The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Ndigbo rally at foundation launch

    Ndigbo rally at foundation launch

    Thousands were at the launch of a socio-cultural platform in Awka, the Anambra State capital reports CHRIS OJI

    The huge turnout and the enthusiasm of attendees may underline the thirst and hunger for credible regional leadership. Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation of all Igbo, was fractured for years and therefore could not rally the people until its factions recently agreed to speak with one voice.

    That probably explained the high spirits at the launch of the Osisioma Foundation in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    A former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, who spoke at the event, described the foundation as not only a blessing but also the vehicle that Ndigbo need to re-establish themselves as a world super power in commerce and education. He stated that Osisioma Foundation serves as a tool for the economic and political emancipation of Ndigbo, and enjoined the entire Igbo nation to support its cause.

    Addressing over 3000 participants at the 2016 re-union of members of Osisioma Foundation, he described the concept of Osisioma Foundation as unique and similar to those in America and other developed societies.

    He said, “I want to tell you that I am amazed with the crowd here, the huge attendance has signified that God has already blessed the mission and vision of Osisioma Foundation and its founder, Dr. Chike Obidigbo. Several foundations I know were established for political reasons, but the main objectives of Osisioma, from the documents available here, is to empower people, liberate our people from poverty and improve society as well as open up Anambra economy.

    He described Dr. Obidigbo as a rare gem in administration, commerce and industry.

    Speaking further, he said, “Because Dr. Chike Obidigbo, the founder of Osisioma Foundation has been involved in the manufacturing of several products and paying thousands of workers’ salaries, he is the best candidate that can govern Anambra State. To me and any right-thinking person, Dr. Obidigbo any day, any time, is very qualified to be Anambra State governor; let our people think positively.”

    Obi, however, re-assured the Willy Obiano administration of his support, adding, “Obiano’s success is my priority now even as we plan ahead”.

    Declaring the event open, the founder of Osisioma Foundation, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, stated that one of the mission statements of the organisation was to build an ideal society where peace and harmony, health and happiness of every citizen would be guaranteed.

    Obidigbo explained that Osisioma Foundation was also “committed to the economic, social and political development of our dear Anambra State, Nigeria and Ndigbo in particular”.

    He vowed to stand firmly against exclusivity in policy formulation and implementation, because according to him, “they represent modern forms of discrimination that feeds discontent, acrimony and voilence.

    “It is our belief that until everyone and every segment of the society is given a true sense of belonging and [is] captured in the scheme of things, the entrenchment of self-interest and bitter struggles for political power would continue, especially within our immediate environment, Anambra State.”

    Obidigbo who chairs Hardis and Dromedas, has his sights on 2017, calling on all men and women of conscience and goodwill, all their valued supporters and friends that have been clamouring for genuine change, to remain prayerful and unwavering as they jointly pursue the agenda of honest and quality leadership for the people of Anambra.

    Drawing from the Bible, the Osisioma Ndigbo, said, “Perhaps the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk had us in mind, when he declared: “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie: though, it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, It will not tarry. The just shall live by his faith”.

    In her paper, titled “Post-war trauma-a time to heal, the voice of a curious Igbo woman in the Diaspora,” a young Nigerian star in America, Miss Nkem Nwankpa, said that after leaving Nigeria as a teenager 18 years back, she began to romanticise the idea of returning to Africa, her sweet home.

    Miss Nwankpa, who noted that there was nothing as good as home, no matter the exploit of one in the diaspora, added that within the period, she would dream of her language with friends, eating her native foods, listening to local music being inspired by fashion and cultivating the land, but as an African living in the diaspora, she was guilty of not fully understanding the challenges of her people living on the continent, and she began to ask questions.

    The young girl from Iwolo Enugu State, however, observed that whenever she returned to her country, she always left with disappointment of the challenges of basic living, such as lack of running water, environmental waste, irregular power supply, bribery and corruption, the fear of armed robbers and kidnappers.

    According to Nwankpa, post-trauma stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents physical or sexual assault in adult or childhood” in fact, I would like to ask that we take some time to access the effect of the trauma experienced by those who lived through it, fought in it, witnessed people get hurt and die during such a g horrific time and what we can do socially, economically and politically to make the changes we need to thrive as a society.

