Category: South East

A women empowerment and advocacy group, African Women Forum for Good Governance (AWFG), has frowned at increasing cases of vote buying among politicians, particularly during the just concluded governorship election in Anambra State.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Justice Chinwe Iyizoba, spoke while reacting to an award of N1million to Mrs. Eunice Onuegbusi by Governor Willie Obiano for rejecting a N5,000 bribe during the election.

She stressed the need for politicians to learn that the only way to make progress in politics was through provision of good governance to those who elected them into office.

Iyizoba hailed the governor for the gesture, but noted that there were other exemplary women in the state and Nigeria at large.

She said: “One of the visions of our Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), which is dedicated to good governance and socio-economic development of Africa through gender empowerment, is to identify such women, empower them in their businesses, political aspirations and other endeavours.

“Through such empowerment, we create a new crop of rural women, the bulk of voters in elections, who will always eschew money politics.

“Our politicians need to learn that the only way to make progress in politics is by providing people who elected them into office with good governance, including provision of social amenities to make life worth living, good roads, schools, jobs, health care, water supply, electricity, among others.”

Urging the government, public and private institutions to recognise the relevance of women in the scheme of things, Iyizoba said women deserved greater representation in governance at all levels.

“Women, as mothers of the nation, know where the shoes pinch and have a lot to say and contribute towards making things better,” she added.

 

Anambra State Government has declared today as a public holiday to honour the first President of Nigeria, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Governor Willie Obiano urged President Muhammadu Buhari to follow suit.

Azikiwe, the Owelle of Onitsha, was born in Zungeru, Niger State, on November 16, 1904.

In a statement yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, Obiano said it would be a work free day to honour the man referred to as Zik of Africa.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C Don Adinuba.

It said: “November 16 has been declared a work-free day in Anambra State in honour of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president, who was born on November 16, 1904.

“This is the third consecutive year Anambra State is observing the birthday anniversary of the man, who led Nigeria to independence on October 1, 1960 and is popularly known as the Great Zik of Africa because of his extraordinary pan-African vision and commitment.

“It was the Great Zik of Africa, who inspired such outstanding pan-African leaders as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, who led his country to freedom from colonial rule on March 6, 1957.

“Zik, who was born in Zungeru, Niger State and grew up in Calabar and Lagos, studied disciplines in the United States and remained the most urbane, cosmopolitan and intellectually engaging of all Nigerian leaders.

“He remained an unrivalled trailblazer, having established Nigeria’s first indigenous bank, African Continental Bank and Nigeria’s first indigenous university, University of Nigeria at Nsukka, among other monumental and farsighted achievements.”

Obiano reiterated his call on the Federal Government to declare November 16 a national holiday in memory of the Great Zik of Africa.

He said Ghanaians observe the birthday of Dr. Nkrumah as a national holiday, just the way Tanzanians observe President Julius Nyerere’s birthday as a national holiday.

“It is a huge national embarrassment that Nigeria has yet to declare November 16 a national holiday,” Obiano added.

The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has expressed dismay about the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to publish the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Okaba, who made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting, urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to openness to underscore the integrity of the entire process.

He advised the government “to initiate and bring to completion the process for the recovery of funds from contractors, firms, politicians, workers, among others, indicted by the forensic audit report.”

Okaba called for the setting up of an administrative/criminal proceeding to prosecute those found culpable in the sleaze at the NDDC.

He, however, enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari to keep his promise and inaugurate a substantive board for the commission, following the submission of the forensic report, and in line with the law establishing the agency.

He said that the Niger Delta was in need of development, which the absence of the board had so far stalled.

Okaba, who is also the leader of the Conference of Presidents-General of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CPGNDEN), opposed a plan to include Bauchi, Ogun and Lagos as new oil-producing states in the NDDC.

He said the protest by the CPGNDEN was heightened by a bill seeking an amendment to the NDDC Act for the inclusion of the three states and future oil-producing states in the commission.

Okaba said the exercise was aimed at distorting the Niger Delta as a geographical area.

He said: “Our attention has also been drawn to the deliberate attempt to smuggle into the NDDC Act some non-contiguous states that defy the geographical definition of the Niger Delta as a geographical zone.

