Tuesday, March 31, 2015

What OAU, UNILAG, UNILORIN stakeholders want from Nigeria president elect

What president-elect should bring to the table —Stakeholders

Vice-Chancellor, AlHikmah University in Kwara State, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem

For academics and students,increased funding should be the priority of the would-be president in the next dispensation, FEMI MAKINDE, SUCCESS NWOGU and SODIQ OYELEKE write

As Nigerians await the outcome of the presidential poll held on Saturday, stakeholders in education say that there is the need to put the leading candidates, especially the Peoples Democratic Party standard-bearer, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), to task concerning the education sector.

For the stakeholders, though the two leading parties paid greater attention to providing infrastructure, fighting corruption and rebuilding the economy during the electioneering, there is the need to create an education roadmap for them in the next dispensation.

According to the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the Osun State University, Dr. Seye Abiona, the task ahead for whoever becomes the president-elect is enormous for not only the education sector but also other spheres of the economy. He said different sectors in the country were sick and so required serious attention to ensure a massive turn around.

Abiona said, "The whole system is sick. Whosever wins the race should ensure he works hard to turn things around in the country. Electricity supply is zero in many areas, insecurity is there and many Nigerians are jobless. There is also a huge problem in the education sector.

"I pray that the wish of Nigerians will be respected. Nigerians trooped out to vote the person they want to lead the nation for the next four years. They should allow the wish of the majority to prevail."

For the Vice-Chancellor, AlHikmah University in Kwara State, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, the president-elect needs to seek a fresh roadmap to stopping the frequent closure of public universities.

According to him, education is an essential development component of the society, which requires priority.

Canvassing the need for adequate funding, he stated that public universities should be the pacesetters for the private and faith-based tertiary institutions to follow.

He said, "I am hoping that the president-elect will eventually realise that education is an essential commodity. It is not something he should allow to be closing down as we have noticed in the recent time.

"Whomever that can give that to the nation is the one I pray should emerge as the president-elect. I pray that God will direct our leaders to realise that education is vital to the growth of the country. It is an essential thing that requires the attention of all. Finally, there should be more funding for education."

For the Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Dr. Debo Ishola, getting it right in the education sector will enable the country to solve its other myriad of problems.

Ishola, a Physics lecturer, noted that Nigeria, which prides itself as the giant of Africa still depends on importation of goods from important products to worthless ones, including toothpicks.

Ishola said, "Education which is the basis of development in any country should be strengthened. Whoever wins this time should do more to develop the sector.

Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali

Also, the University of Ilorin VC, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, urged the would-be president to pay a greater attention to strengthening research in tertiary institutions. For him, there was the need to establish more research funding agencies, designate laboratories/institutions that would drive government research agenda and provide stable electricity supply in order to put such equipment into effective use.

Students are also not shying away from demanding an improved education sector in the next dispensation. For instance, the South West Coordinator, National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr. Sunday Ashefon, called on whoever emerges between Jonathan and Buhari to give priority to the interest of Nigerians.

According to Ashefon, the winner should remember to deliver on his electioneering promises as well as his party manifesto in education.

He said, "They should remember what they promised while urging Nigerians to vote for them. I believe whoever wins should do what he promised.

Although the winner may not be able to do everything, he should ensure that he delivers on his promises, especially in education.

"Many Nigerian youths are not employed and electricity supply is a huge problem. There is hunger and deprivation while the few ones who are in position of power are greedy.

"We should no longer be depending on importation of fuel because as an oil producing nation, we should have at least three functional refineries which will be producing at optimal level.

"Above all, education sector should be given priority because without it, there will be no development. Students are tired of staying at home due to incessant strikes. Whatever is causing the strikes should be addressed and funding of the education sector should be improved upon."

Beyond addressing the issue of underfunding of the sector, the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, President-elect, Omotayo Akande, said there was the need to look into academic needs of students.

He noted, "The country's education over the decades had experienced serious underfunding. The academic syllabus is outdated. There is the need to teach the Nigeria students in tune with the expectations of a 21st century demands. I expect that anybody that emerges should give education a priority this time around.

"Again, the new leadership should make adequate provision for proper research and standardisation in the nation's tertiary education. We expect that the winner will cater to the welfare of students and give us a sense of belonging."

