The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Supreme Court victory: UPU urges opposition on unity

    Supreme Court victory: UPU urges opposition on unity

    Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Worldwide has implored candidates of parties in Delta State, who challenged the victory of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori up to the Supreme Court, to support him to take the state to greater heights.

    Speaking yesterday at a news conference at the Urhobo Cultural Centre in Warri, the President-General of the apex Urhobo body, Chief Ese Gams Esq., congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his victory at the Supreme Court, noting that “the storm is over.”

    Also acongratulating the other political parties, which include the All Progressive Congress (APC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP), for contesting the March 18, 2023 election, he urged their candidates to “reason under the UPU body” to be better equipped to assist the governor.

    Noting that since the election, Urhobo nation has been “tense and very disturbed,” considering the fact that all candidates were sons of the soil, he said, “it was more or less an in-house fight.”

    “As a matter of fact, so many things we had in mind were put on hold after consultation with some stakeholders, particularly the traditional rulers.

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    “Now, I can say confidently that the storm is over. If the storm is over, we can say too that this news conference is geared towards letting the Urhobo nation know that the cacophony of voices has been collapsed at this particular time.

    “We now have a governor on record for four years, God willing, for eight years. If we cannot as an Urhobo body come together, get united in order to move Delta State forward, history will not forgive us.

    “Why I said this is because the incumbent governor from the report sheet we are receiving started by hitting the ground running. All these stories about Julius Berger coming to Delta State are stories we never heard before.

    “Only about two days ago, somebody said on Facebook that the current governor has not borrowed money to do anything. These are the things we have never seen.

    “Having said this, I congratulate the governor. I congratulate all those who contested in the election, PDP, APC, Labour Party, SDP and all because they’re all our sons. We congratulate them,” Gams said.

    Stressing the need for unity, he advised Governor Oborevwori to “wholeheartedly” accept anyone who resolves to work with his government.

  • Otti: work on two major roads in Aba begins soon

    Otti: work on two major roads in Aba begins soon

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says reconstruction of two major roads in Aba South Local Government, Ohanku and Obuohia roads, will begin soon.

    He said the exercise would not only help to ease movement of the people in the affected areas, but would also boost economic activities.

    The governor, speaking at the Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi Catholic Church, MCC Road, Aba North Local Government, said: “Very soon, work will start on Ohanku road. And as work is starting on Ohanku road, work will begin in earnest on Obuohia road.

    “Those places that are impassable, we will change their story.”

    He said the essence of fixing the roads was to change the bad narratives of the roads in the commercial nerve centre of the state.

    “Some of the modest things we are doing in Aba and elsewhere are in keeping with our promise and also fulfilling the requirements of the government. Governance is about the welfare and security of the people.”

    Dr. Otti said Omuma road, which had remained deteriorated and impassable for over 20 years, was receiving attention as a dual carriage way with cement pavement technology being built there. 

    Read Also: Otti denies endorsing church leader, reopening worship center

    “Shortly after we inaugurated this road (MCC), we have started work on several other roads.

    “Those of you who come from around Omuma road will know that it has not been used for about 20 years.

    “I want to invite you to go to Omuma road and see what is happening there.

    “We are doing a dual carriage way with rigid pavement technology because the place is marshy and it is a very long road.”

    Asserting that the people rejoice when the righteous is on the throne, he noted that rejoicing would be the lot of Abia people.

    The governor thanked the church for her support throughout the electioneering period and described the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Kelechi Anyanwu, as his good and long standing friend.

    He appreciated the members for their support and prayers, urging them to sustain their prayers for him.

    Their host, the Parish Priest of Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi Catholic Church, MCC Road, Aba, Rev. Father Anyanwu Kelechi, praised the quality governance being witnessed in Abia under Governor Otti, saying he was making the citizens proud.

  • Council boss kicks as gas explosion rocks community 

    Council boss kicks as gas explosion rocks community 

    GAS pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has exploded at Obagi community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government of Rivers State, compelling the Chairman of the council, Vincent Job, to demand replacement of obsolete oil facilities.

    It was gathered that although nobody died in the incident, which community sources said occurred on Wednesday evening, the explosion reportedly shook the area and caused panic among residents.

