People, Places and Events
NIGERIA
Ojukwu in detention
The Federal government has given reasons for detaining the former secessionist leader, Chief Odumegu Ojukwu. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Maj-Gen Mamoun Vatsa, told newsmen in Bida that Chief Ojukwu was being held for his political activities.He stated that the former rebel leader would have to account for his stewardship as the national vice chairman of the proscribed NPN. (National Party of Nigeria).
Soldiers patrol border
Soldiers at Seme border post between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have taken over patrol duties from immigra tion officials. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited the border said that following the development, immigration and customs officials were left with the task of processing travel documents. Normal activities have resumed at the border and the officials interviewed said that the soldiers had assisted them in tightening security.Missions to be reduced
The Federal Military Government is determined to prune down the country's missions abroad, the External Affairs Minister, Dr Ibrahim Gambari has said in Lagos. Dr Gambari told a correspondent of the News Agency in Nigeria (NAN) that the exercise, which was in line with the country's new foreign policy review, was aimed at saving costs. He also said that the review involved some contraction which would be done in a 'very careful manner' to ensure that the right calibre of diplomats were appointed.The Minister disclosed that already the Ministry had completed its report on the review exercise, adding that as soon as the Supreme Military Council approved it, the implementation would begin in earnest.
On the directive that all non-career diplomats should return home, Dr Gambari said that the former ambassadors had started to return. He said that their return would not be sudden to enable them to take leave of their host governments and 'tidy' up their missions. According to the Minister, only three ambassadors had returned so far. They are those posted to the United Nations, Washington and the Soviet Union.
Those who "patronize" the BBC
Lagos radio has broadcast a commentary criticizing those Nigerians who ran to foreign countries and made comments to the media which contained "unsubstantiated charges which sometimes border on treason". In the past few weeks, some Nigerians, including wanted politicians who had run away after the military coup, had declared war on Nigeria through their use of the foreign media.They are retired
Seventeen Federal government secretaries have been retired as part of the re-organisation exercise now going on in the civil service.The retirements were said to be the military administration's response to recent calls that most of the permanent secretaries who featured in the last civilian administration be purged from the civil service.
PRP exists in UK
The Peoples Redemption Party has called on the military to adopt its principles as an interim programme for a broad national government to lay a foundation for a return to civilian rule.In a press statement the PRP noted that even though coups have followed one after the other since Nigeria's independence in 1960 they have never been a solution to the country's many problems nor a step forward.
It stated that even though political parties had been proscribed the UK branch will continue to exist and maintain regular contacts with their members in Nigeria.
Saraki arrested
Dr Olusola Saraki, the former Senate leader was arrested last week at his house in Ilorin by security men and taken to Lagos. His arrest followed a three-hour search conducted by security men. It was not immediately known whether any incriminating discoveries were made. During an earlier search con- ducted by a team of NSO and military personnel on January 10th, a number of files were taken away.Reorganise the police
Mass Communication Students have told Head of State, Major-General Muhammed Buhari to re-organise the Nigeria Police Force without further delay. As a first measure in the suggested re-organisation drive, General Buhari should as a matter of urgency send all the present 19 Police Commissioners in the country on compulsory retirement.Making the appeal in a statement issued in Abeokuta the Association of Mass Communications Students of Ogun State Polytechnic failed to understand the rationale behind in volving the politicised police force in the trial of corrupt politicians.
Press guidelines
Media organisations operating in Anambra State have been given guidelines on how to function in the state.The guidelines were contained in a Government House statement issued in Enugu and signed by Mr E.J. Okoli for the Principal Secretary to the military government.
According to the statement, all materials for publication or broadcast must avoid forthwith "all attempts to make political insinuations and aspirations of the past as if there has not been any change of government.
"You must always be conscious of the fact that a new military government headed by Major-General Muham madu Buhari is in full control of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and not with formal politicians that have been ousted because of their ineptitude. "All your programmes for public or private consumption must be neatly edited to remove sinister motives. "All programmes and articles must be such that would help our people to forget things of the past and make them look forward to a brighter future."
The statement which was circulated to all media houses in Enugu, was, however, silent on penalties for defaulters.
Unauthorised statements
The Military Governor of Lagos, Group Capt Gbolahan Mudashiru has ordered the arrest of some members of staff in the State publicity department in connection with an "unauthorized press statement on the review of teachers salary".The statement had claimed that the Governor had authorized the approval of a new income policy for teachers in the State to enable them to rise to salary grade level 17.
