The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Rain: Aba residents lament damage

    The first rainfall this year in Abia State has left many residents of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state in pains following the havoc it wreaked on their properties.

    While many residents had gone out to their respective offices and businesses without any anticipation of rain, they were shocked that it rained in torrents.

    The city, which had most of its drainage blocked was flooded within few minutes of the rain, causing gridlock on major streets and roads as vehicle owners and commuters struggle for space.

    Some of the residents whose houses were submerged have appealed to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to help them to alleviate their suffering. 

    When our reporter visited areas affected by the flood, it was gathered that many residents lost most of their belongings to the flood.

    Residents living in some of the areas where road projects have been abandoned by respective contractors want government to order the contractors back to site, even as they expressed worry that if the works linger till the rainy season sets in, it could force them out of their homes.

    Ndiegoro, Uratta, the Over-Rail, Port Harcourt Road among other places, were mainly affected. Some residents who spoke to our reporter said the last two months of last year were more of a miracle to them as they did their businesses smoothly with the dry season helping to dry up their roads.

    Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Maxwell Mbagwu, a landlord at Obohia Road, off Nkwo-Ngwa Market in Ndiegoro axis of Aba South Local Government Area said he is afraid because he knows that he and his tenants are about to experience the painful part of this year faster than expected.

    He said: “I don’t hate rain. But I now fear rainy season because of where I found myself. The weather is too hot, yet people like me are afraid of seeing rain. Do you think that’s normal?

    “You can see why we are afraid. We are about to begin a new phase of our suffering for this year so early. I had thought that the rains will begin in February, but it took us all by surprise.

    “I pity my tenants. They’ll pay rents in pains and I will be collecting with remorse. Most of them who have cars do park along the good portions of the road or even as far as other adjoining streets.

    “For me I can’t drive again because it’s more cost-effective to enter keke than to destroy one’s car. The truth is that Abia State government has abandoned us. We plead that they remember that we are humans and still alive.”

    A resident of Igbere Road off Ohazu Road, within the same Ndiegoro axis who identified herself as Mrs. Celine pleaded with Governor Ikpeazu to instruct the contractors handling the Igbere Road to go back to site.

    “Our homes were like river. Those who went out couldn’t return while those of us at home had to endure the whole problem. We don’t know if they have stopped the construction, but the drainage stopped somewhere there.

    “We are suffering and we plead with the governor to save us before we perish. The storm water is malodorous.

    “Just few days to the New Year, we are back to it again. The contractors have all disappeared. We are now living like pigs in the midst of debris and mosquitoes. Aside the state of our finance, we cannot be in this kind of place,” she lamented.

    Residents of Osusu Road, Omuma Road and Cemetery Road all in Over-Rail lamented the bad state of their roads and called on the state government to fix them.

    The worst hit in the Over-Rail axis is the Osusu Road where Abia State government demolished buildings, created new waterways for the construction of drainage, but has not commenced work on it.

  • Foundation upgrades hospital in Anambra community

    Drugs and medical equipment worth over N1 billion have been donated for use at Umueri General Hospital by indigenes of the community living in the United States of America under the auspices of Umueri America Heritage Foundation (UAHF) (USA).

    The drugs covered medications for different kinds of illnesses while the equipment were meant for surgery and other hospital materials.

    Presenting the items at the palace of the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Sir Benneth Emeka, the Coordinator, Dr. Peter Nnaemeka said the donation of the drugs and equipment for the hospital was aimed at meeting the health care of the people of the area and beyond.

    Nnaemeka, a native of Orgbu Umueri, said the intention of the organisation was to copy models around the world and to ensure that quality medical services were rendered at the hospital with credible results.

    He enjoined the residents to avail themselves of the opportunity and visit the hospital in order to benefit from the facilities.

    Also speaking, the President of Umueri America Heritage Foundation (USA), Chief Pius Uwalor said the body was challenged to have a functional general hospital in the area.

    Uwalor, who hails from Ikenga Umueri, said they wanted their people to enjoy standard drugs and maintain good health, as well as complement the efforts of the state government in the health sector.

    Receiving the items, the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka appreciated the donors for keying into the state government’s think home philosophy through their gesture.

    He said: “There is no doubt that you’ve been assisting in putting up developmental projects in Umueri. This giant step is another clear manifestation of it.”

    The monarch called on members of his community and other neighbouring communities to take advantage of the facilities, assuring of adequate monitoring of their use.

