The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Hajj 2021: NAHCON to partner South-south governors for improved operations

    Hajj 2021: NAHCON to partner South-south governors for improved operations

    By Elo Edremoda, Warri

    To improve Hajj operations in the Southsouth geopolitical zone, the Federal Commissioner representing the region in the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alh. Sadiq Musa, has promised to liaise with state governments in the area.

    This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen, highlighting his tour of Bayelsa and Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

    Alhaji Musa, who was received by the Bayelsa state governor, represented by his deputy, Lawrence Erudjakpo, last weekend, solicited the support of the state government for the establishment of a Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

    Read Also: Pilgrims return for lesser Hajj after Saudi Arabia relaxes restrictions

    According to the statement, the deputy governor assured that the board will be constituted, as the state is committed to providing conducive atmosphere for all religious bodies.

    The Commissioner, in company of NAHCON’s zonal coordinator, Amin Ukoha, further explained that he was inspecting the Pilgrim Welfare board office, to assess challenges and preparedness for Hajj 2021, as well as awareness of Muslims about the Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS).

    He urged the state government to sponsor some Muslims to the Holy land come 2021.

    The Permanent Secretary Bayelsa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs. Koroye and aide to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. GodsPower Asingwa, were also visited.

    The commissioner, during a meeting with the zonal executives led by Amin Ukoha, emphasized the need for the new Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS), introduced under the leadership of Alh. Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan, to be embraced.

  • CACOVID plans to empower youths, businesses

    CACOVID plans to empower youths, businesses

    Our Reporter

    The Coalition Against COVID-19(CACOVID), a private sector alliance formed to eradicate coronavirus from Nigeria, has announced updates of its full activities.

    It also revealed plans to support government’s efforts in rebuilding the economy.

    This follows the mayhem caused by hoodlums who hijacked the EndSARS protests, resulting in vandalism, loss of lives and disruption of the existing state of affairs.

    Whilst giving the breakdown of CACOVID’s expenditures, Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, noted the coalition has received a N39.64 billion as a donation from its private sector members.

    He said it expended N43.272 billion on various projects, including N4.194 billion on building fully equipped isolation centres, N9.017 billion on medical equipment and supplies, N28.7 billion on food palliatives as well as embarked on COVID-19 awareness drives across states in Nigeria, leveraging multiple communication channels.

    Emefiele also disclosed CACOVID has put in place certain measures as a supportive gesture to the government in facilitating the recovery process of the economy which has been adversely affected by the pandemic and the recent national unrest.

    He said: “These efforts represent some of the essential steps that are important in rebuilding trust and preventing future unrest within our communities.

    READ ALSO: Understanding looted CACOVID palliatives

    “It would also complement the government’s efforts aimed at creating jobs for our youths and in strengthening the security apparatus in the country.

    “More importantly, it would also prevent the challenges which have emanated from the protest, from affecting the long-term growth prospects for households and businesses in the country.”

    The coalition has budgeted N100 billion to procure equipment and gadgets for the Nigerian Police Force over the next two years in addition to rehabilitation of all damaged 44 police stations nationwide.

    Over N150 billion will be deployed to set up and implement the Youth Development Programme to provide technical and vocational education to over four million youths over the next five years.

    On successful conclusion of the programme, selected students will be eligible to receive loans to support their entrepreneurial pursuits. A total of N25 billion has been earmarked for this.

  • Soku oil well: Wike protecting Rivers wealth – Ijaw youths

    Soku oil well: Wike protecting Rivers wealth – Ijaw youths

    By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

    Ijaw youths at the weekend said Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike’s pursuit of justice on Soku Oilfield was a demonstration of his desire to protect the wealth of the state.

    The youths, under the auspices of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Patriotic Ijaw Youth Leaders (PIYL) commended the Governor for ensuring retention of the oil wells in Rivers.

    The youths said the feat achieved by Wike in pursuing justice for Soku people was for the benefit of all Rivers people, irrespective of their ethnic or political leanings.

    They appealed to Wike to channel the 13 per cent revenue derivation from the Soku Oil wells to development of the host communities and other oil-producing coastal areas in the state.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt, the Chairman, PIYL, Samuel George, who was a former leader, IYC Central Zone, hailed the apex court’s verdict and Wike for protecting the wealth of the state.

    He said: “The Supreme Court’s judgement is a historic success to Rivers people beyond ethnic lines. What the governor of Rivers state did is for the interest of everyone in the state.

    “We lost the territory of the Soku oil wells in 2002 to Bayelsa state and other administrations fought for it but perhaps did not take the right direction.

    READ ALSO: Ijaw youths to Wike: develop host communities with Soku Oil Well’s earnings

    “But the governor has just made us proud. What he did in the case of Soku oil wells is for the benefit of all Rivers people and so it needs to be applauded.