More aliens deported
More than 500 illegal aliens were deported in the last three weeks by immigration officials at the Ajilete checkpoint near the Idiroko border. Sources at the checkpoint told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the illegal aliens entered the country through bush paths with the aid of Nigerian drivers who charged between 30 and 40 naira per alien.The sources said that despite the official closure of the Nigeria-Benin Republic border at Idiroko the illegal aliens still entered the country through bush paths, most of which were not manned by security men. In another development, a group of people in an unregistered car attacked immigration officials at the Ajilete checkpoint with iron rods, bottles and knives. The attackers were believed to be the transporters of illegal aliens.
Looting at ports
Soldiers have been drafted to the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos to help contain the looting that has been going on at the ports since the change of government. A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the ports premises said that port users were subjected to a thorough search by the soldiers.The commandant of the Apapa port, Capt Kunle Fashola, told NAN that the soldiers and policemen had succeeded in reducing looting at the ports. He, however, said that pilfering by port touts was still going on, adding that the ports security agents had introduced temporary measures to reduce the activities of the touts. Goods stolen by looters are estimated at more than 3,000,000 naira.
Plead our cause with IMF
The Head of State, Major General Mohammed Buhari, has appealed to The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Perez De Cuellar, to help plead Nigeria's cause with the International Monetary Fund, (IMF).This is with a view to prevailing on the Fund to ensure a review of its present terms and conditions for granting a loan to the country.
General Buhari made the plea when the visiting UN chief scribe called on him at Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
The Nigerian leader said that it was unrealistic for the fund to offer the same formula to every country without consideration for differences in their circumstances and local realities.
General Buhari briefed the Secretary-General of the efforts being made by his administration to resusc itate the country's economy and restore the confidence of international financial institutions in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Nigerian leader and the UN Secretary-General had agreed on the need for the IMF to be more realistic and flexible in its services and to help bail Nigeria out of her economic predicament.
Replying, Mr. Perez De Cuellar praised the efforts of the present administration to revamp Nigeria's economy.
He also expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception accorded him. At another meeting with the Secretary-General, Major-General Buhari, reiterated that Nigeria would continue to stand by the principle of self determination on the Namibian and Western Saharan issues.
Nigeria, he added, will continue to use her influence within the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to encourage peace talks between the various warring factions in the Chadian conflict.
General Buhari called on the world body to ensure immediate withdrawal of South African troops from Namibia and work out procedures for the territory's independence.
IPI chairman's warning on the press
The chairman of the International Press Association, Mr. Max Snijders, has said that the press in Nigeria is free.He said in Lagos that there is hardly any country in Africa and Asia which allows as much press freedom as Nigeria.
The I.P.A. Chief, who was on an official visit to Nigeria, was speaking in Lagos when he called on the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon.
He told the Chief of Staff that the organisation's major objective is to ensure freedom for the press in all countries of the world. Replying, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed that the federal military government will continue to ensure that freedom of the press prevails in Nigeria. He said the Nigerian press had performed well so far but warned against some members of the press who tended to create a negative impression about the Nigerian press as a whole.
Both Brigadier Idiagbon and his guest shared the view that there was need for press responsibility in Nigeria's present circumstances.
GHANA
Release the detainees
The Ghana Bar Association has called on the PNDC to release all detainees and others against whom no charges had been preferred. In a resolution at the end of its annual general meeting in Accra it said that persons against whom charges had been preferred should go for speedy trial before the ordinary courts.It called on the PNDC to re-affirm its commitment to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights as enshrined in the United Nations Charter by disavowing the policy of detention of persons without trial.
It declared its preparedness to enter into a dialogue with the PNDC and other well meaning groups, bodies or organisations, if called upon to do so, with a view to finding acceptable solutions to problems and matters of national interest, including the early return of the country to a democratic ally elected government in which all the citizens of Ghana would be entitled to participate.
The association elected Mr J.K. on Agyeman, as national president, Mr Ebow Bentsil-Enchil, national vice president, Mr S.K. Boafo, secretary, Mr Y. Awuku-Yeboah, assistant secretary and Mr E. Bamfo, treasurer.
Role of tribunal
The Ghana Bar Association has called for a review of the role of Public Tribunals in line with the demands made by the association for such a review in 1982.Among other demands, the association said cases going before the tribunals should rather go to the normal courts because, according to it, judges of the ordinary courts were "far more legally eminent and experienced in criminal trials than members of the public Tribunals".
The association, which re-affirmed its stand to boycott the Public Tribunals until its demands were met by the PNDC, said the establishment of the Tribunals represented “a misguided attempt to supplant the ordinary criminal courts”. It said it was prejudicial for the Tribunals to decide in advance that technicalities would not be tolerated. It felt that there was no right to invoke the supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice in order to protect accused persons from breaches of the rules of natural justice or to correct errors of law or excess of jurisdiction on the part of the Tribunals.
