Category: SouthEast

A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Macaulay Ovbagbedia, has emerged as the Ohworode-elect of the ancient Olomu Kingdom in Delta State.

A statement by the coronation committee disclosed that the retired police officer would be crowned as the 13th Ohworode on Saturday, May 20 at Adjefia Hall, Agbon-Olomu, the traditional headquarters of the kingdom.

The statement which was signed by Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), the Akpile of Olomu, and other traditional chiefs said: “The coronation committee of the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom, following the demise of HRM Richard Layeguen Ogbon, specially invites sons, daughters, and friends of the kingdom to the coronation ceremony of HRM Macaulay Ovbagbedia, as the new Ohworode of Olomu”.

Olomu Kingdom, one of the most revered traditional thrones in the Niger Delta, is located in Ughelli South Council Area of the state.

Ovbagbedia’s emergence followed the passage of the 106-year-old traditional ruler of the kingdom, HRM Richard Layeguen Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro I in February.

The Ohworode-elect, a nonagenarian, retired from the police force in the early 90s.

He is from Uhurhie, one of the three ruling houses of the kingdom.

The Police in Edo have arrested three suspected cultists in the state, for being members of the dreaded Manphite confraternity.

Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), yesterday in Benin, identified the suspects as Bright Amadin, 34; Brown Amadin, 29; and Stanley Omoregie, 27; while they were nabbed at a place they converged to forcibly initiate innocent citizens, in order to mark their cult group’s anniversary.

He said the cultists were also to carry out an attack on their perceived rival cult members but were apprehended at Okabere Community on Upper Sokponba Road, Benin.

Nwabuzor disclosed that a pump-action gun, three live cartridges, and some clothes with Manphite insignia were recovered from the suspects by an officer in charge of the command’s Intelligence Rapid Response Squad.

The PPRO added that the suspects would soon be charged to court, after a thorough investigation.

The Federal government has inaugurated Anambra State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (SEMSAS).

Minister for health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, during the inauguration, said Anambra was the first State to launch the emergency health system in the country aside Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Ehanire, represented by Director of National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Saidu Ahmed Duwbuiwa said the choice of Anambra as pilot state was informed by its preparedness and private sectors’ potentials. 

He noted that the project, if fully launched across the 36 states of the federation, as mapped out, would reducing morbidity and mortality rate, create job opportunities as well as strengthen nation’s primary healthcare system.

He said, “Before now, we don’t have a coordinated Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (SEMSAS). Besides, there’s been increasing cases of mortality despite huge investment in health sector,

“Among no fewer than 16 states that expressed interest in the project, Anambra was selected to be the first to roll out the package following her level of preparedness, potentials in the private sector.”

Ehanire further revealed that the ministry has signed an agreement with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), stressing that part of the pact included its ambulances would not be responding to accident victims alone, but other emergency health related matters.

Soludo who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, said that the emergency health system would help to save lives and promote the health and safety of the people.

Earlier, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike explained that State Government had facilitated training of health personnel, drivers and SEMSAS members on how to operate the processes.

He said ASEMSAS would be private sector driven with over 30 ambulances registered across the state for emergency responses.

State Director, Medical Services, SEMSAS Coordinator, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu disclosed that accredited ambulances and treatment centers were already in place to commence operations.

Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his government would continue to perform its roles to the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba to ensure that the main reason for establishing it was achieved.

To this end, the governor has announced the approval of upgrading the institution to a University with immediate effect and a take-off grant of N500million.

Ikpeazu who announced this during the 7th -18th combined convocation ceremony of Abia State Polytechnic Aba said government will continue to perform its roles to the institution to ensure that the main reason for establishing it is achieved.

The Chief Executive represented by his Deputy – Sir Ude Okochukwu disclosed that in order to bridge the gap of unemployable youths in the state, this present administration established the E for E program to train up youths in skill acquisition that will be employable upon graduation.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Post Education – Mr Chijioke Mark said the most remarkable achievement of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration is adequate security in the state which led to the successful convocation of the Polytechnic amongst other activities and lauded the Rector-Associate Professor Hagler Okorie and the Governing Council for breaking the jinx after a decade.

