The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Mass exodus hits Ebonyi PDP as ex-speaker, others resign

    Mass exodus hits Ebonyi PDP as ex-speaker, others resign

    People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ebonyi State chapter has continued to experience massive defection of major stakeholders, with the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Odefa Obasi Odefa, becoming the latest to jump ship.

    Odefa, alongside other stakeholders from his Onicha East Constituency have resigned their membership of the party.

    He tendered his resignation letter to the Chairman of his Ogudu Okwor ward, Oshiri community, in the local government.

    Odefa confirmed his defection to reporters yesterday in Abakaliki. 

    He was flanked by other bigwigs of the PDP and Labour Party (LP)

    in the local government, who all announced their resignation from the two parties.

    Read Also: Certificate racketeering: LASU dismisses Dean of Student Affairs

    They include PDP Chairman, Ugwu Oshiri Ward; PDP Chairman,  Okpuzor/Ukawu Ward; PDP Chairman, Ebyia Oshiri Ward; PDP Chairman, Abaomege Ward; PDP Chairman, Ishinkwo/Ukawu Ward; and PDP Chairman, Ogudu Okwor Ward.

    Odefa and other PDP/LP bigwigs did not disclose the party they would be joining, but it was gathered that they would likely defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Odefa, whose younger brother is the National Vice Chairman of PDP in the Southeast, said he (the National Vice Chairman) was free to remain in the PDP.

    He said: “Yes, my younger brother is a major stakeholder, not just a major stakeholder, he is also the National Vice Chairman of PDP in the Southeast. In our family, we are very mature. We may have different opinions, but we respect each other’s opinions and feelings.”

  • Otti reads riot act to 24 perm secs

    Otti reads riot act to 24 perm secs

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged the 24 newly sworn in permanent secretaries to be firm and live above board.

    Speaking at the Government House, Umuahia, yesterday after the oath of office and allegiance were administered on the permanent secretaries by the Director-in-charge, Ministry of Justice, Emenike Okoro, the governor advised the permanent secretaries to improve themselves in knowledge, to add value to the system.

    He said: “In the new Abia we are progressively building, we are more interested in what you can bring to the table. 

    “Competence and character for us will always take precedence over place of origin or the religion you profess.”

    Responding on behalf of the permanent secretaries, Mrs. Ngozi Obioma thanked Governor Otti for appointing them as his fist set of permanent secretaries. 

    Read Also: Tinubu departs Abuja for Saudi-Africa summit Thursday

    She said they would work in line with the civil service reform agenda of the current administration and promised to justify the confidence reposed in them.

    The permanent secretaries include Lady Joy Maduka, Ngozi Obioma, Paul Ogwubunka, Uche Ukeje, Okezie Chukwudike, Justine Ebo, Ogechukwu Maduka, Izuchukwu Onwughara, Obi-Chianakwalam Elechi and Ifenyinwa  Uma-Kalu.

    Others are Ogechi Oguama, Ijeoma Dim, Nwanyieze Otum, Ugonma Jimonu, Benson Ojeikere, Uchechukwu Kalu, Ikechukwu Oriuwa, Ijeoma Aguwa, Florence Nwogu, Magdalene Onwu, Ezinne Ngwakwe, Cyril Nwaigwe, Ugochukwu Kingston and Onwuegbu  Nlewedim.

  • Fed Govt upgrades Alvan Ikoku College to varsity

    Fed Govt upgrades Alvan Ikoku College to varsity

    Federal Government has upgraded Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education  (AIFCE) to a university. 

    The former provost of the college, who is now the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Dr. Stella Lemchi, disclosed this to reporters. 

    She said: “This is to inform you of the current reality and status of our institution, formerly known as Alvan Ikoku College of Education, and now Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri.”  

    The DVC thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the policy of his administration to ensure that the journey started 60 years ago came to reality.

    She expressed the institution’s gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    Read Also: Certificate racketeering: LASU dismisses Dean of Student Affairs

    On the history of the institution, Lemchi said: “The journey that recently culminated in the upgrade of our institution started in 1963, when, on the recommendation of the Ashby Commission, the institution was established as Advanced Teacher Training College, Owerri  under the auspices of UNESCO on behalf of the United Nations (Special Funds), and Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “The college was established as one of the four projects aimed at expanding facilities for the training of secondary school teachers in Nigeria, which envisaged one federal training college at the national level in Lagos, and three colleges to serve the Eastern, Western and Northern regions. 

    “The Government of East Central State of Nigeria, by Edict No. 11 of May 31, 1973 upgraded the Advanced Teacher Training College Owerri to the status of a full-fledged College of Education named in honour of the great educationist, Alvan Ikoku, a former leader of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and proprietor of the first indigenous privately-owned secondary school in Nigeria. 

