The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • PIA: Oil firms inaugurate BoT to manage 3% devt fund

    PIA: Oil firms inaugurate BoT to manage 3% devt fund

    Frontier Oil Ltd and Savannah Energy Uquo Gas Ltd have reiterated their commitment to the prompt payment of three per cent operational expenditure (Opex), as contained in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Oil Ltd, Dada Thomas, an engineer; said this at the weekend during the inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Ekid Host Community Development Trust in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

    He said the Trust Fund was set up in line with the provisions of the PIA to provide a platform for the development of the companies’ host communities of Eket and Esit Eket local governments.

    “The process of selecting the trustees was consultative and thorough. Seven persons (three and four drawn from Eket and Esit Eket) are the trustees of Ekid Host Community Development Trust (EHCDT).

    Read Also: Customs foils attack on facility in Yobe

    “These are men and women of integrity and professional standing and I have no doubt that they will work as a formidable team in collaboration with the settlors to deliver the desired participatory and sustainable development of our host communities.”

    “FOL-SEUGL JV herein reiterates her commitment to the implementation of the provisions of the PIA 2021. We shall ensure prompt payment of the Opex and undertake to support the timely and successful implementation of agreed community development projects.

    “To further demonstrate our commitment to the PIA implementation, we have opened four bank accounts in the name of the trust with Zenith Bank, Ewet and have also deposited FOL’s share of the three per cent Opex for 2021 and 2022. We are confident that Savannah Energy Uquo Gas Ltd will do likewise shortly,” he said.

    He warned against the vandalism of oil pipelines in the communities, saying such incidents was capable of robbing the communities of three per cent Opex.

    Chairman of the BoT EHCDT, Dr. Macaulay Akpan, promised to manage and utilise the funds provided by the oil companies for the development of the host communities.

    “We are entering into a social contract with Ekid people. We are conscious of the socio-economic and infrastructural needs of our people and we will discharge our functions with the fear of God.

    “We will work with relevant stakeholders and government agencies such as the state government, the NDDC to avoid duplication of projects.

    “We will also partner the state government in skills development, rural development, health, etc and even to get the government to augment the three per cent,” he said.

    Akpan said the BoT would work with stakeholders and the communities to provide a conducive environment for the operation of the oil companies.

  • Eno: London political summit willattract investors to Akwa Ibom

    Eno: London political summit willattract investors to Akwa Ibom

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has said the just concluded 8th Annual London Political Summit would attract investors and development partners to the state.

    He was fielding questions from reporters at the weekend at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, after his return from a three-day political summit held at the House of Commons Westminster Palace.

    He said he showcased the safe and lucrative economic opportunities the state was endowed with to the United Kingdom and the world at large.

    “Every opportunity we have, marketing the state’s potential is what we are doing. Not just that we are looking for investors, we are also looking for development partners.

    “This is what is important and we must understand that the monthly allocation alone cannot do all we want to do,” Eno said.

    On the benefit of the summit to the state, he said the  A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint of his administration was tailored to meet the sustainable development goals and had positioned the state as a favourable development partner to international  organisations, hence his participation in the summit.

    “As we meet these sustainable development goals, there are development partners out there that want to hear your story, see what you are doing, and you build trust because the problem with Africa is the trust issue. So we go out there, meet these organisations, talk with them. They want to know what you can do differently from what others have done in the past. So we believe it was a successful meeting,” the governor said.

    He attested to exploits in fields by ‘Akwa Ibomites’ abroad and the need to reassure them of the state government’s readiness to work with them, saying being at the event also availed him of the opportunity to interact with indigenes of the state in the diaspora and create openings for foreign direct investment as well as opportunities for exchange engagements in Health, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence and ICT.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom APC governorship candidate expresses shock over tribunal’s verdict

    “We also took the opportunity to meet with the Akwa Ibom indigenes in the diaspora. It is very important. A lot of them are professionals and always want to help in the development of the state and country. If you look at the foreign direct investment from the diaspora that came into the country in the previous years, you will find out that it was a large chunk and if we keep leaving our own people, we are losing parts of that large chunk,” Eno said.

  • Simon Ekpa alleges injustice against Igbos, insists on Biafra referendum

    Simon Ekpa alleges injustice against Igbos, insists on Biafra referendum

    The leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, has accused the Federal Government of decade-long injustice, unfairness and marginalization against Igbos.

    He said there is no going back on the actualisation of the Biafra referendum.

    Ekpa, who doubles as the Prime Minister of BRGIE and a Finland-based lawyer, spoke on Friday in a two-day extraordinary Biafra referendum convention in Helsinki, Finland.

    He explained that the Biafra agitation, which started due to the marginalisation of Igbos in Nigeria, has degenerated into self-preservation.