    “The 13 per cent derivatives from the oil wells should be channelled to the development of Rivers people particularly the Soku People for reclamation of land and education.

    Spokesman, PIYLF, Gabriel Allen, said Ijaw youths were in solidarity with Wike for achieving the feat, describing it as a panacea to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

    He said: “The National leaders of the Kalabari se Ikpangi of the Ijaw Youth Council in solidarity with the Patriotic Ijaw Youth Leaders Forum and Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern zone are in solidarity with Governor Nyesom Wike on the Supreme Court judgement over the embattled Soku oil fields in Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers state.

    “We stare unequivocally the judgement of striking out the controversial suit of ceding the Soku, Adum-Ama, Kula, Elem-Sangama, Ekule-Ama, Kampala, Idama and Boro oil fields in present-day Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers state to Bayelsa state by the National Boundary Commission in 2002 as a result of faulty 11th administrative mapping, is a step in the right direction and a panacea to sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.”

  • Doctors on strike over colleague’s kidnap

    Doctors on strike over colleague’s kidnap

    By Nsa Gill, Calabar 

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River State has directed it members to go on strike  until one of them, Dr. Godwin Udo, is released by kidnappers.

    NMA Chairman Dr. Innocent Abang, who lamented that doctors have become targets of kidnappers, explained that Udo, who works with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), was kidnapped about 7pm on November 1 from his Bateba Sreet residence.

    Abang said the decision to strike was taken in an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

    He urged the state to step up its commitment to the security of life and property.

    The NMA chair confirmed that the kidnappers have called the victim’s relative to demand for ransom.

    Police spokesman Irene Ugbo confirmed Udo’s abduction but said the command is working to track the abductors.

  • Court to hear pejury case against Obaseki Nov 16

    Court to hear pejury case against Obaseki Nov 16

    Our Reporter

    A federal High Court in Abuja will begin hearing a suit by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and one other, accusing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki of lying about his academic credentials on November 16.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed picked the date yesterday following an application by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN).

    Justice Mohammed reminded parties that the suit was filed on July 14 and being a pre-election case, has a life span of 180 days, which will end in January 2021.

    He urged lawyers to cooperate with the court so the case can be determined before the expiry date.

    The plaintiffs claimed, in their writ of summons, that Obaseki forged his university certificate which he presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to aid his qualification for the governorship election.

    They also claimed there were discrepancies in the subject Obaseki claimed he passed in his West African Examination Council (WAEC) exam and in his testimonial.

    Read Also: PDP admits error in Obaseki’s certificate

    The plaintiffs want the court to declare that Obaseki’s claim in his INEC form EC9 at column C, sworn to on June 29, 2020, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court Registry, to the effect that he obtained from the University of Ibadan in 1979, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Studies, is false and contrary to Section 31 (5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

    They also want the court to declare that Obaseki lied on oath when he swore to an affidavit on June 29, that he worked in Afrinvest Limited from 1994 to 2014 when he retired.

    The plaintiffs also want a declaration that Obaseki ‘is disqualified from contesting election to the office of Edo State Governor for non-fulfilment of the constitutional requirement of Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution of Nigeria and upon presenting false/forged certificate to INEC contrary to Section 31 (5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010’.

  • Community policing: politicians sabotaged recruitment process

    Community policing: politicians sabotaged recruitment process

     Damian Duruiheoma, Owerri

     

    TRADITIONAL rulers in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State have accused the acting coucil chairman, Emeka Iheanacho, and other politicians, of sabotaging the recruitment of constables for community policing.

    Chairman of Njaba Council of Traditional Rulers and monarch of Amazano community Caesar Duruegbusuo made the allegation at a stakeholders’ meeting at Nkume Community Hall.

    Duruegbusuo said politicians hijacked the recruitment and sidelined the royal fathers who are the chief security officers of their communities.

    According to him, this negated the instructions of Governor Hope Uzodimma, and said it could sabotage government’s security efforts.

    He said: “Governor Uzodimma said traditional rulers should select people to fill up the community policing list. Unfortunately, politicians in the council decided to select their boys. We’re talking about security, and there is no way you will bring someone to secure any community without the leadership knowing who it is.

    Read Also: ‘My experience of police brutality’

    “We therefore reject the list sent for community policing from Njaba. The people we selected  were rejected by politicians who substituted them with their loyalists. No monarch should be held accountable for any security breach in any community in Njaba. Our governor should note this.”

    But Chairman of the Interim Management Chairman (IMC) Emeka Iheanacho debunked the allegation, saying, “We chose only qualified candidates from the communities in Njaba”.

    Iheanacho also denied that the royal fathers were sidelined in the selection process as they made contributions. He promised that the monarchs would be given the opportunity to make substantial contributions in future recruitments.

