The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Ugwuanyi inaugurates neurosurgical hospital complex

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has inaugurated the second phase of the Memfys Hospital, Enugu, which he said has remained a reference point in the healthcare delivery of the country.

    Flagging off the multi-million naira new complex of the hospital at its 16th anniversary, the governor represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Fintan Ekochin, stated that Memfys Hospital was the single biggest individual contribution to healthcare on the African continent in the area of neurosurgical services.

    He reiterated government’s commitment to render every logistical support that would facilitate the growth of private enterprises in the state.

    While showering praises on the founder of the hospital, Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, the governor noted that the establishment of the hospital had worked against brain drain in the country, as Nigerian medical professionals now have an institution with state-of-the art facilities where they can practice and conduct surgeries on patients locally instead of travelling overseas.

    According to him “in fact, I am surprised that instead of the director of the centre of excellence for neurosurgery, asking for help, he was more concerned with making a case for an improved healthcare for Nigerians.”

    Ugwuanyi, also disclosed that Enugu State was one of the 10 states in the country that had already implemented the national health insurance adding that the effect of the scheme would be felt next year.

    “We have even gone further than that by introducing universal health coverage which will involve all persons in the state, the workers, parastatals and traders,” he said.

    The founder and medical director of Memfys Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, said that the institution was established in 2002 with the objectives of providing high quality patient care, conducting health education and training programmes and engaging in health-related research, especially on the nervous system.

    He stated that apart from phase I which houses most of the hospital activities, the multi-million naira phase 2 building complex being inaugurated, has more than doubled the facilities available at the hospital, which include the clinics, rehabilitation centre, lecture theatre and administrative offices.

    The renowned neurosurgeon said that the master plan is comprehensive and ambitious, stressing that it was envisaged that when fully completed, the hospital would compare with similar institutions anywhere in the world.

    Ohaegbulam expressed joy that before celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, the hospital had graduated from a centre of excellence in Neurosurgery to a national medical centre, offering services in neurology, paediatrics, orthopaedic surgery, radiology, CT scan, MRI and Siemens mobile digital X-Ray and several others.

    On the national health insurance scheme, the UNN’s 10th inaugural lecturer in 1986, called on government at all levels to make it functional to enable Nigerians enjoy its dividends.

    Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of certificates to four newly graduated neurosurgeons by the Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, while cultural dances entertained guests.

  • FG road project excites Abia community

    The people of Ofeme in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State have heaved a sigh of relief as the federal government partners with AG Dangote to reconstruct the Ofeme Ring Road.

    The road, it was gathered, has been abandoned for over a decade following the collapse of the Eme Bridge, which links Ofeme to neighbouring communities of Umuagu and other border communities.

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Mr. Okechukwu Enelama along with the representative of the Minister for Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola came to flag off the reconstruction of the 12.8km road with a bridge that will link Ofeme back with other neighbouring communities.

    The Ofeme community could not hide their joy upon the realisation that they will soon be linked back with other communities after so many years of infrastructural neglect and untold hardship as a result of lack of access road. They stated that government after government including that of Okezie Ikpeazu had promised to reconstruct the road only to turn it to a sheer campaign promise even after they massively voted for him in 2015.

    The jubilant Abia community promised to give President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates their votes for coming to their aid when all hopes are lost.

    Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, the Abia APC deputy governorship candidate who represented Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, thanked President Buhari for coming to the aid of the community.

    Azubuike taking his time to enumerate other projects being undertaken by the Buhari-led Federal Government in Abia and the Southeast in general assured the community that if they want more of such developmental projects in their community, they should vote for Buhari, Ogah and all APC candidates in the coming elections.

    Mr. Enelama who is an indigene of Ofeme, during his speech, said the project is a 100% presidential initiative and its being done at the cost of 21 billion naira, he told them not to be deceived into believing that the state government has a hand in the project, he stated that President Buhari is not only doing the road that he is also doing the OFEME water project and other projects that is ongoing which he enumerated, and made it clear that it is at the instance of president Buhari, he said the road will connect Nnunya and Nkpa communities.

    He charged the people to vote for President Buhari, Dr. Ogah and other APC candidates in the coming elections if they want more of such projects in Ofeme.

    Dignitaries who were present during the flag-off ceremony include all the Ezes from Ohuhu clan, the President General of Ohuhu welfare Union, Chief Barrister Johnson Kanu, former President General of O.W.U. Mr. Ejikeme Ikwunze, the APC house of Assembly candidate for Umuahia North state constituency Engr. Nwabueze Onwuneme, Chief Empire Kanu and so many others.

  • Abia APC to cash in on Buhari’s visit

    As part of his desire to get to the electorate across the 36 states of the federation, the campaign tour of President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, January 29, hit Abia State. Sunny Nwankwo, who was at the Enyimba Stadium, venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally filed the report.

    On Friday January, 11 the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah flagged off his campaign rally which saw the Umuahia Township Stadium in the state capital of about 5000 capacity filled to the brim with many who were in anticipation of seeing Mr. President waiting anxiously even outside the stadium.

    At the venue, it was expected that the President and other members of the party would be in the state with the vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo.

