Category: SouthEast

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State chapter, has urged Enugu State Government to domesticate the Medical Residency Training Funding Act (MRTF). 

Enugu State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Ugwoke Celestine, made the appeal at a news briefing after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association.

He advised the Governor Peter Mbah administration to domesticate the MRTF and other remuneration packages being enjoyed by their counterparts working in federal institutions.

Ugwoke said: “MRTF will help subsidise the very expensive specialist training programme of state doctors, who are in residency programme in the state, especially at ESUTH Parklane.”

Read Also: Strike: Niger NMA urges FG to fulfill doctors’ demands

He added that many other state governments had domesticated the Act and started its implementation.

“The Medical Residency programme targets development and injection of more graduating expertise into the state health care force,” he said. 

The chairman hoped that “the new governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, will listen to the pumping pulse of doctors with respect to this demand in this vital area that will strengthen the state health care status. 

“I believe since the current governor is a sound technocrat, who appreciates expertise, Enugu’s health sector will experience a boost.”

Ugwoke told the public that most of the sponsored adverts by drug producers and vendors on radio and televisions did not empower them to take medications without a doctor’s prescription. 

He lamented that the high cost of drugs and other commodities was encouraging self-medication and consumption of herbal concoction, which, according to him, “encourages organ damage.” 

“Cases of kidney and liver damages are on the rise as a result of the ugly development”, he said, calling on the government to support NMA to stamp out quackery.

Medical Doctors in Cross River State yesterday defied the rains and took to the streets to demand the immediate release of one of their members Professor Ekanem Ephraim, who has been held in captivity for three weeks by kidnappers.

The doctors, dressed in medical overalls, marched in the torrential downpour, led by the Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association in Cross River State,  Dr Felix Archibong .

The medical doctors who have been on strike since the kidnap of Ephraim, displayed placards with different messages like “Set Cross River free from stranglehold of kidnappers,” “Free all persons held captives by kidnappers”, to show their anger.

Read Also: Zulum orders recruitment of medical doctors, nurses

They marched from the General Hospital, Calabar to the governor’s temporary office at Dan Archibong lodge, a distance of about three kilometres, under early morning rain, only to meet the absence of Governor Bassey Otu, who is out of the state.

The doctors then proceeded to the House of Assembly where they met the Speaker, Mr Elvert Ayambem.

At the Assembly, Dr Archibong told the Speaker that doctors in the state have been made target of ransom and extortion by hoodlums, who have continually kidnapped members because they see doctors as cash cows.

From the House of Assembly where the doctors disrupted the screening of commissioners-nominee, they proceeded and had another audience with the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey.

The deputy governor pleaded with the doctors and assured them that the government would not rest on its oars over the matter.

Chairman, Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice C. O. Ahuchaogu, yesterday dismissed an oral application by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, for a recount of ballot papers used during the March 18 election.

Ahuchaogu ruled: “There is no merit in this oral application for recount and it is hereby dismissed.”

APC’s counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), said the ballot papers have been admitted in evidence and marked as exhibits.

Read Also: Omo-Agege urges unity, leadership support

He urged the tribunal to grant the application in the interest of justice.

Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. J. Abugu, said the commission stood by the result and figures in the declaration of the second respondent, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as winner of the election.

He admitted that the tribunal had discretionary power of whether or not to count.

Oborevwori’s counsel, Damian Dodo (SAN), objected to the application, saying a case for a recount of ballot by the petitioner had not been made out. 

He argued that a person dissatisfied with the results of the election must first apply for a recount at the polling unit. 

He said nothing from pages 1 to102 of the petition showed that the petitioner demanded a recount at any of the 1,333 polling units in question. 

He said there was nowhere in the body of the petition that the petitioner sought a relief for recount of ballot papers.

Counsel for the third respondent, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ekeme Ohwovoriole (SAN), said the application was unmeritorious and urged the tribunal to dismiss it.

Reconstructing the image of Niger Delta has been identified as one of the ways to reposition the region, to benefit from the dividends of democracy.

A retired Professor of Oral Literature and Folklore, Godwin Sarah, made this known during a presentation at a town hall meeting organised by The National Point newspaper, in conjunction with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), in Effurun, Delta State.

Read Also: We need sustainable partnership to develop Niger Delta, says Ogbuku

The meeting with the theme: ‘Ensuring Electoral Accountability and Inclusive Governance,’ X-rayed the challenges against electoral processes and elections in the oil-rich region and Nigeria at large, as well as discrimination against women and persons living with disabilities.

Addressing participants, Prof. Darah, identifying structural, ideological, political, economic, social and cultural problems as elements to appraise elections, said the “media will be central in liberating Niger Delta.”

