People, Places and Events
LIBERIA
Four parties contest elections
As Liberians go to the polls four political parties have been certified to contest the elections. These are: the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), the Unity Party (UP); the Liberia Action Party (LAP); and the Liberia Unification Party (LUP).The NDPL has nominated Dr Samuel K Doe and Dr Harry F Moniba as presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The UP has named Dr Edward Kesselly and Dr Jabaru Kallon; the LAP, Mr Jackson F Doe and Counsellor Emanuel S Kromah; and the LUP, Mr Gabriel Kpolleh and Mr Harold Ndama.
Leader on repeal of strike ban
The head of state and president of the interim national assembly, Gen Samuel Kanyon Doe, has said that decree No 12 shall be given consideration for repeal in the Second Republic. The decree abolishes strikes, and makes null and void the review of all labour decisions acted upon by the previous government. Mr Doe explained that the repeal of Decree No 12 will make Liberia's labour code consistent with international standards and ensure the full protection of the right of workers in the Republic of Liberia.Teachers' strike
Hundreds of public school teachers in the Monrovia area last week boycotted classes in demand of their July and August salary arrears. The teachers' demands also include the 1984-85 fiscal year transportation allowance.SIERRA LEONE
241 prisoners die of malnutrition
Amnesty International has reported that 241 prisoners died of malnutrition in jails in Sierra Leone.According to the Organisation's report for 1984 government killing of prisoners by execution, assassination or torture reached new and totally unacceptable levels during the year under review.
Chad was listed among countries where outright political murders often taking place during counter-insurgency operations accounted for thousands of deaths.
Gen Momoh duly elected
The Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Justice Livesey Luke, who was the returning officer for the first nationwide presidential election, has declared Maj-Gen Joseph Saidu Momoh duly elected President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Justice Luke disclosed that in the election, 2,784,591 valid votes were cast in favour of Maj-Gen Momoh while 4,096 valid votes were cast against him.In his acceptance speech, President-elect Maj-Gen Momoh said he considered this result as a resounding victory at the poll and registered his profound appreciation for Dr Siaka Stevens. President-elect Maj-Gen Momoh thanked the leadership and the rank and file of the APC (All People's Congress) and the nation at large for the support and honour accorded him.
From the City Hall, President-elect Maj- Gen Momah called on President Siaka Stevens at the State House to brief him on the final results of the presidential election.. President Stevens expressed delight at the massive turn-out of voters and congratulated Maj-Gen Momoh for his resounding victory at the poll.
GABON
Return of member of government-in-exile"
Mr Simon Adolphe Evouna, a prominent member of Morena (National Recovery Movement) has arrived in Libreville. Mr Evouna belonged to the "Gabonese government-in-exile" which was constituted on 9th August by Morena.Mr Evouna, who was welcomed at the airport by his family, went straight to his residence in Woleu-Ntem province, northeast of the country, according to presidential sources which added that he will not be harassed.
It is recalled that on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Gabon's independence on 17th August President Bongo decided to release the "last six political detainees" of the country all members of he Morena. "Forgiveness is my sole vengeance", he declared, "but one has to understand that it has limits. It is within the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) sole party that criticism is authorised and those who do not understand this will find me in their way.'
TOGO
Military cooperation with France
Head of State, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, last week met with Jennou Lacaze, adviser of the French Minister of Defence for African affairs... They discussed military co-operation between Togo and France.GHANA
Role of private sector
A member of the PNDC (Provisional National Defence Council), Mr Justice D. F. Annan, has stressed the crucial role the private sector - both foreign and local - can play to complement the efforts of the public sector in the development of the country.In discussions with the visiting British Under Secretary for Trade the PNDC member endorsed the Government's commitment to the development of good relations with Britain and emphasised the important role Britain can play in the economic recovery programme. He referred particularly to the need to promote investments in the timber, mining, and manufacturing industries. Mr Justice Annan said, in the short term, Ghana looks to the timber industry to provide the necessary base to the economic recovery programme.
He disclosed that the industry used to provide 100 million dollars a year. But consequent to the decline of the economy, the earnings in that sector dwindled to about 20m dollars. The country is, however, looking forward to doubling the 100m dollars in the short term and reaching the height that existed before the decline set in.
On the mining industry, Mr Justice Annan said the gold industry has been able to attract funding from a consortium of international commercial banks into the Ashanti GoldFields Corporation to revamp its operation. The PNDC member said Ghana appreciates the need to adopt measures leading to increased production.