    Unfortunately, because of the tight schedules of both the President and his vice, they couldn’t make it, except the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole who came with a few national officers of the party.

    The ripple caused by the absence of the President was hijacked by the ruling party in the state who claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence at the rally was a clear indication of his jittery that Abia is a PDP state.

    They equally mocked that the President’s absence was also because he wasn’t at home with the choice of Ogah as the guber candidate of the party.

    And when the news came that Buhari was visiting Abia on Tuesday, January 29, many rumoured that the President was not going to come. This is even as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Monday night issued a mini sit-at-home in Aba in protest of the president’s visit.

    The story changed when the President visited the commercial city for his campaign tour as Abians and supporters of APC from the seventeen local government areas of the state as the campaign train of President Muhammadu Buhari visited the state ahead of the February 16, presidential poll.

    This is however contrary to the sit-at-home orders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who asked Abians to observe a mini sit-at-home from 6am to 4pm Tuesday, in protest of the visit of the president.

    President Buhari came in the company of former governors of Abia State; Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and Ogbonnaya Onu (Minister of Science and Technology), Senator Ken Nnamani, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Chris Ngige, National chairman of APC; Adams Oshiomhole, the lawmaker representing Isiukwuato/Umunneochi Federal Representatives, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Hon. Emeka Wogu, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu among others.

    Speaking at the event, President Buhari vowed to continue to tackle infrastructural problems in Nigeria and to ensure that Nigerians do their businesses without stress.

    The president who maintained that businesses would be improved as soon as infrastructure challenges of the country was tackled, said that despite the limited resources available to his Government and total fall in oil revenue, his government have been able to justify their promises to Nigerians and are ready to do more when given the mandate to continue in power.

    He urged all the people of Abia State to ensure that APC is voted for in the forthcoming elections to enable them continue the fight against corruption, infrastructural decay and ensure adequate security for proper management of the country.

    In his words: “I’m impressed with all the speakers because they’ve articulated what this administration is able to do. When we came in, we approached governance with three point agenda of security, economy and fight against corruption.

    “We tried to justify these by trying our best within the time available to us from 2015 to now with the resources available to us. You can all recall that the production of 2.4 million barrel per day, was cut short to half a million barrel per day. In the world market which is outside our control, the cost of petroleum per barrel went down from 40, 38, 28 dollars per barrel.

    “It is in this context that I want you to see how this administration has been committed to development of this country. Upon all these, we are doing the roads now, we are doing the railways which was neglected and virtually killed and we are doing power which is one of the projects I’ve came here to commission today.

    “I assure that if we get infrastructure correct; the roads, the railways and power, Nigerians will mind their businesses. It all depends who is in the Government. We have identified this and we are committing available resources to make sure we get the infrastructure right and we are doing as much as possible to secure the country so that we can properly manage it. I thank you for your commitment and I expect you to this time around, vote APC.”

    APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who could not hide his joy over the reception that Buhari got in the state said that it was an indication that Abians have embraced the change mantra of the APC administration, stressing that the Buhari government has done well in the southeast geo-political zone through some of the completed and ongoing developmental projects the APC government is doing in the zone.

    Oshiomhole, who blamed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for years of decay in the southeast despite the support that the southeast gave to PDP, urged the people of the state and the southeast not use 2019 to correct the mistakes of 2015.

    He said: “I’m very happy at the testimonies I’ve heard today about what this administration has done in Igboland and Abia State in particular. You can bury the truth ten meters deep, but you cannot kill the truth.

    “The truth is that in this state, PDP has governed for 19 years just as they controlled the country for 16 years. In those 16 years, this part of the country that was most loyal and committed to voting PDP was abandoned and Federal dual carriage road in the zone was turned to a cassava farm.

    “No one could commute from Aba to Port Harcourt. Everything was destroyed under PDP. My message is simple, the beauty of Nigerian democracy is that if you elect by mistake, it cannot last for more than four years. The last mistake of 2015 must now be corrected in 2019.

    “What we need in leadership are men and women who can serve Nigeria as their constituency. The development literature of the Federal Government in Southeast is very clear. It’s not rocket science. The Ariaria International Market Power Plant is there for all to see. The basis for sustainable economy is to build durable infrastructure and President Buhari is ensuring that.”

    Also speaking, a Chieftain of APC and former governor of the state, Dr. Orji Uzor-Kalu lambasted the PDP led administration in the state for what he termed as total neglect of infrastructure in the state and none payment  salaries and  pensions which he said has left many people who served the state with all their hearts in perpetual poverty.

    Kalu, who is the Senatorial candidate of APC for Abia North District also blasted former president Olusegun Obasanjo for his constant criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “I always call the PDP administration in Abia State liars because in this state, they rumoured that I was dead and gone and I’m alive today to the glory of God. Again I call them liars because they always pay Abia civil servants on radio.

    “When I was Governor, there was free education, our darling team Enyimba which was why I built this stadium became champions of Africa twice. In my days, workers and pensioners never begged for their monies.

