The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Revoke controversial CAMA section –S’south PFN tells Buhari

    Revoke controversial CAMA section –S’south PFN tells Buhari

    Elo Edremoda, Warri

     

    As controversy continues  to trail the signing into law of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) South-South, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to revoke the contentious  section for peace to reign in the nation.

    The  vice president, Bishop Simeon Okah, made the call during a briefing with newsmen in Warri, where he posited that the rancour that greeted the signing of the law should cause a “rethink” on the part of the Federal Government.

    Dr. Okah, who is the founder of Flock of Christ Mission, stated that those who “smuggled” in the controversial section 839 (1) & (2) are enemies of Nigeria, adding that the church will not sit back and watch anyone violate its rights.

    He also explained that as a travelled preacher, the regulations in place in Western nations like the United States of America (USA) and Britain are basically to protect government’s investment in the churches, since as non-governmental organisations, they receive grants from the government, hence pastors have to account for the funds.

    Read Also: Buhari’s 2nd term achievements

    “But in Nigeria, government has no investment whatsoever in churches and so has no moral right to regulate what it has no inputs in,” the Bishop stated.

    He noted that the church has kept the law by paying taxes and subjecting to all regulations, its businesses such as schools and hospitals which are profit oriented.

    Bishop Okah further emphasized that it is not in the place of government to attempt to remove trustees and foist leadership on a religious organisation, as that would amount to denial of religious freedom which is against the spirit of the Nigerian constitution.

     

  • Ugwuaji land dispute: Enugu govt constitutes panel of inquiry

    Ugwuaji land dispute: Enugu govt constitutes panel of inquiry

    Our Reporter

     

    Enugu State Government has constituted a six-man Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the disputed land in Ugwuaji Community, in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state.

    In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the panel which has Chief James Ikeyi, SAN, as chairman, is to establish the true owner of the parcels of land in dispute as well as ascertain the entire area of disputed land.

    Other terms of reference of the panel are “to ascertain individual claims or title to parcels of land in the disputed area” and “make any other finding that will ensure lasting peace in the area”.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi seeks prayers

    Prof. Ortuanya, who disclosed that the setting up of the panel was approved by the State Executive Council in its 10th meeting held on Friday, August 21, 2020, added that it is expected to complete its assignment within two (2) months of its constitution.

    “To this end, all claims to, and/or activities on the disputed parcels of land should cease forthwith until final submission of panel’s report and state government’s disposal action on the matter”, the statement said.

    Other members of the panel are: Brigadier General Godwin Ugwoke (Rtd); Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu; Mr. Godwin Ishiwu (Surveyor General, Enugu State); Barr. Chudi Ozokolo and Mr. Robinson Odoh, Mni, who serves as the Secretary.

  • Ripples as police keep Bayelsa LM candidate in detention

    Ripples as police keep Bayelsa LM candidate in detention

    Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt and Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

     

    Condemnation has trailed the continuous detention of the Liberation Movement (LM) candidate in the last Bayelsa State governorship election, Mr. Vijah Opuama, by the police.

    Investigations revealed that Opuama, who was arrested within the premises of the election petition tribunal in Abuja on August 15 by a police team from the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had spent 13 days in the custody of the police.

    Opuama was arrested shortly after he arrived to hear the judgment of the tribunal in a case he filed seeking the disqualification of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, over alleged document forgery.

    Though the case was dismissed by the tribunal, the candidate was forced out of his vehicle by the police, who handcuffed him and whisked him away to their office in Abuja.

    The Vijah Opuama Campaign Alliance  (VOCA) in a statement signed by its Director-General, Tuebi Sapere-Obi, lamented that Opuama was being illegally detained under unfavourable human conditions by the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    Sapere-Obi accused the police of colluding with the Bayelsa State government to keep Opuama in detention till the expiration of the period allowed by the law to appeal his case against Ewhrujakpo.

    He said: “Mr. Opuama was arrested on the August 15, 2020 by men of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit within the premises of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja following a petition written by the Bayelsa State Government Chief of Staff, Benson Agadaga, while judgment was being delivered in his matter with INEC & 3 Ors.

