The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Excitement in Anambra as lawmaker inaugurates hospital, computer centre

    The joy and excitement of the people of Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State knew no bounds following the construction of an ultra-modern Primary Health Centre in the area.

    The locals in the area, particularly the sick and expectant mothers, had faced enormous challenges in accessing quality and affordable medical services.

    Apart from the distance they usually covered in assessing the ones in the neighbouring communities, the quality of services rendered in such health centers often left much to be desired.

    But all those are now history with the emergence of the ultramodern primary health centre situated at Amaihe village, Umuchu which has been handed over to Anambra Primary Health Care Development Agency.

    Speaking after the commissioning of the health centre, the benefactor and member representing Aguata 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh was full of gratitude to God for using him to put smiles on the faces of the residents.

    He emphasized that the health centre would put to rest the health challenges bedeviling the community and as well attract affordable quality medi-care for the people of the community.

    He said, “Now a gigantic health centre has been provided for the community, pregnant women and other patients would no longer encounter difficulties accessing medicare in the area.”

    On his part, the Executive Secretary, Anambra Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kanayo Analu observed that the health centre was of high standard.

    He was optimistic that the center would meet the health needs of the people.

    Read Also: FG rebuilds abandoned road in Anambra

    In their separate remarks, the traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe Godson Ezechukwu and the Chairman, Amaihe Development Union, Dr. Chidozie Obiora described the centre as the first of its kind in the history of the community.

    They commended the benefactor for utilizing his constituency project funds by properly channeling it for the benefit of his people.

    The day also witnessed the handing over of a compter centre constructed by the lawmaker for the people of Akpo, in the same constituency.

    The Vice President of Akpo Development Union, Mr. Felix Ike described the lawmaker as a man of his words, thanking him for fulfilling his promise to them.

    He expressed confidence that the computer centre would make their people computer literate and at the same time improve literacy of those already literate.

    It was also a celebration day for the people of Ameshi, another community under Umeh’s constituency where he commissioned and handed over 20 market stores to the President General of Ameshi, Mr. Leo Morah.

    The lawmaker disclosed that the stores sighted at Afor market, Ameshi was in fulfilment of his promise to the people.

    Speaking on behalf of the people of the community, President General of the town, Mr. Morah expressed their gratitude to the lawmaker, noting that the gesture would enhance their socio-economic activities.

    Photo: Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh (in red cap) with the member elect for Aguata 2 constituency, Mr. Okechukwu Okoye, by his left and P. G. Ameshi Community, Mr. Leo Morah, by his right during the commissioning of the 20 market stores

  • 90 military widows trained in Enugu

    Succour has come the way of women whose soldier husbands died in service.

    Ninety of such women who were jobless and unskilled were recently trained in various trades in Enugu.

    Through the facilitators of the skill acquisition, African Global Development for Positive Change Initiative (ADI), the widows underwent an intensive 2 weeks training in cosmetology, tailoring, bread baking and modern catering skills.

    The training was supervised and anchored by the Enugu branch of the Nigerian Legion and the Military Widows Association.

    Speaking during the graduation and presentation of certificates ceremony, the chairman of Enugu Legion, Barr. Emeka Igwesi said skills acquired by the military widows during the training would go a long way in empowering them.

    He stressed that the military widows were not actually looking for anybody to pity them but for the authorities to “equip them to be able to fish on their own.”

    Igwesi remarked that the military widows have dependants and were not ready to fend for them through begging and would also not allow their children suffer any deprivation.

    The Legion chairman was full of praises for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state for his interest, understanding and interventions in the plight of the widows.

    The international president of ADI, Prince Dan Mbachi explained the the training was a continuous exercise and assured that more of the widows who could not benefit in this training would be captured in subsequent ones.

    Read Also: 90 military widows trained in Enugu

    He advised the beneficiaries not to waste the skill and knowledge they acquired during the training and urged them to ensure that hardworking and success are their goals.