    “I heard a man called Olusegun Obasanjo attacking Mr. President and this man Obasanjo forgot that it was him that brought corruption to Nigeria as a president.

    “He was the first President who started thwarting democratic processes in Nigeria. My Problem with him was when he called me and some other persons to support his third tenure bid and I refused and urged others never to accept it. He turned himself into a dictator. How can someone compare Obasanjo and Buhari? Buhari wants the Judiciary to be perfectly independent.

    “The judges in my state told me that they are at the process of receiving their monies directly from Abuja. Since I left office as governor, we never heard roads in Abia because subsequent administrations left Abia to decay.

    “They’ve told a lot of lies about APC in Abia and come the 16th of February, we shall test the popularity of every party in this soil. Uche Ogah has been tested in the private sector and he won and he’ll win squarely here. President Buhari has no comparison and Abia will give him 70 percent vote in Abia State,” he said.

    The APC gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Uche Ogah, APC Governorship candidate in Abia State said that he would invite Julius Berger Construction Company into the state within the first days of his assumption of office.

    Ogah who stated that he would correct the 16years mal-administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state within two years of his administration, stated that the president would come back to the state to commission projects within the six months he is elected sworn into power.

    He urged the president to disregard any information that there is another party in Abia capable of winning elections outside APC. He declared Abia as an APC state.

    “Abia people have resolved to unanimously move to APC and there is no other party that can stop it. You’ll get our votes in Abia and the mistake of 2015 will never repeat. We shall be first in giving you votes. We’ve felt your love through numerous Federal Government projects here.

  • Ikpeazu to Abia workers: we’ll pay your salaries promptly

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the prompt payment of the state workers’ salaries.

    Dr. Ikpeazu said this when the Abia State Women Public Servants Association staged a solidarity rally at Government House, Umuahia. He re-echoed government’s stand that workers in the state’s public service are up to date in receiving their salaries except for a few parastatals and agencies.

    The governor spoke through his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, expressing the government’s appreciation of the women for their love and support and for coming out to make the world know that the civil servants in the state are not being owed.

    He pointed that he will continue to give subventions and bailouts to every parastatal in the state.

    The governor also noted that there is no progress in the absence of equity, fairness and justice and used the forum to urge the women to vote him back in office in the forthcoming governorship election.

    Speaking on behalf of the association, the President, Chief Mrs. Charity Ukonu said they came to show appreciation to the state governor on how he has piloted the affairs of the state, adding that since he came onboard their salaries are paid as at when due.

    Chief Mrs Ukaonu assured the governor that Abia state workers will vote overwhelmingly in the forthcoming elections to return him back to office to complete his second term in office.

  • Group knocks Ohanaeze Ndigbo for endorsing Atiku

    A pro-eastern Nigeria action group, Awake and Defend Action Movement (ADAM) has faulted the endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    ADAM is an umbrella body of pressure groups within the old Eastern Region with the purpose of protecting life and property of every indigene of old Eastern Nigeria.

    Recall that Nnia Nwodo’s led Ohanaeze and other four socio-cultural groups including Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Northern Elder’s Forum (NEF), Afenifere and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in a meeting at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja adopted Atiku as their consensus candidate a fortnight ago.

    But ADAM in a communiqué signed by its acting chairman, Ndubuisi Igwekani-Agu Biafra and the Southsouth leader of the group Chief James Ekpo, which was issued to journalists at the end of a crucial meeting of the body in Aba, Abia State, stated that it was wrong for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to endorse Atiku or any other person as a consensus presidential candidate.

    The group, while noting that the action of Nwodo may cause bad blood among the Igbo political class, maintained that Ohanaeze is not a political group and therefore must limit its influence to issues that concern Igbo cultural, social and traditional advancement in order to avoid division and acrimony among Igbo sons and daughters who are members of various political party interests.

    Sharing contrary opinion on the sit-at-home directives by the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ahead of the 2019 general elections, ADAM called on all Easterners including youths to actively participate in the election by voting for people that not only have the interest of the people at heart, but have the capacity to attract development and democratic dividends to the people.

    ADAM who stated that they were miffed with the level of underdevelopment in the Southeast, stated that their support for the call for the restructuring of the country with states and regions managing and controlling their natural mineral resources, said that the era of reckless spending of public resources is over.

    “ADAM will ensure that our people demand transparency and accountability from every elected public officer in Eastern Nigeria. We will mobilise the entire youth in Eastern to deal with any elected officer who fails in his/her duties to account to the people.

    “Henceforth, we are monitoring some Igbo political contractors who rush to their pay master in the North and other parts of Nigeria to collect evil money to destabilize our people. Henceforth, we will monitor and expose them to bring sanity and peace to our land.”

    The group which expressed its worries over the level of insecurity in the country called on its citizens that have retired from active service in the military and other security agencies to come together to hold a security summit in order to address the security challenges that the Old Eastern region is facing.

    “Now, concerning the youths in Eastern Nigeria, we have noticed the exponential increase in kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, Yahoo Yahoo, gambling, prostitution, child-trafficking, and all manner of violent extremism just to get rich overnight. We hereby warn that it will not be business as usual. We have set up a security watch to coordinate with security agents to expose all manner of evil activities perpetuated by youths in whatever disguise.”

