The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • East-West Road: Senate identifies lack of coordination by govt agencies

    East-West Road: Senate identifies lack of coordination by govt agencies

    The Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the East-West Road says “there is complete lack of synergy between the Federal Ministry of Works, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and catchment states which the road passes through.”

    Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Abdul Ningi, who led other members on a visit yesterday to Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, said after the first leg of his committee’s assignment, they “are going to have a two-day public hearing on why the East-West Road has remained uncompleted.”

    “We need to know who the contractors are? What have they received? So that people will not just collect money from the Federal Government and disappear,” Ningi said.

    He said: “The East-West Road, which is supposed to represent fairness and justice of a major economic hub of the country, has not met that aspiration even by four succeeding presidents starting from Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We have traversed the East-West Road from Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and now Cross River. It is disturbing what we have found in the course of this assignment, the inability of the overseeing agencies of government to come together and give the road the much needed attention.”

    Added he: “I believe that something urgent needs to be done, including the fifth and final stage of the East-West Road, which is the Calabar-Oron end of the road. Yes, there is infrastructural deficit across the country, but what we witnessed was something else on that road.”

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    Ningi narrated the Senate committee members’ experience while passing through the Calabar-Itu federal highway linking Cross River State with Akwa Ibom State.

    He said: “I have never seen and experienced what we saw on that road anywhere.

     “Thousands of trucks stuck in traffic with little or no motion. If we didn’t have the military with us and even at that, we spent over six hours plus on a major highway.”

    However, the committee chairman, who was accompanied by other members of the committee, including Senator Ikra Bilbis, the clerk of the committee; Foluke Ogunbayo, the Southsouth zonal director of Federal Ministry of Works; Clement Ogbuagu, an engineer; among others, had kind words for their host, Governor Otu, noting that the governor would bring his legislative experience to bear in the affairs of the state.

    Otu hailed the Senate for its effort to enable the completion of the East-West Road and made a case for more funding for federal roads in the state, among other projects.

  • 13% derivation fund: Court orders substituted service on Okowa, Uduaghan

    13% derivation fund: Court orders substituted service on Okowa, Uduaghan

    Delta State High Court sitting in Warri, yesterday fixed January 29, 2024 for hearing in a suit compelling two ex-governors of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to account for the 13 per cent oil derivation funds that accrued to Delta State during their tenures.

    Justice V. O. Agboje fixed the new date shortly after the mentioning of the case.

    The case was instituted by members of the oil and gas-producing communities in the state, led by Chief Sheriff Mulade, against the two former governors.

    Justice Agboje had during yesterday’s proceedings, ordered for a substituted service in the suit on ex-Governor Uduaghan, who was not represented in the court.

    But Okowa, Delta State Government and DESOPADEC, who were all parties to the suit, were represented by state counsels.

    Counsel for the plaintiff, Sofiyi Dickson, raised no objection to the new date and the order for substituted service on Uduaghan.

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    Aggrieved members of the oil and gas producing communities in Delta State recently staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, urging the anti-graft agency to investigate and recover their alleged missing and misappropriated funds back to Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), to enable it carry out developmental projects.

    Sheriff had approached the court seeking the interpretation of Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 13 (1) of the DESOPADEC Law 2006 (as amended) 2007, 2015 and 2018.

    The plaintiffs are praying the court to direct the ex-governors “to account for over N1.8tn of the 13 per cent oil derivation funds to oil producing communities of Delta State during their administration.”

    Also, representatives of Itsekiri, Ndokwa and Isoko ethnic nationalities had, sometime in July this year, filed to join the suit seeking interpretation and accountability of 50 per cent of the 13 per cent oil derivation fund to Delta State under the two former governors.

  • Days of touting in Anambra over, says Soludo

    Days of touting in Anambra over, says Soludo

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has declared war against touting, saying the days of touts were numbered.

    He urged chairmen of markets to take responsibility of their domains, warning that any market where touts operated would be disbanded and chairmen removed.

    Speaking yesterday in Onitsha during the launch of the Anambra Special Anti-Touting Squad, Prof. Soludo said restoring law and order would be difficult in an environment where lawlessness had become a culture.

    He congratulated members of the squad, who had been found worthy and offered to serve, calling for commitment, passion and diligence.

    He advised them to adhere to laid down standard and code of conduct guiding their operation.

    The governor said members of the squad would collaborate with the armed forces, who had the primary responsibility to keep the state safe.

    He said: “The launch of the squad is an acceleration on the key promise I made to the people living in the greater Onitsha area, which consists of Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, Oyi and Idemili to restore Anambra State known for law and order to its full glory as the light of the nation.

