The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Navy keeps criminals at bay in Abia community

    Navy keeps criminals at bay in Abia community

    Criminals have found it difficult to operate in Owerrinta, an Abia State community on the Imo State border. That is because the Navy has its school of finance and logistics there.

    Owerrinta is a travellers’ hub, a location from where transporters head Southwards or Southeast. The high volume of human and merchandise traffic have for year drawn all manner of characters to Owerrinta, a good percentage quite criminal.

    But crimnality has ceased since the navy moved in, bringing peace to the bustling border community, which hosts several popular secondary schools.

    One of the residents of the community who gave his name as Chima Njoku said that the presence of the navy in their community has given them a sense of belonging as they have impacted positively on their lives.

    Njoku said that the people of the community has always made their naval hospital accessible for them while their pregnant women are given free treatment and free HIV/AIDS scanning.

    From the community has also come more assurances from the navy on security, and not just for the community residents but for everyone else. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Ibok Ibas, who came into town, said the Navy is determined to ensure adequate security along national territorial waterways.

    Speaking during a visit to the Nigerian Navy School of Finance and Logistics Owerrinta, Abia state, Admiral Ibas said that the criminal acts on the waterways will soon be a thing of the past. He said that the navy has been mandated to handle all issues concerning criminalities along the waterways such as illegal bunkering, stealing of crude oil, and piracy among others.

    The navy chief, who inspected ongoing projects in the school, warned criminals who have made the waterways their safe haven to steer clear or face the music. He noted that piracy, crude oil theft and other illegalities in the maritime environment have been a major source of revenue leakage for the country.

    “We are determined to bring them to a halt,” he said.

    The navy chief said the navy is prepared for war against maritime crimes.

    “We are prepared and winning the war against maritime criminals, and there will be no hiding place for them under this administration”.

    Admiral Ibas who spoke through the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Biola Mohammed, observed that the navy is determined to ensure that its personnel are given professional training.

    He said, “We in the naval arm of the Nigerian military are determined to ensure that our officers and men are given both professional and military education to enable them perform their duty very well.”

    “We give all strata of our men the best international standard training practices as is obtainable at any navy all over the world, therefore manpower development, professional ethics among others are our priority”.

    He expressed happiness with the level of development in the school and urged them not to hesitate to bring to his notice anything that will be a clog in the wheel of progress in their education in the school.

    Admiral Ibas also thanked the commandant of the school, Capt Abdulahi Aminu for the able way he and his men have been tackling the issue of criminals in the state and urged them to continue the good work.

    Earlier in his welcome speech, Capt Aminu thanked the CNS for finding time out of his busy schedule to visit the school.

    “Sir,” he said, “this shows that you have great regards for this school, the naval officers studying here and our host community”.

    Capt Aminu promised that the school and the ratings and officers in the school will not let the navy and the federal government down as they are determined to do their work with the best international standard practices.

  • Warm words for Ebonyi CP as AIG visits

    Warm words for Ebonyi CP as AIG visits

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 6, Abubakar Mara-fa, stopped by the Ebonyi State command, and it was all kind words for his host Peace Ibekwe, the state commissioner of police.

    The CP took office one year ago when kidnapping and other violent crimes were beginning to rear their ugly heads again a few months after the general elections and proceeded to rid the state of the criminals fomenting trouble.

    She came up with innovative policing techniques that saw to the arrest of many kidnappers and armed robbers which led to the drastic reduction of crime levels in the state.

    So, it was not surprising that encomiums poured in from various quarters during the visit of the Assistant Inspector General of Police who paid a working visit to the state.

    The Spokesman of the police in the state, DSP George Okafor commended the CP for her welfare packages to the officers of the command, adding that the officers have never had it so good before.

    “The CP makes sure that all our entitlements are paid as and at when due and this has boosted the morale of the officers and the result is the re-invigoration of the operations of the command leading to a drastic reduction in crime rate in the state as criminals have left the state in droves because there is no chance for them to operate and a few who try to disturb the peace are promptly arrested through the increased surveillance and synergy with other sister security agencies championed by the CP.”

