The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Rivers women walk for peace

    Rivers women walk for peace

    • Back Fubara

    Thousands of women drawn from the 23 local governments of Rivers State yesterday marched on the streets of Port Harcourt to support Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The stakeholders, under the auspices of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), wore white T-shirts, red and blue fez caps as they walked from CFC junction along Aba Road to Polo Club at GRA.

    The women, who danced to musical tunes, especially Afrobeat, wafting from mobile speakers, also displayed placards with messages such as “Allow Governor Sim work in Peace”, “O God give us peace in Rivers”, “Peace is priceless, give peace a chance” and “Rivers mothers stand for peace”, among others.

    Among the female peace advocates were half-clad old women, who rolled on the ground with their placards crying for peace in the state.

    A popular stand-up comedian, Julius Agwu; a Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo, who is also the chairperson of Labour Party (LP) and some artistes joined the walk.

    Other women groups, who participated in the peace walk, were market women, National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Rivers chapter; National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), Ijaw Women Connect (IJWC), Non-Indigenes without Borders (NWB), Rivers Professionals, Arewa Women and Rivers Equity Club, among others.

    The women, who observed a minute of silence for the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son, said they embarked on the peace walk to register their voices in the current political situation in the state.

    They demanded genuine peace and called for respect for the office of the state governor as enshrined in the constitution.

    Reading a nine-point resolution, the Media Officer, RWUS, Glory Sunday, said the women remained committed to the love and pursuit of peace for the growth and development of Rivers.

    She said the women had resolved to support Fubara in his efforts to protect Rivers and realise the dreams and aspirations of the people.

    She said: “As mothers, we warn those who intend to push their political dreams and aspirations violently to desist from such thoughts henceforth. Those undermining the office of the governor, we, the Rivers women, unequivocally condemn this menace and advise those unscrupulous politicians to desist from such acts.”

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    Ms. Sunday lamented that every form of acrimony in the state endangered the dignity of Rivers people and the glory of the state, advising the people to keep joining efforts of building a credible state.

    The women called on everyone living in the state and true lovers of Rivers to lend their voices to condemn threats, lawlessness and subtle invitation to anarchy in the state.

    Sunday said: “We believe in peace and we salute our amiable, courageous and God-sent Governor Fubara for choosing peace over chaos, which is the ultimate act of strength. We also commend his peaceful disposition and people-oriented style of governance.

    “We will continue to sensitise and mobilise our people until genuine peace is restored. Our goal is to appeal to the heart and conscience of Rivers people to give peace a chance, for peace is not a destination, but a way of life.”

    Other women leaders like the Bonny Local Government Chairperson, Nancy Nwankwo, Beatrice Awala, Prof. Grace Akaloku, among others, in their solidarity speeches, said Fubara had come to stay for eight years and called for peace in the state.

  • Enugu withdraws ‘fraudulent approvals’ for illegal developments

    Enugu withdraws ‘fraudulent approvals’ for illegal developments

    Enugu State Government yesterday decried what it called worrisome activities of some developers parading fraudulent approvals.

    Executive Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Uche Anya, made this known while briefing reporters.

    He said such fraudulent approvals had been withdrawn, promising that the government would never succumb to blackmail.

    Anya said: “It is disheartening that in spite of all we have done, we are still facing challenges in our development control. We have some unscrupulous developers, who call themselves investors, sabotaging our master plan, corrupting the system.

    “We have instances where people secured approvals, using the Certificate of Occupancy(C of O) of a different area and passing it on for a property in another location.”

    He cited a particular outfit operating at Independence Layout, a night club, which he said had a land title of a property in GRA, but passed it on for another property at Independence Layout

    “On top of that, they went out of their way and built things not approved.

    “We have a similar instance opposite Fire Service; you will see a huge building that we don’t know what to make of it, whether to call it a hotel or complex or whatsoever, in variance to what was approved.

