The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Imo NNPP Gov candidate to flag off campaign

    Imo NNPP Gov candidate to flag off campaign

    Ahead of the governorship election in Imo State, the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Hon. Uche Ben Odunzeh has announced date for his campaign flag off

    Kano Governor Abba Yusuf will be the chairman of the flag off slated for September 30. 

    The National leader of the party and 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso is the special guest of honour while the National chairman of the NNPP, Alhaji  Abba Kawu-Ali will serve as the chief host.

    Read Also: NNPP writes INEC, Kwankwaso over logo, MoU

    Other special guest of honour expected in the event is the Vice presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, members of the National Assembly caucus of the NNPP; Kano Speaker; All elected members of State Assembly of NNPP; All members of the National working committee (NWC) 2023 gubernatorial Candidate’s of the party and members of zonal cum state leadership of the party.

    The campaign flag off will also have in attendance socialites to entertain guest.

  • LP candidate to Diri: your jobs, appointments for votes won’t save you

    LP candidate to Diri: your jobs, appointments for votes won’t save you

    Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, an engineer; has described the alleged ongoing employment process initiated by Governor Douye Diri and hiring of more political appointees ahead of the November 11 election as a grand deception that will not save him from defeat.

    Eradiri claimed that Diri, sensing his impending defeat at the coming poll, had resorted to underhand tactics to hoodwink people by engaging them in an endless job recruitment process in exchange for their votes.

    Speaking in a sarcastic tone yesterday during his campaign, the LP candidate thanked the governor for signing some political players from the Labour Party in his desperate attempt to boost his chances at the polls.

    Eradiri said he was also aware of the ongoing plan by the governor to sign some willing LP executive members in the state to create false impression that the party had collapsed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Said he: “What is coming on November 11 is beyond party. It is a mass movement and a revolution against bad, incompetent and clueless government. 

    Read Also: Lagos West: APC’s Adebule floors Aeroland at Appeal Court

     “I am happy that LP has become a force to reckon with ahead of this election and that my participation in the poll as the candidate of the party is giving Governor Diri a nightmare.”

    “My involvement in the election has provided jobs for people, who ordinarily were not considered fit to work in the government of Diri. In the last three years, the governor did not consider rolling out jobs for people and engaging more political appointees.

    “But today, a few weeks to the election, Governor Diri is hawking appointment letters as a strategy to boost his chances. Unknown to him, Bayelsa people are wiser now. They understand his game. Besides, he is not doing them any favour because the money is not owned by the governor. It belongs to the people. 

    “So, if he invites you, go and take your money. If he gives you a job, accept it and enjoy it while it lasts. But the truth is that this great state deserves a better alternative and should be rescued from the incompetence of this administration.”

    Describing the motive as vote-buying, Eradiri advised persons accepting the jobs to be wary of the governor’s antics, saying the offers were fake and would be terminated immediately after the election.

    He recalled that such deceptive campaign method was deployed in the past, but that those who thought they had secured jobs as appointees of the government were laid off after the election.

    He said: “Common sense will tell everybody that this is just a campaign strategy, which will fall like a pack of cards. Governor Diri has occupied the office for over three years, but did not deem it fit to employ anybody. But suddenly he woke up from his slumber a few weeks to another election and started hawking appointments.

    “Tell Governor Diri that ‘Bayelsans’ are wiser now and cannot be deceived by his method of vote-buying ahead of the election. It is clear that the process is already tainted by deception. 

    “It is only a bait to give the people false hope and subject them to making a decision against their will. The truth is that the process is designed to fail immediately after the election. We are calling on our people to be vigilant and not to be deceived by Governor Diri’s job and appointment scam.”

  • Oborevwori swears in nine special advisers

    Oborevwori swears in nine special advisers

    Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reiterated his administration’s commitment to break new grounds in sustainable infrastructure and economic growth.

    Oborevwori, who spoke yesterday during the swearing-in of nine special advisers, advised the appointees to put in their best to actualise his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates with the Alake of Egbaland at 80

    Those sworn in include: Mr. Charles Oniyere, Mr. Michael Ogboru, Mr. Ebikeme Clark, Mr. Sylvester Oromoni, Mr. Shadrach Rapu, Dr. Donald Peterson, Dr. Goodnews Agbi, Mr. Peter Uviejitobor and Mr. Nathaniel Igbani.