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    “When we assumed office, eight local governments were taken over. Thanks to the combined efforts of our security agencies and the vigilance service. With the support, these local governments have been liberated and normalcy restored.

    “We have told the youth to come out from their hideouts and bush. We shall help to rehabilitate and integrate them into the society to be useful to their families, communities, states and the country.

    “While dealing with hoodlums on a larger scale, we will be dealing with touts in Onitsha greater area and Anambra State as a whole.

    “We are fighting a war to bring back the soul of our society governed by law and order, not a society anyone does what he or she likes without recourse to law and order.

    “Touts disturb customers who come from every nook and cranny of the country. But this journey is to rescue Onitsha as a commercial hub and Anambra State in general.

    “Phone numbers shall be made available to Ndi Anambra to inform the government of any touting activity they notice in their areas.”

    Soludo called on citizens to remember the campaign of “if you see something, you say something”

    Homeland Affairs Commissioner Chief Chikodiri Anara described the launch of the Special Anti-Touting Squad as the beginning of the journey.

    He assured the governor that positive changes would be noticed by December, as the men of the squad were well trained.

    He warned hoodlums causing trouble in the state to leave, “as they will not find it comfortable to operate in the state, moving forward.”

  • ‘We will not withdraw our support for Eno’s administration’

    ‘We will not withdraw our support for Eno’s administration’

    Elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State have promised not to withdraw their support for the Governor Umo Eno administration.

    The elders under the aegis of Akwa Ibom State PDP Elders Council reiterated their resolve to help the governor actualise his programmes and projects under the A.R.I.S.E Agenda.

    Chairman Board of Trustees of the council, Amb. Assam Assam, SAN, made the pledge yesterday during the formal inauguration of PDP Elders Council.

    Assam, who mandated the state officers to constitute Elders Council in the federal constituencies and local governments, said the body would remain united for the development of the state.

    He expressed satisfaction in the administration of Governor Eno, saying it had set out a good template for the development of the state within his few months in office.

    Speaking on behalf of the Elders from Ekpene Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien said elders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District would continue to work for the success of Pastor Eno and would continue to support PDP.

    He said the governor had done well in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, which would earn him more supporters in 2027 election.

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    “We will do better in 2027 than what we did in 2023. Let us work in unity and support the government. We should not run from the government, we should encourage the governor to do more in the state.

    Speaking on behalf of Eket Senatorial District, Bishop Samuel Akpan said Eket Senatorial District elders were upstanding to support Akwa Ibom Elders Council and to work towards the success of Eno’s administration.

    For Uyo Senatorial District, Elder T. O. Akpan said: “This is the first time elders of Akwa Ibom State come out together to create a forum for elders. I am indeed very excited to be part of this elders’ council. I trust the capacity of the leadership of the council. Let elders of Akwa Ibom State be maintained. Governor Eno has started very well; let us give him our maximum support for the development of Akwa Ibom State.

    On behalf of the women, Obonganwan Grace Ekong assured of women’s support for PDP and Governor Eno and encouraged elders to work with the people at the grassroots to gather more support for the PDP.

  • ECOWAS spends N60m for table-fish production

    ECOWAS spends N60m for table-fish production

    Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has spent over 58,876 dollars (around N60 million) for table-fish production in Anambra State.

    As a result, the commission has begun training of 150 youths for the project.

    The Managing Director, Anambra State Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA) and the Programme Coordinator in the state, Mr. Emeka Iloghalu, said this yesterday in Awka.

    He spoke at the training launch, noting that it was expected to last for about eight weeks.

    Iloghalu said the training cut across ethnic, political and religious affiliations, as trainees from Kaduna, Enugu, Imo and Cross River states were in attendance.

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    He said: “The beneficiaries are between the ages of 15 and 35. It is based on business and entrepreneurship.

    “The programme is sponsored by ECOWAS and it is ongoing across 15 member-countries.

    “I call on unemployed youths in the state and country to key into the programme for self-reliance.”

    Iloghalu said at the end of the training, the trainees were expected to emerge as business-leaders.

  • ‘Why I sponsored Imo pilgrims to holy land’

    ‘Why I sponsored Imo pilgrims to holy land’

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said he did not have any political intention in sponsoring the 1,200 Christian and Muslim pilgrims, who visited Jerusalem, Jordan, Mecca and Medina this year on pilgrimage. He said he was rather interested in the spiritual uplift of the beneficiaries, coupled with moral benefits and their relationship with God.

    The governor spoke at Eze Imo Palace in Mbari, Owerri in his remarks during the interdenominational thanksgiving service organised by the pilgrims to appreciate him for the opportunity given to them to visit holy land at no cost to them.