Control of the press
Ghana's lawyers have noted that the continued official control of the press and other media houses by the PNDC which prevents the free dissemination of information, views and opinions different from those of the government, should be removed to facilitate free expression of opinion, exchange of views and information between citizens and government.They urged the government to lift the curfew and that the universities should be re-opened without preconditions.
They also called on the Government to take bold and prompt steps to improve the general economic situation in the country by embarking upon a national economic recovery programme using all legitimate resources both local and international and further take appropriate steps to reduce the cost of living.
Cuba's experience
The Special Adviser to the PNDC, Captain Kojo Tsikata (rtd) has observed that Ghanaians have a lot to learn from the Cuban experience.The history, achievements and level of development of Cuba's revolution, he said, provided aspiration and manly lessons for a young revolutionary country like Ghana.
Capt Tsikata made this observation at a symposium organized by the Ghana-Cuba Friendship Association in Accra to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. "We in Ghana have a young revolution - only two years old. There is much for us to learn" he said.
Income tax on kenkey producers
Kenkey producers in the Greater Accra Region have been warned that unless they paid their Income Tax, they would not be supplied with maize.The Under Secretary for Greater Accra, Mr George Quaynor-Mettle, gave this warning when he met Defence commission members of the Kenkey Producers Association in Accra.
He said the Regional Administration would mount an exercise in which every kenkey producer would be required to produce a tax clearance certificate before being supplied with maize.
Arrests in Bawku
Muslim communities in Bawku have donated over 17,000 cedis' worth of food items and a quantity of second- hand clothing for the resettlement of 600 people whose houses were burned during the recent Mamprusi-Kusasi clash. This is in response to an appeal by the Bawku district administration to the public to assist in rehabilitating the victims of the clash.Making the donation on behalf of the community, Alhaji Saami Hafie- dougou, an elder of the community, said the money was realized during a prayer meeting at the Bawku central mosque. The Bawku district branch of the Red Cross society has also made a similar donation to the victims. Meanwhile, sources close to the police say 79 people have been arrested in connection with the clash.
Farmers forced out
Following the fall in the level of water in the Volta Lake, farmers in the Afram Plains who depend on it for domestic and farming purposes have started migrating from the area.Dr Ababio Appah the Kwahu District Secretary, disclosed this to the Secretary for Roads and Highways Mr E.O. Donkor, and a team of newsmen who called on him at his office.
He explained that the low level of water in the lake had adversely affected the area's farming activities, while the problem of water had also led to the closing down of health centres in the area for several days.
Expect lasting glory
Professor Mawuse Dake, Secretary to the National Defence Committee (NDC), has stated that even though the budget proposals are unpalatable they constitute the best alternatives for the country's economic survival.He was opening a one-day seminar on the budget organized by the NDC for representatives of PDCs and WDCs in Accra and Tema.
Professor Dake was hopeful that "if we are able to understand the times, we can be sure to see the light at the end of the tunnel in a few years."
Defence Commission meeting ends
The eighth session of the OAU Defence Commission has ended in Accra with the adoption of a military protocol establishing an African defence organ, The protocol will be submitted to the various heads of state for adoption and will be ratified by member states of the OAU after the summit of heads have endorsed it. Observers believe the setting up of the African defence organ will go a long way to guarantee the security of African states against aggression by their enemies.Briefing newsmen at the end of the session, the chief of information at the OAU Secretariat, Dr Ibrahim Dagash, said the meeting also adopted an Accra Declaration on liberation and African security. The declaration said in view of the precarious state of the insecurity of African states, material assistance and support for the liberation movements and frontline states will be maximized.
Individual Africans should be encouraged to volunteer their services to the liberation effort when requested by the liberation movement and the frontline states. The declaration also said that henceforth South Africa's aggression and destabilizing manoeuvres will be met by reciprocal force, and actions will be taken to introduce common curricula in existing military training schools in Africa.
Addressing the closing session Ghana's Secretary for Defence and chairman for the Commission, Rear Adml C. D. Dzang, said the adoption of the protocol on the African defence organ is a great step forward. He said African governments are duty-bound to accept and ratify the protocol because the people of Africa want it.
West German food aid
About 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat are expected at the Tema Harbour in the next few weeks as a West German food aid through the World Food Programme (WFP) to Ghana.A statement from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Accra explained that besides the West German government's direct food aid to Ghana, it regularly pledges food aid for delivery through WFP.
In 1983, the FRG and non-govern mental organisations provided food aid to Ghana amounting to 4,900 tonnes of maize and 150 tonnes of dried fish.