    Presenting his paper titled “towards the economic, social political emancipation of the Igbo nation”, a former commissioner for information in  Ebonyi State, Chief Abia Onyike, expressed with joy that despite the absence of any secondary school within the Igbo nation by 1900, Ndigbo had remained a force in Nigeria’s education industry. Chief Onyike disclosed that although Ndigbo got their first secondary school, the Methodist College, Uzuakoli, in 1923, they had produced world class citizens, prominent among them were Olauda Equiano, the great ex-slave writer, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, the acclaimed doyen of African nationalism, Chinua Achebe the father of African Literature, Sir Akanu Ibiam, one-time president of World Council of Churches and Cardinal Francis Arinze, one of the catholic cardinals in the world.

    The former commissioner went ahead to recall that Ndigbo also produced the first vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kenneth Onwuka Dike and the first vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Eni Njoku, as well as produced the first Nigerian economist, Prof. S.G Ikoku and first African to obtain PhD in Mathematics, Prof. Chike Obi.

    For Ndigbo to continue to flourish, Chief Onyike submitted a nine-point recommendation for the emancipation of Ndigbo.

    Papers were also presented by the chairman of Osisoma Foundation, Dr. Nnanna Egwu, Chief. Emeka Raphel Nwike, Chief Gilead Okolonkwo, Miss Felicity Okolo, a youth development expert, as well as other speakers. Former commissioner for Agriculture in Enugu state , Dr. Emma Nwankpa, Arch bishop Augustine Nwodika,, former deputy governor of Anambra state, Ichie Okwuchukwu Ezeaku, Igwe Roland Odegbo, the Ogbogu of Nteje and Rtd. Col Geoff  Onyejegbu, Chief Maxi Okwu, chief Ikechukwu Abana, Chief. Mrs Chika Ibeneme and several other dignitaries.

  • Skills for Abia rural dwellers

    Skills for Abia rural dwellers

    The wife of Abia State Governor Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu has lifted the spirits of grassroots dwellers in the state through her skill acquisition programme.

    The village of Umuobiakwa came alive when her convoy drove into the local primary school which is a stone’s throw from Mrs Ikpeazu’s country home. The villagers had been waiting for her. On the home call, she launched the skill acquisition programme.

    Speaking at the event, Governor Ikpeazu expressed his desire for a highly skilled and productive populace in Abia as one of the ways to ensure that the economy of the state sustained to stand the test of time.

    Ikpeazu said that when the people of the state are well trained in different skills by the by the different skill acquisition centers in different parts of the state that it as a sure way of guaranteeing genuine economic growth.

    The governor noted that when the people are imbued with skills of their choice that they will be too busy to remember embarking on violent crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery, stressing that with the scheme that crime rate will be reduced in the state.

    Ikpeazu said that skill acquisition is the back bone of economic growth, “When the people especially the youths in our society are equipped with different skills that will make them self sustaining the issue of crime will be a thing of the past”.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Uche Ihediwa, Ikpeazu said the trainees will benefit from an export promotion programme that will enable their goods to be sold outside the country, and urged them to learn the skills adequately so their products would

    meet international standards.

    In her speech at the event, the Wife of the Governor Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu disclosed that 100 participants who are benefitting from the first phase of the programme will be given equipment and startup capital  to enable them become small scale entrepreneurs.

    Mrs. Ikpeazu described the program as a welcome development looking at the economic conditions of the country and revealed that her husband is sponsoring the program in Umuobiakwa as a way of bettering their lot.

    In her remarks the State coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment Lady Buchi Ojei urged the trainees to properly utilize the opportunity of becoming self-reliant.

    Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mrs. Eberechukwu Nwaubani thanked Dr. Ikpeazu for giving them the opportunity of turning their lives around, adding that the programme will have a multiplier effect on the community.

    In their contributions a traditional ruler, Eze John Ikpeaba, and Chief Roland Njoku prayed that God will bless the family of the governor for attracting the programme and urged the beneficiaries to ensure the effort of the governor will not be in vain.