    “Then you go to the bank of Ekulu River, people who have jettisoned even the setback they signed up for and they are parading fake approvals, distorting our place, threatening our bridges. We cannot afford to have another collapsed bridge in Enugu. We must save Trans Ekulu Bridge at all costs.

    “So we want to tell the world that we are not afraid of doing the right thing.

    “We have withdrawn all the approvals that were fraudulently obtained and we intend to ensure Enugu State, as much as we will do everything to encourage investors, will not allow unscrupulous people to violate our laws and end up blackmailing government officials.

    “How on earth did someone get approval for a night club at Independence Layout, using title documents of GRA?” Anya queried.

    “All the people that have approval for one property and end up building up everywhere, we are also withdrawing such approvals.

    “We need the world to understand that Enugu is a city of law and order and all our investment drives remain in front burner. All genuine investors have nothing to fear, but those who want to corrupt the system have everything to worry about,” he said.

    The ECTDA boss assured genuine investors that Enugu State is open for investments.

    He said: “We welcome people that want to make Enugu their preferred home. Enugu is home for all and this is what this administration is committed to.

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    “Our 30 billion dollars investment drive for Enugu State is not a joke, and you can see that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is not joking about it.

    “You can see the massive infrastructural investment going on in all the places, you can see that we have paid attention to ease of doing business, the taxation system has been harmonised, this administration has zero tolerance for double taxation.

    “You can see that e-government has taken firm root. For instance, we have eliminated corruption from our system of doing business.

    “In line with our ease of doing business, our land department is totally reformed; we can assure you that C of O in Enugu can be obtained within 72 hours if your documentations are in order.

    “We also make it easy for every development approval to be processed and issued within five working days.”

  • Police assure residents of surveillance in Anambra

    Police assure residents of surveillance in Anambra

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has said his command is ready to protect the lives and property of residents amid insecurity in some of the communities.

    He spoke when he was honoured by the 179 communities in Anambra State by the Association of Past Presidents General in the State (APPAS).

    Aderemi said the honour was not for him alone or the police, but for the entire security structure and sister security outfits in the state.

    He said it validated the little efforts the police, military, DSS and others had put in, in the state.

    The stakeholders said APPAS would name its proposed secretariat in Awka after a notable Anambra philanthropist, Sir Emeka Okwuosa, in recognition of his humanitarian services.

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    The association’s National President, Mazi Omife Omife, spoke with The Nation during its 2024 General Assembly held in Awka.

    The APPAS 2024 general assembly attracted members and friends of the association, including Okwuosa, vice-president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene and the lawmaker representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh, among others.

    They were equally recognised in capacities for their contributions in community development, nation building and humanitarian services.

  • More APC lawmakers take seats in Delta Assembly

    More APC lawmakers take seats in Delta Assembly

    The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Delta State House of Assembly has increased, with the swearing in of two more members, who won the February 3 by-elections in their constituencies.

    The swearing-in of Mr. Ebitomo Alapala of Burutu Constituency 1 and Mr. Blessing Achoja of Ethiope West Constituency, both of the APC, brings the number of opposition members in the legislature to seven.

    However, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 22 members.

    Other APC legislators are Matthew Omonade, Ughelli North 1; Spencer Awhofa, Ughelli North 2; Collins Egbetamah, Udu; Dafe Emakpor, Uvwie and Benson Obire, Warri South 2 Constituency.

    The two new members formally joined their colleagues after subscribing to the relevant oaths administered to them by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, who congratulated them on their victories.

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    He said the 8th Assembly under his leadership would continue to ensure robust legislation that would further enhance the well-being of ‘Deltans’.

    Reacting after plenary, Alapala and Achoja thanked God and their constituents for making their elections possible and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in them.

    They assured their constituents of effective representation and pledged their loyalty to the leadership of the House. They promised to support the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

  • Community dismisses allegations of oil bunkering against SWAT, Sylva

    Community dismisses allegations of oil bunkering against SWAT, Sylva

    The people of Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government of Bayelsa State have written to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, exonerating the Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT) and a former Minister of State Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, of involvement in illegal oil bunkering.

