The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Ubah: why APC must produce Soludo’s successor

    Ubah: why APC must produce Soludo’s successor

    The senator representing Anambra South, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would produce the next Anambra State governor.

    He said Nnewi community was long overdue for a governor being the home of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Nwafor Orizu, among others, who suffered for Ndigbo.

    Speaking yesterday during a visit to party zonal leaders at the home of the APC Southeast Organising Secretary, Mr. Dozie Ikedife (jnr), Uba, who recently dumped the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the APC, urged the Igbo to drop the mentality that APC belonged to a particular ethnic group.

    He said: “I came to see the leadership of the APC in the zone for formal introduction and familiarisation, following my recent defection from the YPP to the APC.

    “I didn’t come for leadership positions in the party that are already distributed, but to ask for support to ensure APC produces the next governor of Anambra State after Soludo.

    “All I’m appealing for is, if it is possible, for us to work together to achieve our political aim. Ndigbo need to embrace a national party, which is their best bet.”

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    “Anambra owes Nnewi North the opportunity to produce a governor. Nnewi is the home of the late Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, an Igbo leader; among others. 

    “These people, who suffered for the Igbo, deserve to be considered to allow the community that produced them to also produce Anambra State governor.”

    “Ikedife (jnr) has taken me round to see the leaders of the party in the state. I’m in consultation. I’m a consolidator and a unifier. I said I must come to see you through our leader.

    “Some Igbo had been deceived to believe that the APC is a Hausa or Fulani party. Unfortunately, the majority of those with such mentality are from Anambra. This is a wrong impression I’ve come to correct.”

    Lamenting obvious marginalisation of the people of the region, especially in terms of geopolitical zoning, the lawmaker said it would only be wise for Ndigbo to identify with the moving train.

    “A good footballer knows how to score a goal. I saw the benefit of belonging to a national party, and I had to join them for our overall benefit.

    “I left YPP to join APC. Are they not all progressives? The young shall grow and of course the young has grown. One thing is remaining for us to achieve, that is governorship,” he added.

    Welcoming Uba to the party, Ikedife (jnr) described him as a big fish, assuring him of support.

    “Before your entrance into our great party, we had resolved that Anambra APC must produce the next governor of the state. 

    “It appears we have bought a big player, who will bring the cup home. We know you are a big fish. We will be out to canvass for support,” he said.

  • Ohanaeze decries Igbo youths’ nonchalant attitude to police recruitment

    Ohanaeze decries Igbo youths’ nonchalant attitude to police recruitment

    Apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has decried the ‘disturbing’ lack of interest in joining Nigeria Police Force by Igbo youths.

    The President-General of the group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who expressed disappointment about the nonchalant attitude shown by Igbo youths towards joining the police and other security agencies, urged Southeast governors, religious traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to intervene and halt the trend.

    In a statement he signed yesterday, Iwuanyanwu said: “I have observed with dismay the nonchalant attitude shown by youths of the Southeast towards the ongoing recruitment exercise for general duty constables of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “The available information shows that Kaduna State is leading in the online application into the Police Force with 20, 259, while Anambra State trails last with a mere 541 applications. Others include Ebonyi State with 737, Abia State, 966, Imo State, 999 and Enugu, 1036.

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    “The lack of interest by Igbo youths towards the Nigeria Police Force is disturbing because, it is only by enlisting in the Police Force that offers the unique possibility of becoming a senior police officer in future.”

    “I hereby call on the Southeast governors led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers led by HRH, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu; the States President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; the Chairman, Association of South-East Town Unions led by Chief Emeka Diwe; the Clergy and Igbo groups and social movements to use their structures to sensitise Igbo youths to embrace the opportunity provided by the ongoing recruitment exercise.”

  • Ebonyi senator, rep, others resign from PDP

    Ebonyi senator, rep, others resign from PDP

    The implosion of the Ebonyi chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued at the weekend, as Senator Obinna Ogba, ex-House of Representatives member Livinus Makwe and other top stakeholders resigned from the party. 

    The two former National Assembly members announced their resignation in a letter dated October 27, 2023 to their ward chairmen.

    Ogba represented Ebonyi Central District between 2015 and 2023, while Makwe represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo federal constituency from 2019 to 2023.

    Also, six local government chairmen of the party announced their resignation.

