The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Soludo’s wife laments death of baby rescued from pit toilet

    Soludo’s wife laments death of baby rescued from pit toilet

    Anambra State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has stressed the need for parents, guardians and the society to rise against increasing moral decay and abandonment of basic societal norms.

    She spoke yesterday while reacting to the death of a three-day old baby boy rescued from a pit toilet in Otuocha, Anambra East, three days after his 20-year-old mother dumped him inside the pit.

    The baby, who was rescued and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, by the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Ify Obinabo, died while receiving medical attention. 

    Mrs. Soludo described the act as inhumane, saying the news of the death came to her as a shock, having prayed for his full recovery while at hospital.

    She said: “As a mother, I feel the pains of having to deal with such news, which brings shock and discomfort.

    Read Also: Niger coup: Military option will be the last choice for ECOWAS – Tinubu

    “I was in prayers for full recovery of the baby boy immediately it was confirmed that he had been taken to hospital and was looking forward to visiting him, until the sudden news of his passing away.

    “This ugly incident, along with so many others of such, tells an unacceptable story of the present society, and how morality has been eroded by growing, unmitigated decadence.”

    Blaming some parents and guardians who have abandoned their primary responsibility to home and proper child upbringing, the governor’s wife regretted that moral deterioration had thrived, following failure of those entrusted with such sensitive task.

    “The society must rise up immediately and take decisive actions if the spate of current moral decline will be cut down, while individuals and institutions entrusted with the job of societal sanity have to show renewed zeal and commitment to the occupation. 

    “Once again, I call on parents to teach their children more about culture, tradition, fear of God and common values such as sanctity of life, value of patience, self-control, hard work, perseverance, among others,” she said

  • Court has dismissed Igwe’s appeal, Abia PDP claims

    Court has dismissed Igwe’s appeal, Abia PDP claims

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by Mr. Okey Igwe challenging the candidacy of Dr. Jasper Uche as the running mate of Sir Okey Ahiwe in the March 2023 governorship election in Abia State.

    The Abia PDP stated this yesterday in a statement by its Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah.

    Igwe was running mate to the former PDP candidate for the election, the late Prof. Uchenna Ikonne, but lost his candidacy following Ikonne’s death on January 25, 2023.

    Ahiwe, who emerged as the PDP’s guber candidate after a fresh party primary on February 4, nominated Uche as his running mate, rather than Igwe.

    But, aggrieved, Igwe approached the courts seeking to be reinstated as running mate for the poll.

    In the statement, Abia PDP described the appellate court’s decision as a “victory for Abia PDP, Okey Ahiwe and Jasper Uche”.

    It said: “In dismissing the case, the Appeal Court asked Igwe to pay the Abia PDP, Sir Okey Ahiwe and Dr. Jasper Uche, the sum of N500,000 as cost of litigation.

    “The appeal by Okey Igwe followed the judgment of an Abuja High Court which had earlier dismissed Okey Igwe’s suit against the PDP, Ahiwe and Dr. Uche on his substitution as the running mate to the new PDP candidate.”

    Read Also: Lawyers stage walkout at NBA’s ‘Unbarred’ concert over guest ‘performer’ Portable

    “The victory at the Appeal Court is not only a victory for the parties involved but a victory for the entire Abia PDP, the good people of Abia and for democracy because it shows that the judiciary is still the absolute defender of our democracy.”

    According to Amah, Abia PDP “knows those behind this case in their desperate effort to undermine the value of the Abia PDP petition before the Abia Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    “We know that their plans would fail because we have confidence in the ability of the Tribunal to deliver justice.

    “We congratulate the Abia PDP, Sir Okey Ahiwe, Dr. Jasper Uche and all men of goodwill on this important victory at the Court of Appeal.

    “We call on the good people of Abia and the members of the PDP to remain resolute, steadfast and eternally vigilant in our pursuit of justice and democracy.”

  • Don to journalists: take back your agenda setting role 

    Don to journalists: take back your agenda setting role 

    Foremost Professor of Mass Communication, Prof. Stella Okunna, has urged journalists to remain the hope and mouthpiece of the people.

    She advised them to take back from politicians, their role as agenda setters.

    Okunna spoke in Awka, Anambra State while delivering a paper tilted: ‘Fundamentals of news investigative reporting/fact checking’, at a training by Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative (IMCAI) Training for Journalists in Southeast.