    The people in a statement signed by all sectors of the community, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Chiefs’ Council, Chief Okolo Dede; Chairman, Elders Council, Indoma Igbalbo; Chairman, Special Elders Council, Igbogi Amalagha; Chairman, CDC, Mr. Konbonimi Awori; Youth President, Mr. Toinpre Sambo and Chairman, Opu-Nembe Council of Chiefs, Chief Yousuo Iruo, alleged that a petition against SWAT and Sylva written by some faceless individuals to the NSA was baseless.

    The representatives insisted that those who allegedly wrote the petition were ghost names fabricated by the sacked youth President of the community, Moses Ayerite.

    They said what the SWAT team had done since its arrival in the community on August 12, 2023 was to restore peace to the troubled community thrown into chaos by the sacked youth council and the council of chiefs in line with a script written by some politicians with the state government.

    According to them, the sustained agitation and deliberate lies against the SWAT team is geared towards forcing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to remove the SWAT team from the community, which would pave the way for the sacked Youth Council and the Council of Chiefs to invade the community with militants.

    Noting that a similar unfounded petition was written against the Army, the representatives urged the NSA to probe the activities of the sacked Youth Council and their collaborators in the former council of chiefs in connection with illegal oil bunkering in the community.

    The statement said: “We are the representatives of the people of Opu- Nembe and we declare that the allegations against SWAT and Timipre Sylva are lies.

    “Sylva’s only crime is that he is from the community, and he contested the last governorship election against Governor Douye Diri. INEC has declared the results and he is at the tribunal to challenge the outcome.

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    “The SWAT team since they came into the community has helped to restore law and order. Their presence has kept criminals away from the community.

    “What those sponsoring the unsubstantiated petitions against SWAT want to achieve is for the SWAT to leave the community so that they can invade the community and plunge it back into chaos with their reign of terror.

    “The people of Opu-Nembe are happy with the SWAT team for restoring peace to the community.”

    Recall that Opu-Nembe community has been enmeshed in lingering communal crisis that has left some indigenes dead and multi-million naira property destroyed.

  • Remembering Oyibo Chukwu: A call for justice, non-violence in Nigeria’s democracy

    Remembering Oyibo Chukwu: A call for justice, non-violence in Nigeria’s democracy

    The tragic and untimely death of the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu East, Barr. Oyibo Chukwu on February 22, 2023, in Enugu, remains a somber reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral process. The manner of their death -shot and burnt in their vehicles points to the gruesomeness and heart-wrenching violence that tormented and keeps tormenting the fate of democracy in this part of the world.

    The events leading up to Oyibo Chukwu’s demise cast a shadow over the presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25, 2023. The brutal murder of Oyibo Chukwu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Enugu State, shook the foundations of political stability and underscored the need for greater security measures during electoral processes.

    Despite the tragedy, the resilience of democracy prevailed as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rescheduled the senatorial election in Enugu East to March 18, 2023. In this by-election, Senator Kelvin Chukwu emerged victorious, stepping into the political arena to carry on the legacy of his slain brother.

    The journey of Senator Kelvin Chukwu from a grieving brother to a victorious senator is a testament to the strength of character and determination in the face of adversity. His landslide victory, with a total of 69,136 votes, against formidable opponents, including a former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, signifies a triumph of hope over despair.

    Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s ascension to the Senate represents not only a personal victory but also a commitment to honor the memory of his brother, Oyibo Chukwu. As he takes on the mantle of leadership, Senator Chukwu pledges to serve his constituents with dedication and integrity, echoing the principles of public service upheld by his family for generations.

    In the wake of Oyibo Chukwu’s tragic death and the subsequent electoral victory of his brother, it is imperative to reflect on the importance of peaceful elections. Violence has no place in a democratic society, and the loss of lives due to political differences is a stain on the fabric of our nation.