    The chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in a speech during a meeting of the committee with also commended the crime fighting prowess of the CP.

    He said: “Since she came, we can now sleep with our two eyes closed. She personally leads these operations unlike others who will stay at home and be barking out orders”.

    “I was surprised recently when I saw her at 12 in the night when she was personally at the main market when it was gutted by fire. She made sure that hoodlums did not capitalise on the fire to loot people’s shops, and also joined in efforts to put off the fire.”

    Receiving the AIG at Government House, Governor David Umahi said the CP’s alternative dispute mechanism has doused tensions between Fulani herdsmen and some communities in the state on many occasions. On some occasions after dialoguing with both parties the herdsmen whose cattle destroyed peoples farm lands are meant to pay compensation and this has led to the peace we are enjoying and the peace co-existence between the herdsmen and residents.”

    “She is very hard working and dedicated to duty and we would like for you let her stay here and continue the good works unless you are promoting her to a higher rank then we will allow her to go”, the governor joked.

    The AIG in his reaction noted receipt of the CP’s sterling achievements in the state and promised to continue assisting her and the command to improve on the results achieved so far.

  • Ekwueme rallies Ndigbo

    Ekwueme rallies Ndigbo

    Former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme was the rallying figure as the Igbo in Anambra State pondered cohesion in the ethnic group, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

    Individual effort or success is not enough; if the Igbo hope to expand their stake and relevance in the country and assert more influence, they must come together and speak with one voice.

    That was the rallying cry of former vice president Dr. Alex Ekwueme as he spoke before a large gathering of Igbo political leaders and business executives in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Self-pity is not an option, neither is putting the blame on someone else, Ndigbo were told.

    The state governor Chief Willie Obiano also spoke in the same vein, as did a governorship hopeful Godwin Ezeemo.

    No fewer than 57 traders described as most diligent in the 57 major markets in the state were honoured at the event, which was held at the Triple Tree Hotels in Amaokpala.

    It attracted other eminent sons and daughters of the state including Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, a one-time governorship candidate.

    It was organised by Anambra Consensus Project with Dr. Emeka Eze as its president. It was tagged the Southern Conference Traders Summit.

    Dr. Ekwueme narrated how Ndigbo used to live and help one another in the olden days, when, according to him, there was unity among the people. He lamented that such unity had gone in Igbo land, adding that without such cohesion, Ndigbo would continue to wallow in self-pity.

    He said the current economic recession in the country was caused by Nigerian’s dependence on importation.

    Ekwueme said, “Ndigbo should come together as one for their voice to be heard, our people should unite and we have to be our brother’s keeper, otherwise we will remain where we are today.”

    The state governor Willie Obiano, represented by secretary to the state government (SSG) Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said Ndigbo should speak with one voice to get their fair share of the national cake. He said there must be a linkage between trade and industrialisation, adding that his administration would always partner with traders to move the state forward.

    Also, speaking, the leader of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) in Anambra State, an entrepreneur, Sir Godwin Ezeemo, said what Ndigbo needed was sincerity among themselves.

    Ezeemo who aligned himself with Ekwueme and Obiano’s speeches, said without such, the much touted unity would continue to elude Southeast.

    The president of Anambra Consensus Project (ACP), Dr. Emeka Eze, said the 57 best practicing traders of the year would enjoy privileges courtesy of the group.

    He said the (ACP) was committed to promoting Igbo ideology, oneness of Ndigbo and a united direction of Igbo growth and development, the reason, according to him that brought Ekwueme, Obiano, Ezeemo together among others.

    He said, “It is of awesome note that out of the 57 major markets in the state, the smallest of them harnesses a daily turnover of N15 million, while the largest, erupts with an average of 260 million naira daily turnover”

    Former governorship candidate of the United People’s Party (UPP) in the state, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, said nobody could pin Ndigbo down in the society.

