The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Abia to create 5,000 jobs with Enyimba hotel

    Abia to create 5,000 jobs with Enyimba hotel

    The Abia State Government would create about 5000 direct and indirect jobs when the Enyimba International Hotel Aba is completed and opened. 

     Mr. Ukeje Uche , the Director General ,  Greater Aba Development Authority, stated this during the signing of the management agreement between the Abia State government and the Radisson Blu Group, an international hospitality management company.  

    He said the hotel would create about 500 direct jobs while about 4500 jobs would be created through the value chain.

    Speaking on the project, Uche said the plan was to have a 250-room hotel when complete. However, in the first phase, 125 rooms would be completed, while the second phase would see the number of rooms increased to 250 rooms

    By the agreement, Radisson Blu would manage the hotel when completed as a Radisson Blu brand.

     The agreement was signed on Friday, February 11 at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Signing on behave of the Abia state government, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna  said the revitalization of the Enyimba International  Hotel project was part of Abia State Governor Alex  Otti’s promise to revitalize the city of Aba.

    Read Also: EU builds capacity of young Nigerians in governance, politics

    While signing on behalf of Radisson Blu, Mr. Ervan Garnier, the group’s Director of Development for Africa, said Nigeria was a top priority market for Radisson hence the effort to expand the number of properties. 

    His words: “Nigeria is one of the four countries, out of the 54 countries in Africa that we are focusing our expansion. You can see Nigeria is a top priority country for Radisson Blu. Our objective is to double our portfolio in Nigeria. 

    “For that we have created a very specific strategy where we focus on key cities, and key states. Obviously Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt have been on  focus for us, and then we have identified Eastern cities which include Aba which is in Abia State. This is why we are partnering with Abia State. We often look at existing properties, in this case Enyimba, which have multiple benefits, the benefits of often being in a prime location although built a long time ago. Looking at existing property like the one in Abia State allows us, the owners and Aba city to have a product in the market much faster.

    “So, we are very excited by this opportunity and we believe that with the right team put in place, it will be a very successful and good journey for the state and the people of Aba.”

    The project is expected to be completed within 24 months.

  • SEDC: Poised for development

    SEDC: Poised for development

    By Mike Ukoha

    Firstly, permit me to say that all has been put in place for the South East Development Commission (SEDC), to flourish and achieve the purpose for which President Bola Tinubu established it. Recently, the 18-member board was successfully screened and approved by the senate, and its inauguration, we heard, is a few days away.

    As clearly stated in the Act, the Commission has a Board Chairman – Chief Emeka Wogu, a former Minister of Labor/Productivity, Managing Director/CEO – Mark Okoye, five executive directors, five state representatives; and five Zonal representatives.

    The day to day running and decision-making processes are vested in the carefully chosen board members of the  commission. And we say thanks to President Bola Tinubu for nominating men and women of integrity to pilot the affairs and set a solid foundation for its take off.

    Also, thanks go to the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and his colleagues who sponsored the bill and lobbied for its passage and signing into law.

    It is in the public domain that the National Assembly created two standing committees – House and Senate Committees. These committees have oversight functions to ensure that the commission is performing its functions as enacted in the Act. The oversight functions are periodical or whenever deemed necessary by the Committees. 

    It is common knowledge that in the National Assembly, the House Committee performs more than 60% of the oversight functions while the Senate committee does less than 40%. It is pertinent to state that NASS committees have no executive functions but must ensure that the commission is executing social, economic, and developmental programs as appropriated in the annual budget.

    On Tuesday, October 2, 2024, the House of Representatives appointed the pioneer committee chairman of the recently created South East Development Commission (SEDC),  Hon. Chris Nkwonta, the member representing the good people of Ukwa East/West federal constituency, in the green chamber, has written his name in gold. 

    In the same vein, on February 3, 2025, the Senate replicated the gesture, by appointing Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Red Chamber to Chair the Senate Committee. 

    This is a welcome development, being that as a newly created commission major mandate is to tackle and help develop the Southeast region, their  committees in its oversight functions have a great responsibility to tackle.

    Our people in the Southeast patiently waited for 54 years for the commission to be established. They expect the commission to actualize the reconstruction, reconciliation, and reintegration of the Southeastern. This is our golden opportunity to replan and develop the region.

    It will be a monumental disservice to our people if the chairmen of committees in the National Assembly use their positions to unduly interfere in the operations and functions of the commission. However, their oversight functions are expected to be carried out without compromise.

    Read Also: SEDC: Enugu lawmaker hails Kalu’s appointment

    Nigerians, particularly those from the Igbo community, have high expectations from the commission’s leaders. It is crucial that their trust and confidence are not betrayed. 

    There is a need for the pioneer Chairman of the committee in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chris Nkwota and the Chairman of the committee in the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to always do their oversight functions with synergy and high sense of responsibility, in order to achieve an accelerated development in the region. By doing so, personal interest, must be eschewed, while the mission, vision and provisions expected to help in moving the Southeast forward is genuinely pursued.

    I therefore urge the Commission’s Board Chairman  ably led by Nwadiala Chief Emeka Wogu, to as a matter of urgency, mobilize his wonderful team to action in the quest to achieve the lofty desires of Ndigbo. And if we all wish to see a better Southeast of everyone’s dream, there is need to avoid bitterness, clanishness, gossip, and pull him down syndrome, which has been the barn in our society today. All hands must be on deck.

    Ukoha is former Minority Whip Abia House of Assembly.

