The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Council absolves self from tax collector’s death

    Council absolves self from tax collector’s death

    Mkpat Enin Local Government of Akwa Ibom State has absolved itself from the death of a tax collector, Samuel Toby Monday.

    The deceased was said to have been attacked in his home for assisting in the enforcement of revenue collection suspension at Ikot Akpaobong market, which led to his death. 

    The deceased’s wife, Gift, had petitioned the Commissioner of Police over the death of her husband, which she traced to his involvement in the suspension of revenue collection at the market.

    “His murder is not far-fetched from his December 21, 2023 involvement in the enforcement of Ikot Akpaobong Market revenue collection suspension directive of the Mkpat Enin Council, having been appointed to assist in the implementation of the directive,” she said. 

    Reacting to the death, the Secretary, Transition Committee, Mkpat Enin Local Government, Pastor Amos Afia, said December 2023 was declared a tax-free month for traders in Mkpat Enin, consequently the revenue collection committee was dissolved. 

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Akpabio condoles Oyo govt, victims

    In a statement made available to our correspondent in Uyo, Afia said some youths in the local government led by Akanimo Bob Ikpe, a Personal Assistant to Governor Umo Eno, and Village Head of Ikot Akpaobong Village, Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, flouted the order by selling unauthorised tickets to traders at Akpaudo and Ukam markets.

    He said the council had officially informed Udom of the tax-free exercise at all the markets in the village, adding that members of the newly constituted Markets/Motor Parks Committee were introduced to the Commissioner of Police as the authorised persons to collect revenue from January 1, 2024.

    He said the council never engaged the services of Ikpe as a revenue officer, but Samruf Technical Services Ltd, whose contract elapsed in December 2023, noting that any such claim by Ikpe was illegal.

  • ‘Abia modular refinery ready next year’

    ‘Abia modular refinery ready next year’

    Abia State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Okey Kanu, says the modular refinery at the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) will come on stream by 2025.

    He made this known during a news conference on the outcome of the State Executive Council at the Government House, Umuahia.

    He said the refinery would be the first major project to be executed at the park and it would begin to operate fully in 2025.

    The commissioner said the refinery would provide 2,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs for teeming youths of Abia.

    Read Also: FEC expresses concerns over rising cost of goods, services

    He said: “The project will help to provide refined products for the people of Abia as well as increase our revenue base as a state.

    “So, it is a project that is very important to this government and every effort is being put in place to ensure that the date is met.

    “The state government is also ready to reap from the petroleum and mineral endowments in the state.”

    Kanu said a lot of investors had shown serious interest in setting up their investments in Abia, especially in the petroleum sector.

    According to him, it will aid in boosting efforts made to provide job opportunities for the youth.

  • Otti’s court victory prayer answered, says acting rector

    Otti’s court victory prayer answered, says acting rector

    The acting Rector, Abia State  Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Chidinma Ndukwe, has described last Friday’s victory of Governor Alex Otti at the Supreme Court as a prayer answered.

    The acting rector, addressing academic and non-academic workers of the polytechnic at the institution’s pavilion yesterday, during a prayer session organised by the management of the polytechnic to mark the official resumption of academic and administrative activities for 2024, said they had long prayed for the victory of Dr. Otti at the Supreme Court.

    Ndukwe, who reminded the polytechnic workers of the need for them to support the Otti government through hard work, noted that the victory was a huge relief for them.

    She pledged that the polytechnic workers would not relent in their support for the governor.

    Ndukwe said: “He is a man that God has sent to wipe away our tears. We are very grateful for what God has used you to do in our school.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Akpabio condoles Oyo govt, victims

    “This is a new Abia Poly. God has visited Abia Poly. We promise our amiable governor that we will no fail him. We will continue to do our work.

    “We will continue to produce students that are credible; who can represent this institution and state anywhere. We will keep producing students that we all can be proud of.”

    Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Fijo Kalu, 

    who described Otti as a man who attached value to human lives, said the governor within a few months in office had shown commitment to the welfare of workers in the state and Abia Poly in particular.

  • ‘Sylva’s commitment to peace in Bayelsa incontrovertible’

    ‘Sylva’s commitment to peace in Bayelsa incontrovertible’

    The leadership of a foremost youths’ group under the auspices of Bayelsa State New Generation Leaders (BSNGL) has hailed the commitment of ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, to peace and security in the state.

    BSNGL in a statement yesterday by its Director-General, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, said Sylva’s efforts at entrenching peace and stability in Bayelsa remained indisputable and incontrovertible.

    He described the former governor of the state and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 governorship election as a father-figure, who believed in patience, tolerance, equity, justice and hope for a better existence of all.

