The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Igbo youths seek prosecution of ‘call for arms’ peddlers

    Igbo youths seek prosecution of ‘call for arms’ peddlers

    By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has dismissed as unfounded, mischievous and clueless reports falsely attributed to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, allegedly calling on Ndigbo to arm themselves in anticipation of an imminent war.

    Leader of the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, in a statement on Sunday, condemned the rumour and called for the arrest and prosecution of its sponsors.

    He described Mbata as a renowned statesman and remarkable patriot with impeccable character and outstanding track records, who could not have issued such a call, urging the public to disregard the fake news.

    The statement partly read, “Our attention has been drawn to the unfounded, mischievous and clueless allegations against the Leader of the Igbo Nation and renowned President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Distinguished Senator John Azuta Mbata, where he was quoted as saying: ‘Every Igbo man from 18 years up must get a gun, stack weapons. Igbo land is under terrorist siege and must be defended. A war is coming in days.

    “This is fake news, and we hereby categorically state that our Leader and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide did not and can never issue such a call for arms.

    “Therefore, this malicious propaganda and criminal blackmail, for whatever purpose and intention, is dead on arrival.

    “The Leader of the Igbo socio-cultural and political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, is a renowned statesman and remarkable patriot with impeccable character and outstanding track records.

    “In strong terms, we condemn such mischievous and false insinuations and urge the unsuspecting public to disregard the fake news, and to consciously verify such sensitive content before dissemination, in order not to fall victim to, or aid, the peddlers of fake news, either directly or unknowingly.”

    Acknowledging that the matter borders on national security and cannot be swept under the carpet, Okpalaezeukwu called for the arrest and prosecution of its sponsors and promoters.

    “Sequel to the above, we call on the offices of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and other appropriate authorities, to collectively deploy their widespread investigation mechanisms in order to detect, arrest and prosecute the sponsors and promoters of this expensive fake news that is tantamount to undermining our collective efforts for stability, peace and national security.

    “Igbo land, especially the Southeast, is a peculiar terrain with unique challenges ranging from a fair share of national insecurity, gross marginalisation and neglect, absence of capital projects, and inadequate national development efforts for a better society.”

    The group further commended the recent efforts of the South East Development Commission on the South East Vision 2050, targeted at addressing most of the peculiar challenges of the Igbo nation.

    “We urge the leadership and management of the Commission not to resort to business as usual, but to match words with actions rather than beautiful conferences and rhetoric.

    “We also urge the Commission to work closely with the South East states’ governments and other stakeholders, and to prioritise regional security, as no meaningful development can thrive amidst insecurity.

    “As we commend the genuine efforts of our political leaders and security agencies towards safe and secure communities, we respectfully call for political solutions and non-kinetic approaches to the hydra-headed security challenges facing us today as a nation,” the statement added.

  • Delta communities’ students get educational boost from works commissioner

    Delta communities’ students get educational boost from works commissioner

    Hundreds of secondary school students in Oginibo, Imode and Agbaghare communities of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have received a major educational boost following a series of interventions by the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze.

    The support aimed at securing the learners academic future, covers free National Identification Number (NIN) registration, restoration of a National Examination Council (NECO) centre, and full sponsorship of NECO fees, has removed barriers that threatened to shut many students out of the 2026 West Africa Examinations Council, NECO and Joint Admission Matriculation Board examinations.

    The intervention began after it was discovered that several students lacked NIN, now a mandatory requirement for national examinations.

    Izeze promptly sponsored the registration of affected candidates, later expanding the exercise to accommodate more eligible students across the three communities.

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    Further relief came with the reactivation of the NECO examination centre at Oginibo Secondary School, which had earlier been deactivated, a development that would have forced students to travel long distances to write their exams.

    The centre was restored following an assessment visit by officials of the NECO Zonal Office, with the process fully funded by the commissioner.

    In a further demonstration of support, Izeze also pledged to pay the NECO examination fees for all candidates registering at the Oginibo centre this year, significantly easing the financial burden on parents and guardians.

    The initiative has been widely welcomed by community members, who said it has renewed hope and safeguarded the educational aspirations of students, reinforcing a leadership approach that places education and human capital development at the heart of sustainable growth.

