Sunday, June 22, 2014

EKITI DECIDES, 2014. PDP`s Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose Wins.

Ayo Fayose
By Prince Kelly Udenhulu
(Editor In Chief)
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose has been declared winner of Saturday's election in the state. 
Fayose polled 203,090 votes to defeat the incumbent Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 120, 433 votes.
The candidate of the Labour Party, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele scored 18, 135 votes.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), around 4.22a.m on Sunday, Fayose scored the highest number of votes in all the 16 local governments of the state o emerge winner of the election.

Ado Ekiti, the ekiti state capital, remained calm as the news of INEC declaration of former governor Ayodele Fayose as winner of saturday's governorship poll filtered in.
Most residents were still in their sleep when the result of the election was announced.
About 56.34 per cent of the total votes cast in the Ekiti governorship poll were secured by Mr Ayodele Fayose, of the PDP, going by official results.
He scored 203,090 out of the 360,485 total votes cast during the election. Incumbent governor Kayode Fayemi got 33.41 per cent, going by the official figure released by INEC.
Before announcing election resukts, an admixture of jubilation and suspense trailed the ranks of the three frontline candidates in the governorship election conducted in Ekiti State on Saturday. 
Loud News Today observed mixed feelings in the camps of incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC); former Governor Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Honourable Micahel Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party (LP) at the close of  balloting.

Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, was agog with celebration as some of the residents, who found the election result favourable, trooped to the streets to celebrate it. 
Although the election was largely peaceful, the presence of law enforcement agents created further security for the election, which saw a large turnout of voters in all parts of the state. 
Reports from other major cities spread across the 16 local government areas in the state also indicated subdued celebrations, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) awaits collated results from the three senatorial districts in the state to make official announcement.
Some of the council areas that witnessed celebrations included Ado Ekiti, Ekiti South West, Ise/Orun and Emure, with the jubilant crowd shouting the slogan of one of the candidates of the party. 
While the supporters of some key political gladiators in the state were effusive with joy, the loyalists of others betrayed emotion through mournful looks. 
A lot of them were seen in clusters discussing in hushed tones on the election, which generated much public interest as the nation prepares for 2015 general election. 
As at the press time on Saturday, some parts of the state had been turned into a epicenter of pulsating celebrations withlaw enforcement agencies still keeping surveillance on the city, just as police helicopter remained on regular reconnaissance.
There were no cases of breach of public peace throughout the duration, neither was there any official report of such in the election which began with accreditation of voters by 8 a.m. while voting commenced at 12.30p.m.
Apart from parts of Ado-Ekiti, there was no obvious presence of soldiers in other cities during the election, but regular and riot-policemen, as well as members of other security agencies and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were on ground in virtually everywhere.
None of the candidates complained about the distribution of materials as they all commended INEC for the early distribution of electoral materials and availability of necessary tools for the election. 
Fayemi commends INEC, decries arrest of APC members.

Ekiti State governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, Dr Kayode Fayemi,  described as the election as “peaceful,” and commended INEC for the early arrival of election materials in the various polling units in the state. 
Governor Fayemi, who spoke with newsmen after casting his vote at unit 001, Ogilolo ward, Isan-Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area of the state, however, decried the late arrival of security men at some polling centres in the state. 
According to him, the early commencement of accreditation was an improvement over Anambra election, noting that, “if things continue like this, its a good sign for Nigeria.”
The governor decried what he described as “the indiscriminate arrest of members of APC,” saying this was not good for democracy.
He condemned those he described as “busy body” whom he said had no business in the election but going about on streets with security people to harass the people.
He said, “We are concerned that some people who don’t have anything to do with this election are going about with security men intimidating us. I have reported them to the appropriate authorities and I hope those concerned would be checked.”
The governor also condemned the arrest of some journalists by security men and escorted out of the state, saying it was a dent on the nation’s democracy.
Governor Fayemi said the duty of journalists was to inform the people about the election, saying stopping them from doing their work was unconstitutional.
He said journalists, the world over, operated without borders, adding that they should not have been stopped in the performance of their work.
He, however, encouraged the people not to be deterred but to vote and stand by their votes.
“This is the right time to speak with their votes and reject what they don’t want.”
His wife, Erelu Bisi, also commended the timely commencement of the exercise, but lamented the influx of those she said had nothing to do in the electoral process.
An observer with Department of International Development (DFID), Mrs Fagboyo Margaret, described the exercise as a great improvement over past elections in the country.
She noted that accreditation started early in areas such as Ido, Oloje, Isan and Ado visited by her team. “What we saw is an improvement over past elections,” she added.  
Fayose  alleges purchase of votes, says ‘I leave everything to God’
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Mr AyĆ² Fayose, decried what he alleged was the purchase of votes in the election. 
Fayose, who spoke after casting his ballot at his Afao ward in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, alleged that “A deputy governor and a former governor of the state were going round with cash”, alleging that they were inducing voters. 
He said, “I’ve done my civic duty, but I am very disturbed by the level of violence and I am equally disturbed by the level of money being shared at the polling units. This is alien to our democracy. I’m surprised that a deputy governor and a former governor can be going from one polling unit to another, carrying cash, and in some cases, they’ll give you a phone to use the camera to show how you cast your vote, you show them the picture and they give you money.”
He described the development as “unfortunate,” saying “money in this game will destroy so many things and destroy our future.” 
On his chances in the election, Fayose said, “I have remained in my house and I have left everything to God. Whicever way it goes, I have taken it that every good gift comes from God Almighty. I have put in my best in the campaigns and I will now leave the rest to God.”  
Bamidele expresses satisfaction, commends heavy security presence.

