The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘Governor developing state through ISOPADEC’

    ‘Governor developing state through ISOPADEC’

    A Commissioner in Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Mr. Nkenna Nzeruo, says Governor Hope Uzodimma is developing Imo beyond expectations, especially in the oil producing areas.

    He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri yesterday.

    He said Uzodimma’s developmental strides manifested in the three hospitals he built in Ohaji Egbema, Oguta and Oru East local governments equipped with the state of the art facilities.

    “Governor Uzodimma has shown that there is money in Imo State because most of the projects he is embarking on, especially these three hospitals were part of the 13 per cent oil derivation from the Federal Government to ISOPADEC.

    “Working in ISOPADEC as a commissioner under Sen. Hope Uzodimma has shown that things can change under a good administration.

    “For many years that ISOPADEC had been in Imo, there had never been any monumental project that could be named after ISOPADEC, done and completed.

    “But today, the governor has proved that ISOPADEC can make proper use of the funds for the good of the people.

    “These hospitals have been completed and inaugurated. There are several rehabilitation projects the governor has done in oil producing communities or local governments,” Nzeruo said.

    He added that the governor had completed 61 other projects in different sectors in the 27 councils of the state, especially in oil communities.

    Nzeruo said Uzodimma’s administration also renovated and equipped 305 primary health care facilities across the 305 electoral wards of the state; supported by ambulances and mobile clinics.

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    He said the governor reconstructed and equipped Dan Anyiam Stadium.

    “It is remarkable that Governor Uzodimma is able to achieve this level of infrastructural revolution in Imo within a short time despite the challenges of insecurity and dwindling financial resources.

    “There are some primary school projects on the way in the three oil producing local governments of Ohaji Egbema, Oguta and Oru East,” Nzeruo said.

    The ISOPADEC commissioner said Uzodimma encouraged youths to embrace agriculture and empowered them to recognise the benefits of agriculture.

    He noted that about 15,000 youths have been trained in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

    He, therefore, called on all Imo residents to come out en masse and support the governor to get his second term bid.

  • Group decries corrupt practices at health centres

    Group decries corrupt practices at health centres

    The ATM (AIDS, Malaria and TB) network for the C19 RM/RSSH (COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health) has decried high cost of drugs and medical services in Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in Anambra State.

    The project led by Civil Society Organisations for Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) also lamented alleged corrupt practices by health workers in some PHCs in the state, warning those involved to desist.

    Speaking in Awka during its monthly coordination meeting, Zonal Coordinator, ACOMIN, Southeast, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, blamed the low patronage witnessed at PHCs across the state on such nefarious activities.

    He advised heads of health departments of health facilities to demonstrate high level of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their assignments.

    Aribodo, who is also executive director, Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative of Nigeria, enjoined officers-in-charge of the PHCs to make use of basic health care provision fund for maintenance of the health centres.

    He said: “The corrupt allegation in Awka South has been addressed. But that of PHC in Nnewi South Local Government is still under investigation.

    “It’s our hope that resources for PHCs should be transparently managed. The local government heads of health departments and heads of health facilities should shun corruption in whatever form, so that available resources will be used for the good of community members.”

    State Coordinator, Mrs. Chioma Okeke, urged members to replicate achievements being recorded in their areas of coverage in other neighbouring towns with no PHCs or underutilised ones.

    “As you oversee PHCs assigned to you, nothing stops you from replicating what is happening in your area in other neighbouring communities and even in your own towns where there are no PHCs.

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    “Anywhere you have opportunity, sell this market to community members and other stakeholders in communities where PHCs are not existing or functional and you will be surprised with the positive outcome.”

    State Coordinator for Tuberculosis Network, Mrs. Ify Unachukwu, told members that the group’s target remained ensuring functional, community driven PHCs towards better health care delivery for residents of the area.

    The Programme Manager, State Malaria Elimination Programme, Nonso Ndibe, lamented the human resource challenge in most health facilities, stressing the need for engagement of more health workers at the centres.

    The state Programme Officer, Wisdom Jacob, urged CBOs to ensure the project was sustained in the community they were working.

    He also enjoined them to build capacity of the Ward Development Community (WDC) to continue canvassing for maintenance of the health centre in the locality through community members.

  • Ijaw community urges firm on inclusion in OML 42 projects

    Ijaw community urges firm on inclusion in OML 42 projects

    Indigenes of Pepeama community in Warri Southwest Local Government of Delta State have urged Matrix Energy Ltd to include them in its investment and oil-related activities at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42, to avert an “unavoidable crisis”.

    In a protest letter dated October 4 and addressed to the oil firm, the indigenes who are descendants of Pozi Tuwabor (nee Ogeh), stressed the need for the company to comply with the decision of their monarch, the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun, Aketekpe Agadagba, that proceeds of Pepeama be equally shared among Pozi, Oyi and Fafa quarters of the community.