    The group, which believes in oneness of Nigeria against the breakaway campaign of the Nnmadi Kanu-led IPOB, said, “Concerning the State of Biafra, ADAM believes that Biafra is a state of the mind where every citizen of Biafra in any other self-interest. We are Igbos of the Indigenous People of Biafra living in Nigeria. We are Igbos of the Indigenous People of Biafra and ready to remain in Nigeria if the country is properly restructured to accommodate all nationalities in a peaceful co-existence with other nationalities.”

  • Okon takes over as Abia police chief

    The immediate past Commissioner of Police (CP) in Abia State Chris Ezike, now Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 4, has handed over to the new CP Etim Ene Okon with the charge to members of the command to be dedicated to their duty.

    Speaking while handing over to Okon, Ezike said that he had spent barely three months as the CP of the state and that he was preparing to go home when his new elevation came, which he described as a pleasant surprise.

    Ezike said that his experience in that state has been a good one as he has been able to reduce crime rate to the barest minimum with the strategies he put in place to combat various crimes in the state.

    The new AIG in charge of Zone 4 thanked officers and men of the command for their collaborative efforts in helping him to achieve the modest achievements he did within a short period of three months.

    He charged them to remain loyal, committed and dedicated to the force as well as cooperate with his successor.

    He said, “The man taking over from me is well known in the state having left here seven months ago as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).”

    Ezike used the opportunity to thank the state governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his collaborative efforts in seeing to the successes of the police in the state during his time, stressing that the governor was willing to assist at all times.

    He said, “I want to use this forum to thank governor Ikpeazu for his efforts to see that the police work is made easy, the assurances he made to the command have been kick started and in no distant time my successor will start seeing them.”

    “I believe that the new CP will continue from where I stopped and I also believe that the governor will provide us with the logistics to work with and the expected manpower will also be made available for the work load to be less.”

    The new AIG zone 4 said that police work this time around is a very critical one with the election around the corner, “We therefore need to be very vigilant at all times, alert, show loyalty, so that at the end there will be a crisis free and credible elections across the country.”

    Ezike said, “I am very happy to be handing over to my son and a worthy colleague, I was the one that handed over the police form to him while I was the PPRO in Calabar in 1987 and I believe that he will do well having served as DCP in the state”.

    Receiving the handover notes, the new CP Okon said that since he joined the force that he has been following the career progress of the new AIG, “Here is the man who gave me the form to join police which I reminded him last night.”

    Okon said that he is afraid to occupy the big shoe Ezike is leaving behind for him as they are too big for him, “However sir if I encounter any problems, please always oblige me your services whenever I call.”

    He said that he left the state seven months ago as DCP, “But am back now as the state CP, I want to assure everyone that I have not changed, will not change and will ever remain very meticulous in service.”

    The new Abia CP noted that he is assuming office at a very critical and challenging time with the elections just about four days away and urged all to focus on the election assignment, “After which we will look and think about the way forward for the command.”

  • Obiano’s wife showers gifts on multiple birth mums

    Over 12 parents who gave birth to multiple children in the state last year have been presented with gift items by the wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano.

    The event, termed “Bounty Programme” was organised by the Ministry of Children and Women Affairs, Awka.

    The parents drawn from across the state were offered gifts items including bags of rice, tubers of yam, beverages for both babies and adults.

    Other items included toiletries, baby diapers and other relief materials as well as envelopes containing undisclosed amount of money.

    Presenting the items at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Mrs Obiano urged the parents to raise their children with the fear of God, so as to be good ambassadors of the state.

    She noted that children were gifts from God and should be carefully protected and guided.

    She said, “We want to honour and felicitate with you. Children are blessings from God and they have to be respected.

    “Some parents are not careful with their children. They are too busy to offer them proper attention, to be part of their character-molding as well as effect necessary corrections.

    “I urge you to offer them quality education to enable them to contribute meaningfully to growth and development of society.”

    Mrs. Obiano prayed God to grant the parents the wisdom and understanding to lead the children on the right path.

    Commissioner for Children and Women Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue thanked the Governor’s wife for touching many lives through her gift and financial support to different class of people.

    She stressed that Mrs. Obiano had since the present administration, mapped out various measures to empower and support widows, youths and other women.

    She said, “the governor’s wife in the immediate past has built houses for widows, offered scholarships for the indigent and provided prosthetic limbs to many people physically-challenged.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr John Ndu, a journalist, whose wife gave birth to triplets, praised Mrs Obiano for her magnanimity which he described as unprecedented in the state.

    “Mrs Obiano has helped to restore hope to the hopeless and introduced a unique style of governance and remains accessible to the downtrodden.’

    “Apart from provision of prosthetic limbs and other empowerment support, Osodieme has helped re-unite some destitute with their families.”

    He urged other beneficiaries to extend their support to the present administration to further consolidate on their achievements.

  • Egwueke III: Army vows to rid Southeast of criminals

    The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, flagged off the third edition of the annual ‘Exercise Egwueke III’ in Ebonyi State. Sunny Nwankwo, who has been monitoring the progress of the operation, reports.

