The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Edo Assembly sues suspended LG chairmen

    Edo Assembly sues suspended LG chairmen

    The Edo State House of Assembly has taken legal action against the 18 suspended local government chairmen, seeking judicial interpretation of Section 20 of the Edo Local Government Law, 2000 (as amended). 

    The suit aims to determine whether the 24 lawmakers had the authority to suspend the elected chairmen and their deputies for two months.

    Filed at the Edo High Court in Benin under suit number B/34/2025, the case was instituted by the Assembly’s legal counsel, C. O. Edosa. The defendants include the suspended chairmen, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, and others, while the Speaker, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, and councillors from the 18 local government areas are listed as claimants.

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    The claimants presented four key issues for determination and sought nine reliefs. Among their arguments is whether Section 20(b) of the Local Government Law grants the Assembly the power to suspend local government chairmen and vice chairmen. They also questioned whether the suspension violated the law or undermined the democratic structure of local government administration in Edo.

    Additionally, the suit seeks clarification on whether, based on Sections 11(3) and 14 of the law, the legislative leaders of the 18 councils qualify as democratically elected members of their respective councils.

    They sought to know if the legislative arms in the councils were entitled, in the absence of the chairmen and vice chairmen, to act on behalf of the councils, particularly with regard to the administration, management, and/or control of the affairs of the local government councils and all the funds due to the local government councils.

    The claimants sought a declaration that by their (suspended council chairmen’s) actions, the legislature had not in any way obliterated the existence of the democratic structures of the councils, and therefore, democratic system of local government administration and governance were still intact and in place.

    They further sought declaration that by virtue of Section 20 (b) of the Local Government Law, 2000, Edo State, the first claimant (Edo State House of Assembly), had the power to suspend the chairmen and vice chairmen of local government councils in Edo.

    The claimants also wanted a declaration that by the combined reading of the provisions of Section 11(3) and Section 14 of the Local Government Law, 2000, Edo State, the 3rd – 19th claimants (leaders of the Legislative Arms of Local Government Councils in Edo State) were democratically elected members of the local government councils.

    The defendants were to enter appearance personally or through their counsel within forty two days of being served the writ of summons.

    In case the defendants did not enter appearance within the time and at the place mentioned such order (s) would be made and proceedings might be taken, as the presiding judge might consider such as expedient.

    The hearing in the suit brought before Edo High court, Benin, by the suspended chairmen against Okpebholo, Edo House of Assembly and others would be heard on February 17.

    The court granted the restraining order by the claimants (the 18 suspended local government council chairmen), and placed a lien on all local government accounts in Edo, after restraining the councils’ officials from accessing the accounts, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

  • Assessing PAPS’s role in AU’s Agenda 2063

    Assessing PAPS’s role in AU’s Agenda 2063

    By Ekemini Ladejobi

    Africa is faced with various degrees of security challenges. In the west is Boko Haram and other mushroom insurgents, in the east is Al-Shabaab, the conflicts in the north are on many fronts while in the south, terrorists are harassing Mozambique.

    In 2024, over 11,200 people died in the Sahel region of Africa alone due to militant Islamist violence.

    This number is more than triple the number of deaths in 2021, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

    To address this challenge, given its transborder nature, requires a robust response from the continental body, the African Union (AU).

    Observers of the security situation on the continent say the AU Commission’s (AUC) Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) is advancing a transformative agenda for peace, security, and governance across Africa.

    Under the leadership of Amb. Bankole Adeoye, the current AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the department has reinforced the AU’s role as a proactive, unified force in addressing continental challenges.

    PAPS is one of six portfolios rationalised and established during the 11th Extraordinary Session held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Nov. 17-18, 2018.

    The department was created as a merger of the Political Affairs, and Peace and Security departments, which used to be two separate entities.

    The AU said the new department focuses on one of the four key priorities of the continental body: political affairs, peace and security, economic integration, and Africa’s global representation and voice.

    AU also said PAPS’ mandate was developed from its larger Pan-African vision as defined in the aspirations of Agenda 2063, especially Aspirations 3 and 4.

    While Aspiration 3 envisions “an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law”, Aspiration 4 envisions “a peaceful and secure Africa”.

