The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Women, others hail NDDC’s transparent, focused leadership

    Women, others hail NDDC’s transparent, focused leadership

    Women and other stakeholders from the Niger Delta have hailed the management and board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for adopting the developmental template of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    A coalition of women groups in a statement at the weekend said the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and his team had remained transparent and focused in their efforts to develop the region.

    The group, under the auspices of Coalition of Niger Delta Women Leaders, in a statement signed by its National Leader, Lady Annkio Briggs and Secretary, Amb. Tombra Kasikoro Kiloprite, urged stakeholders of the region to support the NDDC board and warned against any attempt to pull down the board.

    The women said for the first time in the history of NDDC, they saw visionary leadership at the commission and were being carried along in the scheme of things.

    They lauded the management for giving them cash gifts and other incentives during the 2023 end of year festivities.

    The stakeholders commended President Tinubu for reappointing Ogbuku and members of the board and said the commission was thinking outside the box to address the developmental setbacks bedevilling the region.

    They said: “We have some developmental plans and projects that will better the lives of women in the Niger Delta, and we want to do this by partnering with developmental and governmental agencies to ensure women in rural communities are empowered.

    “We call on ‘Niger Deltans’ to give the NDDC board the needed support to succeed, because over time, we’ve been clamouring for the constitution of the board, and since Mr. President has yielded to the yearnings of the people of the region and given us such kind-hearted personalities to run the NDDC, we must work with them to fulfil the mandate given to them.

    “NDDC board has been addressing critical sectors of our region since it came on board and the cooperation among members shows that they have the development of the region at heart.

    “The programmes they are introducing have direct bearing on the people, and that is one of the things that can help to improve the standard of living of the people.

    Read Also: NDDC, DESOPADEC knocked over underdevelopment in Itsekiri oil communities

    “Their community-based approach is commendable because it’s at the community level that we see poverty biting very hard and we are committed to working with the government towards building a safe and peaceful Niger Delta where businesses can thrive, and we urge all to work together, rather than heating up the polity.

    “As a group, we assure the NDDC management team that the Coalition of Niger Delta Women Leaders will continue to partner with them to contribute our quota in ensuring that the region moves forward.”

    Similarly, the Forum of Niger Delta Leaders and Critical Stakeholders met in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where they discussed the current activities and programmes of the NDDC.

    A communique released by the forum after the meeting named leaders in attendance as Senator Essien Ibok Emmanuel, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, Prof Emenike Nyeche  Wami, Amb. Kennedy Tonjo West, Mr Dominic Saataah, Comrade Ita Ante , Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime, Elder Timi K Ogoriba ,Prof Simeon Chituru Achinewhu, among others.

    The leaders observed with satisfaction NDDC’s clear demonstration of resolve to change the narrative and achieve positive results as well as deepening good governance in the administration of the commission.

    They noted efforts by the commission to adopt inclusivity and a broad approach in reaching out to diverse interest groups in the region, including leaders of ethnic nationalities and professional bodies, and praised the tremendous buy-in by the people of the region.

    The leaders noted that citizens across the Niger Delta were well pleased with the positive steps fashioned by the current board and management of the commission, especially their people-oriented service delivery tendency since their inception.

    They observed that many laudable strides in education such as scholarships, vocational training, as well as road infrastructure and other impactful developmental initiatives had begun across the region.

    Stakeholders at the meeting expressed dismay at the awful state of sections of the East-West Road, especially the portions between Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states, ravaged by the 2022 flood as well as the Warri-Sapale-Benin Road, Benin-Auchi Road, Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, among others, across the Niger Delta.

    They said: “We express satisfaction about the direction and achievements so far recorded by the NDDC and urged them to remain focused in their service delivery drive to the people of the region.

    “We commend the renewed drive towards human capital development by the NDDC and agree to partner with the commission in its initiatives, with particular reference to vocational training programmes for youths and women of the region.

    “We again laud President Tinubu for appointing persons of high scale to the board and management of the NDDC as embodied by the present team; and urge them not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them by the President and the people of the region.

