The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Crisis: Court bars Agballah, nine others from parading as Enugu APC exco

    Crisis: Court bars Agballah, nine others from parading as Enugu APC exco

    A High Court sitting in Enugu State has granted an injunction preventing Barr Ugochukwu Agballah from parading as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State.

    The order obtained by our correspondent on Friday was signed by J. I. Agu, Esq, Deputy Chief Registrar 1.

    Also barred from parading as officials of the party are: the Deputy Chairman, Chief Augustine Alumonah, Mr. Jude Chinedu Aniogbo, Mr. Moses Emeka Eze, Barr. Sunday Ugwoke, Mr. Ugwu Christian Kanayo, Mr. Eze Chidiebere Johnson, Queen Charles, Onyekachi T. Ezeagu, Comrade Idoko Chikadibia.

    Agballah was penultimate week suspended as the state chairman of the APC, by the state executive council of the party.

    He was suspended alongside three other executive members of the party in the state: Chief Augustine Alumonah (State Deputy Chairman); Mr Jude Aniogbo (State Treasurer) and Mr Emeka Eze (State Organizing Secretary). They were accused of abusing their offices.

    Read Also: Court bars Agballah, nine others from parading as Enugu APC exco

    However, the suit, NO: E/548/2024, filed before Hon. Justice C.V.C. Ezeugwu, has Nwafor Alphonsus Onyeachonam, Acting State Chairman, APC, Enugu State Chapter, Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Peter Chime, State Youth Leader, Mr. Uba Uthman Onah (Chairman Forum Of L.G Chairmen and Comrade Samuel Okonkwo, (Chairman Forum Of L.G Secretaries) listed as plaintiffs/applicants.

    They sued for themselves and on behalf of the APC State Executive Committee members in Enugu State.

    The court document said, “UPON an application by Motion Ex-parte brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 24); Order 38 Rules 1, 2 and 4(a); Order 7 Rule 5; and Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the High Court Rules of Enugu State, 2020; Sections 6 and 36 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended); supported by a 46-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, and filed at the High Court Registry, Enugu on 2nd day of August, 2024; seeking an Order for Interim Injunction and Substituted Service.

  • Nigeria Wikimedia community inaugurates policy team

    Nigeria Wikimedia community inaugurates policy team

    The Nigeria Wikimedia Community Public Policy Advocacy Team has held its inaugural meeting to kick start its Public Policy Advocacy initiatives aimed at envisioning and engaging in social change in public policies and human rights, enhancing a friendly internet environment for open knowledge.

    The group comprises of representatives of Nigeria Wikimedia affiliates, public policy experts and community members and participants.

     Present at the meeting are Olaniyan Olushola (Group coordinator); Olatunde Isaac ( Wikimedia UG Nigeria); Dr. Nkem Osuigwe ( African Library & Information Associations & Institutions ); Tochi Precious ( Igbo Wikimedians User Group); Ammar Abdulhamid ( Hausa Wikimedians User Group); Mikaeel Adeshina, Kayode Yussuf ( Wikimedia UG Nigeria); Ceslauce Ogbonaya ( Igbo Wikimedians User Group); Levi Kambali ( Tyap Wikimedians User Group); and Rhoda James ( Secretary).

    Read Also: Wikimedia UG Nigeria marks International Mother Tongue Day

    The campaign is to create awareness through workshops, seminars, and public talks and raise awareness about the open knowledge principles.

    In its policy advocacy, the group engages policymakers at local, state, and federal levels to advocate for legislation and policies that promote open access to government data, research publications, and educational resources as well as capacity-building workshops

  • FG warns contractors over delay on Enugu-Onitsha road project

    FG warns contractors over delay on Enugu-Onitsha road project

    The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to contractors handling the dualization of the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road, citing dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work. 

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi said the project must align with the Renewed Hope administration’s policies on infrastructure development, particularly concerning project speed, quality, and the comfort of road users.

    Umahi gave the directive in Abuja on Thursday 8th August 2024 during a meeting with the management of MTN Nigeria, the funder of road construction under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, representatives of the Enugu State Government, and the two contractors handling the project, Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Ltd and Nigercat Ltd.

