The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Abia stakeholders hail tribunal validation of Orji Kalu’s victory, ask PDP, LP to accept verdict

    Abia stakeholders hail tribunal validation of Orji Kalu’s victory, ask PDP, LP to accept verdict

    Prominent leaders from Abia State have commended Tuesday’s judgment of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal that validated the victory of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the lawmaker representing Abia North. 

    The stakeholders described the verdict as thorough, stressing that it addressed all the issues raised by the petitioners.

    According to a renowned security consultant and lawyer, Dr. Ody Ajike, the judgment was a true reflection of the mandate the people of Abia North Senatorial District delivered at the last National Assembly election.

    He urged the senatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Nnamdi Iro Orji, and his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Mao Ohuabunwa, to cooperate with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in its effort to address the myriad of challenges facing the District.

    He said: “The judgment is a valuable, well deserved and rewarding development in the politics of Abia North Senatorial Zone. As we all know, Judicial decisions as regards political competition will always produce competing interests that are usually resolved through consensus and compromise. This judgment is one that will further unite Abia North under Senator Orji Kalu’s primal leadership. I plead with the other candidates  to join forces with Senator Kalu for the promotion of peace and stability in our senatorial zone. 

    “Senator Orji Kalu has brought a new meaning of development to Abia North by fostering profound changes and transformational developments that are paradigmatic. Senator Kalu is deliberately promoting stability and democracy within the senatorial Zone by restoring political trust, encouraging political participation in new ways, building new mechanisms of effective people oriented governance and enhancing collaboration with the people. He has provided every area within the zone with a slew of non excludable public goods and social investments in health, education, public infrastructure and maximal incentives that promote economic growth.

    The Abia State Chairman of Reality Organisation, Barr. Peter Ndukwe expressed excitement, noting that the decision of the tribunal has kept hope alive for the people of Abia North.  

    “The unanimous judgement of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Abia State upholding and validating the re-election of distinguished Senator Dr Orji Uzor Kalu is infallible and unimpeachable as it represents the true picture and sacrosanct position of the law. 

    “In fact the judgment which I firmly believe will be upheld and sustained if appealed by the aggrieved parties, will  greatly enrich our electoral jurisprudence and case law. Virtually all issues raised or and canvassed in both the petition of PDP and Labour party were not germane but trivial,  frivolous and could not be proven or established by hard facts and law. 

    “My candid opinion and advice to Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji and their respective political parties (PDP and Labour) is for them to sheath their appellate swords and congratulate His Excellency and distinguished Senator Dr Orji Uzor Kalu (MON) for a well deserved victory.

    “I am excited, elated and fascinated by the well reasoned, researched and erudite delivery of the aforesaid judgement by the respected judges. The said judgement has kept hope alive for Ndi Abia North, Abia State and Nigeria. Enough of the distractions so that OUK can continue with his massive infrastructural developments and legacy projects for Abia North Senatorial district. Thumb up for the National Assembly Election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia. Congratulations to the great OUK.”

    The Abia State Chairman of Abia’s largest socio-political group, OUK Movement, Hon. Ojisi Iro Ogbaja said: “The decision of the erudite judges was a thorough one that ensures that the wish of the people prevails. The masses applaud the judgment as a victory for democracy to the working Senator — and we appeal to those opposing him to allow Abia North to work.”

    Chairman of Association of Nze, Ozo and Chiefs (ANOC) USA, Chief Sunday Okoro, applauded the ruling of the tribunal, saying: “Congratulations to Honorable Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on your great victory at the tribunal. I already knew he was going to win the tribunal matter; because, his winning during the election was a clear victory. The tribunal case was only to fulfill the due process of law. Once again, a big congratulations to him!”

    A legal practitioner from Ohafia Local Government Area, Barr. Mbila Ayi said: “A well deserved winning on account of senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s zeal and keeness in delivering the dividends of democracy to Abia North indegenes.The judgement indeed reflects the people’s mandate in Abia North.”