  • Kwande Stakeholders Reject 2027 Governorship Position, Endorse Alia for second term

    Kwande Stakeholders Reject 2027 Governorship Position, Endorse Alia for second term

    Kwande Stakeholders, comprising Kwande and Ushongo federal constituencies in Benue North East Senatorial District, have rejected the governorship seat come 2027. Instead, they endorsed Governor Hyacinth Alia to continue and complete his eight years in Government House, Makurdi.

    This decision comes after another group from Kwande declared their interest in the 2027 governorship seat.

    According to the group, Governor Alia will complete the four years of the late Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, who served only four years in office.

    Leader of the Kwande group, Tornguva Thomos Ugoh, addressed stakeholders on Thursday in Makurdi, Benue state capital, declaring their support for Governor Alia come 2027.

    “Governor Hyacinth is doing well, and there is no reason for us to say we will cut his tenure short. We have no problem with the governorship position; what we want is the Senate seat,” Tornguva stated.

    He further declared, “What we want Governor Alia to do is help us get the Senate seat for Kwande and the House of Representatives seat for Ushongo.”

    Another elder from Ushongo, Abi Terlumun, collaborated with Tornguva, saying, “The issue of Governor Alia’s second term is not in doubt. We want to correct the erroneous impression created by some Kwande sons who are not abreast with happenings back home that we want the 2027 governorship position.”

    Abi Terlumun added, “For the record, our son, Late Aper Aku, did very well, but his administration was cut short by the military. So, it is our hope that in 2027, a Kwande son will become a senator, while Ushongo will take the position of House of Representatives, and at the end of Governor Alia’s eight-year tenure, Kwande will demand the governorship seat.”

    Also speaking, a youth leader from Kwande Ushongo, Hon. Iorsue Tile, said, “Since 1999, all federal constituencies in Benue North East Senatorial District, namely Sankera and Jechira, have produced Senate seats except Kwande. Now is our turn; we are no longer going to loan it out.”

    Hon. Tile stated, “We can’t constitute a stumbling block to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s second-term ambition. It is wrong to deny him a second term because it is his constitutional right.”

    The group noted that Governor Alia has done much for the people of Kwande and Ushongo by providing numerous political appointments, constructing more roads, and tackling insecurity occasions by herdsmen, which the governor has provided security to protect their people.

    “So, we reject the position of some Kwande people that Kwande should gun for the governorship position in 2027,” Hon. Tile said.

    The group concluded that Kwande will take their Senate seat and vote for Governor Alia for a second to brithen their chances in 3031.

  • The dilemma of APC Anambra: A call for introspection and re-strategisation

    The dilemma of APC Anambra: A call for introspection and re-strategisation

    By Hon. Pope Obinna Amaefuna

    The All Progressives Congress assumed leadership of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015 and for ten years, the Anambra State chapter of the party has been unable to capitalize on this vital political advantage to reposition the party in Anambra State, rather the party has repeatedly lost elections in the state and has failed to replicate the federal successes of the party at the state and local government levels of Anambra state.

    Historically, this reality is out-rightly unusual considering the peculiarities of the Nigerian political culture.

    While there are undeniable socio-cultural factors at play, it is general desideratum that a ruling party at the federal level should offer some level of political leverage and bestow some form of positive impetus on the party formations at the lower strata’s of government. It is therefore worrying that the APC in Anambra state is yet to get her act together in almost a decade.

    Under the right trajectory, APC Anambra should be maximizing her electoral capabilities and broadening her frontiers by tapping into the political relevance of the party at the center, harnessing available resources, ensuring quality candidature and optimal mobilization of the state infrastructure to reinvent the party and reposition her in Anambra State.

    While the personality and leadership philosophy of the commander in chief has a huge impact of the growth of the party, It is pertinent to highlight that the obtainment between the idealist orientation of Mohammed Buhari’s administration should ordinarily be in sharp contrast with that of President Tinubu who is by all standards, a thorough bred politician. A true party man with a deep understanding of party politics and even deeper knowledge and experience on how best to politic for the benefit of partymen and growth of his party.

    However, President Tinubu has through his actions and inactions publicly demonstrated his lack of faith in the APC as constituted in Anambra state and there are glaring pointers to this effect while uncertainty becloud opinions on the causation.

    From the appointment of non APC members to strategic federal positions traditionally reserved as reward for party faithfuls to his seeming commitment to ensuring that the beneficiaries of his appointments are card carrying members from the top hierarchy of the local ruling party in Anambra state, the APGA.

    More damning is the fact that these appointments appear to be calculated political moves unfolding in the build-up of the 2025 Anambra guber election slated for 8th November.

    What could be wrong?

    Are there no good heads and sound minds in Anambra APC?

    How would empowering the opposition help strengthen the APC in Anambra state?

    Why is President Tinubu overlooking his party men in Anambra State and making decisions that could be interpreted as antiparty activity that has the potential to demoralize loyal party men?

    What could have informed this unusual policy drive by a thorough bred politician who propagated unconditional party loyalty as a guiding principle in politics and “Emi-Lokan-ism” as reward for such loyalty?

    Some school of thought allude that President Tinubu’s seeming preference for card carrying APGA members is a calculated attempt to balkanize APGA and rally Southeast support for his planned 2027 reelection campaign. According to the theory, Tinubu is most likely attempting to connect himself with a party that has historical significance in the Southeast by courting APGA, but this is a very misleading idea.