    The letter was signed by Madam Brass Piniki, Apst. Noah Douperegha Kemezide, Mr Ebi Alakiri and Moses Mala on behalf of the Pozi Descendants.

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    “Please note that it is our humble and irreducible demand that the community relations of your company’s operations, going forward, should reflect compliance with the expressed verdict on Pepeama by our king, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

    “The directive as it affects us can be achieved for desired peace by consciously engaging us, the owner-stakeholders, to formally and effectively belong to the project.

    “We further appeal that your inactions in the foregoing regard does not create avoidable crisis.”

  • Otti leads prominent Nigerians to bid Irukwu farewell

    Otti leads prominent Nigerians to bid Irukwu farewell

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the weekend led prominent Nigerians to bid Prof. Joseph Irukwu farewell, as the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was buried.

    Irukwu, who died in July at 89, was buried last Saturday in his hometown, Amokwe Item, in Bende Local Government of Abia State, after funeral ceremonies that traversed London, Lagos and Umuahia.

    The body of the erudite insurer, lawyer and administrator was committed to mother earth after an inter-denominational church service at Jane Egbichi Oteh Mini-stadium, Amokwe Item, where the virtues of the late elder statesman were extolled in tributes and eulogies.

    Dr. Otti acknowledged the achievements of the late Prof. Irukwu in fields such as insurance, law and his leadership activities in Ohanaeze, stressing that the most profound accomplishment of the late insurance guru was his devotion to the Christian faith.

    He advised people to emulate Irukwu, saying: “If you believe you’ve achieved great success in life, but you have neglected to sit and pray to God, it’s time to reconsider your priorities.”

    Former President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Gary Igariwe, on behalf of the apex Igbo socio cultural group, said Irukwu was an exceptional leader who distinguished himself in service.

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    He prayed that God should console the bereaved family.

    The President-General of Item Development Association (IDA), Sir Onwuka Orji, said the late Prof. Irukwu trained and mentored many Item professionals and captains of industries, “who are excelling all over the world.”

    He said his death had created a big vacuum in Item land and Nigeria.

    The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; ex-governor of old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd); Sen Enyinnaya Abaribe; former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; former Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and prominent indigene of Item, Arunma Oteh and others.

  • PIA: Oil firms inaugurate BoT to manage 3% devt fund

    PIA: Oil firms inaugurate BoT to manage 3% devt fund

    Frontier Oil Ltd and Savannah Energy Uquo Gas Ltd have reiterated their commitment to the prompt payment of three per cent operational expenditure (Opex), as contained in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Oil Ltd, Dada Thomas, an engineer; said this at the weekend during the inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Ekid Host Community Development Trust in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

    He said the Trust Fund was set up in line with the provisions of the PIA to provide a platform for the development of the companies’ host communities of Eket and Esit Eket local governments.

    “The process of selecting the trustees was consultative and thorough. Seven persons (three and four drawn from Eket and Esit Eket) are the trustees of Ekid Host Community Development Trust (EHCDT).

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    “These are men and women of integrity and professional standing and I have no doubt that they will work as a formidable team in collaboration with the settlors to deliver the desired participatory and sustainable development of our host communities.”

    “FOL-SEUGL JV herein reiterates her commitment to the implementation of the provisions of the PIA 2021. We shall ensure prompt payment of the Opex and undertake to support the timely and successful implementation of agreed community development projects.

    “To further demonstrate our commitment to the PIA implementation, we have opened four bank accounts in the name of the trust with Zenith Bank, Ewet and have also deposited FOL’s share of the three per cent Opex for 2021 and 2022. We are confident that Savannah Energy Uquo Gas Ltd will do likewise shortly,” he said.

    He warned against the vandalism of oil pipelines in the communities, saying such incidents was capable of robbing the communities of three per cent Opex.

    Chairman of the BoT EHCDT, Dr. Macaulay Akpan, promised to manage and utilise the funds provided by the oil companies for the development of the host communities.

    “We are entering into a social contract with Ekid people. We are conscious of the socio-economic and infrastructural needs of our people and we will discharge our functions with the fear of God.

    “We will work with relevant stakeholders and government agencies such as the state government, the NDDC to avoid duplication of projects.

    “We will also partner the state government in skills development, rural development, health, etc and even to get the government to augment the three per cent,” he said.

    Akpan said the BoT would work with stakeholders and the communities to provide a conducive environment for the operation of the oil companies.

  • Eno: London political summit willattract investors to Akwa Ibom

    Eno: London political summit willattract investors to Akwa Ibom

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has said the just concluded 8th Annual London Political Summit would attract investors and development partners to the state.

