Category: SouthEast

Former Imo State Deputy Governor Douglas Acholonu, who died on June 4, will be buried on July 21.

 Traditional ruler of Ishiobiukwu Gedegwum Ancient Palace, Igwe of Orlu, Patrick Acholonu, announced the death through the Palace Secretary, Dr. Henry Acholonu. He described the deceased surgeon as an elder statesman with impeccable and unimpeachable character.

 According to the statement, details of the burial will be made public in due course as the family was in still consulting with the Imo State government and Catholic Diocese of Orlu in order to give the deceased a befitting burial.

The late Acholonu was medical director of St. Catherine’s Hospital, Ikenegbu, Owerri and Brendalin Hospital, Surulere, Lagos State, before his foray into politics.

A board member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, has admonished President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to maintain a robust legislative agenda that will support the ‘Nigerian ideal’ of President Bola Tinubu.

 Okumagba described Akpabio’s victory as an achievement for the Southsouth, ‘as the Senate has, for the first time since the return to democracy in 1999, chosen a Senator from the region to preside over its proceedings’.

 In his congratulatory yesterday, Okumagba noted that Akpabio’s election comes at a time when governance, under President Tinubu, is being re-tooled for the benefit of the masses.

 He urged the Senate president to be a strong partner in this effort because ‘it will reaffirm the people’s trust and interest in the national project of good and progressive governance’.

 The statement reads: “This is a crucial time in our country when the people need a parliament that will further improve on the legislative accomplishments of the Ninth Assembly and work for the people.

 “Senator Akpabio is coming at a time when President Tinubu has committed to governing according to the constitution and rule of law; to defend the country from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten its peace and stability; and to remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end to extreme poverty’.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has mourned the death of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Monday’s accident.

The deceased were on their way to Abuja for a national assignment.

Governor Uzodimma, who described the incident as sad and unfortunate, also commiserated with the deceased’s families. He prayed for the repose of their souls and quick recovery of the injured.

• Ayambem speaks in Cross River

Lawmaker representing Aba in the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, has been elected speaker of the Eighth Assembly.

Okezie Augustine (Umuahia East) was also elected Deputy Speaker. They were both elected unopposed after being nominated by Akachukwu Uche (Aba Central) and Emeka Obioma (Umuahia South State).

Emeruwa, in his acceptance speech, thanked his colleagues for their confidence in his ability to lead the House and discharge his duties with the fear of God, integrity and without fear or favour.

He promised that the Eighth Assembly under his watch will make laws for the people’s wellbeing. Emeruwa, who described their election as ‘a call to serve’, promised that the lawmakers would not fail the trust the electorate reposed in them, adding that they would support the Dr. Alex Otti-led government to make the state governable and to achieve their dreams.

Governor Otti reminded the lawmakers of the people’s expectations of them, saying they should not disappoint the people who elected them.

Otti said ‘his administration will not have room for excuses, but will be action-packed’, and promised to partner the House to deliver democratic dividends to the people.

Elvert Ayambem, who represents Ikom II in the Cross River State House of Assembly, is speaker of the 10th Assembly. Ayambem was elected unopposed after the House was inaugurated by Governor Bassey Otu.

Sylvester Agabi (Obudu) was elected deputy speaker.

Clerk of the House, Jerry Akabisong, administered the oath of office on Ayambem and Agabi.

Ayambem, in his inaugural speech, appealed to his colleagues to begin to function as lawmakers representing their people rather than tow political lines. He said the lawmakers must be steadfast to assist in building a stronger and greater Cross River. 

He said: “Whatever vehicles facilitated our coming this far must lose its relevance to the bipartisan conversation of a greater Cross River. The joy of this day is replete with burdensome expectations from men and women who braved the elements in long queues as votes were cast.

“The least we can do to reward these patriots is to get our institutions to work at optimal level, to assuage the pull of a downward socio-economic realities on the people that have shown a determination in championing a change that will be for generations.”

Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, appealed to the lawmakers to work assiduously in passing relevant bills that the Ninth Assembly could not pass.

There was tension in major towns in Anambra State yesterday following the closure of petrol stations by the Independent Petroleum Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

 The development, which might not be unconnected to the planned demolition of some stations, led to a hike in transport fare, forcing motorists to trek.

 But Chairman of IPMAN (Enugu depot), covering six states including Anambra, Chinedu Anyaso, said the shutting down of filling stations was to ensure compliance with an emergency meeting scheduled for Awka, the state capital. According to him, the meeting would deliberate on the recent marking of about 16 filling stations in Ekwulobia, to give way for a proposed flyover.