    As Nigerians, we must collectively condemn acts of violence during elections and strive to create an environment where all citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. The bloodshed witnessed on February 22, 2023, should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and dialogue in the political process.

    In commemorating the life and legacy of Oyibo Chukwu, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory inspire us to work towards a future where political differences are resolved through dialogue and compromise, rather than violence and bloodshed.

    Read Also: Enugu community places curse on killers of LP senatorial candidate Chukwu

    Lastly, we commend Senator Kelvin Chukwu for his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone. In the face of adversity, he has emerged as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience, embodying the values of leadership and public service. As he embarks on his journey in the Senate, let us rally behind him and support his efforts to bring positive change and progress to our communities.

    Iwuoha, Publisher Nigerian Eye Newspaper, is also 

    Author of Dialogue facilitator and

    Convener African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue. 

  • IYC to Fed Govt: relocate IOCs’ headquarters to Niger Delta

    IYC to Fed Govt: relocate IOCs’ headquarters to Niger Delta

    Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to activate plans to relocate the headquarters of International Oil and Gas Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta to the region.

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, by its spokesman, Amb. Binebai Princewill, said with the recent relocation of some departments of federal establishments to Lagos, there was no more justification for refusing to relocate IOCs’ headquarters to their operational bases in the region.

    He urged President Tinubu, his National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other relevant agencies to set machinery in motion to move those IOCs to the Niger Delta without further delay.

    He said: “IYC believes that there will be no excuse on the part of the Federal Government and multinational oil companies in relocating their headquarters, as Niger Delta people cannot continue to be sacrificial lambs in this country.

    “There should be no argument, as the Federal Government has relocated Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos.

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    “As if that was not enough, it was later followed by announcement from the Central Bank of Nigeria that it would be moving some key departments from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to Lagos, the country’s commercial nerve centre.

    “The Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) also said it would relocate some of its departments and units from Abuja to Lagos despite spending N70billion to build a new headquarters in Abuja.

    “From the foregoing, we believe IOCs’ headquarters will urgently be relocated to their original base, which is the Niger Delta, without any further delay. You cannot rob Peter to pay Paul. This is long overdue and if not done may lead to unimaginable consequences.

    “Before our very eyes, a multinational oil company was sold through the back door to some cronies in the Presidency. In a similar manner, Shell is planning to sell off its onshore assets under the guise of divestment to a consortium without giving host communities the right of first refusal, coupled with the many years of environmental damage without clean-up.”

    The spokesman urged the President to roll out well-conceived policies to check the current inflationary trend in the country with a view to ameliorating the sufferings of the masses.

    He said: “The steady fall of the naira against the dollar, removal of fuel subsidy and hike in pump price of fuel have made prices of commodities in the market astronomically high and they have affected virtually every aspect of citizens’ lives.

    “Niger Delta people, particularly the Ijaw living in the riverine parts of the country, are more affected in this biting economy. For example, if a litre of fuel is sold for N700 in the cities, the riverine communities’ indigenes, who depend on black market, will be buying a litre of fuel above N1,000. The situation also has concomitant effect on the prices of other commodities they will be buying at the markets that are located in the rural areas.”

  • Oborevwori backs council autonomy

    Oborevwori backs council autonomy

    • Governor inaugurates Warri South cottage hospital

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori yesterday expressed his support for the financial autonomy of local governments.

    He inaugurated an ultra-modern 39-bed cottage hospital built by the Warri South Local Government, chaired by Dr. Michael Tidi.

    Oborevwori said: “With this hospital, our people, our women and children will have access to quality and affordable health care services. This is what cottage hospitals are known for. This is why I’m in support of financial autonomy for local government administration.”

    Hailing the council leadership for showing example of why local government administration was needed, the governor said it was further proof that once the local government administration was given financial autonomy, it would achieve a lot.

    He, therefore, urged other council chairmen to emulate Tidi, whom he said, had done very well.

