The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘We want strong vigilance groups in Southeast’

    The one week meeting was held in Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    It was the gathering of stakeholders of Igbo extraction, especially in the academia, who called for the development of the zone by the sons and daughters of the area.

    But another worry to the Southeast leaders was how to strengthen vigilance groups in all the communities in Igbo land.

    The meeting was at the instance of the sociocultural group known as Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).

    The group led by its President, Prof Uzodinma Nwala, during their fifth anniversary and congress, came up with the idea of strengthening vigilance groups, based on the insecurity situation in the country.

    The group, formed five years ago, is out to build and develop the Igbo nation, and as well champion the course to advance the spirit of her culture and traditions, through what they called “Aku luo uno crusade”.

    This, according to Prof Nwala, they hope to achieve by visiting and holding seminars in every part of the world where Ndi Igbo are residing.

    Their choice of Umuchu as the venue for the event was to stand on the view point of the fact that an indigene of the community, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, had fulfilled the group’s call by investing hugely in the community.

    Addressing the gathering, who are members drawn from all the Southeastern states, both at home and in diaspora, Nwala, after calling for one minute’s silence in honour of the late BOT chairman of the group, late Dr Dozie Ikedife, traced the activities of the group since inception.

    The theme of the event was “ADF today, yesterday and tomorrow.”

    Nwala said that the foundation came into existence after the international colloquium on the Igbo question in Nigeria before, during and after the Biafra, held in Enugu in 2014, where so many questions arose on the way forward for emancipation of the Igbo nation.

    He called on Igbo to look inwards and remember where they are coming from, where they are presently and where they will be in future.

    He asked them to make haste to save their generations to come by investing their wisdom, strength and wealth in the Southeast.

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman of the group, Bishop Obi Udeze-Onubogu, earlier in a speech, said that Ndi Igbo are a chosen generation whose destiny are in the hands of God.

    He advised that they should take the bold step of making their light to shine forth by loving and encouraging one another, through investments, job creation, being security conscious and promoting peaceful coexistence.

    For professor Emeritus, Chief John Umeh, who was the keynote speaker, entitled, “Ndi igbo, their tradition and the way forward”, while tracing the spiritual belief of igbo ancestors, said that those who colonised this part of the world converted the thinking on  Ndigbo.

    He charged them to reconnect to their ancestors whom, according to him,  cannot lead them astray but can only protect and promote them.

    Addressing the group, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, said that the only viable opinion is for Ndigbo and their leaders was to look inwards towards restoring the hope of meaningful existence in this part of the world by shunning all acts of personal interest.

    The chairman of Orient Group, told them to  be mindful of their  utterances, especially on national issues, transparency on the side of those in leadership positions among others.

    He regretted that the igbo nation had been denied a lot of opportunities and  wondered why only businesses owned by those from igbo extraction are either made to face difficulties like poor electricity, harsh operating environment, or they are closed down.

    Professor, Elochukwu Amaucheazi,  Mr Frank Nneji, Managing Director and Chief Execuitve Officer ABC transport, the traditional ruler of Olo kingdom in Enugu State, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu and many  other traditional rulers were equally in attendance.

    The leaders agreed that Ndigbo are known for developing all parts of the world leaving their region under developed.

    The Igbo stakeholders further called for a stop on the issue, saying that the current security situation in the country, had given chance for a rethink.

    They called for support and strengthening of the vigilance group operations in all communities as a practical step to wading off insecurity.

  • Food scarcity looms as traders threaten strike over extortion

    Members of Food Stuff Dealers Association of Nigeria have protested multiple quarantine posts mounted on the nation’s highways by officials of Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

    They threatened to embark on a nationwide strike, including shutting down of markets and stopping movement of food produce across the country if the posts were not dismantled immediately.

    In a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police and copied to Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other security agencies and made available to newsmen in Onitsha, the body asked Nigerians to get ready for food scarcity in the coming months.

    It described the posts situated at Orokam and Katsina Ala both in Benue State as illegal targeted at extorting money from its members.

    The body said the petition signed by President General and Secretary, Chief Christian Afiaonwu and Udoka Ahukanna respectively, followed non response to previous petition addressed to the immediate past Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbe against the multiple posts on roads in Benue State and extortion of money ranging from N2000 to N7000.

    The petition partly read, “We are aware of the importance Quarantine posts which is primarily to checkmate animal disease and unwholesome food stuff from one location to another.

    Read Also: Food scarcity looms

    “We are also aware of the stipulations of the section 12 and 20 of animal diseases (control) decree 10 of 1988 vis-a-vis the establishment of control posts in Nigeria, and to the best of our knowledge it is mostly located at border areas and not more than one in a state.

    “We recognise the Federal Quarantine Control Posts at Jebba, Lokoja, Makurdi and Gada Biu because we were part of the process where it was agreed that they will be established.