    Some of the core functions of PAPS include continuous monitoring of Africa’s political, peace and security trends; and timely assessment, analysis and reporting on political, peace and security trends through early warning systems.

    It supports conflict prevention through the development and dissemination of legal and policy frameworks on governance, political, peace, and security issues.

    It also supports conflict management efforts, including peace-support operations as well as mediation and dialogue interventions; and supports post-conflict reconstruction and development policy and strategy development.

    Some stakeholders say that although challenges persist, Adeoye’s vision since his election in 2021 has helped equip PAPS for success.

    Mr Brian Kwayedza, a Zimbabwean lawyer and international affairs analyst, said Adeoye’s vision emphasises accelerating the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).

    He said the same vision has also helped to fast-track the African Governance Architecture (AGA), which he said is guided by shared values of peace and development.

    “Over the past three going to four years, the PAPS has made significant strides. Peace enforcement has been prioritised as a strategic tool to combat violent extremism and terrorism.

    “The department facilitated the peace process that led to the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in Pretoria on November 2, 2022.

    “In addition, PAPS provided strategic and operational support to the Peace and Security Council (PSC), enhancing early warning systems and informed decision-making through regular consultations,” he said.

    Others credit the commissioner for an improved early warning mechanism, as well as conflict prevention, mediation and management.

    They cite the Ethiopia-Tigray peace process, which culminated in the landmark 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, as being facilitated by Adeoye and his team.

    “He launched the AU Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange on Early Warning and Conflict Prevention (I-RECKE), which has helped in fostering collaboration among regional and international stakeholders.

    “Improved early warning capabilities has led to increased intelligence-sharing among bodies such as the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services and the AU Mechanism for Police Cooperation,” an analyst said.

    However, critics say the AU has barely done enough in terms of conflict prevention, entrenching good governance, and preventing/countering violent extremism on the continent.

    “Africa has recently experienced unprecedented unconstitutional regime changes, increased activities of violent extremists, and higher trans-border terrorism and terrorism funding.

    “It appears that the AU is stuck on a weak conflict management system, which makes many refer to it as a toothless bulldog.

    “For instance, what concrete measures has it taken against the juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon and Chad?” an analyst asked.

    They said those responsibilities solely or partly fall within the purview of PAPS.

    In 2024, Nigeria hosted a two-day high-level African counter-terrorism summit in the capital, Abuja, which aimed to bolster regional cooperation and institutional capacity.

    With the theme “Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism”, the meeting proffered “African-led and African-owned” solutions to the threats of terrorism and violent extremism that have made the continent a hotbed.

    One of the issues that came up for deliberation at the summit was the operationalisation of the African Standby Force to enhance the continent’s capacity for rapid response to conflicts.

    If he happens to be re-elected in March, some stakeholders said Adeoye should collaborate more in the area of strengthening the institutional capacity of the AUC, especially specialised agencies of the commission.

    Some of the agencies include the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), the AU Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) and the AU Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD).

    The AUC also needs global support in strengthening existing counter-terrorism structures such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU), the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA).

    In May 2022, at the Declaration of the 16th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Assembly, the continent’s leaders agreed to establish the African Union Ministerial Committee on Counter-Terrorism.

    It said the committee was to serve as a high-level coordination, monitoring, evaluation and follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the commitments made in its Malabo Declaration.

    Analysts want PAPS under Adeoye to explore better cooperation and synergy in these areas.

    Those who want to see the commissioner re-elected in March say he has mobilised resources for the MNJTF and advanced the Lake Chad Basin Stabilisation Strategy by attracting development partners for post-conflict reconstruction.

    Read Also: PAPSS enters North Africa as BCT Tunisia joins membership list

    They also say he has adopted a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the AU’s Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns by 2030, thereby driving accountability and progress.

    However, PAPS faces critical challenges, some of which Adeoye himself alluded to, including a limited budget for peace and security, and a ⁠lack of human resources and capacity in the department.

    They also listed the exponential spread of terrorism and violent extremism; external interference in African conflicts; and ⁠resumed acute geopolitical competition on the continent as some of the challenges facing PAPS.

    Nevertheless, stakeholders want the department to continue to champion pan-African ideals for effective governance, peace and stability in line with AU’s Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want.