    They include Agbom Friday (Ezza South), Nwofe Philip Don (Izzi ), Nwobasi Ude Chizoba (Ohaozara), Chukwu Micheal (Ivo), Ifere Sunday Bright (lkwo), Ndukwe Orji Okam (Afikpo South).

    Others who announced their resignation include James Alaka (State Organising Secretary), Ebeh Kingsley (Zonal Youth Leader), Uchenna Nwafor (former Zonal Auditor Southeast) and Samuel Onyeleke (Zonal Youth Leader, Ebonyi North).

    Ogba in his letter said the decision to quit the PDP was personal.

    “As an individual, I have made my modest contribution by working for the growth and development of PDP from ward to national level since its creation in August 1998,” he said. 

    The senator said the party had contributed towards the growth of his political fortunes.

    “I will remain grateful to the party and its leaders from the ward, local government, state, zonal to the national level. But it is time to quit,” he added. 

    On his future political plans, the senator said he would make this known in future after consultation with his immediate family, political followers and associates.

    Makwe said he resigned from the 

    party after consultation with his followers, supporters and well-wishers.

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    “Accordingly, I hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from today, October 27, 2023.” 

    “The National Chairman of PDP, National Vice Chairman PDP (South East), Ebonyi State PDP 

    Chairman and Ivo Local Government PDP Chairman are by copies of this letter hereby accordingly notified of 

    this decision. 

    “I wish to thank the party for the platform and opportunity given me in the past to serve our nation, especially as a member of the 9th House of Representatives.

    “That is something I will always cherish. I do hope that this my resignation will be accepted in good faith by you and other members of 

    the party,” he said.

    The six PDP chairmen and other officers in their own signed letters said the reason for their resignation was personal. 

    A factional deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Nwabueze Ajah, has also resigned from the party.

    He said it would serve no meaningful political interest for him, political associates and supporters to hold further the membership of the Labour Party. 

    “The development will enable me explore other options that may accommodate my political aspirations, that of my associates as well as supporters,” he said.

    But the Caretaker Chairman of Ebonyi chapter of the PDP, Augustine Nwazunku, said the party was not aware of the resignation of the heavyweights.

    He alleged that they did not follow due process for resignation as enshrined in the party’s constitution. 

  • Ex-agitators warn against PAP termination

    Ex-agitators warn against PAP termination

    Ex-agitators of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have warned against scrapping of the scheme, noting that those calling for the termination of the programme do not mean well for the people of Niger Delta.

    The ex-militants under the Second Phase Amnesty Ex-Agitators Forum, reacting to calls for the programme to be scrapped by a group, said findings showed that those calling for the liquidation of the programme were not from the region.

    The National Spokesman for the Second Phase Amnesty Ex- Agitatators Forum, ‘General’ Salvation Ibena Rufus, said in a statement yesterday that no true son of the Niger Delta or beneficiaries of PAP would seek or call for the termination of the programme or sack of the Interim Administrator of the programme, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd.

    He said under Ndiomu’s watch at PAP, beneficiaries had had it so good in recent times, adding that a breath of fresh air had been injected into the scheme. 

    Rufus said what critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta were clamouring for since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the confirmation of Ndiomu as the substantive coordinator of the PAP, noting that the listed beneficiaries were appreciative of the superlative performance of the interim administrator.

    He said: “We are in harmony with genuine stakeholders from the region on the call for President Tinubu to confirm Major-General Ndiomu (rtd.) as the substantive boss of PAP.

    “We are urging these faceless characters and desperate political jobbers to leave the Presidential Amnesty helmsman alone to concentrate on his task of taking the Presidential Amnesty scheme to greater heights.” 

    “We have it on good authority that the authors and sponsors of the calls for scrapping of the PAP are not from the Niger Delta. Our intelligence gathering suggested that the motive behind the blistering media war is to compel the government of President Tinubu to terminate and liquidate the Presidential Amnesty Scheme. “

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    “No true son or daughter of Niger Delta and a beneficiary of the PAP will seek or call for the sack of Ndiomu. He has done well since his assumption of office at PAP. He should be encouraged instead of being bullied by unscrupulous elements.”

    Rufus said it was laughable, preposterous and ludicrous as some faceless characters claimed that N2.5 billion in the coffers of the Presidential Amnesty Corporative Loan Scheme had vanished into thin air. 

    Dismissing the allegations as a farce, the national spokesman said: “There is no iota of truth in this unfounded allegation. 