    On January 6, heads of various commands of the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Abubakar Maikobi stormed Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, to kick off the third edition of a military operation; Exercise Egwueke III by Governor  Dave Umahi.

    Gen. Maikobi assured Umahi and the people of the Southeast of the resolve of the Army under the leadership of Lieut.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai to remain neutral, professional, responsive and apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

    After the flag off in Ebonyi State, the 82 Division GOC visited some of the sectors under his command to pass down the message of the COAS to its personnel participating in the exercise that is expected to address insecurity and other criminalities within the country.

    In an interview with the 82 Division Army spokesman, Col. Musa Sagir, their personnel through intelligence have been able to make significant successes during the on-going military operation.

    According to Col. Sagir, the men  of the command have been able to nip a lot of crime including communal clashes, kidnapping, land disputes, armed robbery, oil bunker, car theft etc in the bud in the southeast and the south-south within the period the operation has lasted.

    Col. Sagir, who said the military was not going to rest on its oars, warned those hoping to cause problem to have a rethink.

    In a breakdown of the activities of the military since the Egwueke III started in the Southeast and some states in Southsouth, Col. Sagir attributed some of the successes recorded to the collaboration between the military and sister agencies, adding that they had handed over some of the suspects to the police and appropriate security agencies to continue with investigation and prosecutions.

    Violent communal conflicts averted in Abia and Anambra states

    Following the attack of Nkwembi community by some misguided youths from Okagwe community of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on January 9,  which led to the death of one person, two persons reportedly missing, two houses and six vehicles were burnt. This caused Nkwembi youths to reorganise for a counter attack which troops of Sector 2 in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility (AOR) assisted Ohafia Divisional Police Headquarters to contain the situation. Normalcy has since been restored between the warring communities. Pictures of some damaged vehicles and burnt houses are forwarded herewith.

    Similarly, troops of Sector 5 in 302 Artillery General Support Regiment AOR prevented violent clash over possession/ownership of farm land between Nzam and Umenwelum communities in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State. The incident led to the destruction of farms across the communities, – the situation was salvaged by the deployment of joint patrol teams to the conflicting communities. No life has been lost, government officials and other stakeholders are in control of the situation at the moment.

    Recovery of arms and ammunition   Based on credible information, troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector 3 in 144 Battalion location along Osisioma, Aba general area of Abia State, monitored/pursued three suspected armed robbers. The robbers abandoned two locally made double barrel gun wrapped on a tricycle and dashed to the surrounding bushes on sighting a patrol van. The tricycle and the arms will be handed over to the Abia State police command for further action.

     Raid on suspected drug hideout

    Following a tip off, troops of Sector 2 in 14 Brigade AOR, in conjunction with some personnel of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a raid on confirmed hideout of Indian hemp dealers in Atani and Ibom localities in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Consequently, five suspects were arrested, 25 parcel of cannabis, 17 wraps of Indian hemp were recovered and are in custody of the NDLEA for further action.

    Apprehension over insecurity and political crisis checkmated 

    Based on credible intelligence of likely impending politically motivated violence in the build up to elections/electioneering campaigns by contending parties/actors, troops of Sector 4, in 24 Support Engineer Regiment AOR, – Ebonyi State, have jointly been conducting robust patrols in major identified flashpoints across the state.

    Consequently, there is an increased presence of security agencies on patrols and snap checkpoints in some areas such as Afikpo, Ekpoamaka, Alike Achara and Nwankpa communities in Afikpo and Ikwo LGAs of the state.

    Similarly, key areas like Ikwo junction, Enugu road, Presco roundabout and Vanco water works witnessed an increased presence of security personnel. These efforts are aimed to provide a conducive environment for socio-economic and political activities by proactively checkmating anticipated crisis before, during and after the 2019 general elections in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff.

     Civil- military relations/cooperation

    To ensure mutual understanding, synergy and collaboration with the leaders of the zone for the benefit of the people, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Abubakar Sadiq Maikobi has visited all the governors of the South East Zone. He formally, at different times, individually, effectively briefed them about the Exercise and solicited for their cooperation. This action, assisted in the successes achieved so far. Currently, there is no reported case of Civil-Military conflict in the whole of the Southeast. The level of cooperation and understanding as well as information of intelligence value being received from host communities in the zone is unprecedented.

    Water projects in Imo State

    As part of his continuous efforts to portray the Nigerian Army in a positive light and winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has on Friday the 11th of January, 2019 commissioned four Solar Powered water projects in different settlements in Aboh Mbaise, – Obetitu Autonomous Community in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The commissioning was done by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Maikobi, who represented the COAS.

    Maj-Gen.  Maikobi accompanied by Chief of Accounts and Budget Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen.  UC Ogulanna visited the paramount ruler of Obetitu Autonomous Community where he extended the regards and greetings of the COAS to the leaders, elders and entire good people of the community.

    The traditional rulers, clerics, youths and women leaders of the benefiting communities as well as elders of the neighbouring localities were euphoric, – glaringly happy and surged forward to receive and ushered in the representative of the COAS to formally commission the projects.