  • Philanthropist donates relief materials to victims of Ebonyi Communal clash

    Philanthropist donates relief materials to victims of Ebonyi Communal clash

    A businessman and Philatropist, Azubike Daniel, has donated relief materials to victims of the recent communal clash in Omege,  Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The Nation had reported how two weeks ago, one person was killed and many others displaced in the community as their houses were set abalze in the crisis.

    This followed an attack on them by by their neighbouring Ukwuinyima community in the same local government area of the state.

    During the visit,  Mr Daniel popularly known as Zubitech donated various items like, cash, bags of rice and other foodstuff to the victims.

    He noted that he was touched when he received the report and decided to assist the victims with the materials.

    Read Also: Internal party democracy key to credible elections – INEC chairman

    He said:”I was really disturbed when I heard about the crisis because the people of Omege are my brothers and sisters”.

    “That is why I decided to come with these items because I saw pictures of how your farm inputs like yam, rice, houses were destroyed”.

    “Please, I have here these food items and attached with it is the sum of N250,000. Hopefully, it will go along way to reduce your suffering”.

    “I am also using this opportunity to beg good spirited Nigerians to come to their aid. Also, the government needs to provide some basic amenities for this community,” he said.

    Receiving the items, the President General of Omege Community appreciated Zubitech for his kind gesture and prayed to God to keep blessing him.

    A source in the community had said that the crisis erupted when the people of Ukwuinyima apprehended some youths from Omege who came to charge their phone in their community without them knowing that an attack has been planned for them.

    The source said: “When they(the youths) got to Ukwuinyima to charge their phone, a guy from the village brought a dagger and wanted to stab the guy from Omege and by God’s grace, he dodged the dagger and collected it from the dagger from the Ukwuinyima guy and stabbed him to death.”

    ”Angered by the death, the people of  Ukwuinyima stormed Omege Community and started burning houses.”

  • Edo election tribunal admits BVAS machines as PDP challenges results 

    Edo election tribunal admits BVAS machines as PDP challenges results 

    The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal witnessed a major development on Thursday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) submitted the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used in the September 21 election. 

    INEC’s submission came after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a subpoena, following the commission’s initial refusal to release the machines voluntarily.

    The PDP has consistently argued that the election was marred by over-voting, claiming that results announced by INEC exceeded the number of accredited voters in multiple locations. 

    During today’s hearing, a PDP witness from Akoko Edo, who served as the ward 9 collation agent, testified that while the election process in the 13 polling units within the ward appeared proper, the results collated at the ward level differed from those uploaded on INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV).

    He further alleged that a duplicate set of results was presented at the ward collation centre, prompting his refusal to sign the final ward result sheet. 

    Read Also: Internal party democracy key to credible elections – INEC chairman

    In a separate testimony, a collation agent from Oredo Local Government provided evidence suggesting that INEC’s declared results for Ward 1 did not match polling unit records or the data uploaded on IREV. 

    The Tribunal admitted certified true copies (CTCs) of exhibits submitted by the PDP, which allegedly highlight inconsistencies between polling unit figures and the final announced results. 

    The submission of BVAS machines marks a pivotal moment in the petition, as the devices serve as the primary source of accreditation data.

  • Enugu seeks collaboration with royal fathers to tackle insecurity

    Enugu seeks collaboration with royal fathers to tackle insecurity

    The Enugu State government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with traditional rulers to combat insecurity and other criminal activities in the state. 

    As part of this effort, the government has scheduled the launch of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF) for February 13, 2025.

    The initiative aims to mobilize financial and material resources from public and private organizations, as well as well-meaning individuals, to enhance security operations. 

    Speaking during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting with the State Traditional Rulers Council at the Enugu State House of Assembly Complex, the Chairman of the ESSTF Board of Trustees, Dr. Ike Chioke, emphasized the importance of engaging monarchs in the fight against criminality. He urged them to support the initiative and assist in maintaining security within their communities. 

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    Dr. Chioke stressed that security is a collective responsibility and called for widespread participation, noting that Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to expand the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031 could be hindered if insecurity is not adequately addressed. 

    He further stated that the Board of Trustees is intensifying its engagement and awareness efforts to ensure stakeholders understand the objectives of the Security Trust Fund before its official launch.