    The Minister, who maintained that the delays in the project were not due to funding issues but rather a lack of execution on the part of the contractors, expressed disappointment over the current condition of the road and criticized the contractors for their lack of commitment and insensitivity to the plight of road users.

    Read Also: FG warns contractors over delays in Enugu-Onitsha road project

    He said, “The MTN has engaged the subcontractors, two subcontractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd. The first time I supervised that project, I discovered that the Nigercat section where we have a binder course had failed. 

    “I directed that the binder course must be scarified and reinstated, and I knew it was inherited. I want to believe that it has been done.

    “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It’s one of the worst roads in this country. 

    “Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and the Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points. 

    “So, by the reason of the launching of our ‘Operation Free our Roads,’ it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.” 

    Umahi recounted a recent inspection of the road alongside the Governor of Enugu State, where they witnessed firsthand the severe traffic congestion and discomfort faced by road users, particularly at the Abakpa section, where RCC Ltd had blocked off part of the road to lay binder, forcing all traffic onto a poorly maintained single carriageway. 

    “I have continued to say that Nigerians should not be suffering while contractors are building roads for our people. It does not happen in any other country, the way it happens in Nigeria. 

    “The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on. 

    “Most of the time, contractors bring very serious nuisances, hardships, and pains to the public, and they don’t care.”

  • ANSIEC tasked on credible council polls to develop communities in Anambra

    ANSIEC tasked on credible council polls to develop communities in Anambra

    The newly inaugurated Board Members of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) have been tasked to ensure a credible local government electoral process to drive sustainable socioeconomic and infrastructure development of local communities in the state.

    President, Princeton Leadership Forum Africa, Dr. Prince Chibuike Echem, gave the charge in a statement made available to reporters in Abuja on Friday.

    Echem, who is also the Founder, Okenwa Ogbuka Foundation, said the upcoming local government elections in the state represent a significant moment in our state’s democratic journey.

    He said governance at the local level is fundamental to sustainable democracy and inclusive socioeconomic and infrastructure development of Anambra State.

    Read Also: Anambra election: Princeton President, Dr Echem, tasks ANSIEC board on credible LG polls

    He said the integrity of the elections would shape the future of public service and political leadership recruitment at the local levels, improve the quality of governance outcomes, and impact the lives of residents in Anambra State through the local government administration, which is the closest government to the people.

    Echem urged the Chairman and Commissioners of ANSIEC to approach the sacred duties of their solemn mandate with unwavering commitment, diligence and dedication to high standards of public service excellence.

  • Abia begins clearing of destitute from streets

    Abia begins clearing of destitute from streets

    Abia State government has announced the decision of the administration of the state to sanitise streets of major towns in the state of destitute.

    The action which started in Aba South Local Government Area of the state saw the local government chairman, Hon. Uchechukwu Wogu leading a team from the LGA to include his deputy, Mrs. Nkiru Ugwu; Immigration officers, led by Okoronkwo Jessy; and officers from Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), evacuating destitute who have converted the popular Bata junction, along the Aba-Owerri road as their enclave.

    The state government had stated its commitment to restoring sanity on Abia roads and reducing the menace of unnecessary obstruction in the environment caused by street beggars.

    Read Also: Otti, others splashes ₦52.5m on Abia Warriors 

    Investigations by our correspondent revealed that some people who posed as destitute in the daytime around Azikiwe, Ehi Road and some parts of Aba Main Park, turned to become hoodlums at night as they attacked, dispossessed other unsuspecting residents of their belongings.

    During the last administration of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State government had raised the alarm over the surge of beggars in the state, alleging that some persons that they couldn’t disclose their identity, from neighbouring states were using their trucks to bring and dump the destitute in the state, especially, within the Opobo Junction area of Ogbor Hill, Aba.

  • Ohanaeze leadership crisis worsens

    Ohanaeze leadership crisis worsens

    • Youths shut out acting leader

    Crisis has erupted in the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as the youth wing of the organization on Friday barred the acting leader of the group, Amb. Okey Emuchay,  from the national headquarters of Ohanaeze in Enugu.