    The National President of Military Widows Association, Mrs. Vera Aloko expressed joy that the tears of widows of “our departed fallen heroes are gradually being wiped away through your tremendous support and unending contributions.”

    She said: “And as the Chinese say ‘give a man fish, you feed him for a day but teach a man how to fish and you feed him for life’ which is the foundation for which this programme is laid.”

    She admonished the widows to maximise the use of the skills learnt and be good ambassadors of the programme.

    To the Enugu state governor, Aloko thanked him for being “a husband indeed to our widows.”

    She also thanked the legion chairman for his ”awesome support” and prayed God to openly reward for all his efforts.

    The widows president finally appealed to government agencies, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to be part the noble gesture of empowering the widows of “our fallen heroes.”

    The Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Mrs Peace Nnaji chaired the occasion.

  • ‘Kalu fit for deputy Senate president’

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has endorsed Senator-elect for Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, for deputy senate president.

    Group leader Comrade Shettima Yerima said Kalu, who is also Mayaki of Katsina, is a pan-Nigerian who has contributed immensely to the business and political circles.

    Yerima, who described Kalu as a friend of the youths, stressed that the former governor has the political dexterity and administrative acumen to work with other principal officers of the National Assembly.

    He called on returning senators and senators-elect to place the collective interest of Nigerians above selfish ambitions, even as he admonished Kalu not to relent in his philanthropic gestures.

    Read also: 58 APC senators backing Lawan, says Kalu

    A statement by Yerima yesterday called on members of the yet-to-inaugurated ninth national assembly to live up to expectations, stressing that all arms of government must work collectively for the sake of nation building.

    He said: “As we await the June 11 inauguration of the national assembly, we believe that Senator-elect for Abia North, Orji Kalu, should be considered for the position of deputy senate president.

    “We believe that with Kalu’s antecedents in the private and public sectors, he will sustain a healthy relationship with the executive and judiciary to build a prosperous Nigeria.

    “Kalu has, over the years, played key roles in advancing the cause of the people, and as such, is the right choice for the position of deputy senate president in the ninth national assembly.”

  • Ohanaeze warns attackers of Nwodo to desist

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned elements seeking publicity and relevance by throwing tantrums on its President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, to stop forthwith.

    A statement by the Deputy Publicity Secretary, Chuks Ibegbu, noted that Nwodo has piloted the affairs of the body creditably and Igbo are happy with him. He warned that nobody has the monopoly of attacks and such people must desist from their antics.

    Read also: Ohanaeze youths dissociates self from calls for Buhari’s resignation

    According to him, Ohanaeze has nothing personal against President Muhammadu Buhari “but would always protect the interest of Ndigbo on any issue, including the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) issue which Nigeria was entrapped through the back door”.

    He queried: “OIC may be doing a great job for member countries economically, but are there no strings attached. If there are no strings attached, then it’s okay, but we have fears on that and the manner Mr. President abandoned his swearing in post events and rushed to Saudi Arabia.”

  • FG rebuilds abandoned road in Anambra

    Once a nightmare, a long-abandoned road in Anambra State comes to life, thanks to the Federal Government. NWANOSIKE ONU reports

    Such was the impact of the gesture that traditional rulers left their palaces to express their joy. And as the royals stepped out, so did their subjects.

    The people of Nteje, Umunya, Nkwelle Ezunaka, Awkuzu and Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State were simply happy as the Federal Government continued work on the abandoned Umunya-Awkuzu portion of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway in the state.

    For many years, that portion of the expressway claimed lives because of the extent of dilapidation.

    The Onitsha axis of the expressway was reconstructed by the former governor of the state, Peter Obi.

    The money amounting to over N40 billion which the state government spent on the reconstruction has not been repaid by the Federal Government.

    The jubilant mood of the communities was displayed during the visit of the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola to the state to inspect work on the road.

    The 18km road has been a nightmare to motorists over the years, but four kilometres of it has already been completed.

    The Minister declared that the entire project would be completed on or before 2021.

    Drums were rolled out by the affected communities with different dancing troops to entertain the crowed and visitors.