    A man of Tinubu’s political acumen cannot be given to such political naivety because in reality, every informed and grounded politician knows that the political relevance of APGA is greatly exaggerated. The results of recent senatorial, house of reps and state house of assembly elections in Anambra state is testament to the fact that Anambra voters are highly republican and no political party can claim exclusive rights or control over the state political mandates or voting pattern.

    Another school of thought likened the situation in Anambra State to that of Rivers state where an Ex-governor who is still a card carrying member of the PDP is now serving as the minister of the FCT under the Tinubu Administration. These class of political analysts argue that while Gov Soludo still governs Anambra state on an APGA mandate, That it is pertinent to note that he is still a member of the presidential economic team hence the president might consider the APGA governor a more reliable ally.

    The comparism appears lopsided considering the fact that Wike of Rivers is no longer serving as governor of his state neither does he have 100% control of the PDP structure in the oil rich state. Most importantly is the fact that in the months leading up to the 2023 presidential elections, the FCT minister played a crucial divisive and destabilizing role in the PDP that balkanized the party structures and jeopardized the chances of the party at the national level and his antics continues to divide the party till date.

    The situation in Anambra state is distinctive as Gov. Soludo is still a serving governor and the leader of APGA bound by his party mandate ans constitution. Aside his portfolio, Gov Soludo is severely restricted by the prevailing sentiments of the Igbo nationalist struggles from engaging in some behaviors that might be deemed detrimental to the inferred aspirations of Igbo nationalists and fundamentalists so in essence, Soludo’s hands are tied so tightly that he risks losing his second term bid if he dares to toe the path of Wike.

    It is worthy to note that APGA of today is wobbly and standing on shaky grounds. The party lost her appeal in the Southeast region long ago leading to mass exodus of various southeast governors from the self depreciative idea of a regional political party of ethnic identity.

    To further cement her place as a dying party in her twilight and in her last frontier which is Anambra state, the state Governor, CC Soludo failed to deliver his own ward for APGA in the 2023 presidential election and the APGA presidential candidate failed to win a single polling unit in the entire Anambra state in the election.

    How then will an alliance with APGA deliver Tinubu’s APC in 2027?

    This leaves us with clear causative interpretation of the actions of the presidency in Anambra State.

    ✓ LACK OF TRUST FOR ANAMBRA APC LEADERSHIP AND TRAJECTORY.

    ✓ HISTORY OF INTERNAL SABOTAGE OF PARTY CANDIDATES DUE TO PERSONAL INTEREST AND GREED OF APC ANAMBRA PARTY STAKEHOLDERS AND MEMBERS IN ANAMBRA STATE.

    ✓ DEARTH OF GENUINE COMMITMENT and INSINCERITY OF PURPOSE BY POWER PLAYERS and STAKEHOLDERS IN THE PARTY.

    These factors have become a reoccurring decimal within the party in the last decade.

    The undisputable truth is that over the years, the successive leaderships and stakeholders of Anambra APC has not shown any sign of genuine commitment to reposition the party for success therefore it is not surprising to unbiased political observers that President Tinubu has completely ignored the party in his federal appointments less than ten months to the guber election in the state.

    President Tinubu’s trajectory is not really unexpected because delegative leadership thrives on TRUST and no leader who wants to make genuine positive impact would willfully embarked on any sort of project with characters or institutions with chequered history and uncertain prospects.

    The presidency obviously does not trust the party as presently constituted in Anambra State and antecedents justifies his stand.

    The lack of plausible intent to deploy the instrument of state and sundry political cum economic paraphernalia to support or strengthen APC Anambra is justifiable because the party has gained notoriority for self sabotage as stakeholders has brazingly and repeatedly worked against their own candidates in past elections while destabilizing party structures for pecuniary gains.

    It is on record that APC Anambra has never headed into any guber election with a unified front or structure because before each gubernatorial race, the party would always end up divided due to internal sabotage and the lack of free, fair, and credible primaries. To compound issue more, successive leaderships of the party at the state level have also failed to settle post primaries issues amicably by assuaging aggrieved member and assuring them of the protection of their interests.

    These antecedents of betrayals, poor leadership, selfish power plays, avarice, and anti party activities abundantly evident in the politics of APC Anambra state remain the bane of the party and the cataclysmic effects were clearly manifest in the 2017 and 2021 guber elections.

    These factors and more have held the party hostage and have ultimately stifled her growth for almost a decade in Anambra state.

    A clear action plan must be put in place to rebrand the image of APC Anambra at the federal level and regain the confidence of the presidency as his support is critical and indispensible if the APC in Anambra will stand any chance at the November 8th Guber election,

    There is need to reposition our great party at the ward and local government levels through strategic consultation, ideological reorientation and mass sensitization against vices like vote merchandizing and disenfranchisement.

    The presidential snub of sound brilliant minds and qualified APC stalwarts in Anambra, such as His Excellency Amb Dr. Elijah Onyeagba, Hon Johnbosco Onunkwo, Hon, Ifeanyi Ibezim, His Excellency Dr. Nkem Okeke, Dr. Valentine Iyke-Oliobi, MP. Chukwuma Umeoji, etc should be a call for deeper retrospection and re-strategization. 

    The entry of political heavyweights like Obiora Okonkwo and Nicholas Ukachukwu to the party should be handled with decorum and maturity and the interest of the party should and must come first before personal interest. 