    Emuchay who was the Secretary General of Ohanaeze, assumed the position of acting President General, following the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, penultimate week.

    But the youths’ declaration followed a statement issued by the national leadership of Ohanaeze, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, which declared the acting youth leader of the organization, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu a “persona non grata, fraudster and impostor.”

    In the said statement issued last Wednesday, Ohanaeze also referenced a directive contained in a letter by Ambassador Emuchay, which asked Okpalaezeukwu, on July 24, 2024, to relinquish his current position and revert to his former position as the secretary of the youth body.

    The statement also expressed worry over what it described as the unruly, unscrupulous, despicable, odious, and sacrilegious conduct of Okpalaezeukwu at the national headquarters of Ohanaeze after he was relieved of the position as acting national youth leader.

    Read Also: Two Ohanaeze leaders claim ‘acting President General’

    But, in a communiquê read out to newsmen on Friday after its national executive council meeting at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo secretariat in Enugu, the youth wing described the parent body’s statement as an insult to the entire Igbo youth.

    In the communiquê, read by the publicity secretary, Chika Adiele and endorsed by 23 of the 24-member NEC, the youths passed a vote of confidence on Okpalaezeukwu and reaffirmed their solidarity and support for him.

    They insisted that “Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu remains the acting national youth leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as unanimously elected by the National Executive Committee(NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, ratified and confirmed by both the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by President General, and Ime Obi Ohanaeze Ndigbo( the Highest Decision Making Body as recognised by the Constitution); and this Authority subsists until an elected Youth Leader of Ebonyi State Extraction emerges. 

    “We bemoan the reckless statement of a supposedly elder in the person of Mazi Alex Ogbonnia, who ordinarily should rein in on Okey Emuchay, to accord our dearest departed father and hero(Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu) a befitting honour and reverence, before the tussle of usurping and exercising the powers of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    “Emuchay in this instance, is in a frolic of his own, chasing personal vendetta. The NEC never met to take any of the alleged decisions in his write up. In fact, Alex was not present in the quoted meeting as he was said to have traveled to America and it is from there that he wrote based on hearsay.

    “The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo lacks the powers to remove and/or replace any executive officer; therefore Emuchay’s attempt to unilaterally remove the acting National Youth Leader- Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu.”

    While declaring Emuchay as an enemy in the house, the youths in turn declared him “persona non grata, and therefore bar him from entering the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, henceforth.”

  • Anambra election: Princeton President, Dr Echem, tasks ANSIEC board on credible LG polls

    Anambra election: Princeton President, Dr Echem, tasks ANSIEC board on credible LG polls

    The President of Princeton Leadership Forum Africa, Dr. Prince Chibuike Echem, has urged the newly inaugurated Board Members of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) to ensure  credible local government electoral process to drive sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development of local communities in the State.

    Echem, also the founder of  Okenwa Ogbunka Foundation,  made the call in a statement on Thursday.

    Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Tuesday  inaugurated the board of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, with Genevieve Osakwe as the chairman.

    The inauguration, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, came after 10 years since the last local government election was conducted in the state.

    Terms of reference of the commission include to organize, undertake and supervise all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the local government councils in the state.

    According to Dr Echem, an illustrious son of Anambra state, the forthcoming local Government polls in state represents a significant milestone in its democratic journey and therefore should be conducted with utmost regard for tenets of democracy.

    While congratulating the board members, he expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on their mandate and   charged them to render sterling service with integrity in line with the vision of the state governor.

    Read Also: Otti, Soludo, Diri ask youths to heed Tinubu’s call for dialogue

    “On behalf of my family and Global Members of the Okenwa Ogbunka Foundation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new Board of the ANSIEC. Your appointment underscores a testament to your professional credentials and commitment to high ethical standards for public service and an accountable democratic process.

    “As you embark on this pivotal role, it is important to state the responsibilities ahead of the commission. The upcoming local Government elections represent a significant moment in our state’s democratic journey.