    He had paid for the airlift, feeding, accommodation and other expenses of 1,000 Christian pilgrims to Jordan and Jerusalem, as well as for 200 Muslims, who went to Mecca and Medina from Imo State.

    The service turned out to be a moment of emotional outpour, as Uzodimma was treated with tales of how, through the exercise and his magnanimity, many beneficiaries, Christian and Muslim pilgrims, had the opportunity of either travelling by air for the first time in their lives as well as travelling outside the shores of Nigeria, also for the first time.

    The pilgrims, most of who clamoured to see the sponsor, were excited to behold the governor in their midst and also happy over the opportunity to lavish prayers on him as the governorship election draws closer.

    Although they reminded Uzodimma that they prayed for him, his family, his government, Imo State, among others at the holy land, the pilgrims also told him that the payback time, which is November 11, has come.

    They were therefore happy to enter into a prayer of agreement, after which they endorsed the governor for re-election and resolved to vote massively for him.

    The service was organised by the Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare.

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    Appreciating their prayers, Uzodimma told the congregation that he was not only humbled by their experience, but also that it gave him satisfaction having a better relationship with his creator. He urged them to do the same.

    He said pilgrimage means a lot to the Christian and Muslim faiths, and appealed to Imo people to “first live together as a people irrespective of religious differences because all of us are of one God.”

    Deputy Governor Placid Njoku thanked the governor for his Godly dispositions that made it possible for him to sponsor people from the state to the holy land.

    The Chairman, Imo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Rev Fr. Dr. Gilbert Alaribe, thanked the governor and God Almighty for a seamless exercise and journey mercies.

    The Chairman, Imo State Muslim Council, Baba Sule, expressed gratitude to the governor for the gesture, saying it was the first time Imo State Government sponsored Muslims to the holy land.

    Sule, the Sarikin Hausawa Imo State, prayed God to continue to “put the governor on the front seat and always put him above all his enemies.”

    Other speakers included the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka; the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Dr. Macdonald Ebere and HRH Eze Mathew Nwokoma.

    Bishop Henry Mbamaonyeukwu and Bishop Akanabu, representing the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, CCN, ECWA an Anglican Church said the governor had sown bountifully, hence he would reap bountifully.

  • ‘Governor developing state through ISOPADEC’

    ‘Governor developing state through ISOPADEC’

    A Commissioner in Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Mr. Nkenna Nzeruo, says Governor Hope Uzodimma is developing Imo beyond expectations, especially in the oil producing areas.

    He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri yesterday.

    He said Uzodimma’s developmental strides manifested in the three hospitals he built in Ohaji Egbema, Oguta and Oru East local governments equipped with the state of the art facilities.

    “Governor Uzodimma has shown that there is money in Imo State because most of the projects he is embarking on, especially these three hospitals were part of the 13 per cent oil derivation from the Federal Government to ISOPADEC.

    “Working in ISOPADEC as a commissioner under Sen. Hope Uzodimma has shown that things can change under a good administration.

    “For many years that ISOPADEC had been in Imo, there had never been any monumental project that could be named after ISOPADEC, done and completed.

    “But today, the governor has proved that ISOPADEC can make proper use of the funds for the good of the people.

    “These hospitals have been completed and inaugurated. There are several rehabilitation projects the governor has done in oil producing communities or local governments,” Nzeruo said.

    He added that the governor had completed 61 other projects in different sectors in the 27 councils of the state, especially in oil communities.

    Nzeruo said Uzodimma’s administration also renovated and equipped 305 primary health care facilities across the 305 electoral wards of the state; supported by ambulances and mobile clinics.

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    He said the governor reconstructed and equipped Dan Anyiam Stadium.

    “It is remarkable that Governor Uzodimma is able to achieve this level of infrastructural revolution in Imo within a short time despite the challenges of insecurity and dwindling financial resources.

    “There are some primary school projects on the way in the three oil producing local governments of Ohaji Egbema, Oguta and Oru East,” Nzeruo said.

    The ISOPADEC commissioner said Uzodimma encouraged youths to embrace agriculture and empowered them to recognise the benefits of agriculture.

    He noted that about 15,000 youths have been trained in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

    He, therefore, called on all Imo residents to come out en masse and support the governor to get his second term bid.

  • Group decries corrupt practices at health centres

    Group decries corrupt practices at health centres

    The ATM (AIDS, Malaria and TB) network for the C19 RM/RSSH (COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health) has decried high cost of drugs and medical services in Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in Anambra State.

    The project led by Civil Society Organisations for Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) also lamented alleged corrupt practices by health workers in some PHCs in the state, warning those involved to desist.