    The traditional rulers of the communities led by Igwe Roland Odegbo of Nteje were on hand to receive the federal government delegation with pomp.

    The youths were not left out with placards singing praises of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government for coming to alleviate their suffering.

    Fashola, who was represented by the Director, Highways in the Federal Ministry of works, Engr. Yemi Oguntomiyi said he was satisfied with the progress and quality of work on the road.

    He said during the last visit by the Minister on the road, the contractor promised that one lane of the road would be completed to lessen the hardship of the people, knowing the importance of the road not only to the region, but the entire country.

    Read Also: Man on Anambra police wanted list nabbed

    Also speaking, the Anambra State Controller of Works, Engr. Adeyemo Ajani, said the contract was awarded in 2015, while the contractor moved to site in 2018.

    He said work had progressed well, adding that since the contractors were not lacking anything, it was possible that the work would be completed in record time.

    Not only that, the Minister used the moment  to flag off the construction of  a housing scheme embarked upon by the Federal Government at Umunya.

    The 236 hectares of land situated  at the Umunya -Awkuzu communities was donated to the government in 1987.

    According to Oguntomiyi, the target of the federal government was to provide accommodation for 21,000 persons when completed.

    The traditional ruler of Umunya, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, said Awkuzu and Umunya were happy, as the government’s presence was being felt in their areas.

    For the traditional ruler of Nteje, Igwe Roland Odegbo, the reconstruction of the expressway and the Housing scheme, had shown that president Buhari has good plans for Igbo.

    He commended Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for being apostle of truth, adding that he continue showing the light for others to follow in the Southeast.

  • Delta community protests bad road

    Asaba-Ase community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State has cried out to the Federal Government to fix the road linking it to the rest of the state. Members of the community maintain that the only access road that links it to the rest of the country has been washed off by flood.

    The President-General of the community, Nosike Anagbogu, said the only road linking the entire community to people of other communities has been washed off by flood, saying his people have no other means of transacting their businesses, nor are they able to take their farm produce to neighbouring markets.

    Anagbogu said: “If you observe carefully, you will perceive that my people are not happy. There’s no smile on their faces. I am the President-General of the Asaba-Ase community which is the gateway to many of these other coastal communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Anambra and Delta states.

    “Unfortunately, we are in a fix. The flood that ravaged many communities in the country in 2012 destroyed this road and by the special God’s grace, the Federal Government, through Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the intervention of our represents us in the House of Representatives, Hon. Osai Eno Osai, the job was done.

    “There was a face-lift, but last year’s flood caused greater havoc on the road. We had expected that the Federal Government would come to our aid and assist us on this road after we had made several entreaties to the authorities, cried for help and our remedial effort that we’ve been able to made. Unfortunately, nothing has happened till date.

    My people are sad. Anagbogu said the response of his people to the President’s call to turn to farming, is being defeated since the produce from the farms cannot be sold as there is no means to transport them to the markets.

    “Mr. President said we should go back to agriculture. The Governor preached that, members of Delta State House of Assembly preached that too. But the state of the road has rendered us helpless,” he said.

    He called on President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, members of the National Assembly, members of the state House of Assembly and local government chairmen to come to their aid by fixing the road.

    “We are appealing to FERMA or any agency of government to come to our rescue. It is either this road or our lives. Right now, we are going to take this matter to anywhere. This is a federal route. There is Ecological Fund with which you people can intervene,” he said.

  • Imo’s new court complex thrills CJN, judges

    If what it takes the judiciary to rise up to the onerous task of dispensing justice and other everyday tasks of this distinguished arm of government is a conducive environment, then the judiciary has been adequately equipped to excel in Imo State.

    With an ultramodern court complex furnished with state-of-the-art equipment both in the offices and courtrooms, the business of the judiciary has been given a new lease of life by the outgoing state governor, Rochas Okorocha, who conceived and built the Justice Oputa Court complex in memory of one of Nigeria’s finest jurists, Hon Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

    The edifice built in a sprawling area of Owerri, according to the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Tanko, represented at the commissioning by Hon Justice Amina Augie, is the best in the country.