    “But we can no longer bear the burden of paying at three posts in Benue State, hence our decision to once more draw the attention of government through your revered office.”

    Addressing newsmen, President of the Association, Afiaonwu said they had done the needful as responsible law abiding citizens by repeatedly drawing attention of the government to their plight.

    He said, “There may be possible food shortage in the coming months if we go on protest and stop moving food around the country if our demands are not properly addressed.”

  • Kudos, knocks as illegal structures go down in Onitsha

    Reactions have trailed the ongoing demolition of illegal structures along Onitsha-Owerri Road area of Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra State.

    While some residents described the exercise as a welcome development, others criticized the demolition, saying the exercise took them by surprise.

    The government, through officers of the state Physical Planning Board had pulled down adjourning walls blocking buildings and shanties along the road.

    The team, led by the Executive Chairman, Bar. Chike Maduekwe, with security operatives stormed the area, sealing off and reclaiming Aba park in the commercial city of the state.

    Describing the action as a security operation, the chairman explained that the move became necessary as the structures contravened the state’s building policy.

    He added that the action was in line with the board’s mandate, emphasising that security remained at the centre of the present administration’s drive.

    He said, “The exercise is part of the operation to rid Onitsha and its environs of activities of illegal occupants who indulge in illegal activities, hiding behind the walls to unleash mayhem on residents and passers-by.”

    Maduekwe warned that illegal structures in any part of the state which had become a den of criminals would no longer be allowed to exist.

    Read Also: Kudos, knocks as illegal structures go down in Onitsha

    Speaking with The Nation however, some of the victims living and trading in the area said they had made several complaints to security operatives on the activities of criminals in the area, but all to no avail.

    A shop owner, Mrs. Nwanneka Okey, whose shop was affected, said they were taken unawares by the demolition, asking for an alternative place to be provided for them.

    Admitting the pitiable state of the area, Nwanneka however regretted that they were not served enough notice.

    She said, “Yes, we are aware the place has not been conducive for trading, but we were not given enough information and notice.

    “The government should as a matter of urgency, provide an alternative place for us to stay.”

    She however expressed  optimism that the move would restore lasting security to the area.

    Another victim, Kenneth Obi, a transporter, commended government for the operation, saying cases of robbery, phone snatching and other criminal activities would no longer take place in the area.

    “Most times, these criminals escape once they sight the police. With this demolition, the place is now free, open and bare for people to see through all the corners at all times,” he said.

  • ESUT introduces postgraduate studies in Biomed Tech

    Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has introduced the Master of Science (MSc.) degree in Biomedical Technology.

    The programme is domiciled at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences but would be jointly handled by the Faculty of Engineering and College of Medicine of the university.

    In an inauguration and orientation ceremony held at the auditorium of the ESUT College of Medicine, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof Luke Anike explained that the Biomedical Technology programme was born out of zeal to offer solution being observed in areas of health diagnosis and treatment of diseases due to constant breakdown of medical devices and equipment.

    The vice chancellor who represented by his deputy, Prof Samuel Eze said with the paucity of qualified biomedical technologists, the repair, maintenance and rehabilitation of these equipment become difficult and impossible.

    According to the vice chancellor, with the introduction of the programme, “the peculiar nature of our environment exemplified by shortage in power supply, will increase necessitate the design and development of medical devices and equipment that will perform effectively under our environmental condition.”

    Anime was of the view that the new programme would bring ESUT into limelight because it will showcase what the university actually stands for as shown in the university motto, Technology for Service.

    He disclosed that for the vision and mission of the programme to be achieved, there was an international collaboration in March 2017 where a memorandum of understanding was reached and signed with Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom where the coordinator of the programme, Dr Harmony Nwobodo Nzeribe was certified.

    “This programme is indeed a welcome development and giant stride for our university. As I congratulate the pioneer students of this programme, I also encourage you to make good use of this rare opportunity. Humbly tap from the wealth of knowledge of the facilitators and become e perts not just in repair of biomedical equipment but also in design and development of reliable and affordable medical devices and equipment,” he admonished.

    The dean Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof Chike Anibeze in his address said that the new programme as conceptualised in the university was not different from its worldwide goals which is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for health care system either through through diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

    “This field seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine, combining the design and problem solving skills of engineering with biomedical sciences to advance health care treatment and diagnosis,” he enlightened.

    He explained that as a discipline which anchors on interdisciplinary specialisation among already established fields, much of the goals of biomedical technology was geared towards problem solving, research oriented goals.

    “In our medical environment, emphasis will be on the design and production of simple medical tools, biomechanics, basic concepts for the production of biocompatible prosthesis and the repair of existing medical equipment,” Anibueze further explained.

    The programme took off with 12 pioneer students drawn from computer engineering, anatomy, electronics telecommunications engineering, pharmacy, medicine and surgery.