    Oniyere, on behalf of the appointees, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve.

    He said they would remain committed to the success of the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.

  • NCC urges traders to avoid being defrauded

    NCC urges traders to avoid being defrauded

    Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged traders and people of Ebonyi State to be on the alert, in order not to become victims of fraudsters.

    It advised them to be wary of any offer that sounds too good to be true, as it may be an attempt to defraud them of their hard-earned money.

    The Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau of the commission, Umar Alkassin, gave the advice yesterday in Abakaliki. 

    He was speaking at an advocacy and sensitisation programme organised by the NCC with the theme: ‘Shine Your Eyes-No Fall Mugu’.

    Read Also: Lagos West: APC’s Adebule floors Aeroland at Appeal Court

    Represented by Clem Omeife, head of Consumer Protection and Advocacy Unit, Alkassin said the development and deployment of robust infrastructure to support innovative technologies and services had transformed the country’s socio-economic space.

    Mr. Chinedu Kama of the Consumer Protection Unit of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) enjoined customers not to release goods to customers paying with cheques until the cheque clears.

    Commissioner for Markets Development and Parks, Prof. Nwogo Obasi, said the government would work with industry stakeholders to develop and enforce stricter regulations and guidelines to protect businesses against financial fraud.

    He advised the traders to report suspicious transactions or unauthorised access to their service providers.

  • Jonathan’s kinsmen hail Diri on purposeful leadership

    Jonathan’s kinsmen hail Diri on purposeful leadership

    Kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan from Ogbia Kingdom have lauded Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for his purposeful leadership.

    The Ogbia people led by their paramount ruler, the Obanobhan III, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, gave the commendation during a Thank-You-Visit to the Government House, Yenagoa.

    In an address presented by his legal adviser, Mr. Ernest Omiloli, the monarch said they were impressed by the governor for promoting good governance.

    He noted that the Ogbia people were pleased with Senator Diri and his team for their passion in tackling issues of development, as evident in infrastructure provision and other projects across the state.

    He listed the achievements of the current administration in Ogbia kingdom to include construction and inauguration of the bridge and an adjoining road at Imiringi, construction of three important bridges and rehabilitation of Elebele community access road and building of a psychiatric hospital at Ogbia town.

    Other projects include rehabilitation of the Otuoke-Onuebum road and construction of a pavilion at Ogbia town.

    They also expressed gratitude to the governor for participating in the 15th memorial celebration of the late sage, Chief Melford Okilo, the first civilian governor of old Rivers State, as well as appointment of their sons and daughters into his government.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates with the Alake of Egbaland at 80

    They, however, requested that when re-elected, the ‘Prosperity Government’ should consider the construction of some roads in Ogbia Local Government. They include Akaba-Ogu road in Yenagoa Local Government to Okodi in Ogbia Local Government, Otuabagi-Idema-Emaguo-Okoroba-Akani road, Otakeme-Otakpein-Otuogidi road, as well as Ewoi-Otuabula 2 and Abobiri roads.

    Governor Diri thanked Ogbia people for supporting his administration.

    He said Akaba-Okodi road, which is one out of the roads on their request list, is already being constructed by his administration.

    He said the government was committed to spreading development to every nook and cranny of the state.

    The governor stressed the need for the leadership of the area to focus on security and not condone acts of lawlessness.

    He said: “We cannot continue to have criminals taking over our communities or using our communities to perpetrate crime.

    “The moment you see your son or daughter drifting towards crime, it is your duty to check them. If they refuse, it is also your duty to report to the appropriate authorities. If you condone them with the belief that they are your children, one day you will be held responsible.

    “When the Elebele bridge totally collapsed, that route was no longer in use. Today that bridge has been constructed, completed and inaugurated. And I’m always happy whenever l drive on it. 

