The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Bishop cries out over insecurity in Rivers community

    Bishop cries out over insecurity in Rivers community

    • Seeks Fubara’s, others intervention

    The Bishop of the Diocese of Etche, Anglican Communion in Rivers State, Rt. Reverend Okechukwu Nwala, has raised the alarm over rising cases of insecurity in the area.

    Nwala, during a chat with reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, said the criminal activities in the area included land grabbing and kidnapping.

    He said the development had caused the public loss of their belongings and investments, thereby demarketing the area from future investors.

    The clergyman alleged that men of the Nigeria Police, judiciary and monarchs aided and abetted the crime, as cultists served as their foot soldiers. 

    Nwala said: “Land grabbing, initially known as land recovering, is traceable to a situation where  members of a family whose land had been on protracted litigation, approach land grabbers to take over the land on a 50:50 sharing ratio.

    “When this happens, the land grabbers will make logistic arrangements on how to take over the parcel of land. They will first go to the court to procure interim injunction to restrain parties from entering the land, get the police to execute the order, mobilise caterpillars, bulldozers and cult boys, who act as their foot soldiers to the site.

    “They have connections with law enforcement agents and courts.

    “Once any person(s) from the opposite party is sighted on the land, they will be arrested and arraigned on emergency before a magistrates’ court of their choice on trumped up charges.

    “Following the spurious charges against the person(s), the magistrate may remand the suspect(s) in prison custody where they will be subjected to sign an undertaking never to get close to the parcel of land again. 

    “When this happens, the land grabbers will implement the already agreed sharing formula with those that got them into the matter. Pieces of land gotten in this manner are always sold at a relatively give away prices.”

    He said the situation has so degenerated that the miscreants now go about convincing people to invite them to come and take over parcels of land their families have sold over the years, but not yet developed by the buyers, for grabbing and resale and the illegal proceeds shared as they agree. 

    The cleric said the criminals spared no empty land in the area, including that of the government, company, church or owned by individuals.

    He said undeveloped land in Igboh Etech area was worse hit in the illegality, adding that a certain old time religious body lost over nine hectares apparently reserved for the building of their camp meetings in the racketeering. 

    He said part of the land grabbed was used as hideout for kidnapped victims, with heavily armed herdsmen serving as security at the illegal camps.

    He called on the governor, traditional rulers, national and state lawmakers from the locality, law enforcement agencies, particularly the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, to come to their aide and save the land and her people from the nefarious activities of lawless citizens.

    Read Also: No respite from insecurity in 2023

    “We are calling on the traditional head and custodian of Etche culture and values, His Eminence, Eze E. N. B. Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and Ocie of Etcheland, to use his respected stool to intervene and save our land from the worrisome situation.

    “We also call on the HRM, Eze S. N. Amaechi, the Onye ishi Agwuru Igboh Kingdom, whose domain is worse affected, to rise to the occasion. 

    “Some of the chiefs are suspected to be complicit; such persons when found faulty should be suspended from the council as a show of disapproval of their unholy attitude.

    “The attention of the senator representing Rivers East, Allwell Onyeso and that of the member representing Etche/Omuma in the House of Representative, Kelechi Nwogu, is hereby drawn for action. 

    “Members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the two Etche councils and the executive chairmen of the councils are requested to collaborate to save our land from this embarrassing situation.” the cleric said.

  • UNIZIK hails Tinubu’s efforts in improving varsity education 

    UNIZIK hails Tinubu’s efforts in improving varsity education 

    • Warns mischief makers against meddling in VC’s appointment

    The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his reforms in improving university education.

    It warned those it described as mischief makers to stop meddling in the affairs of the school, “as they’re trying to cause confusion.”

    The reaction followed an article by Mr. Matthew Ugwuadi that Governor Chukwuma Soludo and two political parties were enmeshed in a battle of who to appoint as the incoming vice chancellor (VC) of the institution.

    In a statement yesterday in Awka, the former director of information of the institution and now the Special Adviser to the current VC, Dr. Emma Ojukwu, described such statement as the handiwork of fifth columnists.

    He said: “The attention of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has been drawn to an obvious fabrication and falsehood being circulated by fifth columnists and opportunists about the race for the vice chancellorship of UNIZIK.