    The old members of the party should view the entry of these heavyweights as a boost to the fold and a means to strengthen the capacity and human resource base of APC Anambra instead of viewing it from the various negative prisms available. The new entrants should also consult widely with old party stakeholders and apply caution in their conduct and utterances so they don’t appear as those who came to highjack the party structure and reap from where they didn’t sow. Those who lose at the primaries must also strive to remain in the party and deliver the candidate if the leadership of the party succeeds in conducting a free and fair elections without favouritism or dubious manipulation of any kind or nature.

    As a matter of urgency, the leadership and stakeholders of the Anambra APC should humble themselves and consult widely. There is need to jettison ego, shelve selfish interests and take all necessary steps to bring the party together.

    Despite the apparent distrust of the presidency for the party hierarchy and formation in Anambra state, there appear to be an exception to the Anambra APC malady and he is High Chief Ekene Enefe.

    While the presidency has repeatedly snubbed many Anambra APC stalwarts and stakeholders, the commander in chief has in stark contrast repeatedly demonstrated his unwavering confidence on Chief Enefe by nominating and confirming his dual appointments into multiple federal parastatals.

    Few months after the inauguration of the president, The presidency confirmed the appointment of Chief Enefe into the governing board of a federal tertiary institution in Daura, the home town of ex president Mohammadu Buhari.  

    Few months down the line, Owing to the stellar performance of Chief Enefe at Daura, President Tinubu has once again approved his appointment as federal commissioner for revenue mobilization, allocation and fiscal commission.

    The accomplishments of Chief Enefe is purely merit and performance based. A regular face at the villa and trusted ally of the presidency, Chief Enefe has remarkably distinguished himself with his unblemished track record of commitment, uncompromising forthrightness, stewardship, fecundatory mobilization of human and intellectual resources, accountability, loyalty, uprightness, honesty and productivity. Qualities that has endeared him to the presidency.

    It is imperative to assert that what president Tinubu has sought for in Anambra APC without success seem to be abundantly available in Chief Enefe.

    While the appointment of APGA members instead APC members in Anambra State is a very sad and demoralizing development, The realities of the development should inspire the necessary soul searching and catalyze the much needed change.

    To reposition APC in Anambra state, The Party Exco’s must as a matter of urgency consult Chief Enefe on practical and actionable modalities necessary for the rebranding and repackaging of the party to facilitate some form of synergy with the federal government. 

    There is an urgent need to leverage on Chief Enefe’s federal clout, vast political contacts and expertise if we must save the APC in Anambra State and reposition her on the path to growth. 

    A party with over 240k registered members in the state and executive powers at the center has the potential to unseat any political party and should not be habitually playing catch up every election year despite her access to consolidated federal support system and backing.

    Considering the prevailing socio-cultural realities of the Igbo nation, the chances of APC reinventing herself and winning elections in Anambra state remains very slim without full support from the presidency.

    As we march towards November 8th elections, Navigating towards “Enefe-ism” is the way forward and might be the proverbial stitch in time that might yet save nine,

    The time to bridge the gap between Anambra APC and the presidency is now and Chief Ekene Enefe has the capacity to make it happen.

    Hon. Pope Obinna Amaefuna. An APC Stakeholder writes from Amaeze village Oraukwu, Anambra State.

  • Real reasons Ned Nwoko joined APC

    Real reasons Ned Nwoko joined APC

    • By Ikenna Ogbuenyi

    After months of speculation, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). On Wednesday this week, he was formally ushered into APC by topshots of the party led by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo in Abuja. The defection followed failed moves to dissuade him from quitting by some concerned PDP chieftains. Apparently, the multi-billionaire international attorney felt he had had enough of the internal squabbles and disappointments bedeviling the leading national opposition party.

    Already, Senator Nwoko’s defection, which received loud ovation, is creating panic and confusion in the state government and PDP circles in Delta. In an attempt to raise the low morale of members, the state government is believed to have ordered the party’s caucuses at Senatorial, Federal Constituency and Local Government levels to convene emergency meetings for the purpose of passing vote of confidence on the the embattled state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

    In a letter dated January 30 and addressed to the Chairman of PDP in Aniocha North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Senator Nwoko said his resignation stemmed from “deep divisions and factonalisaton within the party”. He added that the crisis in the party has not allowed him to deliver on his promises to his constituents.

    Among others, Senator Nwoko stated: “The current structure of the party in our state has not been conducive to realizing these promises. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping away from the party is necessary to fulfill my obligations to my people. While I bid farewell to my membership in the PDP, I assure all party members and my constituents of my unwavering dedication to statesmanship, unity, and the advancement of Delta North.”

    Understandably, Senator Nwoko officially cited deep divisions and factionalisation within the PDP as the primary reasons for his decision to resign from the party. But further probes have revealed that apart from deep-rooted internal crises rocking the PDP at the centre, there was a web of other inside factors in Delta State that contributed significantly to his decision to quit the party.

    Nwoko’s Marginalization and Okowa’s Senatorial Bid

    The marginalization of Senator Nwoko and his Delta North district in the scheme of affairs in Delta by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori played a significant role in forcing the Idumuje-Ugboko-born prince out of the ruling party in the oil-rich state. The governor, ostensibly at the behest of his political godfather and predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, had effectively sidelined Senator Nwoko on many critical areas and affairs in the state. Several underhand strategies and ploys were deployed to frustrate the philanthropic lawmaker and prevent his associates and supporters from advancing their needs and interests in the state no matter how germane.