    He was fielding questions from reporters at the weekend at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, after his return from a three-day political summit held at the House of Commons Westminster Palace.

    He said he showcased the safe and lucrative economic opportunities the state was endowed with to the United Kingdom and the world at large.

    “Every opportunity we have, marketing the state’s potential is what we are doing. Not just that we are looking for investors, we are also looking for development partners.

    “This is what is important and we must understand that the monthly allocation alone cannot do all we want to do,” Eno said.

    On the benefit of the summit to the state, he said the  A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint of his administration was tailored to meet the sustainable development goals and had positioned the state as a favourable development partner to international  organisations, hence his participation in the summit.

    “As we meet these sustainable development goals, there are development partners out there that want to hear your story, see what you are doing, and you build trust because the problem with Africa is the trust issue. So we go out there, meet these organisations, talk with them. They want to know what you can do differently from what others have done in the past. So we believe it was a successful meeting,” the governor said.

    He attested to exploits in fields by ‘Akwa Ibomites’ abroad and the need to reassure them of the state government’s readiness to work with them, saying being at the event also availed him of the opportunity to interact with indigenes of the state in the diaspora and create openings for foreign direct investment as well as opportunities for exchange engagements in Health, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence and ICT.

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    “We also took the opportunity to meet with the Akwa Ibom indigenes in the diaspora. It is very important. A lot of them are professionals and always want to help in the development of the state and country. If you look at the foreign direct investment from the diaspora that came into the country in the previous years, you will find out that it was a large chunk and if we keep leaving our own people, we are losing parts of that large chunk,” Eno said.

  • Simon Ekpa alleges injustice against Igbos, insists on Biafra referendum

    Simon Ekpa alleges injustice against Igbos, insists on Biafra referendum

    The leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, has accused the Federal Government of decade-long injustice, unfairness and marginalization against Igbos.

    He said there is no going back on the actualisation of the Biafra referendum.

    Ekpa, who doubles as the Prime Minister of BRGIE and a Finland-based lawyer, spoke on Friday in a two-day extraordinary Biafra referendum convention in Helsinki, Finland.

    He explained that the Biafra agitation, which started due to the marginalisation of Igbos in Nigeria, has degenerated into self-preservation.

    Speaking at the convention now known as the ‘Biafra Helsinki Declaration October 20-21, 2023’, Ekpa stated that the Federal Government is yet to tackle the root of Biafra agitation.

    He accused the Federal Government government of continued injustice and unfairness against the people of Biafra.

    Ekpa insisted that without equity and fairness, the idea of ‘one Nigeria’ is not sustainable.

    He noted that Igbos have declared Biafra De Facto Government (BDFG) and BRGIE to serve the Nation and People of the southeast under the occupation of Nigeria.

    He added that Biafra should be allowed to have its independence and liberation.

    ‘”It is as though there is an international conspiracy not to talk about the ongoing conflict in Nigeria. For over a decade now, Biafrans are again been agitating for freedom. What was initially motivated by agitation against marginalization has transformed into agitation for self-preservation.

    “Agitation for Biafra that reemerged again more than a decade ago to protest exclusion from governance and marginalization regarding resource sharing and infrastructure development has since turned to agitation for self-preservation.

    “They are yet to make any concessions regarding the fundamental causes of the agitation in the first place.

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    “Citizens of the world have a right to express their displeasure with their governments, and most reasonable countries respond with dialogue and engagement. But in Nigeria, the story is different.

    “Yet people talk about “one Nigeria.” No country will be one without inclusion, equity, and justice.

    “Terror against Biafra continued instead of engaging in dialogue and making a sustained effort to address grievances, which has the opposite effect. You cannot claim one Nigeria while at the same time excluding segments of the country from the benefits of belonging to the same country.

    “When you choose marginalization as a tool, you have wittingly or unwittingly signed up to fail,” he stated.

  • Former Oro Union leader seeks TRC law repeal

    Former Oro Union leader seeks TRC law repeal

    The recent passage of an amendment to the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Law by the House of Assembly has ignited controversy and sparked concern over discrimination and division. 

    The legislation, signed into law by Governor Umo Eno on September 22, 2023, assigns the position of President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers to the office of Oku Ibom Ibibio.

    Reacting to the passage of the law, Dr. Asuquo Inuikim, former president-general of the Oron Union, expressed discontent and labelled the amendment as “satanic, discriminatory and condemnable.” 

    He criticised the lawmakers for disregarding the wishes of their constituents and enacting a law that further marginalises and divides the citizens. 

    In a statement, Inuikim said the paramount rulers from Annang, Oro and Obolo ethnic nationalities have united against the legislation, emphasising its obnoxious and repulsive nature.

    He said: “The law has raised concerns over its infringement upon the right and freedom of citizens.