    In this intentionally fabricated falsehood, the fictitious writers concocted figments of their imagination as truth to deceive the public. The university will like to state as follows: “Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is a federal university funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Read Also: UNIZIK hails Tinubu’s efforts in reforming varsity education

    “The procedure for who emerges the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is contained in a template outlined and issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    “Based on these criteria, the Governing Council of the University and the University Senate jointly interview and appoint the most suitably qualified candidate following the Federal Government issued guidelines, which are always strictly followed

    “Therefore, it is surprising that these merchants of falsehood will allege that candidates are being sponsored by political parties (the PDP and APGA) for extraneous reasons. 

    “Let it be stated that it is the Federal Government through its due processes that will determine who becomes the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK.

    “The current Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone, has performed well by lifting the university to an enviable height. 

    “The Vice Chancellor has no right under the existing university law to appoint a successor or even influence the outcome of this race as this is the work of the Governing Council of the University. 

    “Therefore, the insinuation that the Vice Chancellor is supporting a particular candidate is untrue. 

    The Vice Chancellor believes that who will succeed him after he completes his five-year tenure in early June 2024 is in the hands of God and he has always said publicly that the best should emerge.

    “Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka condemns this treacherous attempt to drag the name of this great university to the mud by these fictitious opportunists. 

    “It also condemns any further attempt to unnecessarily overheat the temperature of the university and cause anxiety among peace-loving workers and students of the university.

    “The university management commends the Federal Government under His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the remarkable efforts being made to improve the lot of universities in Nigeria, especially with regard to the welfare of workers and students.”

  • Ugochinyere hails Abbas, Kalu, Bichi over speedy passage of 2024 budget

    Ugochinyere hails Abbas, Kalu, Bichi over speedy passage of 2024 budget

    A member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, has hailed Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu and chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, over the speedy passage of 2024 Appropriation Bill.

    Both chambers of the National Assembly held an emergency session on Saturday and passed the budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

    Speaking on the budget passage, Ugochinyere, who is the chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), said that Bichi’s competence, team spirit and all-inclusive leadership capacity made the passage of 2024 Appropriation Bill seamless.

    Read Also: Peter Obi pledges N5millions to support Plateau attack victims

    According to him, all House members were impressed and Bichi has earned their confidence with the way he worked tirelessly with his colleagues to ensure that everything was concluded on time and the budget passed before the end of year 2023.

    Ugochinyere expressed optimism that Bichi will sustain the tempo set by the 9th House of Representatives on ending delay in annual budget passage, adding that the lawmakers will carry out their oversight function on Ministries Department and Agencies of government (MDAs) to ensure that budgetary allocations were judiciously utilised.

  • ‘Anambra economic performance impressive’

    ‘Anambra economic performance impressive’

    Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, has said the state’s economy performed impressively in the outgoing year in spite of macroeconomic shocks.

    Nnake, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka yesterday, said the implementation rate of the 2023 budget was up to 70 per cent.

    She said the setbacks on the optimal implementation of the budget included no realisation of the 2023 target for Internally Generated Revenue and lack of competitiveness of the naira against the dollar.

    According to her, a lot is still going with the coming of the dry season, so the budget is still running.

    “The 2023 budget was predicated on a N4 billion monthly Internally Generated Revenue, but we have only done an average of N2 billion per month, this already shows massive deficit.

    “We also have the challenge of devaluation of the naira, which affected the purchasing power, Anambra is not in isolation in Nigeria.

    “However, we are able to do 66 per cent in the 2022 budget and we will definitely hit 70 per cent by the time the figures are out,” she said.

    Nnake described the state’s economy in 2023 as ‘very eventful’ with lots of activities in various sectors and hailed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his administrative prowess.

    The commissioner said the administration focused on infrastructure, which was critical to building a livable and prosperous state, and that over 400 roads were inaugurated across the state with some already completed and some still ongoing.

    She said in Agriculture, more than one million palm and coconut seedlings were distributed in the outgoing year with the target of creating economically independent households in the next few years when the trees would have started fruiting.

    Nnake said the government planned to recruit another 3,000 teachers into the public primary and secondary schools next year, in addition to the 5,000 recruited in 2023.

    She said the government had improved on the Ease of Doing Business with better road interconnectivity, a fruitful Memorandum of Understanding with EEDC which had ensured that parts of the state enjoyed about 20 hours power supply daily.

    According to her, “we recruited 5,000 teachers at the beginning of this year and we are looking to recruit an additional 3,000 into the public school system with the aim of transforming our schools into smart schools.