    “The essence of the sensitization is to enable Ndi Enugu to understand that security is everyone’s business. The security trust fund is designed as a private/public partnership between the people and the state, such that each one of us contributes to security as part of our daily activities. We need to build and sustain security architecture around the entire state, which is where the purpose of the trust fund comes in.

    “As you know, we are going to launch the trust fund on the 13th of February. So, we are meeting with key stakeholders across the state to ensure that the government will be supported in securing the state and securing the progress that is evident from the work the governor is doing already,” he said.

    Speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo noted that due to the prominent position the monarchs enjoy as the chief security officers of their communities, the state government thought it wise to inform them about the policies aimed at prioritizing the welfare of the people, especially about security.

    He stressed that the traditional rulers were responsible for sensitizing their communities, encouraging them to buy into the security trust fund so that the state’s indigenes in the diaspora could visit their villages without fear of attacks.

    “This is a commendable policy of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration that seeks to improve the security of lives and property in the state. The challenge here requires all of us, particularly traditional rulers who serve as the chief security officers of their communities, to play their roles in engaging their people in this fight against insecurity,” the Commissioner stated.

    Also speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Chairman of the Enugu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu praised Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership and expressed satisfaction with the state’s cutting-edge security infrastructure.

    Igwe Asadu insisted that security was a collective endeavour that must be supported by the traditional rulers’ council as a whole, stressing that since the governor was bullish in the fight against insecurity, the traditional rulers would give him all the support he deserved.

    “We are excited because Governor Mbah is a game changer. He brought the ‘tomorrow is here’ phenomenon and we are seeing it manifesting daily. Security is a collaborative effort, and Governor Mbah appointed the crème de la crème of society to the Board of Trustees to ensure the fund’s integrity. On behalf of the traditional rulers and principal officials, we endorse this initiative since it aims to assist the governor in protecting our children, the state, investors, and tourists to the state,” Igwe Asadu stated.

  • MTN gifts Catholic pupils education materials in Anambra

    MTN gifts Catholic pupils education materials in Anambra

    Telecommunications network providers, MTN, has provided education materials worth millions to Saint Theresa’s Secondary School, in Anambra State

    Some of the materials are books, school bags, umbrellas and no fewer than 300 students benefitted. 

    Addressing the students, the MTN Senior Manager, Regional Operations, Southeast, Emmanuel Osumah,said it was the only way the network providers could encourage the pupils.

    He thanked the Chairman, Umuakwu Community Development Union (UCDU), Mr. Nnaeto Akpamgbo, the Principal of the school, Fr Martin Ekee, members of the school management, for the warm reception

    Osumah said: “Today, we gather for an initiative that contributes to our mission of enhancing education. 

    “At MTN Nigeria Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of growth and development, and every student deserves access to the resources necessary to unlock their full potential. 

    “We are happy to present the MTNF Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI), a program designed to empower students with essential academic tools. 

    “Our commitment is to foster an enabling environment for learning and support access to quality education. 

    “To our students, these materials are more than just supplies to support your studies; they are stepping stones toward your aspirations. 

    “Their true impact depends on how you choose to use them. Strive for excellence, and let your dedication, discipline and Focus shape your learning journey,” he said

    Rev Fr Ekee and the Chairman of the village, Nnaeto Akpamgbo, praised MTN for the largesse.

    Two of the students, Chinecherem Johnpaul, Maduka Prosper and Okpalaojiego Victor, hailed the network providers for remembering their school.

    They said it has helped some of the families that cannot provide for some of them.

  • Eno dedicates ‘Governor of the Year’ Award to deputy, predecessors

    Eno dedicates ‘Governor of the Year’ Award to deputy, predecessors

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has dedicated the Governor of the Year Award—bestowed upon him by ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV—to his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; all past Governors of the state; and specifically, his immediate predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON. 

    Speaking at the Victor Attah International Airport upon his return from the award ceremony, Governor Eno expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from stakeholders and the people of Akwa Ibom across party lines.

    He attributed the recognition to the contributions of these key figures. 

    He praised his deputy, Senator Eyakenyi, for her unwavering support and role in maintaining peace, which has allowed his administration to stay focused on development. 

    Governor Eno also acknowledged his predecessors, including Arc. Obong Victor Attah, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Mr. Udom Emmanuel, stated that their efforts laid the foundation upon which he continues to build. 