    The deliberate marginalization of the incumbent senator was a grand plot to whittle him down and return Dr Okowa to the Senate in 2027 at his expense. Recall that Dr Okowa represented Delta North district in the Senate between 2011 and 2015 prior to his election as governor in 2015. During the 2023 general election, he was a losing PDP vice-presidential candidate under Atiku Abubakar.

    Dr Okowa’s unpopular decision to play second fiddle in the election was viewed as a stab on the back of other PDP governors and stakeholders from Southern Nigeria who few months to the 2023 had adopted the Asaba Declaration. The kernel of Asaba Declaration, which was the communiqué at the end of a meeting hosted in the Delta State capital by then Governor Okowa early in 2022, was that the presidency should return to the South and that no governor or ranking politician from the South should accept to run as vice-presidential candidate under any northern candidate. That backdoor decision by the Owa-born politician has continued to haunt and stigmatize him like a sore on the nose.

    As a payback gesture to his unpopular godfather, Governor Oborevwori has since began moves to help Okowa regain his bearing despite the betrayer toga still hanging around him. The immediate option was to repackage him for the Senate under the PDP banner. The incumbent Senator, Ned Nwoko was the clear obstacle to that plan and the conclusion was that he must be grounded and sacrificed at all cost.

    One of the mechanisms for undermining and crippling Senator Nwoko is to make sure that his supporters are isolated and impoverished through denial of appointments or contracts by Mr Oborevwori’s government. The calculation is that denying his supporters of inclusion would weaken him and make him ineffective and unelectable at the coming 2027 election. “All they care about are positions. They don’t care about the people,” a political observer in the state told this newspaper.

    Senator Nwoko summed up his frustration with the governor thus: “The governor personally asked me to submit names for commissioners—I did. None were appointed.

    “I made recommendations for chairmen of boards and parastatals—not one was considered.

    “I advocated for fair representation at the local government level—but political manipulation shut our people out.

    “I can no longer be part of this failed system.”

    Neglect of Delta North

    The senator’s supporters accused the state government of neglecting Delta North district while prioritising projects and appointments aligned with Mr Okowa’s political influence. His undiluted commitment to good governance is the driving force behind his strident advocacy of Delta North’s development and fair deal from the state government. Yet this disposition is what often puts him on collision course with some gladiators in the state. 

    Read Also: Ned Nwoko: Joining APC in a blaze of honour, dignity, without stain 

    Senator Nwoko accused the Oborevwori administration of not having the interests of the Anioma people (Delta North district) whom he represents, at heart. Since he took over on 29 May, 2023, there has not been any major beneficial project within the district to point at, with no sign that the situation would change soon. Among the projects the state government has turned blind eye on in the district are the Ogwashi-Uku dam, the Okpai IPP Power step down and the access road connecting parts of Ndokwa East LGA to the state capital through Oko, Abala-Oshimili and Utchi.

    The Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) which is a joint project powers electricity across eight states including parts of FCT and Anambra with no step down in the Ndokwa host communities. Senator Nwoko frowns at the situation, insisting the Delta state government ought to partner with the Federal Government and the investors to activate power step down for the host communities which are still reeling under darkness. Senator Nwoko further suggested the use of public-private-partnership (PPP) with the state government providing recoverable funding guarantee, for the implementation of the project. But Governor Oborevwori rejected all the proposals citing the state government’s financial constraints. 

    For Senator Nwoko, the governor’s reasons for lack of action are untenable. His anger with the state government over its repeated failure to address critical needs of his people made him to refuse to move to move a motion for a vote of confidence on the governor during a PDP Caucus meeting last year. Although his action irked the governor, who was present at the meeting, but Senator Nwoko stood his ground maintaining that the governor had not done enough to deserve accolades.

    Anioma State

    Also at the core of the disagreement was the quest for the creation of Anioma State out of the present Delta State. The renewed agitation for the creation of the new state has been spearheaded by Senator Nwoko. His bill for the creation of Anioma State has attracted considerable attention and is currently being debated in the National Assembly. Senator Nwoko said he was pressured to withdraw his bill for the creation of Anioma State but he flatly refused stressing that he was merely expressing the age long wish of the majority of the people of Delta North to have a state of their own.

    Insecurity in Delta North

    The failure of the administrations of Okowa and Oborevwori to meaningfully tackle persisting insecurity in Delta North especially kidnappings, killings and cultism is another reason behind Senator Okowa’s dumping of PDP. His several calls and counsels on the State Government to set up and fund local security outfits to support the Police in flushing out criminal herdsmen from the State mostly in Delta North were ignored. The lawmaker was appalled by the nonchalant attitude of the state government despite the huge amounts the governor collects as security vote every month.

    Rejection of SUV Car Gift

    One action of Senator Nwoko that angered the governor was his rejection of his government’s gift of an SUV car gift plus monthly N10million Naira payment. Senator politely turned down the offer maintaining that he did not need the car and that he did not need such money because it is actually the tax payers’ money that should be used for their benefit and wellbeing. His action was frowned at as ‘a bad table manner’ and an act of disloyalty to the PDP and the governor.  But to Senator Nwoko, public service should not be about eating and sharing but about selfless service to the people.

    Refusal to be tamed by ‘System’

    Senator Nwoko’s independent and uncompromised background places him on strong moral high grounds. But in a clime like Delta State, being forthright is often deemed as disloyalty to the ruling party and the established system. To the loyalists of the system and their leaders, the likes of Senator Nwoko stand condemned for not only breaking loose from the established system but also disrupting the status quo.     