    “What these uninformed and faceless characters failed to understand is that the alleged N2.5 billion was a seed money to kick start the laudable initiative and so far more than 1,000 delegates have benefited from the soft loan depending on what you intend to do with the money. 

    “The wisdom behind the Presidential Amnesty Scheme (beneficiaries), Cooperative Society Ltd (PAPCOSOL), is to ensure that delegates and beneficiaries of the PAP initiative do not rely on N65,000 monthly stipend paid to ex-agitators till eternity.”

  • NNPP crisis: Southeast stakeholders disown Kwankwaso

    NNPP crisis: Southeast stakeholders disown Kwankwaso

    The leadership crisis in the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) has deepened, following the stand of the Southeast stakeholders that their presidential candidate during the February 25, 2023 election, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, is no longer a member of the party.

    The stakeholders from Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states met yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, where the decision was taken.

    They reaffirmed the dissolution of Kawu Ali’s led-National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

    They alleged that Kwankwaso and some of his Kwankwasiya movement expired immediately after the conclusion of the February 25 presidential election.

    The Southeast leaders, therefore, called on the public not to have any political dealings with Kwankwaso and his group on the platform of NNPP again.

    The Southeast leaders said the founder of the party 21 years ago, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, remained the national leader of the party under the chairmanship of Dr. Agbo Major.

    The resolution was moved by Chief Ozeogu Stephen, acting Ebonyi State chairman of NNPP, and seconded by Nnani Emmanuel, acting publicity secretary in Imo State.

    The leaders accused the current NWC and Kwankwaso of hijacking the party structure from the original owners and for not involving the founder, Aniebonam, in the party’s scheme of things.

    Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Felix Chukwurah, said: “We are aware that NNPP as the number four out of 18 parties after the last general election has encountered encumbrances capable of destabilising its pursuits in many fronts towards claiming God’s mandate of producing number one citizen (the president) in Nigeria and other political offices in the three arms of government in the next political dispensation in 2027.

    “APC, PDP, LP and the rest of the political parties in Nigeria, including ours, are burdened with colours of quagmire internally and externally to the extent that some candidates who came out victorious in the last elections are already defecting to other parties for one reason or the other.

    “Our party, NNPP, is not immune to party quagmires, but the peculiarities in our circumstances are worth dealing with decisively to resist the obvious. 

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    “We have a situation where the party constitution was grossly violated and abandoned for a new fresh one under the guise of amendment by some recent entrants in the party to enable them perfect a hijack of the party, founded and nurtured for 22 years by Dr. Aniebonam, supported by some other pioneer members.

    “We have a situation where the NWC was swallowed and manipulated by a few new entrants. They marshalled the NWC members to meetings in their private houses for easy access and control for selfish and unpopular decisions.

    “They frame anybody they set their eyes on, especially some state chairmen, who are not likely to support their hijack agenda and suspend or expel them all together. 

    “They conspired and replaced their imaginary enemies in many states with some Kwankwasiya members as the caretaker chairmen.”

    He, however, said NNPP was ready to take over Imo State Government House in the November 11 governorship election.

  • Supreme Court verdict, vindication of Tinubu’s popularity, says Sylva

    Supreme Court verdict, vindication of Tinubu’s popularity, says Sylva

    Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State and its governorship candidate in the November 11 election, Chief Timipre Sylva, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory in the presidential election litigations at the Supreme Court.

    He welcomed the Supreme Court judgment as a crucial opportunity to vindicate Tinubu and his wide acceptance among Nigerians.

    He saluted Tinubu for remaining steadfast and focused on governance throughout the election litigation period.

    Sylva hailed APC for its commitment to the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.

    He said the party’s ability to rally Nigerians towards common national objectives was unmatched and remained at the core of the presidential election victory.

    The Supreme Court on October 26 dismissed the appeals brought by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate at the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, seeking to overturn Tinubu’s victory at the polls and the Presidential Election Petition Court.

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    In his congratulatory message, Sylva said: “I send my warm congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your victory at the Supreme Court, which is actually a vindication of your national acceptance.

    “The presidential election litigation was an opportunity well utilised by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the opposition alike to fully confirm your popularity among Nigerians. It was also a critical chance to prove the people’s good reason for choosing APC.

    “With the presidential election legal process now over, I wish you a most successful tenure as you face the responsibilities and challenges of your high office with even greater vigour.