  • Muslim group urges Tinubu, N’Assembly to review appointment of INEC boss

    Muslim group urges Tinubu, N’Assembly to review appointment of INEC boss

    The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Council of State to review the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Sani Suleiman Maigoro, and National Secretary, Alhaji Mas’ud Akintola, and made available to journalists on Saturday, the group expressed concerns over the appointment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    NACOMYO said it considered the leadership of the electoral body a sensitive national responsibility that requires broad public confidence and trust across all segments of the country.

    It noted that any issue capable of generating apprehension among stakeholders should be addressed early to preserve the integrity of the democratic process.

    The organisation said its appeal was driven by what it described as the need to ensure national unity, electoral credibility and public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions. 

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    It urged the relevant authorities to take proactive steps that would strengthen the legitimacy of the electoral process before the next general elections.

    According to the group, reviewing the appointment would demonstrate the commitment of the Presidency and other key institutions to transparency, fairness and inclusiveness in the management of the nation’s elections.

    NACOMYO added that the electoral management body must be led by individuals who enjoy broad-based acceptance and whose leadership would not generate avoidable controversies or concerns among political actors and the general public.

    The organisation maintained that the credibility of the electoral process remains central to the stability of the country’s democracy, noting that public perception of neutrality and fairness in the leadership of INEC is essential for peaceful and credible elections.

  • Southeast receiving unprecedented federal attention under Tinubu, says Umahi

    Southeast receiving unprecedented federal attention under Tinubu, says Umahi

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the Southeast is receiving more federal attention under the administration of President Bola Tinubu than at any time since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

    According to him, the region is witnessing significant progress, particularly in infrastructure development and other critical sectors.

    Umahi spoke at his residence in Abakaliki while receiving people from the old Ezeagu zone, led by Senator Julius Ucha, who paid him a thank-you visit.

    He said the current administration had created opportunities for greater inclusion of the Southeast in national development and urged the region to focus on progress.

    The minister encouraged residents of the region to support the president, expressing confidence that Tinubu would secure a second term in office.

    He added that although the Southeast might not yet be leading in infrastructure development, it had recorded notable improvement compared to previous years.

    “The share we are getting from the administration of President Tinubu is huge, we may not be the first but we are not the last, in the past, we were the last, we were forgotten, we were nothing, we had nothing.”

    Umahi emphasized that supporting both the President and South-East governors aligns with the region’s long-term interests.

    He noted that the President assumed office at a challenging time and has remained focused on stabilizing and growing the nation.

    Highlighting the broader economic outlook, the Minister said Nigeria is gaining global recognition for economic growth, with international institutions like the World Bank pointing to the country as an example of rapid development.

    He also spoke against the sit-at-home actions in parts of the South-East, stating that they negatively affect the people of the South East.

    He commended the approach taken by Prof. Charles Soludo in Anambra State to fight twb exercise.

    “The Biafra we are looking for is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because the issue was marginalization, all those things we did not get before, and we are getting it now.”

    Umahi further said meaningful development, rather than agitation, remains the pathway to integration and progress for the region.

    On governance and infrastructure, the Minister praised the President’s commitment to continuity, noting that ongoing projects inherited from previous administrations have been sustained.

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    “No president has ever inherited and continued all the projects safe from this president.”

    He also described his working relationship with the President as transparent and shared that he enjoyed working with the president.

    “He has never asked me to give a contract to anybody or to put any money for anybody. Never.”

    Earlier, Senator Julius Ucha thanked the Minister for facilitating key road projects that are already impacting his community and others.

    “It’s a difficult thing to construct roads, but we are eternally grateful to you for your love for us.”

    Ucha recalled requesting the construction of the Ezillo–Ezeagu Road during the campaign period when the Minister was Governor and now, the project has been awarded and speedily progressing.

    He said the project received further backing from the Ebonyi State Government led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, who confirmed it as one of the administration’s early priorities.

    The senator also mentioned the Enugu–Ozara–Nkanu–Agbani–Nkomoru–Isu Road via Ojiegbe, which he said has equally been awarded.

    “We are eternally grateful to you for these consecutive roads… without those two roads, it will be difficult for us to move.”

    According to Ucha, road construction remains one of the most demanding responsibilities of the government, and we do not take the projects for granted. 

  • Elui praises Seyi Tinubu for appointing Obi Cubana to City Boy Movement role

    Elui praises Seyi Tinubu for appointing Obi Cubana to City Boy Movement role

    Nze Uzochukwu Elui, celebrity chef and entrepreneur, has praised Seyi Tinubu for appointing Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, as director of the City Boy Movement in the South-East.