    Speaking in Awka during its monthly coordination meeting, Zonal Coordinator, ACOMIN, Southeast, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, blamed the low patronage witnessed at PHCs across the state on such nefarious activities.

    He advised heads of health departments of health facilities to demonstrate high level of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their assignments.

    Aribodo, who is also executive director, Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative of Nigeria, enjoined officers-in-charge of the PHCs to make use of basic health care provision fund for maintenance of the health centres.

    He said: “The corrupt allegation in Awka South has been addressed. But that of PHC in Nnewi South Local Government is still under investigation.

    “It’s our hope that resources for PHCs should be transparently managed. The local government heads of health departments and heads of health facilities should shun corruption in whatever form, so that available resources will be used for the good of community members.”

    State Coordinator, Mrs. Chioma Okeke, urged members to replicate achievements being recorded in their areas of coverage in other neighbouring towns with no PHCs or underutilised ones.

    “As you oversee PHCs assigned to you, nothing stops you from replicating what is happening in your area in other neighbouring communities and even in your own towns where there are no PHCs.

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    “Anywhere you have opportunity, sell this market to community members and other stakeholders in communities where PHCs are not existing or functional and you will be surprised with the positive outcome.”

    State Coordinator for Tuberculosis Network, Mrs. Ify Unachukwu, told members that the group’s target remained ensuring functional, community driven PHCs towards better health care delivery for residents of the area.

    The Programme Manager, State Malaria Elimination Programme, Nonso Ndibe, lamented the human resource challenge in most health facilities, stressing the need for engagement of more health workers at the centres.

    The state Programme Officer, Wisdom Jacob, urged CBOs to ensure the project was sustained in the community they were working.

    He also enjoined them to build capacity of the Ward Development Community (WDC) to continue canvassing for maintenance of the health centre in the locality through community members.

  • Ijaw community urges firm on inclusion in OML 42 projects

    Ijaw community urges firm on inclusion in OML 42 projects

    Indigenes of Pepeama community in Warri Southwest Local Government of Delta State have urged Matrix Energy Ltd to include them in its investment and oil-related activities at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42, to avert an “unavoidable crisis”.

    In a protest letter dated October 4 and addressed to the oil firm, the indigenes who are descendants of Pozi Tuwabor (nee Ogeh), stressed the need for the company to comply with the decision of their monarch, the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun, Aketekpe Agadagba, that proceeds of Pepeama be equally shared among Pozi, Oyi and Fafa quarters of the community.

    The letter was signed by Madam Brass Piniki, Apst. Noah Douperegha Kemezide, Mr Ebi Alakiri and Moses Mala on behalf of the Pozi Descendants.

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    “Please note that it is our humble and irreducible demand that the community relations of your company’s operations, going forward, should reflect compliance with the expressed verdict on Pepeama by our king, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

    “The directive as it affects us can be achieved for desired peace by consciously engaging us, the owner-stakeholders, to formally and effectively belong to the project.

    “We further appeal that your inactions in the foregoing regard does not create avoidable crisis.”

  • Otti leads prominent Nigerians to bid Irukwu farewell

    Otti leads prominent Nigerians to bid Irukwu farewell

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the weekend led prominent Nigerians to bid Prof. Joseph Irukwu farewell, as the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was buried.

    Irukwu, who died in July at 89, was buried last Saturday in his hometown, Amokwe Item, in Bende Local Government of Abia State, after funeral ceremonies that traversed London, Lagos and Umuahia.

    The body of the erudite insurer, lawyer and administrator was committed to mother earth after an inter-denominational church service at Jane Egbichi Oteh Mini-stadium, Amokwe Item, where the virtues of the late elder statesman were extolled in tributes and eulogies.

    Dr. Otti acknowledged the achievements of the late Prof. Irukwu in fields such as insurance, law and his leadership activities in Ohanaeze, stressing that the most profound accomplishment of the late insurance guru was his devotion to the Christian faith.

    He advised people to emulate Irukwu, saying: “If you believe you’ve achieved great success in life, but you have neglected to sit and pray to God, it’s time to reconsider your priorities.”

    Former President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Gary Igariwe, on behalf of the apex Igbo socio cultural group, said Irukwu was an exceptional leader who distinguished himself in service.

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    He prayed that God should console the bereaved family.

    The President-General of Item Development Association (IDA), Sir Onwuka Orji, said the late Prof. Irukwu trained and mentored many Item professionals and captains of industries, “who are excelling all over the world.”

    He said his death had created a big vacuum in Item land and Nigeria.

    The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; ex-governor of old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd); Sen Enyinnaya Abaribe; former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; former Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and prominent indigene of Item, Arunma Oteh and others.