The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Fuel subsidy: Otti rolls out measures to ameliorate effects on workers

    Fuel subsidy: Otti rolls out measures to ameliorate effects on workers

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says his administration is working on measures to improve the welfare of workers, to reflect the prevailing economic realities occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    The measures include a template to begin payment of transport allowance to civil servants and to raise the salary of civil servants by a certain percentage from this month, to cushion the harsh impact of the rising inflationary trend as well as ensure the survival of civil servants under the present economic hardship.

    Dr. Otti, who broke the news while delivering the 63rd Founders’ Day Lecture Series of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Unity Hall, UNN, said the gesture would alleviate their economic challenges, following the removal of fuel subsidy.

    He said plans were on the way to raise the salary of civil servants by a certain percentage, to cushion the harsh impact of the rising inflationary trend as well as ensure their survival under the current economic hardship.

    The governor, whose lecture centred on the theme: ‘Petroleum Subsidy Removal; Dealing with the Challenges, harnessing the opportunities’, said his administration had granted tax holiday to micro, small and medium enterprises to enable them manage the shock that emanated from the subsidy removal.

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    He noted that government had continued to streamline the revenue collection process, to ensure efficiency, cut out double taxation and make the system independent in ways that limit activities of middle men.

    Otti announced plans to revive the Abia State Scholarship Board and grant scholarships and bursary awards to Abia students studying in higher institutions across the country.

    He said besides Abia State, he would love to champion a conversation with his governor colleagues in the Southeast for the expansion of scholarships for thousands of brilliant students in the region.

    “Nothing must stand in the way of the education of our young people because we shall be doomed if we compromise any further on our investments in quality education.

    “I don’t just mean funding the desperation to acquire certificates, but something more holistic as this

    university has been doing for 63 years. Education is something we must take even more serious”

    The governor said his extensive commitment in road rehabilitation and reconstruction was aimed at increasing investments in the state, which would lead to higher employment opportunities for the younger generation and expansion of business opportunities for MSMES.

    “The ultimate agenda is to systematically improve the investment climate in Abia so that the environment does not sabotage the efforts of our entrepreneurs who pass through severe difficulties to remain in business,” he added.

    Otti said the planned launch of a 10-billion naira MSME Fund as announced in his inaugural speech was still on course, while modalities to accessing the fund would soon be unfolded.

  • ‘Muster political will to end insecurity’

    ‘Muster political will to end insecurity’

    The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (RPCN) has urged the Federal Government to muster political will and courage to end insecurity.

    This was contained in a 10-point communiqué issued by the church at the end of its 4th General Assembly on October 8, at the All Saints RPCN Parish, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government of Ebonyi State.

    It was signed by the Moderator-General, Rt. Rev. Chima Uduma and Secretary-General, The Rev. Cornelius Eke.

    The church said: “The Federal Government should muster the political will and courage to end once and for all, the lingering state of insecurity in the nation, which has continued to manifest in a spate of kidnapping, armed banditry, cultism, armed robbery, marauding of  gunmen and menace of ethnic separatists.”

    The church through the communiqué appealed to the Federal Government to hasten action on the release of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles promised by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for intra-and inter-state transport, to ease transport difficulties of the masses occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

    On the 2023 election tribunals and appeal tribunals, the communiqué expressed the need for the judges at all levels to be unbiased and deliver just judgments “in order to forestall miscarriage of justice, bearing in mind that God is a just God that judges all men according to how they judge others.”

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    The church congratulated the Federal and Ebonyi state governments on their 63rd and 27th anniversaries.

    It hailed Governor Francis Nwifuru for approving and releasing funds for the payment of gratuity arrears.

    The church also praised the governor for recruiting doctors, paramedical officers and civil servants to ease unemployment and improve people’s well-being.

    “The recruitment should follow due process in order not to truncate the good intentions of the government,” it said.

    The next General Assembly holds in August 2025, to be hosted by the Ohaozara Synod of the church.

  • TRC law against Nigeria’s extant laws, says CLO

    TRC law against Nigeria’s extant laws, says CLO

    Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has said the amended Traditional Council Law Cap 55 was against Nigeria’s extant laws.

    The controversial law grants perpetual leadership of the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) on the Ibibio above other ethnic groups such as the Annang and Oro.

    Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Godknows Njoku, at a news conference in Uyo yesterday said the new law contravened Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended in 2023.

    He described the law recently assented to by Governor Umo Eno as discriminatory and offensive in nature, “as it does not take into consideration other minority tribes in the state.

    “We are of the view as a body that the House of Assembly should have consulted the extant laws of the country, especially with regard to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended in 2023, by looking at how it will affect other minority tribes. The law as it’s being passed now is discriminatory in nature; it is offensive.