    In a special tribute, he dedicated the award to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, emphasizing that his steadfast support was instrumental in his emergence as Governor and the recognition he is receiving today.

    “This award, for me, is dedicated to three sets of people. The first person is our Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD. She has given me all the necessary support.

    “The second group comprises all former Governors of this State, from Obong Victor Attah to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and to the immediate past Governor, my political father, Deacon Udom Emmanuel. You know that in this State, God has blessed us with Governors who have continuously raised the bar.”

    He appreciated the people of the State for their support and for coming out en masse to receive him, saying he has been nominated for other awards, which, he noted, will also be dedicated to the people of the State.

    Recall that the Governor had dedicated the Leadership Newspaper award as Governor of the Year, 2024, to his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno, who sadly passed away last year, and to the immediate past State Executive Council (EXCO) members.

    “As of today, we have about four groups recognizing us as Governor of the Year: Leadership Newspaper; the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which recognized me as Tourism Governor of the Year; New Telegraph, which named us Governor of the Year, Human Capacity Development, 2024; and the Security Watch Africa Initiatives, which recognized us as Nigeria’s Most Consistent Security-Supporting Governor, 2024.

    Read Also: Governor Eno: My focus is good governance for A’Ibom, not political gamesmanship

    “This harvest of awards could not have been possible without your support. So, we thank all of you.”

    He appreciated the Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the entire management team for identifying and recognizing the modest efforts of his administration towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people and for their independent assessment.

    The governor said the award was a source of inspiration to him and assured that the government, under his leadership, will redouble its efforts towards the development of the State.

     “I thank all of those institutions that have recognized what we are doing. Particularly on this occasion, I want to thank ThisDay and Arise TV for their independent assessment. But I also understand that to whom much is given, much is expected.

     “I promise you that we will continue to put in our effort—double and redouble our efforts—towards the development of our State. We will not stop until we accomplish all of the things that God has put in our hearts through the ARISE Agenda,” he added.

  • Sen Ekpeyong honoured among distinguished Young Leaders at THISDAY’s Awards

    Sen Ekpeyong honoured among distinguished Young Leaders at THISDAY’s Awards

    Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, representing Cross River South, has been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most promising young leaders at THISDAY’s 30th commemoration awards ceremony.

    The prestigious event, held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional resilience and innovation across various sectors.

    Under the theme “When the Going Gets Tough…the Tough Gets Rewarded,” the awards ceremony brought together Nigeria’s most influential figures, including governors, industry leaders, technocrats, and politicians.

    Senator Ekpeyong was honoured in the Young Global Leaders category alongside other distinguished recipients: Folake Akindele, founder of Tiffany Amber; Jennifer Adighije, CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company; and Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa.

    In his acceptance speech, Senator Ekpeyong demonstrated both humility and vision: “This recognition is not just mine but belongs to the pillars who have shaped my journey,” he stated, acknowledging his constituents and mentors, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Governors Ben Ayade and Bassey Otu. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Netanela, for her unwavering support.

    “This award strengthens my resolve to continue striving for excellence and creating meaningful impact, knowing that the journey is never walked alone but always with the encouragement of family, mentors, and partners”, he emphasised.

    The evening was marked by world-class performances, including an electrifying show by legendary American singer Diana Ross and Nigerian superstar Flavour.

    The event was masterfully coordinated by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of THISDAY Media Group/Arise TV Networks, who shared powerful insights about resilience in journalism and leadership.

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    Other notable awards included the Governor of the Year category, which recognised Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) for their exceptional leadership and impact in their respective states.

    Senator Ekpeyong’s recognition among the Young Global Leaders highlights his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape and his potential to shape the nation’s future.

    His commitment to excellence and public service, built on good representation and a People First Agenda that drives every policy and project in the district, continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

  • Rivers LGA chair restores electricity in council after many years of darkness 

    Rivers LGA chair restores electricity in council after many years of darkness 

    Procures transformers, renovates schools

    The Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Martins Nwigbo, has restored electricity in Bori, the capital of the council after many years of darkness.

    The council chair also distributed transformers to communities and renovated schools within his first 100 days in office.

    He said that the council also witnessed significant transformations and highlighted his administration’s achievements in education, infrastructures and security.