  • One throne, three monarchs

    A community in Anambra State is in a dilemma. Three persons are laying claim to its throne. Who gets it? NWANOSIKE ONU reports

    Can there be two captains in one boat? Well, there are even more than two in Ezi-Agulu Otu Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State: three men are jostling for one stool.

    The rivalry comes with dire consequences. Apart from the effects of battle on the individual royal combatants, there is tension in the community, whose residents are divided into three camps, each behind one claimant.

    The farming community shares boundaries with Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Ivite Aguleri.

    Since their monarch Igwe Titus Nwata died some years back, the sleepy community has been without a traditional ruler, only administered by Ndi Ichie (elders in council).

    The community, it was gathered, traditionally rotates the traditional stool among three quarters in the area: Umuriabo, Umuanevilli and Okpata. But the monarch of the community is selected by Ndichie.

    Today, however, that spirit of sharing seems lost or at best weakened. It now looks as if everyone fends for themselves, the communal tradition all but gone, especially in matters of the royal throne.

    Three persons in the community lay claim to the traditional stool of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri, each of them as prominent as the other, all bearing the royal title of Igwe or king.

    They are Igwe Peter Chukwenze Anielutu; Igwe Michael O. N. Enemuo and Igwe Peter Ikegbunam Udorji.

    Among the three, Igwe Udorji was recently given a certificate of recognition by the state government, some said hurriedly, despite the pendency of the matter at the state High Court in Otuocha.

    The action of the state government has further sparked off more controversy in the area. For Udorji has not vacated the “convict” slur hanging on his head.

    Before he was offered the certificate of recognition by the state government, one of the lawyers in the matter, Sunny Nworie from Nworie, Osili and Co chambers, had written a petition to Obiano on  December 1, 2015 intimating him of the dangers of such action.

    The petition was entitled “Re: Secret move by one Chief Peter Ikegbunam  Udorji, a convict, to fraudulently obtain certificate of recognition as the Igwe-Elect of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri community from Anambra State government, despite the pendency of suit No. OT/11/2013 over the Igweship tussle, appeal for your immediate intervention”.

    That petition was copied to the Secretary to the State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters.

    Others who were equally copied included the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Director, State Security Services, Otuocha.

    The petition went further to remind the government that Udorji was a convict whose conviction has not been upturned by any court and as such, not fit and proper to occupy such a sensitive position as the custodian of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri’s traditions and customs.

    The said monarch was convicted at the magistrate court of Nnewi in Anambra State in 2013 in suit No. MAN/88c/2008 presided over by Chief Magistrate, D.A Onyefulu on a five-count charge.

    He appealed the matter at the High Court in Otuocha, presided over by Justice D.O.C Amaechina in appeal No. OT/2CA/2013 but the conviction was upheld by the court.

    The charges were conspiracy to commit misdemeanor, entering a land in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, wilful and unlawful damage to cassava crops, cashew trees and signboards.

    Others were willfully and unlawfully removing beacons erected as boundary and giving false information to the police contrary to section 154, (1)b of the criminal code cap 36 volume II of the reversed laws of Anambra State

    But Igwe Udorji, while speaking with The Nation, did not want to talk about his conviction; he rather alleged that it was one of the claimants to the throne, Igwe Enemuo that was involved in advance fee fraud commonly called 419’.

    He said, “Look at somebody who wants to be the Igwe without a good record; the certificate of recognition has been given to me already. (He displayed it to the reporter)  Those people will never be the Igwe.”

    Enemuo laughed off Udorji’s allegation, saying he would make no other imputs on the matter until the court process ends.

    However, Igwe Anielutu who hails from Umuanevilli Clan, is fully abreast of the constitution of the land that became operational in 2005.

    Also, the oldest man in the community, Ogbuanyinya Nnechi Mmorah is the head of the body known as Ndichie-in-council, the highest decision-making body in the community, and has been backing Anielutu.

    Mmorah’s father before his death, it was gathered, presided over the selection of Anielutu and his installation in 2013.

    But Enemuo disagreed, adding that it was the turn of Okpata to produce the new monarch, adding that the people of Umuanevilli are trying to impose themselves on the community.

    He maintained that he, apart from the traditional homage to all the three villages in Eziagulu Otu, all the Ndichie and other relevant bodies in the community attended and participated in his coronation as the Igwe of the community.