To this end, the Government is putting up a new deal for cocoa producers both in terms of rehabilitation of existing farms to promote good husbanding and replanting burnt-out farms. In addition, new forest lands are being brought under cocoa cultivation.
Sale of oil products
Petroleum products can now be sold in the country after 6pm throughout the week. A statement issued in Accra by the Ministry of Fuel and Power explained that with the recent price adjustments, the abolition of the ration coupons and the normalisation of the fuel situation, there is no longer the need to restrict the sale of petroleum products. The ban on the sale of petroleum products after 6pm came into force in 1980.French aid
Ghana has signed an agreement with the French financial institution, Caisee Centrale de Cooperation Economique, for a loan of 100m French francs. The money will help buttress the industrial and financial sectors of the economy. The period of credit is over 15 years with a grace period of five years.The Secretary for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwesi Botchway, who signed Ghana's part of the agreement, commended the French firm for bringing the agreement into reality. He said the loan falls in line with conditions under the 1985 budget.
Mrs Dwaah's body flown to Accra
Burial takes place in Ghana at the Fomena Methodist Cemetery on Saturday, October 19 of Mrs Comfort Dwaah who died in a motor accident in England on September 24, 1985.She was the wife of Mr Peter Dwaah who, for ten years, was the United Kingdom representative of the Ghana News Agency. He recently returned to Ghana at the end of his tour of duty and had barely resumed work when the tragic news reached him of the death of his wife.
Mr Dwaah who flew back to London on Tuesday September 24 accompanied the flight last Wednesday.
The late Mrs Dwaah, born in 1944 at Adansi Fomena and educated at St Monica's Teacher Training College in Ashanti Mampong was the manageress of Kotoko Textiles and Traders shop which she established in Shoreditch, London. She left behind four children.
British envoy ends visit
Lord Lucas, British Under Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has ended a five day visit to Ghana. The British High Commissioner, Mr Kelvin Burns, said Lord Lucas discussed with Secretary for Trade, Mr Kofi Djin, a wide range of issues concerning expanding trade links between the two countries "These include increase in pineapple and furniture exports from Ghana'At a meeting with the chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Mr Harry Duodoo, the British envoy pledged his country's 'supporting role in making the forthcoming international cocoa agreement, which is to be signed next year, workable; he also gave the assurance that Britain will continue to buy more cocoa from Ghana".
Quadripartite meeting
Ghanaian naval commander M. A. Nyako has told newsmen that a ministerial meeting among the quadripartite countries Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin would be held in Lagos from the 4th to 6th November to discuss "military matters" and work out plans for the reopening of Nigeria's borders which had been closed after the coup.On Ghana's relations with Nigeria, he said that the Nigerian expulsion order had not been directed against Ghanaians alone, and that there were still some Ghanaians in Nigeria who were going about their normal duties without molestation.
NIGERIA
Babangida says exiles are free to return
The Federal Government has assured. Nigerians in exile that they are free to return home. It, however, said that anyone who has a case to answer will be prosecuted. The President, Maj-Gen Ibrahim Babangida, who disclosed this during a television interview in Lagos, said there was no need for the present administration to make any overture to politicians in self-exile.On census, the President urged Nigerians to address themselves seriously to the issue as from now. He said that the Federal Government will provide an environment conducive to the conduct of the exercise.
President Babangida reiterated the Government's determination to provide basic infrastructure in the rural areas as part of efforts to curb the drift from rural to urban centres.
Review of Buhari's decrees
The Federal Government has not taken any decision on whether or not to abrogate Decree No.2, under which a person may be detained without trial for an initial three-month period for state security. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola, told airport correspondents in Lagos on his way to Kaduna that the decree was not new in the country's political life, pointing out that it was applied by the Murtala-Obasanjo administration. He noted however that the decree was moderately applied by that regime. The Minister said that work was in progress on the review of decrees promulgated by the Buhari administration with a view to rectifying anomalies. He said all persons found guilty by the various panels set up by the Federal Government will face the full consequences of the law.Appointment of new Industry Minister
The Armed Forces Ruling Council has approved the appointment of a new member of the National Council of Ministers. He is Alhaji Bonu Sheriff Musa, former general manager of the Chad Basin and Rural Development Authority. Alhaji takes charge of the Ministry of Industry, in place of Alhaji Lawal Mala, who was earlier appointed. The new Minister was sworn in at Dodan Barracks by President Ibrahim Babangida.Alhaji Bonu told newsmen later that his appointment is a challenge, and promised to do his best to justify the confidence reposed in him.
