The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Ibori didn’t storm out on Okowa, says commissioner

    Ibori didn’t storm out on Okowa, says commissioner

    Delta State Information Commissioner Mr. Charles Aniagwu has debunked media reports that ex-Governor James Ibori stormed out on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, following a disagreement during a meeting.

    He described the report as “false and unprofessional”.

    Aniagwu said Ibori addressed the audience, but later excused himself because he (Ibori) had a flight to catch.

    The commissioner, who spoke to reporters in Asaba yesterday, said Ibori’s address harped on the need for rancour free electioneering campaigns and not undermining the existing peace in the state.

    He said: “Chief Ibori addressed the audience and because he had a flight to catch, he took permission from the governor to travel.

    “He left having secured the permission of the governor. It is very uncharitable and unprofessional for anybody to say he stormed out of the meeting.”

    Aniagwu assured aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of a free contest and a level playing field in the 2023 general election.

    He appealed to the contestants to keep in mind that they were of the same political family in the PDP and urged them to avoid acts that could bring disunity to the party.

  • Varsities can remain shut until right things are done, says ASUU

    Varsities can remain shut until right things are done, says ASUU

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it does not mind universities remaining shut until the right things are done to guarantee the quality of learning and well-being of workers and students.

    The leadership of the union at the Calabar Zone comprising nine universities in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia and Ebonyi states made their position known in a statement read at a news briefing by the Zonal Chairman, Aniekan Brown.

    The statement said: “It has become imperative to engage the public, through the instrumentality of the press, to illuminate ASUU’s stance on the outstanding issues in the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) versus University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) option; and the Federal Government of Nigeria’s rather unpatriotic attempt to discredit the indigenously-developed software.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the IPPIS as a payment system is uncongenial with the modus operandi of the university system, given the peculiarities of universities; and generally untoward to the welfare of ASUU members.

    “As a result of ASUU’s dogged resistance to the IPPIS, the Federal Government challenged it to evolve a credible alternative. ASUU accepted the challenge and on August 23, 2020, despite the COVID-19 restrictions and attendant difficulties, unveiled the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). Sadly, the Federal Government changed the gear and opted to antagonise the software by raising artificial obstacles.”

    The acceptance of UTAS was predicated on passing an integrity test. The release of the test result became predicated on a threat of an industrial action by the union. They said result upon the release was bridled with ignorance, inconsistencies, copy rights violations and political colourations, as some findings were independent of the actual. In which case, in spite of the high percentage score recorded for UTAS, it was still adjudged to have failed the said test.”

  • Ayade hails Sarki Hausa/Fulani

    Ayade hails Sarki Hausa/Fulani

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has congratulated the new Sarki Hausa/Fulani and Head of Muslim Community in Cross River State, Alhaji Garuba Lawan, on his ascension to the throne.

    Ayade, in a congratulatory message he signed, described the emergence of Lawan as well deserved, fitting and proper.

    The governor urged the monarch and spiritual head of Muslims in the state to ensure that peace and harmony reigned at all times “ between your subjects and your host communities.”

    He said; “Cross River is a haven for peace and tranquility. Here in our state, we see neither religion nor tribe, what we see and preach is humanity. I, therefore, urge you to be an agent of peace and positivity.”

    Ayade hoped that the new Sarki would consolidate the confidence-building process embarked on by his predecessor.

    “I have no doubt you will bring your courage, experience, discipline, knowledge and exposure to bear on the throne, thereby deepening the unity, love and harmony among the people as upheld by your late father and elder brother, who reigned before you. I must say that your father was a unifying factor.”

    “Your enthronement as the supreme leader of Muslims in Cross River stands on the tripod of morality, religion and leadership of the Ummah, which I consider as a good development to the people of the state and the Islamic faith in particular.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I congratulate you on your ascension to the throne and wish you a very successful and peaceful reign,” he said.

  • Obiano’s wife picks senatorial nomination form

    Obiano’s wife picks senatorial nomination form

    Wife of Anambra State former Governor Willie Obiano, Ebelechukwu, has picked expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Anambra North Senatorial District seat in the 2023 general election.

    This is coming a few hours after the Chief of Staff to the ex-governor, Primus Odili, declared interest to run for the same seat.

    A statement yesterday by the Senior Special Adviser to Willie Obiano, Uloka Chuks, said Ebelechukwu was accompanied to the All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA)’s national secretariat in Abuja by party members, stakeholders, transition committee chairmen and supporters, where she purchased her nomination form.

    Mrs. Obiano had made her intention known to the constituents and party faithful early in March at her home in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government.

    She said the plight of the people, especially women and children from the rural communities of her constituency, informed her decision to hearken to the demonstrations and pleas from groups and organisations to represent the zone at the 10th National Assembly.

    Ebelechukwu, the founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, said her interest was all about service to God and mankind and not just for the pleasure of political power.

    Reacting to questions at the APGA national secretariat, Mrs. Obiano said she would continue her advocacy for a better life for women and children of Anambra North and Nigeria at the Senate Chambers, by pushing for bills and debate motions that would be in their interest.