    One of the indigenes of the community, Mr. Damian Okafor, told The Nation in Awka that the issue of who becomes the traditional ruler of their land has been giving them concerns.

    He said the three persons laying claim to the throne are all qualified except one person, who he refused to mention, adding that the earlier the court decided on the matter the better for the community.

    This is the first time a community in Anambra State is having three claimants to one stool. What had been going on in the state had been a situation where two persons vied for such stool.

     

  • Monarchs, councils, others seek peace in Anambra schools

    Monarchs, councils, others seek peace in Anambra schools

    After years of rift between federal higher institutions and host communities in Anambra State, peace may be afoot following a parley hosted by three local councils. In attendance were traditional rulers, administrators of the schools and other stakeholders including the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    Some of these institutions are the Federal Polytechnic Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area and Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze in Orumba South council.

    The rift often led to open confrontation between the host communities and the institutions. Many lives have been lost in the crises, a good number injured while properties have been destroyed in those areas.

    At issue is what has been referred to as sharing formula bordering on local content, with the communities alleging that the school administrators do not give the communities what is due to them. In a word, the institutions’ administrators have been accused of playing god.

    The traditional rulers of those kingdoms have also been accused of fuelling the crisis.

    For years, the impasse endured.

    That was why the Federal Character Commission (FCC), stormed the state seeking solutions to the rift.

    The event which was hosted by three local government areas of Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South, at the Orumba North council headquarters in Ajalli, was attended by their traditional rulers and Presidents General, among others.

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, while members of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) came in their numbers.

    The chairman of the commission, Dr. Shettima Bukar Abba was represented by Comrade Bunmi Ojo, the commissioner representing Ekiti State and Chairman, Publicity and Public Relations Committee.

    In his address, Abba said with the increasing misunderstanding between the management of federal institutions and the stakeholders of the host communities, the commission embarked on a nationwide public enlightenment programme to educate the public on the application of the FCC principle in recruitment.

    He said, “We believe that at the end of this meeting, everybody will be better informed on this principle.

    “The continued lopsidedness observed in the staff disposition of some federal institutions will no longer be tolerated as chief executives of the institutions will be held liable and accountable.”

    “In enforcing section 14 (3) and (4) of the Nigerian constitution, the commission ensures equitable and fair representation in recruitments and appointments in the public service and federal institutions among the federating units as well as a fair distribution of socio-economic and infrastructural facilities nationwide at the three tiers of government.”

    For Governor Obiano, the issue of federal character is what makes Nigeria a united force.

    He said there have been problems in most of these institutions which, according to them, create tension in such places, adding that federal institutions require the spirit of federal character.

    He said, “We should have peace and tranquility, let us eschew rancour in our institutions and communities, we create these problems ourselves, we should listen to the FCC for us to accommodate one another.”

    In his paper entitled “Location of higher institutions in a Nigeria community and the application of federal character principle” presented by Vincent Onobun, Director, State and Primary Affairs, said host communities should take the lead in making sure that the rules of FCC are carried to the later.

    He said all the conflicts between host communities and the institutions should cease because, according to him, they retard development in such areas.

    Furthermore, he said that it would be disastrous for host communities to fight for what belongs to all.

    However, the traditional ruler of Oko kingdom, Igwe Prof Laz Ekwueme was not happy that he was left in the dark over the arrangement by the FCC and the school authorities.

    He said the information they received was a good one, but never knew it was also going to turn into a political meeting.

    The monarch said woe betide anybody who supports that one man determines what happens in a higher institutions like Oko federal polytechnic, while responding to the statement by the monarch of Ufuma, Igwe Chika Uchime.

    Uchime had said that they had nightmares from the people of Oko, who according to him do not allow the management of the school to work freely, adding that they were not the owners of the institutions alone, but a collective ownership.

    Others who spoke while harping on peace included the secretary of (FCC), David Olufemi Fakaye, the commissioner representing Ebonyi state in (FCC), Dr Nte Mbam, president General of Ajalli, Bob Okorie-Orji among others.