    In their separate remarks, the doctor in charge of the hospital, Dr. Vincent Anikpe and Rev. Clem Uzuegbu were full of appreciation to God and the donors for coming to their aid.

    They pledged good use of the facilities for the common good of the people.

  • Community considers female players for tournament

    Female players have been assured of being part of the annual youth football tournament in Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The sponsor of the competition and the Deputy National Vice-President of Eze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, Dr Peter Olikenyi, gave the assurance during the final match of the competition at the St Charles Catholic Church field, Lilu.

    He said the tournament is his own contribution in checking youth restiveness and anti-social behaviours besides other employment opportunities in his factories.

    He said: “The month-long competition which comes up annually also stimulates joy, happiness and relaxation for people on holidays in Lilu community at the end of the year.”

    Expressing satisfaction that some of the nation’s big time international professional football players were discovered from the competition, Olikenyi called for support from other public-spirited individuals.

    “I’ve been sponsoring this tournament since 1990. I provide the balls, jerseys, the cups and refreshments,” he added.

    The traditional ruler of Lilu, Igwe Godson Onyediri, who took the kick-off, commended Olikenyi for initiating and sustaining the competition.

    He said: “The community is now rising from the ashes of the past needs for steady electricity, health care, roads, security to stem the series of burglaries and vandalism of transformers.”

    He revealed that plans have been concluded to establish a water processing plant in the community as part of measures to create jobs for the citizens.

  • N1.4b development projects for 140 Ebonyi communities

    It was a rally meant to launch the electioneering campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi North and Central zones in Ikwo and Izzi Local Government Areas.

    However, Governor David Umahi turned it into a platform to inaugurate projects in over 140 communities.

    “I didn’t come for campaigns; I came to share more democracy dividends. The only campaign I am doing is projects, he said as there were chants of “Professor of projects” by the jubilant crowd.

    The governor promised that the Abakaliki Ring Road will commence by March.

    He said efforts to begin the construction of the road in the past years were allegedly delayed by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who deployed all means to thwart the efforts of government to take loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) with which to construct the road.

    The Abakaliki Ring Road is the longest in the state and cuts across eight out of the 13 local government areas.

    When constructed, it will open up the hinterlands for export of goods and lead to more commercial activities.

    Since it was constructed by the Jim Nwobodo administration when the area was part of Enugu State, the road has not been reconstructed.

    Former Governor Martin Elechi tried to reconstruct the road but didn’t succeed despite that he is from the zone. The few portions of the road he attempted to do, especially the part leading to his house, have since failed due to poor quality of work.

    But Governor Umahi, who is from Ebonyi South Senatorial District, has vowed to fix the road with concrete stone base. This is a new method of road construction which he is pioneering in the country and which has been adjudged the strongest with the capacity to last for between 50 and 100 years.

    Already the Ezzamgbo to Effium section of the road has been done by the governor using state funds. The section was one of the worst areas that have deteriorated. Umahi said he was committed to ameliorating the suffering of the people; hence he decided to use state funds to do the road rather than wait for the loan which is allegedly being stalled by some members of the opposition.

    “The same people who caused the delay are still coming to ask you to vote for them. We will commence the road by March and will do more projects for you,” the Governor told the people of Izzi Local Government Area.

    Umahi also inaugurated the N1.4 billion community development project for the 140 communities.

    According to him, each community will get N10million to carry out a project of their choice.

    He also said the money for the community projects has already been set aside, adding that leaders of all the 140 communities have submitted projects their communities would like to execute.

    Umahi noted that he will continue to develop the state, even as he called on the people to continue to support his administration.

    “We are beginning N10million projects in each of the 140 communities. The money is already available; we believe in action not in promises that would not be fulfilled. We said every community should give us project of their choice and they have done that. So, we will need to flag it off,” he said.

    The governor also inaugurated the Community Development Project where every community will get N10million to carry out one project of their choice.

    Chairmen of Town Unions from the local government areas were present to receive the cheques from the governor who also announced that work on the Oferekpe River Bridge to link the Ikwo and Cross River State will commence soon.

    In their separate speeches, the Director-General of Umahi’s Campaign Organisation, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo; the state Chairman of PDP, Barrister Onyekachi Nwebonyi and the National Vice-Chairman of PDP, Southeast zone, Chief Austin Umahi, urged the people to re-elect Umahi and other PDP candidates as reward for good work is more work.