    “The matter is now in court, but we can safely say that the House of Assembly that we respect did not consider many things, especially the extant laws of the country before they came to that conclusion.

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    “We trust by God’s grace the court will do justice to it if this matter will continue. By the extent of its inconsistencies, it should be declared null and void. We are of the view that the traditional rulers should look at it and we call upon them to reason together and come up with one voice if they did not want it.

    “The CLO is of the view to apply to join in the suit, but we may not join again, having considered the good intention of the governor who has indicated interest and has publicly said he does not intend to marginalise or witch-hunt any particular group of people in the state. That they should write to the state government if they did not want it.”

    Njoku said the CLO in the state would have applied to be joined in the suit as plaintiff, adding that it rescinded its decision having seen the good intention of the governor, who had consistently told the traditional rulers to write to the government if they were not comfortable with the law.

  • ‘Tantita has proven competence in oil pipelines security’

    ‘Tantita has proven competence in oil pipelines security’

    A Delta-based activist and Chartered Accountant, Dr. Martins Otuedon, says Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has “proven competence” in securing the nation’s oil and gas assets.

    Otuedon, in a statement described the private firm’s engagement by the Federal Government last year as a win-win for all, urging President Bola Tinubu to approve renewal of the pipelines surveillance contract.

    According to him, “over the last one year of the operations of a local security company, Tantita Security Services Company Limited in securing the fortunes of the nation’s oil pipelines, especially across the Niger Delta region, there has been a major breakthrough in tracking and identifying illegal points of crude oil theft.

    “The engagement of the company by the federal government in the last two years to complement the effort of the nation’s security agencies has remained a win-win that has translated into improved daily oil production.

    “In fact, news of these unprecedented discoveries has reinforced the belief that the nation is gaining back her production capacity and attracting new investments in the downstream operations.

    “Simply put, Nigeria is getting more revenue to accelerate needed development and growth in critical sectors of the economy.

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    Tantita Security Services has been congratulated by all stakeholders in the industry and beyond on the feats recorded with courageous patriotism and unfettered determination.

    “The question then remains, why abandon a working system, more so when it is in collaboration with the armed forces?”

    The Chartered Accountant reeled out the gains of Tantita’s surveillance contract job to include “peaceful coexistence, engagement of the youth in productive ventures other than crime; protection of the vegetation from oil spills, transfer of technology within the oil- producing areas and importantly, the local people who have been fully engaged in protecting their communities from the harmful effects of illegal oil refinery.”

    Expressing optimism that President Tinubu, in furtherance with his Renewed Hope agenda, would “within the shortest possible time,” renew the contract to ensure continuity of the gains, Otuedon added, “with the refineries coming on line, the local production of crude oil needs to be increased and secured.

    “Tantita Security Services has undoubtedly proven their competence in delivering under the most difficult terrains.”

  • I’m determined to take Edo out of poverty, address insecurity- Agbonayinma

    I’m determined to take Edo out of poverty, address insecurity- Agbonayinma

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Johnson Agbonayinma, has assured that he is determined to take Edo people out of poverty, and address insecurity in the Southsouth state.

    He also stated that he was committed to the service of humanity, while stressing that politics was about service, but declared that democracy should not be for one man, while apparently referring to Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who was being accused of alleged dictatorship and godfatherism, with desperation to have a Lagos-based lawyer, Asue Ighodalo, of Edo Central Senatorial District, as his successor.

    Agbonayinma, who was born on October 21, 1960, and spent over 35 years in the United States of America, before he later returned to Nigeria to represent Ikpoba-Okha/Egor constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, spoke when he visited Edo State secretariat of APC, along with his wife, many chieftains of the party and his political associates, to inform members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party of his governorship aspiration.

    The governorship aspirant, who was a federal commissioner at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), pointed out that politics should be about the people, while he promised that as Edo governor, he would regularly hold town-hall meetings in the 18 local government areas of the state, in order to get the people’s inputs to the programmes and policies of his administration, and to also feel their pulse.

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    He said: “My uncle, a retired Commissioner of Police, was kidnapped in Edo State over one year ago, huge ransom was paid to the kidnappers, but he is yet to be found. The insecurity in Edo is scaring investors. Insecurity is the order of the day in the state.

    “Palliatives are being shared by other states of Nigeria, but no palliative is being given to Edo residents, while Obaseki is still promising to help the poorest of the poor, but the fund for the palliatives is being diverted by Edo government. Obaseki must account for Edo’s funds. There cannot be good governance, without the support of the stakeholders.