  • Heat on Abia vandals

    Heat on Abia vandals

    Soldiers have swooped on oil pipeline vandals near Aba, Abia State commercial nerve centre, destroying their equipment, including makeshift reservoirs. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    putting oil pipeline vandals out of business has been a tough task. In Abia State, an oil-producing area, security forces often track them down, confiscate what they stole or burn down their vehicles and other tools, but they keep coming back. When they are arrested, some of them even brag about their contacts in high places or threaten the security men.

    Soldiers and the Joint Task Force in the hunt for the oil outlaws are not deterred. On Monday, they traced the vandals to swampy, wooded part of Umuelechi village in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state. They found a clearing in the forest where the vandals rigged up sizeable reservoirs made of reinforced tarpaulin. They promptly set it ablaze.

    Soldiers of the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army led the operation consisting of members of the JTF dubbed “Operation Pulo Shield”.

    The JTF has had some breakthroughs. They have recovered items used in vandalising pipelines. They have also seized tankers carrying illegal products, some of which burnt with their contents.

    The operation has sometimes been criticised. For instance, some questioned the burning of the tankers, describing it as a waste of resources. But the military said the action was to send a strong message to the vandals and owners of such property, and to tell them that the federal government was serious in the war against oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

    “Most times,” said a military source, “some of the truck owners may not know that their drivers were using their trucks for such an illegal business, while some filling station owners have embraced it as a way of life as they connive with the locals where pipelines pass through their communities to break the NNPC pipes, siphon fuel, gas and even kerosene which they will overload and dispense at their filling stations to unsuspecting members of the public.

    “When we arrest such trucks, the owners will start making calls either personally or using their connections in the state or Abuja to persuade us not to burn their tankers. Some of them will even go to the extent of threatening us. Some will brag that they will make sure that we were transferred from the command because they know one person in the state or the other. But we are not afraid of their threat as long as we are carrying out the orders that were given to us. Let them keep breaking the pipelines, we will keep clamping down on them and we will keep confiscating their materials and setting them ablaze, where necessary. There is no amount of their threat and pressures that will deter us from carrying out our jobs professionally.”

    The crude oil discovered at the makeshift farm in Umuelechi was estimated at 10,000 litres stored in two locally constructed reservoirs with thick tarpaulins craftily nailed to the woods around it in order to hold the tarpaulin firmly.

    It was learnt that the illegal business may have lasted over some months unnoticed before their activities leaked to the military authorities.

    The operation lasted for about three hours. It was led by Capt. Sampson Ademola of Ngwa Road Forward Operation Base (FOB).

    Most of the pipeline vandalism in Abia usually occur around Ukwa East and West local councils, according to The Nation findings.  Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion, Asa, Lt. Col. Kasim Umar Sidi the vandals may have been in business unnoticed for a period of time until information got to the soldiers.

     

  • Enugu assures youths on growth

    Enugu assures youths on growth

    The Enugu State government has assured youths that it would continue to provide the enabling environment and other logistical support for them to thrive.

    The administration also challenged the youths to identify their passion and talent, match it with their skills and go ahead to find solutions to critical problems facing the people, if they are to survive and flourish.

    Declaring open a two-day youth development seminar in Enugu, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Charles Ndukwe, who was the special guest, submitted that people who have passion and adequate skills would have capacity to attract the funds needed to establish and expand any enterprise.

    Ndukwe, described as a doyen in youth development in Africa, assured that society must be willing to pay anyone that could find solutions to problems.

    He said, “While I urge you to look beyond government for jobs, I assure you that if you focus on your passion and match it with action, you can sustain yourselves and even go further and employ others, remember that little drops of water make the ocean and Rome was not built in a day, have patience, I am convinced, you can make it, and don’t forget that the richest people in the word are not government workers.

    The commissioner, who was rather emotional, emphasised that young people who discovered their talents early, had brighter chances to succeed in life, as the era when people looked up to government for jobs had gone.

    The seminar titled “How to identify business ideas and exploit them” was organised to help the youths create wealth in the midst of economic difficulty.

    He praised the national coordinator Human Rights Volunteer Corps and founder of the Greater Tomorrow Initiative, Nigeria, Larry Oguego, who organised the free seminar, for his contribution to youth development in the country, especially in the south-east zone and Niger Delta regions and prayed God to bless and reward him abundantly.

