Monday, 31 October 2011

Court dismisses suit challenging primaries

Capt. Idris I. Wada(Approved PDP Aspirant)

An Abuja High Court on Monday dismissed a suit filed by Jibril Isa challenging his removal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its candidate for the December 3 governorship election in Kogi.

Justice Sunday Aladetoyinbo, who delivered judgment, held that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The judge also held that all the facts that Mr Isa called on the court to adjudicate upon happened in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Aladetoyinbo further held that against that backdrop, the suit ought to have been filed in Lokoja. Similarly, he held that Isa’s suit was an abuse of court process.

He said that Isa could not file the same suit in a Federal High Court and another in the Abuja High Court at the same time.

Besides, the judge held that Isa did not explore “any internal remedies” before going to court, even as he told the court that he also participated in the same primary of September 22, but lost.

The judge said that there was evidence to show that Isa signed that he would not go to court against any decision of PDP.

Isa had asked the court to declare the nomination of Captain Idris Wada, whom the PDP substituted his name with, as null and void.

He urged the court to hold that his nomination as candidate in January primaries should be validated and cancel that which the PDP conducted in September to replace him.

Isa had said that the only condition that would warrant a candidate’s substitution was as a result of death or willful withdrawal.

Speaking to newsmen after the judgment, counsel to Mr Wada, described the action of Isa as “desperate.”

“This amounts to litigation prostitution. He filed the same suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja and quickly ran to the FCT High Court to file another.

Also speaking, Okore Okuyebo, counsel to the PDP, told journalists that a Federal High Court did not validate the primary conducted by the party in January.

In that primary, the plaintiff won but could not be presented as the candidate because the tenure of incumbent governor Ibrahim Idris was still running.

“This is a decision also upheld by the Court of Appeal. The court’s judgment is a sound one. It examined whether the plaintiff is entitled to the relief he sought.

“The court looked at the exhibit, that is the judgment of Federal High Court and said no,” Mr Okuyebo said.

Neither Isa nor his counsel, Chris Uche was present in court for the judgment.

http://www.234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/5746669-147/court_dismisses_suit_challenging_primaries.csp

Thursday, 27 October 2011

Who is Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi?

Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi

ARC. ABAYOMI SUNDAY BENJAMIN AWONIYI

Abayomi Sunday Benjamin Awoniyi was born to the family of Chief Sunday B. Awoniyi of Mopa in Mopamuro local Government Area of Kogi State on the 4th of September, 1960.

SCHOOLS:
Fondly known as Yomi, he attended various primary schools before ending up at Adeola Model School Offa, Kwara State where he obtained the First School Leaving Certificate in 1970.

In 1971 he enrolled at Government Secondary School Okene (now Abdulazeez Atta Memorial College) for his secondary education. He later transferred to the famous Barewa College, Zaria where in 1976 he obtained the West African School Certificate, passing in Division One.
From Barewa College Yomi proceeded to the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and thereafter, was admitted to the Department of Architecture of the same University. He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master of Science degree in Architecture in 1983. To cap this he proceeded to the prestigious University College, London and graduated with Master of Science degree in Urban Development Planning 1984.

CAREER
Upon completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps in 1985, Arc Abayomi Sunday Benjamin Awoniyi worked with Architects Group Practice in Lagos. In 1988 he became a member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. That same year he became a partner at a firm of Architects - Awoniyi Associates and to date has many residential and institutional building designs and construction to his credit.

He is a director of a number of companies including Boja Industries Limited – an industrial packaging and plastic manufacturing company located in Mopa, Candid Oil Services Limited, Bold Concept Construction Company Limited and Howas Services Limited.

POLITICAL AND PUBLIC SECTOR ACTIVITIES
From the onset of this democratic dispensation in 1998/1999, Yomi Awoniyi has been actively involved in politics under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party. He contested for the Senate seat of Kogi West Senatorial District but lost during the PDP Primaries held on 2nd December 2006. He displaced uncommon sportsmanship by being the first to congratulate the winner. He went on to be an active supporter of the winner and participated robustly in ensuring a second term victory for the senator.

In 2000, he was appointed by the Federal Government, to the pioneer Board of the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority and was Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Board.

In 2005, he was again, appointed to the Management Board of the University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin and served on various committees of the Board.

In 2009 he was retained in Ilorin and appointed to Management Board of the Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State. He was Chairman of the Staff Welfare Development Committee, until all Federal Government Boards were dissolved in October 2011.

Yomi was appointed Member of the Presidential Project Assessment Committee (PPAC) on the 4th March 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan. The committee, a special one, is responsible for preparing an inventory of all on-going Federal Government Projects and looking into value for money issues. It is charged with the task of assessing the components of all projects with a view to fast tracking their delivery as envisioned in the underlining government objective and policy.

PHILANTHROPY
To give bite to his philanthropic spirit, he founded the Yomi Awoniyi Organization which is involved in provision of scholarships to students in institutions of higher learning and making available micro credit facilities.

I appreciation of his contribution to his community, in 2006, the Elulu of Mopaland conferred on him the honourary title - Lisa of Mopa.

He is a member of a number of professional bodies including the Nigeria Institute of Architects, the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and the Nigeria Institute of Management.

