The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Foundation distributes relief materials in honour of Dr. Gloria Awobasivwe

    Foundation distributes relief materials in honour of Dr. Gloria Awobasivwe

    A non-governmental organisation, Aleeta Foundation, has distributed relief materials to less privileged individuals in Utako village, Daki Biyu, Jabi communities in FCT in honour of renowned wellness, fitness, nutrition and aromatherapy and weight loss consultant, Dr. Gloria Praise Awobasivwe for her 53rd birthday. 

    Aleeta Foundation and its volunteers embarked on the programme in advancement of the ideals the celebrant stands for and consistently promoted. 

    The items distributed include food, drinks and other items. Beneficiaries could not hide their gratitude as the echo of “happy birthday Dr. Gloria Praise” rented the air while they enjoyed their party jollof rice. 

    The founder of Aleeta Foundation, Dr. Gloria Praise Awobasivwe, is an author of several published books and a symbol of humanitarianism as she has touched and impacted many lives through her work and philanthropic activities. 

    Read Also: T200 Foundation feeds 11,000 downtrodden in Kano

    Some of the celebrant’s business interest includes, GoNature ltd, GoWellness ltd and the GOLiTe and GoLean brands. 

    She is an ordained pastor at Salem Family (Foundation Faith Church) and founding minister of Women With Anointing Ministry (WWAM) a training and empowerment place for women which has been in operation in the past 15 years. 

    Aleeta Foundation wished Dr. Gloria Praise Awobasivwe more of God’s love and protection as she continues to serve humanity.

  • Group passes vote of confidence on FERMA boss Agbasi

    Group passes vote of confidence on FERMA boss Agbasi

    The Concerned Nigerian Youth for Good Governance has commended the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Dr Emeka Agbasi for what it described as his exceptional performance in federal road maintenance.

    In a statement by Amb. Mahmud Abubakar, the convenr of civil society organisation in Abuja, said “just six months Dr. Emeka Agbasi assumed office he has demonstrated his expertise gained from the United Kingdom highway agency by significantly improving federal roads in Nigeria. Under his leadership, over 5,910.05 kilometers of federal roads have been effectively maintained, and 15,947.53 kilometers have been made motorable, benefiting commuters and transporters alike. Additionally, his efforts have created 25,051 skilled and unskilled jobs, contributing to economic growth.

    “The “Operation Connect Your Destination” initiative has notably improved the state of federal roads, easing travel for commuters and reducing traffic congestion. The National Assembly has recognized and praised Dr. Agbasi’s achievements, encouraging further initiatives such as “Connect to Your Farm” to support agriculture in the country.

    “He has shown his determination to move the Agency from a regime of reactive maintenance to a regime of preventive maintenance, and progress is being made as evidenced by the ministerial KPI reports 

    “With these impressive results, we express our confidence in Dr. Emeka Agbasi’s leadership at FERMA and urge all Nigerians to support his efforts for continued success. His dedication and commitment to improving federal roads will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the nation.”

  • Ebonyi lawmaker defects from LP to APC

    Ebonyi lawmaker defects from LP to APC

    A lawmaker at the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Chief Celestine Ogba (LP-Onicha East) has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ogba announced his defection at a ceremony in the state APC secretariat on Saturday in Abakalikii in the presence of party leaders.

    He said he was happy to go back to his roots having been a member of the party in the past.

    The lawmaker said that the APC was the largest political party in the country and Africa with great and influential personalities as members.

    “I am happy to join them in building blocks that would translate to mansions, delivering democratic dividends to the people.

    “What people say does not matter but ideologies which transform the lives of the people.

    “The state governor has shown that his administration is people-oriented which is embedded in the people’s charter of needs mantra,” he said.

    Read Also; I’m amused seeing those who said Asiwaju had no chance now gallivanting around him – Gbenga Daniel

    He said that his defection was in the overall interest of his constituency.

    “I should not be a clog in the wheels of progress as I want my people, party, and state to progress. I come from a politically volatile local government area which should make us eschew violence but lay claim to what is rightly due to us.

    “I defected with all Labour Party stakeholders in the constituency as the council has become one with the merger of political forces from the east and west constituencies,” he said.

    The state APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha commended Ogba for defecting to the party and described him as a big fish caught by the party.