    “For us as a state, our needs are different from that of others. What we spend here to construct a bridge is different from what is spent in other places to build a similar bridge. But we are happy that by doing these projects, we are touching the lives of our people and changing the narrative about our state.”

  • Women threaten nude protest over alleged land grabbing

    Women threaten nude protest over alleged land grabbing

    • Soludo intervenes

    Women from Nimo community, Njikoka Local Government of Anambra State, have threatened to go nude, following alleged land grabbing and high handedness by their monarch, Igwe Max Oliobi.

    As a prelude to their threat, no fewer than 1,000 of them protested at the Government House, Awka, to make their intentions known to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    They stormed the place with placards to drive home their point. The women said Soludo should address their challenges.

    Read Also: Lagos West: APC’s Adebule floors Aeroland at Appeal Court

    They said if he failed to do so, they would have no other option but to embark on nude protest against the community leadership.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, appealed to the women to remain calm.

    He praised them for taking the route of peace, instead of violence, assuring them that the government under Prof. Soludo would address their demands.

  • Akwa Ibom Assembly throws out Eno’s bill

    Akwa Ibom Assembly throws out Eno’s bill

    Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has thrown out a bill from Governor Umo Eno, seeking to compel local government chairmen to live in their domains.

    The Executive Bill was on cue for second reading before its withdrawal at Tuesday’s plenary.

    Speaker Udeme Otong ordered the withdrawal of the bill following motion to that effect by the Deputy Leader of the Assembly, Otobong Bob and seconded by the Chief Whip, Effiong Johnson, during plenary in Uyo.

    Although the lead sponsor of the withdrawal of the bill, Bob, did not give reasons for the withdrawal; three other executive bills scaled second reading on the floor of the House.

    They include: ‘A bill for a law to make Special Provisions for Statutory Boards in Akwa Ibom State; and for connected purposes; ‘HAB 310 that has to do with a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics and Akwa Ibom State Statistical System and for Other Matters connected therewith, as well as the HAB 312’ bill for a law to establish Ibom Peace Corps and for connected purposes’.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates with the Alake of Egbaland at 80

    The bill on the statutory boards seeks to enact a law that will convey corporate status on the boards of commission, agencies, corporations, other bodies established by laws of the state, among others, while the Bureau of Statistics Bill seeks to establish a bureau that will serve as the main state agency responsible for the development and management of official statistics.

    The Peace Corps Bill seeks to establish a body that will complement job security agencies in the state.

    The speaker referred the bills to relevant House committees for further legislative action.

  • Otti orders restoration of power supply to govt offices

    Otti orders restoration of power supply to govt offices

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed restoration of power supply to government offices and facilities. 

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, said 4,700 pensioners have been enrolled to receive free medical treatment in primary and secondary health care facilities across the 17 local governments under the health insurance scheme.

    She said those so far enrolled were pensioners, who, prior to retirement from the civil service, were not above the level of deputy director.

    Read Also: Lagos West: APC’s Adebule floors Aeroland at Appeal Court

    Governor Otti, who was briefed by the commissioner on the activities of her ministry in the past week, decried a situation where government offices and facilities were left without electricity. 

    “If there are bills to be paid, we’ll pay them and get the facilities reconnected. We cannot afford to have government offices and facilities without electricity,” he said.

    Okoronkwo was speaking about the efforts her ministry had made in revamping some health facilities in the state, especially general hospitals at Amachara, Okpuala Ngwa, Umunnato and a cottage hospital in Aba.

  • ‘MTN controls over 50% subscribers’

    ‘MTN controls over 50% subscribers’

    MTN Nigeria Communication PLC has reassured customers of its commitment to providing quality and efficient service delivery across the country.

    General Manager, Regional Operations, East, Callima Inino, gave the reassurance at the just concluded Anambra Investment Summit 2023, powered by State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA).

    He said the organisation could boast of over 50 per cent subscriber base in Anambra, with over 7,000 agents and 300 merchants, with increasing penetration and adoption. 

    He, however, regretted certain challenges confronting the organisation, including

    vandalism of its sites, infrastructure and national assets, as well as destruction of laid fibres during construction. 

