The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Ekpenyong’s motion on gunshot victims prompts swift govt action by NPF

    Ekpenyong’s motion on gunshot victims prompts swift govt action by NPF

    In a demonstration of unwavering commitment to the welfare and safety of its citizens, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has taken decisive steps to ensure the timely treatment of gunshot victims in the country.

    Senator Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, had passionately raised this matter during a session in the Senate.

    The motion was in response to the unfortunate incident of September 26, 2023, where Ms Greatness Olorunfemi was attacked and ejected from a moving vehicle by armed robbers, and subsequently denied timely medical care at Maitama General Hospital due to the unavailability of a police report.

    Prompted by this distressing incident, Senator Ekpenyong called upon the Nigerian Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Miss Olorunfemi’s tragic demise.

    The Nigeria Police Force, in response to the Senate’s call for action, has issued a memorandum from Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, mandating all police commanding units to enforce the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017 without delay.

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    The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the leadership of Dr. Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of State, has also committed to working closely with the Nigerian Police Force to prevent further needless deaths resulting from gunshot injuries.

    Alausa emphasised, “Gunshot injuries are unequivocally medical emergencies where every minute is of paramount importance in preserving the life of the victim. Therefore, immediate medical care is indispensable to prevent permanent damage or loss of life.”

    While acknowledging the existing legislation, Dr. Alausa expressed concern about the persistently low levels of compliance. To address this issue, the Ministry is actively collaborating with the Nigerian Police Force to disseminate the National Act to all police divisions across the nation and raise public awareness, thereby mitigating the tragic impact of gunshot-related deaths.

    Ekpenyong commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigerian Police Force for their swift response to the resolutions of the motion he presented.

    He affirmed the 10th Senate’s commitment to ensuring justice is served for the Olorunfemi family and expressed determination to monitor compliance and enforcement of directives in healthcare facilities nationwide, thus preventing other families from enduring similar tragedies.

    This resolute action in response to Senator Ekpenyong’s motion underscores the government’s commitment to delivering justice and safeguarding the well-being of its people.

  • Academy mourns ace broadcaster Jika Attoh

    Academy mourns ace broadcaster Jika Attoh

    The West Africa broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) has mourned the death of its executive director and ace broadcaster, Nkemjika Attoh, who passed away on Wednesday in Enugu, capital of Enugu State. 

    A statement signed yesterday by WABMA Registrar, Joseph Obari, described the death of Attoh as a colossal loss.

    The statement quoted the Chairman of the academy, Kevin Ejiofor, as saying: ”This is a huge loss to us at WABMA where Jika spent the last years of his life deepening media professionalism.

    “It is a loss we share with the entire media landscape in Nigeria where this news has sent shockwaves. Our prayers accompany our dear friend and colleague as he journeys on to the great beyond.”

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    It added: “Attoh’s failing health in the past one year did not deter him from pursuing his passion of enhancing development journalism in Nigeria until the very last weeks of his life. 

    “He was the firebrand professional anchor of Africa Independent Television’s flagship breakfast, KAAKAKI and news anchor at CHANNELS Television, Lagos.”

    “Attoh later became a journalism trainer for the BBC World Service Trust (BBC Media Action) and a consultant media trainer for ENABLE in Nigeria.

    “His media leadership included his roles as the managing director of Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS; broadcast manager and trainer at Lagoni Media, member of board of directors of West Africa Democracy Radio, Dakar, Senegal and the genius behind the establishment of BLAZE FM, Awka and COSMOS FM, Enugu”.

  • Appeal Court affirms Rep’s election

    Appeal Court affirms Rep’s election

    The Court of Appeal has affirmed the election of Martins Esin (PDP), as winner of the election for Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

    The lawmaker’s electoral victory had been challenged by his closest rival in the February 2023 election, Robinson Edumoh of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal.  

    The tribunal chaired by Justice Kudirat Jose had on September 1  thrown out Edumoh’s petition, ruling that the petitioner could not prove any of his allegations bordering on over-voting, non-transmission of results electronically, widespread irregularities and non-compliance with visions of the Electoral Act.