    “I call upon the opposition and, indeed, all Nigerians to rally round the president and support him every step of the way as he steers the ship of this country towards the El Dorado we all crave.

    “Here in Bayelsa State, we look forward to working with you before and after our governorship election next month, and developing deeper relationships for the good of the state and country.”

  • ‘Soludo’s N2b to 5000 youths will curb crime’  

    ‘Soludo’s N2b to 5000 youths will curb crime’  

    Acting National Youth Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, has described distribution of N2billion grants to 5,000 graduates of the One Youth Two Skills initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a giant step towards fighting crime and insecurity in Anambra State.

    Soludo had during the graduation, certification and start-up grants ceremony at the weekend, presented sums of grants, ranging from N500,000 to N1,000,000 to the graduates trained across skills under the entrepreneurship and apprenticeship systems.

    Okpalaezeukwu in a statement yesterday, said engagement of the youth in gainful ventures had made them unavailable for crime and vices.

    He said: “Anambra State under Governor Soludo has again recorded a major milestone by this initiative. Recall that he had in his manifesto, promised to raise 1,000 youth millionaires annually. 

    “These graduates, with the grants given to them will go ahead to become wealth creators and employers of labour,

    which will in turn, translate many of them to millionaires, billionaires and even so much more.”

    “For me, the governor did not just teach these youths how to fish, he also gave them the nets, the hooks and other equipment to fish. They will have no reason whatsoever, to look in the direction of crime. 

    “This is what Ohaneze Ndigbo under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has been preaching and it is such a delight to see Governor Soludo thinking in this direction.

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    “This is consistent with the apex Igbo socio-cultural group’s vision to build the Igbo land of everybody’s dream.”

    While commending the form the program was designed to first empower the youths with skills before providing them with seed capital, the youth leader argued that the arrangement would ensure the grants were not wasted.

    He also applauded the mentorship and business development support which the government has negotiated with some partners, to enable the beneficiaries grow their businesses.

    “I wish to remind the beneficiaries that they have a huge responsibility to take up the challenge of building other youths who were not fortunate enough to benefit from the process.

    “With the grants they can become creators of wealth and labour, moving other unemployed youths out of the unemployment net.

    “The governor has set the ball rolling, it is now the duty of the beneficiaries to see to it that this initiative blossoms, by appropriately deploying the start-up capital to grow their businesses.

    “We are looking forward to a spike in the number of start-ups in the state, as well as Small and Medium Scale enterprises, who are the actual drivers of any economy.

    “The challenge is now theirs and we are hopeful that they will not betray the trust reposed in them by Mr Governor,” he added.

  • Akwa Ibom to host musical fiesta

    Akwa Ibom to host musical fiesta

    Troupes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja will converge on Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, for a four-day pan-Nigeria cultural and musical fiesta.

    The fiesta named Nigerian Cultural and Musical Fiesta (NICUMFEST) has as its theme: ‘Mobilising Nigeria’s Cultural Diversity for National Economic Prosperity’.  

    A statement at the weekend signed by Akarandot  Kokobassey and Idorenyin  Aquaisua, the event’s national  coordinator and director of administration, said the fiesta would hold at Ibom Hall, Uyo between November 22 and 25.

    The statement said NICUMFEST was a private-sector-government-driven initiative promoted by Arts Impacts Productions.

    It said the fiesta was also a prime cultural and musical feast structured for live performances, competition and exhibition by troupes from the 36 states, FCT and privately-owned cultural and musical troupes.  

    The statement said: “Unlike similar national events that basically gather performers for fun and festivities, NICUMFEST is conceptualised with an innovative vision to amass distinctive arts, cultural and creative resources in states for value-addition and functional investment drives. 

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    “This will be done through clinical documentation of the defining cultural potential and artistic assets across states of the federation and deployment of a broad range of targets-specific post-event promotional and marketing services for intentional year-round promotion of these resources on national and international media platforms and investment markets to attract the needed partnerships for meaningful development and foreign direct investments in the sectors. 

    “The fiesta is a unique national platform to: harness and showcase creative talents; promote the defining artistic assets in Nigerian cultural, choral and Afro beats brands; upscale creative capacity and competences; and practically evolve strategic national synergy to deploy Nigeria’s vast cultural potential and assets to generate employment, promote and export Nigerian creative resources worldwide and enrich the lives of people with our exclusive musical styles and rich culture.  