After voting at Eyelori compound unit 003 in Ekiti ward four, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Honourable Opeyemi Bamidele, expressed satisfaction with the process of the election.
He told newsmen that “For now, I am okay with the situation. The accreditation of voters was peaceful, the turnout encouraging and I hope the situation would continue like this and make the whole process credible in the long run. There has not been any reported case of our people being harassed or intimidated. I am hoping that we will get to the end of the exercise still feeling satisfied with the process.”
Speaking on the heavy presence of security men in the state for the election, Bamidele said it was “the right thing to do,” noting that “anyone who was here in Ekiti during the last 90 days of campaign and saw what happened will see a justification in the massive deployment of security agencies in Ekiti for this election.”
He, however, noted that “As a democrat, I really believe that it is a tragic aspect of the growth of our democracy. This is a democracy that has remained nascent for too long,” saying, “bringing soldiers to come and participate in the electoral process only goes to show the extent of growth of our democracy. It is not just about Ekiti, it is about us as a people and as a nation. 
“At best, what we have can be described as a civilian rule. This is not democracy in the real sense of it but the transition to democracy has just begun. But the civilian rule we have is much better than the military rule that we all rose up against, but hopefully we will be able to attain the level of democracy where we  cast our votes on the streets and the soldiers will remain in the barracks.”
Violence at Iyin Ekiti.

There was violence between supporters of Peoples Democratic (PDP) and All Progressives Party (APC) at 007 polling unit, Odole Compound, Iyin-Ekiti, Ifelodu/Irepodu Local Government area of the state.
Sunday Tribune gathered that party thugs loyal to APC tried to prevent voters, especially from opposition parties, from being accredited.  
The timely intervention of the officials of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and operatives of the Department of State Securitym (DSS) saved the situation.
The PDP agent at the polling unit, Faromika Ayodeji, alleged that the Chairman of Ifelodu/Irepodu Local Government Area, Iyin-Ekiti, General Oluafemi Tajudeen (retd), who mounted the polling unit, tried to prevent those he identified as members of opposition parties from  doing accreditation.
He said specifically that Tajudeen was not allowing electorate loyal to the PDP to be accredited.
Ayodeji also complained that as an agent, he did not know the number of accredited voters.
The chairman, however, refuted the allegation, saying he only intervened in trying to resolve the crisis that erupted at the polling unit.
Also, an APC party agent, Awe Nurudeen Olawale, insisted that his party was not responsible for the crisis.   
Deputy Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Evans Ewurum, who led his men to the scene advised Tajudeen and other parties in dispute not to allow the situation to escalate, saying the election should not be seen as a do or die affair.
He warned that the Federal Government had invested so much in the election, noting that it should be a test-case for 2015 election and that individuals or group would not be allowed to disrupt the exercise.  

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Impressive Turnout Of Voters As Ekiti Goes To Poll.

Voters
Prince Kelly Udebhulu.
(Editor In Chief).

Ekiti voters turned out en mass on Saturday for accreditation as the state’s governorship election got under way amidst tight security.

The Loud News Today`s correspondents monitoring the exercise across the state report that many voters had queued as early as 6.30 a.m. waiting to be accredited.

In Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, voters, including the elderly and people in crutches, were seen trooping to the various polling units carrying food flasks of various sizes.

In Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, voters, including the elderly and people in crutches, were seen trooping to the various polling units carrying food flasks of various sizes.