Akande's colleague at the University of Lagos, Martin Abiodun, agrees no less. He, nonetheless, urged the would-be president to endeavour to upgrade the facilities and infrastructure at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Abiodun also demanded that the president-elect should ensure that peace reigns in the country.

"Whoever emerges should also put in place policies that will take Nigeria to its pride of place in Africa, educationally," he added.

The Lagos State University Student Union Public Relations Officer, Adebanjo Adekoya, advised the would-be president to increase the budget allocation in the next dispensation.

In his thinking, to make an impressive impact in the sector, there was the need to increase the education budget to 23 per cent.

Fawole Israel

For the Director of Media, NANS in Oyo State, Fawole Israel, the president-elect should concentrate on reforming the country's' education in line with international standard.

He stressed, "I look forward to seeing a reformed sector in the next dispensation where non-Nigerians will once more start seeking admissions to our universities."

But the Coordinator, Council of Higher Institutions, Tajudeen Akolade, said the agenda for the president-elect should border on increasing the welfare of students.

He declared, "Whoever emerges should take the welfare of students as a priority. Scholarship opportunities should be made available for students. There should be provision for the poor but brilliant students in higher institutions. The issue of frequent increment in tuition, poor electricity supply and the inadequate assistance to students is an embarrassment that requires a decent burial. I also urge that consideration be given to the welfare of lecturers in order to check the arbitrary industrial actions in the sector."

MARCH 31, 2015 : FEMI MAKINDE, SUCCESS NWOGU AND SODIQ OYELEKE 0 COMMENTS

http://www.punchng.com/education/what-president-elect-should-bring-to-the-table-stakeholders/

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By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Friday, March 27, 2015

INEC, NCP Disagree Over Replacement Of Presiding Officers

By Sodiq Adekunle

3:21 pmMarch 27, 20150

The National Conscience Party (NCP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plotting to substitute and replace presiding officers who are corps members with non-corps members.

The party said this in a petition addressed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

In the petition, NCP alleged that the replacement and substitution of names of Corps Members were directed from the National Secretariat of INEC in Abuja.

The petition which was dated 25th March 2015 and signed by its State Chairman, Gideon Fasorepo linked the alleged ploy to manipulation of the forthcoming presidential and National Assembly election.‎

The petition read in part, "The attention of our party has been drawn to the illegal and unwarranted substitution/replacement of Presiding Officers on order from Abuja with non-corps members. We have it on good authority that this is part of an elaborate plot to manipulate the Presidential and National Assembly Election.

"This action is a clear design to truncate our nascent democracy as it runs counter to the laid down rules and regulations governing the smooth conduct of election. We hereby warn those responsible to desist forthwith as we will use everything within our power to mobilise against the unfair treatment to parties.

"As a party committed to credible elections in which all votes must count, we requested INEC to adhere strictly to the electoral regulations especially as regards the appointment and deployment of Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers."

In a swift reaction, the State REC, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola debunked the allegation, saying that those that were replaced were Batch 'A' corps members who have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) one year mandatory programme.

Ogunmola noted that "the issue has been raised at the stakeholders meeting held with party leaders on Tuesday and explanation have been offered to the party leaders on the need to replace the affected corps members so as not be short of adhoc staff." ‎

Read more at: http://dailytimes.com.ng/inec-ncp-disagree-replacement-presiding-officers/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Friday, March 27, 2015

OPC, Vigilante, Others Banned From Monitoring Election

By Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

Oodua Peoples' Congress (OPC), vigilante, private security groups and other non-governmental security agencies will not be engaging in any form of election activities and monitoring in Osun State.

Osun State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Marafa announced the banned while addressing newsmen on Friday.

He asked people of the state to be confident in coming to exercise their voting right, stressing that maximum security has been put in place.

‎According to him, the police command has deployed its' officers and men to all the polling units and collation centres across the 30 Local Government Councils of the state and strategic locations to ensure hitch free elections in the state.

He said, "Political office holders and very important personalities who are not directly involved in the conduct of the elections to steer clear but cast their votes peacefully and abide by the law guiding the election environment.