Yomi is married and blessed with three wonderful children

HOBBIES
Yomi’s hobbies include
Reading management books and biographies Squash Badminton

Who is Captain Idris Ichala Wada?

Captain Idris Ichala Wada

CAPTAIN IDRIS ICHALLA WADA

BIRTH
Idris Ichalla Wada was born in Dekina on the 26th day of August 1950 to Alhaji Ejiga Wada of Odu in Dekina Local Government Area and the late Hajia Rakiya Wada, of Odu in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

His father, Alhaji Ejiga Wada is a renowned community leader and a retired jurist who served for over 30 years as a judge in different parts of Kogi state.

His late mother, Hajia Rakiya Wada was a devoted housewife, mother and trader who worked hard to see to the stability of the home and the proper upbringing of the children.

SCHOOLS

Captain Wada’s quest for the proverbial Golden Fleece began in the 1950’s when he was enrolled into Primary School in Dekina for his primary education. In 1963 he was admitted to the famous Government Secondary School Dekina for his post primary education.

At Dekina Idris Ichalla Wada built a reputation for himself as an excellent all-rounder. He was not only a keen sportsman but also a brilliant academic. The one earned him the post of games prefect while his brilliance shone through in his West African School Certificate examination where he scored the best cumulative aggregate score any student could ever garner in the WAEC exam, an aggregate 6 distinction. This earned him a scholarship to study at the Federal Government College Sokoto where in 1970 he earned the Higher School Certificate, again passing in flying colours.

Given his academic pedigree, the choices of career paths available to Captain Wada were many. His first instinct was to follow his dream of becoming a doctor to fulfil his desire of helping to alleviate human suffering. Devine providence was however to point him in the direction of flying.

In recognition of his outstanding performance in the Higher School Certificate examination at the Federal Government College Sokoto, Idris Wada was awarded an International Civil Aviation scholarship, the only Nigerian in his set to be so honoured. With this his romance with flying began.

In 1970 he enrolled at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre to begin his training. He was in Zaria till 1972 when he moved to the Air Services Training College, Perth, Scotland for the next phase of his training. Still in continuation of his training, in 1973 he moved to Burnside-ott Aviation College, Opa-Locka Airport Miami, Florida. It was in Florida that in 1976 he received his Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATP), thus becoming a full-fledged pilot and instructor.

Before obtaining the ATP licence in 1976 however, he had obtained the Aviation Diploma, Commercial Pilot- CPL-IR & ME Rating in 1972; Qualified Flying Instructor Certificate (QFI) in 1973; and the Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Course (CFII) also in 1973.

In the course of his flying career, Captain Wada received the Fokker – F28 Aircraft Type Rating Certificate in 1978; Boeing 727 Aircraft Type Rating Certificate in 1979; Boeing 737 Aircraft Type Rating Certificate in 1980; Boeing 707 Aircraft Type Rating Certificate in 1984; Douglas DC8 Aircraft Type Rating in 1987; Hawker Siddely HS-125 Type Rating Certificate in 1993; BAC 1-11 Aircraft Type Rating Certificate, 1999 and Dornier-228 Aircraft Type Rating Certificate, 2002.

His aviation qualifications include:
Nigerian Airline Transport pilot Licence No. 992 British Airline Transport pilot Licence No. 104990 USA/FAA Air Transport Rating NO. 2223411 Qualified Flight Instructor Rating (QFI) – UK Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (QFFI) – USA Aerobatic Instructor Rating –UK Airline Training Captain – Nigeria Certified Flight Examiner – UK, Nigeria.
Refusing to limit himself to the world of aviation, Captain Wada obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Business Administration in 2004 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2006, both of them from the University of Abuja.

CAREER

Idris Ichalla Wada’s working career began at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, in 1973 where at the age of 23 he became a Flight Instructor. In 1978 he joined the now the defunct Nigeria Airways and had attained the rank of “Captain-in-Command” by the time he left in 1983.

That same year he joined United Air Service as Chief Pilot and General Manager. He served in those capacities till 1985 when he left to establish and nurture Executive Aviation Services (EAS) Nig Ltd. EAS as the brand was known, operated as a cargo airline servicing various destinations across the globe. It was later in 1993 to metamorphose into EAS Airline Ltd, an executive charter airline which subsequently transited into the world of passenger operations and ultimately became NICON Airways in 2006.

Between 1988 and 1992 Captain Wada was Managing Director of EAS Airline Ltd (UK). In 1993 he became Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EAS Airlines Limited which had now branched into passenger operations. When in 2006 EAS Airlines became NICON Airways Limited following a fusion with NICON Insurance, Captain Wada became Executive Vice Chairman of the organization. He bowed out of active involvement in commercial aviation early in 2008 to focus on community service and attend to his other businesses. He currently sits on the board of various companies, including: Allport UK Ltd, Horizon Construction Ltd, Peace Microfinance Bank amongst others.

PUBLIC ASSIGNMENTS

Captain Wada has served as chairman or member of several Nigerian Government Aviation Policy Development and Review Committees. He has delivered several lectures and made several presentations at aviation seminars in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

He is a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) and Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). He has been Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Tech.) Potiskum, Yobe State since 2008.

He was:
Chairman, Ministerial Committee on Airline Operations - 2006 Chairman NCAA Implementation Committee on Airline operations for ICAO Audit 2006 Vice Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria 2000-2007
Captain Wada is a devout Muslim, a loving husband and a caring father. He is an avid golfer and tennis player, and a staunch supporter of Manchester United. He loves music and is very passionate about reading.