    Elui said the appointment reflects foresight and strategic thinking, noting that it aligns with the aspirations and entrepreneurial drive of the region.

    He said Iyiegbu’s background in business and community engagement positions him to effectively connect with youths across the South-East.

    “This is a masterstroke. Chief Iyiegbu, Chairman, as I call him, understands the language of the people, especially the youths, because he has walked the path of enterprise, resilience and community service,” Elui said.

    Elui said Iyiegbu’s consistent investment in people and communities has earned him credibility and trust across the region.

    According to him, those qualities are essential for the success of the City Boy Movement in the South-East.

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    “He is not just a successful businessman; he is a unifier, community leader and more importantly, a brother’s keeper,” he said.

    “I am confident he will deliver on this assignment for Mr President and attract huge benefits for the South-East.”

    Elui urged youths and stakeholders across the region to rally behind Iyiegbu in the collective interest of the South-East.

    “This is the time for our youths and our people to come together, support him and make this platform work for the good of the South-East,” he said.

    Elui commended Tinubu for identifying Iyiegbu for the role.

    “To be candid, Seyi Tinubu deserves commendation for identifying a man with capacity, influence and grassroots acceptance for such a sensitive role,” he said.

    Elui assured of his personal support and that of like-minded stakeholders.

    He said he is optimistic that the City Boy Movement under Iyiegbu’s leadership will promote unity, youth engagement and sustainable development across the South-East.

  • Araraume hails Ndi Imo at 50

    Araraume hails Ndi Imo at 50

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, has congratulated Idi-Imo on the occasion of the State’s 50th anniversary.

    He also lauded present past administrators of Imo State, including Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Sam Mbakwe and Governor Hope Uzodimma for their efforts in building a virile state.

    In a statement titled: “An open congratulatory letter To Ndi Imo as we celebrate our State at 50 and a call to recommit to unity”, Araraume congratulated every son and daughter of Imo State on the golden milestone.

    Araraume emphasised that all those who have administered the State at different times have contributed their quota to the development of the State. 

    He also congratulated past and present leaders of the State for laying a solid foundation for the immeasurable progress the state is making.

    He described the Golden Jubilee celebration as a remarkable milestone, reflecting five decades of resilience, growth and developmental progress recorded by the state since its creation.

    Araraume urged the people to embrace unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence to enhance national security and development.

    The statement reads: “My dear people of Imo State, On this historic occasion, my heart overflows with gratitude as I join you to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of our beloved state. Fifty years is more than a milestone. It is a moment of reckoning, an invitation to reflect, to take stock, and to look ahead with renewed purpose.

    “Since that defining Third of February 1976, Imo State has travelled a long, instructive, and often inspiring road. Our story has been shaped by courage, industry, resilience, and an unshakable belief in possibility. We have experienced seasons of great promise and seasons of profound trial. Yet through every challenge, the spirit of Ndị Imo has endured. Our presence here today is no accident; it is the result of God’s grace and the quiet, persistent labour of generations who refused to abandon hope in this land.

    “It is only just that we honour the pioneers who laid the foundations upon which we stand. The early architects of our statehood bore a responsibility they embraced with seriousness and sacrifice. Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu provided discipline and order at a formative moment, while the legendary Sam Mbakwe infused governance with vision, compassion, and moral clarity. Their contributions and those of countless others who served Imo State with devotion, remain etched in our collective memory. History is always kinder to those who build than to those who merely occupy, and our builders deserve our deepest respect.

    “As we celebrate this golden jubilee, we also acknowledge the present. Imo State marks its fiftieth year under the stewardship of Governor Hope Uzodinma. It is fitting to recognise the efforts of his administration in sustaining the machinery of governance and ensuring continuity. Every era is judged by how it responds to the demands of its time, and this moment calls for steadiness, resolve, and foresight.

    “We have every reason to be proud of how far we have come. Yet pride must never give way to complacency. As a son of the soil and a stakeholder in our shared destiny, I remain convinced that Imo State’s most remarkable chapters lie ahead. There is vast room for growth, innovation, and broadly shared prosperity. The Imo of our highest aspirations, secure, productive, creative, and just, is not a distant dream. It is an attainable future, but only if we choose collective effort over division and long-term vision over short term comfort.”

    It added: “This anniversary must therefore be more than a celebration. It must be a recommitment. A recommitment to unity across political, communal, and generational lines. A recommitment to service, integrity, and shared responsibility. The task of building Imo State does not rest on government alone. It rests on all of us, at home and in the diaspora, bound together by memory, duty, and hope.