    The chairman, who confirmed the incident, said Omoku area of the council also witnessed what he described as dastardly crude oil explosion.

    Job said:  “Yes, it happened at Obagi, but thankfully no life was lost. I’ve gone there myself and during my interaction with the indigenes, they feel it’s as a result of equipment failure, though oil and gas experts may have something else to add,

    Read Also: JUST IN: Property, goods destroyed as Gas explosion rocks Lagos community

    “We had a very dastardly crude oil explosion at Omoku West. Yesterday too, we also had another one in a different location that is Obagi.

    “For us who are novices in the oil field, you will find out that some of these equipment have lasted for more than 30 or 40 years, which calls for removal.’

    “You will find out that the indigenes are there and they suffer a lot of this degradation. The Federal Government and the International Oil Companies should ensure that their pipelines and facilities are up to date.”

    The monarch of the community, Eze Clinton Elemele, said the gas leak was noticed since the middle of last year, but lamented that both Agip and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) denied ownership of the facility when the community wrote to them.

    He said: “The gas leak has been going on since last June. We wrote to Agip and NLNG, but after inspection, they both said the pipeline wasn’t theirs. Now it exploded and Agip has finally admitted that it’s their own.”

  • Why we won’t back Soludo for second term, by stakeholders

    Why we won’t back Soludo for second term, by stakeholders

    As 2025 governorship election in Anambra State draws near, the second term for Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is under threat, as stakeholders say he won’t win. 

    Instead, they have started drumming up support for two persons, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Victor Umeh of the Labour Party (LP). 

    They accused Soludo of being “Mr. know all and master of none,” saying within his almost two years as governor of Anambra State, he has impoverished the widows, professionals, traders and the masses with outrageous taxes and destruction of their properties.

    Read Also: Soludo clears N1.2m exam fees of 54 prison inmates

    The stakeholders also said the governor had picked what they termed avoidable fights with the traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe and leaders of churches. 

    Speaking with The Nation at the weekend, one of the stakeholders, Chief Charles Okeke, said his meeting with top Anambra people in Lagos a few days would be in vain because his (Soludo’s) fate had already been decided. 

    “You cannot come and start destroying what took the state ages to build because you pride yourself as all knowing when you are not God. The people and God are angry with him,” he added. 

  • We are ready to showcase Abia, says advisory council member Agu

    We are ready to showcase Abia, says advisory council member Agu

    George Agu, the Founder and Chief Executive of ActivEdge Technologies, has expressed his eagerness to contribute to the development of Abia State and the southeast region.

    Agu shared his readiness in response to his appointment as one of the 16 members of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, established by Governor Alex Otti.

    His role in the advisory council is aimed at facilitating the attraction of investments to the state and fostering connections with the outside world.

    Agu’s appointment acknowledges his outstanding leadership and substantial contributions to the technology sector in Africa, characterized by a considerable amount of goodwill and a wide network.

    This appointment thus aligns seamlessly with the vision of the Abia State government and its commitment to driving economic growth and development in the state by partnering with notable business leaders in the country and globally across critical sectors. 

     The council’s primary objective includes formulating strategic economic policies, attracting foreign direct investments, and creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Abia State with a commitment to excellence and innovation. 

    According to the state government, the goal will be to open up Abia state for more economic opportunities and elevate the state to new heights of prosperity. 

     The council enjoys a stellar lineup of accomplished individuals. 

    Led by the Governor, other notable figures are Mrs  Okonjo Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Centre and Prof Ben Oramah, President of Afrexim Bank including Mrs. Arunma Oteh, Co-Chair; His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, Co-Chair; Mr. Bolaji Balogun, Co-Chair; Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu; Mr. Uche Orji; Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr. Chika Nwobi; Dr. Olugbenga Adesida; Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe; Mazi Clement Owunna, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala; Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor; Mazi Uzo Nwankwo; Mr. Chinedu Azodoh; Harvard Business School Prof Peter Tufano; Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, Honourary Advisor; and Dr. Benedict Oramah, – Honourary Advisor. 