    “When you go to the river for fishing, you will be happy to catch a big fish and that is what we have done. We are looking for the best brains to project the state to the apex of national discourse and enhance our people’s well-being.”

    “I have known Ogba for a long time and wished him success in the spirit despite contesting in the opposition,” he said.

    He said that the party was fortifying its fold and the people would realise the magnitude of work done, during future elections in the state.

    “It will be desirable to see our candidates returned unopposed during elections and realising such starts presently,” he said.

  • Ikwerre is Igbo, says ex-Ohaneze scribe

    Ikwerre is Igbo, says ex-Ohaneze scribe

    A former Secretary-General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dimm Uche Okwukwu has insisted that the Ikwerre ethnic nationality in Rivers State is part of the Igbo nation.

    Okwukwu in a statement in Port Harcourt, countered the position advanced by the Ikwerre socio-cultural group, the Iwhnurohna Progressive Organisation (IPO) that the Ikwerre is not Igbo.

    He said: “God created the Igbo of which the Ikwerre are a proud part, and the ethnic-cleansing re-creations by man since the civil war should come to a close. Ikwerre are neither ‘Igboid’, nearly, almost, related to, like, resembling or partly Igbo; the Ikwerre are Igbo, originally and entirely till eternity.

    “We understand that with the current prospect of a Rivers Igbo becoming the Ohanaeze President-General come January 2025, everything is in high gear in some circles to undermine this possibility of reuniting the Igbo, with one fifth columnist after another procured to vow non-Igboness of Igbo-speaking Rivers peoples, just in order to breach the Ohanaeze constitution and deny the Rivers Igbo the PG rotation.

    Read Also; Governance began only three months ago due to Rivers crisis – Fubara

    “Hence, of all Igbo groups, the re-assembling of efforts to restart de-Igbonizing those along the Igbo contiguity to the coast is quite understandable. But, those Ikwerre elements who derive pleasure in extracting the Ikwerre from their kith and kin should address or answer the following before the Ikwerre, Igbo, Nigeria, and the world.”

    Tracing the history of Ikwerre as Igbo, Okwukwu said: “We the Igbo, including the Ikwerre have related with Europeans at least since the 15the century and the interactions are well documented.

    “Those ‘we are not Igbo’ or “we are no more Igbo’ traitors and fifth columnists among us should show Nigerians and all the world, a single document, not even two or more, where the word ‘Ikwerre’ exists in the Igbo, Eastern, European or Nigerian lexicon or records before the early decades of the 20th century as a distinct ethnic group, race, unrelated to Igbo.

    “This sudden outburst is selfish only for economic and political ends. As late as 1957, Chief Joseph Wobo stated before the Henry Willink commission that ‘Ikwerre’ are Igbo and, from Port Harcourt to Onitsha is Igbo land. Based on evidence before it, the commission found that Ikwerre are Igbo.”

  • House Deputy spokesman Agbese appointed chairman Nigeria-Finland parliamentary group

    House Deputy spokesman Agbese appointed chairman Nigeria-Finland parliamentary group

    The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has been appointed as the Chairman, Nigeria-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group.  

    This was contained in a letter from the Office of the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas dated May 14th 2024. 

    Agbese heads a strong team of six parliamentarians from Nigeria that also includes Hon. Okere Tochukwu Chinedu (Imo) as deputy. 

    Others are Hon. Richard Olufemi (Ekiti); Hon. Ekpo Paul (Akwa Ibom); Hon. Akiba Bassey Ekpenyong (Cross Rivers); Hon. Saba Ahmed Adam (Kwara) and Hon. Fulata Abubakar Hassan (Jigawa) as members.

    The Speaker charged Agbese and his colleagues to enhance Nigeria’s legislative relationship with Finland in line with the 10th National Assembly Legislative Agenda.

    The member representing Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo thanked the Speaker for finding him worthy of another assignment and promised not to disappoint.

    “I am deeply honoured to have been selected for this prestigious role and am excited to work towards strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” he said. 

    “I am committed to dedicating my time, energy, and expertise to lead the group effectively and ensure its objectives are achieved. 

    “I look forward to working closely with my colleagues from both Nigeria and Finland to promote cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and parliamentary diplomacy.

    “I am eager to explore opportunities for collaboration in areas such as education, innovation, and sustainable development, and to facilitate dialogue and understanding between our nations.

    “ I am confident that our joint efforts will yield fruitful results and contribute to the prosperity of both Nigeria and Finland.”