    Before now the State High Court and other lower courts were housed in a colonial apartment that added to make the business of the judiciary more cumbersome and frustrating.

    Speaking during the commissioning handing over of the complex, which was attended by eminent jurists and state Chief Judges, the CJN, charged Judges in the country to write Judgements because of the monetary benefits but for posterity.

    Tanko who was represented by a Judge of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Amina Augie,  said, “We thank God for the vision given to His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha that came to fruition in the realisation of this wonderful court complex. I doubt if there is any state in this country that has a High Court Complex as magnificent as this one. For this, we thank God for His Excellency, the governor of Imo State, we thank God for the Judges of Imo State and we thank God for the people of Imo State who are going to benefit from this complex after the commissioning.

    “The complex is so comfortable that it will enable judges to relax and do their jobs well and give justice without fear, favour or ill will. At the same time, when you walk in and see the name of the complex, Hon. Justice Oputa Complex, he is one of the greatest Jurists this country ever had. Till today, if I am writing any judgement, I still rely on him because he was a great jurist. He was able to capture the law, he was able to explain it and was able to put it into clear words.

    “Justice Oputa was an example of what a Judge should be. He never knew that one day a complex like this will be named after him. This is a message to all living judges that we must all have posterity in mind. It tells us that whatever we are writing, we should remember that one day, hundred years’ time one of your grand-children will be reading whatever rubbish you have written or reading something sublime you have written and they will proudly say, my grandfather or mother has done well by the kind of judgement he or she has written.”

    He continued that,  “posterity beckons on us not to write bad judgements today because somebody paid us money, tomorrow that person is gone, your reputation down the drain, your children will never want to accept that they were your children. When they are confronted with your name, they will deny it because the association comes with something shameful. Is this what we want as Judges? Or do we want, when long we are gone, our works will teach, motivate and inspire people even those who don’t know the law.”

    Earlier in his speech, Governor Rochas Okorocha, stated that he would be remembered for all the works he has done as the governor of the state after he must left as governor, saying, “I stand here today to present to you this wonderful edifice which is tripartite in arrangement. The first building standing by the left is called the Justice Building and the one in the middle is Building of Equity and the last one is Building of Fairness.”

    In his words, “when I came in as the governor, I was not lucky like those packaged by the elites of Imo State. I hadn’t any support of the big masquerade politician in the State. I came in as the governor of Imo State through the window of the masses and not through the door of the elites. I didn’t have the co-operation of who is who because I bend protocols for the good of the masses. I have never broken any protocol or law, I only bend it a bit and make sure it doesn’t break, and at the stage of breaking, I strengthen it to the destination I am going to.”

    He continued, “One thing you cannot take away from me is that I came here with a passion and vision to make Imo better. But if I have followed your way, this structure standing here wouldn’t have been standing because there were many governors and leaders before me. If I had followed your style and system, the International Cargo airport which is the biggest in this country won’t be standing tall at the airport and so many other projects of note. Only few days ago, we collected the licence of four new Universities, all established in Imo State but yet you don’t understand.

    “Today, we have the best police headquarters in Nigeria after the one in Abuja and we have the best prison headquarters in Imo State all built by this government and our Justice Oputa Court Complex stands tall in Nigeria today. Let my work speak for me even after I leave office. This is the only message I have for my political opponents and definitely my work will speak for me.”

    The governor said, “By 29th May, I will no longer be governor and never in the history of mankind will I be your governor again. But one thing I am sure is that I have done what I will be remembered for. I have opened up Owerri, I have given Owerri a new life and today our city is functioning, our roads are expanded, real estate is growing in geometrical progression. I have turned land to a capital as wealth set aside for production of further wealth. “Imo people will remember as the person who expanded and developed Imo, Imo people will remember me for the free education.”