"Mar mongers, trouble shooters, groups intending to cause any act of violence during and after the election should leave state. Such persons will be dealt with seriously and in accordance of the law."

Marafa advised parents and guardians to warn their wards against being used for any un-towards action to cause crisis in the state.

He explained that security personnel have been trained and sensitised to combat any logistical or security challenges that may arise.

He, however, assured voters and political parties of level playing ground but vowed to punish offenders.

"While we will not hesitate to deal decisively and within the ambit of law, with anyone, group of persons who attempted to torment trouble and in the process disrupt the smooth conduct of the elections," he added.

Read more at: http://dailytimes.com.ng/opc-vigilante-others-banned-monitoring-election/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Friday, March 27, 2015

Polls: Rights Group Calls for Violence Free elections

Sodiq Oyeleke

As national elections which comprises of Presidential and National
Assembly elections which slated for today March 28th,2015 by the
Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) ,a human rights group
in Nigeria ,Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) has
called on Nigerians,particularly, the Politicians in the country, to
shun violence during and after the Saturday polls,urging the
electorates and political actors to conduct themselves in a peaceful
manner that would devoid of any rancour as being laid down by the
electoral laws.

In a signed press release by the group's Executive Chairman,Comrade
Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman which a copy was made available to newsmen in
Lagos yesterday,maintained that Nigeria should maintain orderliness
during performing their civic duty to their fatherland,saying that
Nigeria should be able to conduct violence free elections that would
earn good name for the nation before the international community.

Comrade Sulaiman also urged the politicians not to plunge Nigeria into
another chaos of 1993 presidential election where live was brutish and
shortish,stressing the need for politicians to be ready to accept the
outcome of the elections in good faith.

CHRSJ boss therefore solicited the support and cooperation of Nigeria
people for the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) that
charged with the responsibility of conducting the credible and
acceptable elections so as to have free and fair elections in the
land.

According to him,"Nigeria politicians should know that they do not
have any other country than Nigeria and they should not do anything
that will tear the country apart.We want the politicians to know that
nobody can do the country for us and they should be ready to accept
the outcome of the elections in good faith like sportsmanship as two
person cannot occupy a sit at ago.

Sulaiman then urged the electoral commission in the country to conduct
March 28th,2015 elections without fear or favour of any political
party or candidate,noting that the 2015 general elections were the

life wire of the country at the moment.

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Friday, March 27, 2015

President Jonathan's National Broadcast on 2015 General Elections

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR ON THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS, FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Dear Compatriots,

1. As we prepare to go to the polls tomorrow, I have come before you this morning to express my immense appreciation for the opportunity you gave me to lead this great nation of ours in the past four years.

2. I also wish to place on record, once again, my sincere gratitude for the support you have given my administration without which the significant progress we have made in recent years would not have been possible.

3. In spite of the many challenges we have had to contend with since 1999, our present democratic dispensation continues to endure and grow stronger in keeping with the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

4. We have all worked very hard to nurture and strengthen our democratic institutions and promote the good governance practices which they were designed to deliver for the better well-being of our people.

5. I believe I can say without fear of contradiction that we all clearly cherish the democracy we now have and will never willingly give it up for any other form of governance.

6. This much-cherished democracy of ours is about to be put to the test once again.

7. I urge you all to troop out en-masse to peacefully perform your civic duty of voting for leaders of your choice tomorrow.

8. As we do so, let us all - political party leaders, contestants, party members, party agents, supporters and ordinary voters alike, be very conscious of the fact that the eyes of the entire world are on us.

9. We must therefore comport ourselves in a manner that will further strengthen our democracy and consolidate our place in the comity of truly democratic nations.

10. I made a commitment on assumption of office to progressively deliver freer, fairer and more credible elections in our country. In keeping with that commitment, the Federal Government has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all necessary support to ensure that it conducts very successful elections tomorrow and on April 11.

11. We have all been assured that INEC is fully ready for the elections. I believe that we can all trust that they are certainly more ready now than they may have been before security issues and other concerns necessitated a re-scheduling of the dates for the 2015 general elections.

12. As an administration, we welcome the fact that millions of Nigerians who were yet to receive their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as at February 14, and would therefore have been unfairly disenfranchised if the polls had gone ahead on that date, have seized the opportunity of the re-scheduling to collect their cards and can now exercise their right to vote tomorrow.