    In his opening remarks earlier, the convener of the workshop and national coordinator, Human Rights Volunteer Corps, Larry Oguego, advised the participants to manage time well if they hoped to succeed as entrepreneurs, stressing that every problem in Nigeria presented an opportunity to create wealth if anyone could address the problem.

    Oguego, stated that as part of his new year plans, the organisation would soon commence an entrepreneurship and mentorship programme, designed to capture a greater number of young people based in rural communities and give them hope, especially those of them who though that the world was over for them. He, however, solicited the partnership and support of government and corporate bodies, as well as good spirited individuals in the society to sustain the project.

    One of the participants from Anambra State, Chigozie Agulu, said that the seminar had positively challenged him to stop dreaming but to start doing something, pointing out that the workshop went beyond his expectations and imagination.

    While commending Larry Oguego for the brain-storming seminar, Mr. Chigozie thanked them for the double gifts he received on the occasion and called on Nigerian Youths to think positively and contribute to nation building rather than constituting problem in the society.

    The commissioner for youth and sports, Mr. Charles Ndukwe, later presented gifts to participants who were punctual at the event on behalf of the organisers.

    More than 100 participants attended the seminar from different parts of southeast and Niger Delta regions of Nigeria.

  • Aba police get security vehicles

    The Aba police command has received 20 Sport Utility Vehicles fully fitted with modern security gadgets. The SUVs were donated by Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

    The Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase received the security vehicles from Ikpeazu before handing them over to the state Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila.

    Mr. Habila warned criminals in the commercial town and other parts of the state to relocate, saying that the force in collaboration with other security agencies would make Aba and other parts of the state unsafe for them.

    He stressed that with the 20 vehicles and more that will follow, security agencies would make the state a destination for investors.

    Detailing how the vehicles would be used, the state police chief stated that the vehicles were not going to be used for patrols, but to be stationed at places he described as black spots and tactical operation points, including exit routes through which criminals escape after robbing or kidnapping their suspects.

    “We have crime-mapped the state which gives us the opportunity to locate areas used as escape routes by criminals and hoodlums. The vehicles are going to be pinned down in such black spots, vulnerable and tactical operation points. The essences is to enable us cut short response time during distress calls and to lock down the city from criminals who would come to commit offence and take to flight.

    “Aba is no longer safe and it is going to be very hot and discomforting for criminals who may want to come into the city and the state to commit any crime and would want to have his way.”

    Assuring that the vehicles would be judiciously used and properly monitored, Abia State Police Commissioner used the opportunity to reassure residents of Aba, Abians and investors to the state of their safety and safety of their businesses.

    He called for the collaboration of members of the public in the fight against crime and criminality, urging them to report cases and activities of criminals and hoodlums within their neighbourhoods to the police and other security agencies as part of their contribution in making the society safe for all to live.

    Before the vehicles were handed over to various police divisions including MOPOL 55 Squadron Command, they were driven round the city of Aba in a convoy patrol led by the state Commissioner of Police and assisted by the Aba Area Commander and MOPOL 55 Squadron Commander, Peter Wagbara and Subay Oladipo.

     

  • One community, three monarchs

    Can there be two captains in one boat? Well, in Ezi-Agulu Otu Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State three men are jostling for the royal stool. The farming community shares boundaries with Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Ivite Aguleri.

    Since their monarch Igwe Titus Nwata died some years back, the sleepy community has been without a traditional ruler, only administered by Ndi Ichie (elders in council).

    The community, it was gathered,  rotates the traditional stool among its three quarters, namely,  Umuriabo, Umuanevilli and Okpata, while the monarch of the community is selected by Ndichie in council.

    But today, things have fallen apart, and ,amy think it is pretty much like everyone for himself.

    Three persons in the community are laying claim to the traditional stool of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri.

    •Anielutu
    •Anielutu

    The three claimants are Igwe Peter Chukwenze Anielutu, Igwe Michael O. N. Enemuo and Igwe Peter Ikegbunam Udorji.

    Among the three, Igwe Udorji was hurriedly given a certificate of recognition by the Anambra State government recently, even though the matter was still pending at the state High Court in Otuocha.