    The Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Pascal Nnadi in his speech said, “The event of today, which is the official and ceremonial commissioning of the new Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa High Court Complex marks a major milestone in the annals of the history of the Judiciary of Imo State Nigeria. This edifice and world class Master Architecture was solely conceived, designed and erected by the Rescue Mission Administration of His Excellency, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha, the governor of Imo State of Nigeria.”

    Justice Nnadi added “This is coming at a time when the Judiciary in the State is in dire need of such accommodation and facility for the execution of their legal duties. The Commissioning of this Complex today will go a long way to reduce the threatening suffocating situation of insufficient court facilities which for many gave rise to the uncomfortable situation which we have found ourselves in where Court Judges store one Court Hall”.

  • Another tough high-profile murder in Enugu

    The murder in Enugu of a senior nurse, Mrs Maria Amadi, one of the three high-profile killings in the state in two months, is a hard nut the police are trying to crack. CHRIS OJI reports

    The Enugu State police command is battling to unravel the perpetrators of one of the three high profile murders in the state in the last two months: that of Mrs Maria Amadi, head of nursing at Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu.

    N5m reward has been promised by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for anybody who can give information on the killers of the nurse.

    A lawyer to Mr. Afam Ndu, one of the suspects being detained over the murder of Mrs. Amadi, JMCC Ogbuka, has come with fresh issues as the security operatives continue in their push to track down those behind the killing.

    Mrs. Amadi, from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state, was murdered in front of her house at Trans-Ekulu Area of the state at the close of work.

    Ndu, also a senior staff at the same hospital, was remanded alongside two other officials of the hospital over the murder.

    There were reports that before the deceased died she mentioned the suspects, including four others at large, as being the masterminds of the shooting incident.

    All the suspects work in the same hospital with the deceased, Amadi. While the deceased was the head of nursing services, Mr. Ndu is the Vice principal, school of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing of the Hospital. The principal of the school, Mrs. Buzo-Ruth Maduka is also being held.

    However, speaking to journalists after he filed a bail application before an Enugu High Court for the release of Mr. Ndu, Ogbuka said it was against all provisions of the law for someone to be clamped into detention over mere suspicion.

    He added that a look into the police case filed with which the suspect was charged to court showed that the deceased gave no such evidence as was earlier reported, noting that it was actually the husband to the deceased that reeled out the names based on existing work-related issues between his late wife and the other parties.

    He said, “Based on this empty suspicion and unsubstantiated speculation, the applicant, who voluntarily came to seek for the bail of the Principal of the School was equally arrested and detained in police custody as a suspect in the case along with Mrs. Buzo-Ruth Maduka, who he came to bail and one Mrs. Stella Achalla, another staff of the hospital who served as the secretary to the former medical director of the hospital and presently posted as the secretary of the deceased before her death.”

    He added that the husband to “the deceased gave the names of 7 persons to the police, whom he in concert with the DPO of the Trans Ekulu Police Station Enugu suspect to be behind the attack on the deceased to wit: the former managing director of the hospital, Dr. Jojo Onwukwe, the PA to the former MD, Dr. Andrew Oronyigwe, the secretary to the former MD, Mrs. Stella Achalla, a member of the board of the hospital, Mrs. Kudirat Sanni, another PA to the former MD of the hospital, Mr. Paul Ugwu, the principal of the school of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing of the Hospital, Mrs. Buzo Maduka and Mr. Ndu, the applicant, who is the vice principal.”

    Ogbuka, however, averred that his client nor Mrs. Buzo-Ruth Maduka, whom he came to the Trans-Ekulu Police Division to bail nor any other member of staff of the hospital was seen nor reported to have shot the gun that killed the deceased in front of her house.

    On the claims that the deceased made confessional statements, Ogbuka said, “there is no fact, evidence, or statement whatsoever from any eye witness of the incident of the shooting of the deceased in the police case file.”

    He added that one Mr. John Ali, a neighbour to the deceased, who took her to the hospital, and medical staff that attended to her at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, clearly stated that the deceased had no contact with the police as earlier claimed.