    “I have used my position as the governor’s wife to give hope to the hopeless in the society. I have cared for children with deformity and disability, built houses for homeless widows, rehabilitated and reunited mentally challenged people with their families, among many others. I will continue my divine call to be a blessing to humanity,” she said.

    Among those who endorsed Mrs. Obiano’s senatorial ambition and pledged support in capacities was the Chairman of APGA in Imo State, Chief Paul Iwuala.

  • ‘Police brutality impeding development in our community’

    ‘Police brutality impeding development in our community’

    Youths of Isuaniocha community in Awka North Local Government of Anambra State have raised the alarm over alleged incessant arrests of residents by suspected police operatives.

    They accused certain influential individuals in the area of engaging security operatives to intimidate and harass them without any established offence or crime.

    The over 80 protesting youths, who chanted solidarity songs, carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Isuaniocha people are crying for help”, “Gov. Soludo come to our aid”, “Isuaniocha people are dying, please save us from brutality”, among others.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, their leader, Ozor Onyemazu Ngini, said the crisis had led to the death of individuals and destruction of property.

    He urged police authorities and government to find solution to the crisis.

    Ngini said the situation had impeded development, adding that youths had fled the community, abandoning their jobs due to incessant police intimidation.

    He said: “There has been crisis in the town since 2017 when Mr. Tony Onyeagolu was the president-general, who started having misunderstanding with the people a year after.

    “During that time, we were calling the police to come to our rescue. They did not listen until we went to Abuja to report. Those suspected to have committed the murder ran away, including the former president-general.

    “The matter was charged to court and later struck out last month, following allegations and counter-allegations.

    “When they observed efforts by the community to elect a new president- general and traditional ruler, the same people started using the police and other security agents to harass and intimidate us, who are out to ensure peace returns to Isuaniocha.

    “Currently, many people are missing in Isuaniocha and more than 100 names are still on the list for arrest. They even invaded my house, broke everywhere, took away my wife’s money and burnt some of my belongings.

    “We want Police Commissioner Mr. Echeng Echeng and the government to be aware of what is happening here where some persons are using few corrupt police officers to destabilise the town.”

    Reacting, Onyeagolu denied involvement in the alleged killing or destruction of property.

    He said he was arrested by the police in 2020 and was in detention for over six months before the matter was charged to court.

    “I was arrested at the Government House. When I saw police, I did not run. I followed them; they detained me for six months and two weeks. I am not using the police to harass anybody. If the police invite them, they should go and answer and stop using placards to cover their faces. Let them stop claiming what is not right,” Onyeagolu said.

  • Cleric to Soludo: restore Anambra’s dignity

    Cleric to Soludo: restore Anambra’s dignity

    THE Founder of Living Christ Mission Inc; Worldwide, His Grace, The Most Rev. Daddy Hezekiah, has urged Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo to return the state to its dignity and enviable position, as one of the leading states in Nigeria.

    He also advised him to bear the masses interest at heart by formulating and implementing people-oriented policies targeted at alleviating sufferings, hardship and hunger among the populace.

    The prelate, in a congratulatory message signed by Public Relation Officer, Deacon Emeka Agu, enjoined the government to be focused to achieve its goals by keeping away from fraudsters, distractors and sycophants.

    He also pleaded with the government to create employment for youths, to reduce restiveness and crime.

    Hezekiah said: “I pray God to endow the governor and his executive council (Exco) with the wisdom, power and forthrightness to pilot the affairs of the state and return it to its dignity and enviable position as one of the leading states in the country.

    “I acknowledge that governance is not easy, much is expected from the governor and his Exco and his requests are many. Yet, I encourage them not to panic because many genuine children of God are praying for them and with God all things are possible.”

    Describing the educated populace as an asset to the government and society, he urged the governor to give education its pride of place, noting: “This influenced my decision to establish Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State.”

    He appealed to the government to provide social amenities for the citizens, including good road network, potable water, reviving and equipping general hospitals for adequate and affordable health care for the masses.

    Pledging support for the new government as well as regular and constant prayers for it to excel, Hezekiah enjoined the indigenes and residents to give him support by being law-abiding.

  • Kanu reacts as Soludo offers IPOB amnesty

    Kanu reacts as Soludo offers IPOB amnesty

    Kanunta Kanu, brother of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reacted to the amnesty offered to the pro-Biafra group by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo.

    On Monday, Soludo promised to grant IPOB members and other Biafra agitators amnesty if they lay down their arms.

    The governor made this known shortly after a prayer session meant to end the controversial sit-at-home order, originally imposed by IPOB.

    Reacting to the development, Kanunta Kanu said IPOB’s militia arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), was set up to defend the ‘Eastern Region’ against criminals.

    In a tweet yesterday, Kanu insisted that IPOB was not a criminal group that should be given amnesty.

    “IPOB led by #MaziNnamdiKanu formed #ESN to defend Biafraland against herdsmen terrorists. Upon the rendition of #MNK, IPOB called for Monday #SitAtHome, which it has ended. IPOB supports Governor Soludo’s efforts to end criminality in the Southeast, but IPOB members are no criminals to be given amnesty,” Kanu wrote.