    “I am determined to take Edo people out of poverty. I empowered so many constituents, performed excellently, and I embarked on numerous projects, while I was in the House of Representatives. I still have many people on my annual scholarship. I promise to do more as the state’s governor from November 12, 2024.

    “Whenever it rains for five minutes, Benin City and its environs will be flooded. No single flyover in Edo. That is failure of leadership and poor governance. Leadership is essential to ensure good governance. Leaders must always dream big.”

    Agbonayinma also pleaded with the NWC members and APC’s leaders for support, especially to get the party’s governorship nomination, while promising to stand with them, and would never abandon them, as they would join him to move Edo forward.

    He described a former Edo governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, now the representative of Edo North Senatorial District, as a detribalised Nigerian and wonderful leader, who would never forget persons who supported him, while stating that he graduated from Oshiomhole’s school of politics and thoughts, as the former National Chairman of APC remained his godfather and benefactor.

    The governorship aspirant assured that he has what it takes to make Edo better, with capacity to ensure good governance and move the state to the next level.

    Edo Deputy Chairman of APC, Jarret Tenebe, while also speaking, gave an assurance that a level-playing field would be ensured for all the aspirants, while describing APC as a disciplined party, with committed members.

  • Shaibu hails Oba on Emoro festival, reviving age-long heritage

    Shaibu hails Oba on Emoro festival, reviving age-long heritage

    The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has hailed the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on the revival and celebration of Emoro traditional (new yam) festival, an age-long heritage.

    Shaibu, yesterday in Benin, said: “I am most delighted to felicitate with His Royal Majesty (Oba of Benin) on this momentous celebration of the age-long heritage the Emoro Traditional Festival.

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    “The revival of this historic festival is a demonstration of our highly revered monarch’s quest in preserving the rich culture and tradition that the great Benin Kingdom is renowned for globally.

    “Centuries ago, the Emoro Traditional Festival provided a platform for the people of Benin Nation, both at home and in the diaspora, to interact, socialise and promote the unique heritage of the kingdom.

    “As a son of the Omo N’Oba, l am proud to join the Benin royal family and well-meaning Edo people, particularly sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom,.to congratulate His Royal Majesty for the wisdom and courage in  reviving the Emoro Traditional Festival.” Edo deputy governor also prayed that as the first-class monarch was celebrating the historic festival, the Almighty God and the indomitable ancestors of Benin kingdom would continue to bless the traditional ruler and preserve Edo people in love, unity and mutual co-existence.

  • Bayelsa poll: Diri alerts security agencies on violence plot in Ogbia

    Bayelsa poll: Diri alerts security agencies on violence plot in Ogbia

    • Says Sylva anti-development

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has alerted security agencies to a plot by the opposition in the state to cause mayhem in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state during the November 11 governorship election.

    Diri also accused the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Timipre Sylva, of being anti-development and anti-progress.

    The Bayelsa governor, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, spoke at the Ogbia Constituency 2 rally at Otuokpoti after campaign stopped at riverine Anyama-Ogbia and Emadike communities.

    He alleged that the opposition was planning to bring in thugs to cause mayhem in Anyama-Ogbia.

    Diri said: “This battle is between those who are for and against development. It is between light and darkness. We are talking about your development as individuals and communities.

    “Let the world know what they are planning is that in Anyama where we are strong, they are going to bring youths who are not from here, sew them military uniforms and cause mayhem in connivance with one or two people from here. Let the world and the military take note.”

    Reeling out projects embarked upon by his administration in the local government, he promised to do more when re-elected into office.

    He stressed: “They were in government for five years and what did they do in Ogbia land? Today, we are building a road from Akaba in Yenagoa to Okodi and Emadike. The Otuoke-Onuebum road was destroyed and impassable. But now that road is almost completed.

    “Elebele community was cut off and one of the first projects we started was to build that bridge. We did the same with the Imiringi community bridge too.

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    “The old bypass to Elebele had a metallic bridge. But we have built a befitting road there. For us, it is how we can develop the state.

    “Since we came, we have been teaching the youths how to fish. Today, we have the Diri skills acquisition programme through which thousands of our youths are acquiring skills they can use without begging. Today, we give grant of N200,000 monthly to 420 individuals across the 105 wards in the state to support small and medium scale enterprises.”

    At Anyama-Ogbia, the governor stated that the Akaba-Okodi-Emadike road, which had been at the planning stage for several years, is under construction and would soon be completed to enhance economic activities in the area.

    He promised to work with relevant agencies to embark on shoreline protection to check the erosion that had ravaged the community when he returns for a second term.

  • AA candidate heads to Appeal Court over A’Ibom guber election

    AA candidate heads to Appeal Court over A’Ibom guber election

    The Akwa Ibom state governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA), Prince Jeremiah Udoh Akpan, has approached the Court of Appeal in Calabar to set aside the judgement of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal of September 15, 2023.