    Ogbuka quoted Ali as saying that as soon as he got to the police station, “the DPO hurriedly asked him to proceed with the deceased to any nearby hospital for an immediate medical attention, which he did.”

    He noted further that “the deceased did not have any contact with the police at the Trans-Ekulu Police Division Enugu nor at the Parklane Hospital, Enugu.”

    Declaring that the arrest and incarceration of the suspect was only hinged on some misunderstandings in their workplace, he said “the suspicion against the applicant in this case is only actuated by sheer emotional feelings and anchored upon a rock of existing malice and mischief that is devoid of any fact to substantiate it.”

    And the association of graduate nurses in the hospital rose to the defence of their detained colleagues.

    In a lengthy statement made available to Southeast Report, they absolved their detained colleagues of complicity in the murder.

    “Contrary to the rumour making the rounds that some suspected and remanded employees of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu (FNHE) had a hand in the murder of Nurse Maria Amadi (PhD), emerging information reveals that the abominable act might have been committed by armed robbers.

    The information was availed by Evangelist Tochukwu Obiora (alias Iko Nso), who disclosed he is the Assistant State Commander of Enugu State Neighborhood Watch, to the University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA), the professional association of nurses with a minimum qualification of first degree in nursing. UGONSA has been urging those with useful information regarding the gruesome murder of the late nurse to come forth with such for the interest of justice to the late nurse and the entire nursing community. The Enugu State Secretary of the Association (UGONSA), Nurse Nwodoh Chijioke Oliver in the company of the National Secretary, Nurse Nshi Goodluck Ikechukwu, had visited Evangelist Tochukwu Obiora on Thursday, May 2, 2019 and on Monday, May 6, 2019, at Ugboye in Abakpa-Nike Enugu, where they got the useful information concerning where the focus of security agencies should be at to possibly unravel the truth about Nurse Amadi’s gruesome murder.

    Evangelist Tochukwu Obiora, as a top-notch leader of Enugu State Neighborhood Watch, does not only cover the Trans-Ekulu axis where Nurse Maria Amadi was murdered, he is also the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ugboye and Ugbowa neighbourhood Watch in Abakpa-Nike, Enugu and has been a frontline neighbourhood security officer of Enugu State for the past 21 years.

    Evangelist Obiora opined that the story about the involvement of some employees of the Federal

    Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu (FNHE) in the murder of Nurse Amadi (for which some of them are presently incarcerated in Enugu prison) looks like a fabrication made by some workers to get at their fellow workers who they have had one case or the other with (one of which is still pending in a law court) following the protracted crisis that has been rocking the hospital.

    According to him, the intelligence he had so far gathered is strongly narrowing his suspicion to a gang of armed robbers that have been terrorizing Trans-Ekulu recentlye as those behind the unfortunate criminal mischief that befell Nurse Amadi.

    “Before her incidence, I submitted intelligence report to the police that the area has been marked for indiscriminate attacks by a certain gang over an issue they had with the Trans-Ekulu police and for which they had vowed to make Trans-Ekulu boil” (i.e., “casting the area” – a term used by criminal gangs to portray spoiling show for people, police, in this case). “I made the intelligence report to the police to help forestall impending criminal activities in the area but the effort they have so far made seems not enough to nip such in the bud” said Evangelist Obiora (Iko Nso).

    Continuing, Evangelist Obiora said, “Since the atrocious murder of the woman by this suspected gang of armed robbers, the same group had continued to terrorize Trans-Ekulu/Abakpa axis and had carried out several armed robbery attacks and equally murdered other people in the same area the woman was murdered. Since March till date, Trans-Ekulu/Abakpa axis of Enugu East LGA where this gang operates in has not had peace”.

    “When some members of the gang were apprehended, instead of uncovering their involvement in the murder of the nurse, for which I had tipped them off, the Police later released them without establishing their link to it, reason for which I am yet to understand”.