    Read Also: Appeal Court to hear APC’s, Sylva’s appeal Friday

    Dissatisfied by the ruling, the APC candidate approached the appellate court, asking it to set aside the verdict of the tribunal.

    Delivering its judgment yesterday at the National Industrial Court Complex in Lagos State, the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of justices, dismissed the appeal brought before it.

    The court held that it found no reason to set aside the judgment of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed the PDP candidate, Esin, as the valid winner of the election.

    The appellate court panel awarded a cost of N500,000 in favour of each respondent, including Esin, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), against the appellant.

  • Effium crisis: Nwifuru reads riot act as soldier goes missing

    Effium crisis: Nwifuru reads riot act as soldier goes missing

    One of the soldiers on peace keeping mission in the crisis-prone Effium community in Ebonyi State has been declared missing.

    Governor Francis Nwifuru had earlier threatened to deal with anyone responsible for his disappearance if he was not found alive before noon yesterday.

    The governor said this in a statement by his spokesperson, Monday Uzor, on Wednesday night.

    The people Efium and Ezza Effium in Effium town have been enmeshed in communal crisis, which has decimated the town.

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    Hundreds of lives have been lost, with thousands rendered homeless in the crisis which started in 2020.

    Efforts to restore peace to the area have not been successful.

    Governor Nwifuru also threatened to dissolve the peace committee mediating in the crisis if the soldier is not found.

  • Anambra community to CP: tell your men to leave our land alone

    Anambra community to CP: tell your men to leave our land alone

    No fewer than 1,000 indigenes of 20 villages in Awka community, Awka South Local Government of Anambra State, yesterday stormed streets in the capital city, protesting land grabbing by another community with the alleged help of the police command.

    Carrying placards with inscriptions such as: ‘Ezinano land doesn’t need police post’, ‘Police have taken bribe’, ‘Police face security, not our land’, among others, the indigenes, including the young and the old, took their protest to the police, blocking the police headquarters at Amawbia.

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    Police Commissioner Aderemi Adeoye hailed the protesters for their peaceful disposition.

    He said: “Police are not interested in your land and no attempt is being made to take over any community land. We’re here to serve the public and we won’t support any party. My doors are always open to listen to you.”

  • Otu presents N250b 2024 budget to assembly

    Otu presents N250b 2024 budget to assembly

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has presented the 2024 budget sum of N250 billion to the House of Assembly, christened “People’s First Budget”.

    At the presentation yesterday before the 25-member legislature, the governor said capital expenditure would gulp N154,000,000,000 (One Hundred and Fifty-four Billion Naira) only, while N96,000,000,000 (Ninety-six Billion Naira) only is proposed for recurrent expenditure, representing a ratio of 61.6% – 38.4%.

    The 2024 proposed budget, being his administration’s first presentation, places priority on the people first, among other contending variables. He said: “The budget aligns with some Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, such as Goal 2: Zero Hunger, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong institution, We are, however, not unmindful of the world’s economic downturn, which Cross River State is not spared either.

     “We shall therefore remain focused on expenditure prudence and prioritising resource allocation to meet the aforementioned goals.”

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    Otu said the state Internal Revenue Service has been repositioned to ensure that every taxable adult is brought into the tax net.

    He said for the 2024 fiscal year, the government was expecting One Hundred and Thirty Three Billion Three Hundred Million Naira (N133,300,000,000) from the Federation Account (FAAC), while independent revenue is estimated at Thirty Five Billion Three Hundred and Twenty Two Million Seven Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Ninety Four Naira (N35,322,747,594).

    The governor said the budget was expected to prioritise agriculture, education, environment, infrastructure, youths, sports, security and tourism.