    “The integrity of these elections will shape the future of public service and political leadership recruitment at the local levels, improve the quality of governance outcomes, and impact the lives of residents in Anambra State through the local government administration, which is the closest government to the people.

    “Accordingly, I urge the Chairman and Honourable Commissioners of ANSIEC to approach the sacred duties of their solemn mandate with unwavering commitment, diligence and dedication to high standards of public service excellence. The principles of inclusivity, electoral integrity, transparency, accountability, and credibility must be the cornerstones of your operations.

    He addded that, “Governance at the local level is fundamental to our sustainable democracy and inclusive socioeconomic and infrastructure development of Anambra State. As the primary political leadership recruitment and inclusive grassroots governance gateway, the local government administration provides the much-needed platform where the needs and voices of Ndi Anambra are directly addressed, and where the principles of good governance are exemplified.

    According to  Echem, “By ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process, you contribute not only to the health of our democracy but also to the strength and progress of our communities.

    He added that ; “Together, let us work towards deepening the quality of governance at the local governments for the purposeful development of all Ndi Anambra. When Anambra LGAs develop, Anambra State as a whole Develops. Let’s Do It Together!”

  • Simon Okeke Jr. inspires youths, unveils solar-powered estate

    Simon Okeke Jr. inspires youths, unveils solar-powered estate

    At the 20th UIU Umu Igbo Unite National Convention, Simon Okeke Jr., a notable Nigerian-American entrepreneur,  real estate developer and former SSA on Foreign Direct Investment to the former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano, delivered an insightful speech that resonated with many Nigerians in the diaspora. 

    Okeke shared his entrepreneurial journey and introduced his vision for the future of real estate in Nigeria.

    Okeke, the Founder and CEO of LoadzPro, a tech startup supported by JP Morgan and Techstars, and Chairman and CEO of Simon Mortgage Group, spoke about his experiences in the tech and real estate sectors. 

    He highlighted the launch of Dreamland Luxury Estates, a venture aimed at developing 24/7 solar-powered estates and smart homes in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra State.

    “Our aim is to provide affordable luxury housing with flexible payment and mortgage plans similar to those in the United States,” Okeke explained. “We have partnered with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Civil Service Society Organizations to make homeownership more accessible.”

    Okeke also discussed opportunities for Nigerians to own homes in the U.S. through foreign national mortgage programs. “These programs require minimal down payments, making it easier for Nigerians to own homes in the U.S.,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘Solar plant will reduce imports on energy solutions’

    Okeke announced the launch of Dreamland Luxury Estates’ new website, which will facilitate global access to homes and luxury apartments in Nigeria. “We are committed to ensuring the same level of safety and security standards as those in the U.S.,” he noted.

    In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Okeke has a background in consulting for Fortune 500 companies such as Deloitte, Adecco, Google, and Red Hat (an IBM subsidiary). He has served as a Special Advisor on Foreign Direct Investment to former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and as a board member of a state government investment agency. Okeke has also contributed as a Special Advisor to a UN Ambassador.

    Educated at Georgetown University with a Master’s in Management, Okeke is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and investment opportunities in Nigeria. “Empowering individuals and communities to build sustainable wealth is at the core of my mission,” he stated.

    Okeke’s leadership and vision have positioned him as a significant figure in both local and international business and political landscapes. His speech at the UIU Umu Igbo Unite National Convention has inspired many within the Nigerian diaspora community.

  • Anambra targets lowest position for under-5 mortality rate

    Anambra targets lowest position for under-5 mortality rate

    Wife of Anambra state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Tuesday, August 6, said the state was committed to moving from its present second spot as the state with the lowest number of Under-5 mortality to the first position.

    Soludo’s wife stated this in Awka during the launch of Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre.

    She expressed confidence that the state would maintain the spot for as long as it takes.

    She also pledged the readiness of her pet project, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo to ensure children of the state were saved from the threats of diseases aggravated by poor nutrition.

    Acknowledging prevalent protein deficiency among Nigerian children caused by accessibility, availability, and affordability of food items, including protein sources, the governor’s wife assured closure of such gaps through the provision of all-round, effective intervention for homes and communities.