    “My submission remains that the murder has nothing to do with the workers of the FNHE, who were arrested and detained on the allegation that the murdered woman reported before her demise that, they were the ones that sent assassins to kill her. This case does not look like that of assassins at all.

    “Common security sense tells me that assassins would not shoot on the leg, the tummy or the shoulder, as was reported in this case, but would aim for the head or chest and would have ensured that the woman was confirmed dead before zooming off especially giving the consideration that they operated freely unchallenged by any security operative while their atrocious act lasted. If not, why have they not arrested even one of the alleged ‘assassins’ till now”?

    “I know the right people to suspect as the murderers; they are a gang of robbers and cultists. I am very ready to testify anywhere I am called to come and testify. I have the intelligence that the robbers/killers took off from Ugbowa in Abakpa-Nike and what looks like an affirmation to my submission is that one of them had regretted their action in an open place” – Evangelist Obiora added.

    Evangelist Obiora further questioned the veracity of the rumour that Late Nurse Maria Amadi

    mentioned the name of some persons as suspects in her case, after she was shot, either in the police station or in the hospital (to any doctor or nurse that was involved in her treatment) or to the person that brought her to the hospital, as mounting evidence does not lay credence to such.

    This query was in line with the independent findings of members of UGONSA, Enugu State Chapter, in an investigation led by Nurse Andalyn Iheagu and Nurse (Barr.) Onuh Beatrice Akudo who had visited the doctors and nurses that participated in her treatment, the police station where she was taken to, and the person that took her to both the police station and the hospital following the gun shot and all confirmed the she never mentioned any person’s name.

    Evangelist Obiora challenged those propagating the rumor that the deceased mentioned some people’s name in a statement she made to the police and to the doctors and nurses that attended to her in ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane, to name the officers or the doctors or nurses to whom such statement was made to.

    “To use the unfortunate incident of the gruesome murder of Nurse Maria Amadi (one of the finest professional Nigerian nurses) by some workers in the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu as an avenue to nail other workers they had issues with was preposterous especially as the whims of being on the deceased’s side should be altruistic inclination to unraveling the real truth and culprits behind her gruesome murder rather than playing primordial politics of attrition” – Evangelist Obiora submitted.

    Speaking to a group of journalist on Monday, May 6, 2019, at Enugu, after the mind blowing revelation made by Evangelist Obiora, Nurse Nwodoh Chijioke Oliver (the Enugu State Secretary of UGONSA) and Nurse Nshi Goodluck Ikechukwu (the National Secretary of UGONSA) strongly condemned the killing of Nurse Maria Amadi and averred that such a dastardly and barbaric act has left the heart of the nursing community shattered.

    According to them, what UGONSA, as an association demands, is a real justice anchored on verifiable truth and not a hearsay or token justice rooted on sentiments and vendetta.

    “We in the nursing community are critically hit by the unfortunate incident because the deceased is a nurse and two out of the three persons that are currently incarcerated in Enugu Prison are nurses. The persons that are currently in detention were arrested on the premise that the late Nurse Amadi made a statement in which she mentioned their names as her killers but investigations have revealed that she never mentioned any person’s name”.

    “Our hearts bleed the more because we are like a father whose daughter was murdered and when he cried out that the murderers should be hunted and brought to book, his remaining daughter and son were, instead, accused of being the killers of their sister over unverifiable stories and thus got arrested and incarcerated”.

    “Since it has been verily established that late Nurse Maria Amadi never mentioned the names of  anybody as her killers or as people that sent assassins to kill her, we demand that the people that are currently in detention over the allegation that she mentioned their names be forthwith released while investigation should be extended to unravel the rightful culprits.”

  • Excitement in Anambra as 600 senior citizens retire

    It was celebration galore for the people of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State following the retirement of over 600 elderly persons from active service in the community.

    The men and women, from 80 years of age and above, drawn from the four quarters of Uru, Ezinkwo, Ikenga and Akanano communities received certificates of longevity at the maiden Ito-Aro festival of the town.

    Among them was a 108-year-old woman, Ugoye Oligbo, from Uru community still full of life.

