Category: South East

Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Ltd. says a suspected vandal died in Wednesday’s explosion at its flowstation in Izombe, Imo.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NANA), the oil firm in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Mrs Awatt Etta said an unexploded explosive device and the corpse of the suspected vandal were found at the incident site within its Oil Mining Lease (OML) 124.

Addax said it was collaborating with regulatory agencies and security agencies in ongoing investigations into the incident.

“At about 01:15am on May 4, 2022, an explosion occurred along a trackroad leading to one of the well heads at Izombe Flow station in OML 124.

“An immediate search was conducted, and unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a corpse were found at the scene.

“Government Security and Regulatory Agencies were promptly notified of the   incident. The Police Bomb Disposal Unit have detonated the IEDs and deposited the corpse at the mortuary.

“Details of the incident are still sketchy, but it is suspected that the bomb which   detonated and caused the explosion was being carried by the deceased who is yet to be identified.

“We are currently working with relevant authorities investigating the incident. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” Addax stated.

NAN further reports that Spokesman for Police Command Imo, CSP Mike Abattam who also confirmed the incident, said police has reinforced security in the area.

An Enugu State High Court on Friday granted an order of interim injunction restraining the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), its National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and other named defendants from recognising or giving effect to any other three-man ad hoc delegate list other than the list that emerged from the congress held in all the wards in Enugu State on April 30, 2022.

The court equally restrained the PDP and other named defendants from allowing any other three-man ad hoc delegates to participate in the PDP’s primary election for the selection of governor of Enugu State, the members of the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives), members of the State House of Assembly and election of national delegate candidates in all the constituencies in Enugu State other than the persons whose names are in the list that emerged from the 30th of April, 2022, ad hoc delegate ward congresses, supervised and duly authenticated by the five-man electoral panel set up by the National Working Committee of the PDP and already submitted and received by the party at its national secretariat in Abuja, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The orders will subsist until the hearing of the motion on notice filed on Friday in respect of the same issue.

The court presided over by Hon Justice HO Eya granted the injunction following an exparte motion filed by O. J. Uchenna Esq on behalf of the following applicants: Prince Paul Nnaji, Tobias Ogbonna Onu, Cyril Obi Chukwu and Kevin Ikechukwu Agbo, in suit NO. E/379/2022, wherein they deposed in the supporting 44-paragraph affidavit that a three-man delegate congress had been held in Enugu State on the 30th day of April, 2022.

Besides, the court held that according to the congress was monitored, supervised and duly authenticated by the five-man electoral panel set up by the National Working Committee of the PDP; that the list of those that emerged from the congress had already been submitted and received by the PDP at the its head office in Abuja thus no other three-man delegate congress ought to be conducted in Enugu State or anywhere for Enugu State, having successfully concluded the one held on the 30th day of April, 2022.

Others listed as defendants in the suit are: Hon Bature Mohammed, Hon Augustine Nnamani, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha and Dr. Christian Iyiani.

The motion, dated Wednesday, and filed on Friday, 6th day of May, 2022 was brought pursuant to Order 39 Rule 3 of the High Court Rules of Enugu State, 2020, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the honourable court.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government will work with the Anambra government to solve the security challenges facing the state.

Osinbajo said this when he met with Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Governor’s Lodge, Awka during his visit to Anambra on Friday.

The vice president, who described Soludo as a great asset to Nigeria, expressed confidence that Anambra would attain greater heights under his leadership.

“Anambra is a major hub of industry in Nigeria, especially with regards to Small and Medium Enterprises, and is one of the States that everyone is looking up to with high expectations of significant inputs to the growth of the country’s economy.

“Security is a crucial matter, we assure that the Federal Government will cooperate with the Anambra State Government to restore law and order in the State,” Osinbajo said.

On his part, Soludo said that effective collaboration between the state and the Federal Government was important in resolving the current security challenges in the State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo later held a closed-door meeting with All Progressives Congress stakeholders and delegates in Awka.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has decorated a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, as a Honorary Special Marshall.

The Corps said the decision was to appreciate Danagogo’s numerous contributions and support to road safety in Nigeria.

Sector Commander Salisu Galadunci said the Corps’ Chief Executive Officer, Boboye Oyeyemi, personally reviewed Danagogo’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) and approved the decoration in recognition of his promotion of road safety activities in the state.

He said: “This is an honour and celebration granted to notable citizens who are so dear to the FRSC. Since my assumption of duty and before I came, I was informed of your help to the FRSC.