    The workshop with the theme: ‘Reporting in a treacherous and incurred environment’, was supported by MacArthur Foundation and facilitated by Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

    Read Also: Terrorism remains complex challenge to peace, security, says Ribadu

    Describing fact checking of reports as critical element to practice of journalism in the country, Okunna, former dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said any journalist engaged in investigative reporting without fact checking had no business in the profession.

    “It’s not for nothing that the press has continued to be known as the fourth estate of the realm. Practitioners must take back from politicians their role as agenda setters,” she said.

    The coordinator of the group and co-publisher of Ikengaonline media, Mr. Chido Onumah, said the training was targeted at bringing journalists up to speed about ways to hold authorities accountable through their reports.

    Editor-in-Chief of Ikenga online, Mr. Uche Ugboajah, said the medium was established in 2022 to give voice to the Southeast, following its under-reportage.

    “The training is also part of our plans to build the capacity of journalists in the zone, as well as help in promoting good governance, gender equality, inclusion of people living with disabilities, among others,” he added.

    Other resource persons at the training were a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Dr. Henry Duru, and veteran journalist, Uzo Maxim Uzoatu, who spoke about ethical issues in news reporting.

  • ‘Accept defeat, withdraw petition against Nwifuru’

    ‘Accept defeat, withdraw petition against Nwifuru’

    Youths of Ezza North Local Government of Ebonyi State, under the aegis of Ezza North Youth General Assembly (ENYGA), yesterday called on the governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Bernard Odo, to withdraw his petition against Governor Francis Nwifuru.

    Odo contested the governorship election on March 18 with Nwifuru, who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Odo is from Ezza clan in Ezza North Council, while Nwifuru is from Izzi clan in Izzi Local Government.

    Read Also: Guber poll: Bayelsa voters vow to stop rigging, ensure credibility

    The youth urged him, to as a matter of patriotism, retrace his steps by accepting the result of the governorship election.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of their general meeting in Achiegu, the headquarters of the local government, the youth noted that Odo fought gallantly during the election and failed.

    They urged him to accept the outcome of the election because of the bond between Ezza and Izzi people, instead of challenging the outcome in court.

    The communiqué was signed by Emeka Nwokporo, president of the youth, Titus Eze, Secretary and over 20 others.

  • 100 artists storm Onitsha for Ofala festival

    100 artists storm Onitsha for Ofala festival

    One hundred artists are expected to participate in an art exhibition as part of activities to mark the 2023 Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

    The Chairman of Ofala Strategic Marketing and Communication sub-Committee, Chief Nnaemeka Maduegbunam, made this known yesterday at a news conference to herald the festival with the theme: ‘Better, Stronger, Together.”

    He said the artists, drawn from the five states of the Southeast, would present artworks showing rich cultural heritage of Igbo land and Onitsha in particular.

    He said the carnival slated for October at Ime Obi Onitsha would also witness celebration of 21-year reign of the royal father.

    Read Also: ECOWAS denies approving transition proposal for Niger

    He said the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Felix Ajakaye, would deliver the maiden edition of the lecture series on ‘Traditional Institutions, Public Relations, and Good Governance in Contemporary Nigeria’ during the celebration.

    Maduegbunam assured people of provision of security, to ensure crowd management and control during the event.

    Globacom Retail Chief Southeast/ Southsouth Office, Offor Augutus Ndu, said the firm was committed to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

    He said: “Our support for the celebration of festivals is driven by our belief in the potential of Ofala festival and other important festivals in the country in boosting the potential of the tourism industry as a top revenue earner for the people and for our country.”

  • Foundation lifts 400 with medicare

    Foundation lifts 400 with medicare

    Over 400 people, including women and children, yesterday received free medical services by Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The free screening and treatment included cervical and breast cancer, prostate cryotherapy, surgical interventions on four hernia patients, ultrasonography, mammography, x-ray of the spin, among other treatments.

    The outreach was the third in a series of medical outreach programes after the foundation was launched by former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, on behalf of the family, in May, in honour of his late mother, Mrs. Nneka Chidoka.

    Read Also; Poll will liberate Bayelsa people, says Sylva

    While 275 women received free breast and cervical cancer screening, 85 men received free prostate cancer screening, while 186 others received free eye glasses and drugs worth millions of naira.

    Speaking during the outreach, Head of the medical team, Dr. Chinonso Nwosu, said the exercise was targeted at extending quality medicare to the society and raising awareness about the deadly scourge of cancer.

    “The aim of the medical outreach is to extend quality medical care to the society at large and raise awareness and consciousness of the deadly scourge of cancer, which can be effectively managed by early detection,” he said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Chika Okolo, diagnosed with cervical and breast cancer during previous medical outreach organised by the foundation, said she was receiving treatment on behalf of the foundation.