    Engr. Emma Nwosu, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ohafia Local Government Area, described the victory as “well deserved”, saying:

    “It is indeed the Lord’s doing and victory for his entire constituents of Abia North Senatorial Zone, who have enjoyed effective and quality representation over the years from him.

    We pray that the great God who has brought this victory will sustain it to the end and to the glory of His name.”

    Also, a political leader from Nkporo clan and House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ohafia North State Constituency, Hon. Robinson Otuwe Kalu said: “I felt so happy when I heard the good news. I give God all the glory. I give kudos to the judges. It shows we still have hope for the judiciary.Congratulations to my mentor, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.”

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Bende Local Government Area in Abia State, Hon Ulu Onwuchekwa, while reacting to the judgement, described the court’s verdict as true affirmation of overwhelming supports and votes given to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu by people during the just-concluded poll in Abua north and all other parts of Abia state, in order to continue with his effective representation at the senate for another four years..

    According to him, “the effective and efficient representation displayed by the federal lawmaker had engendered the buildings of socio- economic and Infrastructural projects in most parts of Abia north zone which are visible for the world to see. 

    “Based on this purposeful leadership cum representation, people of this senatorial zone decided again that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu should continue to represent us at the senate. And this honorable tribunal in its wisdom in line with the 2022 electoral act as amended, and constitution of the land”.

    The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia on Tuesday upheld the victory of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North Senatorial zone in the February 25, 2023 polls.

    A three man panel led by Justice Samson Paul-Gang in its unanimous ruling on Tuesday, September 12, dismissed the petition of Peoples Democratic Party’s Mao Ohuabunwa and Labour Party’s Nnamdi Iro Orji for lacking merit.

    The court, while upholding the victory of Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that the election of the former Senate Chief Whip compiled with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    The tribunal judges also faulted the arguments of both petitioners that election did not hold in over 120 polling units mainly in Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas of the zone.

    Nnamdi Iro and Ohuabunwa who came second and third respectively, Labour Party, in separate suits had asked the court to overturn the election of the former Abia Governor as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alleging irregularities.

    Also thrown out was the petition of the PDP and LP was the argument that the  total number of registered voters in the said affected polling units was far above the margin of win between Kalu and the first and second runners-up.

    Read Also: Orji Kalu to NLC: be patient with Tinubu

    The court also validated Kalu’s eligibility to contest the election stating that his trial and conviction was quashed by the supreme court.

    Two other matters filed by the LP challenging Kalu’s election were also interpreted and laid to rest by the Tribunal judges and thus declared Kalu the duly elected Senator of Abia North.

    Kalu, a chieftain of the APC was declared winner by the INEC returning Officer for Abia North, Mr Chinedu Nnamdi at Ohafia.

    Kalu, a two time lawmaker who chairs Senate committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, was declared winner by INEC of the February 25, 2023 Senatorial polls having scored 30,805 votes to defeat Nnamdi who got 27,540 votes.

    While Kalu’s other opponent, Ohuabunwa of the PDP scored 15,175 votes to place third.

  • Eulogy for Mrs Margaret Ehidiamen

    Eulogy for Mrs Margaret Ehidiamen

    • By, Jennifer Okaima Piette (nee Ehidiamen)

    When I was eleven, I pleaded (or maybe demanded) that my mother allow me to attend boarding school. The common entrance exam results had just been released, and judging by my score, I was qualified to attend the elitist Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) in Benin City, Edo State. I didn’t know back then that my mother’s meager salary as a teacher was insufficient to cover the expenses. But somehow, she made it happen.

    When I was twenty-one, I was selected to participate in a six-month youth exchange program sponsored by the British Council and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in the United Kingdom. For the first three months, I volunteered as a researcher in a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, U.K. For another three months, along with other youth volunteers (eight British and nine Nigerians), we spent another three months volunteering in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. These experiences influenced my career choice in global development, and my mother’s investment in helping me gain independence early on built my confidence and grit.

    I never got a chance to connect these dots with my mother through a reflective reminisce because, on June 26, 2023, four days before my 39th (thirty-ninth) birthday, she transitioned from this precarious world as we know it.

