The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘Save us from erosion’

    ‘Save us from erosion’

    The people of Ndi Uduma Awoke in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State have appealed to the state government, public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to come to their aid and save their community from being wiped out by erosion.

    The people said that if nothing is done urgently that their community will stop existing as erosion sweeps away houses and farmlands almost on a daily basis.

    They said that urgent action must be taken before the rains come, adding that they have been cut off from their neighbouring communities and now lack food.

    Abia is one of the most eroded states in the country. Stretches of communities including farmlands have sunk several feet as  earth broke lose.

    Speaking with newsmen at one of the erosion sites Elder Kalu Jonah, a retired school principal whose building was threatened by the erosion, lamented the inherent danger associated with the menace of the erosion.

    Jonah said that erosion had cut off two residential buildings and the only road network linking their community and neighbouring Amankwu Village, adding that they now find it hard to go to their farms as there are no linking roads anymore.

    He thanked Chief Uche Mgba Uko Dumdum for his quick intervention to the community through the control of the erosion and grading of their road and described him as God’s sent.

    In their separate remarks, Chief Kingsley Kalu Enoch and the Engineer handling the projects, Mr. Uduma said the projects are in two phase, adding that phase one is the grading of the road which is ongoing while the second phase is the control of the gully erosion.

    They solicited the assistance of the state and Federal governments to help them tackle these challenges, and extolled Uko Dumdum for the first lift he is giving the road.

    The people of Ndi Uduma Awoke called on their representatives at the state assembly, federal House of Representatives and the senate to come and help them before it is too late.

    The nation noticed that the community is a ghost of its former self as most people have deserted the community to save their lives and those of their children even as those remaining are finding live very difficult.

  • New group prays for Buhari

    A pressure group, People’s Alliance Front (PAF) sponsored by Great Leadership Advocacy Organisation has been inaugurated in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    The group said its aim is to mobilise the citizens, especially the youths, to lead a mass movement that will achieve social and political transformation.

    There was a session during the event when members of the group went into prayers, interceding on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari who is on medical vacation in London.

    Speaking at the event, the national leader of the group, Ikechukwu Apugo said that time has passed when youths of the country sat at home to criticise any government in power without giving a helping hand through suggestions.

    Apugo said that the platform being launched is an inclusive one formed to bring social and politically conscious Nigerians together to achieve progress and development irrespective of party affiliations.

    He said, “Our objective and belief is the need to achieve transformational leadership through citizen engagement which will in turn add substantial value to people’s lives as well as improve service delivery”.

    “We also aim to engage and educate Nigeria citizens towards participating in their civic and social responsibilities and mobilise support for funds and aids for indigents as well as victims of natural disaster and refugees”.

    Apugo said that the group is open to all members from all walks of life irrespective of political, religion or ethnic inclination, adding that they have made tremendous in road by drawing new members in all the six geopolitical zone of the country, “Especially in both the Southeast and Northeast zones”.

    The PAF national leader said that the group is an avenue where people are given the voice to say what they government of the day is not doing right or doing right without being insulting.

    He said, “PAF which we are inaugurated is to become the people’s voice with the aim of making Nigeria great again and it is not a political party but a pressure group that encompasses every unit of the country”.

    “We have inaugurated the Southeast zone of the group this is the reason behind all the states in the zone being here for the inauguration and the zonal inauguration will be done in all the remaining five zones of the country”.

    “It is a mass movement of like-minded persons committed to the development of our nation, a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and cross-political initiative that fosters good governance, service delivery, accountability and humanitarianism”.

    “In PAF, we believe that citizens play a pivotal role in complementing the efforts of governments at all levels, hence the need for everyone to contribute their quota towards the growth and development of every aspect of our national life”.

    “The core of our objective and believe is the need to achieve transformational leadership through citizen engagement which will in turn add substantial value to people’s lives as well as improve service delivery”.

    “I call on all who want to see our country soar to greatness again to join us in PAF as leadership is not the exclusive reserve of the privileged, all hands must be on deck to make our country great again”.

    “That is the reason behind our prayers for our leaders at all levels, especially our President Muhammadu Buhari, it is our prayer that God will restore his health and give him wisdom to turn the fortunes of the country around.”

     

  • Vampire falls

    Vampire falls

    Even for a notorious and elusive kidnap kingpin, there is an end. OKODILI NDIDI reports on the killing of Henry Chibueze, who once terrorised ordinary folks and mystified security agencies

    The curtain has fallen on the 15 inglorious years of terror unleashed on the Southeast by one of the most notorious kidnappers, Henry Chibueze, known as Vampire.

    For these years, no less than 200 innocent people, including traditional rulers, government officials, businessmen and women, including children, lost their lives in the hands of the dreaded Vampire.