    “We call on Mr. President to use his good office (as a lover of the Niger Delta) to take steps towards releasing in tranches, the huge backlog of arrears of money owed the commission by the Federal Government.

    “We believe that such a presidential gesture will not only help escalate the development of the region, but also further endear Mr. President to the Niger Delta people.

    “We appeal to the good people and friends of the Niger Delta to lend constructive support to the leadership of the commission in its determined march to make a difference.”

    The stakeholders called on the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant agencies of the Federal Government to carry out reconstruction work on the failed sections of federal roads in the region.

    They called for the completion of the Ikot Abasi – Eket – Oron section of the East-West Road, and the award of the contract for the Oron – Calabar section of the all-important road.

    They reminded the Federal Government, Ministry of Niger Delta Development and Niger Delta Development Commission of the need for the Trans-Niger Delta Coastal Road project, noting the potential socio-economic benefits.

  • CSOs call for change in Niger Delta’s approach to regional issues

    CSOs call for change in Niger Delta’s approach to regional issues

    The Abuja Ethnic Youth Coalition for Peace (AEYCP) and other civil society groups in the Niger-Delta have advocated for a fundamental shift in how matters concerning the region are addressed.

    The civil societies urged stakeholders in oil-producing communities (HostComs) to reconsider the habitual convening of meetings in Abuja, specially the type of meetings that bear no direct relevance to the indigenous people of the nation’s capital.

    The National President of the AEYCP, Shekwonugaza Yakubu said this during a protest at the headquarters of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Council (NUPRC) in Abuja on Monday.

    Read Also: Niger Delta youths hail NDDC’s HOPE, Light up Niger Delta projects

    Yakubu hailed the sacrifices of those advocating for an inclusive Niger Delta and also commended the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), saying it is a legislative stride towards prosperity.

    He urged the NUPRC CEO, Gbenga Komolafe to reconsider convening meetings in Abuja and opt for the commission’s fully operational facility in Warri, Delta State.

    Yakubu said: “Our assembly here today is underscored by a pressing need for reformation in how Niger-Delta regional matters are addressed. We call upon all stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly those from oil-producing communities, to reconsider the habitual convening in Abuja for meetings that bear no direct relevance to the indigenous people of Abuja.

  • Bayelsa govt to stakeholders:  Ekeremor-Agge road will be ready

    Bayelsa govt to stakeholders:  Ekeremor-Agge road will be ready

    • Dickson seeks peace, unity in Bayelsa West

    Bayelsa State Government has assured political stakeholders and the people of West Senatorial District of Governor Douye Diri’s commitment towards completing the ongoing Bayelsa West Senatorial Road.

    Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo gave the assurance when an enlarged delegation of Bayelsa West political stakeholders visited him at his country home, Ofoni, in Sagbama Local Government, to mark the New Year at the weekend.

    Speaking briefly at the carnival-like visit, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said the next phase of the critical Bayelsa West Road from Ekeremor to Agge would be launched this year during the official opening of the completed section of the road covering Toru-Orua to Ekeremor main town.

    He thanked the political stakeholders for their support so far, especially during the 2023 governorship election, which ensured victory for the governor and himself, describing their support as the secret of his strength.

    Ewhrudjakpo, who noted that the people deserved a thank-you-tour for massively voting for the PDP, however, assured them that there would be improvement in the area of appointments in the second term of the Diri-led prosperity administration.

    He said: “I appreciate our leaders for their support. It is your support that is my strength. We saw this clearly from the November 11 governorship election, which gave a landslide victory.

    “This senatorial district is an impregnable stronghold of the PDP and will ever remain so. The Prosperity Administration appreciates your support.

    “The next phase of the Bayelsa West Senatorial Road will be launched during our official inauguration of the completed section of the road from Toru-Orua to Ekeremor. And by the grace of God, the road will get to Agge before the end of our second term in office.”

    Speaking earlier, former governor Senator Seriake Dickson said the political stakeholders of Bayelsa West were impressed with the performance of the deputy governor, and congratulated him and Governor Diri for their electoral victory.

