The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Lawyers storm Supreme Court for Yahaya Bello, hit EFCC

    Lawyers storm Supreme Court for Yahaya Bello, hit EFCC

    No fewer than 500 legal practitioners on Monday stormed the Supreme Court to condemn what they described as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) “illegal” approach against former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello. 

    In a statement by its co-convener S.K Alewu, the group lamented the EFCC’s attempt to arrest the former governor despite being served a valid court order that restrains it from doing so. 

    Alewu said not only has Bello’s fundamental rights been breached, the judiciary has also become willing tools in the hands of enemies of our rule of law.

    The lawyers urged the Judicial Council of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu to call the EFCC to order to stop further abuse and disobedience of court orders. 

    He said: “It has become pertinent again that we address well-meaning Nigerians on the current attacks on the Judiciary by the very institutions created by law to enforce and guarantee the sanctity of our judicial processes. 

    “As young lawyers, we envisage a judiciary where justice is not only done but also seen to be manifestly done. It is in our patriotic quest to always pursue ventures that guarantee an independent judiciary that dispenses justice without fear nor Favour that we formed this civil society of lawyers. 

    “We are therefore perturbed that desperate politicians and corrupt elements in our polity are working very assiduously to bring the judiciary that sacrificed its all to guard its jurisdiction jealously under the military regime to public odium and opprobrium. 

    “It is more worrisome that even the very institutions that are created by law to enforce our laws have become willing tools in the hands of enemies of our rule of law and the judiciary to harangue our judges and bring the justice system to public ridicule. 

    “The current case between the EFCC and Gov. Yahaya is the most heinous of such instances. It is sickening that the commission will move to lay siege and even attempt to arrest the former governor of Kogi state despite being served a valid court order that restrains them from doing so and without vacating the said order. 

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Anti-corruption CSOs condemn unjust application of state power

    “The events of the past few days is capable of eroding the many gains and national acclaim the commission recorded and enjoys from majority of Nigerians who sees the establishment of the commission as the greatest intervention to the endemic corruption that has rocked our public service and government institutions since the return of Nigeria to democracy in 1999.

    “The only succour is that the current president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a leader who gave his all to sustain our democracy. The President, at a point, became a victim of political with-hunt.

    “We have submitted petitions to the Nigerian Judicial Council and Mr. President asking that they use their good offices to call the EFCC to order and stop any form abuse and disobedience of court orders.

    Yahaya Bello
  • Empowering economic growth: The impact of Dr. Doris Anite, minister of trade and investment

    Empowering economic growth: The impact of Dr. Doris Anite, minister of trade and investment

    By Wole Arisekola

    In the dynamic landscape of economic development, leaders who champion innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and attract investments play a pivotal role in driving growth and prosperity.

    One such leader is Dr. Doris Anite, whose tenure as the Honorable Minister of Trade and Investment has been marked by remarkable achievements and transformative initiatives aimed at propelling her country’s economy forward.

    Background and Early Career:

    Dr. Doris Anite’s journey to becoming the Minister of Trade and Investment is marked by a dedication to public service and a commitment to fostering economic development. With a background in economics and a passion for policy-making, Dr. Anite embarked on a career focused on addressing the challenges facing her country’s economy. Her early experiences in various roles within the public sector equipped her with the expertise and insights necessary to tackle complex issues and drive meaningful change.

    Appointment as Minister of Trade and Investment under the renewed Hope of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

     Dr. Doris Anite wasted no time in outlining her vision for promoting trade, attracting investments, and creating opportunities for economic growth. Recognizing the importance of a conducive business environment, she pledged to implement policies and initiatives aimed at removing barriers to trade, streamlining regulations, and enhancing the competitiveness of local industries.

    Key Initiatives and Policies:

    Under Dr. Anite’s leadership, a series of key initiatives and policies have been rolled out to stimulate economic activity and attract investments. These include the establishment of special economic zones, the implementation of targeted incentive programs for investors, and the facilitation of trade agreements with strategic partners. Through these efforts, Dr. Anite has sought to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and expand their operations.