    “We have identified that our public primary and secondary schools are the weakest links in our education delivery system, so we are poised to provide free and quality education at that level.

    “On entertainment and leisure, we have the Awka Fun City, right at the heart of Awka, which is an entertainment hub that can help residents and visitors to relax, the contract has been awarded and the project is progressing,” she said.

    Read Also: Anambra pensioners beg Soludo to pay them N850m arrears

    Nnake said Anambra economy was viable and conducive and that the state had an impressive number of development partners supporting its programmes.

    She said the partners were the United Nations Development Programme, World Health Organisation, Food and Agricultural Organisation, UNICEF, Save the Children, International Organisation for Migration and the International Labour Organisation, among others.

    “These bodies have renewed their commitment to work with us in 2024  because they are seeing positive outcomes and we hope that more will join next year.

    “Anambra is safe, there are lots of traffic everywhere, this shows our people are coming back home. It is a testament to the efforts of the governor in the area of security, law and order.

    “We are not where we want to be because Mr Governor is targeting a state completely free of crime and violence,” she said.

  • NDDC distributes palliatives to Bayelsa communities

    NDDC distributes palliatives to Bayelsa communities

    Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has distributed palliatives to flood-prone communities across the eight local governments of Bayelsa State, as part of its efforts to mitigate the effects of the disaster on the people of the state.

    Speaking during the handover of the various palliatives in Yenagoa, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the distribution of the relief materials was the commission’s response to the challenges confronting the people and a way of cushioning the effects of the perennial flooding in many communities across the state.

    The Managing Director, who was represented by the NDDC Director, Procurement, Dr. Week Doodei and the Director of the Bayelsa State office of the Commission, Godknows Alamieyeseigha, explained that the palliatives were handed over to the representatives of the various communities to help them tackle their problems.

    Ogbuku in a statement by the Director Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to ameliorate the challenges facing the people of the Niger Delta region.

    He said:  “We share in the pains of the victims of the flooding in Bayelsa State. We realise that they have lost a lot which cannot be replaced. We assure you that the NDDC has very good programmes for the people of the Niger Delta region and as many people as possible will benefit from the distribution of the palliatives.”

    Read Also: Oil/gas hostcom demands inclusion in NDDC’s appointments, others

    He urged community representatives in the flood hit areas to judiciously distribute the materials, which included food and household items, farm inputs, and livelihood items such as canoes, fishing nets, hooks, among others, to ensure that flood victims had something to fall back on after their losses.

    He said: “The NDDC is not only about building roads and physical infrastructure. We also intervene in social services. We will monitor the distribution of these palliatives to ensure that they get to the affected areas.

    “This intervention will take place in all the NDDC mandate states because the Commission was set up to address situations such as this.”

    Ogbuku appealed to the benefiting community leaders to ensure that the items got to the vulnerable people in their areas, warning that hoarding and diversion of the items would not be tolerated.

    After inspecting the relief materials loaded on many trucks, the representatives of the NDDC boss directed the community leaders to ensure that the various items were taken to the different local government areas and communities where they would be distributed.

  • Otu fetes public servants

    Otu fetes public servants

    • Pledges united, prosperous Cross River

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has pledged that his administration will leave legacy of a united and prosperous Cross River that will be the envy of the country.

    Otu, who made the pledge when he hosted newly elevated public servants of the state extraction at the federal level, however, said the idea of a greater Cross River was a challenge and an endeavour that must be supported.

    The governor, who noted that he remained focused in spite of the seeming challenges, said everything worthwhile was usually an uphill task that required the determination, endurance and focus to achieve.

    “The crucible of leading a state is overwhelmingly daunting, but with the force of our collective resolve, we shall arrive at the desired destination.

    “We shall therefore not relent in presenting to the citizenry our laudable ideas for everyone to ask questions that will stimulate more victory and participate in the implementation of the ideas and take part in the glory of the accompanying successes,” he stressed.

    The governor, who also bestowed awards on the elevated public servants, including ministers, Army, Police and the judiciary, said their elevation was due to years of hard work and dedication to nation building.

    He urged them to replicate the same zeal in governance and patriotism in the service of the state.

    According to him, “I am privileged, humbled and highly elated to be at the helm in the state when these our illustrious sons were elevated and chosen in their different fields of endeavour.