     ”Therefore, ‘NICUMFEST UYO, 2023’ is a national, cultural and musical feast and melting-pot for the global arts community”. 

  • The Delborough’ Board strongest in quality I’ve ever chair – Obi of Onitsha

    The Delborough’ Board strongest in quality I’ve ever chair – Obi of Onitsha

    One of Africa’s most respected traditional rulers, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (CFR) has said that the Board membership of The Delborough Lagos is one of the most strongest and illustrious he has ever chaired given the quality of its board members.

    The revered monarch was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Board of what is being positioned as one of Africa’s most iconic luxury brands ahead of its upcoming commissioning in Lagos.

    Igwe Alfred, who has served in over 50 prestigious organisations in the public and private sectors as either Chairman or Board Member, made the remarks while addressing newsmen after the official inauguration of the nine-member Board in The Delborough Lagos.

    The traditional ruler said: “I am grateful for the honour to serve on this Board. I must say that this is the biggest Board I have served as Chairman.

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    “The Delborough Lagos has been planned and executed today to the highest levels of excellence. It is a top hotel in Nigeria that beats all international standards.”

    The Obi of Onitsha added: “This first-class hotel though taking off from Lagos Nigeria, will be replicated across continents. And with the calibre of people appointed into this Board, I can assure the public that the laid down standard of this luxury facility is going to be sustained.”

    The nine-member Board headed by His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe CFR, mni Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi), consists of: His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II, Oniru of Iruland); Prof. Chief Mike A.A. Ozekhome SAN,OFR, FCIArb, PhD; Usman Alkali Baba CFR; Arc. Dns. Yemisi Suswam PhD, FNIA; Mrs Olajumoke Benson; H.E Dr. Valentine Ozigbo; Matt Aikhionbare, OON and Dr. Linus Idahosa.

  • LCCI hosts entertainment village at 2023 Lagos Int’l Trade Fair

    LCCI hosts entertainment village at 2023 Lagos Int’l Trade Fair

    Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has announced preparations to host entertainment village at the 2023 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF).

    Speaking at a briefing to unveil the entertainment village, Chairman Trade promotion board Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi affirmed that the village which he described as a new component of the LITF would make the fair more inclusive, sustainable, relevant and interesting to all stakeholders.

    Kupoluyi further explained that the Lagos International Trade Fair has always been a symbol of commerce and economic progress adding, “it is a place where entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors come together to forge new partnerships, explore opportunities, and drive growth. 

    “Entertainment, culture, tourism, and leisure are essential aspects of any thriving community. They are the soul of our city, and they reflect the vibrant spirit of Lagos. Our entertainment village is a testament to our commitment to creating a holistic trade fair experience that encompasses not only commerce, but also the rich cultural tapestry that defines us as a people’’.

    Also speaking at the briefing, chairperson Lagos Chamber of Industry, entertainment group, Dr. Ngozi Omambala, said her group in partnership with NMO Entertainment planned to bring life and excitement to this year’s fair which is scheduled to take place at Tafawabelwa Square, Lagos between November 3-12, 2023, by setting aside a special space where the exhibitors, visitors and participants can have fun while shopping and networking.

    In her words : “the entertainment village will create an ambiance of relaxation and pull crowd to the trade fair ground for the 10 days event. The entertainment village will create a balance in the atmosphere at the fair. Considering that 65 percent of visitors are between the ages 18 and 45 years.

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    “Interactive games visitors will be able to play several interactive games and other tech elements.

    “These games will be designed to engage the visitors and keep them entertained. DJ & live performances. There will be live performances from upcoming and top Nigerian artists. D.Js will battle it out in a show of their talents. Also, there will be food and beverage stations.

    “These stations will showcase local delicacies from around the world. Product launch and activations brands will showcase their products, launch new and reinforce their existing brand through activation. For fashion show, there will be live performances and runway from local and international fashion homes performers’’.

    This segment, Omambala said would create vibes and give excitement to the fairground, adding that the older age categories will not be left out as there would also be old school jams and vibes for the old guys.

    To her, the entertainment village would encourage the young demography to embrace the beauty of their fatherland and prefer to home, to stem the tides of ‘Japa syndrome’. 

    Picture caption: Standing (2nd Right) the Chairperson Lagos Chamber of Commerce.& Industry, Entertainment and Creative Group, Dr. Ngozi Omambala with others at the unveiling of  Entertainment Village.