    My mother

    My mother, Princess (Mrs.) Margaret Otayo Ehidiamen, née Oseghale, was a lover of life. She cultivated every second of it, sharing her life and light with others. Born to the royal family of Omontuemen Okojie, my mother grew up in Uromi, Edo state. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Girls Grammar School Uromi; Mary Mount College (OLA), Agbor, Delta State; and College of Education Abraka, Delta State (which has evolved into Delta State University); and the University of Ibadan, where she earned her educational certificates. 

    My mother pursued careers in sports and teaching. She represented her schools in many sporting events, including swimming, track, long tennis, and badminton. Her athletic prowess was well-known to many, and she often talked about how she took part in a track competition while pregnant.

    My mother married my father, Asia Ehidiamen, at an early age, and they had seven children (six surviving children) in good wealth. I am the sixth (technically, the seventh) child, and the two greatest gifts I received from my parents are a good name (good character) and a quality education.

    Growing up, I enjoyed being called a teacher’s daughter and all the extras that came with the title, such as not paying for the famous PTA levy, not being punished by other teachers, and not being mishandled by peers or bullies at school. From my mother, I learned the art and act of being strong and tenacious. As a teacher, she spent years contributing to the human capital development of the youths in Uromi before moving to Lagos State, where she continued to work as a teacher, then elevated to the position of assistant headmistress and retired as a headteacher (headmistress) after 35 years of active service as a civil servant. Many accolades/awards of excellence distinguished my mum’s career as a teacher. I have had one or two people stop me on the street or send me messages on Facebook to ask if I am Mrs. Ehidiamen’s daughter. They would then recount how their lives were impacted positively by my mother’s classroom influence in primary school. It is always very inspiring to take it all in.

    Multi-dimensional problem-solver

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Tears, eulogy as Nda-Isaiah is buried in Abuja

    My mother was undoubtedly a hardworking, multi-talented woman who invested time in solving multi-dimensional challenges in her community. Even though she was a teacher by profession, she expressed her entrepreneurial acumen and talents through other channels. My mum was a talented singer and thrived as a chorister at the Church of God Mission, where she first embraced the gift of Salvation and generously propagated the gospel of Christ to others, including her family members. She was a hair stylist (she owned a Salon in the early years). She was a farmer (in Uromi), and many years later, she still enjoyed keeping a small garden (in her house in Akute/Magboro). She was a social butterfly who did not miss an opportunity to celebrate with others and often would be trusted to cook large party meals (friends and families trusted her skills even though she didn’t own a professional catering service). As a well-rounded entrepreneur, my mum’s interests were not limited by international borders. She would often spontaneously travel out of the country (to Benin Republic/Togo) to buy goods, which she traded in Lagos. My mum could knit/crotchet with her eyes close or use a sewing machine to create a garment and repair a slit like a trained seamstress. Beyond the business focus, my mum was an encourager. I recall people often came to her to seek counsel/guidance. And she was generous with her home – accommodating relatives and strangers who needed a place to stay.

    A lasting legacy

    My mother, Mrs. Margaret Otayo Ehidiamen, will never be forgotten. She has left a lasting legacy through her accomplishments and impact. Her positive values, memories, and love will be passed down to future generations. I will always remember her as an extraordinary woman who tried everything.

  • Tinubu’s policies will transform Nigeria, says Boyloaf

    Tinubu’s policies will transform Nigeria, says Boyloaf

    Foremost ex-militant leader, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, a.k.a. ‘Gen.’ Boyloaf, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT).

    He said the past 100 days of his administration had shown the President’s capacity to rescue and build a prosperous nation. 

    ‘Gen.’ Boyloaf called on Niger Delta people to support President Tinubu, “as his policies and visions are practicable and will fulfil the desire of the people in empowerment, infrastructural development and sustainable peace.

    He advised Nigerians to support the current administration as it targets to reposition the socio-economic imbalance and launch the country into an era of reduced borrowing, economic advancement and sustained infrastructural development.