    Agbese was only recently elected Rapporteur, Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs at the Pan-African Parliament.

  • Ebonyi council poll: APC pegs chairmanship form at N25m

    Ebonyi council poll: APC pegs chairmanship form at N25m

    The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has pegged the forms for local government chairmanship election at N25 million and that of councillor at N210,000.

    The party’s chairman in the state, Stanley Emegha, announced this in a statement in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    He said the Expression of Interest form for the chairmanship position will cost N5 million while the Nomination Form will cost N20 million.

    Emegha said the party had put everything in place to make sure the party comes out victorious in the election, adding that APC has performed well and won the people’s hearts.

    The party’s secretariat has been hosting many aspirants who have been trooping to buy the forms for the election slated to hold on July 20.

    Read Also; Nigeria gains additional maritime territory

    Also, APC leaders and other stakeholders in Edda Local Government Area have said they had adopted Chima Ekumankama as their only candidate for the forthcoming local government poll in the state.

    They announced the adoption during a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Senator Soni Ogbuoji at Ebunwana Civic Centre at Edda.

    The APC chieftains said Ekumankama did well in his first tenure and deserves a second term to complete the projects he started.

    They noted that giving him another term would also enable him to consolidate on his achievements, taking into cognisance his pragmatic, visionary, and purposeful leadership.

    They said these virtues accounted for the peace and rapid transformation in Edda.

    The motion for the adoption of a second term bid for Ekumankama was moved by the Chief Whip and member representing Edda West in Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Nkemka Onuma, and was seconded by Stephen Igwe, representing Edda East State Constituency, before the adoption by all the stakeholders.

  • Enugu indigenes in Diaspora reject grazing bill

    Enugu indigenes in Diaspora reject grazing bill

    Enugu indigenes in Diaspora under the auspices of Concerned Patriotic Enugu Indigenes In Diaspora (CPEIID) have rejected the alleged secret passing of grazing bill by the House of Assembly.

    They asked Governor Peter Mbah and the Speaker to reverse the bill within 72 hours of receiving the letter.

    They warned that should the ultimatum be ignored, they will be forced to consider all peaceful and legal means to protect the interests of the state and the communities, including organised protests, legal actions and the exploration of other avenues..

    The open letter was titled: “Condemnation of the Secretly passed grazing bill and demand for Immediate reversal”.

    The letter dated May 11, 2024 by the group leader and 12 other members of the group reads in part: “We, the undersigned, are writing to express our deep concern and strong condemnation of the secretly passed grazing bill by the Enugu State House of Assembly. This bill, which was passed without public input or debate, allows for the establishment of grazing lands by The Enugu State Government for AK 47 riffles carrying terrorist herders, which has far-reaching and devastating implications for our communities and state.

    “The secret passage of this bill is a clear violation of our rights as citizens of Enugu State and a betrayal of the trust we have placed in our elected representatives. It is a clear example of the government’s failure to prioritize the needs and interests of its people.

    “The implications of this bill are severe and far-reaching. It will lead to the continuous massacre of our people, displacement of our people, the destruction of our crops and properties, and the continuous erosion of our cultural heritage.

    “It will also continue to perpetuate the criminal activities of Fulani herdsmen, who have consistently shown disregard for the law and the rights of our indigenous people and communities.

    “We believe that the bill will have numerous negative implications, including, increased instances of violence and insecurity, particularly concerning the ongoing attacks by criminal Fulani herdsmen in our different communities, displacement of indigenous communities and the subsequent loss of livelihoods, culture, and heritage.

    “Including escalation of tensions between communities and external groups, undermining the social fabric of our state, and the potential for exacerbating environmental degradation and negative impact to agricultural activities and further endangering our food security.

    “We have seen the negative implications of similar ranches in Benue State, Plateau State, Kaduna State, and other Nigerian States, where thousands of indigenous communities have been displaced and forced into IDP camps, without being protected by the security forces.

    “The experiences of these states serve as a stark warning of the dangers of allowing foreign herdsmen to take over our lands and displace our people. We cannot allow Enugu State to suffer the same fate.

    “Therefore, we demand that the Enugu State House of Assembly takes immediate action to reverse the secretly passed grazing bill and prioritize the well-being and prosperity of the people of Enugu State, take immediate action to compensate Enugu indigenous communities for their crop damages (Worth trillions of dollars) suffered due to the activities of Fulani criminal Fulani herdsmen and terrorist organization, and ensure that the government works to protect the rights and interests of its citizens, rather than prioritizing the interests of external groups.