    Farmers-herders clash averted

    Troops of Sector 5 in 302 Artillery General Support Regiment, Onitsha in conjunction with other security agencies, based on intelligence, have averted a bloody clash between farmers and herdsmen in Aman area of Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State on 7 January, 2019. The incident led to the death of one herder before the arrival of security agencies. At the moment, the situation has been normalized with the combined efforts of the agencies and political leadership of the State.

    Arrest of notorious car snatcher in Abia State

    Following a tip off, troops of Sector 2, Sub – Sector 3 in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility, on a targeted  patrol on 8 January 2019, arrested a notorious car snatcher one Justice Origwe of Olokoro community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. He was nabbed at about 2 am in Umuahia town in possession of 20 assorted vehicles keys.

    Preliminary investigation and confession by the suspect revealed that Mr. Origwe has been in the act for some years. He has since been handed over to Headquarters Nigerian Police, Abia State Command for further action.

    Arrest of a truck loaded with illegally bunkered oil

    Similarly in Sector 3, Sub Sector 4 in 34 Brigade Area of Responsibility, troops of 342 Artillery Regiment on patrol along Shell pipeline at Obitti in Ohaji Egbema general area of Imo State, intercepted a truck loaded with substance suspected to be illegal product. On sighting the patrol team, the driver fled and abandoned the vehicle and the product. The truck with the content has been towed to Obinze Barracks for further necessary action.

    CIMIC’s activities

    The Civil-Military Relations and CIMIC Projects are parts of the COAS vision for the Nigerian Army. Consequently, as a deliberate plan imbued to facilitate the success of this exercise and winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians, many CIMIC projects have been undertaken across the various parts of the country. In the same vein, the Nigerian Army has renovated and on 8th of January, 2019 commissioned 2 blocks of Nursery Classrooms at Onu Ibina Community Primary School at Igbere Bende Local Government Area of Abia State in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility.

    Rescue of two kidnap victims

    Based on a distressed call that alerted troops of a kidnap incident at Ubakala junction along Owerrinta general area of Abia State, troops of Sector 2, Sub sector Charlie successfully cordoned and searched the area.

    Consequently, the kidnappers abandoned their lawyer-victims – Loveth Nonye Ofoegbu and Kaodi Onuaha and were later handed over to the police.

    Raid of armed robbers’ hideout

    Troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector Alfa on Thursday, January 24 raided a hideout of suspected armed robbers in Ahaba, Imenyi community of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. A suspect, Mr. Chidebere Orji, was arrested while others are at large.

    Preliminary investigation indicated that the gang members are behind the robbery of Mr and Mrs Kelechi Orji at their residence in Ahaba Imenyi community where they carted away Four Million Naira. Items recovered from their residence include a locally made pistol, two unexploded cartridges and 2cellphone handsets. Suspect and the items will be handed over to the Abia State Police Command for possible prosecution.

    Communal clash averted in Umunneochi LGA, Abia State

    Communal conflict between Azoruike autonomous community and Amanator autonomous community of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State was averted by troops of Sector 2, Sub sector Alfa in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Abia State command. The incident happened on the 27th of January 2019, and has led to the destruction of few houses, cars and motorcycles.

    Arrest of IPOB members

    Some members of proscribed IPOB  forced their way into St Mary Catholic Church Parish Abayi Ariaria in Aba  on Sunday, January 27; troops of Sub sector Bravo in conjunction with the personnel of Nigerian police, Abia State Command moved to the area and effectively salvaged the situation.

    At the scene, it was reported that IPOB members were shouting no elections in Biafra land and also attempted to beat Reverend Father Nathaniel Oyedike. A vehicle and some chairs were reportedly damaged in/within the church premises.

    Consequently, 5 persons were arrested and a check point has been established at Ariaria to monitor the situation. The area is calm and routine activities are smoothly being conducted.

  • APC candidates get royal blessings

    The two candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vying for Abia South Senatorial District and Aba North and South Federal Constituency; Sir Marc Wabara and Mascot Uzor-Kalu, were at the palace of one of the Abia most revered traditional ruler where they got royal blessing. Sunny Nwankwo reports 

    His Imperial Majesty, Eze Isaac Ikonne, clocked 90 and marked 46th year on the throne and as the Enyi I of Aba Ancient kingdom in January. The palace of the former chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council has become a Mecca of some sorts for many people in the state and the country at large.

    Eze Ikonne, about this time four years ago, was the only traditional ruler who stood his ground against the desire of then Abia State government and the leadership of the traditional institution in the state by receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari and bestowing him with the chieftaincy of “Ogbuagu” title.

    Wabara, APC Abia South Senatorial District candidate, and Uzor-Kalu, APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency,  paid homage to the revered Abia monarch as they kicked off their campaign in Aba North and South.

    The two candidates were prayed for by the Abia monarch, who also publicly endorsed their candidature for the February 16 National Assembly polls.

