Category: SouthEast

The contractor handling the pipeline surveillance in the Isoko/Urhobo axis of Delta State, Zane Energy Nigeria Limited, has denied allegations of breach of contractual terms to ex-agitators and incidents of oil theft in its operational scope.

Reacting to accusations by a ‘coalition of Urhobo and Isoko ex-agitators’, the management of Zane Energy restated its commitment to ensuring that ‘crude oil theft remained a thing of the past’ in its area of operation, adding that it would not be distracted from the job of sustaining the peace despite sponsored blackmail.

The coalition had accused Zane Energy of implementing disparity in remunerations of ex-agitators, calling for a termination of the contract which it alleged was awarded to the former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, by proxy.

A statement titled ‘Re-Suppression of NNPCL Pipeline Surveillance Slots’, the company described the claims as ‘tragic lies and concocted stories’.

Signed by Oruma Oghenetega, the statement reads: “Coming at the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when the atmosphere was dominated more by politics with little having changed even now, the pipeline surveillance contract will always be the attraction of groups that see the initiative as just an avenue to make money without commensurate attention to the task at hand.

“This is where the sad call by the Urhobo and Isoko ex-agitators group for the contract to be revoked belongs. But it is politics taken disingenuously too far. It has become imperative for our organisation to put the facts out, given that members of the group are motivated more by politics and their political sponsors.

“While our area of operation in Urhobo and Isoko is mainly in the upland area, others operate mainly in the creeks and other logistically more-challenging wet lands. Invariably, ours is in less-challenging terrains in the upland. What they do not know is that this difference in operational terrain was factored in at the point of awarding the contract.

“Contrary to the false allegation by the group that this has brought ‘so much hardship and restiveness to Urhobo and lsoko land’, our area of operation has remained peaceful with absolutely no incident of pipeline breach or vandalism since the exercise began. This is because we have remained faithful to the terms of the contract and paid our operatives as and when due.

 “The false allusion that our organisation is owned by Senator Omo-Agege, which the group repeatedly used to anchor their call for the surveillance contract to be revoked, betrays its true status and drive of leadership. The former Deputy Senate President does not own our company. Apparently, the call patently revealed the fact that the group is being sponsored by persons and groups angling for the contract, and decided to tie Senator Omo-Agege’s name to give vent to their scheme.”

 The firm restated that as it diligently undertakes the task of protecting the nation’s oil and gas assets, it will continue to review and upgrade the operational environment and remuneration of its personnel.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has appointed Victor Udeh as his Chief of Staff.

 The governor also announced Tony Okenwa as Accountant-General, Ken Chukwuegbo as principal secretary to the governor and Kenneth Ugwu as Head of Service.

 He also announced 23 other political appointments.

 A statement yesterday by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, listed other appointees as Dan Nwomeh (Senior Special Assistant, Mainstream Media); Reuben Onyishi, Uche Anichukwu and Joshua Ejeh as SSA New Media; SSA External Relations and SSA Research and Publication.

 The governor also appointed Ms. Angela Nnamani (Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service); Prof. Linda Egbo (Special Adviser, Public Financial Management); Arinze Chilo-Offiah (Special Adviser – Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises); Dubem Onyia (jnr) (Special Adviser, Donor Relations) and Mike Ogbuekwe (Special Adviser, Agriculture).

 Others are Osinachi Nnajieze (Special Adviser, Legal); Fred Nnajiofor (Chief of Protocol); Osita Onuma (Senior Advisor, Digital Transformation, Technology, Innovation, Industries of the Future and Industrial Strategy); Ozurumba Afigbo (Senior Special Assistant, Delivery Unit); Juliet Okonkwo (SSA, Legal and Inter-ministerial) and Mrs. Loiusa Chinedu-Okeke (SSA, Policy and Project Management); Vincent Onyeabor (SSA, Security Matters) and Nonso Nwankwo (SSA ICT).