13. We are also glad that our gallant Armed Forces have successfully stemmed the seizure of Nigerian territories in the North-East by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

14. They have recaptured most of the communities and territories formerly occupied by the insurgents, making it possible for thousands of internally-displaced Nigerians to begin returning to their homes and communities.

15. I heartily commend the very courageous men and women of our Armed Forces for the immense sacrifices which they continue to make in defending the nation and protecting its citizens.

16. I also thank all Nigerians for keeping faith with us over the past six weeks.

17. I call on all political parties and politicians in the country to allow the free, unfettered will of our people to be expressed without any hindrance in the coming elections in keeping with the hallowed principles and tenets of democratic governance which we all profess.

18. The will of the people freely expressed through the ballot is the bedrock of all democracies and ours cannot be an exception.

19. Let us all therefore be prepared, as true democrats, to graciously accept the outcome of the elections as the rightful choice of our people from whom all political powers in our democracy must emanate.

20. My administration has done its utmost best in the past four years to deliver on our promise to positively transform our country.

21. Tomorrow's election is another very important milestone as we continue our march towards the fulfillment of our God-given potential for greatness.

22. The election offers us another opportunity to empower leaders of our choice once again, and to show the world that genuine democracy is alive and well in our beloved nation.

23. I will like to restate my belief that no political ambition can justify violence or the shedding of the blood of our people.

24. I reaffirm once again, my personal preparedness to ensure fair play during the elections and to deploy the resources and institutions of state only in the manner prescribed by our laws.

25. Let me warn, however, that as President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am under oath to protect the lives of all Nigerians and the security of our country at all times. I will never abdicate my responsibilities in that regard.

26. Democracy allows dissent. It encourages differences and even fervent disagreements. But elections must never be mistaken for war or an opportunity to set fellow citizens against each other and tear our beloved nation apart.

27. Those who may harbor any intentions of testing our will by unleashing violence during the elections in order to advance their political ambitions should think again as all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure that any persons who breach the peace or cause public disorder during or after the elections are speedily apprehended and summarily dealt with according to our laws.

28. The nation's security agencies are also fully prepared and ready to deal decisively with any group or persons who attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections or cause any form of public disorder.

29. Our dear country, Nigeria is the largest democracy amongst black nations of the world. We are a nation of great accomplishments, with a proud history of evolving affinities.

30. Let us go out tomorrow to vote peacefully and set a fitting example of political maturity for other emerging democracies to follow.

31. I wish you all and our dear nation, very peaceful and successful elections.

32. May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

33. I thank you all.

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Friday, March 27, 2015

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Osun APC Decries Attacks On Supporters ‎

Osun APC Decries Attacks On Supporters

By Sodiq Adekunle 3:30 amMarch 18, 2015

The All Progressive Congress (APC), Ijesa North Federal Constituency, has expressed displeasure over the alleged attacks on its members.

The Chairman, Campaign committee of Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Wale Bolorunduro, spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, in Osogbo.

‎Displaying photographs of brutalized victims, Bolorunduro said the APC has asked its loyalists not to reprise any attack.

Bolorunduro lamented that security agencies in the state had refused to act on petition and reports sent to them on the activities of the hoodlums.

He said, "The police have failed to make any arrest, as the perpetrators of the dastardly acts are moving freely in the communities. All of these attacks, were reported to the police in the local governments where they occurred. It is on record that none of the individuals mentioned at the police stations have been arrested for questioning."

He called on the Police, Department of State Security Services (SSS), to intervene as a means to ensure the protection of its members.

While lamenting that majority of schools in Ilase had been closed by the state government because of the terror activities, he noted that the hoodlums had engaged in consistent sporadic shootings.

He added, "We are not satisfied with the physical attacks on the APC members and supporter, the opposition also went ahead to set the shop of Ade, popularly called Gereko on fire in Ilase and destroyed many properties.

"On Friday, March 13th, the APC had a rally in Ilase, Obokun Local Government and ‎we discovered that the banner around the rostrum had been purportedly torn by Fadahunsi's thugs."

Responding to the allegations, the spokesperson for Fadahushi Campaign Organisation, Mr. Sola Olowoye, alleged that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, were also attacked in the area.