    Read Also: Tinubu to grace Uzodimma’s swearing in ceremony Monday

    Senator Dickson, who led the delegation on the visit, commended the stakeholders for their maturity, tolerance and demonstration of good leadership, and called on them to collapse political boundaries to achieve greater cohesion and unity in the senatorial district.

    Eulogising the deputy governor on his positive virtues of loyalty, dedication and patience, Dickson remarked that he was a quintessential role model for the youth of the senatorial district to emulate.

    While underscoring the need for the Prosperity Administration to take Bayelsa West Senatorial Road from Ekeremor to Agge in the next four years, he called on the people to allow the administration focus more on governance in order to take Bayelsa to the next level.

    Senator Ewhrudjakpo has consoled the mother of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Madam Eunice Jonathan, on the demise of her daughter, Obebatian Jonathan.

    Condoling with the bereaved at the home of the former President at Kpansia, Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo said it was lamentable that Obebatian Jonathan died at this time, leaving behind her aged mother in deep and inconsolable grief.

    Citing the tragic loss of the Biblical Job, the Deputy Governor encouraged the elderly Madam Jonathan to look unto God for grace to overcome the huge burden of bereavement on her shoulders.

  • Umahi felicitates Uzodimma on second inauguration

    Umahi felicitates Uzodimma on second inauguration

    Minister of Works David Umahi has described Governor Hope Uzodinma’s second term inauguration in Imo State as historic and a testament to the widespread acknowledgment of the exemplary leadership displayed during his administration over the past four years.

    Umahi yesterday in a congratulatory message ahead of the governor’s swearing-in today said the governor’s re-election symbolised a heartening development, indicating growing solidarity and support not only within Imo State, but also across Southeast for the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said: “I feel elated to receive a letter of invitation to your second tenure inauguration and swearing-in slated for January 15, 2024.

    Read Also: Moghalu backs CBN’s decongestion move, says relocating staff to Lagos “logical”

    “It is my pleasure, therefore, to offer my profound felicitation to you on this auspicious and historic moment of your renewed mandate as governor of Imo State.

    “I am happy that the excellent hallmark of leadership demonstrated by your administration in the last four years is receiving a resounding appreciation by the good people of Imo State, as demonstrated through their overwhelming votes for your excellency, during the last governorship election in the state.

    “The increasing solidarity of your state and indeed Southeast to the cause of the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their unflinching support to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), are heartwarming evidence of their common vision for a prosperous and progressive state that shines forth in the comity of states.

    “I wish Your Excellency more glorious milestones as you step into the second term of your social contract with the good people of Imo State.”

  • Surveyors back Reps on public assets enumeration, valuation

    Surveyors back Reps on public assets enumeration, valuation

    The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has backed the initiative by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets to carry out the enumeration and valuation of public assets in the country.

    It gave its support for the initiative at the weekend during its 3rd Regular Council Meeting for 2023/2024, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

    Addressing a news conference, the institution’s National President/Chairman of Council, Johnbull Amanaevbo, said proper enumeration, valuation and management of public assets could boost the nation’s economy.

    He said the value of public assets globally, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was twice that of global stock markets, twice global GDP and much larger than public debts.

    He lamented that the Federal Government has been omitting losing quantum revenue by ignoring the inclusion of the country’s assets in national budgets.

    Amanaevbo said: “Better management of public assets can boost the economy. Value of public assets globally according to IMF is twice that of global stock markets, twice global GDP and much larger than public debt.

    “Yet unlike listed equity assets, this public wealth is unaudited, unsupervised, often unregulated and almost entirely unaccounted for in our country.

    “As a consequence, when formulating budgets, government largely ignore the assets we own and somehow do not recognise that such assets can generate substantial yields that will open up much-needed fiscal space, which can be used to kick-start economic recovery. 

    “Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers regards the House of Representatives’ initiative through its Committee on Public Assets to embark on Public Asset enumeration and Valuation as well as development of asset register as a healthy and welcome development.