  • Multiple awards for best Anambra NDA graduate

    2nd Lt. Ugochukwu Nwama from Anambra State has written his name in gold as a result of his sterling performance at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was adjudged the best graduating Cadet Adjutant of the 2018 Course.

    The young officer, who is the son of Igwe Obosi Eze, A.C. Iweka 111, was presented with four different awards as rewards for his achievement at the just-concluded Passing out Parade in Kaduna State.

    Nwama won the prestigious Golden Sword (the highest award to a cadet) ‘Sword of Honour’ (NDA’s highest accolade); the Indian Shield as well as the Best Graduating Student.

    Nwama, who is indigenous to Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, was ordered to be promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant after out-performing his fellow cadets.

    This rare feat came soon after a recent exceptional performance of five Anambra-born police constables at the Nigeria Police Training College, Nekede Imo State.

    According to records from the institution, Nwama not only emerged the best in the Army but was the overall best in the entire military–the Army, Air Force and the Navy in the final year of his training at the academy.

    Nwama majored in Electrical Electronics Engineering during the convocation, Presidential Commissioning and Passing out Parade of the 65 RC graduates.

    His statue was unveiled to perpetuate the memory of his sheer brilliance, focus, hard work and exceptional life of discipline.

    In a congratulatory message, the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba described Nwama as a special breed of soldier with an emerging character of an “officer and gentleman’’.

    He attributed the feat to the dogged and resilient spirit of an average Anambra citizen, made possible by the effort of the current administration.

    Adinuba noted that the state had become the most competitive state in Nigeria, recording great achievements in almost every sphere in public and private sectors.

    His words: “Indeed, Anambra State has consistently maintained enviable top position as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

    “The security architecture in Anambra firmly guarantees the safety and protection of lives, property and businesses of all who reside within its territories and even beyond.

    “Anambra has equally maintained excellent position in all external examinations, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, recording the least level of examination malpractices across the country.”

    According to Adinuba, the generous funding of schools and adequate motivation of teachers have delivered excellent results and brought accolades to the state and deserving individuals.

    “On March 19, last year, the world bore witness as Anambra Golden Girls outshone other students from not less than 100 countries to win the Technovation Challenge in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, USA.

    “Other Anambra students had also won meritoriously in different international debates.

    “Teachers from the state are also not left out as they have consistently led their colleagues in almost every Federal Government nation-wide assessment.

    “In the health sector, Anambra State remains the trail blazer, breaking frontiers and setting the pace for others to follow.

    “Perhaps, in recognition of resounding achievement in infant and maternal health care, the Federal Government, in June, last year, presented an award to Anambra State for winning the top prize in immunisation.

    “The Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme has also been adjudged the most people-oriented health schemes in the country,” he added.

  • Community considers female players for tournament

    Female players have been assured of being part of the annual youth football tournament in Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The sponsor of the competition and the Deputy National Vice-President of Eze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, Dr Peter Olikenyi, gave the assurance during the final match of the competition at the St Charles Catholic Church field, Lilu.

    He said the tournament is his own contribution in checking youth restiveness and anti-social behaviours besides other employment opportunities in his factories.

    He said: “The month-long competition which comes up annually also stimulates joy, happiness and relaxation for people on holidays in Lilu community at the end of the year.”

    Expressing satisfaction that some of the nation’s big time international professional football players were discovered from the competition, Olikenyi called for support from other public-spirited individuals.

    “I’ve been sponsoring this tournament since 1990. I provide the balls, jerseys, the cups and refreshments,” he added.

    The traditional ruler of Lilu, Igwe Godson Onyediri, who took the kick-off, commended Olikenyi for initiating and sustaining the competition.

    He said: “The community is now rising from the ashes of the past needs for steady electricity, health care, roads, security to stem the series of burglaries and vandalism of transformers.”

    He revealed that plans have been concluded to establish a water processing plant in the community as part of measures to create jobs for the citizens.

  • Glamour as Southeast women, youths mobilise for Buhari

    The Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, the Imo State capital was filled to capacity as women, youths and other stakeholders in President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid gathered to show solidarity. OKODILI NDIDI reports that if huge crowd could be a criterion for victory in any election, then the APC is the party to beat in Imo and in the Southeast

    Saturday, January 12 will remain evergreen in the minds of Imo electorate, especially lovers of President Muhammadu Buhari who believe he deserves a second term.

    That day, the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri, the Imo State capital, was filled to its capacity as women, youths and other stakeholders in President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid gathered to show solidarity.