    He believed that the failure of the unity of Ndigbo was made possible by their leaders, adding that the leaders must show the way for others to follow.

    One of the representatives of the awardees from cattle market in Awka-Etiti, Chief Felix O.M Okpalakunne, commended the organisers for finding them worthy of the awards.

    Also, Ekwueme, Obiano, Ezeemo among others commended Anambra Consensus project for such an idea, adding that such groups could bring Ndigbo together again in the South East.

    Furthermore the leaders said such a thing should be taken to our brothers and sisters in Delta, Rivers, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi for Ndigbo to come together to pursue their goal.

  • GSM subscribers complain at Ebonyi forum

    GSM subscribers complain at Ebonyi forum

    When Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi took his turn to host the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Consumer Outreach Programme, phone users came with a barrage of complaints.

    The event is an avenue for mobile phone users to air their views on the quality of service they receive from network service providers.

    At Abakiliki, the state capital, where the event held, subscribers criticised the network providers, condemning what they their shoddy services, including dropped calls, unsolicited SMS as well as alleged illegal credit charges.

    Governor Umahi said Information Communication Technology has an important role to play in advancing the growth and development of the economy, adding that the opportunities offered by the new media, if well harnessed, can put the nation on the path to economic recovery.

    He said, “If the NCC as the ombudsman could properly regulate unsolicited text messages, ring tones and arbitrary reductions of monies by service providers from users, it will be a catalyst for economic growth.

    Represented by his Deputy Mr. Kelechi Igwe, a lawyer, the governor expressed dismay over the way and manner the service providers treat their customers without apology.

    This he said poses great consequences to the growth of the industry.

    He also blamed ignorance on the part of the consumers for some of the alleged misconduct of service providers.

    “So, I think that these complaints are what NCC as a body has to look at with a view to encouraging the service providers to resolve the issues,” he stressed.

    He said that the state government as a result of its unequivocal commitment to developing the ICT sector established the Ebonyi Telecom Infrastructure Compliance Agency to ensure there are legal and proper ways of developing Telecom infrastructure in the state.

    Earlier in his address, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau in the NCC, Abdullahi Maikano represented by his deputy, Joseph Atoyebi said the commission has identified Consumer education as one of the most-effective mechanism that provides and guarantees consumer protection.

    He stated therefore that to ensure that the Telecoms consumer is well Protected, Informed and Educated (PIE mandate), the commission has developed series of initiatives with the main goal of empowering Consumers with appropriate information that will ensure that their rights are not only protected but their choices provide them with value for money.

    He further stressed that the commission recognises that the rights of every telecoms consumer must be protected and one of the fundamental rights of the telecom consumer is the right to be informed and educated.

  • Crowd hosts Kumuyi in Aba

    Crowd hosts Kumuyi in Aba

    A mammoth crowd fanned out at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State, as the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry (DLCM) Pastor William Kumuyi preached in his yearly visit there.

    Over 100,000 people, among whom were those who came in from outside the city and state, listened to the preacher.

    The theme of the crusade was “A Day to Change Your World.”

    The crusade lasted over four hours, attracting clergies of other denominations, professionals from all walks of life,  those suffering various ailments and the barren,  amongst others.

    Some of them including Pastor Emmanuel Offor said that they could not afford to miss what they described as the undiluted teaching and spiritual impartation of the word of God.

    They said that importance of being part of the event especially now that the country is passing through various challenges including insecurity, high cost of living, loss of job and unemployment, among others, cannot be over-emphasised.

    Over 20 persons claimed to have been healed of various ailments.

    Special prayers were also said for the church, Abia State, the country and its citizens.

    There was also a special song rendition from the church’s choir during the event.

    Kumuyi spoke on the topic, “A Day to Change Your World”.

