The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Sylva, APC close petition against Diri after calling 52 witnesses

    Sylva, APC close petition against Diri after calling 52 witnesses

    All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the November 2023 Governorship Election in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, have formally closed their petition challenging the declaration of Governor Douye Diri as winner of the election.

    Sylva, who was present at yesterday’s proceedings and the APC, closed their case after calling 52 witnesses to testify to substantiate their allegations against the conduct and the declaration of results in the November 11 governorship election.

    During the day’s proceedings, one of the witnesses, a former Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Akeem Alausa, testified in favour of the petitioners and tendered several exhibits to support his testimony.

    During cross-examination, the witness admitted that his role during the election was seen as controversial and that several protests were held for and against his further stay as police commissioner in the state.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    He also denied ever working for Sylva and he tendered a list of policemen that were stationed at polling units on election day.

    He also admitted that although 16 political parties participated in the governorship election, he did not make any witness statement on oath for 15 other parties except the APC and that his evidence was based on Nembe, Ogbia and Southern-Ijaw local governments where election results are being challenged.

    The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, subsequently adjourned the case to March 4 for the defendants to open their defence.

  • Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    The Economic Confidential has released a list of ministers it identified as the “top 12 performers” in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The publication, after reviewing the actions of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, highlighted their efforts and achievements since assumption of office in August 2023.

    At the swearing-in, President Tinubu announced that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be deployed to assess the impact of the ministers and their ministries.

    “Some Ministers have shown competence in their respective duties. Beyond pragmatic initiatives and impactful programmes, the performing ministers also deploy effective media relations and strategic stakeholder engagements,” the report noted.

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is in the list for establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee career progression, ordering contractors to complete ongoing road, rail and township projects, and prioritising security measures, revenue generation, as well as the original Abuja master plan.

    Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun is included for reforms to revamp the economy such as removing fuel subsidies worth over N400bn monthly, spearheading alternative ways for generate more revenues, and expanding the scope of direct cash transfer schemes to millions of more households across the country.

    Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate: For attracting development partners to support Nigeria’s healthcare, introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into national immunisation, launching the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve maternal health, and facilitating $1 billion MoU towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the list for clearing a backlog of over 200,000 international passports within a few weeks of his appointment, implementing automation of the passport application process, and facilitating the E-gates system at airports to reduce passengers’ physical contact with immigration officers.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi: Recognised for regular press briefings on governance, decorum during interactions and comments, engagements with stakeholders to address burning issues, and unification of the National Value Charter which provides guidelines on citizens’ rights and government’s expectations.

    The report acknowledged the plans by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola to generate $20 billion from the global blue economy worth $1.5 trillion annually, create two million jobs every year through marine activities, and support stakeholders within the maritime sector.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Ohanenye Uju Kennedy is in the list for championing the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through criminal justice system reform, inclusion of women in peace-building processes, and hosting of capacity-building activities under the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme.

    Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake: For decisive actions including license revocation, spearheading enhanced security measures, launching revised guidelines for community development agreements (CDA) to protect citizens near mining operations, and signing a MOU on technology capable of exploring mineral resources up to 10,000 metres below earth’s surface.

    Read Also: House invites CBN Gov over REMITA leakages

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite made the list for securing about $30 billion in foreign investment commitments in less than six months and facilitating bilateral agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom for artisan licensing skills to enhance the employability of youths.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi: For warning contractors to meet the required standard within stipulated periods, forming a team of retired security personnel to protect construction sites and workers, and approving the use of concrete in most carriageways as it offers superior durability and less maintenance compared to asphalt.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is credited with prioritising strict compliance with safety regulations for efficient air travel, upgrading of airports, runways, other aviation facilities and services, and improving capacity development to ensure professionals receive adequate training and support.

    Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani is in the list for launching the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), through NITDA, to develop 3 million techies by 2025, and attracting investors for projects such as the laying of approximately $2 billion fibre infrastructure across Nigeria.

  • Senator donates relief materials to IDPs

    Senator donates relief materials to IDPs

    Former Plateau South Senator, Nora Ladi Daduut, has donated relief materials to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Governments Area (LGA) of Plateau state.