Also sworn in were two of the President's aides they are the Chief Press Secretary, Chief Duro Onabule, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr Amidu Watanapa.
British engineers jailed
Two British engineers Kenneth Clarke, aged 39, and Angus Patterson, aged 41 have been sentenced to 14 years in jail by a Nigerian court on charges of conspiracy and stealing an aircraft valued at £500,000. In his two-hour judgement, Mr Justice Waheed Ajao-Oshodi said in the High Court in Ikeja that "on the totality of the evidence" the prosecution had proved its case "beyond all reasonable doubts".The offences constituted "very serious crimes against morality and social order," the judge said. He imposed the maximum punishment to deter others who might intend to carry out such crimes.
The two men were sentenced to seven years in jail on each charge and the sentences to run consecutively. The aircraft involved, an executive jet, was stolen from Lagos airport on May 19 last year.
Reviewing the evidence of the 17 prosecution witnesses and nine defence witnesses, Mr Justice Ajao-Oshodi said it was evident that "the accused persons and their accomplices acted as agents for their principal, Shiristar Containers Transport Company of UK" who wanted the aircraft by "fair or foul means".
He said that from the evidence a Nigerian businessman, Prince Morrison Olori, had a bona fide claim to the aircraft and was in possession of it when it was stolen. He said the accused had helped Captain Mike Howard and his co-pilot to carry out repairs on the aircraft and make it flightworthy. They recklessly abandoned all necessary procedures, after being warned not to do so by their employer, Bristol Helicopters Nigeria Ltd.
The failure of Shiristar or its agents to in- form either the Ministry of Aviation or Prince Olori before the aircraft took off, and its taking off in the night without lights and clearance from the control tower, emphasized the criminal intentions.
Captain Howard and his co-pilot were not repatriated to Nigeria after they were arrested with the aircraft in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, but the aircraft was returned to Nigeria. Mr Clark and Mr Patterson had in March been discharged but fresh charges were preferred against them leading to a second trial.
Reuniting students unions
Polytechnic students have begun moves to reunite all member unions of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who opted out of the association last year following a disagreement over an election. Students of Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria's premier higher institution, who are holding brief for their colleagues, will on October 24 host a reconciliatory meeting among three major associations involved in the rift. They are: the NANS, now made up of mainly university students, the National in 1983. Association of Technological Students (NATS) and the Association of Teachers Training Colleges and Colleges of Educa- tion Students Association of Nigeria (ATTCCESAN). Claiming that the division within the national students organisation had weakened their stand as a strong pressure group, the students said most of their programmes failed because they lacked unity of purpose.According to a statement signed by Mr Omotosho Oluyemi, chairman of the students' union and Ibegbu Osadebe, secretary-general, all the students' groups need to come together now to let the government know that they are serious and united.
Retirements in army
Former Labour Minister, Major-General S. K. Omojokun and two former state military. governors have retired from the army.The former state governors are Major- General M. D. Jega and Brigadier J. A. Kpera. Their retirements took effect from September 27. A statement from the Directorate of the Army Public Relations said that 14 other officers have been compulsorily retired. Lieutenant Colonels P. A. Anakwe and J. O. Adejumo are among these. Also retired in a similar manner are Army Majors S. I. Oseni, C. O. Edoh, D. C. Bot, I. C. Agbugba, S. Idakwo and R. A. A. Ewuola.
Captains M. D. O. Ajidhun, J. Elabor, Lieutenants B. A. Anifowoshe, C. O. Sodeinde and Second Lieutenant A. C. Okechukwu.
Military authorities said in Lagos that the retirements in the Army were a continuous exercise, embracing the entire armed forces. This is the second time since the August 27 change of the country's leadership.
Former head of state, Major-General Muhammed Buhari and his number two Major-General Tunde Idiagbon as well as others were retired in the first exercise.
Buhari's oil boss removed
Mr Festus Marinho, two time managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has been retired along with three general managers in a re-organisation exercise.The general managers were: Mr Oyibo Lolomari (petro-chemicals), project engineer Kufeji and Mr Sam Akpe (commercials).
Marinho was first appointed NNPC In his contribution, Mr Yemi Farounbi, a managing director in 1977, at the time media practitioner said, "what we should (1976-78) Brigadier Muhammadu Buhari debate now is how to manage our economy (now a retired Major-General) was the well so that our future earnings from corporation's chairman and commissioner whatever sources will be well-managed". for petroleum resources. He was reappointed when Gen Buhari seized power
Rice production
Government has worked out plans to boost production of rice and maize which were expunged from the import shopping list.Details of the government's plans to bridge the gap which may be created by the ban are: compelling state governments to ensure that the rice and maize production receive 15 per cent to 30 per cent of their allocations to the agricultural sector. Selective application of credit facilities to enhance production of the two crops. Encouragement of companies which use the crops to embark on large-scale cultivation.