    He said, “I love the people of Abia State as you know and the brethren and believers in general are quite receptive to the Word of God and they love the Lord and I see their response and I want to be of tremendous benefit to both the people in the church and outside the church and to connect them with the power of God and salvation of the Lord.”

    He was asked: What informed the theme of the crusade?

    “People are looking for change. There is a kind of national and global problem in various communities, families and problem within individual and then we need a change for the better and God will make that change so because of that we want to tell the people that this day could be the day of hope, healing, advance and the day of moving forward in various ways that is why we have the topic of the theme as ‘’the day for change and wonder of the Lord”.

    Another question was how the crusade would impact the life of the average Nigerian in economic recession.

    His answer: “We understand that in a programme like this we have different kinds of people that is common people that are just concern for their own personal problem and when you heal their problem just like many people today that got some spiritual that they couldn’t receive adequate healing their testimony is that they are heal instantaneously. Other people with eye and other kinds of sickness, and when personal problem like that they are pivotal to their problem and they cannot think for a way forward to even solve their personal problem and fend for themselves when they are release like this it makes them not to see a way forward for themselves not only that there are decision makers in our land that attend some of this program and while they are here they miracle they need we not be like the miracle of healing if they are not saved or miracle of psyche if they are not mind. The Lord can give them a little of wisdom and touch and show them the resources where we can have solutions to the problems (ideas) and ideas are powerful and ideas actually are the things we need to turn our lives around. This is how this kind of programme will help in various ways; we help families, government, decision makers and even the common man on the street, so that is why this program is important as we can change our world by connecting with the Lord.

     

  • Praise for Imo Deputy Governor at book launch

    Praise for Imo Deputy Governor at book launch

    Owerri, the Imo State capital buzzed and hummed as state governors, their deputies and academics, among other dignitaries, gathered to heap praise on Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere.

    It was at the public presentation of his autobiography, ‘A True Manifestation of a Loyal Prince’.

    Among eminent Nigerians who graced the occasion were the Kano State Governor Abdulahi Umar Ganduje and his wife, Deputy Governors of Oyo, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Oyo states, as well as the chief host Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha and his wife Nneoma.

    From one speaker to another, the Imo deputy governor was eulogised for his uncommon sense of humility and service, which they said stood him out among other present Deputy Governors in Nigeria.

    Akintola described Madumere as a man with uncommon sense of humility, adding that, “the first time he came to pick me from the Airport, there was nothing to show that he was the Deputy Governor, he was down to earth and ever ready to do everything to make his boss succeed”.

    Ganduje, a former Deputy Governor, while describing the Imo Deputy Governor, said, “his level of humility beats me, since I knew him as a colleague then I have never seen him get angry or show pride. He is always quiet and very calculated and always projecting his master far above himself”.

    Confirming the humility of Madumere, his boss, Governor Okorocha noted that he had never had any course to worry since he nominated him as his deputy after his first Deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso was impeached two years into his first tenure.

    He said Madumere has immeasurable confidence in him and does everything possible to ensure that his policies succeed, adding that his sense of loyalty is genuine and not sycophantic.

    He said, “I am proud of Madumere not just as my Deputy but as my son in whom I am well pleased. He has come a long way with me and he understands every of my move and he carries out every of my instructions to the letter in the spirit of the rescue mission. I was very happy when he told me about the book and what is written about him in the book is a true confirmation of who he is. He is indeed a loyal prince”.

    Ganduje said that with the confirmed attributes of the Deputy Governor, it will be in the best interest of the state for him to succeed Okorocha.

    He opined that having served as Kano State Deputy Governor for eight years and eventually succeeded his boss as governor, he knows the benefits of continuity in the polity through seamless transition.

    He said, “I want to congratulate Madumere for being so loyal to his boss but most importantly I want to commend the governor for taking him into confidence and giving him the latitude to operate, because you can be loyal and still not be trusted by your boss”.

