The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Ex-Guild of Editors VP appointed HoS in Cross River

    Ex-Guild of Editors VP appointed HoS in Cross River

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has approved the appointment of Mr. Akwaji Timothy Ogbang as the Head of Service (HoS).

    The appointment was conveyed in a letter by the Secretary to the State Government, Tina Banku Agbor Esq. and made public yesterday.

    The letter said the appointment takes effect from January 12, 2022.

    Akwaji is the first journalist to be made head of service in the state.

    He was editor, Nigerian Chronicle and later became the general manager of the state-owned newspaper.

    Akwaji was later made a permanent secretary. He served at the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Climate Change and lastly at the Ministry of International Development Cooperation.

    He was the vice president (East), Nigerian Guild of Editors and financial secretary of the same body.

  • Our achievements, by IPOB

    Our achievements, by IPOB

    Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said it will on January 1, 2022 announce its achievements and road maps to its liberation.

    In a statement by its Media and Publicity Officer, Emma Powerful, the group said the announcement would be made by its Head of Directorate of State, Mazi Chika Edoziem, during a Radio Biafra broadcast.

    It said the broadcast would be simultaneously relayed live through its many channels, including IPOB Community Radio, Tuning, Radio Biafra FM, Facebook, Satellite and others.

    The statement said: “We wish to announce to the people of Biafra both home and in the diaspora, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom that the able Head of Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Chika Edoziem, will address Biafrans on Radio Biafra on January 1, 2022.

    “He will highlight the achievements IPOB has recorded this year, and hint on the road maps to our liberation. He will also address some pertinent issues pertaining to our struggle for independence.

    “IPOB has gone beyond human destruction and it will remain so till Biafra freedom is fully achieved. Anybody can say whatever they like, IPOB remains unshakable. There is no retreat until Biafra sovereignty is fully restored.

    “The broadcast will be simultaneously relayed live through our many channels, including IPOB Community Radio, Tuning, Radio Biafra FM, Facebook, Satellite and others.

    “We, therefore, urge everybody to hook on and listen during the broadcast. We also wish to inform Biafrans that Mazi Chinasa Nworu and his crew will also be on Radio Biafra for questions and answers on December 30. Call in during the live programme for your questions on anything bordering on our independence struggles.

  • Crime rate drops in Delta

    Crime rate drops in Delta

    Delta State Police Commissioner Mr. Muhammed Ali has said crime statistics dropped to 424 in 2021 from 2,013 recorded in 2020.

    He made this known yesterday in Asaba at a security stakeholders’ meeting.

    Ali said only 173 armed robbery cases were reported in 2021, compared to 7,034 in 2020, stressing that 83 kidnap cases were recorded in 2021 as against 478 in 2020.

    He added that 102 murder-related cases were recorded in 2021, as against 200 in 2020.

    “Sixty-six cult-related cases were recorded in 2021 as against 578 incidents recorded in 2020.

    “Two-hundred-and-two suspected armed robbers were either arrested or had their nefarious plans busted before they were hatched in 2021.”

    “Eighty-one suspected kidnappers were arrested in 2021, with 73 victims rescued and reunited with their relations,’’ he said.

    According to Ali, 91 persons were arrested over alleged murder, while 513 suspected cultists were arrested either at their initiation grounds, their hideouts or during inter-cult clashes.

    “For the recovery of arms and ammunition, 227 arms of varying calibre and 10,151 ammunition were recovered from suspected Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) members, kidnappers and cultists.

    “The ratio showed that 156 arms were recovered from kidnappers and armed robbers; 49 arms from suspected cultists and 22 from murder suspects.

    “Out of the 10,151 recovered ammunition, 6,545 were from proscribed IPOB members, kidnappers and armed robbers, while 1,352 were recovered from cultists,’’ he added.

    Some Delta residents have hailed the police commissioner for the security architecture in the state, which had led to crime reduction.

    They noted that the killing of policemen and the snatching of their arms by suspected members of the proscribed IPOB took already permanent flight.

    This, they said, followed the dislodgment of their hideouts in the forests of Okpanam and Anwai-Illah.

    The Director-General, Asaba Capital Development Agency, Mrs. Joan Mrakpor, said: “Muhammed Ali is a blessing to Delta. Incidentally, he is policing a state where the governor is passionate about security of lives and property.

    “Apart from being a detribalised person, he knows his onions. I understand that he is not new to the state, but I think that is not the issue. He sure knows the police job.

    “We know what Asaba township used to be prior to my appointment as director-general Asaba Capital Development Agency.

    “He assisted us with his men while we carried out the demolition we did to give the state capital a facelift from the former slum to what it is today.

    “That man is alive to his responsibilities. The usual reports of kidnapping along the notorious Ubulu-Uku-Onicha-Ugbo Road that claimed innocent lives have long ceased.