Our Mission

“Our mission in Kogi State” -

MY GOAL

“My primary goal in seeking the mandate of the people of Kogi State is to contribute to realizing a State that is socially responsive, economically viable and politically stable with a view to achieving an enduring solidarity and unity among the people. I shall thrive to forge a common identity through the building of a caring and sharing society which is inclusive and harmonious where the wellbeing, livelihood, and welfare of the people are enhanced. I shall address the state’s aspirations to lift the quality of life of the people through activities that are geared towards the promotion of sustainable development and social justice.”
Based on the above believe, together with all of you, we shall strive to assiduously implement the under listed programmes.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Poverty remains entrenched in Kogi State where 85 percent of the rural population lives below poverty line. In rural areas, poverty is highest among households that work in agriculture. At the same time, agriculture, which employs an average of 80 % of the people in the State is characterized by low productivity, and thus has not provided real employment, income and food security to the majority of the population in rural areas especially women.
Significant opportunities for income generation and employment creation exist in the agricultural and rural sectors in the State. However, to translate these opportunities into reality, bold measures are required to transform agricultural practices from low productivity traditional system to high value integrated agro-enterprises. In transforming the sector, a new cadre of agri-entrepreneurs with new skills and global market vision are needed. The next PDP government if given the mandate by the grace of God is strategically envisioned to achieve this mandate.
The drudgery associated with agriculture which discourages youths will be drastically reduced in order to make it attractive. In this regard, about 100 hectares of farm land will be cleared in each LGA which would be leased to individuals and or cooperative societies empowered to own and operate tractors. Agriculture would be operated as a commercial venture to get us out of the endemic low productivity by replicating the Kwara State-Zimbabwean farming model. We will subsidize and distribute basic agro inputs especially fertilizer, train and retrain agricultural worker to become agents of Change in the agricultural sector of the state.

The expected output of this revolution will not be allowed to waste as we shall partner with the private sector to establish viable agro industries that will add value to crops such as cassava, maize, beniseed and rice to which Kogi State has comparative advantage. In addition, fisheries and livestock will receive the required boost.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Majority of our people live in rural areas. In order to make these areas economically viable, socially and culturally interactive, and politically relevant, we will concentrate on the task of construction of all year round motor able roads to most rural communities in the state. Other facilities like electricity, water supply, health care etc will also be provided.

THE CIVIL SERVICE
Our goal is to establish an effective, efficient, transparent, responsive and accountable civil service systems through increased capacity-building, enhancement of public human resource competencies among bureaucracies, and increased collaboration among other civil and public servants. The civil service is the engine room of any government. If given the opportunity to govern this state in 2012, civil servants will be protected from the vagaries of politics as hard working and honest ones will be adequately rewarded while corrupt and dishonest ones will be punished according to the law. We will ensure that we have a quality civil service through trainings and retraining. The Federal Civil Service of Nigeria is today considered as a model for most states in the country. We shall thrive to domesticate those best practices in the areas of advancements, promotions, appointments and remunerations. In the same vein, retirees as senior citizens will be given special attention through prompt payment of gratuities and pensions.

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Our urban centres and cities are fast becoming slumps due to either lack of proper planning or interferences on existing plans. Towards this end the Lokoja master plan recently commissioned will be strictly adhered to, while all our local government headquarters shall be considered urban centres in addition to the emerging towns like Anyigba, Egume, Ejule, Gegu- beki,Ihima, Ayetoro-gbede and Egbe. These towns and cities will be given the required face lift and attention to avoid environmentally related disasters. On housing, we will pursue the construction of 2000 housing units in Lokoja and the LGA headquarters.

EDUCATION
We will ensure the integration of education into our development agenda by creating knowledge based society; achieving universal access to primary education; promoting early child care and development; and enhancing awareness of youths through education and activities in order to build a Kogi identity that will be based on friendship and cooperation.
Thus our priority is to eradicate illiteracy by ensuring compulsory primary education for all and to promote gender equality in education, through advocating for equal opportunity regardless of social class, background or physical disabilities. We hope to have improvements in the quality and adaptability of education, through technical/vocational/skills acquisition training for teaching staff and students. We will Undertake periodic reviews of the various state scholarship programmes for the students.
In other to provide a solid foundation for the industrialization of the state and Nigeria, science and ICT education shall be given priority. All the existing science secondary schools and related tertiary institutions will be adequately equipped and funded to provide the needed drive in our industrialization agenda. A new comprehensive secondary school with boarding facilities will be established in Lokoja as the present science secondary school has been over stressed. We will strive to renovate all our dilapidated secondary schools in order to make teaching and learning conducive. Facilities at the Kogi State University, Anyigba will be expanded to cope with ever increasing demands for admission. More courses will be added while existing ones will continue to receive the required accreditation. Graduates of Kogi State origin will be empowered to go for further studies through scholarships as the products will become the academic staff of our tertiary institutions.