    His name invoked fear within the security circles, as well as in the underworld, where he was reputed to have ruled with unequalled cruelty and ruthlessness. Other gang members revered him and never dared to cross his path or undermine his strength.

    Even after his tragic end, blood-curdling stories of how he murdered his victims in cold blood after collecting ransom are still fresh in the minds of relatives and few lucky ones that came out of Vampire’s camp alive.

    Until his death, the mystery of how Vampire coordinated his vast and blood-soaked cross-border empire under the radar of security agencies has remained unsolved. He was rumoured to have fortified himself and members of his gang with charms by a reputed powerful fetish priest.

    At the height of his reign, Vampire instilled fear in the hearts of the rich who reportedly paid him millions of naira to avoid being abducted.

    Police reports said Vampire maintained one of the most sophisticated armouries boasting high-calibre weapons that can withstand the firepower of security agents. Some of the notable people that were brutally murdered by the diminutive kidnapper included a member of the Imo State House of Assembly who was killed in 2015, a traditional ruler and his wife from Mbaise Local Area of Imo State who were abducted and murdered, with their corpses still missing.

    Others were one Malaysia-based businessman who was kidnapped in Owerri and strangulated in the bush by the gang, another family of three that were kidnapped and murdered even after paying ransom.

    He was equally responsible for the wiping out of the entire family members of his girlfriend whom he accused of stealing his money, among other heinous crimes.

    Stanley Izu (not real name), whose wife was once kidnapped by Vampire, recalled his ugly experience in the hands of the gang members.

    He said, “I don’t like remembering the incident. My wife was kidnapped when she was coming back from market in front of our compound and taken to an unknown bush where she was held captive for two weeks. That was the most trying period of my life. I paid N10 million for her release. Since then my wife has never been able to get over the shock”.

    Others, especially the female victims, equally gave the gory details of how they were raped, beaten and dehumanized by Vampire.

    His gang members according to Police sources, where also at the receiving end of his cruelty. Some of them were reportedly killed and buried in shallow graves for disobeying of questioning his directives.

    Security operatives for years battled to uncover this kingpin that has remained invincible. However in 2015, luck ran out of the gang when Vampire led his men to Imo State to kidnap High Court Judges that were in the state for election assignment. He was shot and arrested by men of the DSS.

    The news of his arrest was greeted by wild jubilation within and outside security circle, victims and their family members came to catch a glimpse of the mindless Vampire.

    But the joy was short lived as Vampire who was standing trial for his numerous crimes was rescued by his men who invaded the Owerri High Court and whisked him aware.

    His dramatic escape shook the entire Southeast. That feeling of fear and anxiety that had almost gone gradually returned. People no longer kept late nights or attended occasions in flashy cars.

    And true to prediction, Vampire struck four days after his escape.

    The victims who were returning from shopping in Ikenegbu area of Owerri, were abducted and their bodies found the following day in another part of the city.

    This was followed by other cases of unconfirmed kidnappings that were later traced to members of the dreadful gang. It was also revealed that the unrepentant Vampire was also planning the big one, and his target was the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha who placed N5million bounty on his head when he escaped.

    Police sources also disclosed that within the time he escaped, Vampire had replenished his armoury with over N5 million worth of ammunition. But like those that had reigned before him, Vampire met his waterloo in the hands of members of the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police, who traced him to his camp in a forest in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. He was shot dead in a gun duel, while five of his gang members were arrested, bringing to an end one of the longest reigns of terror in the Southeast.

    When the news of his death filtered in, Imo State erupted in a frenzy as politicians, businessmen, market women and students besieged the Police headquarters, to see the remains of the man that had brought them untold pain and agony.

    Policemen and other security operatives were also in high spirit as they await the arrival of the IRT who have been in the bush for two weeks tracking Vampire and his gang members.

    At last, the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, who paraded the lifeless body of the notorious kidnapper, said, “the IGP sent me here to reassure the Imo people of adequate security. So the terror, fear and anxiety cursed by the escape of Vampire is now a thing of the past. People should go about their lawful businesses”.

    According to the Police spokesperson, “the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, concerned by the spate of kidnapping in the South-South, deployed the Special Forces led by the Intelligence Response Team in conjunction with the Imo State Police Command, to track down criminals in this state and other neighbouring states.

    “I want to make bold to tell you today that the principal suspect in this regard, Mr. Henry Chibueze, aka Vampire has been a terror in these states around this period, the IGP concerned by this deployed the Special Forces to track him down and to ensure that all kidnappers are rounded up and prosecuted”.

