The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Fire destroys multi-million naira equipment, factory  

    Fire destroys multi-million naira equipment, factory  

    Factory and shop owners have lamented their losses following a fire that destroyed their goods and equipment worth millions of naira at Isiokpo Street, D/line axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend.

    Some of the heavy duty equipment destroyed were 500 KVA Cart generator, two chillers, 7.5 horse power chillers, fire extinguishers and compressors.

    The fire also destroyed a truck, a bus, a diesel tanker, crates of alcoholic drinks, among others.

    It was gathered that the fire started about 10pm on Saturday from a yard used by some persons for illegal dumping of petroleum products.

    The Nation learnt that although nobody died, victims, who had closed their shops and returned home, lost goods and equipment.

    Read Also: Fire razes offices at Kano Science, Tech varsity

    Sources said firefighters later put out the fire, but smoke still came out of the sealed container and other spots within the yard yesterday morning.

    One of the workers, who spoke in confidence, said:  “If you see all here, because of the diesel, the fire was moving fast into the gutters outside this yard to Ntawoba creek. My brother, everything was burnt to ashes.”

    A victim and Chief Executive Officer of AUT Technologies, Usman Ibrahim, said he lost goods and property worth over N45million.

    He said: “Some boys called me around 10pm yesterday (Saturday) night that there was a fire and asked me if I had any goods in my warehouse.

    “I said yes and quickly went down. My 500 KVA Cart generator was burnt. A new one now costs almost N120million.

    “These are my two chillers, each with 7.5 horsepower. They will cost over N45million now. These chillers can serve a whole warehouse.”

    Ibrahim said the activities of illegal dealers in Automated Gas Oil (AGO) also known as diesel, caused the incident.

    He said: “I have been doing my business now for two years and there was no problem. But since these boys started the diesel business here, our lives have been in danger because we know it is not a legitimate business.

    “You can see, everything I have here is gone. I am going to start from ground zero. Honestly, I don’t know what to do. We implore Governor Nyesom Wike to come and help us. We have lost everything”.

    The Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Peter Medee, confirmed the incident, saying it was caused by combustible materials.

  • Kanu: Ohanaeze lauds Buhari’s empathy for Igbo travails

    Kanu: Ohanaeze lauds Buhari’s empathy for Igbo travails

    Apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide yesterday commended President Muhammadu Buhari for showing empathy in the current Igbo travails by mulling a political option for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    The group also lauded the president for the warm reception he accorded to “our illustrious son, the First Republican Parliamentarian and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi (Dara Akunwafor) and his delegation at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja on Friday, November 19, 2021.”

    In a statement issued by the spokesman of the group, Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze said “We are particularly delighted that Mr. President has shown empathy in the current Igbo travails by mulling a political option for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

    The statements also paid special tribute to the elder statesman, Amechi, who it described as “a quintessential Nigerian patriot, passionate and selfless leader, Chief Mbazulike Amechi for his profound insights, selflessness, tenacity and concerns for peace to return to the South East of Nigeria.”

    The nonagenarian, in his presentation to Mr President, had described the “situation in the Southeast as painful and pathetic”, lamenting that “businesses have collapsed, education is crumbling and there is fear everywhere.”

    He added that he did not “want to leave this planet without peace returning to my country. I believe in one big, united Nigeria, a force in Africa.”

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in the statement insisted that it identified with the views expressed by Chief Amaechi that Ndigbo were committed to a united prosperous Nigeria that guarantees justice, equity and fairness to all.

    “We are convinced that as the leader of the nation, Mr. President has the constitutional powers to redirect the narratives of the country; there is hardly the possibility for an economic growth and employment to our teeming graduates in an atmosphere of rancor, insecurity and violence,” it read.

    The statement noted that its President General, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, had always maintained that the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu required a political solution and that dialogue remained a veritable instrument for a functional democracy all over the world.

  • APC chieftain seeks retention of Alimikhena in Senate

    APC chieftain seeks retention of Alimikhena in Senate

    A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo North, Edo State Francis Izuagie, has called for retention of the senator representing Edo North in the Senate, Senator Francis Alimikhena.

    According to Izuagie, Alimikhena has done a lot to bring the dividends of democracy to the Afemai people; therefore, his retention would allow the Senator to gain ranking order in the National Assembly.

    APC chieftain said that “since the inception of democratic representation in the district, we have fared better under the leadership of Senator Francis Alimikhena.”

    Izuagie therefore, enjoined all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kukuruku Division to join in the vanguard to re- elect him in 2023.