    Food items, consisting of several bags of rice, cartoons of maggie, clothing and other valuables, were distributed to the displaced victims at their various camps in the three local government councils.

    Daduut also paid a condolence visit to the paramount ruler of Mangu, Da John  Putmang Hirse.

    She said: “I’m here to commiserate with the People of Mangu Local government council over the unfortunate attacks that happened in the Council recently. These series of attacks have inflicted a lot of pain on the People of Mangu Local government.

    “The victims really need a lot of relief materials to cushion the effects of these pains, and I have come today in my small way to present these items.”

    She lauded the First lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu for recently donating N500 million to victims of Plateau attacks.

    She appealed to government and security agencies to ensure improvement in the security surveillance so that normalcy would return in several communities of Plateau.

    Read Also: FG delivers second consignment of relief materials to Nigerian refugees in Cameroon

    Daduut also lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of a military barrack in Bokkos local government area of the state to curb the spate of killings in the council and the neighbouring Mangu, Riyom and Baraki-Ladi councils.

    A Jos-based clergy Ezikel Dachomo, who is the Director Prayer and Evangelism Unit of the Church of Christ in Nations, urged residents to continue supporting the leadership of President Tinubu’s administration as it remains committed to reducing the hardship Nigerians are currently going through, assuring of better days in no distant future.

    Dachomo said: “When our communities were attacked recently, the President Tinubu led administration immediately swung into action by ordering security chiefs to come to Plateau to come and access the situation

    “President Tinubu gave a marching order to the security operatives to ensure that lasting peace is restored in Plateau. The President also directed the military to address the security challenges facing parts of the state, which we did not witness in the previous administration.”

    He also hailed the first lady for recently donating the sum of N500 million to 500 families affected by violent conflicts in six local government areas of Plateau State.

  • Ighodalo calls for issue-based campaigns in Edo

    Ighodalo calls for issue-based campaigns in Edo

    • Congratulates APC, LP candidates
    • Okpebholo’s victory unlawful, protesting Edo APC members tell leaders

    The factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has called for issue-based campaigns from April 24.

    He congratulated the standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo and the candidate of Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata, on their emergence.

    Ighodalo, a Lagos-based lawyer, who hails from Ewohimi in Edo Central Senatorial District, restated his belief that Edo’s strength was the unity of its people; pleading with the 16 governorship candidates to refrain from campaigning with messages that promote division and disunity.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: PDP’s Ighodalo calls for issue-based campaigns

    He said: “February 2023 general election saw a level of hate and vitriol, masked as political sloganeering that took this nation to the brink; and the fires politicians lit back then continued to smoulder across the nation.

    “My team and I will continue to campaign to the people of Edo State in language and behaviour that seek to unite, rather than divide. We will stay focused on the issues that matter to our people; and there will be no descent into abuse, ethnic-baiting and name-calling. We must not destroy the unity of the state we seek to govern.”

    APC members in Edo State yesterday protested the results of last Thursday’s fresh governorship direct primary election that was won by the representative of Edo Central, Senator  Okpebholo.

    The protesters wanted the representative of Ovia Constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, to be declared the winner of the keenly-contested primary election.

    Leader of the protesters, Harrison Okpamen, said the shadow poll that produced Idahosa as the candidate of APC in Edo was authentic.

  • Otti seeks US economic support for Abia

    Otti seeks US economic support for Abia

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called for support from the United States Consulate in promoting trade, investment and other areas of interest.

    He spoke when he received the Political and Economic Section Chief of the US Consulate, Lagos, Mike Ervin, who was in the state on a working visit with his team.

    Dr. Otti listed a number of challenges confronting the state, especially the business sector, to include access to finance, power and logistics support in the area of digital economy, among others.

    He, however, said the issue of power supply in Aba would soon be over, following the inauguration of Geometric Power Plant.

    Read Also: Security beefed up in Abia ahead Tinubu’s visit

    Ervin, who explained that the Consulate covers the 17 southern states of Nigeria, said their mission was to seek ways to expand bilateral trade and investment and ensure prosperity between the United States and Nigeria.