    Senator Nwoko says he cannot afford to be loyal to a ‘system’ which requires him to put the party and the state government ahead of his people and their needs. He says he cannot keep sealed lips and ignore the pains and hardships his constituents have been subjected to over the years, under successive governments of PDP in the state. He would not turn a blind eye to the dehumanizing condition of his people on the altar of party politics. For him, the state has had enough of a dynasty that had deprived it of true dividends of democracy and the APC comes handy as the vehicle to effect the long overdue change in Delta North and the state.

    Mismanagement of Public Funds

    For years, Delta State has been receiving the fattest share of revenue from the centre (Abuja). This is by virtue of the fact that it is currently the biggest oil-producing state in the country. The state’s share from FAAC is equivalent to what the entire five Southeast states receives. Yet states like Anambra, Edo and Enugu are doing far better that Delta in terms of provable indices of development. Senator Nwoko touched on this sore point on Wednesday when he said:

    “I am just going to give you an instance. In the past two years or thereabouts, we have had a government in Delta that is bereft of how to manage resources. We have resources. We have money in Delta; More than any other state in Nigeria. Maybe you don’t know that.

     “We receive less, give or take, about N52 billion every month. We receive, for financial account and for 30 per cent derivation payment, no other state in Nigeria, not even Lagos or Rivers, gets anything near to it. But there is nothing to show for it.”

    Senator Nwoko said one of his major reasons for quitting PDP was to team up with like-minds in APC to rescue Delta from the predators of its resources. He said he cannot afford to stand and watch while a gang of greedy politicians loot the state dry while the people are suffering and deprived of impactful development.  

    Ned Nwoko’s Background

    Born into the royal family of Idumuje-Ugboko kingdom in Aniocha-North local government area of Delta State, Ned Nwoko, right from childhood, was brought up under strict traditional guidance, ethos and discipline. His journey began in the rusty streets of his ancient hometown, Idumuje-Ugboko where he learned the values of hard work, humility, respect and perseverance. Propelled and guided by sublime vision of prosperous future through hard work and a steadfast commitment to his goals, he rose meteorically through the thick and thins of adolescence and youth to exhibit early signs of success and leadership. Having deciphered the early signs of wisdom, courage and adventure in teenage boy, his family wasted no time in sponsoring him abroad to the United Kingdom in pursuit of golden fleece and the honing of his blooming sartorial attributes.

    Before his foray into active politics in Nigeria way back in 1998, he had already established an enviable reputation as a successful international lawyer and businessman.  Senator Nwoko had a successful tenure as an honorable member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003. Twenty years after, he returned to National Assembly as the Senator representing Delta North district, otherwise known as Anioma in 2023.

    He says he cannot afford to stand aloof while majority of the people wallow in deprivation unleashed by bad governance and systemic corruption. He is immersed in the urgency of now with his binoculars focused on what could be done to better the lives of the people, starting with his Anioma constituents, Delta State and Nigeria at large.

    His undiluted commitment to good governance is the driving force behind his strident advocacy of Delta North’s development and fair deal from the state government. Yet this disposition is what often puts him on collision course with many gladiators in the state who are driven by contrary considerations. 

    The Confidence Vote Saga

    An attempt was made to coerce him to eat the humble pie when he was suddenly called upon to move a motion for a vote of confidence on the state governor, Mr Oborevwori during a PDP caucus meeting. This is the same administration he has accused of underperforming as far infrastructures provision in Delta North is concerned. Senator Nwoko declined to move the motion attracting the ire of the governor who was present at the meeting.

    Senator Nwoko captured that cockish and daring moment in an interview on Wednesday after being received by APC leaders led by the National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. “At the last caucus meeting, when I was asked to move a motion for a vote of confidence for the Governor before former governors, and the leadership of the House of Assembly, I refused to do it. I told him I couldn’t do it because I have no confidence in him. He was looking at me as if I was speaking Latin. I said No. I told him I couldn’t do it. But look, Nigerians suffer greatly because of bad governance. That’s why people are poor.”

    • Ikenna Ogbuenyi wrote from Abuja
  • Imo tops Southeast in Female Genital Mutilation prevalence says UNICEF 

    Imo tops Southeast in Female Genital Mutilation prevalence says UNICEF 

    Imo State has the highest prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Southeast region, with 38% of wome​n aged 15-49 years affected. 

    Alarmingly, 9.7% of girls aged 0-14 years have also undergone genital mutilation.

    In comparison, the prevalence of FGM among women aged 15-49 years in other Southeast states is significantly lower: 20.4% in Ebonyi, 20.3% in Abia, 19% in Enugu, and 13.1% in Anambra. For girls aged 0-14 years, the prevalence rates are 3.7% in Enugu, 3.0% in Abia, 2.1% in Anambra, and 0.2% in Ebonyi.

    Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Enugu Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, who disclosed this at the zonal media dialogue in Enugu, on Wednesday, to mark 2025 International day of zero tolerance for FGM, emphasized that despite efforts to eliminate FGM, Imo and Ebonyi states continue to grapple with the practice. 

    Read Also: Never let online negativity control you, influencer Demure advises

     Mrs. Chiluwe, lamented that in spite of earlier commitments through policies and laws towards ending the practice, the prevalence was still on the increase in these Southeast.