    While Governor Umo Eno claimed that the paramount rulers agreed to equate the position of Akwa Ibom’s President-General with that of first-class royal fathers across Nigeria, questions have been raised about why the first-class ruler must live only in Ibibio land.

    “Their concerns centre around the perpetuation of the Oku Ibom Ibibio as the sole occupant of the president-general’s office, effectively ending the rotational process of the headship of the TRC.” 

    Inuikim said those behind the idea of the law must have been possessed by an evil spirit, adding that it promotes the view of some individuals as inferior and resembles modern-day slavery. 

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    He criticised the attempt to undermine the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Chiefs, stressing that it goes against the wisdom and practices of the pioneer royal fathers of the state, who instituted the rotational headship of the council.

    “The amendment to the Traditional Rulers Council Law in 2022, changing the title from chairman to president-general, was seen as an opportunity for an Oro man to hold the position. 

    “However, political manoeuvre prevented this, allowing the Oku Ibom Ibibio to remain in power. With his two-year term winding down, he now seeks to secure his lifelong presidency and restrict the position to the Ibibio race. 

    “This move can only be described as excessive greed and a potential threat to the unity and peaceful coexistence of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

    Calling for a reconsideration of the legislation, Inuikim urged the House of Assembly to rectify the injustice by promoting inclusivity, unity and fairness among citizens. 

    He said discriminatory laws could not stand when in contravention of the Nigerian Constitution, and called for the restoration of lasting peace, harmony and unity in the state.

  • Bayelsa suspends monarch over falsehood

    Bayelsa suspends monarch over falsehood

    • Forms probe panel

    Bayelsa State Government has approved the suspension of His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Collins Aranka, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government.

    A statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, quoted Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as approving the suspension.

    Ewhrudjakpo said the monarch’s suspension was due to a reported case of falsehood and a misrepresentation of the chieftaincy laws of the state.

    The statement said: “Consequently, a seven-man committee has been constituted to investigate the allegations brought against him, with the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Administration and Community Development, Chief Thompson Amule, as chairman.

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    “The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, his counterpart in Information and Orientation, Ayibaina Crowther Duba and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in the state, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, are to serve as members.

    “Other members include one first-class traditional ruler from each of the three senatorial districts to be nominated by the chairman of the traditional rulers’ council.

    “The committee has two weeks within which to conclude its assignment and present a report to the government.

    “His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Aranka, is hereby directed to refrain from carrying out any duty as the Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan or as a traditional ruler, within the period, pending the outcome of the committee’s assignment and subsequent lifting of the suspension order by the government.”

  • I wasn’t appointed to shift blames, says Ogbuku

    I wasn’t appointed to shift blames, says Ogbuku

    The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said his appointment by President Bola Ahmed TInubu is not to engage in a blame game, but to fix Niger Delta problems.

    He said he would perform his duties without partiality, noting that his focus was to tackle developmental challenges in the nine states of the Niger Delta.

    Speaking in a meeting with the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, at the headquarters of the commission, Ogbuku

    urged stakeholders in the Niger Delta to unite and confront the challenges facing their communities.

    The NDDC boss in a statement yesterday signed by the commission’s Corporate Affairs Director, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the NDDC would operate within the principles of inclusiveness.

    He said: “NDDC is for the nine states of the Niger Delta, meaning I am here to work in the interest of the nine states of the region. No matter your ethnic group in the Niger Delta, we all face the same challenges. Therefore, we must work together to address our challenges.

    “All ‘Niger Deltans’ must be accommodating and work in harmony to drive the process of development for the well-being of our people. I was not appointed to look back or shift blames. I was appointed to look forward to fix the problems in the region.”

    Ogbuku said his inclusive policy aligned with the global vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    He said regardless of ethnicity, Niger Delta people were bound by common challenges of underdevelopment and ecological issues, adding that the commission was prepared to tackle them.

    “Regardless of our ethnicity, we are all related and we face common challenges. These challenges, like underdevelopment and ecological problems, bring us all together,” he said. 

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    Ogbuku said the commission adopted a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy to fund major projects to accelerate progress in addressing the challenges.

    He said: “We are actively engaged in solar power projects to contribute to the fight against climate change. Our goal is to electrify every community using solar energy, while also seeking to recover carbon credits through our projects.”

    Ogbuku said the commission had entered into critical collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Limited, aimed at revitalising essential projects such as Bonny Ring Road, Okrika-Borokiri Road and Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge projects. 

    He said: “Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), and through this partnership, we intend to revive the Bonny Ring Road project, which was stalled for many years. 

    “The Okrika-Borokiri road and bridge project is also being revived in partnership with the Rivers State Government. Similarly, in Bayelsa State, we are partnering Bayelsa State Government on the Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge project.”