    On this appointment, Agu said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the economic transformation of Abia State and by extension the eastern region, and to collaborate with other distinguished leaders to drive compelling and sustainable development.”

     He stated that the pace-setting initiative by the Governor, Alex Otti, is highly welcomed and is part of the significant moves towards realizing Abia State’s economic potential “as the council’s mandate is to spearhead initiatives aimed at identifying, capitalizing on, and showcasing the state’s areas of comparative advantage”. 

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     A trailblazer in the field of Technopreneurship and strategy as founder and CEO of ActivEdge Technologies, a pan-African information technology company with operations in many African countries known for its commitment to innovation and cutting-edge solutions, Agu brings a wealth of over two decades of experience to the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council. As a successful entrepreneur, he has played significant roles in shaping the technology sector in Nigeria and across Africa offering bespoke services to companies in banking, oil & gas, manufacturing, public and other sectors. 

    As a frequent guest speaker at international conferences and seminars, his leadership at ActivEdge Technologies has been marked by many excellent accomplishments backed by the company’s reputation for delivering state-of-the-art solutions.

  • I derive joy in empowering people with my platforms – Desmond

    I derive joy in empowering people with my platforms – Desmond

    A content creator, Afekhuai Festus Iyanu aka Desmond Crypto, has said he loves empowering people through his platform.

    Desmond in a statement said, “Supporting those in need and youths in their passion and aspirations in life gives me so much joy. I support my fans through giveaways while I also empower and support businesses who engage in my post.”

    Through his informative videos, tutorials, and comedy posts, he has inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and turn their dreams into reality.

    Desmond’s impact extends beyond Nigeria, with his platform attracting a global audience. His ability to connect with people from different walks of life has made him a source of inspiration for individuals worldwide.

    Many have shared stories of how Desmond’s content has motivated them to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and achieve success.

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    Desmond Crypto’s journey from a content creator to a life-changer has not been without its challenges. He has faced criticism and scepticism from those who doubted his ability to make a difference. However, he has persevered and remained steadfast in his mission to inspire and uplift others.

    As Desmond continues to touch lives and inspire creativity, his platform serves as a reminder that one person’s dedication and generosity can have a profound impact on the lives of many.

    His ability to provide not only inspiration but also tangible support to those in need is a testament to his character and the power of using one’s influence for good.

  • Obaseki leaving huge burden for successor, says Afegbua

    Obaseki leaving huge burden for successor, says Afegbua

    A former commissioner for Information and Orientation, Kassim Afegbua, has joined the Edo Governorship race slated for September this year.

    Afegbua, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, said he would turn the fortune of the state around for the people if given the mandate to serve.

    Afebua, who served under former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of plunging the state into debt, added that the governor was leaving a huge task for his successor.

    “For me, anybody who is taking over from the governor of Edo State with N325 billion as our debts, will have a huge task on our hands. So, we must put our thinking cap on and think outside the box that can generate ideas.

    “We must keep the conversation around governance to ensure that we are able to do that which will help our people to advance their collective interest,” he said.

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    Afegbua said he would beg the Federal Government, if the situation so demands, to fix the bad road from Auchi to Benin.

    He said the road has become so deplorable that it should provoke action from any state chief executive to do whatever was legally possible to bring succour to the people.

    Afegbua, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, said he was the best aspirant in the about thirty persons seeking the acceptability of the members of the party to fly the flag of the APC in the Edo gubernatorial election.

    According to him, it would not be out of place to plead with the federal government to get a special grant to construct the road from Auchi to Edo State capital.

    He said: “For God sake, Edo State is in the news for the wrong reason, there is huge infrastructural decay; address them. Instead, you go and put a signboard and say this is federal government roads. What about the ones that are state roads, have you done anything to warrant applause from the people?”

    “Have you impacted on the state road, so that we can say that you have done all the internal roads, community roads such that we are happy with you?

    “Why do I have to play politics with everything? If I am opportune to be the governor of Edo state today, I will go cap in hand to go and plead with the federal government and say that this is an APC State, we need to do this road, please give us with a special grant. If it is N20bn, let us fix the road between Auchi and Benin.