Indigenes of Amanuke Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, took to the streets yesterday to celebrate their acclaimed traditional ruler, Chief Denis Ezebuilo, who was granted bail.

Ezebuilo, one of the claimants to the traditional stool, was remanded on June 15 for refusing to appear before the court, in the case between him and Inspector General of Police (IG), bordering on the kingship tussle since 2022.

But Justice Charles Okaa granted the Abuja-based businessman bail of N10 million with two sureties, one a civil servant between grade level 14 to 16, and the other a resident of Awka with landed property, proven evidence of ownership, and three years tax clearance.

The case was adjourned till July 14 for commencement of trial.

The locals stormed the court premises in about five buses and erupted in victorious songs after Ezebuilo was granted bail.

Speaking to reporters, 78-year-old Mayor Amanuke maintained that Ezebuilo remained the only recognised traditional ruler.

“The entire Amanuke elected and crowned Chief Denis Ezebuilo their king. We don’t know any other person as king. We’re happy that the man we chose as our king has been granted bail and we are solidly behind him,” he said.

Another septuagenarian, Chief Levi Anataba, expressed joy over the bail, insisting they would not accept the imposition of another monarch.

“We elected and crowned Ezebuilo our monarch before those who claimed to be powerful and wise changed the decision because they are in government. They are working against the interest of the community, and we cannot accept their imposition. We love Denis Ezebuilo and he is our king, not the one those in government gave certificate to” he said.

The community’s woman leader, Mrs. Ikejina Joy, described Ezebuilo as the man of the people and chosen one for the throne.

She said: “Our king is Chief Denis Ezebuilo. He has been a man of the people from his youth. We all agreed that he is our Eze and he is the only Eze in the community.”

Ezebuilo’s lawyer, Kenneth Onyekachi, described the bail condition as stringent, but said it would be fulfilled before the end of day.

The Onitsha Bridgehead Market Caretaker Committee, Anambra State, has alleged that 90 per cent of the crisis in the market was caused by government functionaries for their selfish interests.

A member of the committee, Chief Bonaventure Ucheagwu, yesterday insisted that until power was wrestled from certain individuals in government and transferred to the transition committee chairmen in the 21 local government areas, the government would continue to lose money.

Ucheagwu, who addressed reporters in Onitsha, said council chairmen were familiar with all markets, number of shops and money expected from each of the markets.

He said: “Those in Awka are only interested in what they will benefit from markets, and that is the major market problem. They don’t know anything about market affairs. The local government chairmen are close to the grassroots and know every market and number of shops in them, and amount to generate from each.

“If the chairmen are responsible for appointing those who will work in the markets, the state’s revenue base will increase because they know everything about the markets. Many shops were approved by these functionaries without knowing even their location and quality of materials used because they are based in Awka, but the man at the local government is with the traders and can easily detect inferior materials and unapproved shops.”

Ucheagwu, who claimed to have been in the market for over 30 years, regretted that “government money goes to private purse because those appointed to oversee market affairs are not only selfish, but do not know anything about market affairs.”

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed Basil Igwebuike as commandant of the Rivers State Command following the suspension of Michael Ogar, the former commandant.

 Ogar was suspended to allow for an independent investigation of his face-off with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

 Igwebuike, who assumed office on Tuesday, said his administration would rely on intelligence to actualise the mandate of the corps. “Failed security is failed intelligence,” he noted. He also urged the officers and men to be dedicated to their duties and maintain discipline.

 He said: “I did not come here with any agenda, neither did I come with any office aides because I believe in your ability to give maximum support and necessary advice to this new administration, so that we can unanimously prosecute the mandate of the corps in safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructures.

“It is very pertinent for me to thank the Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, for this great opportunity to serve and I will never take it for granted.

 “I want to specially appreciate and congratulate Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the spectacular work he has started. The command, under my watch, will work closely with the government to ensure our state is free from crime and criminalities.”

 Igwebueze hails from Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. He is a graduate of Political Science from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra State.