“Personally, I recall that when we wanted to bring in the number plate mini plant, you personally took us to the allocated centre for the plant and supported us with some logistics to bring it. Today the centre is producing daily for the state. Every week we produce not less than 1,000 plates. You have made my stay here very easy.

“By this decoration, you are empowered to also control traffic and interact with other special marshals.”

Danagogo maintained that the responsibility to ensure safety and orderliness on the roads rested on the shoulders of every individual.

“I don’t take things like this lightly. I am passionate about sanity, order and harmony in society, particularly in open urban spaces.

“It is a passion that has driven me for a long time all through my years in public service. When I see volunteers such as the Special Marshalls of the FRSC, I respect and admire them for the sacrifices they are making.

“We have a lot to do to ensure we stem the ugly trend of traffic violations. Road safety is a difficult job but, I always say, we must keep working to get to the point when we get things right as individuals, corporations or government,” he said.

The former Minister of Sports urged the FRSC to up their game in providing traffic guidelines and drivers licence issuance to prevent unqualified persons obtaining the licence.

He added: “The FRSC has a lot to do in sanitising traffic and accident control by issuing licenses to only qualified persons. We need to make the drivers license a highly priced document and not mere ID card…”

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has described members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owerri zone as key to the party’s survival in Imo.

According to him, the members have the advantage of coming from a zone that could be described as cosmopolitan and housing people who are blessed with intellect and other gifts needed to make the APC a party of choice.

The governor spoke when APC members from Owerri held a reception in honour of the state chairman, MacDonald Ebere, who hails from Owerri.

Governor Uzodimma expressed excitement and gladness over the honour done Ebere. He explained that ‘APC in Imo State has grown and become acceptable to the people because it encourages and promotes the people’s interest’.

He said: “One thing very strategic is that if APC succeeds, it will start from Owerri zone, and if it fails, it will be blamed on Owerri zone.

“Everyone here has come to join the people of Owerri Zone to support and promote the party. What I have seen has convinced me that Owerri people will justify the confidence reposed in them.”

Governor Uzodimma assured them that with Ebere as chairman, the party will be stronger. He, therefore, urged his members to show the difference between the APC and other parties.

Ebere thanked God for using Uzodimma to facilitate his becoming APC chairman, and promised not to disappoint the people’s expectations. “I will be for all and therefore the least for all.”

He also thanked organisers of the reception, and expressed his willingness and readiness to serve.

The Anambra State House of Assembly yesterday postponed Governor Charles Soludo’s planned presentation of the 2022 revised budget.

Soludo, in his letter, thanked the lawmakers for their support and urged them to allow him perform his constitutional duty.

But Speaker of the House Uche Okafor, who read the governor’s letter during plenary, said: “May 6 is Friday (today), and it will not be convenient to receive the governor. I will, therefore, communicate with the governor’s office to agree on a new date which will be communicated to members.”

In another letter, Soludo informed the House of the expiration of the tenure of the 21 Local Government Transition Committees since April 28.

The governor thus directed the transition committee chairmen to hand over to their Heads of Local Government Administration, in the interim. He said a new list of nominees for the transition committee chairmen and members would be sent to the Assembly soon for consideration and confirmation.

At plenary also, Majority Leader Nnamdi Okafor (APGA-Awka South) told the House that tenure of the Clerk, Pius Udo, ended on May 5. Deputy Clerk Mrs. Esther Anetoh was therefore appointed Acting Clerk after a voice vote.

The House then adjourned till May 10.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has donated a multi-million naira lecture theatre to the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State.

Construction of the 160-capacity lecture hall, known as CIBN Bankers Hall, with free WiFi, started on November 16, 2021.

The CIBN President/Chairman of Council, Bayo Olugbemi, while inaugurating the project yesterday, said it will help in the delivery of high-quality education to future bankers.

Olugbemi hinted that the project was being replicated in six higher institutions across the country to complement government’s effort at providing quality education.

He added: “This project represents our modest contribution to the development of banking and finance education in Nigeria. The hall will also be used to organise regular town and gown engagements, with a view to exposing students and the academic community to contemporary and emerging issues in the world of banking.”

Olugbemi urged corporate entities and well-meaning Nigerians to join the government to rebuild and revamp education. He also urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their issues for the benefit of youths and the educational sector.