    Read Also: Bayelsa West: Sagbama should occupy seat

    “We wonder why a respectable institution like the Nigeria Police Force will allow itself to be used by politicians to frustrate a law abiding citizen like Opuama by refusing to grant Opuama bail despite several applications and meeting his administrative bail conditions and have equally refused to charge him to court.

    “We maintain that Opuama has not committed any crime known to law to warrant his continued detention. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to caution the men of the IGP Monitoring Unit.”

    Efforts to get the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Benson Agadaga, to respond to the allegations proved abortive as he neither answered the calls nor responded to text message to his mobile phone.

    Also, when contacted, the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, promised to verify the matter and get back with details but was yet to as   at the time of filing the report.

  • NDLEA destroys 9.110 tons of illicit drugs in Abia

    NDLEA destroys 9.110 tons of illicit drugs in Abia

    Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

     

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State carried out public destruction of seized drug exhibits by the Abia State Command of the federal government agency.

    The exercise was carried out by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who was assisted by the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA; Col. Muhammad Abdallah (Rtd), heads of various security agencies among other dignitaries at the event.

    Speaking at the event, Adballah, said  among the illicit drugs destroyed include 6,574.116kg of cannabis, 10.81kg of Heroin, 8.932kg of cocaine and 2,516.394kg of psychotropic substances.

    According to the NDLEA boss, the Federal Government agency is happy that such an amount of illicit drugs were intercepted by officers of its agency under the Abia Command and as such, preventing the drugs from having their way into the society.

    He noted  that the havoc it would have wreaked  if it had, had  its way into the state would have been better imagined than experienced.

    Read Also: Yobe NDLEA arrests soldier with arms, cannabis

    “Drugs, like poison, need not to be in large volumes before doing the incalculable damage. We have to be unrelenting because the criminals illicitly dealing in drugs are unrelenting as they go to all extent in the pursuit of money at the detriment of security, lives and property across the country.”

    Continuing, Abdallah who added that the agency would do everything within its powers in order to ensure that the entrepreneurial heritage of the people of the state doesn’t come under the threat of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs, noted that nothing diminishes productivity as much as illicit drug trafficking.

  • Abandoned school projects: Anambra lawmakers summon commissioner, contractors

    Abandoned school projects: Anambra lawmakers summon commissioner, contractors

    Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

     

    Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Social Development Goals, Economic Planning and Donor Agencies,  has expressed worry over abandonment of projects in some secondary schools in the state.

    The committee also frowned at the level of work done by the contractors handling the project under the World Bank Assisted State Education Programme Investment Projects (SEPIP).

    Speaking during an oversight function to some government awarded project sites, Committee Chairman, Mr Ebele Ejiofor,  said the Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha,  had been invited to explain reasons for the delay despite release of funds for the projects.

    Ejiofor said the committee also summoned contractors handling the construction of hostel blocks at Government Secondary School, Utuh,  Nigeria Science and Technical College, Nnewi and Government Technical College,  Nkpor,  as well as the contractor handling the fencing of three schools where works were not properly executed.

    The lawmaker who led other members to the sites recalled that Governor Willie Obiano-led administration in its first tenure had promised to ensure schools across the state were fenced in order to guarantee safety and security of both students and teachers.

    Read Also: Anambra transporters lament extortion, harassment

    Ejiofor, who doubles as the Deputy Minority Leader however regretted that some of the contractors were yet to meet expectations as nothing was on ground to justify funds released to them.

    He said, “We’re particularly not happy with level of work done at Community Secondary School, Nnobi and  Government Secondary School, Utuh as well as the abandonment of about three hostel blocks which government had released funds to the contractors.

    “It’s even more worrisome that none of the contractors showed up at the various project sites visited despite receiving an official letter about the visit.”

  • I have no governorship ambition, says Onoh

    I have no governorship ambition, says Onoh

    From Chris Oji Enugu

     

    CHAIRMAN of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) Josef Onoh has debunked speculations he is contesting for governor.