    “When viewed from statistical point of view and reference the Federal Bureau of statistic (NBS) Federal republic of Nigeria 2019, Land Area of Nigeria by State, the Fulani and Northern Nigeria comprises 19 states, which are: Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and FCT (Abuja).

    “According to the data provided by the National Bureau of Statistics, the total land area of the 19 northern states is approximately 786,372 square kilometers

    “On the other hand, Southeast Nigeria consists only of 5 states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The total land area of these 5 southeastern states is around 29,483 square kilometers

    Read Also: Fed Govt to reform, restructure NYSC scheme, says minister

    “Comparing the two regions; Northern Nigeria has a land area of 786,372 square kilometers. Southeast Nigeria has a land area of 29,483 square kilometers.

    “Therefore, the land area of Northern Nigeria is significantly larger than that of Southeast Nigeria by approximately 26 times.

    “Given the significant difference in land area between the two regions, it is clear that Northern Nigeria possesses ample land to accommodate grazing reserves without infringing on the rights and resources of South-East communities.

    “We implore you to listen to the voices of the people of Enugu State, who resolutely oppose this bill.

    “We also call on all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens, to join us in condemning this bill and demanding that our government works for their people, not against them.

    “We also implore Governor Mbah to charge the security agencies to live up to expectations and protect Enugu communities from the mass destruction perpetrated by Fulani terrorist herdsmen. The security agencies have a responsibility to safeguard the lives and properties of Enugu citizens and a responsible state government is expected hold them accountable for their actions or inactions for criminalities by the Terrorist Fulani herdsmen in our dear state.

    “As an expression of the urgency and gravity of this matter, we request the immediate reversal of this bill within 72 hours of receiving this letter. Should this ultimatum be ignored, we will be forced to consider all peaceful and legal means available to protect the interests of our communities, including organized protests, legal action, and the exploration of other avenues to voice our collective dissent.

    “Rest assured, we will not sit idly while our rights and interests are trampled upon. We will resist this bill through every legal and peaceful means available to us”.

  • Take another look at killings, insecurity in southeast, Igbo women beg FG

    Take another look at killings, insecurity in southeast, Igbo women beg FG

    Igbo women under the auspices of the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) have cried out over the continued killings and attacks in Igbo communities by armed hoodlums under the cover of herdsmen and other criminal elements.

    The women, who lamented that many women have been rendered windows by the attacks in the region, appealed to the federal government to take another look at the killings and insecurity in the Southeast.

    The president of IWA, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, who spoke to journalists, in Enugu, said it beats their imagination that with the numerous checkpoints across the Southeast region manned by various security agencies, insecurity and killings persist.

    While urging the security operatives to step up their game or allow the people to protect themselves, she said the women were worried at the rate at which Igbo youths are killed by state actors, who tag them IPOB/ESN members to justify the killings.

    She said a situation where security operatives invade and attack innocent Igbo communities over attacks on them by unknown hoodlums should be stopped.

    Read Also: How Sule is tackling insecurity in Nasarawa

    “The same way you don’t invade communities when Boko Haram terrorists strike should be the ideal thing because these villagers are equally victims of the hoodlums”, she said.

    Chimezie also frowned at tagging all Igbo youths IPOB members just to arrest or kill them, alleging that such action seems like a plot to wipe out the youths and destroy the Southeast region.

    “We want the world to hear our voice over the killings in Igbo land. We are pained over the rate at which our children are being killed. The rate at which our youths are being killed is alarming, tagging them as IPOB members. Youths have deserted many Igbo communities.

    “I am from Orlu in Imo State, more than 500 youths have been killed there, many communities in Orlu have been deserted, and you cannot see youths in some communities.

    “Any little thing, security agencies drafted to protect the people would turn their guns against the people they are asked to protect. We ask if they came to protect us or to kill us. Are we under siege? There are so many checkpoints, yet insecurity persists. How do we explain it?

    “Do we take late General Sani Abacha’s theory that in any insurgency that lasts more than a day, the government is involved?

    “From Orlu to Ihiala, the once bubbling communities, the people have deserted many of these communities. The Federal Government should genuinely look into the insecurity in the region and check the security operatives posted to the southeast.