He said 90 per cent of political governance belonged to media propaganda.

Darah said: “Political parties are part of the structural problems bedevilling Niger Delta.”

He advised stakeholders to establish one.

The professor said “money is the principal concern why elections cannot be free and fair” in Nigeria, describing the situation as “frightening”.

A lecturer at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Rose Aziza, proffered the promotion of indigenous languages to ensure inclusive governance.

According to her, “inclusive governance means we must not leave anyone (women, youths, persons with disabilities) behind. We must reconcile, agree to live and work together.” 

She advised Niger Delta people to shun disunity, “as others benefit when people of this area are in disagreement.”

About 100 micro businesses operating around Ukwu-orji, Ekwulobia Street and Ministry of Land area all around Anambra Government House have been displaced.

The displacement was orchestrated by the clampdown embarked on by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), which worked under the protection of operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that affected businesses were those operating in kiosks, containers and makeshift shops built on the setbacks between buildings and the road and did not in any way cover or extend beyond the drainages.

Read Also: I followed gunmen to save many lives – Anambra native doctor

Some residents who spoke to NAN said the rampaging ACTDA officials destroyed the shops and the goods inside them and did not allow the shop owners to remove their items.

They said beyond displacing the small businesses from their places of trading, the Anambra government officials also ruined their trading capital which was in the form of goods in their kiosks and containers.

“Oh oh, my 21 years in Awka!” That was how Mr. Sonjay who operated in a container, lamented the destruction of his business as he watched helplessly.

Sonjay, a pay TV maintenance operator who wept bitterly, said the destruction of his business location had set him many years back 

“I am deeply pained that my stay in Awka for over 20 years and the business that sustains my family has been ruined by this government,” he said.

Another resident, Mrs. Ifeoma, who said she had lived in the area for over 25 years when it was still a forest, lamented that the Anambra government could evict them from the area without notice.

Ifeoma said there was scarcity of shops because of the buildings in the area and that the available ones were unaffordable to medium-scale business operators. 

“It is sad, we supported this government because the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) assured that they represent the interest of the masses, but see how they have rendered us useless.

“We needed at least one month notice if they must sack us. But, as you can see, they came suddenly with their caterpillar and destroyed our containers and goods. What we have is what we quickly rescued,” he said.

Mr. John Olanye, a resident of the area, said the action was inimical to safety and security of the people of the area.

He said most of the rescued items including bags of sachet water were being exposed to sunlight and rainfall with the risk of being stolen and causing cancer to consumers.

“These petty businesses have been of immense help to the people living in the area. Apart from making money to sustain their families, they have been part of the development of the area. I have known some of them for about 15 years.

“They have the family they are feeding, but now, they have lost their sources of livelihood and crime will likely increase.

“We had expected that this government would bring public primary and secondary schools, which had eluded us for decades, instead of destroying our businesses,” he said.

Mr. Ossy Onuko, the managing director of ACTDA, whose agency carried out the destruction, did not take his calls nor respond to text message sent to him.

However, Information Commissioner Mr. Paul Nwosu said the action was in line with the urban renewal policy of the state government aimed at evolving a healthy and green environment.

He said it was not true that traders were given only 24 hours before the caterpillar was moved in.

“They were given prior statutory notice; it’s not true that it was 24 hours’ notice. Victims will always lament to whip up sentiment,” he said.

As the Bayelsa State November 11 governorship election draws nearer, more groups have continued to declare support for the re-election of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

A group of non-indigenes, under the aegis of Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), made its own declaration yesterday when members paid a solidarity visit to the Government House, Yenagoa.

Receiving them in his office, Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo expressed gratitude to the group and other non-indigenes for their peaceful disposition and contributions to the local economy.

Describing peace as one of the dividends of democracy, he thanked them for their resolve to vote against the candidate of a leading opposition political party, who had allegedly used insecurity as a weapon to inflict them with great pain and anguish in the past.

Read Also: Douye Diri: Two years of shining testimony

Ewhrudjakpo, who also commended the non-indigenes for appreciating the achievements of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration, promised that the state government would do more in terms of infrastructural development and maintenance of security.

Responding to their requests, the deputy governor directed the Commissioner for Power, Dr. Ebitei Tonyon, to install solar lights at the Mechanic Village on Imiringi Road in Yenagoa.

On their desire to be fully involved in the campaigns, he advised the group to appoint coordinators representing the six geopolitical zones to work with the Prosperity Youth Coalition Network.

Ewhrudjakpo urged the non-indigenes to resist the temptation of violence being thrown around as a bait by opposition elements and promised that government would look into their other requests for a bus and more appointments.