The Loud News Today reports that at Unit 1 at St Michael Primary School in Ado-Ekiti, anxious voters were already in the queue as accreditation commenced at exactly 8 a.m.

At Unit 4, Unit 11 Owena, Ijigbo Roundabout Polling Unit and Unit 10 at Assumpta, all in the state capital, there was a large turnout of voters for the accreditation.

Market women were sighted trooping out to the Ojaoba Market where many of them were said to have registered.

At the Oke Agbe Farm Settlement 2 Polling Unit near the INEC office in the state capital, the exercise, which started at 8 a.m., witnessed a huge turnout of electorate for registration, with many of them checking their names on the pasted list of voters.

Across many council areas of the state, the accreditation exercise also witnessed a massive turnout of voters.
At Okilolo Polling Unit in Isan Ekiti, Gov. Kayode Fayemi’s hometown, INEC officials and materials arrived early with accreditation commencing at about 8.30 a.m.

The Loud News Today reports that a 90-year-old farmer, Elijah Ogunlana, the first to be accredited, was one of the many elderly voters accredited.

The physically challenged also turned out for the exercise at the polling unit.

At Unit 001, St David Primary School in Afao-Ekiti, the home town of PDP flag bearer, Mr Ayo Fayose, accreditation was going on smoothly with massive turnout.

In Units 004 and Adeosun in Afao-Ekiti, many voters had been accredited while INEC officials were seen waiting for other voters.

At Eiyelori Polling Unit in Iyin Ekiti, the home town of Labour Party candidate, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, there was also a huge turnout.

In Odole Polling Unit 1 and Ojoku Polling Unit 1, 50 and 100 voters respectively were in the queue waiting for accreditation as early as 6.30 a.m.

A massive turn-out was also registered at Agba Akin unit as well as Oluko 1 and 2 polling units, all in Iyin Ekiti.

The Loud News Today further reports that at Ifaki, the home town of former Gov. Olusegun Oni and Sen. Olubunmi Adetunbi of the APC, accreditation commenced peacefully on schedule.

At Oriolodo Ward 2 Unit 006 where Oni was accredited at about 9.30a.m. the former governor expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout.
Adetunbi, who was also accredited at his Koko Ward 1 Unit 003, confirmed that the exercise was peaceful.
In Oye-Ekiti, where Sen Ayo Arise hails from, there was an impressive turnout as voters queued up for the exercise.
Arise, who was accredited at Ward 1 Unit 4, Imogun Ilemio Quarters, commended INEC and security agents over the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

In Ikole Local Government Area, accreditation commenced at 8 a.m. amidst tight security and large turnout of eligible voters.

The units visited include 2, Ologede, 6, 16, 17 and Ward 5, all in Ikole.

Also at the Olaofe Compound Polling Unit 003 in Are, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area, more than 200 voters were in the queue as at 9.a.m.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

SHOCKING- How Misdiagnosis Of Cancer Led To Dora Akunyili’s Death-TheCable


Mrs Dora Akunyili
By TheCable Nigeria

When Mrs Dora Nkem Akunyili was the Zonal Secretary (South-east) of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund in 1998, Nigerian doctors gave her what many of her family members considered to be a health scare. They said she had a growth and needed surgery.

Akunyili, then 44, decided to travel to the United States, first to get a second opinion and then undergo the prescribed surgery. The bill for the medical trip was $17,000, including $12,000 for the surgery.

During pre-surgery check-up in the US, the doctors told her the Nigerian doctors had made a wrong diagnosis and that she did not need any surgery. It was said to be a minor issue that medication would solve.

She thanked the doctors and, to their surprise, said she was going to return the money meant for the surgery to PTF. 
That was strange. Nigerian government officials had devised a way of making sure such monies were not returned to the treasury.

The hospital informed the PTF, under the leadership of Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, about one honest Nigerian they had found. Buhari, himself a straightforward person, was very impressed. He wrote a letter to Akunyili commending her honesty.

NAFDAC.

Then came 2001. President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to appoint a director-general for the National Agency for Drug and Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and asked for the recommendation of an honest Nigerian pharmacist. Akunyili’s name promptly came up. Someone who had heard about her PTF record recommended her.

There was a little problem, a Nigerian problem. Objections were raised that the minister of health, Prof. ABC Nwosu, was an Igbo from Anambra State and NAFDAC, being a powerful agency under the ministry, should not be headed by another Igbo from Anambra.