    “Herdsmen will attack people or community, the security agencies will not go after them. They are not hiding, why are they not being arrested? Soldiers or police don’t invade the forest and arrest them.

    “We are no longer comfortable with the killings of Igbo youths. Ohanaeze and other Igbo leaders should rise to defend Igbo land. The killings should stop immediately, if not, we will be wiped out. Igbo are diminishing every day.”

  • Edo 2024: LP to inaugurate campaign council today

    Edo 2024: LP to inaugurate campaign council today

    The Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council in Edo State will be inaugurated today ahead of the September 21 election.

    Chairman Kelly Ogbaloi said the inauguration will hold at the party’s secretariat in Benin, and will be led by Rev. Sam Omede as the Director-General, and Dr. Ehikioya Agboga as Deputy Director-General.

    Other members of the council are Senator Ned Imasuen (Edo South), Esosa Iyawe and Murphy Omoruyi, who represent Oredo and Egor/Ikpoba-Okha constituencies in the House of Representatives.

    Ogbaloi said: “In preparation for the governorship election, we have meticulously selected individuals of impeccable character to lead the state campaign council and local government campaign committees, for the victory for Barr. Olumide Akpata.”

    Read Also; Nigeria is a complex country, but not difficult to rule – Obasanjo

    The chairman, who condemned last Thursday’s invasion of the party’s state secretariat led by the Youth Leader Ken Omusi, said Omusi has been suspended for anti-party activities.

    He announced Dan Ero from Oredo Local Government Area as Omusi’s replacement.

    Ogbaloi also said the State Working Committee (SWC) has lifted the suspension earlier slammed on some members of the party, while also pleading with party members to leverage on the voter registration exercise to expand the base of voters and ensure broader participation in the electoral process.

  • Ujah calls for unity, peaceful co-existence, development

    Ujah calls for unity, peaceful co-existence, development

    Omolara Akintoye 

    The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences (FUSHO) Prof Innocent Ujah has called for unity and oneness for the corporate existence and development of the country.

    The VC spoke during the conferment of a chieftaincy title of Nwannedinma 1 in Ezeleke, Umuahia South Local Government in Abia State on him.

    Ujah, who appreciated Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma, the Ezeukwu Ezeleke Autonomous Community for his visionary leadership, described it as transformational, insisting “this is not in Idoma land, not Benue State, not even in Enugu State that is closer to us, but in Abia State. And again, it is good to keep relationship , we need to open up because we are all human beings and one Nigeria”.

    Ujah, who noted that prior to his recognition by royal majesty, Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma and traditional council, he had no personal contact, ” but through interaction with other processes, they decided that I deserve to be honoured. I have resisted this for a long time, but the way this one has been celebrated because is about the belief that I deserve and I really appreciate”.

    Read Also: Ogun community moves against alleged imposition of monarch

    According to him, there was a great lesson to be learnt for the friendship across border lines because of the tribalistic, nepotistic attitudes make it difficult for us to trust one another,” but this an attestation done that we are still one.

    Performing the ceremony, His Royal Majesty, Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma, Ezeukwu Ezeleke, Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State, who made the passionate appeal during the chieftaincy investiture of Prof Ujah in his Palace corroborated the position of Prof. Ujah, stressing that Nigeria would be stronger and better if Nigerians were united as one put together by God.

    While confirming Prof Ujah as the Nwanndinamba 1 of Ezeleke Autonomous Community Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State,, HRM stated that Prof Innocent Ujah was honoured for his contributions to the growth and development of education and humanity in Nigeria.

    According to the monarch, Ujah is a true Nigerian,,’ he is a detribalized Nigerian who has gone beyond religion, ethnicity and other primordial sentiments”

    He explained that Ujah’s as records prove have not only contributed immensely to the development of medical profession in Nigeria, but equally to the development of humanity irrespective of the divide which according to him is what Nigeria need.

    Speaking further, the traditional ruler informed that “We are happy we discovered him because of his contributions on medical education and human capital development in Nigeria and in our community here in Abia State. So we decided to honour him with a Chieftaincy title of Nwannedinamba 1 of Ezeleke Autonomous Community, Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State because we have equally befitted from his large heart”.

    He explained further that Ezeleke Autonomous Community traditional council recognizes people based on their sound track records and antecedents expectations that they will do more tomorrow.