    “Edo is major artery to reach out to the North, southwest and the southeast, so Edo state, is a state in transit, there is so much to this, a lot of people do not connect with this, they need to understand that Edo State is divinely positioned as middle, the situation which earned it the term ‘Midwest.’”

    Afegbua argued that he is the best aspirant in the lot of those seeking the ticket of the APC as he comes with impeccable assets that the party needs to progress.

    He said in his decades of political experience in the various parties he has sojourned, one thing remained: he has been loyal to the truth and has been consistent with the issues of development and respect for defined processes.

  • Edo 2024: Group urges PDP’s zonal chairman Orbih to embrace peace

    Edo 2024: Group urges PDP’s zonal chairman Orbih to embrace peace

    The Edo South Vanguard for Equity and Justice (ESVEJ) has urged the National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, a former Edo State Chairman of PDP, but at loggerheads with Governor Godwin Obaseki, to embrace peace.

    It accused Orbih, one of the allies of a former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of allegedly fanning the embers of disaffection and disunity in Edo PDP, by using unprintable words on a leading governorship aspirant of the party, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

    The group stated that the zonal chairman referring to Ighodalo, an outstanding Lagos-based lawyer, as a stranger and somebody who had just joined the PDP, did not demonstrate the true love and unity which the party was known for, over the years.

    ESVEJ, yesterday through its Coordinator, Pastor Johnson Adole, noted that it was condemnable of Orbih to state that Edo PDP delegates would not support Ighodalo, whom he (Orbih) described as an aspirant who joined the party yesterday, and being backed by Obaseki.

    The group asked PDP’s national vice chairman, Southsouth, to name the delegates he had control over, while maintaining that the ex-chairman of the party (PDP) in Edo could only control delegates from his compound in his village.

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    It said: “We watch in total dismay and astonishment, the National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, of our great party, the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, speaking to a group of party faithful in his living room, while speaking with so much bitterness, and he openly attacked Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing him (Obaseki) of imposing Asue Ighodalo on the party.

    “We, as a group, have concluded that the respected leader (Orbih) should embrace peace and allow the unity currently being experienced in the PDP in Edo State to continue.

    “Governor Godwin Obaseki is not imposing any aspirant on the PDP in Edo State. We are urging the performing Edo governor not to dignify Chief Orbih’s unprovoked attacks with any response, while continuing to stay focused on his efforts at transforming Edo State, in order not to be distracted.

    “Dr. Asue Ighodalo has the right to aspire for any position in Nigeria, and of course in Edo State as well, being a free born citizen of the state. Chief Orbih has no monopoly over PDP’s delegates in Edo. So, he does not have the power that he is arrogating to himself.”

    ESVEJ also stated that the zonal chairman was known to be openly moving against Edo governorship of Esan extraction, thereby negating the doctrine of equity, justice and fairness, which the group stood for.

    It said: “Chief Orbih should be advised to allow peace to be sustained in Edo PDP, as he is a known politician who loves being in opposition, even when his own party is in government. Chief Orbih should stop creating divisions in the PDP in Edo State, by opting for ‘Legacy Coalition’ in Edo PDP, which actually does not exist.

    “We are committed to the aspiration of Dr. Ighodalo, who hails from Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District, as we support the governorship moving to Edo Central, having stayed in Edo South for eight years, and earlier eight years in Edo North.

    “We are calling on the good people of Edo State, particularly PDP’s delegates from Edo South Senatorial District, to ignore the ranting of Chief Orbih, a politician who has lost relevance in Edo politics, right from his ward.”

    The group also called on the national leadership of PDP to call to order, the party’s national vice chairman, Southsouth, declaring that no individual should act as if he or she was bigger than the party.

  • Businessman Atoyebi sues media outlet, firm over defamation

    Businessman Atoyebi sues media outlet, firm over defamation

    Bamidele Atoyebi, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, has initiated legal proceedings against an online media outlet, FIJ, along with owners of Dukiya Investments Ologolo Lekki, Lagos, Messrs Lukman Shobowale and Bayo Lawal, for defamation and breach of contract.