  • New cars for monarchs of Abia oil-producing areas

    Lack of basic amenities is said to trigger agitation, in some cases, militancy, in oil-producing areas. In Abia State, the government has distributed cars to traditional rulers in its oil-rich parts. Will it help to cool tempers?

    The Chairman of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Chief Sam Okezie Nwogu handed over 18 brand new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the traditional rulers of the communities.

    The gesture is said to appreciate the efforts of the monarchs in the oil communities in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in their jurisdictions.

    Handing over the SUVs to the traditional rulers, Nwogu, who was accompanied by other members of ASOPADEC board, thanked the state governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his magnanimity and immense support to the traditional rulers of the oil producing communities.

    He maintained that the board would continue to fashion out programmes that were in line with the visions of the Ikpeazu led administration which is geared towards enhancing the wellbeing of the indigenes of the various communities in the state.

    The ASOPADEC Chairman reiterated the commission’s readiness to partner with the traditional rulers of the oil producing communities in the commission’s programmes aimed at ameliorating the age long sufferings of the oil producing communities.

    Read Also: I’m hale and hearty, Ikpeazu tells Abians

    He further thanked the traditional rulers for their immense contributions in maintaining a peaceful coexistence in the various communities and promised them of the commission’s support in making sure that the communities remain peaceful and supportive of the PDP led government in the state.

    Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the traditional ruler of Isimanu Autonomous Community and the Chairman, Ukwa West Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Eze Chinyere Di, appreciated the chairman and members of the board, for their kind gestures towards the wellbeing of the traditional rulers and maintained that the traditional rulers, would continue to do everything within the ambit of the law in maintaining peace and order in the various communities while promising to always support the visions and programmes of the Ikpeazu administration.

    The handover ceremony was conducted by the chairman of ASOPADEC, Chief Sam Okezie Nwogu, flanked by members of the Board of ASOPADEC, led by the Commissioner in ASOPADEC; Barr. Henry Chilaka, Hon. Kelechi Dede, Hon. Orji  Simeon Udeagha, Hon. Hope Uwaga, Hon. Mrs. Kate Maduako, Chief Uzo Ihuka, the Permanent Secretary of ASOPADEC, Mr. Director, Finance, Mr.Kelechi Uwaoma, the Director Works/Projects, Engr. Emeka Gberemakor and other dignitaries including; a Exec Chairman of Ukwa West, Chief Felix Ebere, Chief Ben Nwankpa, a crowned Prince of Ukwa Land, Mr. Emeka Adiele.

  • Security agencies brainstorm info exchange during crisis

    The General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Maikobi has flagged off the “Indoor Telephone Battle, Exercise Quick Dragon II” at the 14 Brigade headquarters in Ohafia, Abia State.

    He said the exercise is one of  Army Headquarters training directives for 2019 designed to acquaint staff officers of commands and units under the Brigade with operational staff procedure during internal security operations.

    It will cover the dynamics involved in various aspects of internal security operations such as handing and taking over procedure between the military and sister security agencies, peculiarities of crowd dispersal, road blocks, curfew, internally displace persons (IDPs), patrol, cordon search and clearance operations, among others.

    Speaking to journalists after the flag-off, the Chief Umpire for the exercise, Brigadier General Sani Yahaya Bashir explained that the objective of the training follows the contemporary security challenges facing the country.

    “Training is the best welfare you can give to a soldier and this is a routine training.”

    “The Indoor Telephone Battle Exercise is meant to train our personnel to be able to address issues in operations and to also achieve synergy with sister security agencies.”

    “With the contemporary security challenges, operating with other security agencies, it is important that we need to create a forum where we can train together so that we can understand our operations, work together and achieve the objectives.”

    When asked if the exercise is simultaneously going on across the country, Brigadier General Bashir said: “There are training cycle and activities allotted to different units within the divisions so other trainings are going on in other divisions.”

    Providing further insight into how the exercise aims to achieve its objectives, Bashir said, “This is more of an office exercise that borders on how to address issues, send messages, pass information, directives and receive response in synergy with other security agencies.

    Synergy is very important because it is not the duty of soldiers to prosecute, that’s why the police, civil defence, prison officials are involved, we provide fire cover and also ensure that crime suspects arrested are properly handed over to appropriate security agencies for prosecution.”

    The GOC, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Abubakar S. Maikobi, took over from Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, some months ago with a promise to maintain ‘the enviable standard of the Division.’

  • ‘Abia new Govt House ready soon’

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that construction work would soon start at the new Government House, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.

    Governor Ikpeazu gave the assurance when he embarked on an inspection tour of the new Government House project.

    The work, which was started by the immediate past governor of the state Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, came to an abrupt stop when Orji left office with the hope that his successor would see to the completion of the project since the present Government House was said to have since 1999 been located in a private property.