    Speaking further, he said, ”The write-up we are presenting to the public today is an honest testimony of the life of the Deputy Governor and from what I know about him that he has the capacity to succeed his boss who I describe as a political bridge builder. So I want to appeal to the Governor that the next time we gather again here, it will be the inauguration of Madumere as Governor “.

    He however charged the Deputy Governor to be patient and desist from listening to gossips and rumour that could have negative effect on the relationship between him and his boss.

    Ganduje, who attended the ceremony in the company of his wife and members of his cabinet, also admonished Governor Okorocha to guide against the antics of sycophants, adding that sycophancy is “a deadly disease in governance “.

    Okorocha said that although he was yet to make up his mind on who his successor will be, but assured that he will hand over the state to one of his loyal followers who believe in the values of Rescue Mission administration.

    He described Madumere as a deputy any governor would like to have, adding that there are no pretenses about his loyalty and humility.

    He said, “Though I am yet to decide on my choice of a successor, I know that one of my sons will succeed me and Madumere is a son in whom I am well pleased”.

    The Historical Society of Nigeria conferred its highest award of “History Shield of Excellence” on the Imo Deputy Governor, at the University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. The president of the Society, Prof Christopher Ogbogbo, who enumerated the efforts of the Society in ensuring that history is incorporated into the academic curricula of every level of education, stressed the need for history in planning and national development.

  • Students, transporters to Obiano: fix road or forget second term

    Students, transporters to Obiano: fix road or forget second term

    The second busiest road in Anambra State is in such disrepair that students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), commercial bus drivers and motorcyclists who ply it have told Governor Willie Obiano to repair it or risk losing their vote in the forthcoming governorship election.

    The Ifite-Awka-Amansea Road, which had a facelift under the Peter Obi administration, has apparently been abandoned by Obiano’s government. The road links the NAU.

    As a result of its disrepair, many students haved been involved in road crashes on the road. Drivers lament the toll on their buses.

    The motorcycle operators otherwise known as okada, told The Nation that they no longer operate the route as it has become impassable, thereby denying them the opportunity of making money.

    The Ifite-Awka-Amansea Road appears to have been abandoned by the state government of Obiano, though it had a facelift during the regime of former governor Peter Obi.

    The 5km road has continued to give residents of the two communities of Ifite and Amansea sleepless nights, while businesses had equally collapsed in those areas because of the bad road.

    The worst affected portions include such areas as Miracle, Chioma, God is Able, Saint John Lodge that link hotels housing thousands of students of UNIZIK.

    Ifite-Awka Road is the second busiest road apart from the popular Zik Avenue in the capital city and a few poles to the state Government House.

    It links the Amansea community and is the shortest route for the students, which has a population of over 40,000.

    However, the dilapidated condition of the road has reduced traffic as well as increased transport fair from N50 to N150.

    The deep pot holes have made it impossible for vehicles to take the route, while the drainages have equally collapsed, leading to flooding in the areas.

    When The Nation visited the area, it was a pitiable site to behold, as one of the commercial bus drivers, Mr. J. C Okonkwo was seen carrying stones to fill some portions with his conductor.

    One of the Unizik shuttle drivers, Okechukwu Chukwudi pleaded with the state government to come to the aid of the students and commercial bus drivers as they have no other means to survive the economic recession in the land.

    He said most of the business centers and traders had packed up, as nobody was coming to patronize them as a result of the bad condition of the road.

    Another driver, Chinedu Onwudiwe expressed sadness that he visits his mechanic on daily basis because of the damage the road has caused on his bus.

    A student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Kingsely Tobias, lamented that drivers of the few buses that ply the route now had increased their fairs to about 100%, which according to him, had been difficult for students to cope with.

    For Miss Sandra Emenike, another student of Unizik, the deplorable road is posing a serious threat to human habitation in the areas.

    Mrs. Sandra Ulachi, a civil servant in the state, told The Nation that the condition of the road is hampering socio-economic activities.