    Speaking at the convention now known as the ‘Biafra Helsinki Declaration October 20-21, 2023’, Ekpa stated that the Federal Government is yet to tackle the root of Biafra agitation.

    He accused the Federal Government government of continued injustice and unfairness against the people of Biafra.

    Ekpa insisted that without equity and fairness, the idea of ‘one Nigeria’ is not sustainable.

    He noted that Igbos have declared Biafra De Facto Government (BDFG) and BRGIE to serve the Nation and People of the southeast under the occupation of Nigeria.

    He added that Biafra should be allowed to have its independence and liberation.

    ‘”It is as though there is an international conspiracy not to talk about the ongoing conflict in Nigeria. For over a decade now, Biafrans are again been agitating for freedom. What was initially motivated by agitation against marginalization has transformed into agitation for self-preservation.

    “Agitation for Biafra that reemerged again more than a decade ago to protest exclusion from governance and marginalization regarding resource sharing and infrastructure development has since turned to agitation for self-preservation.

    “They are yet to make any concessions regarding the fundamental causes of the agitation in the first place.

    Read Also: Simon Ekpa gives FG ultimatum on Kanu, declares curfew

    “Citizens of the world have a right to express their displeasure with their governments, and most reasonable countries respond with dialogue and engagement. But in Nigeria, the story is different.

    “Yet people talk about “one Nigeria.” No country will be one without inclusion, equity, and justice.

    “Terror against Biafra continued instead of engaging in dialogue and making a sustained effort to address grievances, which has the opposite effect. You cannot claim one Nigeria while at the same time excluding segments of the country from the benefits of belonging to the same country.

    “When you choose marginalization as a tool, you have wittingly or unwittingly signed up to fail,” he stated.

  • Former Oro Union leader seeks TRC law repeal

    Former Oro Union leader seeks TRC law repeal

    The recent passage of an amendment to the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Law by the House of Assembly has ignited controversy and sparked concern over discrimination and division. 

    The legislation, signed into law by Governor Umo Eno on September 22, 2023, assigns the position of President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers to the office of Oku Ibom Ibibio.

    Reacting to the passage of the law, Dr. Asuquo Inuikim, former president-general of the Oron Union, expressed discontent and labelled the amendment as “satanic, discriminatory and condemnable.” 

    He criticised the lawmakers for disregarding the wishes of their constituents and enacting a law that further marginalises and divides the citizens. 

    In a statement, Inuikim said the paramount rulers from Annang, Oro and Obolo ethnic nationalities have united against the legislation, emphasising its obnoxious and repulsive nature.

    He said: “The law has raised concerns over its infringement upon the right and freedom of citizens.

    While Governor Umo Eno claimed that the paramount rulers agreed to equate the position of Akwa Ibom’s President-General with that of first-class royal fathers across Nigeria, questions have been raised about why the first-class ruler must live only in Ibibio land.

    “Their concerns centre around the perpetuation of the Oku Ibom Ibibio as the sole occupant of the president-general’s office, effectively ending the rotational process of the headship of the TRC.” 

    Inuikim said those behind the idea of the law must have been possessed by an evil spirit, adding that it promotes the view of some individuals as inferior and resembles modern-day slavery. 

    Read Also: TRC law: Aggrieved monarchs to boycott meetings under Oku Ibom Ibibio

    He criticised the attempt to undermine the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Chiefs, stressing that it goes against the wisdom and practices of the pioneer royal fathers of the state, who instituted the rotational headship of the council.

    “The amendment to the Traditional Rulers Council Law in 2022, changing the title from chairman to president-general, was seen as an opportunity for an Oro man to hold the position. 

    “However, political manoeuvre prevented this, allowing the Oku Ibom Ibibio to remain in power. With his two-year term winding down, he now seeks to secure his lifelong presidency and restrict the position to the Ibibio race. 

    “This move can only be described as excessive greed and a potential threat to the unity and peaceful coexistence of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

    Calling for a reconsideration of the legislation, Inuikim urged the House of Assembly to rectify the injustice by promoting inclusivity, unity and fairness among citizens. 

    He said discriminatory laws could not stand when in contravention of the Nigerian Constitution, and called for the restoration of lasting peace, harmony and unity in the state.

  • Bayelsa suspends monarch over falsehood

    Bayelsa suspends monarch over falsehood

    • Forms probe panel

    Bayelsa State Government has approved the suspension of His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Collins Aranka, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government.

    A statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, quoted Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as approving the suspension.

    Ewhrudjakpo said the monarch’s suspension was due to a reported case of falsehood and a misrepresentation of the chieftaincy laws of the state.