    Describing Anambra population as good market for the organisation to invest, especially ahead of the proposed smart mega city, Inino stressed the need for partnership and support of government and other stakeholders to meet up with vision 2025.

    He said: “As an organisation that renders best and excellent services, with different digital platforms and technologies, there are lots to benefit from our various platforms, including 15 to 50 per cent of recharge. 

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates with the Alake of Egbaland at 80

    “In terms of subscriber base in Anambra, we control over 50 per cent of the market share. I can authoritatively tell you that Anambra is one of the locations we are thriving more, especially in penetration and adoption. 

    “We have over 7,000 agents and over 300 merchants where you accept money as a means of payment. Yet, we won’t relent in driving our services, penetration and adoption in the state.

    “However, we face the challenge of booster within the market space, which intercepts negatively with the network quality.

    “These are part of the uncontrollable variables which we keep addressing so our esteemed customers are not denied of their services, especially during emergencies, as they get value for their money.

    “This is one of the reasons we’re here to leverage on government partnership to ensure protection of our infrastructure as well as guarantee quality and efficient service delivery to the people.

    “We believe that through continued aggressive awareness and advocacy, we’ll continue to ensure improved availability and wide coverage for our numerous customers to enjoy at its peak.”

  • Abia stakeholders hail tribunal validation of Orji Kalu’s victory, ask PDP, LP to accept verdict

    Abia stakeholders hail tribunal validation of Orji Kalu’s victory, ask PDP, LP to accept verdict

    Prominent leaders from Abia State have commended Tuesday’s judgment of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal that validated the victory of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the lawmaker representing Abia North. 

    The stakeholders described the verdict as thorough, stressing that it addressed all the issues raised by the petitioners.

    According to a renowned security consultant and lawyer, Dr. Ody Ajike, the judgment was a true reflection of the mandate the people of Abia North Senatorial District delivered at the last National Assembly election.

    He urged the senatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Nnamdi Iro Orji, and his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Mao Ohuabunwa, to cooperate with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in its effort to address the myriad of challenges facing the District.

    He said: “The judgment is a valuable, well deserved and rewarding development in the politics of Abia North Senatorial Zone. As we all know, Judicial decisions as regards political competition will always produce competing interests that are usually resolved through consensus and compromise. This judgment is one that will further unite Abia North under Senator Orji Kalu’s primal leadership. I plead with the other candidates  to join forces with Senator Kalu for the promotion of peace and stability in our senatorial zone. 

    “Senator Orji Kalu has brought a new meaning of development to Abia North by fostering profound changes and transformational developments that are paradigmatic. Senator Kalu is deliberately promoting stability and democracy within the senatorial Zone by restoring political trust, encouraging political participation in new ways, building new mechanisms of effective people oriented governance and enhancing collaboration with the people. He has provided every area within the zone with a slew of non excludable public goods and social investments in health, education, public infrastructure and maximal incentives that promote economic growth.

    The Abia State Chairman of Reality Organisation, Barr. Peter Ndukwe expressed excitement, noting that the decision of the tribunal has kept hope alive for the people of Abia North.  

    “The unanimous judgement of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Abia State upholding and validating the re-election of distinguished Senator Dr Orji Uzor Kalu is infallible and unimpeachable as it represents the true picture and sacrosanct position of the law. 

    “In fact the judgment which I firmly believe will be upheld and sustained if appealed by the aggrieved parties, will  greatly enrich our electoral jurisprudence and case law. Virtually all issues raised or and canvassed in both the petition of PDP and Labour party were not germane but trivial,  frivolous and could not be proven or established by hard facts and law. 

    “My candid opinion and advice to Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji and their respective political parties (PDP and Labour) is for them to sheath their appellate swords and congratulate His Excellency and distinguished Senator Dr Orji Uzor Kalu (MON) for a well deserved victory.

    “I am excited, elated and fascinated by the well reasoned, researched and erudite delivery of the aforesaid judgement by the respected judges. The said judgement has kept hope alive for Ndi Abia North, Abia State and Nigeria. Enough of the distractions so that OUK can continue with his massive infrastructural developments and legacy projects for Abia North Senatorial district. Thumb up for the National Assembly Election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia. Congratulations to the great OUK.”

