No fewer than 14 persons on Thursday lost their lives in an auto crash on the Benin-Okene Highway.
NAN reports that the incident, which occurred around the Ewu slope in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo, involved a 15-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Edo City Transports Service and an articulated vehicle.
The truck, which was said to be coming from Abuja ran over the bus, resulting to death of all passengers on board.
An eyewitness, Mr Ben Omoede, said that the incident occurred when brakes of the articulated vehicle failed.
“The truck lost brake and ran over the Toyota bus coming from the opposite side, killed the 13 passengers and the driver,’’ he said.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Red Cross evacuated the corpses to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo.
Mr Mike Odiahi, the Chairman, Edo Central branch of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, who was at the scene, confirmed the incident to newsmen.
“Fourteen dead bodies have been recovered and they have been taken to the mortuary at Irrua Specialist Hospital,’’ he said.
Odiahi lamented over frequent accidents around the Ewu slope and advised road safety officials to ensure regular patrol in the area to prevent further accidents. (NAN)
I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.
Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.
As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.
As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.
On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.
In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.
Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.
Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.
The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.
In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.
Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is on-going. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.
President Jonathan stressed that though the government has achieved a lot in the past years and democracy has come to stay, the democratic governance is being threatened by terrorism.
He said “It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.
”The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.
”In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.
”There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.
He commend patriotic Nigerians for their solidarity support towards the fight against terrorism.
He said ”I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations”.
President Jonathan commended the security forces for their effort in peacekeeping in different countries over the years, and their gallant confidence in fighting the present terrorists in the country.
He said ”Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.
”Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists”.
President Jonathan expressed pain over the abduction of the Chibok students, saying it has been more than 45 days since they were kidnapped from the hostel. He sympathized with the parents and gardians of the victims.
”It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home. He assured Nigerians that the country will be safe again.
”I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.
”I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
Jonathan reminded Boko Haram that the Federal Government’s door remain open should they choose to dialogue.
His words ”For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
”My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.”
Stressing the importance of unity to fight the insurgents, Jonathan said ”Dear Compatriots, we must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.
”The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.
”We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.
”Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.
As Rivers State joins other States in the country to mark this year’s Democracy Day, the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s tenure has dashed the glimmer of hope of a purposeful future for the State, which the people had thought his regime will bring about.
The PDP is also not happy that under Gov Amaechi, the huge resource base of the State estimated to the tune of about 4 trillion naira, has brought nothing but misery and the pillaging of its treasury by the Governor and his cabal priding as political aides and trustees.
The chairman of the PDP, Bro Felix Obuah, in a statement signed by Jerry Needam, his Special Adviser on Media noted this in his 2014 Democracy Day massage to Rivers people.
The PDP expresses doubts about the comprehensive number of contracts, management of disposal assets, which belong to Rivers State, under Gov Rotimi Amaechi.
The PDP also expresses disgust that the allocation from Federal Government, aside the equally hefty internally generated revenue of the State, may have been frittered away or out-rightly looted through the award of inflated or phantom contracts to the Governor’s friends, political associates and cronies as there is nothing on ground in terms of projects commensurate with the huge financial resources of the State
Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State, for instance, badly needs an infrastructure renewal plan with its potholes riddled roads and other poorly conceived and mostly abandoned projects.
The situation is not different in other parts of the State as PDP believes that rather than concentrate on matters of development, Amaechi has preoccupied himself with the issues of the Nigeria Governors Forum under which platform he has constituted himself as opposition to President Goodluck Jonathan.
Thus, while alleging that the achievements of Amaechi in the last seven years have been overblown by those it described as the Governor’s “hirelings”, PDP also raises posers on some of the ‘star’ projects of the Amaechi administration.
These include the about 200 school buildings built at an inflated cost of N120 million each totaling over N22 billion that has accounted for the over N4 trillion that he has so far received.
In spite of the fact that there has been a lot of publicity about them, some of the buildings are adandoned and overgrown by weeds and some have been without teachers for the past six years. “Can Governor Amaechi justify the award of a 10 km Trans Amadi road for the sum of about N47 billion?”. Then, there is also the over N30 billion new stadium at Port-Harcourt which has been under construction for the past four years.
While alleging that the contract for the construction of the stadium was awarded to his political friend and acolyte, and new found political leader, former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu who is also a chieftain of the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, it is believed that the project and similar others have become the conduit pipe through which Amaechi is funding the opposition party which platform he is using against his former party, the PDP that brought him into office and political relevance.
