The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Appeal Court reaffirms Otu’s victory

    Appeal Court reaffirms Otu’s victory

    The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, yesterday reaffirmed the victory of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu as the winner of the governorship election held on March 18.

    It dismissed the appeal petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sandy Onor, for lack of merit.

    Onor suffered the same fate on September 26 in Calabar.

    The tribunal’s verdict has now been reaffirmed by the Appeal Court.

    Governor Otu in a swift reaction to his latest victory, through his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, expressed happiness and hoped that the Appeal Court verdict would bring to a close, election litigation against his victory, “which is an indication of the people’s mandate overwhelmingly given to me.”

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    He said: “This ruling should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election. For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship. Come and join my administration so that together we can move our state forward and bring about the dividends of democracy.

    “My administration is fully reenergised to deliver on the people’s first mandate, which is on track to reposition our state for effective and responsive governance. I solicit the support and patience of all ‘Cross Riverians’ as we navigate the challenging times towards the Cross River of our dream.”

    Otu was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having polled 258,619 votes, winning in 15 of the 18 local governments to defeat his closest rival, Onor, who garnered 179,636 votes.

  • Uzodimma plans 10mw hydro-power plant in Imo

    Uzodimma plans 10mw hydro-power plant in Imo

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has called for the establishment of 10MGWs Hydro-Power Plant in Imo State, to facilitate hitch-free supply of potable water for the residents.

    He spoke when he received the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun and his team who visited him at the Government House, Owerri.

    Uzodimma told the minister that the plant, if well implemented, would solve potable water shortage.

    He sought the minister’s intervention in completing some of the ongoing water projects in Imo within the year or early next year.

    Uzodimma, who expressed joy that the visit would add value to the interest and welfare of Imo people, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts towards the recovery of the country’s economy.

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    Terlumun said the purpose of their visit “is to undertake on the spot assessment of projects and programmes the ministry is undertaking through the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority in the catchment states.”

    He said the ministry’s intervention projects in Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi states covered water supply, irrigation schemes, dams and reservoirs, sanitation facilities and erosion control structures.

    Terlumun hailed Uzodimma for his commitment to the welfare of Imo citizens through the projects and programmes implemented by the 3R administration.

  • Abia govt alleges plot to blackmail Otti

    Abia govt alleges plot to blackmail Otti

    Abia State government says it has uncovered plot by some disgruntled politicians to sponsor blackmail campaign against Governor Alex Otti.

    In a statement signed yesterday by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the  government said the individuals had paid some unnamed media outfits as part of their strategy to push false narrative about the incumbent administration to the public.

    The statement said: “A plot to unleash consistent vicious media onslaughts and blackmail against the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and the government of Abia State, has been uncovered.

    “A certain federal lawmaker gathered some journalists last weekend in Abuja and handed over tons of fake documents purportedly from the government to the media men to support the launch of a media onslaught on the governor.

    “What is clear is that the plot is being bankrolled by those with the delusional desire to hold Abia State down in penurious perpetuity that were rejected by the people at the polls.

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    “We therefore wish to state as follows: That Governor Otti holds the popular mandate of Abia people in trust and enjoys the overwhelming support of Abia masses who are already heaving a sigh of relief since his assumption of office, therefore no form of orchestrated and senseless media attack can diminish his towering credentials and verifiable achievements as being acknowledged by ‘Abians’.

    “Those unleashing these endless smear campaigns against Governor Otti are pained by the popular verdict of acceptance, which has continued to place him high as a very performing and popular governor in the country.

    “The Otti government is only loyal to Abia people and not to a group of selfish political merchants, who are only after their selfish political interests, and thus will continue to serve ‘Abians’ passionately and diligently while remaining accountable and answerable to them at all times.”

  • Women march on Anambra against killings, corruption

    Women march on Anambra against killings, corruption

    Over 1,000 indigenes of 20 villages in Awka community, Awka South Local Government of Anambra State, yesterday protested in nude.

    They condemned what they described as mindless killings of their kinsmen.

    The protesters marched on Awka, carrying placards such as :”Cultists are killing our people”, “Remove bad eggs from Police”, “Nigeria Police deserves better not director of crime”, “DC causing insecurity in Awka”, “Say no to bribery and corruption”, among others.

    They accused some senior police officers of aiding and abetting bribery and corruption.

    The demonstrators also carried a mock coffin, signifying the burial of the accused officers. They gave the concerned authorities seven-day ultimatum to remove the indicted personnel.

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    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Richard Onuorah said the communities would no longer tolerate incessant killings and maiming of their people.

    The Chairman of Ezinano Community, Tochukwu Nwokoye, hoped that the protest would end unrest in Awka.

    He called for the return of private security operatives, saying they were comfortable with their mode of operation.

    Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga hailed the peaceful disposition of the protesters, assuring citizens of amicable resolution of the matter.

  • Ibibio highest title for philanthropist

    Ibibio highest title for philanthropist

    The Onna chapter of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio has conferred the highest Ibibio title of “Mkpisong Ibibio” on a renowned cleric and philanthropist, Venerable (Dr.) David Udonsek Mnse.