    As early as 12 noon that day, the expansive arena had begun to witness massive influx of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    So, for several hours party enthusiasts sang and danced to beautiful music provided by some artistes. In their chants, party faithful extolled the sterling qualities of President Buhari, even as they encouraged others to support the APC presidential candidate based on their conviction that he has achieved much within very short time.

    Nature, as if in total agreement with the frame of mind of proponents of Buhari’s second term bid, played very rewarding role. The hot scotching sun became humane. The harsh atmosphere suddenly turned out to be friendly as the sun shone brightly out of the azure sky.

    Expectedly, Igbo women known for their panache were a marvel to behold. Even in political gatherings, you can’t take away the shine from them.

    It was glamour and frills as thousands of women across the Southeast geo-political zone gathered in solidarity for the re-election bid of President Buhari.

    Their beautiful regalia were as distinct as the ode, so much so that one may be tempted to conclude that the gathering was for a colourful festival. This much was as a result of the fact that the rally was not as hostile and electric as some typical political events.

    Gaily dressed women from across the five states of the Southeast namely Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu, took turns to flaunt their costumes and beautiful songs, before settling down for the business of the day.

    The massive turnout at the rally organised to mobilise the Southeast women and youths in the All Progressives Congress (APC), was enough to cheer the hearts of the proponents of President Buhari’s second term agenda.

    Apparently impressed with the massive support, leader of the Presidential Campaign team for women and youths and wife of the President, Aisha Buhari advised the women and youths to protect their votes.

    She urged the APC supporters not to leave the polling units after voting on the Election Day but should wait until the votes were counted and recorded.

    The President’s wife assured that the APC will take Nigerians to the next level and they should therefore vote for President Buhari for second term.

    According to Buhari’s wife who was represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, the APC is taking us to the next level. The government of President Buhari is working for men, women, youths and children. The government cares for all. Everybody should vote for the APC. Nobody should be at home on the day of elections, but should vote for President Buhari and all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

    Continuing, she said: “Again, do not vote and go home. Wait until the votes are counted. Nobody should fight on the day of election. The government of President Buhari is interested in the youths. I am proud to be a Nigerian woman because our women are hardworking, beautiful and successful.”

    In his speech, the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha said: “In Imo State and, by extension, southeast, need Buhari more than any other zone in Nigeria because we know what President Buhari’s victory in the 2019 general elections will be beneficial for Ndigbo. It is for this reason that we therefore urge all of you, the campaigners for Buhari, not to waste your time in Imo State. Imo victory for President Buhari has been signed, sealed and delivered.”

    Continuing, the governor said: “Standing here today, is that lonely voice in 2015 that stood for President Buhari when no one believed in him. It was still on this same place that I renamed Mr. President in order to woo the votes of Ndigbo. I renamed him Okechukwu Buhari.

    “Then, most of the gladiators or those who seek interest now were never there. I provided victory when it was very difficult.”

    The governor maintained that: “We have equally consulted with other political parties, especially those with weak presidential candidates or those with no presidential candidates at all. In Imo State, we have about 47 political parties supporting the re-election bid of President Buhari.

    “The leading party in this regard with strong support for Buhari is the Action Alliance (AA) led by Ugwumba Uche Nwosu. Let me inform all of you that Ugwumba Uche Nwosu is APC in spirit and AA in dressing. He is still one of you and only using the platform to correct an injustice done to Imo people.

    “The APC leadership owes Imo people an apology. They treated Imo people poorly. There is no point bothering yourself, Buhari will win this election not because APC has supported us but because of our love for Buhari. Let me inform those from Abuja, don’t be deceived by what they tell you, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu will win the governorship election in Imo State.”

    In his speech, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee of the Presidential Campaign Council for women and youths, General Buba Marwa, said with the mammoth crowd that attended the rally; it was obvious that APC is the party to beat in Imo and in the Southeast.

    Earlier in her speech, the Southeast Director of the Women and Youths of the Presidential Campaign team, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha stated that the women and youths have agreed to vote massively for President Buhari to enable him to take Nigerians to the Promised Land, adding that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

    Some of the APC stalwarts at the rally included the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, General Buba Marwa, wives of three governors namely Mrs. Obaseki (Edo), Nana Shettima (Borno), Zainaba Shinkafi Baguda (Kebbi) and Mrs. Chibuike Amaechi,

    Others were, Chief Uche Ogah, Senator Andy Ubah, Senator Majiri Okadigbo, Mrs. Uloma Akpabio, Chief Hope Uzodinma and the National Women Leader of the APC, Hajia Salamatu Eluma.