    He thanked Governor Otti for opening the doors of Abia State to them to talk about ways they could find opportunities to build shared prosperity for their people, adding, “this is one message Secretary Blinkin has been taking around the world.”

    Commissioner for Trade,

    Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukegbu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Chibuzor Elisabeth Chijioke and Technical Assistant to the Governor, Charles Egeonu, were present during the visit.

  • Court sets March 18 for hearing in CSOs’ case against Rivers lawmakers

    Court sets March 18 for hearing in CSOs’ case against Rivers lawmakers

    The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has set March 18 to hear a case filed by the Rivers State Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) against the 27 lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

    The CSOs in the suit are seeking judicial interpretation of Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    The presiding judge, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam, adjourned the matter following the ongoing Judges Conference.

    CSOs argued in their suit that the 27 lawmakers should vacate their seats for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Read Also: Nwagua assures Rivers United  will  make quarter-finals

    Also, the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt yesterday granted a request by some Rivers elders led by Chief Arabs Sara-Igbe and nine others to serve the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers through substituted service.

    The elders are among others asking the court to declare the peace agreement signed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other stakeholders in Abuja as unconstitutional.

    The three-man panel of justices led by Justice Oluwayemisi Daudu, also granted accelerated hearing in the matter and adjourned the case to April 8.

    On January 23, a similar suit was struck out in the state High Court presided over by Justice Chiwendu Nworgu for lack of jurisdiction.

  • Nothing like N30b windfall from Fed Govt, says Alia

    Nothing like N30b windfall from Fed Govt, says Alia

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has dismissed rumors making the round that he got the N30 billion windfall from the Federal Government.

    Speaking during the reception organised in his honor by All Progressives Congress (APC) MINDA Youths at Benue Hotel in Makurdi, the governor advised the youths to disregard such misinformation.

    He called for unity and sacrifice among Benue people irrespective of political affiliation to attract greater development in the state.

    Read Also: Alia ends 46 years land dispute with Air Force

    Alia congratulated the MINDA youths for putting the event together.

    “We are putting everything in place day and night to ensure that the hell we met is made into heaven. I urged you to adopt a positive attitude and make sacrifices for the advancement of Benue state,” he said.

    He said his administration would soon transform the Benue Links Park into a Modern City Park, a move aimed at enhancing transportation, security, and public amenities.

    “My administration is very much committed to the enforcement the Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law. I assured you that security is on top of the situation as regards armed herdsmen attacks on farmers,” he said.

    MINDA Youth Leader, Terver Gbenda, said the dinner was put together in appreciation of the governor for the good things he has done for the people.

  • We’re prioritising human capital development, says Diri

    We’re prioritising human capital development, says Diri

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said his second term administration will focus more on human capacity building, to provide quality leaders for public and private organisations within and outside the state.

    He said this yesterday while declaring open a three-day Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills Development Summit in Yenagoa.

    The summit with the theme: ‘Building the Bayelsa Youth for Leadership’, was organised by the state government, in collaboration with the Prosperity Youth Coalition and Gotni Leadership Centre.

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said efforts would be made to create a critical mass of responsible and competent youths, who could fit into leadership roles anywhere in the world.

    Stressing the importance of human capital as a factor of production, Diri said the greatness of a society is better measured by the number of resourceful, quality and knowledgeable people that make up the society.

    Read Also: Diri dissolves exco, holds valedictory session for members

    Drawing parallel between Singapore, Ghana, Rwanda and Nigeria, he noted that “only proactive and effective leadership can salvage the country from its backwardness and socio-economic challenges.”

    Diri noted that although his administration was determined to sustain its drive for infrastructural development, efforts would be made to build human beings to man the critical infrastructures being built by the government.

    He advised the trainees to take the programme, which centres on effective leadership, entrepreneurial skills and resource mobilisation, seriously, adding that the best 24 of them would be sent elsewhere for further training.

    The governor’s wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, announced her plans to give attention to developing youths, particularly the boy- child, in the second term of the Prosperity Government.

    Mrs. Diri, who enjoined the participants to make use of the opportunity to improve themselves, said she will soon roll out what she calls The Boy Child Agenda.

    Director General of Prosperity Youth Coalition (PYC), Comrade Doubara Kumouko, thanked the state government for investing in the development of youths.