    The title was conferred by the Ntisong Ibibio IV, Pius James Okon, at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Onna Local Government, HRM Edidem Raymond Timothy Inyang.

    Udonsek, who was honoured with the title during the inauguration of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Onna chapter, has contributed to community development.

    He has also awarded scholarships and sponsored youths of Onna in  skills acquisition, in addition to providing succour for the less privileged.

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    The occasion witnessed the administration of the oath of office to the newly appointed executives by the Ntisong IV Pius James Okon.

    The event was attended by top-ranking traditional chiefs and fathers of ONNA and beyond.

    Udonsek thanked the Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio for giving him the title, saying it was a mark of honour and recognition for his philanthropic gesture.

    Present at the inauguration were Chief Sunny Udonsek, Obong Uforo 1 of Ibibio Land and his wife Obongawan Regina Udonsek, Akwa Ibom State Executive Officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Others were Mr. Obot Umoetuk, executive secretary, ONNA Local Government, Elder U.U Oton, among others.

  • Delta clears N30b debt owed contractors

    Delta clears N30b debt owed contractors

    Delta State Government yesterday said 30 billion naira has been released for the payment of outstanding certificates owed contractors.

    Works Commissioner (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu disclosed this during an interview with reporters after inspection of ongoing projects at Emevor and Evwreni in Isoko North and Ughelli North Local Government.

    He hailed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the approval, saying it would encourage contractors to put in their best to deliver their projects on schedule.

    He said Governor Oborevwori approved the payment N30billion to the contractors. “This is why you are seeing that a lot of our contractors have moved back to site.”

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    He added: “We are already making plans in no distant time to also continuously pay so that contractors can continue to work and our people can continue to get value for the jobs we have awarded for the ease of movement across 25 local governments.”

    “We are not having any challenge and I am sure the contractors are doing fine and areas where they need us to fast track payment of interim certificates we have assured them that we will speed up the process so that at the end of the day nothing stalls the work they are doing.”

    Aniagwu said the burning of tyres along roads is prohibited across the state and urged community leaders to sensitise the people to forestall further damage to the roads.

  • Fubara resumes project inauguration, opens hospitals

    Fubara resumes project inauguration, opens hospitals

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara Fubara has resumed inauguration of projects with the opening of the remodelled Dental, Maxillofacial Ear Nose Throat, and Ophthalmology Hospital, as well as Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital.

    Speaking at the opening of the Dental, Maxillofacial Ear Nose Throat, and Ophthalmology Hospital. located beside Rebisi flyover in Port Harcourt, Fubara said even in his calm disposition, he would remain firm and follow his course for development to the benefit of the state.

    He said his administration was committed to advancing the interest and welfare of Rivers people, noting that nothing could prevent his vision.

    Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Governor Fubara to wake up from his slumber and address poverty, unemployment, insecurity and other ills.

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    APC spokesperson Darlington Nwauju, in a statement yesterday said the people would not accept excuses of political distractions to Fubara’s inability to discharge the functions of his office.

    Nwauju lamented the increasing disconnect between the people and the government, the weakness of policies and what he described as the loud silence by Fubara to tackle increasing poverty in the land despite huge resources available to the state.

    He said: “APC members in Rivers State wish to remind Rivers people that the colour of poverty walking on four legs on the streets of Port Harcourt and indeed all 23 local governments knows no tribal or party affiliation.”

  • PIND seeks inclusion of peace-building in schools’ curriculum

    PIND seeks inclusion of peace-building in schools’ curriculum

    The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has called on the government to integrate peace-building education into school’s curriculum as part of solution to conflicts.

    It said although conflicts remained inevitable, only mismanaged situation would snowball into violence.

    Speaking at a media parley in Port Harcourt, the Peace-building Programme Manager of PIND, David Udofia, said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) was sensitising government officials on the need for peace education to be in the school’s curriculum.

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    Udofia said: “We are talking to the government to have an understanding that there is need to invest in peace education. We are working towards changing our educational curriculum to include peace-building education at the kindergarten level, which will be different from peace-building education at the secondary and tertiary education levels.”

  • Eze Aro stool: Arochukwu LGA clans endorse Eberechukwu Oji

    Eze Aro stool: Arochukwu LGA clans endorse Eberechukwu Oji

    The traditional rulers in the five geopolitical zones of Arochukwu LGA in Abia state have endorsed Eberechukwu Oji as the new Eze Aro designate.

    The zones comprising Arochukwu, Ihechiowa, Ututu, Isu, and Abam Onyerubi communities have also formally written to the foremost Arochukwu community organization, Nzuko Aro Worldwide, informing them about the endorsement of the new king.

    In two separate communiques signed by the traditional rulers of the five zones and clans, better known as Eze Ogos, the traditional rulers requested total support for the new Eze Aro-designate, who according to them, passed through the rigorous selection process of the Okennachi Royal Kindred of Arochukwu to emerge as Eze.

    According to them, the new king has met all the requirements to be installed the new king.