  • Uzodimma launches project for 40,000 youths

    Uzodimma launches project for 40,000 youths

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has launched Cohort 3 Skill-Up Imo Project for 40 000 youths, who will be trained in digital skills that will make them either employable or self-reliant, depending on their choice.

    Launching the exercise at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, the governor told the youth that “the overall objective of the skill-up is to make youths self-reliant, job employers, creative thinkers and future world billionaires in US dollars.”

    He informed them that his administration had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with foreign companies, who would employ successful ones among them after their graduation.

    Uzodimma said it was the responsibility of the government to prepare youths for future, equip and train them in how to fish and not to give them fish.

    Read Also: Tinubu departs Abuja for Saudi-Africa summit Thursday

    He said: “When youths are trained, equipped and empowered, crime in communities will be reduced and peace will be restored.”

    The governor urged them to be “attentive, serious and useful to Imo State and Nigeria.” 

    He said Imo people were happy that despite the challenges facing the government, his administration graduated 20,000 youths from the programme “and is now admitting another 40,000 in the same project.”

    Uzodimma thanked the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi and Imo youths for accepting the programme.

    Amadi said Imo people have fully accepted the programme, noting that “Imo mothers now say their children must be skilled up.”

  • Appeal Court reinstates Ugochinyere as Ideato Reps member

    Appeal Court reinstates Ugochinyere as Ideato Reps member

    The Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos has unanimously affirmed the election of the member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, as the validly elected member of the House of Representatives.

    The judicial triumph has brought to an end the political battle of almost two years, which has been as intriguing as it has been bloody, claiming lives of his family members and supporters who lost their lives following a deadly attack on his residence on January 7, 2023 shortly before the February 25 National Assembly elections.

    In a unanimous judgment, the panel headed by Justice Abubakar Babandi Gumel overruled the judgment of the Imo State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which had disqualified Ikenga and nullified his election on a pre-election matter of the primary election of the PDP despite plethora of authorities by the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to the effect that Election Tribunals do not have jurisdiction over pre-election matters.

    As news of the judgment reached Ideato, there was instant jubilation, with markets and streets instantly turning into carnivals for the celebration of the legal victory. 

    Speaking after the judgment, counsel to Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Emeka Ozoani, SAN, described the judgement as victory for democracy and an end to political rascality. 

    He said the travesty of the Tribunal judgement led to the filing of nine appeals before the Appeal Court, the highest number of appeals ever against a singular judgement in the nation’s election petition jurisprudence.

    Read Also: Mass protest rocks Plateau over Appeal Court judgments

    While commending the President of the Court of Appeal and the three members of the Panel, Barr Tochukwu Ohazuruike said: “The President of the Court of Appeal and the three Panel members deserve all the commendation for resisting the attempts of Hope Uzodimma to undermine them like he did to Justice Akpovi who has lost all his respect for such strange judgment he delivered after the Tribunal hearing. It is only those who that Hope Uzodimma stops at nothing when he wants to desecrate the judiciary that will understand why this commendation is necessary and apt.”

    An excited Hon. Ugochinyere said God always vindicates the innocent while reacting to the judgement. 

    He said this was not the opportunity cost for those that were killed in the battle, but it will, at least, show they did not die in vain. 

    “We can now start the burial arrangements for my uncle who was murdered in cold blood on 7th January so he can now rest in peace having been here till this final victory.” 

  • Abia seeks prosecution of deputy speaker, LP state chairman

    Abia seeks prosecution of deputy speaker, LP state chairman

    The leadership of Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Police Commissioner Kenechukwu Onwuemelie to prosecute the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Austin Nmeregini, for allegedly leading protest against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    It also demanded the prosecution of the state Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Ceekay Igara, for also allegedly mobilising members of the party to lead the protest, which the PDP said was capable of causing breach of peace.

    Read Also: Appeal Court verdict: LP members protest sacking of Senate minority whip in Abia

    The Court of Appeal last weekend removed Darlington Nwokocha of the LP and restored the mandate of Col. Austin Akobundu of the PDP as the winner of the February 25 National Assembly election.

    Speaking at the state secretariat of the party in Umuahia, the Vice Chairman of the party in Abia North and acting Publicity Secretary of the party, Abraham Amah, accused LP of trying to cause commotion in the state.

  • Mbah’s certificate: Enugu PDP demands apology from NYSC

    Mbah’s certificate: Enugu PDP demands apology from NYSC

    From Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has demanded an open and unreserved apology from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for what it tagged conspiracy, deceit and wilful misrepresentation of facts to destroy Governor Peter Mbah and dislodge the party from the state.