Minister of State for Education Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba said the project would help improve education in the institution. Nwajiuba, who was represented by the Deputy Director (Accounts) in the ministry, Ayanwole Omolosho, urged the CIBN to sustain its efforts at promoting education.

Polytechnic Rector Dr. Michael Arimanwa hailed the CIBN for showing commitment to the project and for advancing banking and finance education in the country.

Arimanwa said the relationship between the CIBN and the institute dated back to 2015 when a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for linkage programme was signed.

“Since then, we have continued to encourage our students to leverage on this opportunity to become chartered bankers,” he said.

Arimanwa said the institution was committed to the advancement of knowledge, especially in the field of technology.

“Recently, we signed an MoU with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company following a successful production of a material suitable for fabrication of body of vehicles.

“We have also signed MoU with a University in Ukraine for exchange programme,” he added.

Cross River State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade yesterday inaugurated a five-man Judicial Welfare Review Committee, and pledged to do everything within his powers to improve the welfare of judicial officers.

Ayade urged the committee members to be diligent and turn in their report within two weeks.

The committee is chaired by Justice Eyo Eta (rtd), while the Head of Service, Timothy Akwaji, is secretary.

Other members are Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tanko Ashang, Justice Syvelster Obi (rtd) and Justice Francesca Isoni.

Ayade, while inaugurating the committee at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I hereby inaugurate you today. I charge you to discharge your duties without fear or favour, be firm and just and be above all interests.

“I charge you to reflect on the income of the state, the sincerity of our commitment to improve and make recommendations that are achievable. I don’t want recommendations that become impossible for me to implement, but recommendations that when I look at the minimum, there is an improvement of what the Federal Government is paying to their judicial officers. We want to set a minimum national standard for the country.

“Give me a report that clearly analyses the dire pains that your people go through and make recommendations that is a classical departure from the past, yet sufficient enough for me to achieve.”

The governor listed accommodation, welfare, vehicle, fuel, diesel support for the homes, personal security, among others, as things judicial officers should have without stress.”

Justice Eta, who spoke for the committee, promised a thorough job. “On our honour, we promise that we shall do our best. I assure you that what we have said we will do, and we will do it to our best abilities.”

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has slammed Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State over claims that he supports IPOB’s agitation.

The group said such sudden claims were informed by his need for support and vote of Ndigbo towards his presidential aspiration ahead 2023 election.

IPOB, in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said it would only be convinced of Wike’s support if he secured the release of its abducted members and pursue the Biafra cause. It told the governor to stop dissipating his energy because he would not escape judgment for his actions against his fellow Biafrans who he denied.

The statement reads: “Recent statements by Governor Wike and his cronies, that he supports the Biafra cause, show he is under the influence of something. Is it not the same Wike who classified IPOB as violent organisation and ordered us to keep off Rivers State? How politicians lie blatantly without shame! Just because of politics, Wike has become a shameless liar.

“Wike knows he needs the support and vote of the Igbo and other Biafrans, that is why he suddenly turned to be a supporter of IPOB. Was it not the same Wike who sponsored the massacre of Biafrans and IPOB members in Obigbo during the #EndSARS protest in 2020?

“We won’t forget the atrocities of Wike against Biafra. We know our friends and supporters and they know us. Wike should stop dissipating his energy because he will not escape judgment for his wickedness against his fellow Biafrans who he denied. The Obigbo genocide will always hunt him.

“Governor Wike cannot claim to be unaware of the great efforts and sacrifices of IPOB members in his election as governor, especially in his second tenure when the evil forces in Abuja wanted to stop him at all cost. Our men paid the supreme price, standing firm behind him, thinking he is a human being but, unknown to us, he is worse than our known enemies.

“Wike stop lying. You are not supporting Biafra. If you are, go and secure the release of all those kidnapped in Obigbo at your behest the same way you secured your nomination and expression of interest forms.

“Pursue the Biafra cause the same way you are pursuing your presidential project, then we will be convinced you truly support our agitation.”

Former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah-Donli, has promised quality representation for the people of Bayelsa Central Senatorial district if elected.

Okah-Donli, who is aspiring on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said this in a statement yesterday.

She said she wants to represent Bayelsa Central at the National Assembly to promote rapid development of the district.

She, therefore, asked for the people’s support, urged the traditional rulers to join her in her mission to bring quality representation and salvage the deplorable situation of its infrastructure.

Okah-Donli said she would use her experience to bring development to the area.