    Kemepadei said Sylva’s lifestyle had endeared him to the people of the state and contributed to the peace and security enjoyed in Bayelsa at present.

    The youths’ champion expressed the group’s unalloyed duty and solidarity to continue to support Sylva’s disposition towards a peaceful Bayelsa, noting that peace remains the bedrock of security, growth and development of any society.

    Read Also: FEC expresses concerns over rising cost of goods, services

    Kemepadei said: “Chief Timpre Sylva, your legacies in Bayelsa State remains indelible and your continuous support, service and loyalty to the state will always inspire us to support you at all times.

    “We commend your continuous support, your political sagacity and efforts towards peace and security in the state and we have channelled  our arsenal of solidarity towards your character, which we enjoy as a people and state. 

    “As a group of vibrant, committed and articulate youths in Bayelsa State, we are always with you. You remain a great leader of impeccable character. Your traducers will not succeed in reducing your greatness and influence in our state. We are solidly behind you in every sense of the word.

    “We are indeed pleased with your peaceful composure, tenacity and dedication towards the advancement of the state during and after the off-cycle election characterised by immense political tension, which is still a subject of disputation.”

  • ‘Nobody will be allowed to rig by-election’

    ‘Nobody will be allowed to rig by-election’

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the February 4 by-election for Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Silas Onu, has promised that nobody will be allowed to rig the poll.

    He said this yesterday during an interaction with reporters at his Uburu country home in Ohaozara Local Government.

    Onu, a lawyer, noted that the people of the zone were  enlightened and would not allow anyone to write results or rig the election.

    He expressed confidence that since it is an off cycle election, there will be high concentration of observers, journalists and security outfits that will make it hard for anyone to rig the election.

    Onu, a former state chairman of PDP, hoped of emerging victorious at the polls, “as I enjoy massive support and goodwill of the voters in the senatorial zone.”

    He said: “I am a fighter and I will fight for them. I will also fight for a  credible election. Nobody will write result or rig this election. Our people should come and vote, it will count.

    “Our people are very enlightened when it comes to elections and they vote. And there is one Party that resonates with them, umbrella party as the rural people will call it PDP.

    “They recognize that our logo is the umbrella and on that day they will thumbprint beside the umbrella. And I can assure our people that this vote for PDP is a vote for liberation, it is a vote for emancipation.

    “It is a vote to show that the people matter because if you allow a single individual to raise that hand of a person and say this is who I wnat to replace me, it means the people no longer matter.

    “So, our people are wise and our people are independent. We thank God this is an off season election. We will have a good concentration of observers, security and media”.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Akpabio condoles Oyo govt, victims

    ” So nobody, not even government can interfere in this process, it is only the will of the people that will determine the outcome. That is where I stand and that is where I believe we should all stand”, he said.

    The PDP Senatorial candidate promised true representation for the people if elected.

    “”I have always been closer to my people, they always come around me, I assist those who are in need and I spend most of my time with them”

    “My people will experience for the first time true representation in the Senate. I have built a wealth of advocacy as lawyer, so I am not a stranger in advocacy.

    “I will push for their rights and benefits. Our people will no longer have a senator who goes there to look for himself and his own interest.

    “They will have a representative in the Senate who will fight for them, who will defend them, who will attract projects to the senatorial zone”, he said.

    The position became vacant following the resignation of Senator David Umahi to take up an appointment as Minister by President Bola Tinubu. Ends

    Mr Onu will battle candidates of give other political parties including the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and Labour Party(LP) for the coveted senatorial seat.

  • Rivers APC members urged to support Okocha

    Rivers APC members urged to support Okocha

    A legacy member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Prof. Lawrence Chuku, has urged members to support Tony Okocha-led Caretaker Committee (CTC), for the party’s growth.

    He said factions no longer exist in Rivers APC and advised members, particularly leaders of the party, to recognise the new leadership as appointed by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), and stop all forms of backdoor and window businesses in the party; noting that it will not work.

    The don spoke when he led party leaders in Obio-Akpor Local Government to pay a congratulatory/solidarity visit to CTC members in Port Harcourt.

    The people visited under the aegis of concerned APC leaders in Obio-Akpor. They pledged loyalty to the new leadership and enjoined members to forgive one another for the good of the party.

    He said: “We have no name; we’re concerned leaders of APC in Obio-Akpor Local Government. We have come here today to congratulate you and your exco on your appointment. We’re here to show solidarity and our unalloyed commitment to work with this Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Okocha.

    “This step is necessary since there cannot be two APC factions in Rivers State. It is only one APC that is recognised by the National Working Committee (NWC).”

    Read Also; Cold war brewing between Wasiu Ayinde and Emmanuella?