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    The governor said the hospital would advance the distribution of quality health care at the grassroots, adding that the gesture was in line with the cardinal programme of his administration.

    He said as a grassroots politician, he believed in the bottom top approach to governance, noting that the people must come first in whatever they were doing.

    Former Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, described the project as a dream come true.

    He congratulated the council boss on the feat.

    Tidi appealed to the governor to assist the council with qualified medical personnel, to put the facility to maximum use.

    The hospital has administrative room, card room, nurse station, male and female wards, private ward, paediatric ward, chief matron room, labour ward, milking station (for breastfeeding mothers), recovery rooms, main theatre, scan rooms, scrub and storage room, theatre, treatment room, laboratory, chief medical consultancy office and conveniences.

  • Diri dissolves exco, holds valedictory session for members

    Diri dissolves exco, holds valedictory session for members

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri was yesterday inaugurated for his second tenure.

    He pledged to implement a 10-year comprehensive economic plan for the development of the state.

    He immediately dissolved the executive council (exco), which worked with him in the last four years.

    Diri, alongside his deputy, Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo, took fresh oaths of office and allegiance administered by the Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, at Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa.

    Present at the inauguration were Vice-President Kashim Shettima; his Liberian counterpart, Jeremiah Kounang; former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience.

    Also present were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; former Senate president, Bukola Saraki; Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara; ex-National Chairman of PDP, Iyorchia Ayu; former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.

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    Other dignitaries included Governors Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umaru Bago (Niger), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).

    Diri and his deputy won re-election on the platform of PDP at the November 11, 2023 governorship poll.

    They received their certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 17.

    Diri highlighted the achievements of his administration in his first tenure in sectors, saying his second term would focus on addressing the challenge of lack of access to potable water by the residents.

    He said: “With this vision in mind, we have developed a comprehensive and ambitious 10-year economic plan for the state. This plan outlines our strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen our economy, create jobs, attract investments and improve the standard of living for the citizens.

    “To kick-start the implementation of this economic plan and to engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa. This summit will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities and forging partnerships to accelerate the economic growth of our state.

    “We shall focus attention on areas with comparative advantage, including agriculture, rice, cassava and oil palm production, seeking new partnerships and investors along the way.”

    He added that in his second tenure, citizens would have a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the economy, stressing that “from small business owners and entrepreneurs to industry leaders and investors, everyone has a part to play in driving economic growth and prosperity.”

    Diri announced the dissolution of the exco and congratulated the political appointees on their “sacrifices and industry as our first term in office officially ended today.”

    He called for unity and togetherness towards overcoming obstacles, achieving a great feat and building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Bayelsa State.

  • Rivers Assembly crisis: Court to rule on preliminary objection motion Feb 27

    Rivers Assembly crisis: Court to rule on preliminary objection motion Feb 27

    Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt will on February 27 deliver ruling on a preliminary objection motion by the police on a fundamental human right suit by the former Leader, House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, against them (the police).

    Ehie, now Chief of Staff at the Government House, was invited by the Nigeria Police Force on his alleged involvement in the invasion of the hallowed chamber of the assembly on October 29, 2023.

     Ehie, via an exparte application before Justice Sika Aperioku, prayed the court to restrain the police high command, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Commissioner of Police from inviting, arresting, detaining and or harassing him, pending the determination of the substantive suit on the subject matter.

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    The court granted the prayer and put parties on notice.

    However, on the resumption of sitting yesterday, the police through their legal representation, Celestine Dickson, filed a preliminary objection on the matter before the court.

    Dickson is challenging the jurisdiction of Rivers State High Court to hear the matter filed before him by Ehie, against the police.

    Arguments were heard from both parties, and the judge adjourned till next week for ruling.

    Recall that the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, had shortly after the burning of the chamber, petitioned the Police and accused Ehie of masterminding the destruction of the hallowed chamber, leading to the invitation and trial by the police.