    Onoh’s posters  surfaced in the state capital, urging him to contest for governor in 2023.

    There were articles in the media canvassing support for Onoh, citing his pedigree as chairman of ECTDA and others.

    One of Onoh’s promoters argued that 2023 would make it 30 years since Josef’s father, the late Chief C. C Onoh, won election as governor of old Anambra State.

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    He ruled for three months before the military administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari toppled the Second Republic, sacking Onoh.

    The promoters urged Onoh to complete the aborted administration, to actualise his father’s dream for the people.

    But Onoh insisted God alone gives power to whoever he blesses with the wisdom of leadership.

    He said: “I appreciate those  showing concern and support for my political future ahead of 2023 but … 2023 is not my priority. I am more concerned on how to turn around ECTDA to benefit our people.

    “I urge all who have shown concern to wait for the appropriate time because power comes from God. At the appropriate time, God’s wish will be done. 2023 is still too far to occupy discussions now.”

  • Imo moves for job creation, waste management

    Imo moves for job creation, waste management

    Our Reporter

     

    IMO State will partner Polymer Institute of Nigeria to shore up job creation processes and bring prosperity to the people, it was learnt.

    A statement by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, said the government would take advantage of the institute’s readiness to make waste management a source of economic prosperity for the state, especially through the teaching of Polymer Technology at Imo State Polytechnic.

    Uzodimma, who addressed a delegation from the institute yesterday, hailed them for pushing through the Chartered Polymer Institute of Nigeria bill awaiting presidential assent.

    The governor directed Office of the Deputy Governor to work with the group on how to maximise opportunities at the polytechnic by including Polymer Technology in the curriculum.

    Uzodimma said the group should liaise with the Ministry of Environment on issues and programmes concerning waste management.

    Read Also: Uzodinma commissions road projects

    National President Prof. Paul Mamza said they were in Imo to see how they could establish a partnership with the government to create jobs through self-employment.

    Mamza said the Institute had developed elaborate proposals on the utilisation of local raw materials for commercially-viable products to boost the economy.

    Such materials could  produce foams, paints, adhesives, pigments, fibre-reinforced polymers, among others, Mamza said.

  • Diri to commissioners: be innovative, servant leaders

    Diri to commissioners: be innovative, servant leaders

    Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

     

    BAYELSA State Governor Douye Diri has urged political appointees to be innovative and creative in finding ways to solving problems

    He urged them to be ‘sensitive servant leaders’, reminding them that ‘they cannot do things the same way and expect different results’.

    The governor, who spoke on Tuesday at the swearing in of commissioners, said: “We have a covenant of prosperity with the people and with generations yet unborn. You are part of the teamwork to make that dream work.

    “Remember that ours is a divine mandate, won through the sacrifice of several lives and we cannot relinquish it on the altar of mediocrity or prioritise our personal gain over the public good in your decision making.”

    Collins Cocodia was sworn in as special adviser to the governor on Political Matters.

    Read Also: Party disowns judgment sacking Diri

    The commissioners are Preye Broderick (Special Duties -East); Esau Andrew (Lands, Housing and Urban Development); Ibiere Jones (Mineral Resources); Thompson Amule (Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development); Grace Ekiotenne (Transportation); Stanley Braboke (Trade, Industry and Investment) and Moses Teibowei (Works).

    Others are Iselema Gbaranbiri (Environment); David Alagoa (Agriculture and Natural Resources); Biriyai Dambo (Justice and Attorney General); Iti Orugbani (Culture and Tourism Development);  Promise Ekio (Communication and Technology); Otokito Federal (Labour, Employment and Productivity); Faith Opene (Women Affairs and Social Development); Obosi Churson (Special Duties, West); Ekisah Sinkumo (Special Projects) and Maxwell Ebibai (Finance).

    Akpoebidei Alamieyeseigha was sworn in as commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Rex Flint George heads the Ministry of Special Duties, Central); Daniel Igali, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; Ebitei Tonyon heads Power and Water Resources; Pabara Igwele (Health); Ayiba Duba (Information and Orientation) and Gentle Emelah (Education).