HEALTH CARE DELIVERY
Our primary objective here is to ensure access to adequate and affordable healthcare, medical services and medicine, and promote healthy lifestyles for the people of the state. We shall deliberately promote investments in primary health care infrastructure in a rational manner in order to ensure adequate financing and social protection for the poor and marginalized populations for better access to services in our efforts to achieve health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Specifically, existing General Hospitals in the state will be comprehensively renovated and equipped in order to provide the needed services to the people. More medical personnel will be engaged and encouraged to work in rural areas through incentives. We will remain committed to all externally funded health programmes in order to bring qualitative health care delivery closer to the people.

YOUTH EMPOWEREMENT AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION
Youths are the leaders and elders of tomorrow. As people that will take over the mantle of leadership from us, they should as a matter of necessity, be trained, nurtured and groomed for the challenges ahead. Our envisaged programmes,in agriculture, education and health are all geared towards youths empowerment and job creation. Specifically, we shall establish vocation training centres and other specialized institutes that will carter for the interest of youths – boys and girls, in schools and out of schools.

TOURISM
Kogi State has a lot of potentials for tourism as relics of our founding fathers are abound in the state. These will be protected and made attractive for tourists. The beaches of the river Niger will be cleaned up to make it attractive for investors in the tourist industry. The five star hotels currently under construction at the beach hotel site shall be completed to provide first class services to tourists and investors coming to the state. There will be concerted efforts towards the promotion of cultural creativity and industry in order to enhance our identity and togetherness.

SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT
Kogi State is home to solid minerals like iron and steel, coal, limestone etc. we will join voices with our legislators to mount pressure on the Federal Government to actualize the dreams of setting up the iron and steel industry at Itakpe and Ajaokuta. Reputable and viable investors shall be encouraged to harness the potentials that abound in the coal and limestone industry in the State. As a State, we shall protect our people’s interest in exploitation of these mineral resources.

Friday, 21 October 2011

Capt. Wada/Arc. Awoniyi

Wada/Awoniyi Ticket Enjoys unalloyed Support Across all Zones in Kogi State – Comrade Adeyemi

The Co-ordinator, House2House Network for Transformation and a spokesman for the Wada/Awoniyi Campaign Organisation, Comrade Adeyemi Olabode Olusegun, in an exclusive chat with KogiReports expressed confidence that the Wada/Awoniyi will take Kogi State to the next level.

Comrade Adeyemi said this after the House2House Network’s stakeholder meeting in Lokoja.

The highly effective comrade stated that the wide acceptance of the Wada/Awoniyi ticket the three senatorial districts shows the confidence the people of Kogi State have in them to make Kogi State an enviable state.

According to comrade Adeyemi, “Igalas love Wada with a passion. They feel comfortable with his person and his pedigree. They see him as a worthy Igala son”

“Okun people want a well-refined and an accomplished professional who can defend the interest of Okun people. Arc. Yomi Awoniyi fits in perfectly”

“Okuns believe the choice of Awoniyi will further entrench okun people in the political equation of Kogi State and ensure they don’t return to humiliating and marginalized era as experienced under Audu”

“Okun people want and truly deserve a better than was obtainable under Audu between 1999 and 2003. Audu degrade Okun people throughout his reign. He appointed just one commissioner from the entire Okunland, downgraded Kabba Specialist Hospital and transferred the Specialist Hospital to his village, Ogbonicha”

Comrade Olabode is confident the Wada/Awoniyi ticket will emerge victorious in the December polls. He urged their teeming supporters to remain steadfast.

Wada/Awoniyi Team Grows Stronger

As at January this year, the Kogi State chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was heavily fragmented along different interests. These interest groups nearly tore the party into shreds during and after the January primaries.

After the January primaries two prominent groups emerged – Governor Idris political powerhouse and the popular Kutepa amalgamated group. The Ibro powerhouse produced Isa Jubrin Echocho.

The other camp pushed for cancellation of the January primaries but while the agitation was still raging, the courts extended Ibro’s tenure. The Kutepa camp mounted pressure on the national secretariat of the party on the need for a rerun primaries in Kogi state citing Anambra as a good antecedent.

When INEC rolled out timetable for the governorship elections in Kogi State in line with the electoral act, it fixed September 22, 2011 as the deadline for party primaries. The Kogi state chapter party leadership kicked against a rerun of primaries but after a careful study of the issue the leadership decided to go for a rerun in a bid to unite the party in the state.

Capt. Wada/Arc. Awoniyi on Campaign Tour

Other parties reasoned along the same line. ACN dumped the earlier primaries that produced Professor Yusuf Obaje and called for a fresh process that eventually produced Prince Abubakar Audu. ANPP organised fresh primaries as well. PDP was left with no option than to organise fresh primaries.

Guided by the electoral act and her constitution, PDP called for a fresh primary.

All the aspirants from western senatorial districts withdrew from the race to pave way for Kutepa’s emergence. The winner of the rancourous January primaries, Isa Jubrin Echocho also joined the fray. Echocho, Kutepa and a new entrant, Idris Wada were seen as leading contenders.

Kutepa banked on bloc votes from the Western axis, Echocho hoped to ride on the influence of Kogi representatives in the national assembly while Wada enjoyed the support of politicians who were angered by the rude emergence of Echocho in the botched January primaries.

Kutepa, Echocho, Wada and others bought party nomination forms, passed through the screening process at Lafia and prepared to win the party’s sole ticket.