    Chiluwe explained that “FGM comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and integrity of girls and women.”

    According to her, “It is a form of gender based – violence, a harmful practice against women and girls and public health challenge, often undertaken as a traditional rite of passage aimed at limiting sexual enjoyment and protecting female chastity.”

    She noted that though there was a drop in the prevalence among women aged 15 – 49, “this is the most critical time to step up the pace, especially through strengthening alliances among grassroots activists, communities, governments, organisations, the private sector to build a powerful social movement that ends harmful norms and build movements even as we advocate and amplify our voices.”

    The UNICEF field Chief gave the prevalence rates across the Southeast states with Imo leading the zone at 38% and called for increased investment to ensure no girl was at risk of female genital mutilation, among other requirements.

    In his presentation, a public health expert, Dr Chikezie Obasi, urged the society to rise against the obnoxious practice saying it causes severe pain, infection, menstrual pain, child birth complications and psychological trauma to the victim, with no positive side.

    He observed that the practice had continued in spite of the laws, revealing that about 20 million women in Nigeria have undergone the painful experience just as 230 million was the global data. 

    Obasi also revealed that $1.4 billion was the financial implication of managing the challenge globally, which he said was harmful and injurious to the girl child.

     The UNICEF communication officer, Enugu, Dr Ijeoma Onuoha – Ogwe, had earlier in outlining the objectives of the dialogue, urged the media to be at the forefront of forming agenda for ending FGM in Nigeria.

  • Ogoni Youths Council sacks its President, Fin. Sec

    Ogoni Youths Council sacks its President, Fin. Sec

    …alleges poor leadership, financial misappropriation 

    …passes vote of no confidence in them

    …appoints Acting President, Fin. Sec

    …call on FG to deal only with NYCOP 

    The National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), has announced the suspension of its National President, Emmanuel Barinuazor from the position of President of the group.

    Also suspended is the Financial Secretary, Bernard Gbogbo.

    The duo were suspended on the grounds of inept leadership, financial misappropriation, lack of accountability, failure to convene congress meeting of NYCOP since the assumption of office four years ago among others.

    The people called on the Federal Government (FG), being led by President  Ahmed Tinubu, not to listen or have any dealing with any other group who might claim to be Ogoni youth, aside of NYCOP.

    To avoid leadership vacuum as a result of the development, the group has named the former deputy President, John Tanen and Idris Kalikpor, Acting President and Deputy President, respectively, 

    The decisions were reached during an emergency National Executive Council (NEC), meeting of the youth group, held in Port Harcourt, the State capital, yesterday.

    In a statement signed by 11 members of NEC, drawn from the four councol areas of Ogoni, including Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, and delivered by the Spokeaman, Ken Nnaa.

    The group (NYCOP) accused Barinuazor of fragrant disobedience to the constitutional provisions of the group, financial embezzlement and instigation of divisions among the youth body, noting the concluded plans to petition them before the anti-graft Agency (EFCC), for serious investigation and position prosecution.

    They believed that the inability of the Barinuazor to provided the need leadership to the youths was responsible for the confusion and division, factionalization being withnessed within the youth group presently.

    NYCOP called on the Federal Government to ignore any other group who might are or might be parading themselves as Ogoni youth groups, insisting that NYCOP is the only recognised youth group in the area that comprises of youths from the four Council areas of the ethnic nationality. 

    Read Also: Never let online negativity control you, influencer Demure advises

    They warned individuals and cooperate bodies to desist from dealing with them on behalf of NYCOP or face legal battle with the group.

    They said, “The reason for his suspension include his disregard for the NYCOP constitution, embezzlement and misappropriation of NYCOP funds, and above all, his inability and failure to provide the much needed leadership to galvanize and unite Ogoni youths. 

    “This very poor leadership style has led to the factionalization of NYCOP; for the above reasons and many other issues, a vote of no confidence is hereby pass on Emmanuel Barinuazor.

    “To this end, a panel of enquiry has been setup to investigate and report to the NEC. In addition to this, the NEC has also forwarded a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with relevant information for a thorough investigation.

    “We are calling on NDDC, Shell, N.E.P.E.L., HYPREP, Rivers State Ethnic Leaders Council and Niger Delta Ethnic Youth Leaders Council and the general public to Halt every Transaction with Comr. Barinuazor Emmanuel or face legal action from NYCOP.”

    The people equally warned youths of the area who are hiding under the cover of Ogoni youth group to seek personal gains and recorgnition in issues of national interests particularly the ongoing clamour for oil resumption in Ogoniland to desist forthwith in the interests and unity of the larger Ogoni youths, or face the wrath of NYCOP.

    “We believe that the factionalisation that has plagued NYCOP over the years needs to come to an end. As such, NYCOP under our leadership is committed to engage with other Factional NYCOP leadership towards the unification of NYCOP for the emergence of one united NYCOP leadership for Ogoni youths.

    “We also use this medium to call to order Legborsi Yamabana and his acquaintances who in an attempt to advice their personal interest under the veil of “Ogoni Youths”, held a meeting where a purported position on oil resumption was adopted on behalf of Ogoni youths and a committee to interface with the government was established. 

    “We call on the Federal Government to pay no attention to it as NYCOP remains the apex youth body of Ogoni people – regardless of its squabbles – and the only youth body with the social license to discuss with the government on issues concerning Ogoni youths, most importantly on a sensitive topic as the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni within the youth context.”