“This is condemnable and we state categorically that such states should be described as oil-producing and made to enjoy just 13 per cent derivation.

“The NDDC is meant to serve the development expectations of the people of the Niger Delta as an intervention agency based on the age-long deprivation and environmental degradation, which is part of the recommendations of the Willinks Commission Report (of 1958).”

Present at the meeting were Prof. Chris Akpotu (Isoko Development Union), A. A. Onoharigho (Urhobo Progressive Union), Ante Ita (Oron Nationality), Brig. Gen. Mike Ndubisi (rtd) (Ndokwa Nation), Edward Ekpoko (Itsekiri Nation) and Young Kigbara (Ogoni Representative), among others.

 

Rivers State Government has said Governor Nyesom Wike has silenced his critics with execution of legacy projects across the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, spoke yesterday while unveiling the second chapter in the ministry’s second phase of #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign in Port Harcourt.

He said the remarkable transformation of the state by Wike had left his critics dumbfounded and bewildered.

Said he: “As you are aware, Rivers State entered into a new realm of glory since May 29, 2015 as a result of the achievements of the hardworking governor of our dear state.

“His projects speak for themselves. It is therefore not surprising that all critics do now is to clutch on straws and attempt to throw weak punches that cannot hurt a fly.”

Nsirim called on Rivers people to remain vigilant to ensure that the forces of darkness and retrogression will remain in the dustbin of history.

He said entries for the theme song competition for the advocacy campaign had begun and urged residents to participate.

Said he: “Having successfully executed the essay competition, the ministry is ready to roll the dice for the theme song competition.”

must be simple, catchy and easy to remember, not exceeding three minutes.

He said a three-man panel of judges comprised versatile musician and former Chairman of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Lexi Mueka; on-air personality, Bardam Charles and one of Nigeria’s best disc jockeys, Ofori Williams.

Nsirim said there were cash prizes of N300,000; N150,000 and N100,000 for the first, second and third winners of the theme song competition.

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel is to inaugurate the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), believed to be a political group that will drive his succession agenda in 2023.

The state Chairman of MPM and former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem, said yesterday at a news conference in Uyo that the movement would be launched by the governor on Friday.

He said the MPM was an initiative birthed by progressive-minded stakeholders, who appreciated the legacy of Governor Emmanuel in the area of peace, which had engendered all-round development in the state.

“The message this movement has taken to the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State has been that peace has been the  foundation and anchor Governor Emmanuel has built the strong pillars of development across all sectors of our economy.

“On account of this, as people who have witnessed first-hand and cherished the benefits of peace, we are out to plant the seeds of peace across the land. “

“For instance, it is an incontrovertible truth that the three aircraft that opened the door for the flagship Ibom Air project, which has become a watershed in Nigeria’s aviation sector, could not have touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport, if irate and warring youths of the host communities had closed down the airport as a way of ventilating any grievance.

“We also acknowledge that the industries that have created a viable means of direct and indirect employment for Akwa Ibom State indigenes would not have been sited anywhere in this state if the one who superintends over the affairs of this state did not send a clear message early enough that he is a man of peace.

“Today, with over seven aircraft in the fleet and counting, the very young but award-winning Ibom Air project has become the airline that defines the path for the nation’s aviation sector and has added a beauty to the magnificent brand name that Akwa Ibom State has become,” he said.

The MPM chairman added: “As we march towards the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, we shudder to think what will befall this project, which will stay as a golden goose for Akwa Ibom people, if we do not build on the current legacy of peace we enjoy as a state.”

 

 

 

Starvation has hit Imo State Zoological Garden and Wildlife Park, claiming the lives of over 250 animals valued at over N38 million.

The park, located at Nekede Ancient Kingdom in Owerri West Local Government, houses species of animals, including three lions.

Sources close to the garden said the surviving animals are in a state of hunger, adding that their condition is pitiable.

It was learnt that it cost more than N1.2 million to feed the about 500 animals in a month with government subvention, “which is no longer forthcoming.

“This is now threatening extinction of the zoological garden established in 1976.”

Investigation showed that the garden, which was previously generating its own revenue from local and foreign tourists to sustain itself, could not do so as the road linking the zoo to the Owerri capital city had collapsed due to ecological disaster.