    The statement said: “Consequently, a seven-man committee has been constituted to investigate the allegations brought against him, with the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Administration and Community Development, Chief Thompson Amule, as chairman.

    Read Also: Bayelsa suspends monarch over falsehood, forms probe panel

    “The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, his counterpart in Information and Orientation, Ayibaina Crowther Duba and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in the state, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, are to serve as members.

    “Other members include one first-class traditional ruler from each of the three senatorial districts to be nominated by the chairman of the traditional rulers’ council.

    “The committee has two weeks within which to conclude its assignment and present a report to the government.

    “His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Aranka, is hereby directed to refrain from carrying out any duty as the Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan or as a traditional ruler, within the period, pending the outcome of the committee’s assignment and subsequent lifting of the suspension order by the government.”

  • I wasn’t appointed to shift blames, says Ogbuku

    I wasn’t appointed to shift blames, says Ogbuku

    The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said his appointment by President Bola Ahmed TInubu is not to engage in a blame game, but to fix Niger Delta problems.

    He said he would perform his duties without partiality, noting that his focus was to tackle developmental challenges in the nine states of the Niger Delta.

    Speaking in a meeting with the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, at the headquarters of the commission, Ogbuku

    urged stakeholders in the Niger Delta to unite and confront the challenges facing their communities.

    The NDDC boss in a statement yesterday signed by the commission’s Corporate Affairs Director, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the NDDC would operate within the principles of inclusiveness.

    He said: “NDDC is for the nine states of the Niger Delta, meaning I am here to work in the interest of the nine states of the region. No matter your ethnic group in the Niger Delta, we all face the same challenges. Therefore, we must work together to address our challenges.

    “All ‘Niger Deltans’ must be accommodating and work in harmony to drive the process of development for the well-being of our people. I was not appointed to look back or shift blames. I was appointed to look forward to fix the problems in the region.”

    Ogbuku said his inclusive policy aligned with the global vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    He said regardless of ethnicity, Niger Delta people were bound by common challenges of underdevelopment and ecological issues, adding that the commission was prepared to tackle them.

    “Regardless of our ethnicity, we are all related and we face common challenges. These challenges, like underdevelopment and ecological problems, bring us all together,” he said. 

    Read Also: I wasn’t appointed to shift blame, says NDDC boss Ogbuku

    Ogbuku said the commission adopted a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy to fund major projects to accelerate progress in addressing the challenges.

    He said: “We are actively engaged in solar power projects to contribute to the fight against climate change. Our goal is to electrify every community using solar energy, while also seeking to recover carbon credits through our projects.”

    Ogbuku said the commission had entered into critical collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Limited, aimed at revitalising essential projects such as Bonny Ring Road, Okrika-Borokiri Road and Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge projects. 

    He said: “Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), and through this partnership, we intend to revive the Bonny Ring Road project, which was stalled for many years. 

    “The Okrika-Borokiri road and bridge project is also being revived in partnership with the Rivers State Government. Similarly, in Bayelsa State, we are partnering Bayelsa State Government on the Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge project.”

  • Appeal Court reserves judgment in Oduah’s petitions against LP

    Appeal Court reserves judgment in Oduah’s petitions against LP

    The State and National Assembly Appeal Court sitting in Lagos has reserved judgment in two appeals by Stella Oduah and her party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the victory of Labour Party’s (LP’s) Tony Nwoye in the February 25, 2023 Anambra North Senatorial District election.

    The three-member panel of justices adjourned for judgment after taking arguments from counsel for the parties.

    The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Awka, Anambra State, had in its September 6 judgment dismissed Mrs. Oduah’s and PDP’s petitions challenging Nwoye’s and LP’s victory.

    Dissatisfied, the duo filed two appeals marked CA/AW/EP/SEN/AN/03/2023 and CA/AW/EP/SEN/AN/04/2023.

    Read Also: Orji Kalu will get justice at Appeal Court, says group

    Nwoye had polled 94,779 votes to defeat Oduah, who scored 50,146 votes, according to the result of the election declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The tribunal had in a unanimous decision dismissed Oduah’s petition and that of the PDP for lack of merit and affirmed Nwoye’s election.

    Oduah, a former aviation minister, represented Anambra North at the ninth Senate for eight years. She was first elected in 2015 on PDP’s platform.

    She was re-elected in 2019. In August 2021, Oduah defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the PDP.

    The senator re-joined the PDP in April 2022, about eight months later, saying she had returned to where she was “highly regarded.”

  • Delta, Julius Berger sign N78b contract  

    Delta, Julius Berger sign N78b contract  

    Delta State Government and construction giant,  Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, yesterday, signed a 78 Billion naira contract for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state. 

    The contracts include road expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, including a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, alongside two pedestrian bridges, Flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction. 