    “We have also come to say that we are committed to APC in Rivers State under your leadership and we’re committed to the APC under the national leadership of Abdullahi Ganduje and our national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is basically why we are here.”

    He appealed to aggrieved members to place the success and progress of the party above their anger and personal interests and join hands to rebuild the party.

    “I want to take this opportunity to tell members of APC in Rivers State that today the National Working Committee (NWC) has deemed it fit to appoint Okocha and his team to lead this party, to bring everybody together. No matter where you think you were offended, I am calling on every member of our party in Rivers State to forget the past and work with this CTC led by Okocha.”

    Corroborating Chuku, the former chairman of APC in Obio-Akpor Local Government, Sydney Ihechie, said: “You know the character of most of us here that we’re not the kind of people who are pushed because of stomach infrastructure. When we say we’re with you, we’re with you and when we say we’re not with you, even when heaven can fall, we’re not with you.

    “We’re saying 100 per cent we are with you and your team, as far as Obio-Akpor Council is concerned.

    “Please open your arms as a father and welcome everyone of us. In power struggle, you must step on toes, but what is important is that when there is victory, you must bring everybody together as a father. This is the essence of leadership.”

    Okocha promised to integrate every member of the party into the system, but warned against sinister motives.

    He said it was time for the party to prepare and strategise on how to win elections in Rivers and not time to engage in quarrels.

    Okocha insisted that Governor Siminialayi Fubara should be prepared to conduct another round of council election for a fresh tenure of office and not think of appointing CTC, as that had been outlawed by the Supreme Court.

  • EFCC’s decision to revisit perpetual injunction on Rivers excites CSO

    EFCC’s decision to revisit perpetual injunction on Rivers excites CSO

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Relief International Africa, has hailed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the decision to revisit the perpetual injunction on the state’s funds.

    The anti-graft agency, towards the end of former governor Dr. Peter Odili administration, was barred from investigating the state’s account of any allegation of financial misappropriation, pending the vacation of the injunction.

    However, EFCC recently hinted of plans to pursue a case to quash the state immunity.

    Reacting to the news, the non-for-profit organisation hailed the anti-corruption agency for the decision.

    In a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Executive Director of the group, Isaac Green, said the decision, when implemented, would institute responsive and accountable government in the state.

    Green, who is also the Secretary General, Civil Rights Council Nigeria, said: “The recent decision to revisit the perpetual injunction obtained by the former Governor Odili-led administration in Rivers State is a commendable move towards ensuring justice and proper utilisation of public funds.

    Read Also: BREAKING: EFCC arrests ex-minister for alleged N3.6b loan fraud

    “Relief International Africa expresses its support for the EFCC’s efforts to hold public officials accountable for their actions and to address the longstanding issue of missing funds in Rivers State 

    Government’s accounts or any other state for that matter. “

    He said the call for the former governor to account for the alleged missing N100 billion is a significant development in the fight against corruption and mismanagement of public resources.

    “This initiative aligns with 

    Relief International Africa’s commitment to promoting good governance and accountability in all sectors, including government and public administration. 

    “The organisation believes that such efforts contribute to building trust between the government and the citizens, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development and humanitarian assistance.”

    Green called on the EFCC to extend its investigations and focus its searchlight on all past administrations in the state. 

    “This comprehensive approach will help unearth financial discrepancies, ensure that those responsible for financial misconduct are held accountable, regardless of their political affiliations or the time period in question,” he said.

  • ‘S/Court judgment on Eno has vindicated UNIUYO’

    ‘S/Court judgment on Eno has vindicated UNIUYO’

    The International President of University of Uyo Alumni, Onofiok Luke, has said the Supreme Court judgment affirming Umo Eno as Akwa Ibom State governor has vindicated the University of Uyo (UNIUYO).

    Luke, a former House of Representatives member, in a statement yesterday in Uyo, said the declaration of the apex court on Eno, an alumnus of UNIUYO, was a victory for the university.

    The Alumni has also declared the congratulatory messages from Obong Bassey Albert and Obong Akan Udofia, the candidates of the main opposition parties, Young Progressive Party (YPP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), who are also our alumni, as a win for UNIUYO on all fronts. 

    He said although the university has contributed human resources, who have contributed to the development of the state, it was the first time an alumnus of the university has emerged governor of the state. 

    “With the judgment of the Supreme Court confirming the election of our distinguished alumnus, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the congratulatory messages from Obong Bassey Albert and Obong Akan Udofia, the candidates of the main opposition parties, Young Progressive Party (YPP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), who are also our alumni, we can say now that indeed, our great citadel of learning, the prestigious University of Uyo, has won on all fronts. 