In his address, the Board Chairman, Governing Council of the Polytechnic – Deacon Obioma Ekpem called for healthy collaboration from every sector so as to make the institution great and announced an automatic employment for the overall best graduate – Joseph Chidera in the school.

Presenting his address, the Rector, Abia State Polytechnic Aba – Associate Professor Haglar Okorie revealed that despite the challenges facing them, the school community is productive and resiliently innovation-driven, noting that the Fellowship awards were honoured on individuals who have shown unparalleled achievements and contributions to humanity.

In a vote of thanks, the overall graduand – Mr Chidera Joseph who was overwhelmed with joy thanked the state government, Governing Council, the Rector and school management for completing their academic activities through the convocation and promised to be good Ambassadors.

Highlights were honorary fellowship awards to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Comrade Chris Akomas, Prof Azubuike Onyebuchi – Medical Director, FMC, Proprietor St Bridget Schools – Lady Bridget Nwankwo among others while political and academic stakeholders graced the occasion.

A 25-year old woman, Chinyere Ifesinachi has been arrested for allegedly abusing her little house-help, Idinmachukwu in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The suspect reportedly used both cane and pestle to inflict varying degrees of injury on the victim who she accused of throwing her baby on the floor.

The Nation gathered that the suspect, a native of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, but married to an Enugu man, blamed the devil for the act, pleading for mercy.

Confirming the arrest, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the case has been transferred to State Criminal and Investigative Department of the Police Command, Awka and would be charged.

She assured the victim of her safety and would not be returning to her guardian’s house after she was taken to hospital for medical examination.

Appreciating those who raised the alarm that attracted her attention to the incident, Obinabo warned that anyone caught abusing any child in the state must face the consequences.

She also commended the Police command for continued partnership with her Ministry in ensuring such cases were handled professionally and in record time.

Earlier, parents of the child revealed that their little daughter was sent to live with the suspect following her recent delivery of twins.

“It was out of pity that we decided to send our little daughter to her after she delivered a set of twins which made it really difficult for her to cope.

“Our daughter left us since March, but it is very unfortunate that barely two months of her stay, she got all kinds of ill-treatments from a woman who supposed to be her guardian,” they said.

The Nation further learnt that Nigerians in diaspora have offset first set of hospital bill of the child while undergoing medical examinations to ascertain extent of damage caused by her abuser.

. Warns against unilateral press releases/statements

A former Regent of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Prince Emmanue Okotie-Eboh, has advised the Olori-ebi (family head) of the Ologbotsere Descendants of the kingdom, against taking unilateral decisions on matters that affect the kingdom.

Speaking with newsmen at the weekend, Okotie-Eboh, a scion of notable first republic Finance Minister, the late Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, noted that before taking decisions Olori-ebis must ensure adequate consultations with relevant stakeholders to avoid actions capable of casting the kingdom in a bad light.

He described the prevailing situation, where a few members of the family try to impose their decisions on the entire family, as uncalled for, and capable of causing multi-facet tussles.

Okotie-Eboh, a member of the Ginuwa Ruling House, said, “There must be a general meeting and consultation, there must be deliberations and agreement, by the majority of stakeholders before anything is made public.”

“Any decisions reached, and public statements made without such crucial stakeholders meeting will be null and void, as it did not emanate from the collective decisions of the family, but by a few persons with vested interest aimed at personal aggrandizement and selfishness to shortchange the larger family.”

Prince Okotie-Eboh, while affirming that his age, position, and ancestry earn him the right of a significant stakeholder in the Ologbotsere Descendants, urged all stakeholders to put communal interests above their considerations when issues concerning the Itsekiri nationality are discussed.

“I have participated thoroughly in Nigeria politics and am deeply knowledgeable in all the actions of my late father, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh in Itsekiri matters and the development of Iwereland, and as such nobody can question my pedigree.”

“This is why I appeal to the Olori-ebi of the Ologbotsere Descendants, PA. Oporokun to consult widely because holding ‘Ologbotsere Descendants meeting’ with just a handful of persons with selfish interests and thinking the decisions will be binding on all and sundry is not acceptable to Ologbotsere Descendants.”