  • Stop attacking our son, Orji’s kinsmen warn

    Stop attacking our son, Orji’s kinsmen warn

     Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia

     

    STAKEHOLDERS of Ibeku, hometown of Senator Theodore Orji (Abia Central), have warned against ‘senseless media attacks’ on their son.

    They accused a chieftain and Board of Trustees (BOT) member of All Progressives Congress (APC), Benjamin Apugo, of championing the attacks.

    Orji’s supporters said it was shameful of Apugo to engage in such media war against a man who ‘distinguished himself in various capacities at the state and national level’.

    They are ex-leader of Abia State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Public Utilities Chidiebere Nwoke; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Emma Nwabuko.

    Former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor Charles Ogbonnaya; former Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Sir Frank Ibe; Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu and elder statesman G. O Onyemaobi.

    In a statement – ‘A Rejoinder to Prince B.B Apugo’s diatribe against Senator T. A Orji’, they said: “…Senator Orji is our son of inestimable value in whom we are well pleased…

    Read Also: Orji Kalu back home

    “We call on discerning persons to compare Orji, who rose through the ranks to become Administrative Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among other positions, with Apugo, a private person incapable of holding a public office…”

    But Apugo’s son, who is former general manager of Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency (ASEPA), Victor, described the people as ‘third party’ and ‘sycophants’ stoking the political feud between his father and Orji.

    He urged the ‘third parties’ to rather explore ways to make peace between the duo instead of helping to escalate their differences.

    “Nobody should insult my father. That some of us don’t belong to the same political party with him does not mean we are quarrelling. Politics is all about ideologies and if we don’t share the same ideologies we owe nobody any apologies or explanations.

    “If my father has disowned us as they claimed, why were we part of the palliatives he shared during the COVID -19 lockdown? We were in every community in Ibeku and other communities in Umuahia distributing the items worth over N250 million, which we jointly donated with our father,” Victor added.

  • Enugu woman gets N1m for returning N13m

    Enugu woman gets N1m for returning N13m

    Our Reporter

     

    MRS Josephine Nchetaka Chukwujama-Eze, who refunded the N13 million mistakenly paid into her account, has been rewarded with N1 million.

    Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development Princess Peace Nnaji stated this on Tuesday after a meeting with Mrs. Chukwujama-Eze.

    Mrs. Chukwujama-Eze, a teacher with a mission school in Enugu, is married to Chukwujama Eze, from Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.

    Nnaji, who presented the cash on behalf of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, hailed Chukwujama-Eze for being a good ambassador of Enugu.

    She said: “This is the kind of culture we are inculcating in all our women, men, young boys and girls.

    “What we are witnessing today is heart warming and thought provoking. It is something memorable and substantial. This is a woman who had N13 million mistakenly credited to her account. But immediately she saw it, she alerted her husband and they went to the bank and returned the money to the rightful owner.

    “We all know that times are hard, especially with the Coronavirus pandemic. She is not very comfortable; she is a teacher in a mission school and look at what she has done. This is a real character and the state wants to appreciate her for what she has done.

    Read Also: Enugu markets now to open 6am to 6pm daily

    “Governor Ugwuanyi has directed that she be rewarded with N1 million.”

    Mrs. Chukwujama-Eze thanked Ugwuanyi for the reward, saying: “I so much appreciate this. I was just being my normal self. I never knew what I did will get to this extent. I did what I felt I should do. I did it to clear my conscience. Thank you honourable commissioner and please extend my thanks to our dear governor”.

    Chukwujama-Eze’s husband, Eze ascribed his wife’s honesty to family upbringing and the cultural value of Enugu State and the entire Igbo. “It is a demonstration that there are a good people in Nigeria. What we have witnessed today is a life experience which didn’t come by accident; it is a function of family upbringing.

    “We sincerely thank Governor Ugwuanyi for this recognition. Nigeria is redeemable; Nigerians are good people and I am proud to say this,” he said.