    Promoting Entrepreneurship and Local Businesses:

    Central to Dr. Anite’s approach is the promotion of entrepreneurship and the empowerment of local businesses. Recognizing that SMEs are the backbone of the economy, she has spearheaded initiatives to provide support, training, and access to financing for aspiring entrepreneurs. By nurturing a culture of innovation and enterprise, Dr. Anite aims to unlock the full potential of her country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and drive inclusive economic growth.

    Attracting Foreign Investments:

    Dr. Anite’s efforts to attract foreign investments have been instrumental in diversifying the economy and creating new opportunities for growth. Through targeted marketing campaigns, investment forums, and strategic partnerships with international organizations, she has successfully attracted investments across key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. These investments not only bring in much-needed capital but also transfer knowledge and expertise, driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness.

    Creating Opportunities for Economic Growth:

    The impact of Dr. Doris Anite’s initiatives is evident in the tangible outcomes they have produced. Economic indicators such as GDP growth, job creation, and export volumes have all shown positive trends under her leadership. Through her proactive approach to economic policymaking and her relentless focus on implementation, Dr. Anite has laid the foundation for sustained economic growth and prosperity.

    Challenges and Obstacles:

    Of course, Dr. Anite’s journey has not been without its challenges. The road to economic transformation is often fraught with obstacles, including bureaucratic red tape, infrastructure deficits, and global economic uncertainties. However, Dr. Anite’s resilience, determination, and innovative thinking have enabled her to navigate these challenges effectively, turning them into opportunities for progress and growth.

    Recognition and Awards:

    Dr. Doris Anite’s tireless efforts and significant contributions to economic development have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized both domestically and internationally for her leadership and vision, receiving accolades and awards for her achievements in promoting trade and investment, empowering entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth.

    In conclusion, Dr. Doris Anite’s tenure as the Minister of Trade and Investment has been characterized by bold leadership, innovative policymaking, and tangible results. Through her unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for all, she has left an indelible mark on her country’s economy and set the stage for a prosperous future.

    As she continues to chart the course towards greater prosperity, Dr. Anite serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of visionary leadership in driving sustainable development and inclusive growth.

    Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.

  • Chinese construction firm completes dualisation of 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road

    Chinese construction firm completes dualisation of 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road

    China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Nigeria Limited has completed the expansion of the 5.4km Abuja-Keffi expressway and dualisation of the 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road projects.

    The construction company said the roads were now under a concessionary phase of maintenance that would last 25 years.

    Project Manager, Li Qiang Qiang, said this during a tour of the roads in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    The $42,144,047.29 project, co-funded by the Federal Government and the China Export and Import (EXIM) Bank Limited was divided into phases to ease implementation.

    Phase I involved the dualisation of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road, with Phase II including the dualisation of the Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-Enugu road.

    The construction company has already commenced work on Phase II, with contractors and equipment mobilised to site.

    He told journalists that the company went through a lot of challenges during the construction phase in order to ensure that the project was delivered within the contractual time frame.

    Read Also: A global community of shared future: The Chinese examples

    Qiang said: “For a project of this magnitude, we are happy that we delivered within time frame, meeting our contractual obligation to the Federal Government of Nigeria irrespective of challenges. The project was signed in April 2019 and that was the year we had a global shutdown as a result of Covid-19. This was a major drawback to the smooth take-off of the project. There were land acquisition and right of way issues; we had to relocate power lines and water pipes. There were difficulties, but we are happy that we were able to overcome all of them and still deliver this road within four years, thereby meeting our contractual obligation.

     “You can see the quality of the road. Before now it took more than nine hours to drive from Abuja to Makurdi but now it takes just about four and half hours. That’s a remarkable improvement. 

    The project manager noted that CHEC has now entered a concessionary phase of maintenance of the road infrastructure.

    “Under this concessionary phase, China Habour is charged with the maintenance of the road for the next twenty five years. The road would be one of the best in the country, that I can assure you,” he said.

  • Edo 2024: Ighodalo meets Oyegun,Igbinedion, other Edo South political leaders

    Edo 2024: Ighodalo meets Oyegun,Igbinedion, other Edo South political leaders

    In continuation of his state-wide consultations and visitations ahead of the official commencement of campaigns for the governorship election in Edo State come September, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Asue Ighodalo, has met with top political leaders from Edo South Senatorial District of the state.