He said: “We know everything they are doing. We are just watching them. Right now, we have intelligence on how they have lodged some people in hotels.

“You see, you don’t lead people like that because criminal intentions will beget criminal outcomes. They are thinking of which communities to attack and take over so that they can write results without voting.”

“Thank God you know how this state was before 2012. Most of you had left Bayelsa before. Most of your shops were closed because of insecurity. So we believe you will not do anything that will take you back to Egypt.”

The state Chairman of NATA, Sikpi Ebimobowei and Secretary, Mr. Linus Chukwujekwu, said the group’s support for the government was to appreciate and sustain the prevailing peaceful environment in the state.

They said the Diri administration had won the respect of every well- meaning non-indigene; therefore, they would do everything within their reach to ensure victory for the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate in the November 11 governorship election.

Ewhrudjakpo also received the state chapter of the All Tricycles/Welfare Riders Association led by its Chairman, Mr. Dede Vincent and spokesman, Mr. Afore Okilo, who were at the Government House to lend their support to the Diri-Law second term bid.

Addressing their concerns on the ban of tricycles, Ewhrudjakpo said the restriction, which was still in force, became necessary for the collective security of all.

• Urges Fed Govt on modular refineries

Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has decried the rising rate of poverty in the Niger Delta, caused by the deplorable condition of critical infrastructure in the region.

It said social and economic activities of the region had been crippled by the collapse of major roads in the area.

The group made the observation in a communique issued at the end of an expanded national executive committee meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, at the weekend.

In a communique signed by its National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, PANDEF urged the Federal Government to fix bad roads in the region, especially some sections of the East-West Road on Eleme-Onne, Patani, Kiama-Mbiama axis. 

Read Also: Flirting with poverty

It said sections of the Port Harcourt- Aba, Benin-Auchi, Benin-Sapale-Warri, Benin-Agbor, Sapele-Agbor, Calabar-Itu, Ikot Ekpene-Aba, highways have become impassable.

According to the group, “it is unacceptable that the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg is being neglected, administration after administration.

“We demand intervention works on the failed sections of the cited roads, and others, by the Federal Ministry of Works, and other relevant agencies, to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.”

The meeting, which also deliberated on the state of the nation, socio-political developments in the region and country, called on the Federal Government to authorise the operation of modular refineries.

“PANDEF calls on the Federal Government to revisit the issue of supporting the development of modular refineries in the Niger Delta, to stamp out unwholesome, unauthorised refining of crude, as a way of providing employment for teeming youths in the Niger Delta, and to curb criminality.

“We caution youths of the Niger Delta to desist from unwarranted utterances capable of undermining the smooth functioning of federal agencies with direct bearing on the socio-economic development of the region.”

PANDEF hailed the National Assembly for revisiting the vexatious issue of the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon.

“We commend the National Assembly for revisiting the Bakassi issue, which is of dire interest to the people and urge the National Assembly to pursue the issue to a logical conclusion.

“We note that the unresolved issues arising from the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon on account of the World Court Judgment and the Green Tree Agreement continue to threaten the wellbeing of the Bakassi people, and the security of the southernmost part of the Niger Delta.”

It commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for zoning the position of the Senate President to the Niger Delta and their choice of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The group promised to revisit the region’s 16-point demands to the Federal Government and present same to the Tinubu administration for appropriate action.

Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP) Mohammed Barde has debunked an allegation that Avu market, gutted by fire, was an attack on northern traders. 

Avu market in Owerri West Local Government was gutted by fire at the weekend and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. 

Briefing reporters on the incident yesterday, the CP, who assured that normalcy had returned to the place, said there was no quarrel to warrant attack on any northern trader.

He noted that investigation on the cause of the incident had begun.

He said Governor Hope Uzodimma had intervened and promised those who lost their property compensation.

Read Also: Imo to business owners: open from Monday or risk shutdown 

Barde said: “Allegation that Avu market was set ablaze in a viral video is misleading. I went round with my team so as to inform the public. We’re investigating to know the cause of the fire.

“I have reported to the governor, who was shocked about what I told him. We’re doing everything possible about it. No life was lost, only items were destroyed. At the end, victims will have cause to smile.

“No Hausa was attacked as it is being alleged. Other communities are there too.”

Sariki Hausa community in the state, Alhaji Auwal Bab-Suleiman, said the incident was not targeted at his people.

He thanked Governor Uzodimma for accommodating them.

The CP has warned hoodlums, who may attempt to enforce the sit-at-home from tomorrow, to have a rethink, as his men and other security agents have sworn to make life miserable for them.

He urged residents to ignore the order and go about their activities.

Bayelsa State Chapter of the Tinubu/Shettima Independent Campaign Council (ICC) has told members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not be allowed to nominate Bayelsa’s ministerial slot.