  • Anambra PDP faction suspends acting chair for insulting Chris Uba

    Anambra PDP faction suspends acting chair for insulting Chris Uba

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has suspended Mr. Okey Asolo, the acting chairman, for insulting Chief Chris Uba, a member of PDP Board of Trustees and Chief Linus Ukachukwu, a chieftain of the party.

    Asolo was suspended by the PDP ward leadership in Ward 13, Onitsha North Local Government, wqhich accused him of violation of party constitution and anti-party activities.

    Asolo, who took over from Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu as acting chairman, had on April 2 suspended Uba, a member of PDP Board of Trustees and Ukachukwu, a chieftain of the party.

    The notice of suspension was contained in a statement in Awka yesterday. It was signed by Messrs. Obinna Obialor and Obinna Obichinyere, chairman and secretary of the party at the ward.

    According to the statement, arising from a crucial meeting of the Ward Executive Committee held on April, 3, the PDP Ward 13 Onitsha North Local Government suspended Okey Asolo.

    “His suspension from the ward is on account of his violation of the PDP constitution and anti-party activities.

    “Sir, the suspension of Asolo is anchored on Article 58 (1) and 59 (1) and (2) of the PDP Constitution 2017 as amended,” it said.

    The suspension was upheld by the Onitsha North Local Government chapter of the party, which met on Monday.

    The chapter, in a communiqué by Messrs. Alex Anah and Chigbo Onyia, chairman and secretary, said it considered the notice and came to the conclusion that Asolo violated the PDP Constitution 2017 as amended.

    “We upheld the said suspension and equally suspended him from the Onitsha North Local Government Area PDP of Anambra State,” it said.

    A group, Forum of Elected Local Government Chairmen in Anambra, has dissociated itself from the suspension of Uba and Ukachukwu.

    The chairman, who wrote to the national leadership of the party in a communiqué, said Asolo and his group activities were aimed at destabilising the party.

    “We dissociate ourselves from this fragment of imagination of Asolo and his cohorts purporting to have suspended Uba and Ukachukwu from the PDP.

    “By their action, there is no gainsaying that their sole aim is to destabilise the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “Therefore, we urge you members of the National Executive Committee of our party to disregard the purported suspension of the two high profile leaders of our great party,” the communiqué said.

  • PAP student emerges overall best, four others get first class as varsity graduates 119

    PAP student emerges overall best, four others get first class as varsity graduates 119

    A scholarship student under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Bassey Emmanuel, has emerged as the overall best student of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, with a CGPA of 4.81 in a maximum scale of 5.00.

    Other PAP students, who graduated with a first class, are Akudike Ifeanyi Stephen, Obaila Christiana Church-Ere, Avura Blessing Elozino and Baloga Livinus Baridupopnen.

    Bassey, who graduated from the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, was the valedictorian during the institution’s 2019/2020 convocation.

    A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser, Media, to PAP’s Interim Administrator, Neotaobase Egbe, said Bassey, in his valedictory speech, attributed his academic achievements to hard work and dedication.

    He said the privilege extended to him by PAP to attend the institution motivated him to be at his best throughout the programme.

    He thanked the Interim Administrator of the PAP, Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (retd), for the scholarship and promised to be a worthy ambassador of the programme.

    He encouraged other beneficiaries of PAP scholarship to make best use of the opportunity.

    Dikio, represented by his Special Adviser on Projects, Godwin Ekpo, congratulated the graduating students for their academic feat and urged them to continue to be shining examples in the society.

    He said the PAP was elated to see that its students were among the best, describing it as a testament that the investment in the scholarship scheme was not a waste.

    Dikio hailed the school authority for what he referred to as the quality of learning and the facilities which helped the students, and urged them to maintain the standard.

    Four other PAP scholarship students were among those who also graduated with a first class and 43 others with a second class upper.

  • Group passes vote of confidence in Asolo

    Group passes vote of confidence in Asolo

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Onitsha North Chapter, Anambra State, yesterday denied suspending the Acting Chairman, Okey Asolo, who is from Ward 13 in Onitsha North Local Government.

    The Chairman of the party in the area, Obumneke Inoma, who disclosed this through his deputy, Chigbo Onyia, also refuted alleged crisis at the ward and local government levels that could warrant Asolo’s suspension.

    He said: “Some faceless people have been circulating a forged letter dated April 3, 2022, purported to have suspended Asolo from the ward and local government on account of his alleged violation of the PDP constitution and anti-party activities.

    “We are, however, here to tell the PDP national and state chapters that the purported document suspending Asolo was forged, because I am the party’s deputy chairman and my name was used in the forged document as the secretary.

    “The chairman of Ward 13 where Asolo comes from is also here to denounce the document.”

    The Ward 13 Chairman, Sir Okechukwu Ezekiel, said the party had passed a vote of confidence in Asolo, assuring him and the state executive that their positions were not under threat.