    “If we have such level-headed police officers like CP Ali to man some of the volatile states in the country, we will be happy for it,’’ she said.

    1. S.-based Ogbueshi Chukwuka said his experience during his visit to Nigeria in July showed the presence of policemen everywhere in the state.

    “From Asaba Airport where I landed and was going to my village in Akuku-Igbo, I noticed a remarkable change in what you people call police visibility.

    “To be sincere, when I wanted to visit Nigeria and then my hometown, I was scared, because of what we used to read online about insecurity in our state, especially kidnapping.

    “But throughout the two weeks I spent before going back, there was no single incident of kidnap,’’ he said.

    A veteran journalist, Emmanuel Obiamiwe, also described CP Ali and his management team as one of a kind.

    “I think what stands CP Ali out is his detribalised nature besides knowing the job. He is a lover of everybody, especially pressmen. He operates an open door policy.

    “I think this is what endears him to all and sundry,” Obiamiwe said.

  • Agency seeks assembly’s ban on use of cans, tins to sell grains

    Agency seeks assembly’s ban on use of cans, tins to sell grains

    The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has urged the Enugu State House of Assembly to enact a law prohibiting the use of tins and cans to sell grains.

    The Programme Director of the Enugu State IFAD/FGN Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Dr. Edward Isiwu, gave the advice in Enugu at a meeting with stakeholders to highlight 365 days scorecard of what IFAD VCDP had achieved in the state.

    He said outlawing the use of cans and tins to sell grains would help consumers to enjoy what they bought from markets, using accurate measuring machines.

    He lamented that most times, the quantity written on bags of grains was not the actual content.

    Isiwu said IFAD VCDP Enugu was making interventions in Aninri, Enugu East, Nkanu East, Isi Uzo and Udenu local governments, which were selected, based on the capacity for rice and cassava production, processing and marketing value chains.

    He said among the activities and projects the agency had done in the last one year in the affected communities were solar powered boreholes, market stalls and stores, bridges and culverts, land development, rice processing mills and cassava processing centres.

    Isiwu said farmers were trained and supported in capacities, including standard weight and measures.

    “It will be to the glory of Enugu State for the House of Assembly to enact laws prohibiting the use of tins and cans to sell rice and cassava.

    “Many consumers do not enjoy what they buy from the markets because the quantity written on bags is not what they contain.

    “We have trained farmers and youths in the use of standard weight and measures. We want an end to the ongoing rip-off of our people. We equally don’t want our farmers to suffer in vain

    “Therefore, I urge the Enugu State Government to do something on that as this is IFAD stipulation,” he said.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Matthew Idu, expressed delight about the 365 days scorecard analysis for VCDP in Enugu State, saying the state and federal governments were satisfied with the level of programmes and projects IFAD VCDP had done in communities in Enugu State.

  • APC urges Okorocha to stop denting Uzodimma’s image

    APC urges Okorocha to stop denting Uzodimma’s image

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has advised ex-Governor Rochas Okorocha to desist from tarnishing the image of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    In a statement yesterday by the APC Publicity Secretary, Duke Cajetan, the party advised the former governor to stop tarnishing the image of the governor with “frustrated vituperations, false claims and crocodile’s tears, aimed at securing the sympathy of Nigerians, and boldly face the music.”

    The party noted “the lawful arrest of Uche Nwosu by the police and the futile attempt by Okorocha to soil the name of Governor Uzodimma with baseless, acrimonious ranting.”

    The party said any individual who refused to honour genuine police invitation would warrant forceful arrest.

    The statement said: “The APC is aware that the law is not a respecter of any individual, as nobody is above it. It is equally true that refusal to honour genuine and lawful police invitation will warrant forceful arrest to bring the individual to book.

    “The APC, therefore, advises Okorocha to henceforth desist from tarnishing the image of Governor Uzodimma with frustrated vituperations, false claims and crocodile tears, aimed at securing the sympathy of Nigerians and boldly face the music.

    “For too long, Okorocha held Imo to ransom with the false belief that the entire state is his personal estate, alas! The rhythm has changed and his chickens have come home to roost.

    “That Uche Nwosu is his son-in-law does not confer on him any immunity from arrest and prosecution, as marrying the daughter of a former governor is not immunity of any kind.

    “The APC supports the governor and government of Imo State in the efforts to restore sanity, peace, order and sustainable economic development to the state.”

    “As a party, we advise Okorocha to refrain from his trite shenanigans and doomed efforts to link Governor Uzodimma with his self-imposed and merited predicament.

    “We hail the governor for his equanimity, mature and honourable disposition in the face of rash provocations and rascality from persons intentionally working against the overall interest and well-being of Imo people.”