The proceeds from this contract and other similar contracts have been the main source of funding the activities of the APC with the sole aim of wresting power from the PDP.
Also, Amaechi is yet to account for the alleged full payment of $39 million to Kleenotech, a construction company for the building of Karibi Whyte Specialist hospital that has not taken off till date as well as the initial payment of over N30 billion to Horman Engineering Ltd for the construction of the Rumuokwuta – Choba road, which was later re-awarded to another company, MCC for over N30 billion.
The much talked about Port Harcourt mono-rail project is another kettle of fish which actual expenditure profile has become a publicly embarrassing subject of disagreement between Governor Amaechi and his Commissioner of Transport as they bandied differing figures of N36 billion and N16 billion respectively as current project cost.
PDP also wants Governor Amaechi to answer questions arising from the disposal of gas turbine power projects of former Governor Peter Odili as well as over N37 billion savings from compulsory levies in the coffers of the State government.
PDP hereby accuses Amaechi of mortgaging the future of the State to creditors with his unrestrained borrowing in the guise of funding infrastructural development. We are confused on the exact debt profile of the State, with even principal state government functionaries who should know quoting different figures at different times.
The State Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Chamberlain Peterside had for the past two years been quoting different figures as the state indebtedness to some Nigerian Banks: “In October, 2010, he (Commissioner of Finance) claimed the state had borrowed N30 billion from Zenith and GT Banks; in September, 2011, the same Commissioner said the state had borrowed N20 billion again from Zenith Bank. Later that year Mr. Peterside was reported as saying that government had again borrowed N100 billion as infrastructure loan.” The group noted that the different figures was in spite of earlier announcement of approval by the House of the borrowing of N120 billion, which the same Commissioner of Finance later explained would be sourced from Access, Guaranty Trust and First banks. All these amounted to key state officials selling outright confusion and misinformation to the people of Rivers, even as they called on Amaechi to tell Nigerians the actual debt profile of the state since he assumed office seven years ago, coupled with the 2014 N100b loan.
PDP notes that the Governor has left considerable “footmarks of destructions and destabilization,” in his administration of the State for the past seven years even as it also alleges wanton appropriation of assets of the State by Amaechi, his friends and cronies.
PDP recalls that the Governor had forcefully evicted and displaced millions of poor people from the Port Harcourt waterfronts especially Abonnema Wharf soon after he was sworn in with the promise that he will turn the ‘shanties’ then into a small London. But rather than fulfill this promise, PDP alleges that the Governor has distributed the land to his lackeys and associates without due process.
Amaechi’s promise to rebuild the old Port Harcourt General Hospital he destroyed over six years ago has not been fulfilled. Despite his inability to keep his promises in the instances cited above however, PDP noted that the State Governor has been disposing off assets of enduring legacy bequeathed to the people of Rivers State by visionary leaders like HRM King Alfred P. Diete-Spiff and Sir Dr. Peter Odili.
Investigations must be carried out on the process of sale of assets of the State like the Olympia hotel, Supaboard Stores, Golf Estate, Port Harcourt which was built on a public land, Risonpalm Estate and the Catering Rest House group of hotels to determine if they followed due process: “Was there any public advertisement for their alienation; were these purported sales in line with the Procurement Act, and the much vaunted transparency that he now claims to champion with so much empty swagger”, PDP queries.
It’s also shocking that the primary health centres Gov Amaechi claims are scattered across the State have remained malfunctioned as only one doctor is assigned to each of the health centres which operate only on week days and in most cases, only two times a week.
The acute water scarcity and epileptic power supply that are the main features of Amaechi administration have also not spared the health centres.
Consequently, most of the medical personnel deployed to these rural areas cannot stay and worse still, patients have refused to patronize these health centres because doing so is a great risk as they basically operate on OS (Out of Stock) always.
The State owned Braithwaite Memorial Hospital (BMH) supposedly upgraded to a referral hospital is not better off, as the hospital has continued to function as a primary health centre due to lack of infrastructure and basic facilities.
To the PDP, there is nothing else that could constitute ‘democratic misrule’ and bad leadership than this, no thanks to Gov Amaechi.
The PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah however urges Rivers people to keep hope alive, while charging them to continue to shun Gov. Amaechi and the APC, assuring that under the PDP government, Amaechi’s misrule shall be corrected.