He, therefore, appealed to Pa. Oporokun to call for a consultative meeting with all relevant stakeholders at a neutral venue for general debate and agreement on all issues affecting the family urgently to get a consensus agreement before any information is fed to the public.

“The Olu of Warri, HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, is the sole and supreme authority in all Itsekiri matters”, he emphasised.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the fruitful working relationship and partnership it enjoyed with the state under his administration.

UNICEF also applauded Governor Ugwuanyi for his administration’s great developmental strides, especially for the survival and welfare of children and women.

The international body expressed delight that the governor has exhibited strong leadership and has been a reliable ally and champion for promoting the rights of the child.

Speaking when she led her team to the Government House, Enugu on a courtesy visit, the UNICEF Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, stressed that Governor Ugwuanyi’s commitment to the set objectives of the body is impressive.

Munduate, who was received at the Government House, Enugu by Governor Ugwuanyi, his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and the Governor-elect of the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said she was delighted at the seamless transition process in the state “which speaks well of the commitment that the incoming government and the outgoing government have towards the people.”

The UNICEF representative to Nigeria and her team were in Enugu State on a working visit to interact with the political leadership of the state as a farewell visit and in appreciation of Governor Ugwuanyi administration’s collaboration with UNICEF.

In her remarks, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, emphasised the commitment of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration in championing nutrition and strengthening Primary Health Care programmes in the state.

Chiluwe maintained that she was equally optimistic the smooth transition being witnessed in Enugu State will strengthen “the gains we have made and also in terms of making sure that the rights of children in Enugu State are attained.

“I would also want to thank the governor. We look forward to his institution of memory and we look forward to continued partnership.”

Welcoming the UNICEF representative to Nigeria and her team to Enugu State on behalf of Governor Ugwuanyi, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Ezeilo thanked the international body for living up to its mandate in the state as well as being a reliable ally and partner of the state government in promoting and championing the survival, welfare and rights of the children and women in the state.

The governor highlighted numerous assistance that UNICEF gave to the state government especially during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, such as the launch and implementation of the state chapter of the National Youth Volunteer Programme for Hand Washing, and Clean Nigeria Campaign for COVID-19 Prevention.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, his Budget and Planning counterpart, Dr. David Ugwunta, UNICEF Deputy Representative Operations, Gelfiya Shechienko, and the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, Opiya Nixon were among the dignitaries at the event. 

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, flagbearer in the last 2023 presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo said at the weekend that he could not comprehend the reasons why the out-going government of President Muhammadu Buhari would want to seek loan from the World Bank when it has less than two weeks to leaving office even as he advised those who are threatening the judiciary should the judgment at the presidential election tribunal does not meet their expectations.

He said staying within the limits and mutual self-regulation makes the world habitable for everyone as threats of posting photos of Justices or their families is uncalled for.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, announced in last month that the Federal Government would secure an $800 million World Bank loan to be disbursed to about 50 million vulnerable Nigerians or 10 million households as part of its subsidy palliatives measures. She said the disbursement is in anticipation of the planned subsidy removal in June.

In his official twitter account @Pres_Adebayo, the international lawyer and businessman said he has laboured in vain to understand the reason why on the eve of the president’s departure from office, the government is still borrowing. “I have laboured in vain to understand econometrics to rationalise any positive multipliers for @MBuhari borrowing $800m from @WorldBank to convert to Naira to share to preselected private accounts of a few citizens with no systematic investment or marginal productivity. Bad”.

“Democracy is about shared spaces and collective institutions. Staying within civilised limits and mutual self regulation make society work for all. In Oyetola v Adeleke, no anarchist picketed the Courts or posted photos of Justices or their families. Yet Lady Justice held scale”.

The Presidential Election Petition tribunal in Abuja began hearing on the complaints filed by opposition political parties and their candidates challenging the president-elect, Bola Tinubu’s victory.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mr Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the 25 February poll.

But some opposition candidates with their parties had filed their petitions within 21 days of INEC announcement against the results on March 1st.

The petitioners include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar who came second, and the Labour Party, with its candidate, Peter Obi as third.

The rest are the Action Alliance (AA), the Action Peoples Party (APP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

—