The only link road was said to have been built by the Rochas Okorocha administration.

A foreign tourist, Michael Benbruse, speaking to The Nation, expressed displeasure about the poor condition of the animals.

“I’m a Russian and an international tourist. I visited Imo Zoo today to see how the animals are faring, but I must tell you that I’m emotionally traumatised with what I saw at the zoological garden.

“What I see here is a near death condition of the lions and other animals, who are not catered for,” he said.

Efforts to reach the General Manager of the zoological garden, Mr. Francis Abisoye, did not yield result.

The Head of Department (HOD), Forestry, Ozo Chino, refused to comment on the issue.

He said: “I am just the HOD, not the permanent secretary or the commissioner.”

But a worker, who preferred anonymity, said more than 250 of the animals had died due to starvation.

“Over 250 of the animals have died because of hunger. To feed these animals costs just N1.2 million a month. The animals we have lost value over N38million,” he said.

He added: “The problem is not even whether the state government is giving us subvention or not. They can never get those species of animals we have lost because they are not animals you can get easily anywhere in the world.”

Tourism Commissioner Mr. Uche Ohia said the government was facing a few challenges there, particularly the road linking the city to the zoo, which had been destroyed by ecological problem.

He said the government was constrained with funding when the disaster happened.

”The state government has prioritised workers’ salaries and emoluments before the ecological disaster happened and we are trying to see where to squeeze some funds to ensure we sustain the animals before the road project is completed.

“When the animals are not well fed, they lose weight, it is not that they are not fed, but they are not fed as they should be. We were stable before the ecological challenge and the animal population was well over 500, but we have lost some.”

He, however, disclosed that “the governor has graciously approved some money for us to save the tide.”

On the alleged attempt to convert the zoological garden to an estate, he said: “I have also heard the rumour, but I am not aware of any such plan.”

On the subvention, he said the issue is gradually being phased out as every government project must now find a way to sustain itself in view of government’s lean resources, following the global economic meltdown.

“We want to see how we can make parastatals, agencies depending on government subventions to generate revenues to sustain themselves, instead of becoming a burden. Tourism facilities must find a way to be self-sustaining. So, we are gradually driving towards that path.”

 

 

Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated the author of ‘Rumbling Sky’, Dr. Stephen Kekeghe, for emerging joint winner of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Poetry, 2021.

Kekeghe, an English language lecturer at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, was a teacher at the College of Education, Warri.

He was conferred with the prestigious award at the association’s 40th anniversary and international convention in Abuja.

Kekeghe is from Imode community in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta State.

Okowa’s felicitation was conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba.

He said Kekeghe, a researcher with bias in inter-disciplinary studies, medical and environmental humanities; post-colonial and gender studies as well as creative writing, was one of Nigeria’s rising literary giants, adding that the best was yet to come from him.

The governor hailed the poet, whose first and second degrees were obtained from Delta State University, Abraka and University of Ibadan, for his brilliant contribution to poetry genre and for bringing honour and fame to himself and Delta State.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Dr. Stephen Ese Kekeghe for emerging joint winner of the ANA Prize for Poetry, 2021.

“As a state, we are particularly proud of your sterling contributions to the development of the literary world. It is our prayer that you work harder to win more laurels,” he said.

Kekeghe is also the author of ‘Pond of Leeches’, a play which has been staged in universities in Nigeria and ‘Chants of Memories’, a collection of poems already published in print and online outlets.

 

 

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said he has no plan to join another party.

Obaseki left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a few months to the 2020 governorship election in Edo State.

The governor won his re-election bid on the platform of the PDP.

Speaking in Benin at the weekend during a banquet to mark the Alaghodaro Summit, the governor said his party affiliation would not alter development plans for the state.

He said his administration is committed to ensuring a progressive and a prosperous state.

Obaseki said: “No matter the persuasion to join any political party, I will not. I will continue to provide leadership for Edo people. We don’t need to join another party to develop Edo State to become a home for all.

“Our goal is to position Edo where it should be, as our state has been created to provide leadership for this country; that is how it has been and will always be.”

The governor said the Alaghodaro Summit is a platform through which his administration will prepare youths for leadership positions.

“Our politics is being driven by data. We will continue to do our best as a government to make life better for our people, who trusted us with their votes,” he said.

“In the last five years, we have been at the foundation laying stage for the development of Edo State. That era has passed and now, it’s time to move as fast as possible in developing the state, as the challenges and barriers have been taken care of.”

The former national chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, praised Obaseki for curbing “irregular migration” in the state.

“Today, our youths are no longer travelling through the Mediterranean Sea, as you have curbed the menace of irregular migration. Our youths are now being prepared for future with the use of technology,” he said.

“When Edo prospers, the nation will prosper; our artifacts are all over the world, our achievements are all over; this is what Alaghodaro is all about,” Odigie-Oyegun added.

 

 

Pro-Biafra activists under the aegis of Customary Government of Indigenous People of Biafra (CG-IPOB), have vowed to support Anambra State Governor-elect Chukwuma Soludo.

The group’s leader, Emeka Emekesiri, in a message yesterday, described Soludo’s emergence as a blessing to Ndigbo, noting that he was a man on a divine mission to emancipate the Igbo.

Emekesiri, a lawyer, who is also the chairman of the Governing Council of the pro-Biafra group, said the body believed in the struggle for self-determination by the rule of law, politics and diplomacy.

He said: “We’re delighted to congratulate Prof. Soludo on his victory at the polls.

“We saw it as a well-deserved victory. We would have been surprised if Soludo had not won the election with a very wide margin.”

“Indeed, the Igbo adage is true that “anya ma oka kara aka” (you know a ripe corn by its look). Most importantly, we give glory to the Lord God Almighty who made it possible and frustrated the evil schemers and enemies of progress.

”You came at the right time. Anambra State is the cradle and head of the Igbo nation. Your emergence as the executive governor of the state is a blessing to the Igbo. We see you as a man on a divine mission to emancipate our nation.

“You headed the committee that designed and produced the economic master plan for the development of the Southeast under Chief John Nwodo as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“The plan is still in the cooler. Now is the time to implement it and transform the Southeast into a regional bloc that can be described as a better Japan in Africa. For us to achieve this there must be peace in the whole of Southeast.

“By this election, you have become the Chief Security Officer of Anambra State with power to protect your region and make peace reign. We want the Anambra State election to be replicated in the whole of Southeast.

“We campaigned for your election and voted for you because you believe in our cause.

“Your Excellency, we pledge our support to your government and promise to work with you to achieve your mission and vision for the Igbo.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has said it has suspended its Publicity Secretary, Okelo Madukaife, for alleged anti-party activities.

But, in a quick reaction yesterday, Madukaife, told The Nation that no one suspended him.

He said: “No one suspended me. I am still discharging my duties effectively.”

Briefing reporters in Awka, the Anambra State Chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike, said the party suspended Madukaife since June.

He said the party decided to make it public as a result of what happened on Saturday, when he said the suspended spokesperson appeared on a national television and disparaged the party.

He said it was the decision of the APC, because, according to him, the party was embarrassed and felt disturbed , adding that it did not want to allow such to continue.

“Our attention has been drawn to statements on behalf of APC where he congratulated Prof Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on behalf of the APC.

“Madukaife was suspended since June, he has been suspended by the party as a result of anti-party activities and replaced by Nonso Chinwuba

“The party, therefore, called on the public to discontinue dealing with him on behalf of the APC and he has no right whatsoever to speak for the APC.”

On the November 6 governorship election, Ejidike said it was fraught with fraudulent activities, which, according to him, were witnessed by the people.

“We were all witnesses to what happened and APC cannot congratulate anybody or partake in such illegality

“As a law-abiding party, we’re still consulting on the next line of action on the called governorship election and when the time comes, we will talk about it.”

He said Senator Chris Ngige and Chief George Moghalu congratulated the APGA candidate based on the individual capacities and not on behalf of APC.

“They have right as individuals to do so, but not on behalf of APC. What we’ve given today (Sunday), is the official statement from the party

“We want to follow the due process in whatever thing we do concerning the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.”

Reacting further, Madukaife told The Nation that Ejidike was a stranger to the party.

He said there was a procedure for doing everything in an organised platform, adding that he would like to see the text from the party before his full reaction.