    House of Assembly Speaker Elvert Ayambem, who presided over the budget presentation session, thanked the governor for the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

  • Supreme Court: Ogbu-Aguocha congratulates Tinubu, urges Atiku, Obi to join hands in nation-building

    Supreme Court: Ogbu-Aguocha congratulates Tinubu, urges Atiku, Obi to join hands in nation-building

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Enugu East senatorial election, Princess Adaku Ogbu-Aguocha, has hailed President Bola Tinubu over his victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, October 26.

    Ogbu-Aguocha, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said the final judgment of the apex court is a testimony to the fact that Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election, having defeated all opponents to emerge the president.

    She expressed optimism that given the road map Tinubu has highlighted since his inauguration as president, there is no doubt that he would liberate the country from the numerous challenges facing it.

    She called on the opposition to tow the path of peace and reconciliation by embracing the court verdict, stating that “this is time for nation-building, and we need every Nigerian to support the president.”

    Ogbu-Aguocha noted: “The victory of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court, shows that he won this election hands down. The apex court has spoken. I must point out here that the job of governing Nigeria at this point in time is very challenging, and that is why anyone keen on nation-building must support the president and his government.

    Read Also: Supreme Court verdict: Justice has been served – Tinubu

    “I hereby urge the opposition parties to please sheathe their swords. Elections are over. Litigations are over. We have passed the stage of political party business and moved to nationhood right now. It is time for nation-building. Knowing the level of enthusiasm the opposition put in, I am sure they are inspired by the urge to build Nigeria. Now that President Tinubu has emerged winner, they should join him and also call on their supporters to join in supporting this government.

    “The task ahead is enormous. Nigeria is passing through challenging times and all of us, irrespective of party affiliation must put in an effort to get us to the El Dorado of our dreams. Nigeria must excel. Once again, congratulations my dear President! You deserve this victory.”

  • PTDF boss Aminu pledges development of indigenous capacities in oil industry

    PTDF boss Aminu pledges development of indigenous capacities in oil industry

    Newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Ahmed Galadima Aminu, has said the organisation will continue to contribute to the development of indigenous capacities in the oil and gas industry.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing him. 

    Aminu said this in Abuja when the leadership of  

    Adamawa chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC)visited him  in a show of solidarity.

    The delegation was led by the state Chairman, Idris Shua’ibu, and other executive members. 

    The delegation expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing one of them as the Executive Secretary of PTDF.

    The visit served as an opportunity to also extend felicitations and best wishes to the newly appointed PTDF boss.

     During the visit to the PTDF corporate office in Abuja, the APC  top brass presented a congratulatory letter to the Executive Secretary. 

    In the letter by Shua’ibu and Secretary Dr. Raymond Chidama, encouraged him “to ensure optimum capacity development in the area of oil and gas”.  

    The state chairman restated his firm belief in Aminu’s capabilities to deliver positive accomplishments in his new role. 

    He said the purpose for the visit was to “congratulate and felicitate with our brother Aminu Galadima on his appointment as the ES PTDF. 

    “This appointment is the first of its kind to  our state since we had a minister.We decided to come and have an interface with him.”

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new helmsmen for ICPC, NAHCON, PTDF

    The delegation conveyed the support and well-wishes to the ES, assuring him of their unwavering support from the home front. 

    Chidama further expressed confidence in Mr Aminu’s ability to deliver on the assignment given to him by Mr President.

    The PTDF boss expressed gratitude for the courtesy visit.

     He thanked President  Tinubu for the  confidence placed in him through the appointment emphasising his commitment to ensuring that PTDF continues to make significant contributions to the development of indigenous capacities in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

  • ‘Africans must be innovative and invest at home to boost economy’

    ‘Africans must be innovative and invest at home to boost economy’

    Foremost Igbo entrepreneur and statesman, Okemili Charles Odunukwe,  has urged Africans and Nigerians to be  innovative and invest in their homeland as first line option for economic growth of the continent.

    The industrialist, who is the President of Blue Orange Initiative and  Promoter, Colonades Hotels & Hospitality Range, was recognised as “Dynamic Entrepreneur Of Excellence” by Unizik Business School, Awka, Anambra State.