    The meeting, which was kept under close wraps, saw the PDP gubernatorial hopeful meeting with who is who in the political arena in the area during the week. 

    A source familiar with the meeting which was held behind closed door, confided in our reporter that two former governors of the state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, including Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Harrison Omangbon and Larry Ogieva were among the prominent leaders who met Ighodalo.

    The source, which confessed not to know the agenda of the meeting or resolutions or agreements reached, however, insisted that going by the countenance of the hosts and the guest after the meeting, he was sure something positive must have been wrapped up for the former boardroom guru.

    Read Also: Ighodalo to PDP leaders: let’s strategise to defeat APC’s Okpebholo

    “From the smiles on their faces, the banters and all, I don’t think anything negative or adverse happened. It must have been a good and successful outing for the governorship candidate.

    “I think I saw Chief Oyegun, Chief Igbinedion, Senator Uzamere, Chief Omangbon, Chief Ogieva and the Deputy Governorship candidate, Osarodion Ogie. You know he is very strong politically in Edo South Senatorial District. These are the leaders I know. There are so many others anyway, who also attended the meeting,” the source stated.

    Ighodalo has been relentless in his consultations and visits to critical stakeholders across the state in the last two months. Last weekend, he was at Uromi where he was endorsed by the Okpebholo family in Edo Central.

    He had earlier visited Edo North, where he interacted with a range of high profile personalities.

  • 2024: PDP chieftain drums support for LG chair’s re-election

    2024: PDP chieftain drums support for LG chair’s re-election

    Chief Jimmy Obiewho, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Isoko South, has made a passionate appeal to the PDP leadership and stakeholders to lend their support to Sir Victor Asasa’s bid for re-election in the upcoming Local Government election.

    In a statement, Chief Jimmy Obiewho emphasized that Asasa is deserving of the PDP’s backing, citing his exceptional performance and exemplary representation during his previous term in office.

    He praised Asasa for his unprecedented achievements, which have significantly benefited the Isoko South LGA community.

    Obiewho described Asasa as a dynamic, visionary leader who truly cares about the welfare of Isoko South residents. He highlighted Asasa’s positive impact on the LGA during his tenure as chairman, underscoring his dedication to serving the local community.

    He further stated that as a member of the party and a native of the land, he can attest to the people-oriented programs implemented by Asasa during his administration, which are evident to all residents in the Local Government Area (LGA).

    He listed some of the projects successfully carried out by the Asasa administration, including the provision of solar-powered inverter lights and systems to power the administrative block, as well as all departments and buildings within the local government secretariat. 

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new Board for NAICOM

    Additionally, the cost-effective projects overseen by the chairman involved the installation of solar-powered street lights in all the rural communities within the LGA. 

    Other achievements encompass the renovation of the previously deteriorated Oleh lock-up market stalls, the construction and refurbishment of healthcare centers along with the provision of medical supplies and equipment, periodic free medical treatments for the underprivileged in selected communities, donation of primary school study desks to pupils in numerous communities, and various other initiatives.

    He expressed the opinion that reelecting Asasa for a second term as the Isoko South LGA chairman would be a prudent decision, both for the people and for our esteemed Party, PDP, at the local government level. 

    He highlighted that his projects are practical, verifiable, and beneficial to the common man. “It is time to move away from mediocrity. We also commend his determination and dedication to his duties. 

    “The tangible benefits of democracy are becoming evident, and we are not easily misled. We take pride in his leadership and strongly support his reelection as the elected chairman of the local government council.”

    When asked if he agrees with the chairman’s return as a leader, he responded with a resounding yes. He promptly reminded the leaders and stakeholders not to backtrack on the previous agreement to support each elected chairman from every constituency for a second term. 

    This agreement should be upheld and respected regardless of any potential disagreements. “We must progress together as a community,” he concluded, sharing his sincere opinion.