On Thursday, 22nd September 2011, delegates from all over the state gathered at the Lokoja Township Stadium, venue of the PDP primaries, to elect the party’s candidate for the December 3 governoship elections. As proceedings began, it became obvious that the two powerful groups that emerged after the January primaries are still intact, the Governor Idris powerhouse and the Popular Kutepa Amalgamated group. The only difference was in the governor’s camp – they have resolved to drop Echocho in favour of another party stalwart, Captain Idris Wada.

Capt. Idris I. Wada

Captain Wada vows to curb youth restiveness.
by Julius Atabor

The kogi state governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the December 3 2011 election Captain Idris Ichalla wada has vowed to tackle youths’ restiveness by embarking on massive job creation venture if elected into office.
The PDP Governorship Candidate gave the indication yesterday during a breakfast meeting with the Kogi state chapter of the Nigeria union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja.
Wada noted that youth restiveness which is occasioned by lack of job is one of the major challenges in the state, saying that if elected, he would initiate programmes that will harness their energy and make them useful to the state.

“We would give them vocational training so that they can acquired skill that would make them to be self-employed. Once they are self-employed, they will turn away from restiveness and thuggery” he promised.
The governorship candidate further said he would focus on the development of women by given them 35 percent affirmation, saying that women are important to the development and success of any society hence ignoring them will not help the society.
According to him the inconsistency and lack of policy continuation is the bane of development in the country, assuring that his candidature will afford the state the opportunity to continue with the project initiated by the present administration.

He posited that his administration will focus on agriculture, education, tourism and establishment of small and medium scale enterprise so as to ensure infrastructural development and make the youths productive.

He added that the federal allocation to the state was too meager to ensure serious infrastructural development stressing that he would improve on the state system of taxation in order to improve on the internally generated revenue so as to be able to provide divided of democracy to the people

He called on the people of the state to vote for the PDP’s candidate during the forthcoming governorship as the party has the best candidate for the election and that there is no division in the party.

Opposing Parties "noisemakers" : Governor Ibrahim Idris

Capt Wada I. Idris

Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris has described those opposing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the December 3 gubernatorial election as “empty barrels that make lot of noise.”
The governor, who stated this yesterday while answering questions from newsmen at the State House, Abuja, denied that he had a PDP preferred candidate in the governorship elections. He also clarified that the party’s candidate was his candidate in the elections.

He also dismissed insinuations that there was crisis in the PDP, saying the party was prepared and will win in free and fair elections.

Asked how he was handling the crises that arose when Captain Idris Wada emerged the flag bearer of the party, he replied, “Well, I don’t know what you are talking about but I know there is a candidate for the PDP.

“I don’t have any candidate-as long as they are for PDP they are for my party so I don’t know exactly what you are talking about.”

On how prepared is the party to for the election, the governor said that PDP is fully ready for the election. He noted that “just cool down and see what is going to happen. You know in most cases you find out that empty barrels make lot of noise. Shortly you will know the truth.”

Saturday, 15 October 2011

Captain Idris Wada- A Candidate to beat in 2011 Guber polls

This is as he named Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, the son of Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi former National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum [ACF] as his running mate for the governorship election.

According to Wada, "by the grace of Almighty God I am bold to say that I have been cleared alongside my running mate, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi by the national secretariat of our great party PDP to contest the forthcoming governorship election as the flag bearer of the party for the election".

He then urged his supporters and well-wishers to disregard any reports in the media that he is no longer the flag bearer of the party for the forthcoming governorship election, saying that those pending the rumour want to cause disunity and crisis within the party.

Similarly, he explained that his administration would focus on the development of the educational, health, tourism and youth/women empowerment sectors, adding that a conductive environment would be created by his administration in order to attract investors to the state which would go along way in assisting the state government address the increasing rate of unemployment among the teeming youths.

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Friday, 14 October 2011

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Captain Idris I. Wada

Igala and Kogi Politics - Capt. Wada

Challenging the statu quo. Historically the Igalas have always use certain parameters to identify their heroes and heroines. Such attributes are fearlessness, physical strength, and ability to assist the community. Overtime Igalas were equally respected all over the world as men of character and integrity.

The advent of modern democracy and the general deterioration in value system lead to serious consequences which resulted in a re definition of these sacred values to a more "modern" values characterized by formation Thugs group, stealing in place of work, begging by able body men. It is no longer uncommon to have nicely dressed young men moving from one politician house to another soliciting for monetary assistance and some even take it a little further by stopping motorcades of politicians on the way to seek for monetary gratification.

Under pressure to conform, the so called big men resort to various unethical means to make monies used to oil this parasitic interdependence which is rewarded with unfettered support for such individual even if he lacks vision to move the state forward. People who help secretly and refused to accept the public praise singing are labeled as unknown.

Ikanni Okolo the super chairman of Dekina local goverment held no post and did no philanthropic gesture to his community before Ibro used his wisdom to single handedly anoint him to pilot the affairs of Dekina local Govt. which he did with A1. Today the same fate is befalling Wada and people go about demonizing the person of the governor.

Even when it is clear Wada won a hotly contested primary. Equally notable is the manner of emergence of Audu as the governor on the state. he was called to serve just as notable decision makers in the state decided to beckon Capt. wada to come and rescue kogi state from economic doldrums. Wada represent untapped potentials and i urge all kogites to support this man of vision in bringing about a state where vision rules. Thank you.