    Continuing, he said, “You will recall that the principal suspect, Vampire, was rescued by his colleagues from rescued from the Imo State High Court on the 27 of January when he was been brought for judgment, it is quite unfortunate that this happened and the Police rose up to the occasion and he was promptly arrested.

    “At the early hours of today around 1am, the Special Forces tracked him down in a village in the forest, at a location at Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State. On sighting the Police, they opened fire on the Special Forces first and the Forces replied the fire and in the process the Vampire was gunned down and he died while he was been taken to the hospital.

    “The other suspects played several key roles in the commission of various kidnappings and killings in this state and other neighbouring states”.

  • Summiteers challenge youths on leadership

    They were not simply reminded that they are leaders of tomorrow. At a summit in Enugu organised by the state youth council, youths were also told to be honest, hard-working and pursue their skills rather than wait for government or search endlessly for white collar jobs. Youths can outperform their older counterparts, declared Prof. Hillary Edeoga, a former Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

    Edeoga was one of several attendees of the summit who urged the youths to take their place in the development of the nation.

    The summit was titled “Youths as Agents of Positive Change”.

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was represented by his Special Adviser on Youth Affairs, Dr. Chukwuemeka Asogwa.

    Prof Edeoga stressed the need for youths to be empowered and involved in policymaking.

    “The youths are the leaders of today and tomorrow,” Prof. Edeoga said. “Youths have a role in sustainable development for they are the future. They can be and are part of the solution. Young people have a role in building and rebuilding themselves, their families, their communities, and the larger institutions that shape the quality of life. Every nation needs a significant number of people who are willing to change the status quo, to garner support for innovation and support and advocate for young people.”

    Prof. Edeoga maintained that young people can outperform their older counterparts in leadership and administration roles, owing to their energy and creativity. He credited so many landmark achievements made towards the independence of our nation to the efforts of the Nigerian youths of those days. He then admonished the youths to make honesty and diligence their watchwords.

    One of the guest speakers, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. C.O.C Egumgbe, in his speech, advised the youths to be honest always and to seek competence. Barr. Egumgbe who was also the founding PDP Chairman of Enugu state, maintained that all his life and career, honesty and competence have always stood him out.

    He said, “Young people should always be honest in all their undertakings, especially when they are given opportunities. They shouldn’t be after what amount of money they could amass, but should use every opportunity to attain competence.”

    Another speaker, the South-South Regional Recovery Manager, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Ejike Aroh, who delivered his speech in Igbo language,  encouraged the youths to be very productive and to always develop their selves and their acquired skills/talents. He frowned at the habit of waiting for unavailable white collar jobs instead of engaging oneself in a worthwhile venture. He said, “Don’t wait for white collar jobs, package whatever business or skills you have and earn a living with it.”

    He also cited honesty and integrity as the two indispensable qualities for the growth and development of any youth.

    Mr. Aroh further appreciated His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State and Dr. Chukwuemeka Asogwa the SA to the Governor on Youth Affairs for their thoughtfulness and interest in focusing on the youth who constitute a majority of the population of the state and who have latent potentials that need to be harnessed and properly channelled to achieve positive impact in the society. And for his ardent interest in the propagation of the Igbo cultural heritage and language, Mr. Aroh promised sponsorship for an Igbo writing contest, if organized by the Enugu State Youth outh Council.

    The CEO, Peace Mass Transit Ltd, Dr. Sam Onyishi, in his speech, told the youths to imbibe the attitude of doing things for themselves and not waiting for everything, especially employment from the government. He identified pride and lack of focus as some of the things that militate against the development of Nigerian youths. He advised the youths to be willing and determined to grow from small businesses, and to avoid spending from their businesses still trying to survive. He said, “Stop waiting for the government to give you everything. If you know what you are doing, with N500,000 you are made for life.”

    He advised that youths should come together in partnership, pull their resources together to enable them achieve their aims. “Stop waiting, start doing something. Come together, united we stand, divided we fall.”

    He stated that youths should not be discouraged by the fear of failure. He maintained that failure is a constant in business. “I myself have failed and I still fail in some business decisions. The number of times we failed is not the problem; it is the ability to rise again. Don’t spend from your new business, until you grow the business.” He added.

    The CEO, Softran System Enterprise Nig. Ltd, Chief Chris Onyekachi, in his own speech, maintained that the development of any nation is highly linked to how empowered are her youths. He said that the youth must seriously work towards their personal development and that of their society too. He stated that no nation attains greatness without the growth and development of her young people, hence the need for the society to treat as very important, issues bothering on youth empowerment. He however, enjoined the youth to be honest, hardworking, focused and humble, citing these qualities as the vehicles that have ferried him to the position he has attained today. He said, “Young people are the hope of any nation. They determine the development of any country… I advise you to be hardworking and most importantly, honest. Be honest in all you do. Don’t fall for quick money syndrome. Work hard and stop showing off. Be humble, be focused and pray to God, you will succeed.” He asked youths present in the event to send any well written business proposal of their choice to his official mail. He promised to sponsor the best 20 business proposals received from the youths present at the programme. He also promised to offer free business advice and consultancy services to the youth present, anytime.