    Read Also: Tinubu to grace Uzodimma’s swearing in ceremony Monday

    “The initiative will allow for prompt recovery of assets, valued in the trillions of naira, from stolen and dormant public assets both within and outside Nigeria.

    “The vast array of public assets both domestically and internationally, tangible and intangible, within Nigeria and abroad will be optimally utilised for the benefit of Nigerians.”

    He urged the Federal Government to engage the NIESV to carry out the enumeration and valuation of public assets at all levels.

    “Estate surveyors and valuers should be entrusted with the responsibility of enumeration and valuation of public assets at all levels, with recommendations on sales or redevelopment of such assets for investment maximisation and transformation into engines of economic recovery and growth,” he said.

    The NIESV also supported the introduction of Infrastructure Support Fund, saying it is a step in the right direction.

    “This is how it is done in other climes. When you have challenges in the economy, what the government does is to invest massively in infrastructure.

    “Provision of infrastructure spurs housing development and amplifies growth in the real estate sector. This will create jobs,” he said.

  • Eno launches social welfare programme for the elderly

    Eno launches social welfare programme for the elderly

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has launched a social welfare programme aimed at supporting elderly people across the state.

    The programme tagged: ‘ARISE Initiative’, was inaugurated by the governor yesterday at the All Nations Christian Ministry International (ANCMI), Eket.

    The programme, which is to commence implementation immediately, is in support of the lofty ideals of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu.

    Governor Eno took the opportunity to hail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting the independence of the judiciary.

    “Let me state again that even though I am a member of the PDP, I have made up my mind to work with the Federal Government under President Tinubu.”

    Read Also: Moghalu backs CBN’s decongestion move, says relocating staff to Lagos “logical”

    The ARISE Initiative is to be administered by the Office of the Governor’s Wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and all female commissioners in the state exco.

    Eno noted with appreciation the gesture by the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative where N100,000 was given to 250 elders across the state last Thursday.

    He added that the state under his administration would continue to adopt and support good initiatives such as this, and other programmes that would benefit the generality of Akwa Ibom people.

    He said through the ARISE Initiative, N50,000 would be given to each of the 500 elders to be selected across the state by the local government transition chairmen, who would carefully carry out the selection process.

    The governor urged the transition chairmen to ensure the programme was carried out with the highest level of transparency so the impact would be felt by as many people as possible.

    The governor said the initiative was in line with the government’s plan to build a centre for the elderly who, according to him, had laboured for the state for many years and deserved to be honoured and taken care of, while alive.

  • Foundation donates over 500 5kg bags of fertiliser, farming tools to women farmers

    Foundation donates over 500 5kg bags of fertiliser, farming tools to women farmers

    The Rise and Thrive Humanitarian Foundation has donated over 500 bags of fertiliser and some farming tools to women farmers in Calabar South, Cross River State.

    The items were donated during “A blessing to Humanity Outreach”, organised by the foundation, which targeted at least 500 women farmers.

    The items, which comprises about 577 bags of 5kg Urea fertiliser, shovels, matches, hoes, cutlasses and large size umbrellas were donated to the vegetable farmers at Airport Signal Field in Calabar South.

    Speaking during the outreach, Director and Founder of the foundation, Cleo Nelson-Adoga, said God sent them to help alleviate the challenges faced by the farmers.

    She said they conducted an assessment and found out that the women needed the items and so they decided to intervene.

    Nelson-Adoga said: “We are trying to help the helpless and give back to the society.

    “We will be distributing fertilisers and farm tools and also giving them light by sharing the word of God to ensure that their lives are changed.

    Read Also: Tinubu to grace Uzodimma’s swearing in ceremony Monday

    “There is so much hardship in the world and this is our way of making things a bit light for these people.

    “The women informed us that they need fertiliser because this is dry season and the fertiliser will help their crops blossom. So we decided to help in that area.” she said.

    She said the foundation had taken time out to collect some relevant data of the beneficiaries and hoped to follow up with the women. 