    Speaking to our reporter, Wabara said: “I feel highly gratified. To God be the glory that it is happening today through the grace of God.  “His Royal Highness has endorsed me as the sole candidate for Abia South and when you look back on the benefit of hindsight and you remember tht it was in the same palace and place that His Royal Highness blessed Mr. President in 2015 when most people never gave Mr. President the chance, but God used His Royal Highness as a prophet then to say that he was going to be the next president.

    “This endorsement and chieftaincy title of “Enyioha I of Aba” ancient Kingdom was a divine arrangement that what happened five years ago is happening again. I am fully energized that on the second day of our campaign after the wonderful reception that we got at Ugwunagbo, I am getting this royal blessing. I believe that by the special grace of God, that change that Abia didn’t get in 2015, will come through in this coming election.

    “People who represented Aba in the past will speak for themselves and like I said, you don’t learn new tricks at old age. Without sounding immodest, those who know me, will tell you that I am a man who respects the benevolence of God in my life and there is no way, by the special grace of God, if I emerged as the Abia South senator, will not run an open-door policy.

    “There is no way I will get there without having in mind to serve the people of Abia South. The theme of my campaign is service to the people with the fear of God. I am going to be a senator representing Abia South Senatorial District and senator for all. My responsibility is national, because when you are a senator, you are a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and my commitment is that I will go there with effective representation of the country, but at the end of the day, my commitment is to the people of Abia South with the fear of God.

    Uzor-Kalu said: “This is like home. I had my title “Agu na Eche Mba I of Enyimba” as well from here in the presence of Aba North and South traditional rulers four years ago.

    “It feels good for the traditional ruler to bless me once again. It shows that it is a relationship that started long time. He is like a father and he understands and knows what I am able to do. So, I am not surprised of the blessing.

    “The person sitting there hasn’t done anything. There is nothing visible. There is nothing on ground. There is no single project of national interest that you boast of in Aba North and South in the last four years. I have no atom of truth that the people will know the truth at the end of the campaign.”

    In another development, Wabara  met with members of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).

    Wabara, while interacting with ACCIMA members, vowed to bring solutions to the problems facing the growth of businesses and Industries in Aba which he said would be one of his priorities if elected a Senator after the election.

    Wabara, who stated that the importance of the city of Aba and Abia South Senatorial zone cannot be overemphasized said he came to ACCIMA to present his manifesto and the things that he would do if elected as a Senator and what the Chamber would hold him up when he gets there.

    He said: “I have through this interaction with them realised that unfortunately, some of the challenges they faced in the past are still there. Challenge of inadequate power, lack of water, roads are still there. And there is no way commerce can grow to a desired level if these basic infrastructures are not provided by government.

    “So, I am taking away this serious message to Abuja to say that it cannot continue. Commerce and industry will grow if these basic infrastructures are provided.

    “I am happy that the APC Government at the centre is already addressing these issues. President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC inherited 3, 000 megawatts of electricity, but today they have increased that to 7, 000 megawatts.

    “We are not saying that 7,000megawatts is adequate, but it is a significant increase in what we inherited. And we have a sustained programme as a party under economic recovery and growth plan to target infrastructure-building of roads, which has already manifested.

    “And when you talk about power generation, the whole idea is that in the next 5 years, Nigeria should be talking not less than 20,000 megawatts. And our party is committed to it. And may I end this by saying that the people of Abia State deserves better.”

    Reacting to the question about his chances of winning the Senatorial seat of Abia South looking at the other candidates he has to defeat which includes the Chairman of the South East Senate Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe Wabara said  the people would decide.  “Whether a contender or not, I believe that the beauty of democracy is that it is the people that would decide. I believe that in my several years in the banking industry, I’ve had the opportunity of interacting and really serving my people professionally and I know that my people in Abia State and Abia South senatorial zone know me and I know that the good will has been established.

    “I believe that having been able to serve them when I was in the private sector, they believe that I will replicate the same in the public sector.

    “Politics should not just be about people using political platform to seek positions of authority. Those who have been there before should have the responsibility of telling the people what they have achieved. So, I leave that to the people to decide.

    “I’m a professional in politics not a professional politician. Being a professional in politics makes it easier for our people not to play what I call “politics of do or die”. One of the challenges we are facing in our political process is a lot of people who do not have what I will call a “second address.”

    “If you have been in your professional life, a manager of men and resources, when you are seeking political office, your emphasis will be to serve your people. The interest of the people who voted you into office should be primary.

    “So, as a professional I believe that likely since we have a second address, you’ll understand that you’ll be accountable to the people and you’ll not play politics of do or die.”

  • More feathers in philanthropist’s cap

    A philanthropist in one of Anambra communities, High Chief Obiora Okonkwo received multiple traditional titles from some traditional rulers in Anambra State in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the development of the communities; especially in the area of promotion of culture and tradition. YOMI ODUNUGA who was in Ogidi, Anambra State reports that Okonkwo who holds the title of Dikeora Idemili, Anambra State, used the occasion to empower some widows and others less privileged individuals.

    For High Chief Obiora Okonkwo, a political stalwart and businessman per excellence, the 2018 Yuletide will remain fresh in his heart. It was a period when his people in the entire Anambra Central Senatorial District honoured him not just with a chieftaincy title but also the kind of communal love that binds a people together.