    Izuagie reiterated that representation could come from any clan in the district, as long as the person is giving the people robust representation, delivering good governance and associating well with the masses, who remain the bedrock of democracy.

    He stated that the senator has continuously empowered the people of the senatorial district by cushioning the effects of poverty.

    “He has continued to support the people by providing boreholes, transformers, street lights, motorcycles, cars, and more, to cushion the effects of poverty in the area.

    Finally, the Edo North APC chieftain added that “the destiny of the district is in our hands and we should not toy with what God has given us on a platter of gold.

    “The distinguished Senator renovated schools, health centers and created an awareness that the dividends of democracy can reach everyone in his constituency irrespective of political or religious divide.

    “Edo North, let’s look beyond the historical background and give him another chance.”

  • Ugwuanyi receives Whitemoney, confers him with “Ambassador of Enugu State in Creative Arts”

    Ugwuanyi receives Whitemoney, confers him with “Ambassador of Enugu State in Creative Arts”

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, hosted the winner of Big Brother Naija (BBN) Season 6 edition (Shine Ya Eye), Mazi Hazel Oyeze Onoduenyi, an illustrious son of the state, popularly known as Whitemoney, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Enugu, commending him for his uncommon love, humility and godliness and consistency with the Enugu spirit, which he said endeared him to his Housemates and the viewing public.

    Ugwuanyi who appreciated God’s grace on the Big Brother Naija winner, described him as “a worthy son of Enugu State, truly representative of the humility, talent, industry, ambition, and Godliness of a true Enugu youth, saying: “I therefore call on the teeming Enugu youths to deploy their creative talents and skills to win more laurels for the state”.

    Conferring Whitemoney with the status of “Ambassador of Enugu State in Creative Arts”, Ugwuanyi who described the crown he brought home as “most deserving”, urged him to feel good about his accomplishment which he truly earned, saying: “We are very proud of you and wish you many more successes”.

    Jokingly, the governor said: “In a lighter mood Mr. Whitemoney, Ndi Enugu who followed your activities in the House observed that you spent most of your time in the Kitchen. While we do not claim to know the meaning, we however decided to provide enough food for dinner as we do not wish to see you visiting the kitchen tonight.”

    Upbeat, Whitemoney declared that “God’s grace located me abundantly”, thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for the great honour and warm reception.

    Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Secretary to the State Government and Director General of South East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Uzor, other members of the State Executive Council, Special Advisers to the Governor, Accountant General, Enugu State, Remigius Odoh, Heads of Boards, Agencies and Parastatals, Hon. Barr. Kate Nnamani, BB Naija winner’s ex-House Mates, Niyi Lawal and Emmanuel Umoh, among others.

  • Ex- Imo Deputy Governor’s father kidnapped in lmo

    Ex- Imo Deputy Governor’s father kidnapped in lmo

    The father of former Deputy Governor of Imo State and Traditional Ruler of Ezi – Mbieri Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the State,  Eze Henry Madumere  has been kidnapped.

    He was abducted yesterday by unknown gunmen.

    The monarch was reportedly abducted by some hoodlums around Iho Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of the State.

    Eye witness account revealed that the kidnappers ambushed the monarch on his way to a funeral around morning hours.

    The hoodlums were said to have dragged the traditional ruler out of his vehicle and drove to unknown destination after shooting sporadically.

    The unfortunate incident has generated a lot of anxiety in the two neighbouring local governments of Mbaitoli and Ikeduru.

    The son, Prince  Eze Madumere, the former Deputy Governor of the state, when contacted confirmed the incident and also disclosed that his father’s abductors have contacted the family.

    HRH, Eze Madumere was a renowned businessman, contractor and a member of Nigerian Independence Choir.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Michael Abattam, confirmed the incident and stressed that they have put machinery in place to arrest the culprits.

     

  • 2023: Emmanuel warns against external interference in A/Ibom politics

    2023: Emmanuel warns against external interference in A/Ibom politics

    Akwa Ibom governor Udom Emmanuel has warned against any form of external interference in the politics of the state in 2023.

    Emmanuel gave the admonition on Friday while inaugurating the National Executive Committee of the Maintain Peace Movement at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    He said the incursion of external forces in the politics of the state was capable of disrupting the prevailing peaceful atmosphere needed to drive development in the state.

    The governor, who has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the youths, added that Akwa Ibom belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and would remain so.