    The Abia State Chairman of Abia’s largest socio-political group, OUK Movement, Hon. Ojisi Iro Ogbaja said: “The decision of the erudite judges was a thorough one that ensures that the wish of the people prevails. The masses applaud the judgment as a victory for democracy to the working Senator — and we appeal to those opposing him to allow Abia North to work.”

    Chairman of Association of Nze, Ozo and Chiefs (ANOC) USA, Chief Sunday Okoro, applauded the ruling of the tribunal, saying: “Congratulations to Honorable Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on your great victory at the tribunal. I already knew he was going to win the tribunal matter; because, his winning during the election was a clear victory. The tribunal case was only to fulfill the due process of law. Once again, a big congratulations to him!”

    A legal practitioner from Ohafia Local Government Area, Barr. Mbila Ayi said: “A well deserved winning on account of senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s zeal and keeness in delivering the dividends of democracy to Abia North indegenes.The judgement indeed reflects the people’s mandate in Abia North.”

    Engr. Emma Nwosu, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ohafia Local Government Area, described the victory as “well deserved”, saying:

    “It is indeed the Lord’s doing and victory for his entire constituents of Abia North Senatorial Zone, who have enjoyed effective and quality representation over the years from him.

    We pray that the great God who has brought this victory will sustain it to the end and to the glory of His name.”

    Also, a political leader from Nkporo clan and House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ohafia North State Constituency, Hon. Robinson Otuwe Kalu said: “I felt so happy when I heard the good news. I give God all the glory. I give kudos to the judges. It shows we still have hope for the judiciary.Congratulations to my mentor, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.”

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Bende Local Government Area in Abia State, Hon Ulu Onwuchekwa, while reacting to the judgement, described the court’s verdict as true affirmation of overwhelming supports and votes given to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu by people during the just-concluded poll in Abua north and all other parts of Abia state, in order to continue with his effective representation at the senate for another four years..

    According to him, “the effective and efficient representation displayed by the federal lawmaker had engendered the buildings of socio- economic and Infrastructural projects in most parts of Abia north zone which are visible for the world to see. 

    “Based on this purposeful leadership cum representation, people of this senatorial zone decided again that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu should continue to represent us at the senate. And this honorable tribunal in its wisdom in line with the 2022 electoral act as amended, and constitution of the land”.

    The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia on Tuesday upheld the victory of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North Senatorial zone in the February 25, 2023 polls.

    A three man panel led by Justice Samson Paul-Gang in its unanimous ruling on Tuesday, September 12, dismissed the petition of Peoples Democratic Party’s Mao Ohuabunwa and Labour Party’s Nnamdi Iro Orji for lacking merit.

    The court, while upholding the victory of Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that the election of the former Senate Chief Whip compiled with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    The tribunal judges also faulted the arguments of both petitioners that election did not hold in over 120 polling units mainly in Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas of the zone.

    Nnamdi Iro and Ohuabunwa who came second and third respectively, Labour Party, in separate suits had asked the court to overturn the election of the former Abia Governor as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alleging irregularities.

    Also thrown out was the petition of the PDP and LP was the argument that the  total number of registered voters in the said affected polling units was far above the margin of win between Kalu and the first and second runners-up.

    Read Also: Orji Kalu to NLC: be patient with Tinubu

    The court also validated Kalu’s eligibility to contest the election stating that his trial and conviction was quashed by the supreme court.

    Two other matters filed by the LP challenging Kalu’s election were also interpreted and laid to rest by the Tribunal judges and thus declared Kalu the duly elected Senator of Abia North.

    Kalu, a chieftain of the APC was declared winner by the INEC returning Officer for Abia North, Mr Chinedu Nnamdi at Ohafia.

    Kalu, a two time lawmaker who chairs Senate committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, was declared winner by INEC of the February 25, 2023 Senatorial polls having scored 30,805 votes to defeat Nnamdi who got 27,540 votes.

    While Kalu’s other opponent, Ohuabunwa of the PDP scored 15,175 votes to place third.