    Akpan, who is also seeking a nullification of the governorship election of March 18, 2023, has asked the Appelate court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a rerun.

    According to the Notice of Appeal dated October 4, 2023, filed by P.I Oyewole made available to the Nation, the AA candidate described the tribunal judgement on petition No: EPT/AKW/GOV/08/2023 as a miscarriage of justice.

    According to him the judgement was replete with errors and without proper understanding of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

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    He explained that he is approaching the Appeal Court to objectively review the Tribunal judgement because the learned justices of the trial tribunal erred in law and decision.

    While enumerating the grounds of Appeal, the AA candidate said that the learned justices erred when they held that the exclusion of a governorship candidate’s name no longer forms part of grounds under which an election can be questioned.

    He also queried the Tribunal’s position that INEC’s non-compliance with an order of a court of competent jurisdiction does not fall within the ambit of the grounds by which a petition can be brought, among others.

    The Notice of Appeal equally mentions some of the reliefs sought from the Appeal Court to include: setting aside of the tribunal judgement, nullification of the March 18, 2023 governorship election and a call for governorship rerun election in the state.

    However, Akpan has admonished his supporters to be steadfast, committed, calm and law-abiding.

  • House to investigate failed N6.4b shoreline protection contract

    House to investigate failed N6.4b shoreline protection contract

    House of Representatives is to investigate the failure of the performance of the N6.5 billion shoreline protection contract awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in 2006.

    Adopting a motion on notice sponsored by Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo), the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide temporary relief materials, to cushion the impact of the ravaging sea incursion on the latest victims at Ayetoro community in llaje Local Government of Ondo State. 

    Leading a debate on the motion, Ojogo told the House that the oil-producing Ayetoro community was not just a major revenue source of the nation, but also a phenomenal historical and cultural settlement along the coastal stretch of llaje Local Government. 

    He said Ayetoro community and its environs accounted for 5.4 per cent of the 60,000 Barrel Per Day (BPD) of Ondo State’s crude oil production output, amounting to about 3.7 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production, ranking Ondo State 5th among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, as captured by the NDDC law. 

    He said the devastating sea incursions and ocean surges had been the albatross of Ayetoro community for over two decades, destroying properties and displacing indigenes, thus disrupting the oil-exploration activities owing to varied reactions by indigenes of the area. 

    Ojogo said the surge had become an annual occurrence and an alarming rate that successive administrations in Ondo State appeared overwhelmed, thus helpless. 

    He said NDDC in 2004 attempted to stem the slide by awarding contract for the construction of a shoreline protective wall designed with a tube technology at Ayetoro to Gallet Nigeria Ltd at an original contract sum of N6.4 billion, of which 25 per cent was reportedly paid.

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    He said the contract was revoked in 2009 for alleged lack of capacity and re-awarded to Dredging Atlantic Ltd at an undisclosed cost and 16 years after the contract was first awarded, there was nothing to show any intervention by the government. 

    Ojogo said owing “to this pitiable level of no action by the mobilised contractor(s), a particular surge that happened towards the end of 2022 reportedly caused the displacement of nearly 2,000 people, 13 deaths and the destruction of over 200 homes.” 

    He said the situation had generated tension in the oil-producing communities, as restive youths had reportedly begun mobilising themselves to disrupt the lawful activities of oil producing companies, thereby creating a state of unease and seeming insecurity. 

  • Tribunal declares Abia PDP candidate winner

    Tribunal declares Abia PDP candidate winner

    • Awards N200,000 cost against LP standard-bearer  

    The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Abia State capital, yesterday dismissed a petition filed by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), for Obingwa East State Constituency, Mr. Peter Azubuike, against the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomon Akpulonu.

    The LP candidate had petitioned the tribunal, alleging over voting and called for the cancellation and rerun in 28 polling units. He insisted that the election that produced Akpulonu as Obingwa East Constituency representative didn’t comply with the Electoral Act.

    However, the tribunal headed by Justice Abubakar Kutigi, held that the LP petition lacked merit and could not prove the allegation of over voting and non-compliance of the election with the Electoral Act.

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    The tribunal declared Akpulonu as validly elected and awarded N200,000 cost to be paid to the PDP candidate.

    In an interview with reporters in Umuahia after the judgment, Akpulonu, a former majority leader of the Assembly, praised the tribunal for what he described as an erudite and well-considered judgment. 

    He urged Azubuike, whom he described as his cousin, to join hands with him to develop the constituency.

    Counsel for the PDP candidate, Chidozie Ogunji, said the petition lacked merit and commended the tribunal for dismissing it.