  • Amaechi, three others don’t want Tinubu’s government to succeed, Arewa youths allege

    Amaechi, three others don’t want Tinubu’s government to succeed, Arewa youths allege

    The Reformed Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria (RAYCN) has raised the alarm over alleged plot by former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi to frustrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    At a briefing on Thursday, the group claimed that the trio is working to ensure the government does not succeed in its plans and programmes. 

    National President, Bilal Abdulahi, also claimed they are reportedly launching a campaign of calumny against the administration.

    He added: “It is clear that their intention and their several meetings are aimed at intimidating the government President Tinubu, and the various organs of government and make the citizens feel that the government and her various organs are not doing sufficient enough to take the people to prosperity.

    Read Also: Tinubu unbothered by criticisms from Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi – Jimoh Ibrahim

     “This is nothing short of an attempt to overawe a democratic institution. It is clear that ever since their defeat at the polls by President Bola Tinubu, these three elements have not hidden their hate and disdain but for the person and organs of the various governments. 

    “It is however unfortunate that this hatred and disdain is pushing them to act against the office of the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and rule of law. They must consequently be stopped with all might and not be allowed to go further.”

    The group urged youths, religious organisations, and lovers of peace and democracy to support President Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to reform the country.

  • EU eyes 2mw from hydropower in Plateau

    EU eyes 2mw from hydropower in Plateau

    The European Union (EU) has said it is exploring the potential for small hydropower generation in partnership with Plateau state government.

    Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz said this during the delegation’s visit to the state to assess the Assop falls which is being speculated to have the potential to generate about two megawatts of electricity.

    She said the EU is in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power in driving the diversification of electricity generation to other renewable energy sources like small hydro power to provide clean, safe, affordable, and renewable energy sources to the people of Plateau state to power agro processing activities, productive use of energy and boosting the economy of the state.

    According to her, the EU is working with the Plateau state government and other stakeholders to evaluate the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of the small hydropower site.

    She said: “Plateau State, with its rich agricultural potential, could benefit greatly from reliable energy, boosting crop production and agro-processing.”

    Managing Director of the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Ponzing Gamde, stated that the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the implementer of the project on behalf of the European Union, is conducting a feasibility study to determine the potential capacity of the hydropower project.

    He said: “UNIDO is currently conducting a feasibility study here. They have done their preliminary data collection and will now come up with a design to know the potential capacity that can be generated from here.

    “With this power, there will also be an improvement of cultural activities. The power will ensure activities don’t stop at certain points.”

    A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Owen Dagogot expressed full support for the project.

    Dagogot said: “This place is going to be utilized
    to its full potential. It is an advantage because you already have a solid ground. Foundations are openly on firm ground.”

    Director of Technical Services at the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Sam Gyang Yakubu, noted that while the dam construction typically takes time, the timeline for this project could be as short as two to three years.

    “Evacuation is not going to be a challenge here, based on the way we have set up the whole layout,” he said.

    A representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Dina Temitope, said: “For us at the ministry, we’ve had this vision 30:30, which is generating 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30 percent of our energy needs coming from renewable sources.”

    Programme Manager, Energy and Circular Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to sustainability.

    Read Also: NIS launches contactless passport solution in Europe Feb 7

    He said: “We want to be sure that EU taxpayers’ money is fully utilised. It’s not a donation. You could transport all the power from here to any other agricultural hub where pre-processing is happening within the state”

    Head of GIZ’s Sustainability Energy Access component, Eckhard Heine, said: “We are in dialogue with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to disseminate the information they have, so we can engage the state level effectively.”

    Technical Adviser at GIZ, Alexander Akolo, noted that the Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang, recently passed the State Electricity Law, which contains areas for improvement.

    Akolo stated: “We can support reviewing it (the Law) because of the support in developing other instruments like mini-grid policy for the state.”

  • Edo guber tribunal: Group urges fairness, transparency

    Edo guber tribunal: Group urges fairness, transparency

    A group, Unique Minds of Edo Heritage Organisation (UMEHO), has called on the judges in the ongoing Edo governorship tribunal case sitting in Abuja to be fair and transparent in handling all election cases brought before them.

    Apostle Jerry Oshodin, the national coordinator of the group made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Apostle Jerry particularly advised the judges of the tribunal to critically look into the cade challenging the INEC result that declared Senator Monday Okpebholo winner of the Edo governorship election held on the 21 of September 2024.

    “We recognise the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles; the judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protection of citizens’ rights and preserving the credibility of the electoral process.

    “Any actions that compromise these principles are undermining the very foundation of any democratic nation.

    “Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms.

    “But the fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital in fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process,”he said.

    The national coordinator further stated that, “It is imperative to emphasise that any attempt to manipulate or subvert the will of the people using judicial tools will not be accepted.

    “The foundation of a robust democracy lies in the integrity of the electoral system and the adherence to fair and transparent processes.

    “The citizens of Edo State  have exercised their democratic rights, and their voices must be heard and honoured.

    “Attempts to undermine the sanctity of these elections will not only jeopardise the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds but also erode public trust in the electoral process.

    “We call upon all stakeholders, including the electoral authorities and the judiciary, to ensure a thorough and unbiased judgement as we trust the judges of the tribunal to deliver sound judgment,” the Coordinator called.

    Apostle Jerry advised that the popular mandate expressed through the electoral process must be respected by all toward ensuring a sustained democratic value in Nigeria.

    He also called on the judiciary to punish any INEC staff and security agents involved in any election manipulation.