ICC said it was inconceivable for Jonathan, who is one of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to nominate the state’s representative in the incoming cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

ICC’s reaction followed the tension generated in the party by virile reports suggesting that Jonathan was making attempts to hijack Bayelsa’s ministerial slot.

The report rattled APC stakeholders in the state, including members of the influential APC Elders’ Forum, who condemned the move.

Read Also: ‘Jonathan can’t nominate minister from Bayelsa’

ICC in a statement signed in Yenagoa yesterday by its Director, Administration, Chief Joseph Fafi, appealed to party members, who were angry at the report, to calm down.

Fafi, who described President Tinubu as a thorough person and a rewarder of loyalty, said there was no way such injustice and unfairness would be allowed under the current President.

Fafi, a former Chairman of APC in Bayelsa, said:  “At this point everyone needs to calm down. Tinubu is a thorough person and is known to always reward loyalty. 

“It is inconceivable to think that Jonathan will nominate minister from Bayelsa State. While he is an elder statesman and we accord him that regard, but as drivers of Tinubu’s presidential campaign in Bayelsa State under the leadership of Preye Aganaba, an engineer; we know those who supported and those who worked against Tinubu. 

“It was open and incontestable. Giving him the right to produce a minister in this government isn’t among the privileges Tinubu is ready to offer Jonathan.”

Fafi said President Tinubu understood that APC Bayelsa was preparing for a major election and would make appointments to strengthen the party and not empowering any PDP chieftain.

He noted: “For us, ‘Bayelsans’, this is not just any year. There’s some significance to the fact that this is an election year. So, appointments coming in must be precise and tactical. Tinubu knows better than to give the ministerial slot to a PDP mole, who will only try to truncate APC’s chances of upstaging the PDP and Governor Douye Diri.

“So, while the rumours come with some flesh, because, obviously a few PDP chieftains are scurrying around nocturnally to fly certain persons, who campaigned heavily for Atiku Abubakar, the rumours in reality will remain what they are: rumours.

“We are optimistic Tinubu will appoint a core, seasoned and well qualified party person, who will be a huge positive in our governorship election on November 11. We urge our teeming supporters and entire campaign structure in the ICC, members of the APC and ‘Bayelsans’ in general to relax, for the right thing will be done, equity will take centre stage.”

• Ex-Minister Ani: I’m Obong-elect
• He has been disqualified, says palace source

The long drawn 15-year-old tussle over the right person to occupy the throne of Obong of Calabar has deepened, with two factions parading nominees as Obong-elect.

Supreme Court gave judgment on January 13, 2023 in a case that has dragged from the High Court in 2008, to the Court of Appeal that gave judgment in 2013 and finally the apex court, in a case between Etubom Dr. Anthony Ani & four others for themselves and on behalf of Mbiabo Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government versus Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu and four others.

The judgment had technically unseated the Obong that was enthroned since 2008, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Bassey Otu V, and directed that all parties in the case should go back to the drawing board and start the selection from a clean slate.

Read Also: Abasi Otu remains Obong of Calabar, says Palace Forum

Last week, two similar events were held simultaneously in Calabar at separate venues, with two persons parading themselves as the Obong of Calabar and receiving different royal families that went to pay homage.

At the palatial residence of Etubom Anthony Ani, the former finance minister during the military regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha received his family members of Ikoneto Royal House and he was addressed as Obong-elect. Ani listed his plans and vision for the throne.

At the official palace of the Obong of Calabar, located at Effanga Ansa Street, the embattled Obong, Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Bassey Otu V, was seated and he received people from the Royal House of Edem Effiom Ekpo Family, who paid him homage.

So, two persons are parading themselves as the Obong of Calabar after the Supreme Court judgment. The two factions are claiming to have obeyed the Supreme Court judgment in their nomination.

The Nation gathered that of the seven surviving kingmakers recognised by the Supreme Court judgment, four are with Ani, while three are with the group controlling the palace.

Speaking at his home, Ani said he is the Obong of Calabar-elect and that he emerged after the Supreme Court judgment of January 13.

He said: “There is no Obong on the throne going by the Supreme Court judgment. If there is any, I am the one, who is the Obong-elect.”

Responding, the Media Aide at the palace of the Obong of Calabar, Otuekong Francis Edet, said “there can never be two Obong of Calabar on one throne.”

“The position of the Obong of Calabar is for a lifetime and nothing can change this,” he said.

Edet called on the Efik at home and in the diaspora to disregard the claims made by Ani.

Another source at the palace of the Obong of Calabar said: “The ceremony at Ani’s residence is a charade, because he has been disqualified.”