    The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and  the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads),  Comrade Reuben Izeze, signed on behalf of the State Government, while the  Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter, and the  Regional Manager, Engr Friedrich Wieser, signed for the construction giant. 

    The Solicitor- General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe,  and  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr. Fred Edafioghor, witnessed the signing. 

    Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the signing ceremony was a culmination of days and months of critical planning and deft negotiations and a major step forward in his administration’s plan to start an infrastructural revolution that would change the face of Warri and environs. 

    He said: “Today’s event is the high point of months of vigorous planning,  meetings, reviews and tough negotiations. I am pleased that we have reached a point of agreement. 

    “It is pertinent to know that this is the first time in Delta State that we are engaging Julius Berger Plc in construction jobs. They have been in Delta, they worked in NPA, but this is the first time the state government is engaging them for construction projects. 

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Delta state, I want to express my deep appreciate to Julius Berger PLC, the Ministries of Works(High way and Urban roads), Justice, Finance and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government; for the countless energy invested in the process. 

    “I am aware that the road to this signing ceremony was tasking and draining but you stayed on course and, today, we are reaping the fruit of your diligence and resilience,” he said. 

    The Governor who said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent record but also by their experience in road construction in riverine terrains, tasked the contractor to deliver the projects within  27 months.  

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    “We have seen what they have done in other states with topography like Warri and we are confident that they will replicate the same feat here. 

    “Upon completion, these projects will not only change the face of Warri and its environs, but also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by the commuters. 

    “As it is often the case with road constructions of this nature, there will be direct employment benefits for our people, especially, engineers, artisans and even food vendors. Transporters and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit. 

    “I assure all Deltans and residents of the state that the M.O.R.E agenda is on course. They should expect more landmark projects across the different senatorial districts in fulfilment of our pledge to make life more meaningful to our people,” Oborevwori stated. 

    Richter, while thanking Delta State Government for giving the company the opportunity to deliver on the projects, commended Governor Oborevwori for the vision and foresight in a huge investment and for the commencement of a new era for the people of the state. 

    “We commend the Delta State Government for this and we are honoured to be the chosen partners for the construction of this vision. 

    “We are also looking forward for a successful partnership, a great achievement and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state,” he said.

  • Orji Kalu will get justice at Appeal Court, says group

    Orji Kalu will get justice at Appeal Court, says group

    A political pressure group known as North East Elders and Youths Peoples Forum (NEEPYF) has expressed optimism that the former governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Kalu would emerge victorious in the case against him at the Court of Appeal.

    The chairman of the group, Salihu Magaji stated this on Tuesday, October 17, in Bauchi

    He said allegations made by Elisha Abbo who represented Adamawa North that the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, was behind the ruling of the Appeal Court which terminated his tenure abruptly in the Senate on Monday, October 16, would not affect Kalu’s case.

    Nation reports that Abbo also alleged that four other senators have been pencilled down for similar removal through judgment from the Court of Appeal indicating that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC Abia North) is the next target of the planned ‘coup’ against five senators from the Senate by its leadership.

    Addressing reporters at a press conference, Magaji said: “Our attention was drawn to the allegations made by our brother, Senator Elisha Abbo who represented Adamawa North that the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, was behind the ruling of the Appeal Court which terminated his tenure abruptly in the Senate yesterday (Monday).”

    Read Also: Court sacks Adamawa North APC Senator Abbo

    He added: “He also said that four other Senators have been pencilled down for similar removal through judgment from the Court of Appeal. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC Abia North) was the next target of the planned ‘coup’ against Five Senators from the Senate by its leadership. The sin of the other Four Senators was that they opposed the emergence of the leadership of the 10th Senate in June.”

    “Nigerians are watching, and all of us are watching and we expect nothing from the Appeal Court except justice and fairness, and with justice and fairness, Orji Kalu will win as he won at the lower Tribunal.”

     “The essence of democracy lies not only in our ability to vote but also in our capacity to defend the integrity of that vote, as we remain confident of getting substantial justice at the appellate courts.”

  • Enugu govt urges youths to join police

    Enugu govt urges youths to join police

    Enugu State Government has urged qualified people to take interest and apply for recruitment by the Nigeria Police.

    The Police Recruitment Board had announced that its online portal for recruitment would be opened for application for six weeks, beginning from October 15.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, said in a statement issued in Enugu that government had noticed lethargy on the part of Enugu citizens to join the police.

    Read Also:Missing ex-seminarian, allegedly killed by flood in Enugu community

    “The ministry advises interested and qualified persons from Enugu State to apply to get enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as constables.

    “The need to have our people recruited into the Force cannot be overemphasised.

    “Interested applicants should visit www.apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng’’, Aka said.