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Capt. Idirs Wada-Arc. Yomi Awoniyi

Kogi State 's Developmental Growth is Our Goals

Wada-Awoniyi 's Ambitions for Kogi State in 2011

Governance...
Any weakness in democratic governance dampens economic activity, causes civil unrest, and can create fertile ground for undue militancy. The business of Government ought to include the strengthening of the principles of democracy and good governance. This creates the conditions for peace and promotes security.

Defence & Security...
The first responsibility of the Federal Government is to secure the territorial integrity of our land and keep every Nigerian safe. One of my top priorities will be to ensure that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to be safe and secure as they do their job.

Nigerian Economy...
Sustainable economic development is essential for the general well being of the people. The management of the economy should be private sector driven and aimed at wealth creation for the common good.

Agriculture & Water Resources...
Agriculture is Nigeria’s largest employer of labour. It employs over two-thirds of Nigeria’s population & provides over 35% of the nation’s GDP. Our people in Kogi state are not left behind in this sector.

Power Supply...
Power generation and distribution capacity in Nigeria is grossly inadequate as a result of the unfortunate under investment in our infrastructure in the last three decades. In the last 7 years abundant resources have been deployed to this sector and this level of investment needs to be sustained.

Telecommunication...
Giant and commendable strides have been made in this sector in the last seven years. Even with these developments there is room for expansion with regards to the combined installed capacity in Nigeria.

Industrial Developments...
Government must create the right framework to help business achieve healthy long-term growth & positive results.

Oil and Gas...
The petroleum sector contributes only about 13% of the nation’s GDP, yet, it accounts for over 80% of foreign exchange earnings. It is crucial to the Nigerian economy is also the largest contributor of the nation’s energy source.

Education...
I believe that the nation’s most precious resource is its children. The enhancement of the quality of every child’s education, from nursery through university should pre-occupy government.

Foreign Policy...
Nigeria’s external image has received a major boost in recent years. Emerging in 1999, from prolonged military rule, we became the focus of high expectations from the international community.

Science & Technology ...
Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) are critical in uplifting economies around the world. Today SET is driving the global economy. Sound SET education is a prerequisite to economic well being of a nation..

Sports Development...
Sports have continued to be a unifying force in Nigeria. It is also beneficial in promoting a healthy society and entrepreneurial activity by encouraging wider participation. Its development in a purposeful manner is therefore the more strategic. It should be pursued by government and the private sector.

News

Capt. Idris Wada - Arc. Yomi Awoniyi 's Undisputed Mandate 4 Lugard House

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s stakeholders from Kogi state declared that the party’s flag-bearer in recently concluded primary, Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada, is a registered member of the party.
Reacting to a petition purportedly written by the Chairman of Odu Ward in Dekina local government area alleging that the flag-bearer was not a registered member of the party, stakeholders from the state led by the state Chairman, Hon. Hassan Salau, said the petitioners were impersonators. He revealed that the matter has been reported to the security agencies.
According to him, Wada was registered in Odu Ward One by the former Chairman, Adamu Agama, in 2005 and has been very active in the activities of the party ever since.
The PDP leaders revealed that because of Captain Wada’s service to the party, he was appointed by the PDP as the Zonal Treasurer (North Central) of the Jonathan/Sambo campaign organisation where he gave a good account of himself.
“In appreciation of Captain Wada’s modest contribution to the success of President Goodluck Jonathan/Sambo in the presidential election, he was shortlisted by the PDP among other nominees for appointment by the President.
“It is not within contemplation that PDP will appoint Captain Wada into zonal structure of Goodluck/Sambo campaign organisation and further recommend him to the President for federal appointment if he is not a known registered member of our party,” he explained.
The statement, which was signed by the state chairman; Zonal Legal Adviser, Hon. Mohammed Usman; State Secretary, Emmanuel Egwu and PDP Dekina Local Government chairman, Hassan Usman also claimed that about three months ago the former chairman of Dekina local government area, Ikani Ebo, allegedly invaded the house of Odu One Ward with thugs collected the Ward register which has been in his possession ever since.
They explained that the Odu Ward Chairman and Secretary, who were purported to have written the petition against Captain Wada have since denied any link with the petition.
“It is therefore instructive to note that the purported publication did not originate from the names ascribed to it. The original bearers of the names have made a formal complaint to the party and the party has reported the impersonation to the state security agencies for investigation,” the stakeholders disclosed.

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Wada-Awoniyi 4 Kogi 2012-Untouchable Mandate

Kogi PDP to Field Wada/Awoniyi Ticket

CAPTAIN Idris Wada, the winner of the fresh primaries election conducted by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] in Kogi State has declared that he is the authentic candidate of the party for the forthcoming governorship election slated for December 3, 2011.

Wada made the clarification while addressing his supporters in Lokoja, against the backdrop of speculations in the state that President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered that the ticket of the party should be given to Alhaji Isah Jibril Echocho, the earlier winner of the primaries election held in January before the Court of Appeal extended the tenure of the outgoing governor by one year.
This is as he named Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, the son of Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi former National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum [ACF] as his running mate for the governorship election.
According to Wada, "by the grace of Almighty God I am bold to say that I have been cleared alongside my running mate, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi by the national secretariat of our great party PDP to contest the forthcoming governorship election as the flag bearer of the party for the election".
He then urged his supporters and well-wishers to disregard any reports in the media that he is no longer the flag bearer of the party for the forthcoming governorship election, saying that those pending the rumour want to cause disunity and crisis within the party.