  • Umahi donates operational vehicles to security agencies

    In a bid to sustain the high security performance of security agencies in the state which has made the state the most secured in the Southeast, the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has donated Hillux vans to various security agencies.

    The event took place at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium Abakaliki and has in attendance, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division Enugu, Abubakar Maikobi.

    Recall that the Army had chosen Ebonyi as its headquarters for the operation Python Dance III in the Southeast which commenced on January 1.

    The GOC had earlier said, during the flag-off of the exercise, assured that the army would remain neutral, professional and totally apolitical during the Operation Python Dance III in the Southeast zone.

    “I have been mandated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to inform you as the state’s security officer, that the exercise would commence from January 1 and last till February 28,” Mr Miakobi said.

    On why Ebonyi is headquarters, Mr Maikobi said: “We have selected Ebonyi under your purposeful leadership as the location for the step-up headquarters for the exercise.”

    Speaking during the distribution of the vans, Governor Umahi said those criticising Operation Python Dance III in the Southeast are against Nigeria’s progress, stressing that the nation must move forward.

    Mr Umahi commended security agencies for their effort in sustaining the security challenges in the state and the country.

    A breakdown of the vehicles showed that the police received 30 vans, Army four, AIG Calabar two, State Security Services three, GOC Enugu 12, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps four, Immigration one, Prisons one, Federal Road Safety Corps 2 and Neighbourhood Watch 15.

    Umahi further explained that the 15 vehicles for Neighbourhood Watch would be shared among the 13 local government areas, stressing that the vans would be used for joint patrols by the security agencies.

    He added that the Herdsmen Committee would also benefit from the gesture.

    Umahi commended the GOC 82 Division Enugu, Cantonment Commandant, Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, adding: “The Operation Python Dance III, which was widely misunderstood, has turned out to be a blessing, contrary to predictions.

    He said the exercise which was misconstrued by some people, has recorded no incidences of infractions, quarrel or torture, among others.

    “I believe that with the pedigree of the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, his commandant and officers, we would continue to shame our enemies.

    “We are brothers and sisters across the Niger and no level of enmity wished by the enemies will help the country.

    “Let us embrace love to engender oneness as this is the only way Nigeria would continue to remain as a nation,” he said.

    The governor berated groups in the Southeast zone which declared that they would participate in the general elections to vote against him.

    “I ask of the need to conduct governorship elections in the state considering what God has done but I will not fold my hands and watch uninformed Ebonyi people continue being killed.

    “When the military was confronted at Umuahia, 90 per cent of those that died were Ebonyians and one person was busy talking about his dog that died.

    “Ebonyi people would never experience a second colonisation and no other group exists in the state but our people who are determined to re-write their history.

    “We would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to rid our state of criminals to sustain its rating as the safest state in the zone,” he said.

    He said the vehicles were distributed to appreciate and complement the efforts of security agencies in the state and particularly praised the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    “The NSCDC has formed the backbone of intelligence-gathering and collaborates effectively with the police by demobilising and handing over criminals.

    “The police would be allotted 30 vehicles, the army 4, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 6, 2 vehicles, GOC 82 Division, 2, State Security Service 3, NSCDC 4 and the Neighbourhood Security Watch, 15.

    “The Nigerian Immigration Service would receive one vehicle, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) 1, Governor’s Convoy 1, Nigerian Legion 1, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 2 and Nigerian Prisons Service 1,” he said.

    Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Muhammad Mustapha, thanked the governor on behalf of other security agencies and pledged that the vehicles would be judiciously utilised.

    “Ebonyi remains the safest state in the Southeast zone and we would ensure that the rate of criminality in the state is reduced to zero per cent.

    “We have been adequately motivated to perform optimally and we assure the people of the protection of their lives and properties,” he said.

    Dr Kenneth Ugbala, Commissioner for Internal Security and Boarder Peace, pledged that the neighbourhood Security Watch would continue to assist security agencies to rid the state of criminals.

  • Aspirant pledges to revamp ailing industries

    The Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for Abia South, Chief Chris Nkwonta said his party has concluded plans to revive the Abia Palm plantation, Ohambele and Ogwe Poultry Farm, to create jobs for the people, if it wins next month’s election.

    Nkwonta lamented that the objectives of establishing the poultry farm and palm plantation in Ukwa West and Ukwa East council areas, respectively,  are yet to be fully realised as they have been allowed to waste while the people suffer unemployment.