    “This is why we are giving our full and unflinching support and endorsement wherever necessary. The Nzuko Aro is to provide every needed support to the new king to ensure a hitch-free coronation ceremony come December 26, 2023” the statement signed by HRH TM Okoroji, for Arochukwu kingdom, HRH Martin Komo, for Ututu Clan, HRH Otada N, for Ihechiowa Clan, HRH Agwu Okafor, for Isu Clan and HRH Uka Oji, for Abam Onyerubi read.

    The documents were also signed by the chairman of the Arochukwu Council of Ezeogos, HRH Solomon Akang, as well as the Secretary, HRH Ebebe Emmanuel O.

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    The statement read in part: “At a meeting of Ndi Ezeogo Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, it considered the present tussle in the leadership of Eze Aro stool.

    “The council of Ndi Ezeogo Arochukwu Local Government Area in general wishes to state as follows: After going through all the processes following the selection of the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom by Ndi Oke Nnachi kindred, the Ezeogos in Council believes that due process was followed in the selection by Ndi Oke Nnachi kindred.

    “That as law-abiding citizens of Arochukwu kingdom, the wish of the people should be allowed to apply. That as an established old kingdom; that the integrity and wisdom of the representatives of the people who took part in the selection is not in doubt and should be obeyed.

    “The council implores all concerned to give their total support to HRM Eze Eberechukwu Oji. The council of Ndi Eze Ogo Arochukwu Local Government Area unequivocally supports HRM Eberechukwu Orji as the new Eze Aro of the Arochukwu kingdom.

    “That President General of Nzuko Aro without delay to do everything possible to see that the coronation comes up in a huge success come 26/12/2023.”

    Similarly, in another letter addressed to the President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, the council of Ndi Ezeogo also endorsed the choice of the new Eze Arochukwu.

    The statement read: “The above Council of Ndi-Ezeogo Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, hereby wish to inform your Excellency that we members of the Council from the five (5) geo-political zones-Arochukwu Kingdom, Ihechiowa, Ututu, Isu and Abam Onyerubl have unanimously and completely agreed that Mazi Eberechukwu Orji is well qualified and most suitable to be crowned the new Eze Arochukwu 9th CFR of Arochukwu Kingdom come 26th December 2023.

    “So, we appeal to your Presidency to lead all Arochukwu world and all other necessary bodies to facilitate such crowning to become a huge success and make that a very historical coronation.

    All contributions financially and materially will be highly appreciated and recorded with pride and honor in the history and archives of Arochukwu Kingdom and Local Government Area in particular and the world in general.”

  • PDP knocks APC over attack on Jonathan

    PDP knocks APC over attack on Jonathan

    Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lambasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) for attacking former President Goodluck Jonathan over personal comments he made during a visit to Governor Douye Diri last Friday.

    The state Publicity Secretary, PDP, Mr. Ebiye Ogoli, in a statement yesterday, accused the APC of twisting the former president’s comments in order to pour out its frustrations after losing the November 11 governorship election.

    Ogoli said: “For clarity, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, while congratulating the Governor during the visit, had said: ‘I told myself that if Diri loses this election, I might consider moving my mother to Abuja’.”

    The PDP spokesman, therefore, wondered how in an election contested by candidates of 16  parties, the APC had to misappropriate Jonathan’s comment as if it was directed at the party or its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.

    Ogoli said: “For emphasis, the former President never mentioned the APC or its candidate throughout the visit.

    “Since his forthright comment appeared in the media, the APC and its array of faceless, contemptible, lick-spittle groups have been inconsolable, acting like a forcefully weaned baby.

    “Placed in proper context, Dr. Jonathan’s comment alluded to and reflected the peace, security and stability that Bayelsa State has witnessed under the Governor Diri administration, which is a fact generally acknowledged by residents of the state.

    “The Bayelsa APC so-called leaders and groups, who are actually lackeys of the party’s governorship candidate, continue to make themselves a laughing stock for their intemperate and disrespectful tirades against Nigeria’s icon of democracy.

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    “If anyone is suffering any sort of frustration or mental crisis, it is the Bayelsa APC and its candidate that are yet to come to terms with the shellacking they got on November 11.

    “We advise them to lick their wound with some decorum and not misdirect their anger towards an innocent statesman who spoke truth from his heart.

    “Even beyond Bayelsa, the violent character and disposition of the Bayelsa APC leaders and their candidates in the last election is well-known and documented.”

    He said that if ‘Bayelsans’ had any fear, it was that the state might return to the infamous days of Famou Tangbe, cultism, cult wars and attack on political opponents etc. if Governor Diri was not re-elected.

    Ogoli added: “So, the electorate were not only determined to protect their votes, but to also ensure that the governor was returned to Creek Haven. The final result was the true reflection of the mindset of ‘Bayelsans’ and what they indeed wanted. The outpouring of celebration and congratulatory messages equally confirmed this. We wonder why Sylva and his cohorts quarrel with this truth.

    “Our party again takes this opportunity to appreciate former President Jonathan for his gracious endorsement and unflinching support for our candidate as well as the Bayelsa people for standing behind the PDP and the Prosperity Administration. “