      He warned that the desire to take resources made in Nigeria or the continent, to hide in so called overseas safe havens, is at the centre of the current rising misery, Naira suicide tumble, multiple insecurities and criminalities.

    Okemili  hailed the Unizik Business School for pioneering a knowledge spread  to Ndigbo that is as unique as their acclaimed  apprenticeship business incubation, where the masters are trained on a practical business mentorship improvement.

    He said globally  Ndigbo are known for their unique apprenticeship business incubation; a training by masters for learners & beginners in practical business mentorship.

    “As a man who labours in the kitchen of hospitality, I know that when you enhance the sauce, the menu is richer. Entrepreneurship and innovation is being celebrated here, and Ndigbo homeland prosperity project, is being watered by Unizik Business School like a tree by the Riverside. We should all be proud of you, because knowledge is at the core of human progress. Indeed, it is one positive thing I encourage all to ‘snatch it, grab it and run with it,’ because in Unizik Business School, it is served a la carte with added value.

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    “Priority to Homeland Prosperity i.e “Aku luo Uno” is a philosophy that is dear to my heart and the organization that I am currently inspiring with like minds, the Blue Orange Initiative It is not just critical for Alaigbo now in particular, but  very urgent for our Nation Nigeria, and indeed Africa. Nigerians and Africans must wake up to the imperative necessity to innovate and invest in their homeland as a first line option for economic growth, sustainable development and political stability. The craving to take resources made here, acquired or stolen, to stash and hide in so-called overseas safe havens, is at the centre of our current misery, multiple insecurity and criminalities, because investments are not enough to generate peace and passion for nationalism. The few that are there are closing down as Naira, our currency is being driven to the pit of value suicide,” he said.

    Odunukwe, while appreciating Unizik for the recognition, said “Unizik Business School is doing a class act in intentionally making access to valuable knowledge open to the markets and artisans, who ordinarily may have been denied, even if they wished for it.”

     “That is the cornerstone for a needed shift in mindset, because as the Good Book said, a people perish for lack of knowledge.As for our leaders in the South East and our country, Nigeria, I do not have anything more to say that has not been said to them through grave appeals, passionate suggestions, and now endemic frustrations by those they lead. I simply will continue to add my heart beaten prayers that their minds be arrested by leadership conversion to do good and act sane. Nigeria really deserves their mercies now to show they are not inherited enemies of their hopes,” he added.

  • Preserve your resilience, Ndigbo told

    Preserve your resilience, Ndigbo told

    Human capital development expert, and a former president of  Aka Ikenga – the Igbo Think Tank, Dr Chris Asoluka, has urged the Ndigbo to  preserve its spirit of resilience in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

    He was spoke when Aka Ikenga President Agbalanze Chike Madueke, led a delegation of their leaders to felicitate with him in Lagos this week.

    Asoluka noted  that the  Ndigbo  had capacity to reshape their current realities, for better governance and rapid development.

    “Our enterprise and industry remains our national and global emblems, for which no one denies, nor any entity able to take away from us yet. So we must preserve it tenaciously, develop it exponentially, and improve on it digitally, because global competitiveness is about ideas and its powers to transform.

    “I re-emphasise that Ndigbo wherever they are, for which Aka Ikenga specially exists, are people with admirable resilience and competences. It is our historic and cultural provenance that we must keep aflame, to attract and enlighten current and future generations,” he said.

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    Reflecting on his times as the Group’s President, he said Aka Ikenga was an outcome of deep thinking, a child of necessity, that has now become a consequential adult proudly. He urged Ndigbo, especially the youths to rise and locate thier common  point of service to their  nationality and pitch their talents to uplift their homeland, through platforms as Aka Ikenga.

    The President of the group, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, assured  Asoluka that the commitment of the leadership is to grow from the character and foundations people like him and others laid.

    Elders of the group led by Elder Delly Ajufo, Chief Don Ezeh and Pharm. Nnamdi Obi decorated Asoluka as “Emeritus President” as guided by the President, who finally adorned him with a Presidential crest.