He was a Divisional Officer, Area Commander, Deputy Commandant, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja, until his deployment as the 14th substantive commandant in Rivers State.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu, have continued their tirade over the financial status of the state.

Otti, at a news conference in Umuahia yesterday, expressed surprise that Ikpeazu ‘would go about dishing concocted financial statements when, in the real sense, he left the state in huge debt’.

Otti, who was represented by the Accountant-General, Mrs. Njum Onyemenam, said contrary to Ikpeazu’s claims, he met a debt hangover of N191,239,307,593.67 as against the N24 billion Ikpeazu claimed he handed over to him.

The governor also wondered why Ikpeazu could not pay April and May salaries/pension if the state had money. He hinted that aside the financial liabilities left behind by the Ikpeazu-led government, there were the physical liabilities in all key institutions.

Otti added: “To put the record straight and disabuse the minds of those who may have been misled, we have decided to address Abians and state that the Summary of ABSG balances with different banks, and external debt, as at May 28, 2023, is N191,239,307,593.67.

“The public should note that the Okezie Ikpeazu-led government did not leave any N24 billion in government’s account as falsely claimed. The $200 million and $50 million dollars they claimed they left for the new administration are loans they were pursuing which is yet to crystallize.

“Outside the humongous financial liabilities left behind, they also left physical liabilities in all our key institutions. For example, the University Teaching Hospital lost accreditation for the first time in history. Our only state Polytechnic also lost accreditation. The regulatory authorities predicated their action against these institutions on non-payment of salaries, lack of equipment and infrastructure. Poor internal revenue generation, with the little they generated frittered away as payment to consultants for no added value. They pay as much as 20 per cent which is highly unethical.

“Doctors who have been on strike since February 2023 just called off their strike, and they emphatically said they based their decision on the conviction that Governor Otti would solve the problem that necessitated the strike.

 “Finally, the elementary question is; if Ikpeazu had the billions he claimed to have left behind for the Otti led-government in April and May, why did he not pay workers and pensioners before leaving office, since Governor Otti just took over from him on May 29?”

But Ikpeazu’s former media aide, Ikechukwu Iroha, debunked Otti’s claims, saying “under the watch of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the World Bank approved all the processes and declared the financing agreement for a grant of $20 million to Abia State, effective from June 14, 2023. With this, Abia will be the first state in the Southeast to qualify for a $20 million grant for ease of doing business processes, programmes and projects based on the work Governor Ikpeazu did to qualify Abia for the funding.

“When this money is received the current administration should apply it as necessary and, of course, have the integrity to acknowledge the work of the previous administration that made it possible.

“Transparency is not something you preach, it must be a way of life and if you must highlight liabilities you inherited, also remember to highlight the assets you are inheriting. Otherwise we will help you inform the people of Abia State because the state belongs to all of us.”

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has promised that workers would start getting their salary and pension arrears owed by the previous administration by month end.

 The Nation learnt that civil servants are owed for about 30 months arrears.

 The governor spoke in Umuahia at a thanksgiving service for Obi Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano-Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Assembly.

 According to him, the total indebtedness left by the previous administration ‘at the last count was over N200 billion. But it is a debt the state must pay’.

 He said: “I must assure you that we will deal with them. By the end of this month we would start paying confirmed salary arrears. You also know that a lot of our retired elderly people are also owed several years of pension arrears. We promised during our campaign that we will defray the arrears, and we will start as soon as possible.

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 “We are being held back by the fictitious figures and numbers which cannot be confirmed. So we have started with the forensic audit to ensure that we will be paying the right people. We plead with you to be patient as we work to make Abia a better place.”

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has voided suspension of the Imo State Chairman, Chief Charles Duruimo, by chairmen at the local government chairmen level.

National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major, at a news conference in Abuja, said the decision was taken by the National Working Committee (NWC).