It was also argued that the market for fake and substandard products were controlled by the Igbo, with Onitsha – also in Anambra State – a major centre for the illicit business. She was going to protect “her people”, the antagonists said.

Obasanjo, stubborn to the cause,  ignored the observations and appointed her. She went on to do a credible job and ended up as one of the most outstanding public officers in Nigeria’s history, celebrated locally and globally. She had lost a sister to fake drugs, and that was perhaps the impetus she needed to go on the offensive.

Misdiagnosis.

Meanwhile, Akunyili always went abroad for check-ups and she was always given an all-clear. She continued to look robust and energetic, and took up another government job as minister of information and communications. But on July 13, 2013, something strange happened to her. She was preparing to travel to the United States to receive an award. The following day was her birthday. Her 59th, precisely. Then she fell ill. She was physically weak and having pains. She decided to go ahead with her trip and attend to her health in the United States.

It was while she was there that new checks were carried out. Alas, she had cancer. The original diagnosis in 1998 was right. But the diagnosis at the point of surgery was wrong.

She became seriously ill and there were fears she could lose her life. She was in the hospital for months and only returned to Nigeria this year when the doctors said she was improving.

Her last public appearance was at the National Conference in Abuja, where she was a delegate. Pictures of a frail-looking Akumyili soon went viral on the internet.

TheCable could not ascertain the type of cancer, but there are several reports pinpointing cervical – and some claim it was ovarian. Globally, cervical cancer is the second most common and the fifth deadliest cancer in women, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Akunyili died on June 7, 2014 in India after surviving many death rumours.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

The New Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr.Godwin Emefiele Unveiles his Blueprint for the Nigerian Economy.

Godwin Emefiele
The new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Thursday - 5th of June 2014, unveiled his blueprint for the economy stating that he would, through his vision for the country create a central bank that is professional, apolitical and people focused.
Emefiele while addressing journalists at the apex Bank headquarters in Abuja, said he would reposition the apex bank into an institution that would dissipate its energies into building a resilient financial system that will serve the growth and development needs of the country.
He said, “My vision for the bank would be anchored on 10 agenda, which would help the apex bank reduce poverty, create jobs and ensure macro economic stability."
“The agenda are to pursue a gradual reduction in key interest rates and include unemployment rate in monetary policy decisions; maintain exchange rate stability and aggressively shore up foreign exchange reserves; and strengthen risk-based supervision mechanism of Nigerian banks to ensure overall health and banking stability.”Others according to him, are to, "build up sector-specific expertise in banking supervision to reflect loan concentration of the banking industry; to consider and announce measures to effectively address the anomaly in macro-prudential space; abolish fees associated with limits on deposits and reconsider ongoing practice in which fees associated with limits on withdrawals accrue to banks alone."
The rest are, "to introduce a broad spectrum of financial instruments to boost specific enterprise areas in agriculture, manufacturing, health and oil and gas; establish Secured Transaction and National Collateral Registry that will improve access to information on borrowers and assist lenders to make good credit decisions; build resilient financial infrastructure that will serve the need of the lower end of the market, especially those without collateral as well as renew vigorous advocacy for the creation of commercial course for quick adjudication of almost and related offences."

Monday, June 2, 2014

BREAKING NEWS!!! Spain's King Juan Carlos to abdicate in favour of son.

king carlos

Loud News Today-Madrid--King Juan Carlos of Spain has announced his intention to abdicate, after nearly 40 years on the throne.

"A new generation must be at the forefront... younger people with new energies," the 76-year-old king said in a televised address.

His son, Crown Prince Felipe, 45, will take over the throne.

The first announcement about the abdication came from Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who told reporters: "His Majesty King Juan Carlos has just informed me of his desire to renounce the throne and begin the process of succession."

Later, the king himself said in a televised address that it was time for a "new era" in which a new generation could take on the transformations and reforms required.

He said his son, Prince Felipe, had the maturity and preparation to be king.

Felipe would presumably take the title Felipe IV. He has a law degree from Madrid's Autonomous University and obtained a mastersin international relations from Georgetown University in the United States.
Felipe is married to Princess Letizia, a former television journalist, and they have two daughters.
filipe

For much of his reign, Juan Carlos was seen as one of the world's most popular monarchs, but recently many Spaniards have lost confidence in him.

His reputation has been tarnished by a long-running corruption investigation into the business dealings of his daughter and her husband.

King Juan Carlos, 76, has had health problems in recent years
Support for the king fell further when it was discovered he had been on a lavish elephant hunting trip to Botswana in April 2012, in the middle of Spain's financial crisis.