    The lawsuit marked LD/7277ADR2024 Bamidele Lateef Atoyebi v Lukman Shobowale &2Ors filed at the Lagos State High Court, follows a damaging article by FIJ falsely accusing Atoyebi of deploying Nigerian Army personnel to harass Shobowale and Lawal.

    Expressing his dismay at the timing of the accusations amid the nation’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Atoyebi has vehemently denied the allegations and seeks redress through the legal system.

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    Atoyebi is seeking a declaration from the court that FIJ’s publication is defamatory, urging an order for the defendants to collectively pay a substantial sum of 900 million Naira in damages. Additionally, he demands a court order compelling the defendants to publish apology letters in seven major dailies, rectifying the harm caused by the libelous publication.

    Atoyebi in a chat with newsmen, further alleged cyber bullying and blackmail, requesting the court to compel each defendant to pay him 300 million Naira, totaling 900 million Naira. The businessman claims these actions have caused significant harm to his reputation and well-being.

  • Take a positive look at ‘sub-standard drugs’, ‘illegal refineries’, Ex-diplomat tells FG

    Take a positive look at ‘sub-standard drugs’, ‘illegal refineries’, Ex-diplomat tells FG

    A retired Nigerian diplomat, Dr. Orefo Nnamdi Onochie, has called on the federal government to take a positive look at the producers of substandard drugs and illegal refineries in the country and fashion a policy that will constructively engage them.

    Onochie, who at various times was the nation’s Charge d’Affairs in the Philippines 1988, Algeria, and Tunisia, 1989-1992, spoke with our correspondent in a chat while reacting to the destruction of over 240 shops on Cemetery Road Market, Aba in Abia state over fake and counterfeit drugs by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) last month.

    Onochie stated that rather than destroy them, the government through NAFDAC should concentrate on the development of the pharmaceutical sector, in line with rules and standards.

    He added that the government should “Encourage, improve and periodically and strictly inspect the quality of the drugs, and enjoin them to use their own labels, and to stop faking others’ labels. In other climes, they categorize them as Generic drugs, not fake drugs, and ensure correct quality control.

    “To preserve and promote our own industries, protect incomes and the employment of our people. 240 drug manufacturing shops is a lot, and soon these can earn export income and create new markets: call them cottage pharmaceutical producers, because most factories and industries begin from rooms and ships.

    “The government should cease from destroying our people, industrious and patriotic citizens.

    “Scheduled or routine standards/quality inspections, directed specifically by the Inspectorate Division of NAFDAC have that statutory responsibility which it must meet. It is not to be substituted or supplemented as raiding pharmaceutical shops and closing them down.

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    “There are thousands of Nigerian pharmacists who make and market drugs. How many of them do NAFDAC visit or shut down?

    “The central issue again is the development of our pharmaceutical sector, in line with rules and standards.

    “But the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and big (local/foreign) pharmaceutical companies, in cohort with Government, want to follow the “Law” and by so doing stifle, monopolize and drive away other sector units who have the knowledge, experience, capital invested, etc driven out of the sector because no one speaks for them”.

    The ex-diplomat continued: “It is the same thing that the government and NNPC have done to the Chemical/Petroleum engineers in the oil refining sector. Biafra used local refineries to survive the War.

    “In Long Beach, and Wilmington, Los Angeles, California, USA, you will still see small refineries and crude oil producers, who earn great money, pay taxes, and add to the GDP, with only one tanker and small pipes and boilers as refineries.

    “No one bundles or arrests them, the government ensures periodic inspections which are strictly enforced. But here in Nigeria, local input is destroyed, unemployment is a hard bane, and even earning foreign exchange from several sources, including humble sources, is denied the society.

    “Overall GDP is affected, dollar value, and the unemployment quotient are the most critical, yet the government pretends that all is well, using the Navy to destroy the local budding oil industry sector: unless “big” refineries produce petroleum products, society relies on dollar imported products.

    “These wrong attitudes and policies of the government need to change so that the people will prosper!”

    He called on the government to begin with a local charity, not the favours it bestows on foreign or only big investors, adding that cottage industries are the solid foundation of self-reliant societies, where unemployment is defeated by the protection of the local industrial sector.