    “They have impacted the states development agenda, therefore, no responsible government will downplay the importance of this distinguished human capital.

    “The social responsibility each of you owe the state is to serve as role models in terms of mentorship and provision of transformational leadership.”

    Otu said it was only in the atmosphere of unity that the desired development could be achieved and called on everyone to be responsible for promoting unity among the people.

    Read Also: Lagos SSG lifts Igando/Ikotun residents with palliatives

    “Fellow compatriots, permit me to use this forum to reiterate the essence of unity among our diverse ethnic groupings and party lines in the state.

    “The unity of Cross River State is sacrosanct and therefore takes precedence over and above other considerations and nation building.

    “The challenge of building a peaceful and harmonious and prosperous state rests squarely on everyone’s shoulders, irrespective of tribal and political inclinations,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the honoured public servants, Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal pledged that in their respective capacity, they would lift the banner of Cross River high.

    Other public servants honoured are Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Staff Intelligence; Sen. John Owan-Enoh, Minister of Sports and Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Others are Patrick Edung, AIG Zone II Command, Osobo; Echeng Eworo Echeng, AIG Zone 9, headquarters Umuahia among others.

  • Dickson not a Godfather, says Bayelsa governor

    Dickson not a Godfather, says Bayelsa governor

     Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has hailed the exemplary character of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, saying the former governor does not act like a political godfather.

    He said their relationship remains cordial and unbroken.

    The Bayelsa governor stated this at Toru-Orua, Senator Dickson’s hometown, in Sagbama Local Government during his usual Christmas visit.

    He said since leaving office in 2020, the former governor had supported him and had not been overbearing.

    His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that the unity between him and the ex- governor, who now represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, had contributed greatly to the peace and development of the state. 

    He recalled their long-standing relationship from their days in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and as commissioners during the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration in the state and hoped that the bond would remain strong.

    Diri expressed gratitude to Dickson for his role in his emergence as his successor and also for his support in the November 11 governorship election. 

    The governor stressed the need for unity among leaders and the people of the state, assuring the citizens  that his second tenure would be dedicated to moving Bayelsa to greater heights.

    He said: “Today is another day for merriment. You all remember in our first year, we had some challenges. So it was difficult for us to do anything meaningful that year. But from 2021, we instituted this visit and it has continued. 

    Read Also: Erosion: Bayelsa indigenes protest alleged NDDC’s, oil firms’ neglect

    “There can be nothing more refreshing than the fact that we are alive and together today. We all know the history of successors and predecessors in Nigeria, but the story in Bayelsa is different. 

    “From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you for tolerating me and for accepting me. This is the time people want to play godfatherism, but you are not doing that. We have worked together and shared a lot in common and I am sure this should be an example. 

    “In politics, if you do not tolerate and accept people, you will not move forward. Today we are happy because we all worked together as one. We went into the election united. 

    “Let me again took this opportunity to thank the people of Bayelsa. You have done well to keep the peace in our state. To all those we might have offended, please forgive us.”

    Senator Dickson lauded Governor Diri for sustaining the visit since it was initiated three years ago, describing it as refreshing. 

    Dickson said the visit typified brotherliness, love and peace and called on the people to imbibe a similar spirit of togetherness to move the state forward.

    Congratulating Diri on his electoral victory, Dickson commended him for his achievements in office and expressed confidence that he would  do more during his second tenure. 

    He said: “In spite of your tight schedule, you always find time to visit. This is the third time and we appreciate it. With the consent of the leaders here, on January 3, 2024, subject to your consent, we will visit you in Sampou. 

    “This visit is the first after your re-election. Although we had visited to congratulate you, it is still my duty to congratulate you and your able deputy on your resounding victory.

    “Our state has made progress due to maturity and brotherliness and it is our hope that the state will continue to be stable.”

  • Ghana, Cameroon, 15 states shine at Calabar Cultural Carnival 

    Ghana, Cameroon, 15 states shine at Calabar Cultural Carnival 

    Cultural troupes from Ghana, Cameroon and 15 states in Nigeria were among those that shone at the 2023 Calabar Cultural Carnival on Wednesday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The event, which witnessed cultural performances from the 18 local governments of Cross River, had different cultural groups in colourful cultural attires.

    Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Odey, said it was “one of its kind as it is happening in the season of sweetness.”