    Giving an account of his stewardship after 100 years in office at the council’s headquarters in Bori, Nwigbo said the council delivered on its promise to restore power supply to Bori, the capital of Ogoni people. 

    He said the council purchased and installed five 500kva transformers, along with poles and lines in Bori, the LGA capital and successfully restored power after many years of outage.

    He said the restoration of power in Bori was part of the promise he made while campaigning for the office.

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    He said: “During my campaign, I discovered that Bori had been without power supply, and I vowed to address the issue, so within my first 100 days in office, this administration has installed five transformers in different communities and we have also installed solar lights on Hospital Road.”

     Nwigbo said the council completed the installation of solar-powered streetlights along Bori-Kono Road to enhance security and reduce reliance on costly diesel generators.

    He said the council distributed 2,000 notebooks to pupils, with a target of reaching 10,000 students, adding that his administration also remodeled a school in Sogho and planned to build a new facility. 

     Nwigbo emphasized that every child in Khana must have access to education, hinting that his administration had submitted proposals to the Commissioner for Education for the uplifting and remodeling of secondary schools in the council.

    To tackle the shortfall of teaching staff in rural communities in the council, he disclosed that the council embarked on construction of lodges to provide accomodations for members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

    He added that the council had recalled retired teachers, who were still active to strengthen the teaching staff adding that there was a provision of stipend for them.

    Nwigbo said his administration  incorporated the local government staff and sundry into the Rivers State Health Insurance Scheme adding that there was an ongoing plan to create a new town in Bori. 

    To address insecurity in the LGA, Nwigbo added that his administration adopted a dialogue-driven approach, consulting with various factions and encouraging cooperation. 

    He further said that the council was  committed to engaging with anyone willing to work towards peace and development.

    Nwigbo disclosed that the council’s Boundary and Dispute Resolution Committee successfully mediated on crises and was resolving disputes in many communities, including Kpong and Luusue Sogho, Kpaa ans Luudee Lueku, and Nyogor Lueku.

    He said in the area of agriculture, Khana Local Government partnered with Afri-Net Ltd to attract a Bank of Agriculture-sponsored initiative to the LGA. 

    He said partnership would enable a four-week training of over 2000 Khana residents in skill acquisition such as agricultural production, cosmetology, snacks and drinks production, craft and designs, and cybersecurity.

    He urged the people of Khana to support his administration’s efforts to develop the area.

  • Delta governor hasn’t borrowed a dime, says MOSIEND 

    Delta governor hasn’t borrowed a dime, says MOSIEND 

    …Group congratulates Oborevwori on new award 

    The leadership of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has hailed the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori on financial discipline saying he has not borrowed a dime since he assumed office.

    In a statement on Tuesday to congratulate the governor on his emergence as the ThisDay and Arise Television’s Governor of the Year, MOSIEND  said the award was in recognition of the governor’s exceptional leadership style.

    The group, in a statement signed by its National Vice-President, Chief Thompson Fuoye Robert, vowed to keep supporting the governor to move Delta forward.

    Robert said: “Governor Oborevwori is one man, who has managed the monies of the state prudently, being the only governor who has not borrowed a dime from anywhere to run the affairs of the state.

    “This is very unusual because almost all the governors have taken loans one way or another; thereby plunging their states into more debts,  a cancerous epidemic destroying the future of many nations.

    Read Also: US to deport 3,690 Nigerians

    “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was measured at the prudent level of using what he has to develop the state, rather than going to borrow and put the state in more debts.

    “Everybody understands that his predecessor has left a lot of burdens on the state which, ordinary, should be yardsticks for him to borrow money, but he chose not to borrow, rather, he is using what he has to develop the state.”

    Robert said the governor was executing projects in Ijaw communities and other areas including Asaba, the state capital.

    He said: “The Road from Asaba through Ozoro to Ughelli, they are working there 24 hours, whether you like it or not, it may not translate to the fact that he’s doing well well, but at least, in the past one year, he has been able to show capacity.

    “After a thorough check of the award given to him, we discovered that he merited the award because he has constantly paid civil servants, he has also ensured that pensions are paid timely.

    “Our fact check shows that he’s executing different developmental projects in the three senatorial districts, and for these reasons, we want to congratulate him that he has done well”.