He said, "The truth is that, Mr. Jumoke Ogunkeyede, an indigene of Ilase, with about 10 men working for APC, descended on one of the drivers working with Fadahunshi campaign organisation, who was pasting posters and beat him up.

"The allegations that Fadahunshi's men are attacking APC in Ilase is unfounded and can only emanate from the domain of a party that has lost touch with the grass roots."

Read more at: http://dailytimes.com.ng/osun-apc-decries-attacks-on-supporters/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Polls: APC Declares Three-Day Fasting, Prayer‎

Polls: APC Declares Three-Day Fasting, Prayer

By Sodiq Adekunle 4:00 am March 25, 2015

Osun State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared three days fasting and prayers for peaceful election in the country.

This was contained in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, on Tuesday. The party appealed to all citizens of the state and Nigeria in general to observe the fasting and prayer for God's intervention in the country.

The statement read in part, "An appeal has been made to all citizens of the State of Osun to use the last three (3) days before Saturday's presidential elections, (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) to fast and pray so that God will grant the burning desire for change in Nigeria from misery, poverty, corruption, unemployment and insecurity.

"The people should prepare themselves to vote for progress and significant development that the APC offered, if elected to office, in the coming elections.

"It is important to fast and pray, so that evil machinations will stop as soon as the people of Nigeria decide with the power of their votes. Also, the people should pray for strength to w‎ithstand the dirty tricks in trying to disrupt the election."

The party admonished people not to be frightened by the presence of security ‎people (the police especially), saying they are law enforcement officers and not terrorists.

He said, "Everybody should stand firm on election day and vote massively for their choice. They should then peacefully stay around to protect their votes and hear the results at their polling units.

"They should be prepared spiritually and physically to exercise their voting right freely, and also defend their votes from political thieves and vagabonds."

Read more at: http://dailytimes.com.ng/polls-apc-declares-three-day-fasting-prayer%e2%80%8e/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Jonathan’s Endorsement Divides Osun Monarchs

Jonathan's Endorsement Divides Osun Monarchs

By Sodiq Adekunle 4:24 am March 25, 2015

Traditional rulers in ‎Osun State are divided over the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade Okunade and some other monarchs.

It would be recalled that the Ooni of Ife had ordered some traditional rulers in the state to back Jonathan, and pray for his re-election bid.

But, on Tuesday, some monarchs at the Akirun of Ikirun palace conference hall, in Ikirun, disagreed with the notion of endorsing Jonathan.

They also faulted the alleged 'rain of dollar' on some traditional rulers that attended the visit of Jonathan to the Ooni's palace.

They, however, asked the people of the state to cast their votes according to their conscience and not on the consideration of monetary basis. ‎

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the ‎ Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olayiwola Adedeji II, said that governance should be the concern of traditional rulers for the country to grow.

He said: "It was also alleged that in the process, huge amount of hard currency was doled out to the traditional rulers. This has become the general talk in the public domain and the general impression is that all traditional rulers in Osun State, without exception, were involved.

"Consequently, our subjects have been accosting us, demanding our explanation for engaging in such an act and with that we have decided to make it clear to the public that not all traditional rulers were involved in these act.

"‎‎Our main concern is good governance,that will bring life more abundant to our people,as the saying goes, the glory of a king is the welfare of his people.‎"

‎He further appealed to politicians and law enforcement agencies to ensure peace reign, noting that unwarranted arrest should be avoided.

He added, "‎We therefore call on our people to vote according to their conscience and not on consideration of monetary greft and also appeal to the politicians to play the game according to the rule devoid of violence and other forms of foul play."

Among the traditional rulers who negated Jonathan's endorsement include: Akirun of Ikirun,Oba Olayiwola Olawale Adedeji II; Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Abioye Oyebode Oluronke; Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal; Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Fasikun; Elende of Eko-Ende, Oba Rauf Adebayo Olaniyan; Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Kelani Adekeye Oyedare; Onirun of Oke-Irun, Oba Isaac Adetoyi Adetunlurese; and Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye Oyagbodun‎.

Read more at: http://dailytimes.com.ng/jonathans-endorsement-divides-osun-monarchs/