    The ceremony held at the premises of the community’s town hall, attracted family members, friends and associates of the celebrants and other dignitaries including the state governor, Willie Obiano, politicians and religious leaders.

    The traditional ruler of Ogidi community, HRH Igwe Alex Uzodinma Oyido, led his cabinet members and over 100 traditional rulers from different communities to the ceremony.

    Speaking at the event, Igwe Uzodinma Oyido said the festival was to celebrate the older ones, make them feel loved and appreciated for the services rendered to Ogidi land in particular, and humanity in general.

    He said, “What we are doing here today is a token of appreciation to formerly mark their disengagement from the rigours of community service; and also to thank them immensely for life well lived and jobs well done.

    “Ito Aro Ogidi is a celebration of longevity for those who are strong. It is the cultural retirement from community work.

    “All our celebrants today are henceforth, exempted from community work, dues and taxes. Their social needs, healthcare, clothing, feeding and shelter are henceforth the responsibilities of Ogidiland.”

    Also speaking, the President-General of Ogidi Union, Chief Chuka Onubogu, congratulated the celebrants for being blessed with long life, urging younger generation to emulate their lifestyle.

    The chairman, Ito-Aro festival committee, High Chief Stephen Ibegbu, explained that the event was the first of its kind celebrated by the town in the recent history.

    Earlier, Governor Willie Obiano, who graced the ceremony in the company of some state government functionaries, praised Ogidi people for their initiatives in celebrating their parents, who have attained ripe ages.

    He said, “I must tell you that I’m impressed about this gesture. It is better to celebrate your father and mother when they are alive than to celebrate and do all sorts of big ceremonies when they are dead.

    “The community should take good care of the old citizens, so they would live longer before joining their ancestors.”

    Highpoints of the ceremony include cutting of Ito-Aro cake, issuing of certificate of longevity to the celebrants as well as fund raising for construction of hospital for children, women and aged people.

  • Chevron donates classroom block to Abia school

    Oil giant Chevron Nigeria Limited, operators of the Agbami Oil Field has built and handed over to the Isieke Ibeku Community, an ultra-modern model classroom block.

    The project is sited at Community Model High school, Isieke Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

    Speaking while commissioning the project, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu stressed the need for the protection of properties against destruction and vandalism.

    Ikpeazu, represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu assured that everything possible would be done to ensure that the classroom block which has changed the landscape of the school is protected and maintained by providing adequate security and warned the community against seeing the project as government or no man’s property.

    Chukwu also advised students and teachers to make optimal use of the facilities and reinstated the value placed on education in the state by the Ikpeazu led administration.

    The governor who thanked the Chevron Nigeria Ltd under Agbami joint venture for their kind gesture in up lifting the standard of education in the state and expanding their social responsibility programs to areas like health, agriculture, reassured them of the administration’s support and partnership.

    In his speech, Commissioner for Education, Prof Ikechi Mgboji while expressing his happiness over the facilities, commended the Chevron for the projects and urged the students to make good use of the facilities and called on other well-meaning Abians and Nigerians to emulate what the company did.

    Read Also: Chevron confirms oil well explosion in Ondo

    Earlier, the Director, Deep water Production and Sharing Contracts, Mr. Rick Kennedy and Chairman, FAMFA Oil Nigeria Ltd, Mr M. Alakija said the project was part of their social investment plan aimed at improving education amongst secondary school students as well as other ongoing projects that cut across various sector of the Nation’s economy.

    Also speaking, the Principal, Isieke Community Model High School, Mrs. Christie Kanu said the project was another demonstration of the commitment of the Agbami parties to support government’s efforts to promote teaching and learning , encouraged school enrollment and above all enhance social wellbeing of the community and the entire Abians.

    She thanked Ikpeazu for sustaining and for undoubtedly demonstrating his love for education at all level by ensuring the existence of a conducive learning environment across the state.

    The high point of the event was the tour of the facility by the representative of the governor, government functionaries and Chevron officials amongst others.