  • EEDC announces cut over toits new vending system

    EEDC announces cut over toits new vending system

    Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has announced cut over to its new vending system, SuperEdge, following successful rollover last Saturday, in readiness for the STS prepaid meter upgrade.

    EEDC customers, who were unable to recharge their meters during the rollover period because of the vending platform, which was shut down, can now purchase tokens and upgrade their meters.

    This development was contained in a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.

    He said with the completion of the rollover, the first token purchase by customers will come with the Key Change Tokens (KCTs) needed to upgrade the meters. These are three sets of 20-digit tokens, which the customers are expected to punch into their meters.

    Read Also: IPOB urges EEDC to provide electricity or pull out of Southeast

    According to him, the first 20 digits will be punched into the meter after which the customer should press the “enter” button; the same should be done for the second 20 digits and the third 20 digits, to have the meter upgraded.

    He urged customers, who might have earlier purchased tokens yet to be loaded onto their meters, to endeavour to load them before administering the three sets of 20-digit tokens, as once the meter is upgraded, such tokens will no longer be accepted by the meter.

    Ezeh said prepaid meter upgrade is compulsory for customers using STS compliant prepaid meters and the meters are expected to have been upgraded by November 24, 2024.

     He said the exercise is free, adding that it does not affect postpaid and standalone customers.

  • Anambra tricycle operators hail Soludo

    Anambra tricycle operators hail Soludo

    • ’He’s saving money for us through roads

    No fewer than 300 tricycle operators in Anambra State yesterday embarked on a road show in solidarity with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s road infrastructure across the state.

    The operators, under the aegis of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), said they were satisfied with the ongoing road construction across the state, describing it as proof of accountability of their tax payment.

    Speaking to reporters, the group’s spokesman, Amos Nweke, said although they had not received any physical cash from the governor, they had saved so much by not frequently visiting mechanic workshops.

    He said: “We want to move round Awka and see for ourselves massive road construction being carried out by Soludo across the state.

    “During his campaign, the governor promised us he would transform Anambra to African Dubai. We’re very happy he’s keeping to his promise. We call on him to continue.

    “With this massive road building across the state, we believe other promises, including eradication of touts, is a sure bet.

    “Although Governor Soludo did not give us any money to carry out this rally, if I say he has given us money, I won’t be lying, because of the money he has saved for us.

    “Before he became the governor, we paid through our nose in the hands of touts and union members. We also visited mechanics regularly because of bad roads.

    “But as soon as he became governor, he stopped payment of the money. Before now, I used to visit mechanic every week. But the story has changed. The last time I visited mechanic was in January. I only visited to change oil.

    “Although some mechanics are ignorantly boasting that the reason we’ve not been frequenting their workshops is because of their expertise, we know it’s because of the good roads.

    “I ply St. Faith to Agulu Awka. Before now, especially during the rainy season, we usually struggled with flood. But now, the road is passable.”

    Another member, Peter Umemadufo, described Governor Soludo as a man of his words, saying he is different from his predecessors.

    Said he: “Honestly, the governor has done well. During his campaign, he promised to declare state of emergency on Anambra roads. That promise he’s keeping.

    Read Also: Soludo: unbundle gas from Exclusive List to fix electricity

    “I’m happy with him. Soludo has no competitor as far as 2025 election in the state is concerned. We’re telling our people to get their permanent voter cards (PVCs) ready.

    “The devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know. What he’s done in less than two years, I don’t think any other governor before him has done that. He has done over 400km roads across local governments in the state.”

    Coordinator of the group, Comrade Osita Obi, said the rally had no political colouration.

    He said: “The essence of the road show being carried out by over 300 ‘Keke’ drivers is to see what the governor is doing, what the tax they’re paying is used for.

    “We praise the governor where he’s doing well and ask him to continue. We also want more ‘Keke’ drivers to come into government tax rate so government will have more money to embark on more roads.

    “This exercise is not politically motivated. I’m not swayed by any political party, but totally dependent. I praise what is good and criticise what is bad.

    “This is my brain child. I’m the sponsor, originator, financier and facilitator. Go and check my pedigree. I started this project over 40 years ago.”