    “As we mark fifty years, let us renew our covenant with the future. Let us resolve to hand over a state better than we met it, one that offers opportunity to its young people, dignity to its elders, and peace to its communities.

    “I congratulate every son and daughter of Imo on this golden milestone. This is our story. This is our moment. And by God’s grace and the labour of our hands, the years ahead will shine even brighter.”

  • SEDC to unveil vision 2050 agenda, seeks unified economic bloc for southeast

    SEDC to unveil vision 2050 agenda, seeks unified economic bloc for southeast

    The Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) will on Tuesday February 3rd unveil an ambitious long-term development blueprint for the region as it prepares to host the Southeast Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholders Forum  in Enugu.

    Speaking at a press conference in Enugu on Monday ahead of the forum, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hon. Mark Okoye, said the initiative is aimed at addressing decades-long infrastructure deficits, ecological challenges, and economic fragmentation in the Southeast.

    Okoye explained that the SEDC, a federal government agency established to fast-track regional development, has spent the past 11 months laying a solid institutional and strategic foundation following its inauguration on February 10, 2025.

    “By law, the Commission was created to address infrastructure challenges in the Southeast dating back to the civil war era, as well as ecological issues, while also developing a long-term regional master plan in partnership with state and non-state actors,” he said.

    According to him, the Vision 2050 forum, themed “Charting a Shared Path to Sustainable Prosperity for the Southeast,” is the outcome of extensive engagements with Southeast governors and over 250 federal government agencies since the Commission became operational.

    He disclosed that although the Commission is yet to receive funding for project execution, it has developed robust ideas and frameworks to drive development and is determined not to rely solely on government funding.

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    Okoye expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Commission decades after the end of the civil war, describing it as a critical step toward addressing historical development gaps in the region.

    He noted that the forum would bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including state governments, the organized private sector, youth groups, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, development partners, commissioners for budget and planning, and the Ministry of Regional Development.

    The MD revealed that at least 73 Southeast indigenes from the diaspora would participate in the forum, while technical sessions would focus on agriculture, food security, energy, industrialization, and youth employment.

    Among key proposals to be discussed is a regional gas pipeline project aimed at ensuring energy security, boosting industrial growth, and creating jobs for young people.

    Okoye also announced plans to establish the Southeast Investment Company, the investment arm of the Commission, which will include a venture capital initiative to support tech startups and innovative enterprises in the region.

    He said a comprehensive policy document would be produced within six weeks after the forum, stressing that the SEDC’s interventions would complement—not replace—existing state-level development efforts.

    “We have clear designs and plans for the Southeast. What we need now is sustained collaboration and funding support to move from planning to execution,” he added.

  • Market closure: Lawyer sues Soludo, demands N2b damages for traders

    Market closure: Lawyer sues Soludo, demands N2b damages for traders

    By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    A human rights lawyer, Ikechukwu Obasi, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo; the Attorney-General; Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police.

    He is challenging the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and other markets across the state following traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home.

    Filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, the suit argues that the market closures violate the traders’ fundamental rights, including personal liberty, freedom from forced labour, human dignity, freedom of movement, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, right to privacy, economic development, and freedom of expression.

    The rights are guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) 2011.

    Obasi, who is representing Onitsha traders in a public interest litigation, said he became aware of the dispute after watching a viral video in which Soludo directed that markets in Onitsha and across Anambra State must open from Monday to Saturday, warning that traders who failed to comply should leave the state.

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    In the suit filed on January 28, Obasi contends that the governor’s directive amounted to forcing the will of the government on traders, compelling them to conduct their businesses according to a government-imposed timetable rather than their personal choice.

    The lawyer further stated that from January 27, 2026, police operatives, acting on the instructions of the state government, enforced the shutdown, leading to civil unrest, unlawful arrests, the use of teargas, and severe economic hardship for traders.

    In his affidavit in support of the originating motion, Obasi described the enforcement actions as a gross violation of the traders’ fundamental rights.

    He maintained that the voluntary sit-at-home constituted a lawful protest protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    He argued that the actions of the state government amounted to forced labour, violated human dignity, and unlawfully restricted the traders’ freedom of movement, association, and economic activity.

    Obasi is asking the court to declare that the governor’s threat to shut down the Onitsha Main Market and traders’ shops as punishment for observing a lawful sit-at-home on January 26, 2026, constitutes a violation of the traders’ rights to personal liberty, peaceful assembly and association, freedom of movement, and economic, social, and cultural development.