    Our reporter gathered that the inability of the present administration in the state to ensure completion of the project in its first four years has attracted criticisms from Abians and opposition parties in the state, but with the present steps taken by the state government, his supporters and well-meaning Abians are optimistic that the state would save a lot of money when they operate from its permanent Government House.

    According to Ikpeazu, the contractor will soon be mobilised back to site.

    He further assured that the new Government House is so dear to his administration that he will not relent in ensuring its completion as soon as possible.

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila seeks strong regulation of cryptocurrency

    Governor Ikpeazu who invited the project contractor for a review meeting noted that apart from the new Government House project his administration has mobilised contractors handling various road projects across the state back to site for early completion and commissioning.

    The governor confirmed that despite challenges of funding, the new Government House would be accorded the priority it deserves to ensure its completion. He declared that abandoning the project was not an option for the state government.

    In a related development, Governor Ikpeazu has directed the State Ministry of Works, and Abia State Road Maintenance Agency (ABROMA) to ensure the immediate execution of palliative maintenance work at bad portions of Aba Road, Ikot Ekpene Road and  Isi Gate areas of Umuahia pending the full mobilisation of contractors to work on the roads.

    The governor said this is to ease the challenges faced by commuters along the roads within the state capital that should be maintained and assured that contractors have already been mobilized to complete Aba Road project and others within the state capital.

  • Akwa Ibom evacuates street children

    The Akwa Ibom State government has evacuated children engaged in hawking during school hours off the streets of Uyo. They are to be sent back to school immediately.

    The exercise, executed through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, is part of the government’s efforts to rid the state of street urchins.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Dr. Glory Edet, who addressed the kids on Tuesday, assured them they would not be imprisoned by assisted to live a better life.

    She said: “We did not come to arrest you people but to help you to prosper by going back to school.”

    Edet warned the children against returning to their bush tent nor loiter the street during school hours.

    Read Also: ‘Akwa Ibom 2019 governorship was flawed’

    “We will sponsor you in school by making sure your needs are taken care of. Do not go back to that bush or street again to avoid being arrested,” she added.

    Dr. Edet also promised to reunite them with their families through which their welfare could be easily given attention.

    The commissioner also promised to pay the medical bill of one of the girls who was pregnant, and give her money to start her own business.

  • Cross River warring communities agree on peace

    The Ebom and Usumutong communities of Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State have agreed to settle their differences and allow peace.

    The Police commissioner, Community leaders were invited by the Commissioner Austin Agbonlahor to a roundtable to address the issues and seek lasting solutions.

    “They have realised there is no reason for them to die or kill themselves; they have bared their minds. The people were all here and they spoke their minds. They have all agreed that they have to drop whatever kind of animosity they have against themselves,” he said.

    In the meeting at the Police Officers Mess in Calabar, which lasted over four hours, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women leaders, noted that the common reason for frequent skirmishes between the communities have been land.

    Participants at the meeting, who examined reasons for the clashes and other security challenges, also brainstormed on solutions to achieving peace.

    Governor Ben Ayade lauded the gesture, describing it as first of its kind.

    Ayade, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary on Security, Dr Alfred Mboto, said the situation had gotten to a point where the state is almost synonymous with crisis, hence the need to usher peace into the land.

    According to him, no community would be judged, but only to look for ways to solve the problems permanently.

    Agbonlahor, who called for all to resist fighting, said the police is committed to addressing the various security challenges in the state. He, however, noted that success can only be achieved with the people’s cooperation. Village head of Ebom Community Chief Sunday Obite, and Clan Head of Usumotong Community Chief Stephen Eremi called on the government and relevant security agencies to intervene in the crisis which led to the beheading of two persons.

     

  • Imo tribunal admits evidence by APGA candidate

    THE election petition tribunal in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday admitted the evidences, including the Back End Report tendered by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifeanyi Araraume, through his lawyer, Awa Kalu.

    Addressing reporters after the court session, Araraume expressed satisfaction over the acceptance of the INEC Back End report by the tribunal.

    He said “with the report tendered, all illegal registration not done electronically would be quashed.

    “We tendered all evidences ranging from voters register, declaration sheets and card reader back end report from INEC. Back End Report is very critical because in the guidelines issued by INEC, the only means of accreditation is by electronic, no room for manual accreditation. INEC guideline says the only means of accreditation is through card reader showing total accreditation in each of the polling units.

    Read Also: Imo’s failed projects

    “At Aboh Mbaise, for instance, where Emeka returned 64,000 votes to himself, but there was 22,328 total votes from everybody, either void or not, how come he gave himself 64,000 votes? If you calculate the vote a portion to other people, it came to about 72,000, while the total accreditation in that local government is 22,328; that was a big fraud, so there was no election in Imo State, ditto Ahiazu Mbaise, ditto Ezinihite Mbaise.”