    Another main speaker at the summit, the chairman of PENGASSAN, South-South/South-East Zone, Comr. Azubuike, M. Azubuike, also admonished the youths to be innovative, courageous and responsible so as to help take the state and the nation to an enviable height.

    Majority of the speakers at the event frowned at the current trends of unemployed youth using very expensive electronic gadgets such as exotic phones and tablets. They encouraged the youths to concentrate more on building businesses and skills than owning luxuries.

    Other invited guests include the former SA to the Governor of Enugu state on youth affairs, Comr. Barr. Obiora Onyia; the commissioner of Environment and Mineral Resources, Amb. Fidel Ayogu, among others.

    The facilitator of the event and president of Enugu State Youth Council, Comr. Nnaemeka Agada, said that the summit was to support the effort of the governor in his efforts towards the development of the youth in the state.

    Youths present at the event include unemployed graduates and students from different tertiary institutions in the state.

  • One-hour fire wrecks family in Aba

    One-hour fire wrecks family in Aba

    Their son dead, apartment up in flames and the rest of the household in hospital, all this Aba family needs is help, reports SUNNY NWANKWO 

    In just 60 minutes they lost their only son and with him their apartment. The other survivors are in hospital being treated for various degrees of burns. Mr David Chukwu and his family have been grieving since the February 20 inferno in Aba, the Abia State commercial capital. They need help urgently.

    Chukwu’s son, seven-year-old Godswill, did not die immediately; he passed on five days after, in hospital. Chukwu’s wife, Favour, his six-year-old daughter Rachel, and six-month-old Miracle also sustained burns and were admitted in hospital.

    Our reporter, who met Godswill and other members of his family a day before he died, learnt that it took over three hours for his wounds to be dressed. The children’s cries while the dressing lasted could melt a stony heart.

    Godswill asked for watermelon and a malt drink, showing no sign of stress. Thereafter, he slept peacefully while the reporter interviewed his parents. Rachel pestered her parents for one thing or the other while the youngest child slept off after being breastfed.

    Speaking to reporters, Mr. Chukwu, an indigene of Okoko Item in Bende Local Government Area of the state, said he lost everything he had laboured for over the years to the fire including the wares that he had wanted to take to the market the next day.

    Chukwu said he was at the church when the incident happened, adding  that all they could salvage from their one-room apartment was the clothing he has been wearing since the fire.

    The family has been surviving on charity, he said.

    Chukwu said, “I was not at home when the incident happened because I went to church for a programme. I was told that after my wife poured  kerosene into the lantern and struck a match, an explosion occurred. I bought the kerosene and we have been using it to cook on our stove three days before that incident. But the cause of the fire is what I cannot explain, because if it were to be adulterated kerosene, the one we have been using to cook would have exploded before the fire incident. My neighbours and others who were at the scene at the time of the incident said that they took them to various hospitals including the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital where the hospitals rejected them before they were brought to this hospital where they have been receiving treatment. Since that day, I don’t go to market again because the goods I wanted to go to the bush market with the next day including cash left in the house were all gone in the fire. I only spend my day here at the hospital to take care of them with some of my family members and relatives.

    “The doctor hasn’t told us how much our medical bill is, though they have been doing their best since we came to see how they can save the life of my wife and other children.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, his wife and other public-spirited individuals to come to our aid. They should come to the rescue of my family. They should come to save my wife and my surviving daughters. We are in a great pain at the moment.”

    Mrs. Favour David said they came out of the fire alive through the timely intervention of neighbours and passersby.

    She said, “When the explosion occurred, the fire went straight to the door and started burning the door. It was at that time that I rushed at the door and eventually forced myself out with the little baby that I was carrying at my back. It was in that process that I and my baby sustained fire burns. Godswill and Rachel were brought out from the fire by neighbours who rushed us to ABSUTH (Abia State Teaching Hospital) and other private hospitals including SDA, but we were all rejected because of our condition. But when we were brought here (MAZPA), they admitted us and have been attending to us.”

    Mrs. Chukwu said that the family has been feeding through the assistance of members of the public who on hearing what happened to them will come with food items.

    She called on the state governor, Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, his wife, Nkechi, corporate and religious organisations including public spirited individuals to come to their aide, stressing that the burden of paying their hospital bills and starting life afresh was too much for them to bear.