    Nelson-Adoga said they were happy to put smiles on the faces of the farmers and impact their lives positively.

    She advised the women to continue staying close to God, keep the faith and always believe in God.

    The President of the New Airport Women Farmers Association, Arit Okon John, welcomed donation and said it would impact tremendously on their yield.

    Also speaking, Patricia David, a pumpkin and water leaf farmer, said she thought it was a story, but she came, witnessed it and it’s real.

    She said the foundation has done something phenomenal for the women and their output this dry season will be great.

  • BigShoe: Reshaping the Nigerian entertainment landscape

    BigShoe: Reshaping the Nigerian entertainment landscape

    Vincent Ejimbe, popularly known as “BigShoe,” the CEO of Blacksheep Entertainment, emerges as a pivotal influencer in Nigerian entertainment, curating and promoting emerging talents. 

    The founder of Club Caesar, a renowned nightclub in the South East, BigShoe plays a significant role in shaping the industry and elevating new artists through innovative club tours.

    At the core of BigShoe’s impact is his unwavering commitment to showcasing diverse talents. 

    Through meticulously planned club tours, featuring strategic collaborations and curated performances, he has propelled numerous artists, contributing to the dynamic vibrancy of Nigeria’s music scene.

    Going beyond the pulsating beats of the nightclub, BigShoe’s influence extends to the broader cultural spectrum. 

    His club tours not only deliver entertainment but also foster community and cultivate appreciation for a variety of artistic expressions. 

    Read Also: Club Caesar shines as ultimate nightlife destination in S’East

    By championing emerging talents, BigShoe actively molds the narrative of Nigerian entertainment, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

    As an experienced entertainment influencer, BigShoe’s journey transcends the confines of the nightclub, leaving an enduring mark on the industry. 

    His steadfast dedication to providing a platform for artists to shine underscores his commitment to enriching and reshaping Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.

  • Uzodimma: I will continue to support, collaborate with Army

    Uzodimma: I will continue to support, collaborate with Army

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said his administration will continue to support and collaborate with the Army, noting that the officers and soldiers have done a lot to keep Nigeria as one.

    He spoke yesterday at the New Exco Chambers when he received in audience the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and his team, who paid him a courtesy call as part of the schedule of the Army Chief, who was on operational tour of Army formations in the Southeast.

    Governor Uzodimma, who thanked the Army Chief and his team for coming to Imo State, described the state as the hospitality hub of Nigeria and promised to continue to support the Army.

    The governor recalled that a few years ago – 2020, 2021 and 2022 –  the whole world thought Imo would be excised from the Nigerian nation as a result of insecurity and expressed happiness that the Army and other security agencies rose to the occasion to the extent that in 2023, when governorship election was held in Imo, it was adjudged the fairest in Nigerian history.

    Acknowledging that the events of the past in Imo were “actually very challenging,” he therefore called on Nigerians and every state in the country to continue to show gratitude to the Army and other security agencies for the good job they are doing.

    He said in every position he finds himself, he will continue to canvas support for the Nigerian Military.

    The governor described Lt. Gen Lagbaja as one of the finest Army officers, noting that “his knowledge of the Southeast where he served as Officer, Commanding 82 Division, has become an advantage.”

    He reminded the COAS and the audience that in “the life of every nation there must be a time of challenges and Nigeria is not an exception,” noting that “it takes one or two men to salvage the nation from such challenges.”

    Governor Uzodimma urged the Army Chief and his team to continue in their job of defending the territorial sovereignty of the country, which they have sworn to an oath and assured of the nation’s continued support.

    He said: “If Nigeria must experience civilisation, the Army, from their wealth of knowledge, must be part of it.”

    He congratulated Lagbaja on his appointment as the COAS and assured him that his doors are always open to receive him.

    Governor Uzodimma took the opportunity to invite the COAS and his team to his second term inauguration slated for next Monday.

    Read Also: N1.5 trillion road project debt: FG asks contractors to begin verification

    Lt. Gen. Lagbaja told the governor that he was in Imo State on operational tour of the Army formations in the Southeast and thought it wise to use the occasion to pay a courtesy call on him.