    When contacted, the state commissioner for works, Lawrence Chinwuba, refused to comment on the road, after the state government had lied on a local radio station that the road had been given a face lift by pouring stones on it to make it passable.

    When The Nation asked him what actually was going on as it concerns the road from the state government, he told the reporter that he would call back which he never did.

    The commissioner is a kinsman of the state Governor and had been known in the state as more of a talker than a doer.

    He takes delight in the sufferings of the people, the reason most of the roads had been abandoned in the state and majority of the people including his party members believe he is incompetent to handle works ministry.

    Speaking with The Nation in anger, a 22 year old student, who did not want his name in print vowed that students, motorcycle operators and commercial bus drivers would make it impossible for the current administration to return to power.

    He said, “This present administration led by Governor Willie Obiano has failed to follow the footsteps of former governors Chris Ngige and Peter Obi.

    He asked, “Is that how they want to come for a second term?”

     

  • Ikpeazu’s wife builds house No 17 for the needy

    Ikpeazu’s wife builds house No 17 for the needy

    The wife of the Abia State Governor Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu has built yet another three-bedroom bungalow for Mr and Mrs Okezie Ejike at Okaiuga Nkwoegwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area, thereby bringing the total number of houses so far built for indigent people to 17.

    The house is in fulfillment of a promise she made to the family two months ago when she visited them when one of their children had an unpalatable encounter with some hoodlums.

    Mrs Ikpeazu who paid the family a visit to commensurate with them during the ugly incident saw the situation of their house which was almost collapsing on their heads decided to build a befitting house for them.

    Speaking during the commissioning of the building Mrs Ikpeazu said that the house was built through her NGO the Vicar Hope Foundation to help alleviate the suffering of the family.

    Mrs Ikpeazu also revealed that the mother of the house Mrs. Ejike will be empowered to start a small business so that she can contribute to the upkeep of the family.

    The governor’s wife also said that one of their daughters will be put through school up to university level in fulfillment of the scholarship which Governor Okezie Ikpeazu promised them when their daughter met with an unforeseen circumstance.

    Mrs. Ikpeazu used the opportunity to disclose that the present government believes in justice and equity, adding that the present administration under her husband was determined to touch the lives of the downtrodden in the society.

    In his reaction, Mr Ejike said that words failed him to express himself and the feeling of the wife of the governor and her husband towards his family and prayed God to bless them always.

    He said, “It is only God that knows how we feel over this unmerited favor from the first family of the state, am sorry that I am finding it hard to express my feeling and that of my family. I pray God to bless you and your family always”.

    In her speech the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown thanked the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Ikpeazu on behalf of Abia women for effective representation of womenfolk and touching people’s lives through her programs.

    In his remarks, the chairman Umuahia North council Chief Okezie Ezeigbo thanked the wife of the governor for coming to the aid of one of his people and prayed God to reward her and her husband abundantly.

    In his reaction a former member of the State House of Assembly Chief Emeka Ejiogu commended the humanitarian service of the governor’s wife to the public and assured that they will not fail to give them hundred percentý supports now and in 2019.

    Speaking also the paramount ruler of the area Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe thanked the wife of the governor for her kind gesture and declared that such action was a true demonstration of a public oriented government and prayed that God will continue to uphold them in bringing succor to the needy.

  • Enugu to repair Fed Govt roads

    Ahead of the forthcoming Yuletide, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has embarked on an inspection tour of dilapidated federal government roads along New Market Road, Ugwu Onyeama, 9th Mile Corner, Opi-Nsukka and Obollo Afor roads.

    Ugwuanyi who was accompanied to the sites by the commissioner for works and infrastructure, Engr. Patrick Ikpenwa and the technical team of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) promised residents of the areas visited that despite the current economic crunch in the country, his administration will rehabilitate the roads to standard.

    The governor said that he was concerned about the forthcoming Yuletide, adding that”even though most of these roads are federal roads, we cannot continue to wait for the federal government to rehabilitate them, hence the need to fix the roads for road users to enjoy a smooth movement during the Christmas season.”