    The chairman of MAZPA Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ekezie Ejikem in a telephone interview with our correspondent disclosed that late Godswill had 95percent burn and that makes his chances of survival slim.

    According to Dr. Ejikem, “If the boy had survived, he would have had his legs amputated because they (legs) were badly burnt by the fire that engulfed their home. For the other members of the family, we are

    monitoring their progress. The last baby had about 20 percent burn, the mum, about 40 and the 6-year-old about 50 or 60 percent respectively.”

    He said that the hospital bills of the victims estimated to be in the region of N2million.

    Donations for the hospital bills and upkeep of the family should be made through this United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) account number 2004684231 with account name Onuoha Chukwu, father of the fire victims.

     

  • Enugu community protests acquisition of ancestral land

    Enugu community protests acquisition of ancestral land

    The people of Amechi-Uwani in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State have protested the acquisition of over 2000 hectares of their ancestral land called Agbana. The expanse of land has been a matter of controversy since the days of the old Anambra state when Senator Jim Nwobodo, who incidentally is one of their kinsmen, wanted to acquire the land as the permanent site of the then Anambra state University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH).

    But according to the traditional Prime minister of the community, Chief Michael Oguejiofor Okenwa: “We protested pointing out that the land was the only one left as we had lost all our other land which includes University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, parts of Independence Layout, Nigeria Police College, etc. Because of our reasonable and heart touching explanation, Nwobodo could not go ahead with his plan. He dropped the idea.

    “After Nwobodo, came military Governor Emeka Omeruo who tried to resume the permanent site plan. Due to our continued pathetic argument and protest, he too could do nothing other than to start erecting one building on the land. Still no negotiation, no compensation, no gazette, no acquisition.

    “Governor Allison Madueke later replaced Omeruo and went ahead to publish a gazette purporting to acquire the land for the said university. Still there was no negotiation and no compensation. Our protest continued. Then came Chimaroke Nnamani who perfectly understood our case and plight. Consequently he took the university to Agbani, and we heaved a sigh of relief.”

    The community’s jubilation was, however, cut short when the immediate past dispensation in the state led by Sullivan Chime took over the reins of power. The land was neither returned to them nor was it acquired for overriding public interest but for private use.

    The community said, “Sadly, instead of releasing the land to us, Sullivan Chime who succeeded Nnamani handed the land to a private developer – Private Estate International West Africa allegedly owned by his brother and others. This company is parcellating and selling our land without recourse to any law of the land. No negotiation, no compensation.

    “We went to court against Enugu State Government and the private developers. More than one year ago, the defendants told the court that they wanted out of court settlement and requested for time. We and the court agreed but the defendants failed to initiate any negotiation since then. Instead they have intensified the sale of our land to all sorts of people powerful enough to bully us into abandoning our birth right.”

    Members of the community who poured out in hundreds on Tuesday morning, although, exonerated the current administration in the state led by Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from their travails, they, however, in a letter to the governor drew his attention to the “bitterness, disappointment and unfair treatment meted on the owners of the land and handed over to a private developer without negotiation with or compensation to us.”

    They told the governor in the letter that the land in question, Agbana Land (Now being called Centenary City) is their ancestral land owned by the clans that make up Amechi-Uwani. The clans include Umu Nuzi, Umu Ogori, Umu Nwachi, Umu Agom, Umu Arum, Umu Oko Aga, Umu Nnaji Aga Egbo, Umu Chime Ngwu and Umu Ngaa Nvene.

    They further told the governor that “the land in question is the only homestead we have for our children, having lost all others to government acquisition. We have paid our dues and government, our government is requested to be understanding enough and hands off this remaining land. If any part of our land must be needed, appropriate negotiation and compensation platform should be erected and put into force.”

    At the protest procession, the community members displayed placards some of which read, “Give us back our land as it is no more for ESUT”; “ Government don’t acquire land to sell, they acquire for public interest”; Our land acquired for ESUT is now Jide Chime’s own through his brother ex-governor Sullivan Chime”.

  • Postmaster General pledges to reposition NIPOST

    The Postmaster General of Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) Mr Bisi Adegbuyi has promised to reposition post offices across the country to make them viable.

    Adegbuyi said that the desire to see the NIPOST regain its glory inspired his tour of all the territories of the postal agency in the country to see things for himself to enable him assess the situation.

    Speaking in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Adegbuyi said he has seen that the territory in Abia State, like in other states so far visited, lack basic amenities and are poorly staffed, with dilapidated infrastructure, among other challenges.

    Adegbuyi said that having seen things for himself, he has also been able to assess their problems, “Having seen the problems it means that the solutions are also near”.

    The postal agency boss said that the best thing to do is give the workers direction, adding that NIPOST has the potential to make money.