    Okonkwo, who holds the title of Dikeora Idemili, Anambra State, shone like a thousand stars before the people of the Senatorial zone, and also before the people of Umunya and Umuawulu kingdoms.

    On the special occasion, Okonkwo added more feathers in his cap as the title of Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’ukpa was jointly conferred on him by all the traditional rulers of Anambra Central Senatorial District.

    After the installation which took place on December 24, the Umunya Kingdom pulled him to the podium and conferred on him the title of EbekuoDike of Nya Kingdom, which makes him an honorary citizen of Umunya as well as a member of the cabinet of the Igwe Nya.

    As if that was not enough, the Umuawulu Kingdom also invited him over and adorned him with yet another title as the Ugobueze, rounding off the unforgettable experience for man who, though is not contesting for any office in the 2019 general elections, has attracted the admiration of the people of Anambra State for his efforts in promoting the culture and traditions of the people as well as seek better understanding of the role of culture in the moral rejuvenation of the society.

    December 24 began on a busy note for Okonkwo. As early as 7:00a.m., his palatial country home had been taken over by over 2,000 women, including the aged, the sick, widows, expectant mothers and more. As expected, all the women went home with items to celebrate the Yuletide, a gesture that Okonkwo was always eager to perform every year.

    After observing Mass at his private chapel which was anchored by his brother, Rev. Fr. Ugonna Okonkwo who is also Director of Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, the largest private specialist hospital in Onitsha, Okonkwo was set for the day as he walked into the enchanting chants by the crowd of women.

    Addressing the women, Okonkwo urged them to accept whatever little gifts he was able to make available to them. He also encouraged them to remain steadfast in prayers, even as he promised to do more to alleviate their situations.

    His announcement that the gift items included clothing materials (wrappers) sent the women in wild jubilation as they sang songs in praise of Okonkwo’s generosity. Shortly after, the surging crowd became uncontrollable as each woman struggled to be the first to lay hands on the gift items. Order was restored when the security team at the venue, alongside Ogidi youths, stepped in and enforced calmness.

    The handing out of the gifts, which included bags of rice, left the women dancing and thanking God for sending High Chief Okonkwo to them. As they sang and danced, the women prayed for more blessing and longevity for Okonkwo.

    Satisfied that the crowd left his house happy, Okonkwo set out for the palace of the Igwe of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uganda, Ezedike Ukwulu, who is also Chairman of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, for installation as Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa.

    He was accompanied on the journey by his home traditional ruler, Igwe Alex Onyido, Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom. Also on his entourage were traditional dance groups, the famous Ijele Inwelle, his wife, friends, associates and a horde of Ogidi people who saw in the honour on Okonkwo, a strategic recognition of the positive value he has added to life in Ogidi Kingdom. They all came colourfully dressed.

    Okonkwo walked into the warm embrace of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum who welcomed him traditionally with 21 gun salute. He took time to go round to exchange traditional greetings with all the traditional rulers present. His presence electrified the Igwe Ukwulu’s palace as elites called out his name on huge elephant tusks.

    After the traditional breaking of kolanuts and prayers for Okonkwo, and Anambra State in general, the Ezedike Ukwulu invited Igwe Ezechuamagha to lead his illustrious subject, Okonkwo to the podium for installation as Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa.

    Done with that, Igwe Ezechuamagha watched in admiration as the Chairman of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, Ezedike Ukwulu, crowned Okonkwo; announcing him as the Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa in Anambra State. He is the first to bear the title. As he was capped, Okonkwo also received other insignia of office before he was handed a certificate by the traditional rulers of Anambra Central.

    What followed was merry making. There was enough to eat and drink for the crowd that witnessed the event. There was also enough display of traditional dances with colourful performance by the Ijele Inwelle.

    His day was made. He would, however, return to Umunya Kingdom on December 29 where Igwe Umunya, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje adorned him with yet another title as EbekuoDike.  The colourful ceremony marked Igwe Onyekwuluje’s 21st anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.

    On that day, Igwe Onyekwuluje called out 21 illustrious sons and daughters of Igbo land, including the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Governor Willie Obiano and Senator Uche Ekwunife, among many others, for honour at an event chaired by Senator Ben Ndi Obi.

    Like the Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, Igwe Onyekwuluje also said that Okonkwo was being honoured for his untiring effort in the promotion of culture and tradition in Anambra State. He praised Okonkwo for working steadily towards creating a better understanding of the role of culture in the moral rejuvenation of the society.

    Prior to being honoured at Umunya, High Chief Okonkwo was guest of the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, who, on December 29 of every year, hosts a luncheon for his friends and friends of the Archdiocese.

    At the colourful ceremony which attracted prominent sons of the state, including former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Senator Mike Ajaegbo and  Chief Charles Odunukwe (Chadon), among other members of the National Assembly from the state, Archbishop Okeke announced that the annual event was his own way of specially celebrating the Yuletide,  and to specially thank all those who have added value to the life of the Archdiocese, irrespective of their faith or  denomination. He appreciated Okonkwo and others for adding colour to his day.