    He also stated that the initiative was borne out of the need to avoid the ugly experience at the Oji-River – Ugwuoba-Anambra State border, which virtually collapsed as a result vehicular stress on the road, adding that his administration had to commence rehabilitation work on it, to alleviate the suffering of road users.

    This came as the Enugu State Government explained that the final sealing of affected potholes in Enugu metropolis has been delayed by the rains.

    The Chairman of Nigerian Construction and Foundation Company (NCFC), the agency handling the maintenance of roads in the state, Amb. Goddy Agbo, said that it has identified and marked all potholes in Enugu metropolis.

    Agbo added that “the cutting, shaping and regulation of levels of the identified potholes are in progress”, stressing that “due to continuous rainfall and the need for the patched sections to last, the final sealing of the affected areas will be done when the weather is dry.”

    He affirmed the commitment of the state government to serving the people better for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    While appealing to the public, especially road users in Enugu metropolis to bear with the government, the agency’s chairman noted that it “would not embark on a project that would not meet the required standards.”

  • Herdsmen seek harmony with Southeast communities

    Herdsmen seek harmony with Southeast communities

    Seeking harmonious cohabitation, herdsmen have appealed to Southeast states to allow them graze their cattle in their communities, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

    Cattle breeders in Anambra State have pleaded with Southeast communities to accept them as genuine and law-abiding professionals, not violent criminals pretending to be herdsmen.

    The cattle breeders under the auspices of Miyetti Allah Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) were speaking during a meeting at the Amansea cattle ground in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    Chairman of MACBAN in the zone, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki commended Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano for having a cordial relationship with members of the community in the state. He also hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s positive response to the security challenges in the state, while pleading with other governments in the region to lend sufficient support to eliminate rancour between host communities and cattle breeders.

    Siddiki said, “We wish to state that Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria is unarguably the most recognised organisation that superintends over the activities of herdsmen across Nigeria. As Southeast Zone members of this group, we wholly submit to the injunctions of the national body as much as benefit from the shelter the umbrella readily provides us.

    “We represent the Fulani stock of herdsmen who are genuinely engaged in the business of shepherding cattle across the country, particularly here in Southeast Nigeria. By this we mean that every herdsman of ours who steps into the Southeast immediately becomes our concern. We seek to make herdsmen compliant with our underlying codes and practices for plying the trade across the zone.

    “This is the utmost responsibility we strive to attain and sustain in the Southeast; indeed we strive to export our successes in this regard to other geopolitical zones in, Nigeria. We counsel our members in the Southeast to quickly report any unpleasant encounters to me or any other leader who will notify relevance authority for prompt. They are advised not to resort to self-help or seek any form of revenge.

    “We also insist that other members who are coming from our neighbouring states should obtain clearance from the chairman of MACBAN of the state they are coming from. This will validate their identity, put them under our authority and avail them of privileges of our membership. We also implore some indigenes of the Southeast not to eject the cattle herdsmen from their communities so that MACBAN may have representatives for easy coordination. But if you eject all the herdsmen in the area someone may come under the guise of herdsmen and cause atrocity at the area and  it will be very difficult for us to find out what happened because we don’t have representatives in the area.

    “We   hereby   enjoin   our   members   coopted   into   the   security subcommittees in the local governments in Enugu State to show maximum commitment to their assignments. While we recognise the possibility of itinerant criminals parading themselves as herdsmen to unleash havoc on people and communities, we plead that those who embark on such criminal acts are properly designated as criminals and be so treated.

    “Given the challenge of containing the increasing menace of these criminals who disguise as herdsmen and given our in-depth knowledge of the fields and the jungles we plead that the governments of the Southeast give us logistic support in terms of rugged off-road vehicles and communication gargets to facilitate effective check against camp infiltration with the attendant hazardous security possibilities.”