    The APGA chieftain, who stated this at Obehie, Ukwa West council, explained that when revived, the palm plantation and the poultry farm can employ over 7,000 youths to put food on the table of most families in the areas.

    He revealed that he has acquired land at Obehie to build an oil mill where products from the Abia Palm would be processed to create more employment and generate income for the state.

    Nkwonta insisted that Ukwa land has not benefitted from government policies despite being an oil-producing area. He assured that APGA  will make the people feel the positive impact of producing oil through the provision of good roads, electricity, modern health facilities and potable water.

    “We have concluded plans to revive the Abia Palm Plantation at Ohambele and the Ogwe Poultry Farm, Ogwe. The two establishments which can create over 7,000 jobs have been lying waste while our people suffer from unemployment and hunger. If APGA wins the election, we will revive them to create jobs for the people and generate income for the state.

    “We have acquired land at former TAP Company to build a palm oil processing mill to develop Ukwa land. Ukwa is an oil-producing zone, Abia is an oil-producing state because of Ukwa land, yet Ukwa people have nothing to show for it. When we win, we will make the people feel the positive impact of producing oil. APGA will provide modern health facilities, good roads, electricity and jobs,” he said.

  • Youths parley with aspirants

    For too long, the electorate have been short-changed by their leaders who renege on promises made to them during electioneering campaigns. The politicians would always cut the picture of honest people while canvassing votes from the electorate. However, when they are voted into power, they turn their backs on members of their constituencies. Any wonder they are described as people who do not think about the next generation but about the next election.

    Concerned about the unsavoury phenomenon, the electorate have decided to hold their representatives accountable to them.

    In the circumstances, therefore, youths of Ohaji/Egbema Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency converged on Crystal Lake Resort, Oguta to inaugurate the Inspired Young Elite of Oguta (IYEO). The main objective the socio-political organisation is to ensure that their representatives make the welfare of members of their constituency a priority.

    It will also enable the youth to have one-on-one dialogue with any Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West political.

    In his welcome speech, President IYEO, Mr Olisa Maduagwu stated that the forum was established in order to have dialogue with the Federal House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Uju Kingsley Chima on issues related to community development. He also said it will help in charting a new path towards actualising the dream of having quality representation at the National Assembly and other elective positions come May, 2019.

    Responding, Hon. Walter Uzonwanne who represented Chima explained that in 2011, Chima and others broke the chain that kept them down politically.

    “When aspired to run for political positions, we didn’t have any godfather. The powers that be tried to suppress us but we did not succumb. Thus we managed to change the narrative of what seemed like the norm. I am happy that youths can now run for political positions without having to rely on a godfather,” he said.

    Uzonwanne, who commended the youth for the initiative also encouraged them to always participate in the affairs of the state, constituency or local government.

    On lack of electricity in Oguta community over the past six years, he stated that the problem would be resolved soon.

    “Over N200 million was made available to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) as part of payment toward restoring light to Oguta communities, even though the Imo State Oil-producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) has taken over the payment of electricity for the oil-producing communities in Imo State.

    “Unfortunately, the N200 million was not properly utilised. Today, it is still under probed. That created a lot of bad blood. But we as political operators in this local government, I’m proud to say I belong to one of them. We have summited an all-time proposal that will help in ameliorating the light situation in Oguta.

    “Oguta, as oil-producing area, need a dedicated sub-station and that is the only way we can have light. If Imo State is given 20 per cent light, we will get 20 per cent. We have completed the design.  The route is from Ogbaku to Ejemekuru, from Ejemekuru to Izombe, from Izombe to Osu-Obodo, from Osu-Obodo to Nnebukwu.

    “I am assuring you that good things take time to achieve. I appeal that you be patient. We are going to have permanent light supply in no distant time. I am not promising you today, but it must definitely come. The design is ready and it’s a technical thing,” he said.

    On security which has raised serious concerns due to frequent outburst of miscreants in the community, Uzonwanne stated that to curb incessant disturbance from miscreants is to begin from the root cause of the problem.

    He further said parents have huge role to play in the lives of their children as they are the children’s first teacher.

    “Parents should give birth to the number of children they can train because when children are brought to the world without receiving proper training, most often than not such children may turn out to be miscreants in the society,” he said.

    The forum’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Christian Okororie said: “We need to change our destiny; we need to change our perspective. Nobody is going to do it for us.

    He also added that they should never sell their votes for any amount of money, even as he urged them to engage in asking questions without abusing leaders.