Former Minister defends record
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney- General, Mr Chike Ofodile (SAN) has said in Owerri that the ousted Buhari administration "did its best to protect fundamental human rights".Ofodile, who did not elaborate, told newsmen that "the rest of human rights policy of the ousted government is now left for history to judge".
The former minister stated that much a a government had the right to repeal any law it deemed "oppressive", it was wrong to blame an individual for any law promulgated by the government under which he served, arguing that "laws are not made by individuals but by government" Others given the compulsory order were Ofodile, who has returned to private practice, was grateful for the opportunity offered him to serve the nation. He said the abrogated Decree No.4 wa meant to check "deliberate falsehood whose outcome will make journalists and non-journalists start to wonder".
Ofodile denied representing Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) at th inquiry on the alleged missing N2.8 billion oil money, saying that he was not in position to know why the findings had not been published.
Majority argue against IMF loan
The majority of participants in a discussion programme organised by the Nigerian Institute of Bankers, Ibadan chapter, have advised the government not to take the IMF loan.The zonal controller of the Central Bank Ibadan, Mr G. A. Obasohan was of the view that whether Nigeria borrowed or not "we are bound to be in trouble of unemployment".
He referred to what the former managing director of NNPC told the nation that between October 1979 and December 1983, over N41 billion was earned from sales of crude oil.
He said: "At the end of the period, we were owing about N15 billion in long-term debts and N5 billion in trade debts. "To a layman, this means that we spent in those four years a total of N61 billion. And what do we have to show for it? "If we earned N41 billion and are still where we are, can a paltry sum of N.8 billion bail us out?" he questioned.
Mr Farounbi made it clear that the basic problems of the country revolved around lack of good management and financial discipline. "Have we tackled these problems and found a solution? Will any amount not vaporise into thin air because of our incapacity or inability to manage our resources well?
Dr A. Ariyo, a lecturer at University of Ibadan was of the view that "if we don't borrow from the IMF, it will give us opportunity to develop and in the long run, there will be employment for all". In his contribution, Mr Jide Abimbola, a banker said Nigerians should concern themselves now with "what they shall depend on economically when oil sales get to the stage when revenue could no longer sustain our very existence".
GUINEA
Impending change in currency
Speaking on the 27th anniversary of independence, President Lansana Conte announced that the Guinean currency, the sylli, would be changed. In his speech, broadcast on 2nd October by Conakry radio, Conte promised that not a single sylli would be confiscated. He added that the country's administration would be reformed so that it could play its proper role of giving impetus and support to private initiative.MALI
Submission of ICJ documents
Written statements on the case involving Mali and Burkina Faso have been submitted to the International Court of justice at The Hague in hopes of settling the conflict between the two countries. The exchange of the written statements took place between the two sides through the registrar of the tribunal. Each side has six months to submit its written counterstatement.OAU
Put pressure on South Africa
Senegalese President Abdou Diouf has called on Western countries to exert pressure on South Africa to grant independence to Namibia within the framework of the United Nations resolution 435 of 1978 and end apartheid. Mr Diouf said it was the moral duty of the international community to press both for Namibia's independence and the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa. He was speaking during a state dinner hosted for him by President Kaunda.He said in spite of the prevailing political situation in South Africa, Africa should close its ranks and continue to render support to the struggling people of South Africa and Namibia. He expressed hope that despite South Africa's intransigence and arrogance towards international opinion, Namibians and South Africans will be free. He said apartheid, like Nazism, was being manifested by the acts of murder, torture and oppression of the innocent people in South Africa. It was a challenge to humanity which called for the concerted effort of the international community to eradicate it.
On the role played by Zambia in the liberation process he said it was a pride to the entire continent. His host President Kaunda of Zambia said Africa must be united and make the OAU strong and effective politically and economically. He said a collective strength would sustain a resolve to overcome any impediments to the viable economic and political stability of the continent.
He said the prevailing unhealthy situation in South Africa, precipitated by apartheid, was not only an impediment to development of the region but a destabilisation.