Wada then promised that if given the mandate to be the next governor of the state he would build on the solid foundation already laid down by the out-going governor by keying into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in ensuring rapid socio-economic development of the state.
Similarly, he explained that his administration would focus on the development of the educational, health, tourism and youth/women empowerment sectors, adding that a conductive environment would be created by his administration in order to attract investors to the state which would go along way in assisting the state government address the increasing rate of unemployment among the teeming youths.

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Captain Idris Wada

Kogi Guber Poll - Wada Declares Self Candidate to Beat

Captain Idris Wada, the winner of the fresh primaries election conducted by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] in Kogi State has declared that he is the authentic candidate of the party for the forthcoming governorship election slated for December 3, 2011.
Wada made the clarification while addressing his supporters in Lokoja, against the backdrop of speculations in the state that President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered that the ticket of the party should be given to Alhaji Isah Jibril Echocho, the earlier winner of the primaries election held in January before the Court of Appeal extended the tenure of the outgoing governor by one year.
This is as he named Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, the son of Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi former National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum [ACF] as his running mate for the governorship election.
According to Wada, "by the grace of Almighty God I am bold to say that I have been cleared alongside my running mate, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi by the national secretariat of our great party PDP to contest the forthcoming governorship election as the flag bearer of the party for the election".
He then urged his supporters and well-wishers to disregard any reports in the media that he is no longer the flag bearer of the party for the forthcoming governorship election, saying that those pending the rumour want to cause disunity and crisis within the party.

Kogi PDP seeks Reconciliation with Aggrieved Members

The state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Comrade Hassan Salau, has called on all members of the party to unite in order to move the party forward.

Salau, who spoke at a forum with journalists, said a reconciliation committee was being put in place by the party to resolve the crisis within the party.

“We are setting up a reconciliation committee this week to bring us together again as one family. It is normal to have disagreements in a family but it is abnormal not to resolve it. We are going to resolve all the disagreements by the special grace of God. PDP is one and will remain so for a very long time,” he said.

Meanwhile, as part of the reconciliation of aggrieved members of the party over his emergence as the governorship candidate, Wada has urged them to put aside their differences in order to forge a common front to achieve victory at the poll.

He spoke at the weekend after he was confirmed as the candidate alongside his running mate, Yomi, who is the first son of late elder statesman, Chief S. B. Awoniyi.

“I give thanks to the Almighty God who made it possible for me to be elected as the party’s candidate. This is not the time to fight to destroy our dear party, PDP. This is a time for reconciliation. There is no victor, no vanquished. Power is given by the Almighty God to whom He wishes at every point in time. I am therefore appealing to all my co-contestants to join hands with me and my deputy in order for us to triumph in the December 3, 2011 election,” he said.

According to Wada, it would serve no purpose for members of the same party to continue throwing mud at each other at a time all that was needed was genuine reconciliation.

“Of what use is it if we continue to defame and destroy ourselves in the media. I am using this opportunity to assure everybody that we will do our best to ensure an all-inclusive government that would accommodate everybody’s interests. This is a family affair. We must learn to put aside our differences in the greater interest of our party and people,” he said.

Captain Wada announced his preparedness to promptly meet with all aggrieved members to assuage their frayed nerves.

At the primary election last month, which was boycotted by other aspirants, Wada, believed to be supported by the incumbent governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, polled a total of 547 votes to defeat his close challenger, Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, who garnered 296 votes.

While seven candidates were cleared for the poll, four boycotted, citing irregularities in the election of delegates in the days leading to the election.

One of those who boycotted and winner of the January 9 PDP primary in the state, Alhaji Jibrin Isah (“Echocho”), has refused to recognise Wada’s emergence, and insisted that he remained the “authentic, valid and or lawfully nominated” governorship candidate of the party for the election.

Another contestant, Adinoyi Ojo-Onukaba, in a protest letter to the acting national chairman of PDP, called for the outright cancellation of the primary, saying it did not meet the requirements of the law.

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Thursday, 13 October 2011

Who is Captain Idris Ichala Wada?

Captain Idris Ichala Wada

Who is Captain Idris Ichala Wada?

Why should he get our Mandate 4 Lugard House in 2011?

Captain Idris Wada: Nigeria’s first world class flight instructor at 23

IT was a chance meeting at the Congress Hall of NICON Hilton Hotel, Abuja, as the present Transcorp Hilton Hotel was called then. As a reporter I had gone to the hotel for the coverage of a lecture on aviation industry and Nigerian development organized by The Presidency, sometimes in October 1992. Enthused by the profundity of the lecture which received a standing ovation from the audience including the then president, General Ibrahim Babangida, I sought an interview with the lecturer, one Captain Idris Wada for more facts on the industry and in a very practical and unambiguous approach, the pilot was able to fill me in. Outside the aviation issue, Captain Wada depicted a good understanding of Nigeria with great passion for its wellbeing.