 He said: “Sixteen filling stations were marked for demolition in Ekwulobia axis by the Anambra State government to give way for a proposed flyover and adjourning roads. Our members are willing to comply but the government needs to reach an agreement with them on compensation because the facilities are the only source of income to the owners.

 “We have written to the state government over the development, but yet to receive a reply, hence the meeting, which will discuss further engagements for the overall interest of members and the public.”

• ‘Abass would contribute to Nigeria’s progress’

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday proclaimed and inaugurated the Eighth House of Assembly, with the first session to be held tomorrow.

The proclamation is coming four years after 14 APC-lawmakers elect were stopped from sitting with their colleagues.

Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, in a June 14 letter to Clerk of the House, detailed the planned inaugural sitting of the 24 newly-elected lawmakers.

In the 2023 elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 15 seats; APC won eight and Labour Party one seat in the 24-member Assembly.

Recall that only 10 of the 24 members elected in the 2019 election have been sitting, with the APC lawmakers not allowed into the Assembly complex by Obaseki, who claimed he was acting on court orders.

The governor has said Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, will excel in office and contribute to moving Nigeria forward.

Obaseki, in his congratulatory message, said: “Abbas brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new position, having served diligently in various capacities within the legislative sphere.

“As Speaker, I trust he will uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, fostering productive debates and promoting effective legislation to improve the lives of the Nigerian people and advance our country’s development.

“I am confident that Abass will effectively steer the affairs of the House, engendering harmonious working relationships between the executive and the legislature, in the overall interest of Nigerians.”

For entrepreneur, Emmanuel Alonge, living a selfless life and being committed to sharing his resources with people has helped him to become a better person in life.

 From entertainment to real estate and other industries where Alonge has played over the years, his mantra has always been about adding value to lives and making efforts to support the people.

 According to the man who is largely loved for his love and passion for the entertainment and showbiz industry, no life is a waste and no life is more important than the other, we just have to show equal and mutual love to all.

 Alonge, who has thrived in real estate, hospitality, and entertainment noted that one of the biggest lessons for him is that wealth creation without human capacity and development is a mere jamboree that is not sustainable.

Alonge , a philanthropist said his passion for welfarism was borne out of his conviction that providing necessary support for people, particularly in the entertainment sector is something he has remained committed to.

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 For me, my joy rests in seeing that people are happy and fruitfully engaged in what makes them happy. If we don’t get it right, many will go astray and become a menace” he added

 Alonge maintained that he has not just been involved in helping people, be has been committed to using all his interests including entertainment and hospitality businesses to change and transform lives.

 His words: “I look at our society and I realise that it would have been a lot better and beneficial if people could show more love and kindness to the man next door.”

The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) yesterday urged President Bola Tinubu to set up a committee to reconcile Nigerians and ensure there is peace and unity across the country.

It made the call in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

African Director of the body, Ambassador John Metchie, who said this in a statement, praised the President for signing the Electricity Act 2023 into law, saying it would contribute to the rapid infrastructure development of the country.

In addition, he expressed joy that the Act is in line with the Light-Up Umueri Project, his personal initiative which has been distributing solar-powered energy to hundreds of households in the community.

 He expressed hope that with the signing into law of the Electricity Act, the President would as well sign the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Bill into law.

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 Metchie issued the statement in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he is scheduled for a meeting of the Global Eminent Peace Ambassadors to review decisions taken at the UN-Habitat Assembly meeting which took place last week in Nairobi, Kenya.

His words:”The highly contested 2023 presidential election in Nigeria shows that the country and its people have come to a consensus that democracy is the best form of government.

“However, since the election witnessed an unprecedented level of hate speech and threat of violence, there is need for a committee for healing and national reconciliation.

 “According to data available at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), there were over 53 reported incidents of hate speeches during the 2023 general election.

“The hurting speeches were made by politically exposed persons including governors, lawmakers and community leaders, and others. The speeches bruised a lot of individuals and groups across the country.

“For the administration of President Tinubu to achieve its set objectives, all hands must be on deck to support the efforts of the President. There must be a deliberate attempt by the government to carry all citizens along, irrespective of their ethnic, political and religious leanings.”

On the President’s assent to the Electricity Bill, Metchie said: “The law, which empowers states, firms, and individuals to generate electricity is one of the best decisions of the Federal Government in recent times. The law satisfies the yearnings and aspirations of the majority of Nigerians for the unbundling of some sectors of the nation’s economy, including electricity, education, and police, among others.

“I am hopeful that with the prompt action of the President in signing the Electricity Act into law less than two weeks of his assumption of office,  the NHFSS Bill Tinubu inherited from his predecessor, would also be assented to very soon.

