News Desk: Inauguration, Etc.

“For the first time since we cast off the shackles of colonialism almost a half-century ago, we have at last managed an orderly transition from one elected government to another.

“We acknowledge that our elections had some shortcomings. Thankfully, we have well-established legal avenues of redress, and I urge anyone aggrieved to pursue them.

“I also believe that our experiences represent an opportunity to learn from our mistakes. Accordingly, I will set up a panel to examine the entire electoral process with a view to ensuring that we raise the quality and standard of our general elections, and thereby deepen our democracy.

"This occasion is historic also because it marks another kind of transitional generational shift when the children of independence assume the adult responsibility of running the country at the heart of Africa.

“My fellow citizens, I am humbled and honoured that you have elected me and Vice President Jonathan to represent that generation in the task of building a just and humane nation, where its people have a fair chance to attain their fullest potential.

“Luckily we are not starting from scratch. We are fortunate to have been led the past eight years by one of our nation’s greatest patriots, President Obasanjo. On behalf of all our people, I salute you, Mr. President, for your vision, your courage and your boundless energy in creating the roadmap toward that united and economically thriving Nigeria that we seek.

“Many of us may find it hard to believe now, but before you assumed the presidency eight years ago, the national conversation was about whether Nigeria deserved to remain one country at all.

“Today we are talking about Nigeria’s potential, to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020. That is a measure of how far we have come and we thank you.
"The administration of President Obasanjo has laid the foundation upon which we can build our future prosperity."more>>

Kalu hands over to Orji in Abia

UMUAHIA—THE embattled new governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji and his deputy, Comrade Chris Akomas were sworn in yesterday in Umuahia by the chief judge of the state, Justice Sunday Imo in the presence of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, thus showing that the alleged swearing in at the state Liaison office in Lagos last Friday was merely a hoax. Orji thus became the third civilian governor of the state since its creation in 1991.more>>

Uba vows to build cargo airport, sacks commissioners, others

Awka—Dr. Andy Uba was sworn-in by the state Chief Judge, Justice Umegbolu Nri-Ezedi, with a promise to build a cargo airport in the state within 12 months. more>>

Chime Pledges equity, justice in Enugu

ENUGU —MR Sullivan Chime yesterday took the oath of office as the third Executive Governor of Enugu State with a firm promise that his administration would ensure equity and justice for all irrespective of political persuasion or affiliation.more>>

Ohakim pledges to exploit oil, gas in Imo

OWERRI—The new Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has promised that “in the new face of Imo under his administration, the state will no longer be a passive participant in the oil and gas sector to be pacified with the crumbs from the rich oil revenue accruing to the federal government”.more>>

Sanction await former Imo council chairmen still keeping govt properties

Imo State Government has sent a warning to former chairmen of the 27 local government areas still in possession of government properties almost two months after vacating office.

Special Adviser to the former governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ogbuagu Bons Nwabiani regretted that in spite of several appeals, some of them have refused to surrender the properties in their possession, warning of dire consequences.more>>

Uduaghan promises honesty, diligence

Uduaghan, who was inaugurated by the state‘s Chief Judge, Justice Roseline Bozimo, promised to lead the state with honesty, diligence and excellence.

He vowed to recognise the plural nature of the state‘s polity.

Uduaghan added that his administration would be committed to the pursuit of equity, justice and fairness in the handling of all issues.The new governor, who subscribed to the relevant oath of office by 9.45am at the Government Cenotaph, Asaba, said the government was prepared to build a bridge of understanding across the state.more>>

Omehia challenges youths on peace

The governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, yesterday appealed to the youths of the state to embrace peace, dialogue and productive service for the overall development of the people. more>>

Police beat up Benue NUJ boss, 14 other reporters, disrupting the swearing-in ceremony of governor Gabriel Tor-Suswam, in Makurdi

A team of mobile policemen yesterday beat and injured the Benue State chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and 14 other reporters, disrupting the swearing-in ceremony of governor Gabriel Tor-Suswan, in Makurdi. more>>