    He said, “They have the reach and the materials to achieve the desired results”.

    He said, “The Universal Postal Union sees NIPOST as very important agency and they are ready to assist us in any area we may need help such as in the area of capacity building among others”.

    “We are partnering with private organisations which are going to leverage on our existing infrastructure to uplift the postal agency, in-spite of the advent of internet which has been a source of worry for us, NIPOST cannot be dispensed with for obvious reason”.

    “The internet has a lot of advantages but they cannot be compared with NIPOST such as carrying of parcels and other bulky mails which are some of the areas we have comparative advantage above it”.

    “I am not going to use technology in the improvement of the agency as such will entail our workers to lose their jobs, rather I will allow you to embrace technology as one of the global best practices”.

    “Once NIPOST can put their house in order and with the number of staff available to us, we can always over take our fellow competitors, this administration is determined to reposition the agency to enable it take its rightful position after which our revenue will increase”.

    Adegbuyi promised to clear all outstanding allowances and salary arrears of the workers as management has already started with those on the salary level 1-5 staff of the agency.

    He said that they are going to block all leakages for them to succeed and from such recovered funds, it will be thrown back into the welfare package for peace and smooth working of both the staff and management.

  • Aba: Redemption for a flooded city

    Aba: Redemption for a flooded city

    Renowned for its infrastructural decay, as for its commercial success, Aba, Abia State’s money-spinning city, may be nearing the end of its flooding nightmare. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    Aba’s infrastructural rot once drew tears, in the 80s, from Chief Sam Mbakwe, then governor of Old Imo State, of which present-day Abia State was part. After a heavy downpour, residents of a part of the commercial town found over 50 of their houses not only submerged but washed off into a ditch deep enough to take up a seven-storey building.

    Governor Mbakwe soon heard what happened and took it up with then president Alhaji Shehu Shagari. The President came to Aba and promised to reclaim the waterlogged areas. He kept the promise. Since then other administrations have made some efforts to keep Aba above water. Most failed, otherwise residents of the state’s commercial nerve would not be as depressed as they are about their infrastructural challenges.

    It seems there is hope, for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has awarded the contract to rework parts of the city that are heavily affected by the floods. His plan is to turn Faulks-Brass Road into a dual-carriageway.  For that to happen, much of the area will be de-flooded, and that will bring a lot of relief to residents and traders at the nearby popular Ariaria Market.  He is also paying attention to other parts of the commercial city.

    On countless occasions, traders at Ariaria International market Aba, especially those at A Line recorded losses which forced many to close shop during the rainy season. A shop owner who pleaded not to be named, told our reporter that they had to buy rainboots to wade through the dirty water and arrange with their customers over the phone where they would deliver the customers’ goods as the market was flooded.

    Several attempts have been made by past administrations in the state to address the situation of flood in Ariaria, Faulks Road and the dreaded “Ukwu Mango” but the situation has remained the same.

    Governor Ikpeazu not only awarded the contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Faulks Road to Setraco Construction Company but also followed up the progress of work on Brass, Faulks and Ifeobara Pond from where it is expected that the storm water will be moved to the Aba River.

    Ikpeazu speaking to newsmen at the end of an inspection of work on Faulks Road and Ifeobara Pond said, “We are taking advantage of the dry season window. It is now imperative that we monitor them to make sure that they achieve the milestone we desire so we can put enough to stock for the dry season. I think they are doing well. Construction in this part of Nigeria [requires you to be] careful about how you plan your site so that you don’t lose the mileage you have achieved when the rains come because the rains will come certainly. This is the time for us to tie up our ends. We’ve just done about one-third of what we have at hand to do. There are projects in Umuahia, others in Abia North; we want our contractors at their best to do what they are supposed to do.

    The governor spoke about specific areas of focus.

     

    On Ifeobara basin

    “The Ifeobara basin is a natural basin for storm water in this environment. What you saw that people built up around here took up part of this Ifeobara pond and the thing continued to constitute until water began to overflow up to Uratta and Omuma roads. So, we are trying to recover the area of this Ifeobara pond and ensure that we retain water to its full capacity and also prepare to pump overflow from Ifeobara to waterside. That’s why the entire design of Ifeobara pond and Faulks road encapsulates or has within it the capacity to pump overflowing water from Ifeobara down to waterside.

     

    Keeping drainage from being blocked

     

    “What concerns us today is that most buildings in Aba don’t even have facilities for toilets and bathrooms. They pipe their water straight onto the roads thereby undermining the quality and reduce the lifespan of the roads. We are not going to allow that. We are preparing to engage people. We solicit the help of the press and the public to enlighten people that if you have a building without toilet and bathroom, and you are piping bathroom water to the road, it is only a recipe for epidemic; it is also not socially good. And infrastructurally, we are borrowing to do some of these things; we don’t want them to go back within the life of this administration. I will assure that we have the will to enforce these things that will protect our infrastructure.