  • Ministers, monarchs in attendance as Amaseikumor festival ends

    Ministers, monarchs in attendance as Amaseikumor festival ends

    The much-anticipated 2024 Amaseikumor festival came to an end, Wednesday at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Delta state and home to former Niger Delta freedom fighter, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo .

    The weeklong feast which saw a beehive of cultural activities at the riverine Ijaw community had top politicians, traditional rulers and captains of industries in attendance.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the senator representing Delta South, Joel Onowakpo, third-term member of the House of Representatives, representing Burutu federal constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi; the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor; and the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, were among government functionaries at the event.

    Traditional rulers drawn from the north, southwest and other parts of the Niger Delta, graced the ceremony, giving a royal flair to the event. The host monarch, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, led the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and several others to a civic reception.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new Board for NAICOM

    Amaseikumor festival is a yearly cleansing ritual and one of the ancient traditional celebrations of the Gbaramatu people, gained more prominence with the leadership of Tompolo.

    The annual festival was heralded by several events including a football tournament, wrestling, boat regatta, tug-of-war, dance troupes, live music and other cultural entertainment.

    The grand entrance of the historic Amaseikumor Masquerade at the Pere Pavilion during the grand finale was the climax of the weeklong feast which began on April 12.

    Catching glimpses of Tompolo as he performed traditional rites was another delight to dignitaries and spectators who had come to witness the festival from far and near.

    Tompolo, a name now synonymous with the fight against crude oil theft in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is a notable traditionalist and the Chief Priest of the Egbesu deity, the god of war.

    Noting that Amaseikumor is a peace deity, the Pere of Gbaramatu explained that the significance of the festival is that at the end of the celebrations, his people begin to enjoy peace both within and outside the kingdom.

    Speaking on the sidelines, the Ooni of Ife identified festival celebrations as unifiers.

    According to him, “Clearly, festivals of diverse cultures and traditions like this are the only unifier of who we are, the unifier of our people; it is the essence of different diverse cultures and traditions across the entire country. It should be noted that from the commencement of the festival on April 12, the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation provided free medical checks and treatment to over a 1,000 residents of Gbaramatu kingdom in Oporoza town.”

    The Fiyewei (spokesperson) of Gbaramatu kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, while appreciating dignitaries and guests for gracing the event said “this year’s Amaseikumor festival is a restoration of the acceptable rich African cultural heritage.”

  • Ogbia-Nembe Road ready for inauguration, says NDDC

    Ogbia-Nembe Road ready for inauguration, says NDDC

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has confirmed that the completed 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, which it executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) is ready for inauguration.

    Speaking during an inspection tour of the road with seven bridges, 53 culverts and linking 14 communities, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir. Victor Antai said that the commission had opened discussions with the main contractor, SETRACO, to undertake some minor repairs on the road in preparation for the inauguration.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new Board for NAICOM

    A statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said Antai, was accompanied by NDDC directors and engineers.

    Antai said that the project was not only a flagship of intervention in the Niger Delta, but also a model of development partnership between the commission and international oil companies in the region.

    He said that the current NDDC board and management would not relent in ensuring the completion and inauguration of legacy projects meant to transform the entire Niger Delta region.

    He said: “The Ogbia-Nembe Road demonstrates the emphasis we place on high quality job delivery. This is the standard we will maintain for all our road projects. Going forward, we want to extend this to all our projects.”

  • Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife ‘hero of Igboland’

    Ohanaeze proclaims Ezeife ‘hero of Igboland’

    • Soludo, Nwodo,Obi, Ngige eulogize him

    Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr.  Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who will be buried today (Saturday) in his Igboukwu country home of Anambra State, has been proclaimed ‘hero of Igboland’ by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    This was announced Friday at the International Convention Center ICC, in Awka, Anambra State by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    It was during the state commendation service of the late octogenarian, led by the state Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

    Ezeife, who retired as a Federal permanent secretary and  ruled Anambra State in 1992, was honoured Friday by the present and past governors of the state.

    Though, he died an old man, the commendation service evoked emotions from Soludo; former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo; Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji; and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP Mr. Peter Obi.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new Board for NAICOM

    Addressing the mammoth crowd at the ICC, Iwuanyanwu, who described Ezeife as a great Nigerian, said that Ohanaeze had resolved to award him the ‘hero of Igbo.’