“Apart from curbing the various crimes, signing the bill into law would enable the government to recruit thousands of young men and women as hunters, which would help to solve the issue of acute unemployment, one of the most serious challenges facing the nation.”

• ‘Labour Party desperate to subvert justice’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has condemned relocation of the state election tribunal to the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital, allegedly at the government’s instance.

 A statement by the Publicity Secretary and Vice Chairman (Abia North), Abraham Amah, accused Governor Alex Otti and leadership of the Labour Party of trying to manipulate the tribunal.

 Amah said the PDP believes in the independence of the judiciary, and so called on President of the Appeal Court to investigate concerns raised by the party, and ensure the right thing is done to protect the judiciary’s integrity ‘and save our nascent democracy from the hands of new home-grown fascists who would stop at nothing to acquire power’.

 The statement reads: “The Abia PDP has credible information that the State Election Petition Tribunal has been relocated to Umuahia. We frown at attempts by Dr. Alex Otti and the Labour Party to manipulate the outcome of the tribunal.

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 “Recall that the state tribunal, with alongside that of Ebonyi, Rivers and a few others, were relocated to Abuja on the premises of volatility of the environment. But curiously, only the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal was relocated to Umuahia immediately after Otti’s inauguration as governor. We also learnt that members of the panel have been given residence in the Government House Banquet Hall, governor’s wife office and the Presidential Lodge right inside the Government House in Umuahia.

  “This is the first time since the return to civil rule in 1999 that an Abia Election Government House, and this presents an anathema to the finest principles of justice. The smoking gun here is that members of the tribunal have been changed even before the start of hearing. This clearly presents a conflict of interest, and Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party are trying very hard to be judge in their own case.

 “Any right thinking person would understand that this is intolerable, but we will not watch the course of justice perverted and desecrated…”

 “Fair trial is an indispensable ingredient of justice, and many international charters give credence to that. Any judicial norm that detracts from the principles of fair hearing is at best a judicial suicide which demotes the value of justice and can render society anarchic.

 “We call on the President of the Court of Appeal to investigate these concerns and ensure that the right thing is done to protect the integrity of the judiciary, and save our nascent democracy from the hands of new home-grown facists who would stop at nothing to acquire power.

 “The Abia PDP believes firmly in the independence of the judiciary and would do all we can to support that.”

 The Abia Renaissance Movement (ARM) described the relocation as a ‘desperate attempt by the Labour Party (LP) to manipulate the process and subvert justice’.

 A statement yesterday by its Convener, Comrade Ukachukwu Chukwunonso, and Secretary-General, Mrs. Maria Nwokoma, said while it does not support any political party, ‘it will speak up against attempts to manipulate the judicial process to favour any political party’.

 The statement reads: “Like every peace-loving Abian, we see the relocation as a desperate attempt by the Labour Party (LP) to manipulate the process and subvert justice given that they are the party in power. Why would the tribunal be relocated from Abuja to Abia and, to make matters worse, right inside the Government House in Umuahia, when all circumstances that informed the initial relocation to Abuja are still prevalent?

 “We also wonder how the President of the Court of Appeal could have acceded to such a request and fall for such manipulation by the Labour Party when it is obvious that justice cannot be guaranteed in such circumstances.

 “Boycott of the proceedings as a result of such impending harassment and intimidation in the name of security check by the security apparatus inside the government house might just be one of the civil actions available to the PDP candidate, lawyers, party leaders, members and supporters. Should the situation degenerate to that level, it will be an indelible stain on the fabric of the judiciary, and the only way to avoid such a danger is to relocate the tribunal back to Abuja.”

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has decried the adverse impacts of erosion on the residents.

He spoke yesterday when he went on an inspection tour of some affected areas in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas, in the state capital.

At Yellow Duke Street in Calabar South local, the governor bemoaned the danger posed to residents and pledged a short to medium intervention to safeguard lives and property.

Besides this, the governor promised to reach out to the Federal Government and donor agencies which offer long-term solutions to such situations.

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He said: “The World Bank has intervention programmes which I intend to follow up with, and this has informed my being here. We will take a look at the drawings, see what the existing plans are and work quickly to safeguard those who live around this area.”

Governor Otu, who was accompanied by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, said the inspection was necessary for him to acquaint himself with first-hand knowledge of some of the adverse erosion sites in the state capital, such as in Lemna/Federal Agriculture axis, the failed drainage along Yellow Duke Street and another at Efio-awan street in Calabar South, among other areas.

He assured residents that though state resources are limited, his administration will work to bring relief to their plights.