    He is also seeking:

    A declaration that the actual shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market and other shops from January 27, 2026, by the governor and the attorney-general violates the same fundamental rights.

    A declaration that the mandatory directive compelling all markets in Anambra State to open from Monday to Saturday or for traders to leave the state amounts to a breach of the traders’ rights to freedom from forced labour, human dignity, personal liberty, privacy, peaceful assembly, and economic development.

    A declaration that the enforcement of the shutdown by police operatives violates the traders’ rights to peaceful assembly, association, freedom of movement, and economic development.

    A declaration that any continued shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market as a sanction for observing a lawful sit-at-home constitutes a violation of the traders’ fundamental rights.

    A declaration that observing a lawful sit-at-home is an exercise of the traders’ fundamental right to peaceful protest and lawful expression, and that any clampdown on such voluntary actions violates their rights to privacy, peaceful protest, and freedom of expression.

  • ‘Name church hall after my parents’

    ‘Name church hall after my parents’

    • From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    A philanthropist, Dr. Anthony Obele, has appealed to Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, to immortalise his late parents by naming the hall he built at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ezinifite after them.

    He made the appeal during the memorial service of his late parents at St. Andrew’s Church, presided over by the Bishop, with a host of priests of Anglican and Catholic Churches in attendance.

    He paid tribute to the Bishop for approving that the Obele family built a hall in the church, pleading it bore his late parents’ names as lasting memorial for them.

    The Bishop, in his homily, described the remembrance of a good person as a blessing, while that of a bad person is a curse.

    According to him, Jesus Christ is concerned about both the dead and the living, as the dead reminds the living that one day, they too will die.

    The prelate urged everyone to live life in such a way that when they die, people will be crying because of their good deeds.

    Vicar of the church, Ven. Ikechukwu Okonisah, had appealed to the Bishop to approve the building of a church hall by the Obele family.

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    Responding, two sons of the late Chief & Mrs Hezekiah Obele, Pst. Eric Obele and Dr. Ikenna Obele, appreciated the Bishop, priests and the congregation for coming to worship with them in honour of their late parents, whom they said lived exemplary lives that they were still remembered till today.

    The Bishop in company of other clergy, the choir and family members had offered prayers at the graveside of the late parents before proceeding to Obele’s family compound for the dedication of Obele’s new mansion.

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated five kilometres of asphalted and road built by Obele in the area as part of activities marking the memorial service of Obele’s late parents.

    He said the inauguration was in furtherance of public private community partnership (PPCP) exemplified by the philanthropist and his family for public purposes.

    He hoped the road would promote economic and social activities in the area and the state.

    The event, which also featured dedication of Obele’s palatial mansion, was attended by the traditional ruler of Ezinifite, Igwe Chukwuma Orji, his cabinet chiefs and other traditional rulers.

    President General of Ezinifite, Chief Nwora Ekwuilo, captains of industries, friends and associates were also among dignitaries at the event.

  • Bank donates solar-powered borehole

    Bank donates solar-powered borehole

    The Retail Operations Group of Access Bank has donated a solar-powered borehole to Umuokpo community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The inauguration of the borehole attracted dignitaries and prominent members of the community.

    Among them were the traditional ruler of Umuokpo autonomous community, Eze Eunan Ekeh (the Okpo 1 of Umuokpo community), the president-general of the community, as well as the councillor, Chief Chinemerem Nkwocha.

    Others included the Executive Vice Chairman of Owerri West Council, Osinachi Amako and his entourage, Chief Clement Asoluka, Access Bank workers, among other personalities.

    The Regional Director of Access Bank, Mr Charles Oguibe, said the borehole donation by workers of Access Bank to Umuokpo community was the first of its kind in Imo State.

    He said the project was aimed at providing the community with access to potable water.

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    The Zonal Head of Access Bank, Onyemauche Okere, said Umuokpo community should be grateful because it was randomly selected without any external influence.

    He urged residents to prioritise security of the facility.

    Eze Ekeh expressed gratitude to Access Bank for the project, noting that the community would safeguard it against vandalism.

    An indigene of the community, Chief Smart Unegbu, donated a new generator to the community to power the solar borehole, which he noted “is a high breed, as it can be powered by solar (sun) and electricity.”

    Residents hailed the management of the bank, describing the gesture as a new year gift.