    He said anyone that served Igbo land very well would automatically be the property of Igboland, while commending Soludo for always supporting Ohanaeze.

    “Today, Ohanaeze proclaim Ezeife,’ hero of Igboland’, ” Iwuanyanwu said.

    For Dr.  Okwesilieze Nwodo, who was the chairman of the burial committee, “We decided to give him an extraordinary burial because of what he stood for and to encourage other leaders in Igboland to do like him.”

    Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji, in an emotion-laden voice, said, “Our father was the voice of Igbo.”

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo, failed to hold back tears, describing the late elder statesman as his mentor.

    He further insisted that Ezeife would be buried according to the Anambra burial law, adding that after the commendation Friday, the burial would terminate on Saturday, saying that he left a legacy that would be difficult to match.

     It is very emotional after almost two years, “we’ve buried two former Governors. Ezeife was indeed, a true Nigerian.

    “He lived for many causes that will help us build a better society,” Soludo said.

    Presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi, said Ezeife lived for justice, was a fair Nigerian, and a Nigerian that lived for all.

    In her eulogy, the first female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba, first, thanked Soludo for bringing out money for such a state burial for Ezeife, adding that some other persons would not have provided such support.

    The crowd was in a frenzy because they knew the reference point.

    However, she said Ezeife loved everyone, an activist who had a listening ear, adding that Okwadike signified a lot of things, noting that he fought for Igboland and made friends throughout the country.

  • APC chieftain Cairo Ojuogboh buried in Delta

    APC chieftain Cairo Ojuogboh buried in Delta

    It was a tearful farewell, yesterday, as Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Cairo Ojuogboh was, yesterday, buried in his home town, Alihame, Ika South LGA in Delta state.

    Dr Ojuogboh was laid to rest at 12.57 p.m.

    He was 64 years old.

    There was a twelve canon salute in his honour shortly after his interment.

    Dr Cairo who was a traditional Chief in Ika land was installed Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom in

    The event witnessed a large gathering of political associates, family members and sympathisers who thronged his residence to pay their last respects.

    A funeral mass was held at St John Baptist Catholic church in Agbor, Agbor Obi in Ika South LGA.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new Board for NAICOM

    The officiating priest, Very Reverend Father Dr Charles Uganwa extolled the virtues of the late politician, describing him as a man who impacted his community, state and Nigeria.

    He admonished politicians to put the interest of the people over personal goals, adding that the late politician’s life was worthy of emulation.

    He said, “Dr Cairo Ojuogboh lived an impactful life. He is a man of the people whose life is worthy of emulation. He touched Alihame, Ika land and Nigeria as a whole.”

    He said despite sixty four years of nationhood, Nigerians are still grappling with abject poverty and the lack of basic amenities.

    Dignitaries at the occasion included Delta Governor Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, ex-Governors Ifeanyi Okowa, Ali Modu Sheriff, former Petroleum Minister, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Chairman Board, Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie and ex- Speaker, Delta state House of Assembly, Mr Victor Ochei.

    The late politician reportedly slumped while watching the quarter final match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana, the South African male team at the recently concluded 2024 African Nations Football Tournament hosted by Ivory Coast.

  • Eleme monarch loses wife

    Eleme monarch loses wife

    Wife of HRM King Appolus Chu Oneh-eh Nchia X, Queen Emereowi Njideka Appolus Chu, has passed on at 52.

    She died on April 11 at Vedic Hospital, Lekki, Lagos after a brief illness, according to a family source.

    It was a sad day for the people of Ogale Nchia, Eleme Kingdom and the entire Eleme LGA at large.

    Read Also: Chrisland: Court to rule on admissibility of evidence May 2

    Her demise has brought immense sadness to the people of her immediate Okori community, Ogale Nchia and Eleme Kingdom at large.

    Born on April 6th, 1972 in Aba City, Abia State, Queen Emereowi Njideka Appolus Chu was known for her wisdom and dedication to the welfare of her people and her absence will be deeply felt by all whose lives she touched.

    Her demise has left a deep void in the community, which was greatly impacted by her contributions.