    Read Also: UNIUYO hails Fed Govt, contractor over 600-seater capacity lecture theatre

    “First, we have finally produced an alumnus of the University of Uyo as governor of our state. This is very important to us as we have before now produced officers of almost all political offices, except the occupant of the hilltop mansion. 

    “Second, the battle was fierce, but when the Supreme Court gave her judgment, our well-trained alumni decided to toe the path of honour, responsibility and egalitarianism by congratulating the governor, who had already offered the olive branch.

    “As the international leadership of the Alumni Association of this great citadel of learning, we wholeheartedly congratulate His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, on his nomination, election and judicial confirmation as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

    “We also sincerely commend the maturity exhibited by Obong Bassey Albert and Obong Akanimo Udofia in accepting the judgment of the court- cum-congratulating and pledging to work with the governor in the interest of the state,” the statement said.

    The UNIUYO Alumni assured Governor Eno that it would continue to mobilise members to support good cause of government.

  • Assault: Woman petitions Enugu A-G over release of ex-husband from prison

    Assault: Woman petitions Enugu A-G over release of ex-husband from prison

    A young woman in Enugu State, Patience Edeh, has petitioned the Attorney General (A-G) and Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State, accusing the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of compromising in the case of battering that involved her former husband.

    The petition was coming four months after the victim lost her five-month- old pregnancy, following battering by her ex-husband.

    In the petition to the Attorney General dated January 13, 2024, Ms Edeh alleged that not minding the human and material losses she suffered from the assault by her former husband, the directorate connived with him (ex-husband) to release him from custody without her knowledge or remedy paid to her.

    Read Also: Obi donates N75 million to Enugu Nursing College

    Edeh, who narrated how she was beaten to a pulp by her ex-husband, Evidence Nwachukwu, said the battering led to her spending over three weeks in hospital and loss of five months pregnancy.

    She alleged that after her ex-husband was arrested, arraigned and remanded at a correctional custody with the case file transferred to the DPP; efforts to follow up on the matter were blocked by the agency.

    Contacted, Director of DPP, Mrs Ngozi Okoye, said the matter was “properly charged and bail granted by the court.”

    She denied knowledge of the demand for payment for the case to be filed in court and urged the petitioner to come forward with the identity of the official that made the demand.

  • IYC disagrees with Diri over commenton oil pipeline surveillance jobs

    IYC disagrees with Diri over commenton oil pipeline surveillance jobs

    Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has disagreed with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri over his recent comment saying the Navy, not private security firms, should protect oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.

    The body in a statement made available to reporters in Yenagoa yesterday said as a council, they saw the comment as unpatriotic and against the self-determination and resource control agenda of the youths’ body, as contained in the Kaiama Declaration of 1998.

    The statement by the IYC spokesman, Binebai Princewill, said the council could have ignored the remarks made by the highly respected Governor Diri through his deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, but because such was coming out from Diri, an illustrious Ijaw son that was supposed to at all times protect the interests of the Ijaw, there was need to correct the wrong impression created before the Federal Government and Nigerians.

    Princewill said: “IYC Worldwide, the apex youth body in Ijaw and Niger Delta, is using this medium to praise the Federal Government for engaging firms for the protection of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta.

    “This is one of the best decisions taken so far by the Federal Government in recent times, as it is in line with the local content laws of the country.

    “While IYC will continue to agitate for resource control and more participation in the oil and gas industry, we want to state that the private firms, particularly Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSL) and other firms handling the surveillance jobs are all doing great professionally in collaboration with the relevant security agencies.

    “The NNPCL, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the entire Nigerian populace are aware that since Tantita and other private firms took over the surveillance contracts to secure the nation’s critical assets, oil production has increased, thereby making Nigeria more economically viable.

    Read Also: Ijaw unfairly treated in Delta, IYC alleges

    “Besides increased oil production in Nigeria following the engagement of these private firms, they have also created massive employment of thousands of Niger Delta youths into these companies to curb oil theft.

    “The level of employment created by these private firms in the region is unprecedented. IYC is in support of this initiative of the Federal Government. We should be aware that even countries around the world with notable best security architecture still employ the services of non-state actors like what the Federal Government is doing now.”

    The IYC spokesman lauded the private firms for effectively handling the pipeline surveillance contracts, saying the Council had confidence in them to continue to carry out their duties.

    Princewill said: “It is also our belief as a council that the Federal Government of Nigeria is on the right track for engaging these private firms.

    “We also demand that the Ijaw deserve more than mere pipeline surveillance contracts, as our people must be given the opportunity to participate in the oil and gas sector and ensure proper political inclusion of our people in government.”