    The party also accused NYSC of dabbling in the politics of Enugu State and rendering itself a willing tool in the hands of the opposition.

    The position of the party was made known in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the PDP, Augustine Nnamani, in Enugu yesterday.

    The party was reacting to the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which cleared Mbah of certificate forgery and awarded N5 million damages in favour of the governor.

    The PDP accused the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, and Director of Corps Certification, Muhammad Ibrahim, of dragging the reputation of the institution in the mud by dabbling in partisan politics.

    “The judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, not only exposed the underbelly of the profiteering, conspiracy, ineptness, political partisanship and duplicity in the Governor Mbah NYSC discharge certificate controversy, it also exposed the same factors that have rendered our public institutions weak and ineffectual.

    Read Also: Court fines NYSC N5m for tagging Mbah’s discharge certificate as fake

    “For instance, in discountenancing NYSC’s claim that a purported certificate number A673517 that could have been issued to Mbah was among the outdated, uncollected, unused and cancelled discharge certificates covering 1999 to 2004 that were allegedly burnt in 2022 on management’s directive, the court rightly wondered how the NYSC obtained the certificates dated 6th January 2003, which they certified and tendered before the court.

    “In the court’s words, ‘To make matters worse, the certification by the stamp thereon was done on 19th August, 2023, long after this case was initiated on 4th May, 2023; a person can only certify a document which original he is in his possession.

    “It is also a shame that in order to perfect their paid job, cover their tracks and fool the court, the NYSC resorted to withholding Mbah’s initial file with reference number LA/01/1532 or the temporary file with reference number LA/01/1532/T that contain his records of national service and certificate from the court.

    “The Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo therefore unmasked the shameful conspiracy when he held that ‘non-production of files with Ref. No. LA/01/1532 or File with Ref. No. LA/01/1532/T means the contents thereof would have gone against the defendants (NYSC’s) in this case and I so hold’”, Nnamani said.

    Nnamani said it should worry Nigerians that it was only in 2022 when the politics of 2023 was already underway that the NYSC found it most convenient and auspicious to burn purported unclaimed and unused discharge certificates from 1999 to 2004, if indeed it did so.

    Concluding, Nnamani said: “Now that the court has finally established the truth, which is that Mbah diligently served his fatherland and was honourably discharged; that the NYSC was merely playing dirty politics and tried to fool Nigerians and the court, we demand an immediate, open and unreserved apology from the NYSC to both Governor Peter Mbah and the PDP as an institution, and indeed the entire good people of Enugu State”.

  • Amnesty programme trains 20 ex-Niger Delta agitators in aircraft maintenance

    Amnesty programme trains 20 ex-Niger Delta agitators in aircraft maintenance

    No fewer than twenty ex-agitators from the Niger Delta have officially begun a five-week mandatory training as engineers in aircraft maintenance.

    The training is under Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Its Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd.), made this known in a statement yesterday.

    He said the beneficiaries were part of the 75 pilots under the PAP Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators of Niger Delta.

    The first set of 20 aircraft maintenance engineers graduated on October 31, 2023.

    Addressing the beneficiaries, the PAP boss said the launch of training for the second batch was another promise kept by his administration.

    He said the global aviation industry is expanding at a rapid pace and manpower development is being emphasised by the industry operators and regulators.

    Ndiomu said through the specialised programme, PAP had become a critical supplier of strategic manpower to the global aviation industry.

    Read Also: NSIB probes aircraft crash at Ibadan airport

    “You represent not just the future of the Niger Delta, but also the future of Nigeria and the global aviation industry

    “The PAP has provided you with all you require to succeed in this journey. What you owe us in return is excellence.”

    He further underscored the programme’s relevance in providing essential manpower to meet industry demands, while reaffirming PAP’s dedication to consistently create advanced opportunities for the career development of individuals from the Niger Delta, creating advanced opportunities for the career development of individuals from the Niger Delta, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    He, however, urged the beneficiaries to excel in their endeavours and shape the future of the Niger Delta, contributing to Nigeria and the global aviation sector.

  • Eno begins one project per local govt

    Eno begins one project per local govt

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has begun one project per local government initiative in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District.

    The initiative, aimed at massive rural development in the 31 local governments, began with the launch of the building of Model Government Primary School, Idung Offiong in Eket.

    Eno said the projects were based on specific needs as requested by stakeholders in each local government, adding that each project would be completed within six months for a new round to start.

    He said the model school would be equipped with solar power, security gate, perimeter fence, staff quarters and modern learning facilities, adding that there would be provision of school uniforms, books and sandals for pupils.

    “This is the first of the projects that will be delivered in the 31 councils of this state. As part of our rural development drive, we have given the opportunity for communities and local governments to do a need assessment, align it with what we have and deliver to the people.