    Mr Gabe Onah, chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission, said of the 22 states that expressed interest, 15 had arrived at the time of the launch of the cultural carnival.

    Onah listed states that were on ground to include Enugu, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Yobe, Ondo, Ekiti and Akwa Ibom.

    “Today marks the bedrock of our tomorrow. Culture is what unites us. It is our true strength. We are live with over 15 million viewers on DSTV and other platforms.”

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, the leader of the Akwa Ibom contingent, Ms Abigail Akpakip, said the attendance was “a bit low due to the economic situation in the nation.”

    Read Also: 15 states, 18 councils grace Calabar Cultural Carnival

    While praising the government of Cross River for a good organisation, Akpakip said the few states that were in attendance were passionate about showcasing their cultural heritage.

    Also, Mr Haruna Abu, leader of the cultural troupe from Ondo State, said the carnival was an improvement from what they saw in the previous years.

    He added that they were okay with the logistics and accommodation for the troupes

    NAN reports that the performing states and local governments were judged at different adjudication points on the carnival route.

    The criteria for determining the best performing states included the costume, dance, use of time and presentation of the theme.

    Prizes are to be awarded to the best three states and local governments.

    Governor Bassey Otu yesterday launched street party of the 2023 edition of Carnival Calabar, with the theme: “Season of Sweetness”.

    Otu, during the ceremony held at the Millennium Park in Calabar, said this was a fulfilment of one of his campaign promises to bring back the carnival on a bigger platform.

    He thanked the direct organiser of the carnival for a job well done, considering the level of organisation.

    Dr Gabe Onah, chairman of the state’s carnival commission, appreciated the support enjoyed from Governor Otu, as he described him as an epitome of humanity.

  • Suspected herdsmen kill one in Benue

    Suspected herdsmen kill one in Benue

    It was a sad Boxing Day for the people of Iwendyer in Benue State, as suspected armed herdsmen shot and killed one of their own, Abur Terkuma.

    The killing occurred at Tse Abur Norsua settlement, in Iwendyer, Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government.

    Narrating how the incident happened, an eyewitness, Terlumun Uke, told The Nation that “on December 26, at about 5pm, suspected armed herdsmen attacked Tse Abur Norsua, in Iwendyer community, Logo Local Government and without provocation, shot and killed Mr Abur Terkuma.”

    Read Also: Police rescue four siblings from herdsmen in Anambra

    Uke said the body had been recovered by a joint team of Police and Civil Defence Agro Rangers Logo Unit and deposited at NKST Hospital mortuary, Anyiin.

    The traditional ruler of Tombo, Chief Dr. Enoch Ikyumen, confirmed the killing, saying they had informed security agencies in the area.

    He appealed to security agencies to protect his subjects.

  • ‘I’ll eliminate poverty in Edo if elected governor’

    ‘I’ll eliminate poverty in Edo if elected governor’

    A governorship aspirant in Edo State, Blessing Agbomhere, has vowed to eliminate the “massive poverty and unemployment in the state” if he emerges governor.

    Agbomhere made the vow in Fugar, Ward 1, Etsako Central Local Government Area where he declared his intention to run for governor at the ward level.

    Agbomhere, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) Zonal Organising Secretary, said his commitment to serve the people of the state was borne out of “genuine love and hunger to move the state from its current state of hopelessness and deprivation to an enviable height in economic prosperity.”

    He said the “pervasive poverty, unemployment and lack of industrialisation in the state is the result of the corrupt, disorganised and purposeless leadership of the current administration of Godwin Obaseki” who he said is now planning to continue on the same “trajectory of leadership failure by imposing an unpopular candidate on the people.”

    Read Also: BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa visits Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan

    Agbomhere promised to put his wealth of experience in academics, the media, strategic leadership and international connections to use to “rescue, sweep and reset Edo State by eliminating poverty through job creation which he said can be achieved through foreign direct investment in the state.”

    He added: “I am not unaware that social and economic life in Edo State has been hopeless, chaotic and stale with a dire need for innovative and purpose driven leadership as the tragic state of affairs in the state has become worrisome considering the fallout of the uncoordinated and vision-less leadership provided by Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu in the past seven and a half years, unrepentantly running an administration of ‘two thieves’ who are fighting over themselves over the sharing of their bounty while Edo people wallow in poverty and deprivation.”

    Agbomhere called on the people to challenge any further attempt to betray them by foisting on them leaders without capacity.