President Kaunda said it was unrealistic to talk of peace, development and stability in southern Africa unless colonialism in Namibia and apartheid in South Africa were firmly removed. The Zambian leader said President Diouf's visit was timely because he had come at a time when the situation in southern Africa was volatile.
President Kaunda said the panacea to all the turmoil in South Africa was for President Botha to dismantle apartheid, lift the state of emergency, free the African National Congress leader, Nelson Mandela, and other political prisoners.
He appealed to the international community to exert more pressure on South Africa which should include the diplomatic isolation, severing of all sporting links, and the imposition of comprehensive mandatory economic sanctions against South Africa. He dismissed the argument by some people who refuse to support the sanctions on the pretext that they would hurt Africans. I think uppermost in their minds is self-interest.
ANC leader's call for "practical steps
The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa has asked the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to step up its material support of the liberation movement so that it can crush apartheid and halt the killings of blacks in that country. "A thousand people are being killed in South Africa every month. We must be armed to counter this", ANC president, Oliver Tambo, declared in the Zambian capital after two hours of talks with visiting Senegalese President Abdou Diouf who is also current OAU chairman.Mr Tambo said the OAU needs to take practical steps to help the ANC fight the Pretoria regime and end apartheid. He outlined some of the ANC's proposals to the OAU as: Arming the ANC; arming the frontline states to counter destabilisation acts by Pretoria; accelerating the momentum for international sanctions against South Africa; greater firmness in demands for the release of jailed ANC leader Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners; an end to the state of emergency and withdrawal of police; lifting the ban on all political parties.
On the demands for sanctions, Mr Tambo said the climate was now very favourable as never before in the history of the liberation struggle. He also described as "false, insulting, and hypocritical" suggestions that Africans will suffer more if the international community imposes sanctions against Pretoria. I say this is insulting because people are already suffering in these countries. Blacks are being murdered, the frontline states are being raided. What more could they suffer?" The ANC leader asked.
On the Senegalese leader's visit to this source of region, Mr Tambo described it as "a matter of great encouragement" to the people of southern Africa. He said Mr Diouf's visit will even be a greater significance when he reaches Lesotho which is in the heart of South Africa and a stone's throw from where the oppressed were fighting pitched battles against the Pretoria regime.
Stop deceiving tactics
Zimbabwe President Canaan Banana, has lashed some Western governments who argued that economic sanctions against racist South Africa would affect neighbouring states. President Banana said South Africa's allies should not use southern Africa as an excuse for refusing to impose economic sanctions against the apartheid regime, adding that such deceiving tactics should be stopped.He expressed the hope that the frontline states will get much more economic assistance from the OAU and the United Nations, as well as other international organisations. The President also denounced the American policy of constructive engagement in southern Africa as destructive and aimed at sustaining the South Africa regime.
Canaan Banana was speaking at a state banquet hosted in honour of the visiting Senegalese President, Mr Abdou Diouf, who is also the current Chairman of the OAU. In reply, President Diouf lashed out at the apartheid policies saying OAU member states should concretise their sup- port for the liberation movements in southern Africa. He praised the Prime Minister, Robert Mugabe, for creating unity in the country and for his stand against colonialism and racism.
The Senegalese President said that the decision by Zimbabwe to send its troops to help the Mozambican Government fight rebels was a concrete demonstration of Zimbabwe's commitment to African solidarity. Mr Diouf was speaking at an air- port press conference before departing for Botswana... He said by sending its troops, Zimbabwe had struck yet another blow against apartheid, since the Mozambican rebels were organised and armed by South Africa.
The OAU Chairman stressed the need for unity and solidarity among African states and noted Zimbabwe's commitment to that cause. He said he had come to southern Africa in order to see, learn and understand the problems of the region, especially apartheid and the struggle for the liberation of Namibia.
IN MEMORIAM
Dr Susan Ofori-Atta Rites of PurificationThe Ofori-Atta family in the UK; The Ayoko family of Kyebi, Abomosu and Akwamufie in the UK, announce the ceremony of purification in connection with the sad death of Dr Susan Akosua Boo Gyankoroma Ofori-Atta which occurred in London on July 1, 1985. Date: 19 October 1985
Place:
Lord Morrison Hall, Scales Road N17.
Time: 1600-2300 hours All Friends, sympathisers are invited
RSVP: Mr Fredua Ofori-Atta Tel: 01-720 8704
Mr Benjamin Danquah Tel: 01-701 3925 Mr James Albert Koranteng Tel: 01-299 2353
Tube:Seven Sisters & Tottenham
Hill Stations Buses: 41 67 72 76 129, 149