     

    Port Harcourt Road

    “PH Road is a federal government road; unfortunately there are no federal citizens. So, we are touched. Initially, you are aware that we have been waiting for ADB to give us facility to go into that road and give it the kind of touch we are giving to Faulks road and other areas. But the thing is delaying; we are almost marking our second year anniversary. We think that because of the strategic nature of PH road where they manufacture machine tools and fabrication, to bring them to support our battle for the growth of SMEs in our environment, we look into PH road at this time. And going there shows that we have developed interest. I have asked some good contractors to look at it. Very soon, we will advertise that road. We will do it.

     

    Economic importance of the road project

    “If you have been following our strategy for development, we are running on five pillars of development. The first is trade and commerce and SMEs, you can see that our priority roads are the ones that either lead to the markets or give access to the market or give access to the SME centres. And Faulks road is an example; you can talk about access to Ariaria market. 60% of those who come to Abia State from outside visit Ariaria, that’s why for the passerby, the Aba indigenes, visitors and people coming for economic reasons, Faulks road is the key. Then, the cost of roads we are doing at Amamong, that’s where the shorts, gowns, shirts and pants. So, what we are doing is it to enhance the economic activities going on in that area.

     

    Complaints by landlords of demolished buildings 

    “You will be entitled to compensation if you have title documents. If not your compensation will only come from heaven. The people who erected structures in that area were not supposed to do so.”

    That is why we are where we are now and then draw milestones for where we will like to be in April because we are funding our contractors heavily from this month so as to take full advantage of the dry season window which is just a few weeks ahead and it is now imperative that we monitor them on day-to-day basis to make sure that they achieve the milestone that we desire so that we can put enough in stock for the dry season. I think that they are doing well. Construction in this part of Nigeria requires that you must be careful about how you plan your site so that you don’t lose the mileage that you have achieved when the rains come because the rains will certainly come. And that is why it is important for us to tie up our ends going forward. This is going to be regular than before. We just toured 1/3 of what we have to do today. There are projects that are as active as this in Umuahia, Abia North and we want to make sure that our contractors are at their best doing what they are supposed to do.

     

    Brass Street

    I am impressed by what the contractor is doing at Brass and Ifeobara Basin. Setraco is a very experienced hand and they work strictly according to specification. I think that our vision to do world class road leading into Ariaria and opening up to Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway is beginning to yield fruit. brass is looking like what it is supposed to be, which is a major access to Ariaria and I think that I am excited and I just hope and pray they will continue in that direction.

     

  • Ebonyi flooded communities demand compensation

    The three communities in Ebonyi and Enugu states donated land for the siting of a dam. Seven years after, their compensation was yet to be paid. Worse, as they allege, their communities were flooded last year. There was no help from anywhere. That was why they protested to the Federal Government, which acquired their land for the dam project.

    The communities are Ishiagu in Ivo Local government area of Ebonyi state, Ukey and Okpanku both in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The communities said that they have been suffering following the loss of their farmlands to the federal government which is their only source of livelihood.

    According to them, the construction of the dam also worsened their already precarious situation as the dam caused artificial flooding of their communities and farmlands last year which destroyed their crops and other properties worth millions of naira.

    They spoke when the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu Kazaure paid an inspection visit to the dam site.

    The multi-purpose dam is being built over the Ivo River for irrigation, water supply and power generation purposes.

    In a welcome address by Ukey Autonomous community presented by Nwagbara Patrick, the community said they were in support of the construction of the dam but called for adequate compensation to people who lost crops, land and other properties.

    He said, “It is imperative to bring to your notice that the enumerated crops have not been paid for, we solicit for your intervention in this regard.

    “This land acquired by the federal government for this project is the commuities major source of livelihood and since it has been taken away, they have nothing to sustain themselves ahgain. We appeal to you to come to their aid by paying some amount to individuals or community monthly”.

    “The community is also using this platform to bring to your notice that many buildings along the road leading to the dam were destroyed without compensation. We therefore appeal to you to intervene on the matter”.

    “The community is requesting for a standard hospital due to the possible outbreak of different diseases as a result of sitting the dam”.

    Mr Uchenna Orji, who spoke on behalf of Ishiagu community called for adequate compensation for the people promising that the community will be peaceful in their agitation for their rights.

    While noting that the community was never consulted before the citing of the dam, Mr Orji also called for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out in the area before moving forward with the construction of the dam.

    Dr Julius Aja, President General of Okpanku Community Town Union said over 100,000 persons from his community was affected.