    He said the tour was meant to access the Army personnel, their operational functions and deployment, state of their barracks, welfare and readiness to attend to their assigned duties.

    He said he had visited Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu states and thanked  Governor Uzodimma for cutting short his official assignment in Abuja to receive him and his team.

    Also, the COAS was full of appreciation to the governor for his support to the Army, especially the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze.

    He congratulated the governor on his re-election and ahead of his forthcoming swearing-in.

    The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Maj.-Gen. H. T. Dada, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig.-Gen. B. A. Lawal, principal staff officers from Army Headquarters, 32 Division and those of 34 Artillery Brigade.

    Deputy Governor Prof. Placid Njoku, Secretary to the State Government Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff  Nnamdi Anyaehie, Deputy Governor-elect Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former House of Representatives member Jerry Alagboso and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council joined the governor in receiving the Army Chief and his entourage.

  • Lagbaja hails Otti’s efforts to improve security

    Lagbaja hails Otti’s efforts to improve security

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has paid glowing tributes to Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his leadership that has led to improvement of security. 

    Gen. Lagbaja, who was in Abia in continuation of his nationwide tour of formations and units of the Nigeria Army, thanked Dr Otti for the support he continued to extend to the Army, saying such would spur the security agency into working with the state government to provide a secure environment for peaceful living and conduct of business. 

    “I want to take this opportunity, Your Excellency, to appreciate you for your support and that of the good people of Abia State to our troops and even their families that are domiciled here in Abia State. 

    “I have been briefed on the several interventions of Abia State Government to 14 Brigade. 

    “They are very good, and even the infrastructure in our barracks. I want to sincerely appreciate you, Your Excellency, for your immeasurable support to our formation. 

    “I also want to appreciate you for your personal leadership that has led to tremendous improvement in the security situation in Abia State since your assumption of office. 

    “I’m saying this based on the hindsight of my knowledge of the state and the challenges as the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. 

    “I also want to pledge the readiness, the willingness and the availability of the formations and units of our 14 Brigade, and even other Nigerian Army assets deployed in this area, to support the dovernment of Abia State to ensure that we continue to improve on the state of security and assist the state government to provide that enabling environment for economic activities and development to thrive,” the Army Chief stated when he visited the governor at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government. 

    General Lagbaja, extolling Governor Otti, said Nigeria Army had enjoyed “a warm and cordial relationship” with the government and people of Abia State and solicited the governor to impress on the citizens to continue to support the Army “so that together we can continue to deliver on our constitutional responsibility and support the government.”

    Otti thanked Lagbaja for his visit, saying the Army Chief’s coming had further strengthened the government’s resolve to partner with the Army and work together to secure not just Abia, but also the whole of the Southeast.

    He thanked the Army for the support the government had received in the fight against insecurity in the state, citing the success of ‘Operation Crush’, the state’s special multi-agency security task force, led by the Army.

    Read Also: Tinubu emphasises need to revitalize steel sector for economic growth

    “So, let me take this opportunity to publicly thank you for the support you have given us because if you didn’t give the support, the success people are talking about today wouldn’t have happened. So we are very grateful.

    “We have worked together with the military as partners and brothers. Your men don’t sleep. 

    “Any time there is anything and we call them, they respond immediately. 

    “So, please extend our gratitude to them,” Governor Otti said.

    He said Abia State government is happy with the relationship it has had with the Army

    “This is why any time they have any need – infrastructural, vehicle – to the best of our ability, we try to meet them”. 

    This, according to the governor, is notwithstanding the general economic downturn in the country. 

    Otti acknowledged the critical role of security in the overall development of Abia, saying, “if you do not have security, you can’t talk about investment and you can’t even sleep with your two eyes closed.” 

    However, he said that not much would have been accomplished if peace reigned in Abia, while the spate of insecurity continued in other parts of the Southeast.  He subsequently made a case for a meeting of the Southeast governors with the army chief to address the lingering issues of insecurity in the Southeast.