    “Akwa Ibom is PDP, PDP is Akwa Ibom, so leave us alone, PDP is the only party that can ensure peace in Akwa Ibom. Do not open your door to any aspirant who is not preaching peace. In our move towards transition, there shall be peace,  In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo said the Movement was necessitated by the need to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of leadership beyond the present administration.

    “This event is significant because it would make clear that peace is absolutely paramount and necessary for a community that wants to move forward and make progress. Let me pay tribute to Governor Udom Emmanuel, a man of peace, sent by God to the state at the right time and the difference is very clear.

    “The peace movement is possible because the leader of this state is an embodiment of peace. Akwa Ibom State has never been this peaceful. Peace resides here. That same God who gave us a governor who cares about the people will sustain the state beyond the tenure of this government.”

  • Ugwuanyi lists achievements, flags off GO University-European Business Park

    Ugwuanyi lists achievements, flags off GO University-European Business Park

    Feeling fulfilled by the remarkable feats his administration has recorded in business investment development, ICT innovation and creativity, Start-Ups, Product Acceleration and wealth creation for the youth of Enugu State, among others, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, said that the state government has continued to play its leading role as a business and investment enabler.

    Ugwuanyi disclosed that his administration has been able to continue to play the role through provision of robust infrastructure; peaceful and secure operating environment for business and investment; consistent and favourable policies; and facilitation of all bureaucratic processes required for starting and doing business “through our One-Stop Investment-Centre (OSIC) under the Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA).”

    The governor added that the role his administration has continued to play as a business and investment enabler was also achievable through “friendly tax regime and professional regulatory oversight as significant co-factors for investment inflow.”

    Speaking during the ground-breaking of the Godfrey Okoye (GO) University-European Business Park, Centre for Practical Skills and Start-Ups, Governor Ugwuanyi described the outfit as “a public-private initiative with unique value proposition for economic expansion, skill infusion, job creation and wealth creation for our people.”

    The governor congratulated the Vice Chancellor of GO University, Prof. Christian Anieke, as well as the management, staff and students of the University, and acknowledged the funding partners for the project, Austrian Development Bank, European Investment Bank and German Government as well as the investing private sector player, Umuchinemere Procredit Micro Finance Bank, for having faith in the laudable project.

  • Trigger-happy policemen shoot two persons in Aba

    Trigger-happy policemen shoot two persons in Aba

    Two persons are battling for their lives in various private hospitals in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State after they were shot by happy-trigger police officers attached to the Aba Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    There were fears that one of the victims identified as Ugochukwu Chinyere, an indigene of Umuekwensu community in Ohuru Isimiri, Obingnwa local government area of the state may not be able to walk again as the bullet shot at him by a police officer (whose name was yet-to-be ascertained) pierced through his hip, leaving him with severe injury on his waist.

    Mr. Chinyere, a commercial motorcycle passenger was allegedly shot by one Yahaya led team of police officers who were at a checkpoint in front of popular Metrological complex on Obikabia-Umukalika road in Obingwa LGA.

    The second person whose name was yet-to-be ascertained was shot on the leg by one of the police officers attached to the Azuka police station in Aba North LGA.

    Mr. Christopher Nduagu, an eyewitness to the Ohuru Isimiri shooting, while narrating the incident said, “Ugochuklwu Chinyere was a passenger in a motorcycle going to Obikabia junction.

    “One of the policemen at Umukalika police checkpoint stopped them to demand their usual N1000, but the bike man told him that he doesn’t have the money. They had a heated argument, leading to intervention by late Chinyere.

    “The police officer, who had warned Chinyere not to come close to him, fired him on the hip. He was rushed to a private hospital where he is receiving medical attention.”

    Another eyewitness who simply gave his name as Linus Alanna narrating the Azuka Police Station shooting said that they were going to the hospital off Ikot Ekpene Expressway to visit their brother who was shot by the Ohuru Isimiri police team when a police officer serving at Azuka Police Station fired and injured the knee of their kinsman.

    “We were going to Dominion Hospital where the injured person was receiving medical attention when police officers and the Divisional Police Officers (DPO) from the Azuka police station accosted us.”

    Investigation by our correspondent has it that the second victim is receiving treatment at a private orthopedic hospital along Okigwe road in Aba North LGA.

    When our correspondent visited the scene of Obikabia-Umukalika incident in Obingwa LGA, there was no presence of any police team at their usual spot in front of the Aba Metrological complex, Umukalika.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna didn’t take his calls when contacted.

    Ogbonna is yet to reply text message sent to his mobile phone number by our correspondent at the time of filing the report.