    She described nutrition as life and remained top of the six pillars of her programme as every other pillar depended on it to exist.

    She said: “The idea behind this journey is to rescue our children with special nutritional needs. Ours is only a complementary step that supports existing strategic government policies.

    “In the medium term, we want to move from our present second spot as the state with the lowest number of Under-5 mortality to the first position and maintain the spot for as long as it takes. We are very close.

    “In driving a commitment that thinks inclusiveness, we want to ensure that our children are saved from the threats of diseases aggravated by poor nutrition.

    “Aware of the prevalent protein deficiency among children in Nigeria caused by accessibility, availability and affordability of food items, including protein sources, we want to close the gap by providing all-round, effective intervention for homes and communities.

    “The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number three captures our idea most succinctly.

    While insisting that the pap is not only free but strictly for children with special nutritional needs, Soludo revealed that local government areas with a high population of children with malnutrition would be major focal points.

    Read Also: Igwe tussle: Anambra community seeks govt, police intervention

    “We have carefully created a seamless distribution pattern for this product across the twenty-one local government areas of Anambra State.

    “Every local government will have a known referral centre where this meal can be accessed.

    “Each referral centre will develop a database that feeds our central database with information about collection, monitoring, and progress.

    “Every child who is on the meal will be consistently monitored to ascertain their recovery progress. Records must be kept up to date to help us evaluate cases and results.

    “I, therefore, appeal to those in whose care we are leaving this product to understand its purpose and always stick to that.”

  • Ex-Imo deputy gov urges promoters of hunger protest, youth to accept Tinubu’s olive branch

    Ex-Imo deputy gov urges promoters of hunger protest, youth to accept Tinubu’s olive branch

    The former deputy governor of Imo state, Prince Eze Madumere, has called on the promoters of the hunger protest and Nigerian youths to embrace peace and tranquillity as their voice resonated unequivocally across the country. 

    Prince Madumere encouraged them to accept the olive branch extended by President Bola Tinubu in his broadcast, which called for mutual dialogue, aimed at finding lasting solutions to their various demands.

    The former deputy governor made this known while addressing newsmen in Owerri, the capital of Imo state on Monday, August 5.

     Madumere highlighted that it is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war, and advised the Federal Government to open up seamless channels of communication with the promoters of the hunger protest.

    He said: “In every democratic dispensation,  the citizens enjoy the right to protest civilly and once your voice resonates and the authorities listen to your grievances, the next line of action is to call off your protest and enter into mutually beneficial deliberations, laced up with Unity  of purpose for  sustainable development of  society.”

     He said: “I urge the youths and promoters of the hunger protest to embrace peace, and dialogue with the federal government and President Tinubu as a listening father, will see reasons to accede to your demands.

    Read Also: Protests: Tinubu not wholly responsible for Nigeria’s economic woes – PDP Chieftain

    “I call on the President to take steps and reach out to the youths, organisers of the protest and the populace, as the father of the nation.”

    Prince Madumere commended the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma and the Southeast governors for rallying around the youths and stakeholders to halt the protest in the zone.   

    He challenged stakeholders, and party faithful in the country to come together and rebuild the country. “We must all brace up to the challenges of rebuilding and refocusing the country for the interest of society.”

    The former deputy governor commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones and asked God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Read Also: ‘Tinubu will make Nigeria great again’

    Speaking in respect of the comment in certain quarters urging the Igbo to leave Lagos state, Prince Madumere stressed that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside anywhere of his choice in the country.

    He commended President Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor Uzodimma, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their swift intervention.

    “Nigeria is one united entity and Igbos are peace-loving people. You have the constitutional right to reside anywhere of your choice and do legitimate business. No one has the right to pursue you from residing anywhere in the country.”

     Prince Madumere enjoined elder statesmen, critical stakeholders and captains of industries to bring their wealth of experience and support President Tinubu on how to navigate through this scenario.

     “All stakeholders must come together, and advice the FG as their wealth of knowledge will go a long way in scaling through this situation, the time to speak up is now.”