  • Bayelsa govt faults Aiteo, regulators on sabotage claim

    Bayelsa govt faults Aiteo, regulators on sabotage claim

    The Bayelsa Government Technical Committee on the November 5 oil leak at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 in Nembe has faulted claims that the leak was caused by sabotage.

    OML 29 oil block is operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company, an indigenous oil firm that acquired the asset for about $2.4 billion, following the 2015 divestment by super major Shell.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that regulatory agencies investigating the incident had on December 22 attributed the spill to sabotage, while the Bayelsa committee claimed the spill was due to equipment failure.

    The regulators are the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

    Mr. Biriyai Dambo, chairman, Technical Committee, in a statement dismissed the claim and faulted the procedures adopted in arriving at the conclusions.

    Dambo, who is also the attorney-general and commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa, said the divergent views held by the parties could not be resolved and so rendered the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) inconclusive.

    The JIV is a statutory probe that follows every reported leak incident to unravel the cause and volume of crude discharged into the environment.

    The JIV is usually convened by the operator of the leak facility and it comprises representatives of the oil firm, affected communities, regulators and the Ministry of Environment.

    Dambo noted that the components and accessories of the wellhead that were to be inspected had been removed and replaced, which amounted to tampering with and concealing the equipment and evidence.

    According to the statement, there have been similar incidents of oil spillage, although of lesser magnitude, from the same Santa Barbara Wellhead 1 in OML 29 in 2018 and 2019, which Aiteo had previously admitted.

    The committee expressed regrets that to date there had been no remediation or safeguards against future recurrence put in place or enforced by Aiteo and NOSDRA over the said spills.

    According to the statement, requests for remediation of the earlier spills by the affected communities were rebuffed, until this major blowout happened in November.

    “We were shocked to note that on the day of this latest JIV, when asked about these previous incidents at the exact same wellhead, AITEO denied and NOSDRA kept silent.

    “During the course of the JIV, the behaviour and utterances of representatives of NOSDRA and NUPRC called to question their independence and neutrality.

    “We are convinced that NOSDRA and NUPRC are biased and are playing a script in cahoots with AITEO.

    “We have very convincing evidence, which we will bring to light at the appropriate time and through the appropriate forums that NOSDRA and NUPRC are biased.

    “They have taken a premeditated position in favour of Aiteo against the interest of the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta.

    “This is terribly sad and unfortunate, given that NOSDRA and NUPRC are supposed to be regulators and as such should be unbiased and act at all times with integrity.

    “Finally, the Bayelsa State Government rejects the JIV of December 22,” the statement read in part.

    Dambo said the position of Bayelsa government was that the cause of the spill was equipment failure and that it would take steps to pursue environmental justice for itself and the affected communities.

    He said such redress would end the perennial pollution of the environment through reckless and irresponsible oilfield practice that was condoned by a weak or compromised regulatory system.

  • Ikpeazu, others mourn Abia founding father Ezikpe

    Ikpeazu, others mourn Abia founding father Ezikpe

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has joined stakeholders  to mourn the death of one of Abia’s founding fathers, Dr. Anagha Ezikpe.

    He reportedly died on Sunday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, hours after being admitted.

    Dr. Ikpeazu, who received a delegation of traditional rulers from Abiriba kingdom, led by the Enachioken of Abiriba, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, at his Aba Lodge, was informed about the death of Ezikpe, the chairman of Abia State Advisory Council, by his first son, George,  who also thanked the governor for caring for his father, whom he described as “the best among fathers.”

    Ikpeazu, who was joined by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the Chairman of Ohafia Local Government, Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe and a businessman, Raymond Aliga, described the deceased as his mentor, who taught him many virtues during their meetings.

    He expressed deep pains and sadness about the death of the elder statesman, “whose wealth of knowledge the state will miss.”

    Born on February 2, 1930, Ezikpe, one of the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State and also one of the founding fathers of Abia State, died on Christmas Day.

    He had slumped during a meeting of the Advisory Council and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

    Other monarchs who accompanied the Enachioken on the visit included the Effa of Agboji Abiriba, Eze Benjamin Uche, Ukpaghari Amaogudu, Eze Eme Uguru and Ali Oke Ihungwu, Eze Ukiwe Otisi.

    The rest are the newly elected President-General of Abiriba Communal Improvement Union, Chief Charles Ochu Ejieke, Nnanna Anagha Ezikpe, Uba Anagha Ezikpe and former chairman of Aba North Local Government, Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo.

  • Akwa Ibom shuts 12 fake medical labs

    Akwa Ibom shuts 12 fake medical labs

    Akwa Ibom State Government has shut 12 medical laboratories operating without licences and in default of standard best practices.