    “This project was chosen by Eket Local Government stakeholders. They want a school built here. We are here today to use this as our point of contact to launch projects that will be under the initiative in Eket Senatorial District. When we leave here, we will replicate it in Uyo Senatorial District and later go to Ikot Ekpene.

    “We will do 31 projects across the state, and the projects, I believe, should be ready in six months. Then we will take on another 31.

    Read Also: Reps adopt open ballot for election of Speaker, Deputy

    “So, if you have a school this time, you may have a hospital next time and if you have a hospital next, you may have markets later. That way, we will touch every part of the state with quality projects.

    “We have a budget, and we will stay within that budget. Our father, the paramount ruler, has talked about a school established in 1905. I think we will look at that school and make sure we make the school a model one. 1905 is a long time ago, we will not like such a legacy school to die,” the governor added.

    He said one of the main reasons he was keen on education was his determination to curb out-of-school children and ensure that education was made attractive to them through the provision of basic needs and a conducive learning environment.

    Eno disclosed plans to select some students in the rural areas for an exchange programme in the United Kingdom as part of efforts to expose them and build capacity that would enable them compete with their counterparts across the globe.

    He used the occasion to call on International Oil companies (IOCs) operating in the state to support government’s rural development efforts by adopting any of the model projects and replicating same in their host communities, as part of their corporate social responsibility. 

    Giving details of the model school, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Dr. Bassey Okon, thanked the governor for approving the project, noting that the new school project would include classrooms, clinic, assembly hall, toilets, water facilities, among others.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government, HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia and Chairman of Eket Local Government, Akaninyene Tommey, thanked the governor for his commitment to the development of Eket and assured him of their support.

  • Otti appoints transition chairmen, deputies

    Otti appoints transition chairmen, deputies

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti yesterday announced the appointment of transition committee chairmen and deputies for the 17 local governments.

    Our correspondent reports that Dr. Otti had come under criticism by the opposition parties for reportedly withholding the seal of local governments and his inability to organise council election or appoint transition committee chairmen for the 17 local governments since he assumed office, which the opposition noted was not just contrary to Otti’s campaign promises, but also against democratic principles.

    While the governor had at different times assured his supporters and ‘Abians’ generally that he would organise local government election, he also said he would appoint transition committee chairmen to supervise the affairs of the councils before election would be organised.

    Otti said in a statement that he had submitted their names for screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly.

    Those appointed include IsialaNgwa South LGA: Chairman- Dr. Elelenta Nwambuisi Elele. Deputy- Mr. Eberechukwu Ahuruonye.

    Ukwa West LGA: Chairman- Mr. Newman Azu.

    Deputy- Mr. Anele Michael.

    Arochukwu LGA: Chairman- Chief Joe Ezearu. Deputy- Mr. Okezie Azuma.

    Others include Umuahia South LGA:

    Chairman- Mr. Obike Ejike Nnochiri, Deputy- Mr. Olendingwa Nwabueze. IsialaNgwa North LGA: Chairman- Mr. C. Y. Nwankwo. Deputy- Mr. Uchenna Nwanbuko.

    Umunneochi LGA: Chairman- Mr. Ndubuisi Ike. Deputy- Mr. Njoku Augustine C.

    The statement further said: Isuikwuato LGA. Chairman- Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike (Rtd).

    Deputy- Harrison Onuke

    Ikwuano LGA: Chairman- Mr. Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka, Deputy- Chief Charles Ugbuajah.

    Others include: Bende LGA.

    Read Also: Adventist world leader charges Otti, Ikpeazu to sheath swords

    Chairman- Chijioke Nwankwo, Deputy- Mr. Onyedikachi Iroegbu.

    Ohafia LGA: Chairman- Chief David Ogba, Deputy-  Mkpa Oju Uka.

    Obingwa LGA: Chairman- Dr. Eric Egwuibe, Deputy- Mr. Chiemela Ekpemu.

    Ugwunagbo LGA: Chairman- Nosike Ihesiaba, Deputy- Mr. Nnamdi Kelvin Chijioke.

    Ukwa East LGA: Chairman- Dr. Ngozi Nwagbara, Deputy- Chief Onyebuchi Nnah.

    Umuahia North LGA: Chairman- Chief Victor Ikeji, Deputy- Mr. Okechukwu Anthony Amah.

    Aba South LGA: Chairman- Mr. Uchechukwu A. C. Wogu, Deputy- Mrs. Nkiru Ugwu.

    Aba North LGA: Chairman- Ide John Udeagbala, Deputy- Prince Nnaemeka Ogbonna and Osisioma Ngwa LGA: Chairman- Israel Nweke, Deputy-  Young Ngwaziem.