    A police source, who condemned the shooting of the innocent citizens, however claimed that the Azuka incident happened after the police got intelligence that the youths were coming to attack the Azuka Police Station.

  • Okowa, Ibori, Oborevwori, others bid Ex-Delta SSG’s late mother farewell

    Okowa, Ibori, Oborevwori, others bid Ex-Delta SSG’s late mother farewell

    The remains of Mama Hannah Victoria Macaulay, mother of former Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, yesterday, laid to rest at her hometown, Owhologbo, Isoko North local government area, Delta State, amidst tears and eulogies.

    Mama Hannah who was interred at about 1pm was survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    Earlier in his sermon at the funeral service held at St Phillip’s Anglican Church, Owhelogbo, the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Most Revd Cyril Odutemu, Anglican Communion, described late Hannah Macaulay as a woman that made positive impact in the society, especially raising her children right.

    Odutemu said resurrection and judgement were at hand and advocated for a positive change of heart among believers and sinners as there was no repentance in the grave.

    While praying God to grant the soul of the deceased matriarch eternal rest, the Archbishop Odutemu, urged her children to immortalise her by promoting the good traits she radiated.

    In his remarks at the service, the Delta state governor, Sen. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa commiserated with the Macaulay family on the passing of their matriarch, noting that she lived a life of great accomplishments, especially in bringing up her children in the way of the Lord.

    Okowa said, “At 88, she brought up worthy children and I am glad to be part of this ceremony for the celebration of life and thanksgiving for a great mother who went through a lot in keeping the family together having lost her husband 49 years ago.

    “She lived a life that continuously believed in God, a life of compassion and service unto the people and we must continuously pray for the spirit to care for one another in the course of our Christian race.”

    While noting that his government was not averse to criticism but against criticising for political gains, Okowa said constructive criticism remained a vital ingredient for democratic growth and sustainable development of any nation.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay thanked Governor Okowa, former Governor James Ibori, former Adams Oshiomohle and other dignitaries for attending his mother’s burial ceremony, saying that his mother teachings had made him whom he is today.

    Macaulay said the late mother was everything to him, saying she was my Adviser and Mentor. He lamented that he would miss the mother’s advice and prayers.

    The former Delta state governor, Chief James Ibori, former national chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori  and others described Mama Victoria Macauley as a dedicated christian while alive and they pray God almighty to grant her eternal rest as they bid her farewell.

    Those who attended the ceremony includes: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief James Ibori, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, President General of Urhobo Progress Union, Olorogun Moses Taiga, President General of Isoko Development Union, Prof Chris Akpotu.

    Others are the Minority Leader House of Representatives, Mr. Ndidi Elumelu, Senator James Manager, Senator Ighoyota Amori, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chief Leo Ogor, Chief Thomas Eriyitomi, Chief Solomon Igrakpata, Olorogun Talib Tebite, Chief Fred Majemite, Chief Fegorson Onwo, Mr Charles Aniagwu, among others.

  • Container falls on bus, kills woman, injures five in Anambra

    Container falls on bus, kills woman, injures five in Anambra

    A middle-aged woman has been crushed to death while five others sustained varying degrees on injuries in a fatal accident along Awka-Enugu expressway in Anambra State.

    The crash which occurred at Amansea junction by Hausa market around 9pm on Thursday, involved a commercial bus and an articulated truck.

    The Nation gathered that the victims were inside the bus when the truck suddenly lost control and fell on it following deplorable road in the area.

    An eyewitness said, “The truck driver was carrying container heading to Enugu while the bus driver was heading towards Awka. Due to the bad road, the truck was not stable and the container fell on the bus and crashed, killing the woman and injuring several others.”

    Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi said the body of the deceased had been deposited at the hospital morgue.

    He informed motoring public that road audit had been carried out on the Amansea road and forwarded to the appropriate quarters and he believes the Government will act on it.

    He said, “A fatal Road traffic crash occurred at Amansea junction, Hausa Market by Awka-Enugu express way yesterday 18th November, 2021 at about 18:45hrs.

    “The crash was between a green Toyota Hiace bus with registration number: FGG88YG (Commercial) and unidentified driver a red Mercedes Truck with no registration number (commercial).

    “The probable cause of the fatal crash was attributed to bad road. Seven persons were involved in the crash, comprising 6male adult and 1 female adult. The female adult lost her life, five were injured, while one came out unhurt.

    “The corpse of the dead victim was taken to Amaku Mortuary Awka after being confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. The FRSC rescue team managed traffic and effort is being made to tow the vehicles off the road.”