He said: “There was a leadership disagreement within the Imo Chapter of our party and the State Chairman, Charles Duruimo, was purportedly suspended foor alleged anti-party activities. Duruimo dismissed his removal, saying his leadership had earlier suspended the officers and members involved in the plot to sack him.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) directs that status quo be maintained in the Imo State Chapter Executive led by Chief Charles Duruimo. All actions taken by the two sides are null, void, and of no effect in running the affairs of the party in Imo.” he said.

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He said that the affected officers of the party did not explore the appropriate channel of communication and procedure in handling the dispute in line with the clear provisions of NNPP’s constitution.

Major added that the state executive will be invited to Abuja to formally resolve the crisis. According to him, the need for peace, unity, teamwork and synergy in running the party affairs in Imo cannot be over emphasised as it prepares for the November 2023 governorship election.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged Igbo in Lagos to remain calm and avoid spreading propaganda about the planned demolition of distressed buildings at the Alaba International Market.

There have been series of online publications alleging that the planned demolition was to victimise Igbo resident in Lagos.

But President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said investigations showed that the publications and statements were fake and ‘propaganda meant to raise tension and cause disaffection between the Igbo and their Lagos hosts’.

According to Iwuanyanwu, reliable information showed that the directive was not related to plazas and shops in the markets or along the market road.

A statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, reads: “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide has been drawn to several fake publications circulating the social media, and alleging a decision by the Lagos State government as victimising the Igbo domiciled in Lagos.

“We have investigated and one of our reliable sources, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, a member of the Lagos State Market Advisory Council and President, Ndigbo-Amaka Progressive Market Association, said ‘the Lagos State Environment and Development Authority has been issuing warnings as regards the obstruction of some water ways. All that happened at Alaba and the emergency visit by government officials were directly about those blocking the free flow of water through the provided water ways. The directive is not in any way related to plazas and shops on the markets or along the market road. He enjoined all disregard the statements and messages trending online as such propaganda is not necessary for the Igbo at this time’.

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“Another Alaba resident, Chief Ikechukwu Okolo said ‘some structures were erected on waterways, thereby obstructing drainages and causing flooding, especially during the rainy seasons. Owners of the affected structures have since been notified, for months, but each time the execution order was to be effected, corrupt government officials would get compromised, and the flooding challenge continues, until this time. 

“Chief Evaristus Ozonweke, an Ohanaeze chieftain resident in Lagos, has also validated the above position’.”

Iwuanyanwu, who worried over the lingering problems in Lagos, urged the Environment and Development Authority to exercise prudence and best considerations in discharging its duties.

He, therefore, indicated a pressing need to visit Lagos and the Southwest in the next few weeks, hoping that during the visit, all the challenges confronting the Igbo in Lagos will be addressed.

Lagos State government yesterday began the demolition of 17 distressed structures at Alaba International Market, Ojo.

The government, through the Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA), said occupants of the marked had been issued vacation notices since 2016, with reminders in 2020, 2022 and 2023.

General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, during an assessment tour, issued final warning and notices to occupants of the affected structures to vacate as demolition would begin yesterday.

“The marked inscriptions from LASBCA seen on different parts of the buildings that were looking physically distressed had vacation notices as far back as 2016, 2020, 2022, and several others issued this year,” the government wrote on its website.

Oki, who decried the rate of harassment meted to officials of the agency at different times in the past, said seven-year notification was enough for occupants of the buildings to have vacated and complied with the notices issued.

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He added: “These buildings marked within this Alaba International Market would have been included in the list of 349 distressed buildings earlier published in different national newspapers this year, but because the occupants were always harassing our officers, it was impossible to capture the details of the structures to include them in the publication.

“What we have done now is a joint exercise carried out by both the Lagos Task Force officers and the demolition gang of LASBCA. The buildings would be demolished.

“We know that this area is a commercial centre and one of the busiest markets in Lagos but, despite this, we cannot allow irregularities to continue to thrive in the market where the lives of innocent persons would be put at risk because of the failure of a few individuals who have refused to do the needful.”

But occupants of the structures said they had no place to go.