The experience of that day left a lasting impression on me about Captain Wada as not just an expert in his field but a person deeply interested in the progress and unity of my fatherland, Nigeria. Since then, I have taken an unusual interest in the Dekina born accomplished pilot and business man. Intuitively, when his name was mentioned among those aspiring to contest the December 3 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, I became interested and followed it up till about midnight of 22nd of September 2011 when Captain Idris Wada emerged as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In the primaries, which were reported to be generally peaceful and well organized, Captain Idris Wada garnered 547 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Alhaji Razak Kutepa who got 249 votes. The deputy governor of the state, Philip Salawu, won 2 votes, Jubril Isa echcho 1 vote. The election brought to a close intense horse trading and high wired politicking on who bears the PDP ticket for the gubernatorial election.

The candidature of Idris Wada for the PDP is a positive development for the party and the state considering his rich background and robust achievements professionally and in life as a whole.

Watching him (Captain Wada) on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that night, shortly after the victory, one could see the dedication in him and the burning desire to transform the state even from that night on. I said to myself, this was exactly the man I met at the foyer of Transcorps Hilton some19 years ago with clear and practical solutions to the problems of aviation industry and Nigeria as a nation. The commitment was real and the seriousness touchable.

Captain Wada, who became a first class flying instructor at the age of 23 and credited with training the best set of pilots ever produced in Nigeria, has for decades distinguished himself both in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy as a humble, trustworthy, detribalized and forward looking Nigerian.

“I am a product of a humble background,” the ebullient Wada told the gathering of eminent citizens of Kogi State shortly after the announcement of the result of the primaries saying, “where the fear of God, hard work, respect for elders and authorities were preached on a daily basis.”

“These values ensured that I took my destiny into my own hands right from the tender age of five, and have kept me going up until today, where I stand before you to seek your support. Having being trained by the Federal Government of Nigeria, my commitment to serving my country – especially my home state of Kogi – is sacrosanct, and this in essence has shaped my character over the years.

“When you vote for me, it is more than an endorsement of one particular individual. You vote for a vision of how things will be different. How things could be better for you and your family in your local area. We know that all communities are desirous of equal treatment, and as someone who believes in opportunities for all, I will strive to ensure that your communities derive maximum value for your vote. Fundamentally, I take the public trust embodied by your vote seriously.

“My agenda for Kogi State (termed Kogi-4-All) is not a personal one but one that is a product of collaboration and dialogue with all stakeholders in the state. It reflects the expectations and mindset of the hardworking and peace loving people of the state. As my name suggests, “ICHALLA” depicts a cover - like an umbrella - which provides protection and cover for the disadvantaged and this is the hallmark of our great party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); therefore in setting my agenda for our dear state, I have decided to focus on key areas that will add value to the lives of all the people of Kogi State.”

As a man with a lucid understanding of the needs of the people, the PDP standard flag bearer listed rural and urban infrastructural development with emphasis on improving the state’s road network as his first major priority in office. Serious attention, according to him would also be given to ICT-driven education and health delivery services among others in the state. For overall development, Captain Wada said he would use maximally the machinery of his office and all his contacts and goodwill to ensure that all the federal government projects, particularly the Ajaokuta Steel Factory, Abuja-Lokoja and Okene- Auchi roads are completed within the shortest time possible.

Although, it has been proven in many cases that good manifestoes don’t necessarily translate into good delivery, the person making the promise makes a whole lot of difference. With his antecedents of selfless and meritorious service to the nation and his home state, Kogi, Captain Wada possesses all that it takes to take the confluence state to the next level. As over the years, he has contributed immeasurably to the enhancement of individuals irrespective of tribe and religious affiliation, for the benefit of mankind in humble and effective way. His support for various charities and community development projects is in accordance with religious practices.

Major pointers to success are: capacity, preparedness, clarity of purpose and commitment to deliver. Captain Wada from his background has acquired sufficient capacity to govern a state and is eminently prepared for the task involved in governance. The momentum with which he reeled out his manifesto immediately he won the primary election made it abundantly clear that Captain Wada already has a blueprint, a clear framework and roadmap to fly Kogi State to greater heights. All what is required now is for the good people of Kogi State to give their total support to the man with requisite credentials, capacity, mien, care and absolute commitment to the growth of Kogi state and her people.

Wada-Awoniyi Kogi 2012...Good Governance is our top Priority

Capt. Idris Wada & Yomi Awoniyi (Kogi 's Lugard Best Candidates)

Wada-Awoniyi...Best Hands for Lugard House 2012

From Faraday, to plato and even Einstein, insanity has always been aduced for their ability to think outside the box. tell me, of all the people that have done so much for Igalas by means of sharing monies, paying hajj fare, and other mundane assistance that were voted to political office, how many have been able to lift Igalas out of poverty? they will come and share a few millions and take billions as profit. Its about time we say no to the commercialization of politics in Kogi state. Wada made money and set up companies that offered employment to all Nigerians Igala inclusive. will u deny that. Wada has trained more than thirty graduates, will u compare this with paying for 200 people to go to Senegal? Wada builts houses in Ayangba for his Aunty, father and another for his mother in ogodu, do u call him homeless? Wada is not attention seeking and is not a destroyer of our value system. He will not support a system that seek to turn the entire Igala race to beggars. Wada will not share money but will ensure Kogites leave a human life in an atmosphere of peace, equity, security and brotherliness.

WADA-AWONIYI CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION