The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • FCT Budget: Wike commended for rebuilding trust, confidence in public officials under Tinubu

    FCT Budget: Wike commended for rebuilding trust, confidence in public officials under Tinubu

    The Concerned Young Leaders Forum has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike for revitaliding trust and confidence in public officials under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

    In a statement by Dr. James Titus Uzah, the group said the House of Representatives’ passage of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N288 billion demonstrates Wike’s commitment to infrastructure development and internal revenue generation.

    The Green Chamber passed the supplementary appropriation bill for a third reading on Thursday, after Muktar Betara, chairman of the House Committee on FCT, presented a report.

    Betara asked his colleagues to approve the budget, saying there were critical projects that need to be completed within a short timeframe.

    Uzah said the allocation of 89.21% of the supplementary revenue to capital projects will stimulate economic growth and improve residents’ quality of life.

    The Concerned Young Leaders Forum also applauded Wike’s vision, adding that it aligns with their values, and his dedication to restoring the Abuja Master Plan.

    Uzah said Wike’s collaborative approach with stakeholders ensured swift passage of the supplementary budget, facilitating the timely execution of critical projects.

    Read Also: Wike knocks contractor over delays on road project

    He added that his leadership extends beyond infrastructure development, instilling confidence in the FCT administration through transparency and accountability.

    The group also commended Rt. Hon. Betara for for his outstanding role in steering the supplementary appropriation bill through the House of Representatives. 

    Uzah said Betara’s leadership and collaboration with colleagues demonstrate his ability to drive progress and achieve result. 

    “The Concerned Young Leaders Forum warmly commends the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, for his tireless efforts in rebuilding trust and confidence in public officials under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement said. 

    “The recent passage of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N288 billion is a testament to Minister Wike’s commitment to infrastructure development and internal revenue generation in the FCT.

    “This supplementary budget will undoubtedly revitalize the FCT’s lost glory over the past eight years. The allocation of 89.21% of the proposed supplementary revenue to capital projects demonstrates Wike’s focus on infrastructure development, a move that will stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.

    “Wike’s efforts in internal revenue generation is a model for other government appointees to follow. This attests to Wike’s innovative approach to revenue generation, which has yielded significant results.

    “The Concerned Young Leaders Forum applauds Wike’s vision for the FCT, which aligns with our forum’s values. His dedication to restoring the Abuja Master Plan is evident in his short, medium, and long-term plans, which will reposition the FCT among the world’s top capitals.

    “We are impressed by Minister Wike’s ability to work harmoniously with stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to achieve his developmental goals. This collaborative approach has facilitated the swift passage of the supplementary budget, ensuring timely execution of critical projects.

    “The impact of Minister Wike’s leadership extends beyond infrastructure development. His commitment to transparency and accountability has instilled confidence in the FCT administration. 

    “As young leaders, we recognize the importance of visionary leadership in driving national progress. Minister Wike’s achievements demonstrate that effective governance can transform lives and communities. We pledge our support for initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and progress in the FCT.

    “The Concerned Young Leaders Forum believes that Wike’s achievements will have a lasting impact on the FCT. His legacy will serve as a benchmark for future administrators, inspiring them to strive for excellence.

    “As we celebrate Wike’s accomplishments, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. We urge him to remain focused on his developmental goals, ensuring that the FCT becomes a model for sustainable development and good governance.”

    The Forum urged other public officials to emulate Wike’s exemplary leadership and commitment to development, recognizing visionary leadership’s impact on national progress.

  • Yahaya Bello: Anti-corruption group accuses EFCC of selective Justice, witch-hunting

    Yahaya Bello: Anti-corruption group accuses EFCC of selective Justice, witch-hunting

    The Save Nigeria Coalition, a renowned anti-corruption group, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its handling of the prosecution of former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello. 

    The group alleged that the EFCC’s actions are a “shameful outing” and a “media trial” that suggests a predetermined outcome.

    Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dr. Felicia Eneh Daniel, its Country Director, said the EFCC’s failure to detain Bello after he voluntarily presented himself for questioning raises questions about the agency’s intentions. 

    The coalition also slammed the EFCC for allegedly writing “barefaced lies” and making “irreconcilable blunders” in its attempt to prosecute Bello.

    It questioned the EFCC’s selective prosecution, citing cases against Senator Danjuma Goje, former Governors Abdullahi Adamu and Samuel Ortom that have not been pursued.

    Daniel said: “There is nowhere in the civilized world where a law enforcement agency will allow a wanted man who voluntarily presented himself to its operational headquarters and spend four gruelling hours with operatives of the agency to go without immediately detaining the person and asking critical questions that will enable swift and thorough prosecution of such suspects. 

    Read Also: ‘Yahaya Bello not afraid of facing trial’

    “The actions of the EFCC last week when Yahaya Bello, whom the agency had previously declared wanted and invited even the Interpol to assist in bringing to justice, voluntarily presented himself for questioning and prosecution, in line with the extant laws, suggests that what the agency wants is beyond legal prosecution of Yahaya Bello and that there is a hidden agenda that the EFCC and its handlers are yet to lead Nigerians into. 

    “It is appalling that the anti graft agency will now resort to writing  barefaced lies and making up irreconcilable blunders in its desperate attempt to nail Yahaya Bello on the media and destroy a man who has not been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction despite having legal representation, as allowed by the law, in all the hearings. 

    “It is also intriguing that the EFCC will attempt to play on the sensibilities of Nigerians that the agency has no sacred cows and will spare no one in it’s efforts to rid the country and its institutions of financial improprieties. “

    Daniel demanded answers to several critical questions, including why the N5 billion case against Senator Danjuma Goje was withdrawn and why the EFCC hasn’t prosecuted former Governor Samuel Ortom despite corruption allegations.

    “Why did the anti graft agency accede to the withdrawal of the N5billion case against former governor of Gombe state, Senator Danjuma Goje? We were all in this country when FG suddenly withdrew its case against Senator Danjuma Goje from the court.

    “Why has the EFCC not prosecuted former governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state despite the monumental corruption allegations against him and the willingness of the present Benue government to assist the anti-graft agency to unearth the endemic corruption that took place in the state during the Ortom government?

    “We can go on and on as a group that has dedicated years of its existence into tracking corruption cases under the radar of the EFCC.”

    The coalition called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the EFCC follows due process, warning that selective prosecution will undermine the country’s democratic credentials. 

    It urged Nigerians to stand up for the rule of law and demand accountability from the EFCC.

    Daniel added: “We call on Mr. President to intervene and call the EFCC to order as this unacceptable act of singling out a perceived political enemy for persecution, if allowed, will become a big dent to his tall democratic credentials. 

    “While we do not hold briefs for anybody, our group takes seriously, cases of corruption and believes in imbibing international best practices in making leaders accountable for their actions. The current kill-him-at-all-cost strategy by the EFCC in this current case involving Yahaya Bello is crude and unknown to our laws.”

  • ‘Okpebholo knows masses’ yearnings’

    ‘Okpebholo knows masses’ yearnings’

    A former member of the House of Representatives and ex- governorship aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Omosede Igbinedion, has said Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were grassroots politicians who knew the yearnings of the masses.

    Igbinedion, in a congratulatory message to Senator Okpebholo, following his victory in the September 21 governorship election, said the mandate was divine and represented the will of the people.

    Read Also: FG disburses second payments to one million Nigerians

    The former lawmaker recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), thereby breaking away from her traditional PDP family lineage, to support Okpebholo and Idahosa.

    Igbinedion expressed joy that the ‘Ovia Agenda’ she pushed for had finally come to fruition.

    She said the two legislators, from rural backgrounds, would best pilot the affairs of the state.

    According to her, “Senator Okpebholo’s victory is a testament to his humility, effort, respect and commitment to the people of Edo State.’’

  • Ogui Nike communities beg Gov Mbah to stop ESHDC alleged encroachment at Aguowor

    Ogui Nike communities beg Gov Mbah to stop ESHDC alleged encroachment at Aguowor

    The Ogui Nike and Umunevo Ogui Nike Communities of Enugu North local government have pleaded with Governor Peter Mbah to cancel the purported acquisition of their land at Agwowor for sale to the public by the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC).

    Enugu township Communities said that they do not have any other land, even to bury their dead, because they have give all their land for the development of the Eastern Nigeria capital city.

    The Ogui Nike communities said that they were more worried because the State Government agency despite its knowledge that the disputed land is a subject of litigation in the Enugu State high Court, went ahead to encroach on the land.

    In an open letter to Governor Mbah titled “Take over of our communal Land by Enugu State Housing Development Corporation,” the federated Communities through the President General of Ogui Nike, Ifesinachi Alum and the Vice President General of Umunevo Ogui Nike Community, Onyinye Nwankwoani, said: “We are the representatives of the people of Ogui Nike and Umunevo Ogui Nike Communities both of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    “We had on two previous occasions written Your Excellency on the above subject matter, the first letter was received by your office on the 5th of August, 2024 while the 2nd letter was received on the 13th of September, 2024.

    “Since both letters have not gotten the required attention, coupled with the fact that the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation are currently defacing the subject matter and selling same to the unsuspecting members of the public, we decided to use this medium, taking into cognizance, that, Your Excellency, may not have seen the earlier letters.

    “While we acknowledge the good work which Your Excellency is doing all over the state, you have also shown us good faith when you flagged off the construction of Enugu Township roads on our Aguowor land, and true to your word, the road was completed and commissioned in record time with street lights. However, we must inform Your Excellency of the actions of certain government agencies capable of tarnishing the image of this administration.

    “The immediate past administration led by Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi forcefully took over our land known as Aguowor Land which has from time immemorial, been the communal land of the people of Ogui Nike and Umunevo Ogui Nike. We have over the years exercised various acts of ownership and possession over the said land. We have made three registered layouts over the area, namely; Owor River Layout, Premier Layout and Premier Layout Extension, with a very large area of land still not parcellated.

    “It is on record that Ogui Nike and Umunevo Ogui Nike, more than any other community, have contributed its vast land to and for the development of Enugu capital, to wit, Ogui Township, Asata, Part of Uwani, Part of G.R.A, Coal Camp, Independence Layout, and Part of Independence Layout Phase 2.

    “Upon the said forceful take over of our land by the immediate past administration and the demolition of our houses, we filed suit number E/555/21 between PAUL ANIKE & ORS V GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE & ORS, upon service of the suit on the immediate past administration, they stayed all actions concerning the land.

    “But to our uttermost chagrin, the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, irrespective of the fact, that this administration is led by Lawyers, brazenly entered and started selling to the public, for as much as, N55,000,000.00 (Fifty Five Million) Naira and named it COAL CITY EASTERN EXTENSION ESTATE ALLIANCE, ENUGU, irrespective of the pending suit over the subject matter.

    Read Also: Mbah describes Enugu council poll peaceful

    “The action of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation negates the concept of Rule of Law and is capable of ridiculing everything your administration stands for and also constitutes a mockery of the Judiciary.

    “We do not question the powers of a State Governor to acquire land but the acquisition should be in line with the law and done for overriding public interest. Finally, our people having lost more than 80% of our communal land to successive governments’ acquisitions, no longer have land anywhere to erect our houses or to even bury our dead.

    “We therefore, as your people who are proud of what you have achieved within just 15 months in office, request that you cancel the purported acquisition in the interest of justice, or in the alternative, direct the government agencies involved to stay all actions pending the conclusion of the suit.”

  • Poll: Oba of Benin leads in prayer

    Poll: Oba of Benin leads in prayer

    Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, is leading Edo State residents in two weeks prayer and fasting to appreciate God for the peaceful conduct of the September 21 governorship election and for warding off evil from the state.

    The first-class monarch and Governor Godwin Obaseki have been at loggerheads over the appropriate place to keep the looted artefacts being returned to Benin from European countries, with the Oba of Benin preferring that the artefacts be kept at the Benin Royal Museum, opposite his palace.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s cycle of cruelty

    Obaseki demolished the over 100-year-old Central Hospital on Sapele Road, Benin and replaced it with Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), which was later changed to Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Edo, but Federal Government’s gazette gave the custody of the artefacts to the foremost traditional ruler.

    Oba of Benin yesterday said he and all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom, as well as other Edo indigenes and non-indigenes living in the state and in the diaspora would take part in the fasting and prayer, beginning from today and ending on October 9, between 6am and 6pm.

  • ‘Ikwerre a distinct ethnic nation’

    ‘Ikwerre a distinct ethnic nation’

    The Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State is a distinct ethnic group, who are not Igbo, President of Iwhnurohna Progressive Organisation (IPO), Dr Okachikwu Dibia said yesterday.

    According to him cultural affinity is not a determinant of what an ethnic group, but verifiable piece of history and the innate character of a man speak for his ancestral affinity, Dr Dibia spoke yesterday at a news conference.

    He chided a former Secretary-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Uche Okwukwu for threatening to deal ruthlessly with the Ikwerre if they continue to reject the Igbo tag.

    He called the attention of Inspector-general of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and all other national and international security agencies to the threat of extermination of the Ikwerre people by Okwukwu, who he quoted to have said: “Ikwerre land is the Igbo tongue to the sea and any attempt to excise it out of Igbo land will be resisted with the sword.”

    Read Also: Nigeria’s cycle of cruelty

    He urged Ohaneze to recognise the need to change its antagonistic attitude towards Ikwerre and respect Ikwerre as a distinct ethnic nation, instead of insulting Ikwerre through claims that provoke and promote disaffection between the Ikwerre and Igbo.

    He added: “Ikwerre history has been well written and documented. Ikwerre is not Igbo. Ohaneze should know that it is only a handful of Aro people who were allowed to settle in Ikwerre that can trace their origin to Igboland. Therefore, it is very wrong, preposterous and unacceptable for anyone to say that Ikwerre is Igbo. Henceforth, such offensive, insulting, abusive and insensitive hate-claim should not be uttered by Ohaneze or any other group or individuals from any part of humanity. Iwhnurohna will not tolerate it anymore.”

    Dibia said while the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality strongly believes in one Nigeria; to realise this unity, it is important for the different composite ethnic groups to enjoy full self-determination.

    The organisation called on Ohaneze to maintain good neighbourliness instead of angling and making subtle desperate moves for unification for a political entity they will dominate and control.

    He pointed out that “domination breeds suspicion, suspicion breeds lack of trust which in turn breeds agitation for freedom. Hence, it is very agonising to successfully build a nation or state based on domination.”

  • Imo LG poll: Election didn’t hold in Aboh Mbaise, APGA’s Amuchie alleges

    Imo LG poll: Election didn’t hold in Aboh Mbaise, APGA’s Amuchie alleges

    The standard-bearer of the All Progressive People Alliance (APGA) Peter Otuechere Amuchie, has reacted to the just-concluded Imo local government election.

    The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) had hinted elections may not hold in Onuimo, Okigwe and Orsu local government areas due to insecurity.

    Reacting to the conduct of Saturday’s poll, the APGA chairmanship candidate alleged no election was conducted in Aboh Mbaise local government area.

    Amuchie said: “There was no election in Aboh Mbaise, as far as Aboh People are concerned.”

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    Continuing, he explained that neither election material nor any ad-hoc officer of ISIEC was spotted in any of the polling units across the local government.

    “As at 8:00am, up till 8pm on Saturday, the 21st day of September 2024, no election material was spotted in any of the polling units in Aboh Mbaise.

    “No Ad-hoc officer was on ground, no list of Ad hoc officers was published. We went round the polling units in Aboh Mbaise and couldn’t spot any electoral officer or materials.

    “This is a display of shame, negligence to the rule of law and the people, undemocratic, a slap on the face of Mbaise stakeholders and Imo state at large. We, as the people, must stand up against tyranny and uphold democracy,” Amuchie stated.

  • Re: Of formidable Eagle and paper tiger, a reply to Aminu

    Re: Of formidable Eagle and paper tiger, a reply to Aminu

    By Shahada Umar

    The article by one Nasir Aminu entitled: “A Formidable Eagle or a Paper Tiger,” exposes the dangers of a single narrative. But it’s obvious, from the start, that it was deliberate. I have seen many such tainted pieces; smarter ones even try to disguise their motives from the beginning. But not this one.

    In the article, the fellow, supposedly a teacher in Economics and Finance with an interest in ethics, had one agenda: to feed the dangerous narrative that the leadership of certain institutions in the country is the prerogative of one section. Nonsense! 

    Invoking the nostalgia of the Nuhu Ribadu days and the current trial of former governor Yahaya Bello were among the convenient distractions.

    But he didn’t need to hide in plain sight. His scandalous attempt to stretch a weak narrative betrayed his sinister motive. 

    It is not the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, who has invited the drama in former Governor Yahaya Bello’s case. I thought Aminu should know that. The governor, in a desperate attempt to avoid accountability at all costs by manipulating public perception, is responsible. I’m sorry for the Kogi people.

    The incident of September 18, which Aminu pretends to be the basis of his article – and not his jaundiced view – was one of the series of well-scripted shenanigans executed by Bello, without shame and possibly with the collusion of fifth columnists, to undermine the former Governor’s trial. 

    He has been charged, since April, with 19 counts of financial misconduct, including conspiring to divert public funds for personal gain. If he had any respect for the people of Kogi who elected him, he would have long submitted himself to court to answer these grave charges.

    Read Also: Long, hard road to tackling drug abuse in Nigeria

    The EFCC, I believe, is determined to follow through with Bello’s trial. It does not need to be Aminu’s or anyone else’s tiger to do its job. The commission has recovered over N150 billion and secured over 2000 convictions in the last year. It cannot progress if it cherry-picks from Aminu, whose ethnic agenda and intention to instigate resentment in the commission are apparent but whose vested interests we don’t yet know.

    It is shocking that a teacher who should have called out Bello’s disgraceful conduct at the premises of the EFCC is using the disgusting drama to advance his ethnic agenda at the commission and stir trouble within.

    Alhaji Shahada Umar, Northern Region Coordinator of the GLOBAL PEACE MOVEMENT INTERNATIONAL (UK), writes from Kaduna State

  • Community lauds Nwifuru on peace

    Community lauds Nwifuru on peace

    The people of Umunnato in Owutu Autonomous Community in Edda Local government area of Ebonyi State have hailed Governor Francis Nwifuru for restoring peace and security to the local government area.

    They said this in an address at the thanksgiving ceremony of their son, Ogbonnaya Nkama Ude who was appointed as a Member of the Management Committee in the council.

    The community noted that before the coming of the Nwifuru administration, Edda was becoming notorious for various acts of violence and insecurity leading to killing and maiming of innocent residents ​

    “But now we can sleep with our two eyes closed. Our sons and daughters, who have out of fear refused to come back home now regularly visit to celebrate and be with us”, they said.

    They noted that with the appointment of an Edda son, Okenwa Ụkah as the Special Assistant on Security to the governor for Ebonyi South zone the community has become relatively peaceful. 

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    Praising the governor for the appointment of Mr Ude, the people urged the governor to also look into some areas of need in the community, which included: electricity,job creation, functional secondary school, amongst others. 

    The celebrant, Mr Nkama Ude who distributed wrappers and other items to the women at the event pledged to work with government at all levels to bring more development to the people. 

    Also speaking, the SA on Security, Ebonyi South Zone, Mr Okenwa Ụka noted that the community has become too large and deserves to be made an autonomous community. 

    He pledged to join hands with other leaders to make case for the creation of an additional autonomous community in the area. 

    He used the opportunity to donate two motorcycles to two members of the community whose motorcycles were recently confiscated by a high ranking local government official. 

    He urged the people to continue supporting the government of Governor Francis Nwifuru. Ends

  • CSOs demand investigation into Dangote refinery, NNPCL dispute

    CSOs demand investigation into Dangote refinery, NNPCL dispute

    A coalition of civil society organisations under the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), has raised concerns over the escalating tensions between Dangote Refinery Ltd (DRL) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).

     The dispute, which has become a subject of public controversy, centres on allegations and counter-allegations about the pricing and supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    Nigerians had hoped that the refinery’s operations would end the era of fuel scarcity and reduce the pump price of petrol. 

    However, recent events have cast a shadow over these expectations.

    The coalition referenced a series of press releases from DRL and NNPCL that have fueled public confusion. 

    On September 15, 2024, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer of DRL, accused  NNPCL of disseminating “misleading and mischievous” information about the price at which it was purchasing PMS from the refinery. 

    Chiejina urged Nigerians to disregard the NNPCL’s claims and await a formal pricing announcement from the government-appointed Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales.

    The following day, NNPCL’s Chief Group Communication Officer, Olufemi Soneye, responded with a press release stating that PMS prices are not set by the government but are negotiated between parties. 

    Soneye confirmed that NNPCL was paying DRL in USD for the September 2024 offtake, emphasising that any price dispute could potentially lead to a discount that would benefit the public.

     He also provided estimated pump prices of PMS across NNPCL retail stations, further complicating the narrative.

    Read Also: We aren’t aware of other petrol importers apart from NNPCL, says NMDPRA

    The NCSCN described these developments as “weighty allegations and counter-allegations that cannot be swept under the carpet.”

     The coalition called for an independent inquiry into the matter and raised several critical questions about DRL’s operations, including why the refinery appears to be negotiating PMS prices with NNPCL in a deregulated market and why other petroleum marketers seem reluctant to buy from DRL.

    Blessing A. Akinlosotu, Executive Director of NCSCN, emphasised the urgency of the situation.

    He stated: “We demand Dangote Refinery Ltd to immediately address these issues and provide clear answers to the Nigerian people. This is not just about business; it’s about national interest and the well-being of millions of Nigerians who are already burdened by economic challenges.”