Threat of total blackout
All towns that "failed to achieve the 45 per cent reduction in electricity will face a total blackout for a number of days". The penalties for excessive consumption of power range from 18 days for Kumasi to five days for Tema Accra would "face a total blackout of 14 days". Meanwhile, the energy consumers' committee has appealed to all consumers to save energy and said that "if the advice is taken seriously there will be no need for total blackout".UPPER VOLTA
Common currency with Ghana
A suggestion has been made for a common currency for Ghana and Upper Volta. This, it is believed, will help speed up the success of their revolutions. The suggestion was made by the Commissioner for Upper Volta's Mahure province, Mr Yacouba, at a joint rally between the people of his province and those of the Upper Eastern Region of Ghana at Takoma, a border village in Upper Volta.The aim of the rally was to educate the people of the two countries about immigration and customs regulations to eliminate currency trafficking, black marketing, corruption and the mal- treatment of travellers by border officials.
Mr Yacouba emphasized that Ghana and Upper Volta must look at all those who want to use the revolution to enrich themselves. He complained about the alleged maltreatment of travellers from Upper Volta by Ghanaian border personnel and said: All such cases should be reported to the authorities of both countries for redress. Mr Yacouba, however, made it clear that smugglers have no right to complain when they are caught.
The Secretary for Upper East, Mr John Ndebugre, was not happy about the rate at which cedis are being smuggled out of Ghana and he hinted that steps are being taken to enable the Bolga rural bank to handle foreign exchange transactions. This, the Secretary hoped, will help eliminate currency trafficking. He said traders from Upper Volta are free to attend Ghanaian markets to sell their wares and in turn buy small quantities of Ghanaian goods.
Mr Ndebugre however warned them against dealing in any of the 15 specified commodities. They should also not exchange the CFA on the black market. The Secretary also urged Ghanaian border officials to stop collecting bribes from travellers. He appealed to the people of the two countries to be vigilant and be prepared to fight any external aggression.
Co-operation with Benin
The first session of the Benin-Upper Volta joint commission for co operation was held in Ouagadougou from 27th to 29th January 1984. Benin's delegation was led by Mr Tiamiou Adjibade, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation; Upper Volta's delegation was led by Mr Arba Diallo, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The holding of this first session opens a new perspective in co-operative relations between the two countries who are engaged in the same revolutionary process. At the opening session, the leaders of the two delegations stressed the need to give effect to the strong political will expressed by the two Heads of State to do everything to strengthen and consolidate the relations existing between Upper Volta and Benin in a new spirit inspired by a revolutionary militancy. They stressed that the setting up of the joint commission for co-operation marked a new turn in the relations between the two countries.LIBERIA
Doe's concern over Lebanon
Head of State, Dr. Samuel K. Doe has said Liberia's resumption of diplomatic relations with the State of Israel was based on the hope that other African countries would join in 'our' efforts to find a lasting solution to the Middle East problem.He said, against this background, "Liberia shares the aspiration that all states in the Middle East would co-exist peacefully within secured and interna- tionally recognized boundaries.
Dr. Doe said the Liberian Government views the present situation in Lebanon with grave concern, and hoped that all parties to the conflict in the war-torn country will understand the necessity to end hostilities through dialogue at the conference table.
On the African continent, the Liberian Head of State noted that civil and liberation wars were continuing, adding, "most of these conflicts, including political subversion, and inspired by foreign powers.
He said Liberia was aware that certain African states allow themselves to be used as surrogates to stir up strife and disunity among ourselves, and called for an end to this unfortunate state of affairs to ensure the progress and development of Africa.
On the situation in Southern Africa, Head of State Doe stressed that Namibia must be free with no "trade offs or preconditions," adding "we remain convinced that UN resolution 435 provided the only acceptable basis for the settlement of the Namibian question.
Coup plotter collapses
The Chairman of the Special Military Tribunal, Maj-Gen Alfed Gayflor, has described reports following the collapse of one of the alleged coup plotters before the tribunal that there has not been food at the prison compound as misleading and false. Maj-Gen Gayflor described the reporters as unprofessional journalists and said the report itself was not true.He said the allegation against the Government that the alleged plotters have not been eating are all false. He said the aim of those who spread such reports is to sensationalize issues. All these publications, Maj-Gen Gayflor said, have been forged, exaggerated, distorted and mainly intended to tarnish the good reputation of the Government.
O.A.U.
Support Angola OAU acting Secretary General, Peter Onu has made an insistent appeal to all African states to give active support to the People's Republic of Angola to enable it to fight back the racist occupation forces. The appeal was made in Libreville, Gabon prior to the Secretaries General's visit to Accra, Ghana to attend the OAU Defence Committee meeting. The meeting called, at a critical time in the history of Africa in view of the increasing aggressive attitude of Apartheid South Africa against Angola heard a message from OAU Chairman, Mengistu Haile Mariam.Dr Onu was also in Angola for a 48 hour visit during which he handed to President Jose Eduardo dos Santos a message from OAU Chairman.