    Victor-Ben assured Nigerians that Tinubu would ensure food security, economic growth, job creation, access to capital and improved security.

    Read Also:Tinubu will make Nigeria great again, says PDP BoT member

    He said unlike past administrations, the present government had shown its capacity at resolving diplomatic dispute in a timely manner such as the lingering dispute between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities and their Nigerian counterparts, which made the UAE authorities to lift their visa and travel ban previously placed on Nigerians.

    He said the action by the President showed a gradual and steady opening of Nigeria to the world, in order to encourage speedy capital investment recovery and growth.

    The former militant leader hailed President Tinubu for the investment deal struck in India with the Indorama Petrochemical Ltd, pledging a new investment of $8billion in the expansion of its fertiliser production and petrochemical facility at Eleme in Rivers State.

    He described the achievement made during the India visit as a landmark signalling the prosperous direction President Tinubu was leading the country.

  • Enugu Assembly approves governor’s N58b supplementary budget

    Enugu Assembly approves governor’s N58b supplementary budget

    Enugu State House of Assembly has passed the supplementary Appropriation Bill submitted to it by Governor Peter Mbah.

    The Appropriation Bill with budget size of N58,095,482,293, was read for the first, second and third time by the lawmakers yesterday.

    Read Also: Enugu govt, Indonesia to deepen trade,  investment relations

    The bill titled: ‘The bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of the total sum of N58,095,482,293 for capital and recurrent expenditure for the year ending 31st December, 2023’, saw the lawmakers taking time to canvass for their constituencies.

    Passing the bill, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu, hoped that the bill would enable Governor Mbah to carry out some capital projects.

  • Otu imposes curfew on warring communities

    Otu imposes curfew on warring communities

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has imposed curfew on communities in Yala Local Government, following communal clash at the boundary between the state and Benue.

    The clash is between the Tiv of Mbaaka, Benue State and Ijiegu-Yache community of Yala Local Government of Cross River State.

    Fight ensued last weekend and so far, unconfirmed lives have been lost and belongings worth millions of Naira have been destroyed.

    The governor announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew yesterday at Ugaga and Igbekurekor communities, as well as at Benekaba Ijama communities in Yala Local Government.

    Read Also: Bassey Otu: From mythical Phoenix to servant leader 

    He said it was to forestall further loss of lives and property and to enable security agencies deal with the situation.

    Otu said his administration had directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work out interventions in terms of relief materials, adding: “I must reiterate that no community or individual has the monopoly to instigate crisis and threaten the peace of any part of the state. I urge traditional institutions in the affected communities to restore peace, as they will be held accountable for any further breakdown of law and order.

    “I also urge our citizens in these communities to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance. Those in the affected communities are advised to adhere to this directive.”

    Police Command spokesperson Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident, saying security men had been deployed in the area.

  • APC Forum urges Akpabio, Ekpo, others to rebuild party in Akwa Ibom

    APC Forum urges Akpabio, Ekpo, others to rebuild party in Akwa Ibom

    The Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Minister of State (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, to rebuild the party in the state.

    It also enjoined Clement Jimbo and Patrick Umoh, members representing Abak and Ikot Ekpene federal constituencies, to team up with other leaders to strengthen the party.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom spends N5b on palliatives

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, Edidiong Charles and Secretary General, Frederick Asuquo, the group thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing indigenes of the state into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The ward chairmen said with Akpabio, Ekpo, Victor Antai (Executive Director Projects (NDDC) and Pastor Abasiandikan Nkono as commissioner for NDDC in the state, the party had been positioned for success.

  • ‘Anambra railway masterplan design underway’

    ‘Anambra railway masterplan design underway’

    Anambra State Government has begun payment to an international infrastructure development firm for design of railway masterplan for the state. 

    Managing Director, State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Okey Ezeobi, an architect; said this yesterday in Awka at a news briefing ahead of a six-day Capacity Building Series on Theory and Practice of Public Procurement for Local Government Stakeholders.

    He said the firm, CPCS Transcom Ltd, based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, was chosen among 10 international organisations who applied for the design.

