white flag, and later tossing it over his shoulder during his performance.

"You have everything you need right here," American rapper Chuck D said. "Recognize your legends. Recognize your history."

South Africa's legendary singer Miriam Makeba was posthumously honoured with the MAMA Legend award. Known as Mama Africa, the Grammy-winning Makeba was the musical voice of South Africa's fight against apartheid rule. She suffered a heart attack and died at age 76 in 2008 while performing in Italy.

Other winners included Fally Ipupa, a singer from Congo, who received the best video award for his song, "Sexy Dance."

Kenyan gospel singer Daddy Owen took the best anglophone award.

A new award category, best performance, went to the South African trio Big Nuz.

U.S. rapper Eminem was named best international artist but did not attend the event.

BEST ACTRESS IN NOLLYWOOD-OMONI OBOLI

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Aside her winning the Best actress of the year award at the City People and Harlem International Film Festival Awards, the ingenuity of popular Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli on set has continued to wow fans and critics alike with Lonzo Nzekwe, the producer of Anchor Baby being the latest member of the fold.

In a recent interview at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Lonzo Nzekwe who was adjudged one of the twenty emerging directors at the Reelworld film festival revealed that Omoni Oboli remains the best actress he has seen. Lonzo further disclosed that a scene on the set of Anchor Baby further attested to the fact that Omoni is a born actress.

He said, “On the set of Anchor Baby, there was this particular scene where Omoni had to cry and act like one who is deeply frustrated and emotionally disturbed, she got so much into that role that after I had said ‘cut’, the whole crew was spellbound and crying at that stage, I myself, couldn’t distinguish between Joyce Unanga and Omoni Oboli.

Speaking further, Lonzo said “When I watched a few of Omoni's movies, I was convinced that she has the ability to transform the script. Plus, I did a brief background check on her and spoke to her extensively on the phone to know more about her, that's when I decided she was the one”

 The movie, Anchor Baby has almost 40 actors with speaking roles that includes frontline actors in the film are Omoni Oboli, Sam Sarpong, Terri Oliver, Colin Paradine, Michael Scratch, Mark Cassius, Rachael Ancheril, Cyrus Faird, Santiago Lopera, and Chris Patterson and about 60 extras.

 ‘Anchor Baby’ tells the story of Joyce and Paul Unanga, a married illegal immigrant couple living in the US; they have been ordered by the US immigration to leave the country by voluntary departure. They agree to leave; but only after Joyce who is 5months pregnant delivers her baby inside the US. This will guarantee automatic citizenship for their child. Ignoring the deportation order, the couple goes into hiding. Paul was later caught and deported while Joyce stayed back to struggle on her own to achieve their dream.

‘Anchor Baby’ which has won international awards like Harlem International Film Festival, the Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood U.S.A and has been officially accepted to screen at the ‘Fans of Film’ film festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA will be premiered at the Silverbird Galleria on the 9^th of December, 2010 and will hit cinemas across the country on the 10^th of December.

Obasanjo's Criteria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said that for the country’s federalism to function well, there must be political will, good governance, and leadership commitment.
Chief Obasanjo, who spoke at the just concluded  ‘5th International Conference on Federalism’ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said, “It is my belief that in a diverse and developing society like Nigeria, you need a strong, though not intrusive or oppressive central government that is democratic, transparent, accountable, effective, efficient, and adequately funded to manage the rough edges of federal politics and protect weaker or less_resource endowed constituent units.  Nigerians appreciate this fact.”
“Ultimately, it is democratic practice, political will, good governance, leadership commitment, and a dedication to the cause of the people that determine the functioning of any federal arrangement.  In essence, there must be popular participation at all tiers of government and facets of life with adequate accommodation for all for federalism to function appropriately.”
He further said, he “following military rule in the country, the challenge of re_federalisation has not been as easy as many continue to carry the consciousness of the unitary and hierarchical command character of the military.  The powers of the sub_national units, joint delivery of services in education, energy, health, poverty eradication and so on, remain areas for discussions and negotiations.
“The issue of fiscal federalism, processes of constitutional amendments, devolution of powers, public security, and strengthening federal character are also on_going areas of public discourse.
“In some way therefore, federalism is natural to Nigeria as the basis for unity in diversity for development and progress was established centuries ago.
The desire to, or imperative for unity, stability, growth, development and progress precipitated a preference for a political arrangement that will not just bring peoples together but also harness the creative and productive energies to build a viable nation state in the interest of all.
“There was a declared need to rise beyond the various inter and intra ethnic and communal wars to build a nation_state that all would contribute to, be part of, but not lose their respective identities, cultures, values and traditional institutions.  This, in some way, has been the underlying strength of Nigeria’s federalism,” he added.

Link: http://www.vanguardngr.com/

Momodu declares

Today, December 18 2010, Bashorun Dele Momodu formally declares on the platform of the National Conscience Party (NCP) at a media declaration ceremony held in Ikeja, Lagos. In his speech titled: "Our Time Has Come to Rescue Nigeria" Bashorun Dele Momodu who recently resigned from the Labour Party (LP) described the warm reception he received from the NCP as a homecoming.
He went down memory lane chronicling his robust relationship with the founder of the NCP - the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN. According to him, he was one of the closest journalists ever to the late Chief Fawehinmi.

On 14 december 2010, Dele Momodu resigned from his membership of the Labour Party (LP) “after several attempts to reason with the party leadership on the need to field a candidate for the 2011 presidential election, failed” and the party's National Chairman - Barr. Dan Nwanyanwu announced to the media that his mandate in 2011 is not to field a presidential candidate.
In his welcome address, Barr. Femi Falana, National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP) was glad to welcome Dele Momodu to the party. In his remarks, he noted that: "Nigeria needs people like Dele Momodu who have suffered for this country and have a sound pedigree." Reacting to questions from journalists about his alleged support and endorsement of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, a presidential aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Falana said: "Yes I was at Ribadu's declaration in Abuja. He's my friend and client and Dele is my friend. But I told Ribadu they will soon chase him away from where he is and I told him to come back home. Those guys will not support you because they know if you win the election, you will put them in jail. They are only using you to negotiate."
The media parley was attended by the media, executive members of the National Conscience Party (NCP), the NCP gubernatorial aspirant in Ogun State, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, NCP gubernatorial aspirant in Enugu State, Barr. Odumejemba, Prof. and Mrs. Ranti Adepoju, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Mr. Muyiwa Sobo among others.
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The latest happenings in our Nigerian political system is laudable and at the same time laughable. Law courts are giving judgment and producing the right winners but the system and process of such verdicts is what Nigerians are not happy about. Look at the case of Delta state and Osun state, what can you say of it.