    She thanked the benefactor for the gesture, praying God to bless him.

  • Funeral for Ukubeyinje

    Funeral for Ukubeyinje

    The death has occurred of Mr. Fredrick Utieyin Ukubeyinje.

    He was 53.

    A statement by the family said vigil mass will hold on September 7, 2023 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubeji, Warri, Delta State.

    The statement said the body would leave Safe Heaven (Bryant Hospital) Mortuary the following day for St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubeji, Warri for funeral service.

    Read Also; Poll will liberate Bayelsa people, says Sylva

    “At 7:30am, there will be lying in state at NAS Xkravos Deck Anchor Point, GRA, Warri. At 10am, there will be requiem mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubeji, Warri, while entertainment of guests follows at Ubeji Grammar School, Ubeji, Warri from 1pm.

    “On September 9, 2023 there will be outing/thanksgiving service at 8am at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ubeji, Warri,” the statement added.

  • Diri urges electoral commission on credible council poll

    Diri urges electoral commission on credible council poll

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has urged the newly-sworn in commissioners of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) to conduct free, fair and credible local government elections.

    Diri gave the advice yesterday at the swearing-in of three BSIEC commissioners inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Yenagoa.

    The commissioners are Chief Remember Ogbe, Chief Amafini Zipadou and Mr. Marshall Abraham, a lawyer.

    Read Also; Poll will liberate Bayelsa people, says Sylva

    They are all returning members of the commission.

    Diri said by their appointment, he had fulfilled the constitutional requirement of the electoral body.

    He said he expected the commission to be a truly unbiased umpire that would not be influenced even by the state government.

    The governor noted that preparations for the next local government election had started in earnest and urged the commission to conduct one of the best polls in the state.

    He said: “You are to conduct free, fair and credible local government election that will be acceptable to all political parties that are in contention.

    “Earlier, we inaugurated this commission with the chairman and a few other members. You are all returning members and do not necessarily need to be told your duties. Importantly, you are arbiters and so you are not to take sides.”

    Diri said the re-appointment of the three members was based “on your sterling performance in the commission and I urge you to remain committed and be above board in discharging your duties.”

  • Niger Delta group threatens unrest

    Niger Delta group threatens unrest

    Strong indications emerged yesterday on imminent unrest across the Oil and Gas Producing Host Communities in the Niger Delta, over non-remittance of three per cent annual operational expenditure (OPEX) of International Oil Companies (IOCs) into the HOSTCOM fund.

    Section 257 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 stipulates that oil and gas companies should remit three per cent of their annual operational expenditure into the HOSTCOM fund for the benefit of affected host communities.

    Read Also; Poll will liberate Bayelsa people, says Sylva

    However, two years after the PIA was enacted, IOCs are said to have failed to comply with the law, thereby prompting stakeholders from the affected host communities to cry out in Abuja yesterday.

    Addressing reporters on the imminent crisis, the National President of Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM) Producing Oil and Gas, Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi, said the action of the IOCs was unacceptable and a precursor to crisis in the affected communities.

    Tamaranebi, who was joined at the news conference by other stakeholders from the host communities, called on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to do the needful against the defaulting oil companies, in line with relevant provisions of the PIA.

  • Tailors protest high electricity tariff, irregular power supply

    Tailors protest high electricity tariff, irregular power supply

    Tailors in Aba, Abia State, under the umbrella of ‘Association of Aba Tailors’, have protested what they described as continued exploitation by Aba Power Ltd (APLE), otherwise called Aba Power.

    The protesters, about 100, carrying placards, alleged high electricity bill and irregular power supply by the power distribution company.

    They alleged that the electricity bills given to them were not in tandem with the power they consumed on a daily basis, weekly or monthly in their shops.

    Read Also; Poll will liberate Bayelsa people, says Sylva

    The traders lamented that they were better off when electricity supply in Aba was managed by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). They claimed that their bills were minimal and electricity supply more stable, when compared with the APLE service.

    The traders also complained of high-handedness and intimidation by APLE officials, who they accused of using armed soldiers for disconnection/revenue drive, with the aim of creating apprehension among the Aba populace.

    One of the protesters, Ugochukwu Iheme, claimed that in their plaza, they were 21, but they received 28 bills.

    He claimed that they paid as much as ?18,000 per individual despite running their shops with generators.

    However, an official of APLE, who spoke anonymously, debunked the claims of the protesters, saying the firm was making efforts to give customers prepaid meters.