    Ezeobi said investors were waiting for the masterplan implementation in view of the bankability and feasibility study on the railway initiative.

    He said: “We looked at their track record after considering the technical bids, financial bids, their domestic experience, before arriving at the CPCS. 

    “It is also instructive to note that the firm has acclaimed Anambra under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, as a forward-thinking state.

    Read Also: Police rescue victim, kill one in shootout with kidnappers in Anambra

    “The state has also commenced payment for masterplan design, which will take railway to the boundaries of the state. With the rails, moving containers from the ports will be cheaper and faster.”

    Ezeobi said the capacity building series was to entrench accountability and transparency in public funds’ utilisation, in line with Soludo’s vision to ensure adequate value for money.

    “The new direction and disruptive change of Soludo’s government is one that will restore public trust, as people are now aware of how their resources are spent.

    “Procurement is a process that must reflect accountability and transparency. Local government leadership must be accountable in their handling of public funds,” he added.

    Expressing satisfaction with significant improvement the state had recorded in its procurement processes, the BPP boss said plans were on to co-opt local government workers to BPP on ‘secondment’, to ensure proper training in procurement.

  • ‘Opposing Tantita Security detrimental to progress’

    ‘Opposing Tantita Security detrimental to progress’

    A group, the Nigerian Patriotic Youth Network International, has expressed concern about the ongoing controversy surrounding the renewal of Tantita Security Oil Pipeline Surveillance’s contract.

    It said opposition to its renewal was detrimental to the nation’s progress.

    In a communique issued at the end of a two-day meeting of the body held at DoubleTree, by Hilton Hotel and Suites, Houston, U.S.A. on September 9 and 10, the group said they were driven by their commitment to the growth, peace and development of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Southwest speakers meet on region’s security, others 

    In the communique signed by Amb. Akpovire Ovuomaraini (International Coordinator, UK) and Amb. Ibrahim Shehu (General Secretary, U.S.A), the group condemned attempts to disrupt the contract awarded to Tantita, saying opposition to its renewal would embolden oil thieves in the Niger Delta.

  • Group backs Obirija to replace Umahi

    Group backs Obirija to replace Umahi

    A sociopolitical group, Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023, has presented its Southeast Zonal Director, Nwaji Obirija, to fill the vacant seat of the Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

    The group said the decision to push Obirija forward came on the heel of the numerous calls by his kinsmen and entire people of Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

    The Senate seat became vacant when the former occupant, Senator David Umahi, was appointed the minister of works by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The foremost Tinubu’s support group, while unveiling its candidate for the vacant Senate seat for Ebonyi South Senatorial District, in a statement signed by the National Director, Media & Publicity, Comrade Adeboye Adebayo, described Obirija as a man to beat and eminently qualified to represent them at the Senate.

  • Delta awards N78b contract for flyovers in Warri, Effurun

    Delta awards N78b contract for flyovers in Warri, Effurun

    Delta State Government says it has approved the award of contracts worth N78billion for the construction of three flyovers and road expansion in Warri and Effurun. 

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Fred Edafiogho, who spoke to reporters in Asaba, said approval of the contracts was aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced in both towns.

    He said the contracts included the design and construction of flyover at Enerhen junction to Marine gate; study, design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of the DSC/NPA expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout, including construction of a 3/4 Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, as well as two pedestrian bridges. 

    Read Also: Delta confirms receipt of 13,800 bags of grains

    Others are design and construction of flyover at PTI junction and DSC roundabout along the Effurun/Patani, East-West highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government. 

    He said the project road expansion works on the DSC/NPA expressway would provide two lanes of restricted carriageway at the centre for through-traffic and another two lanes of service road in each travel direction, bringing the current capacity of the road from four lanes to eight lanes.

    He said side drains would be provided along the stretch to convey storm water to the swamp that runs beside the road and pipeline in addition to providing free flow of traffic for a distance of 4.359km with cloverleaf interchanges and U-turns allowing for unimpeded flow. 

    He added that the four projects have duration of 27 months with probable completion date of December 2025.