    The seal off was at the instance of the Ministry of Health, under the supervision of an inspection team led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh.

    He listed the offences of the laboratories to include lack of certificate of registration with the Ministry of Health, non-evidence of registration with the Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria, lack of qualified laboratory scientists and other supporting workers.

    Others are lack of test result book at the laboratories, no laboratory register, lack of personal operating licence of laboratory technicians, as well as unethical practices dangerous to medical diagnosis of diseases.

    “I have received a number of complaints with regards to medical laboratory facilities and practice and it is an attempt to correct some of these abnormalities.

    “As a matter of fact, the state Executive Council that has also received many of these reports has directed that this exercise be carried out. So, our intention is to use this exercise to give further directive to the practice of laboratory services in the state,” Umoh said.

    He said monitoring of medical laboratories would be extended to other parts of the state such as Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Eket and Oron axis to check quack laboratories.

    Read Also; Obiano shuts petrol stations  

    “We are going out on monitoring to make sure that laboratory facility services in the state are in conformity with what is expected to the extent that the practices are at least of the best practices. 

    “We have started with medical laboratories in Uyo metropolis, but we will certainly extend it to the nooks and crannies of the state,” the commissioner said.

    The Head of the Monitoring/Inspection Team, Dr. Udoh, said lack of precision in the medical laboratory test administered to patients had resulted in poor medical diagnosis.

    He said such medical diagnosis emanating from defective laboratory facilities could mislead doctors in prescribing the right drugs for treatment of ailments.

    He said one of the laboratories visited was using a student on industrial training to work and issue test results instead of a certified laboratory scientist, while others impersonated popular laboratory scientists to defraud the public.

    “The clampdown on fake laboratories will continue in the new year till we reposition their services to achieve health for all in the completion agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel,” Udoh said.

    He said the shut laboratories would only be reopened when their proprietors fulfilled the conditions by the Ministry of Health, including engagement of competent technical personnel in their laboratories.

  • Community leader denies involvement in monarch’s abduction

    Community leader denies involvement in monarch’s abduction

    A community leader at Ogwu-aniocha in Ogbaru Local Government of Anambra State, Mr. Chidi Ekpendu, has dissociated himself from any activity linked to the disruption of peace in the community.

    He said he had been preoccupied with his job and would have no spare time to engage in frivolities or any form of criminality.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, Ekpendu stressed that linking him with the abduction of the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Oliver Nnaji, was the biggest joke of the year from his enemies.

    He, however, admitted knowledge of crises in the area, ranging from Igweship tussle to the control of oil deposits, saying he chose to remain silent after efforts towards the monarch’s release proved abortive.

    Ekpendu said: “Falsehood and negative stories have been dished out by individuals and at various forums. God is the only true judge we all have.

    “I’m so busy with some academic engagements that will uplift my standard of living, to have time for anything else.

    “In the light of the above, I humbly state unequivocally for the attention of the public that I have ceased being a member of the Oduah-in-Council since one and a half years ago.

    “I began to hear about the lion squad and its activities by the middle of 2021. I challenge whosoever that has seen me at the meeting or anything that has to do with the Oduah-in-Council for over a year now let alone mingling with the lion squad to come out and prove it with evidence in the public.

    “Linking me with the abduction of HRH Igwe Oliver Nnaji is the biggest joke of the year coming from my enemies. But the truth will certainly emerge.

    “I wish to swear by the gods of our land to punish me, if I am ever involved or connected to the abduction of Igwe Oliver Nnaji and the wanton destruction of his property.

    “But if my hands are clean, let the god of our land as well severely punish anyone or group of persons who tries to link my name to what I don’t know about.

    “I am ever ready to appear before any constituted authority or swear to any oath to prove my innocence. So, troublemakers should allow me to enjoy my peace. I’m refined and polished to engage in dirty activities.”

  • Troops arrest IPOB/ESN leader in Enugu

    Troops arrest IPOB/ESN leader in Enugu

    Troops of the 82 Division, Enugu have arrested Godwin Nnamdi, a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said yesterday in Enugu that the troops of Operation Golden Dawn arrested Nnamdi on Christmas day.

    He said Nnamdi was nabbed during a clearance operation in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State.

    Nwachukwu said the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine containing 21 rounds of 7.62 mm special bullets and one handset from Nnamdi.

    Read Also; IPOB alleges killing of youths in flashy cars

    “The IPOB/ESN leader was arrested during clearance operations at a camp suspected to be the fortress of IPOB/ESN at Akpowfu Forest, in Nkanu East Local Government.

    “During the clearance operation, troops engaged the dissidents in a fight, compelling them to take to their heels. That led to the arrest of their leader.

    “While commending the troops, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, urged them to comb and clear suspected hideouts of criminals in their areas of responsibility,” he added.