    He called for the construction of a bridge to enable the villagers access their farmlands which have been cut off by the artificial flooding caused the building of the dam.

    The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe said that over 10,000 hectares of farmlands in Ebonyi were submerged by the flooding with over 20,000 persons rendered homeless as a result of the flood.

    “Farming is the main stay of the people and these people were reduced to beggars due to the flooding and the risk is that the youths could turn to crime to make ends meet. So it becomes very necessary to as soon as possible compensate them for their losses”.

     

  • Assemblies of God to recover property after supreme court victory

    With the relief of a Supreme Court judgement, the Assemblies of God Nigeria is now pushing to recover every property occupied by members of the church loyal to former leader Rev Paul Emeka who has lost his case at the apex court.

    After a protracted legal tussle over the leadership of the church between Rev Chidi Okoroafor and Emeka, the Supreme Court last week delivered judgement in favour of Okoroafor as the authentic General Superintendent of the church.

    The court as well affirmed the earlier suspension of Emeka as the General Superintendent of the Church by the committee.

    Addressing journalists at the International Conference Centre, Assemblies of God Nigeria Evangel Camp Okpoto, Ebonyi State, Rev.  Okoroafor said the church would not watch while illegal occupants mess up its structures.

    Present at the briefing were all the 19 members of the church’s General Executive Committee.

    Among them were the Assistant General Superintendent, Rev. Pastor Ejikeme Ejim, General Secretary, Rev. Godwin Amaowoh, and General Treasurer, Rev. Vincent Alaje, as well as all the zonal heads of the church across the country.

    Okoroafor called on the pastors and the members who stood with Emeka while the matter was on to return with genuine repentance before it is late.

    His speech read: “Blessed be the God of the founding fathers of the Assemblies of God Nigeria. He is a prayer answering God; He is a great God. He has demonstrated that He is the owner of the church. He has shown himself great and wonderful.ý

    “In the first place, Assemblies of God Nigeria by biblical standards and our Constitution should not have gone to court to settle an internal matter. However, ethics demands that when one takes you to court you must necessarily answer to show your regards for this quintessential arm of government, the judiciary. This is exactly what happened.

    “When our former leader, Rev. Paul Emeka, unfortunately took the church to court instead of resorting to our internal administrative set up capable of resolving any issues, the church responded accordingly.

    “As our legal men were still on preliminary objections, His Lordship, the judge of the court of first instance (Enugu High Court) delivered a surprise judgement granting him his prayers. We appealed the judgement to the Enugu division of the Federal Court of Appeal. We resorted to intensive prayers to the God of our founding fathers, who used the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgement to set aside the judgement of the High Court and upheld the decision of the General Committee of the Church of 6th March, 2014. Rev. Emeka was not satisfied with the judgement of the Court of Appeal and he appealed the judgement to the apex court (Supreme Court) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The same God of our past victory did it again and on Friday February 24th, the Supreme Court sitting in Abuja dismissed his appeal and upheld the judgement of the Appeal Court which had upheld the decision of the church which dismissed her former General Superintendent, Rev Dr Paul Emeka.

    “We are aware that few of our pastors and members unfortunately decided to pitch their tent with an individual instead of the church. Some may have been deceived into such costly mistake. Some even claimed to remain neutral awaiting the Supreme Court judgement. Today, on behalf of the leadership of Assemblies of God Nigeria, we extend a generous olive branch to every genuine repentant fellow. The Executive Committee has set up a platform for the returnees to access. We are very open. It is not about victors or losers. It’s about Assemblies of God Nigeria and the mission God handed over to us which must be accomplished without further distractions.

    “Be that as it may, the Assemblies of God Nigeria is an incorporated church. Anyone that would not align with AG Nigeria should vacate Assemblies of God premises and property immediately.

    “Similarly, the general public, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the three tiers of government and all banks, are hereby notified that:

    1. Assemblies of God Nigeria is not divided.
    2. She has only elected Executive Committee.
    3. One leadership comprising one General Superintendent, Rev. Chidi Okoroafor, an Assistant General Superintendent, Rev Pastor Ejikeme Ejim, a General Secretary, Rev. Dr Godwin Amaowoh and a General Treasurer, Rev. Vincent Alaje.

    “We appreciate the world Assemblies of God Fellowship (AGF), African Assemblies of God Alliance (AAGA), our legal team, various pastors and members from all the units of Assemblies of God Nigeria for their efforts, concerns and prayers. We appreciate some denominational leaders who stood by the church. We further express our confidence on the Nigerian judiciary under the influence of the fear of God.

    God bless you.”

    Meanwhile, the secretariat of the church has been taken over by armed policemen pending the interpretation of the judgment by the Enugu State Commissioner of Police.