  • Return to work, Ugwuanyi begs policemen

    Return to work, Ugwuanyi begs policemen

    Our Reporter

     

    ENUGU State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has appealed to men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to renew their commitment towards securing lives and property by returning to their duty posts.

    Ugwuanyi made the appeal when he visited the Senior Police Officers Mess on Agbani Road, Enugu, to address and commiserate with them over the death of private citizens and security personnel.

    The governor, who described the mayhem as ‘an unusual and challenging period for the police force’, noted that it was needless and ‘an ill-wind that blew no one any good’.

    He said: “The government has set up a panel of inquiry to determine the deaths and other damages. We earnestly await the panel’s recommendations as we are committed to implementing same to soothe the pains of victims.

    “I implore you to renew your commitment to securing lives and property, as was the case before the protests.”

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi visits defunct SARS office

    Police Commissioner Ahmad Abdurrahman, thanked Ugwuanyi for his humility, responsibility, concern, care and love.

    He also hailed the governor for finding it necessary and expedient to visit men and officers of the command over the unfortunate fallout of the #EndSARS protests.

    The police boss said the visit signified that ‘we are under a very comfortable hand and care’. He, therefore, urged officers to pray for the governor and extend ‘our love, dedication and patriotism to him to enable him comfortably discharge his responsibilities’.

  • Imo to restore IMSUTH’s accreditation

    Imo to restore IMSUTH’s accreditation

    Our Reporter

     

    IMO State Governor Hope Uzodimma has promised to restore the accreditation of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu which was lost years back.

    He also promised that his government will do its best to provide the needed facilities that will enable the Teaching Hospital be of service to students and carter for the people’s health needs.

    Governor Uzodimma addressed reporters after inspecting facilities at IMSUTH, Imo Foundation and Ochiedike Medical and Dialysis Centre in Owerri on Wednesday.

    Read Also: #ENDSARS: Imo panel laments lack of petitions

    At IMSUTH, the governor inspected the maternity, prenatal, gynaecology and neurology wards, and others.

    Governor Uzodimma said the visit was partly to identify the needs and requirements for accreditation.

    He also appealed to doctors rendering skeletal services at IMSUTH to continue as the government would soon upgrade its facilities to enable students graduate and provide adequate medical services for the people.

  • #EndSARS: Cross River hit more than others

    #EndSARS: Cross River hit more than others

     Nsa Gill, Calabar 

     

    FORMER Managing Director of Tinapa Business Resort Bassey Ndam has lamented that Cross River State recorded more destructions in the violent aftermath of the #EndSARS protest than any other state.

    Ndam, who was a Commissioner for Lands, said: “With meagre resources at the state’s disposal, it is only now that the terrible picture of the magnitude of devastation in Calabar, Akpabuyo and Bakassi is emerging.”

    He, however, believes the state can still come out stronger. “I believe all hands must support the governor in the middle of very stormy waters. This is not a time for distraction, finger pointing and blame game, as such can only dissipate energy that should be used to rebuild and restore our shattered infrastructure.

    Read Also: ‘Cross River owes no verified pensioner’

    “It is easy to sit in a chair, with the benefit of hind sight, and pontificate on what anybody should have done. But when events are unfolding at a fast pace, and the fog of war descends, then we must accept the decisions made for what they are, learn from our mistakes and move on.

    “I urge media practitioners to be more circumspect and constructive about their headlines; this is not the time to add fuel to an already raging fire…”

  • Obiano presents N143.65b budget for 2021

    Obiano presents N143.65b budget for 2021

    By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has presented a budget of N143.65 billion to the House of Assembly for the 2021 fiscal year.

    The budget of economic recovery and consolidation projected a recurrent expenditure of 39.5 per cent (N56.77 billion) and a capital expenditure of 60.5 per cent (86.88 billion).

    Obiano said: “This budget is based on realistic projections of all sources of revenue, both external and internal, taking into consideration the state’s revenue and expenditure trend.

    “It will drive the budget theme and help to sustain our past achievements. It will also ensure that we maintain our status as a hub for business and a destination for new investments”.

    The governor said N46.7 billion was projected as expectation from federal allocations and N36.6 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He added that taxes and levies would not be increased in the coming year.

    Read Also: Flood displaces 5,000 in Anambra – Obiano

    Obiano said N200 million was budgeted as compensation for persons who had proven cases of gross human rights violation, torture and death against the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Speaker of the Assembly Uche Okafor lauded Obiano for the early presentation, saying good attention was given to human and infrastructural development.

    He promised that the seventh Assembly would continue to contribute to the state’s peace, unity and progress by enacting quality laws, effective representation as well as timely and responsible oversight.