    The action of the state government has further sparked off more controversy in the area, while the same Udorji has not vacated the “convict” status hanging on his head in the state.

    Before he was offered the certificate of recognition by the state government, one of the lawyers in the matter, Sunny Nworie had written a petition to Obiano on December 1, 2015 intimating him with the dangers of such action.

    The petition was entitled,” Re-secret move by one Chief Peter Ikegbunam  Udorji, a convict, to fraudulently obtain certificate of recognition as the Igwe-Elect of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri community from Anambra State government, despite the pendency of suit No. OT/11/2013 over the Igweship tussle, appeal for your immediate intervention”.

    It was equally copied to the secretary to the state government, the special Adviser to the Governor on chieftaincy matters and the special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters.

    Others who were equally copied included the chief of staff, the Deputy Director, State Security Services (SSS) Otuocha.

    •Enemuo
    •Enemuo

    The petition went further to remind the government that Udorji is a convict whose conviction has not been upturned by any court and as such, not fit and proper to occupy such a sensitive position as the custodian of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri tradition and custom.

    The said monarch was convicted at the magistrate court of Nnewi in Anambra State in 2013 in suit No. MAN/88c/2008 Presided over by chief magistrate, D.A Onyefulu on five count charge.

    He appealed the matter at the High Court in Otuocha, presided over by Justice D.O.C Amaechina in appeal No. OT/2CA/2013 but the conviction was upheld by the court.

    The charges were, conspiracy to commit Misdemeanor, entering a land in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, wilful and unlawful damage to cassava crops, cashew trees and sign boards.

    Others were willfully and unlawfully removing beacons erected as boundary and giving false information to the police contrary to section 154, (1)b of the criminal code cap 36 volume II of the reversed laws of Anambra State

    •Udorji
    •Udorji

    But Igwe Udorji, while speaking with the South East Nation, did not want to talk about the convict allegation, rather alleged that it was one of the claimants to the throne, Igwe Enemuo that was involved in 419’.

    “Look at somebody who wants to be the Igwe without good records, the certificate of recognition has been given to me already,” he said,   displayed the certificate.

    “Those people will never be the Igwe.”

    Enemuo, who laughed off the allegation of Udorji, said he would have no other imput on the matter until the court process ends.

    However, Igwe Anielutu who hails from Umuanevilli Clan, is fully abreast with the constitution of the land that became operational in 2005.

    Also, the oldest man in the community, Ogbuanyinya Nnechi Mmorah is the head of the body known as Ndichie-in-council, the highest decision-making body in the community, and has been the backer of the claimant.

    His father also, it was gathered, presided over the selection of Anielutu and his installation in 2013.

    Enemuo disagreed, adding that it was the turn of Okpata to produce the new monarch, adding that the people of Umuanevilli are trying to impose themselves on the community.

     

     

  • Skills centre takes off in Imo

    Skills centre takes off in Imo

    It was a day of joy for the over 95 pioneer students of the Nneoma Skills Acquisition Centre, another pet project of the wife of the Imo State governor Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, as they took the matriculation oath.

    The matriculating students filed out in a long procession dressed in academic gowns, followed by members of the Board of Directors of the centre and the founder. You could have mistaken them for university freshmen, rather than students of a vocational skills acquisition centre.

    The students, majority of who could not acquire higher education, either as a result of financial difficulties or other social factors, savoured every second of the moment of the event, which also served as the formal commissioning of the centre.

    Their mission to acquire basic skills that will guarantee their future has started.

    At the centre, the students will be trained in computer operation, fashion and designing, hair-dressing, catering, photography and cosmetology, among other economic empowering skills.

    The administrator of the centre, Mr. Christian Onuoha, said it is a place where students who had no previous vocational skills are  turned into professionals in a short period of time.

    He said the instructors are well-trained and versed in skill acquisition training and will definitely impact on the students.

    Onuoha encouraged more youths to enroll in the centre.

    He commended the wife of the governor for initiating the programme, which he said will drastically reduce employment by giving the youths skills that we make them self-reliant.

    In her speech, the founder said that she established the centre for the purpose of skill acquisition and economic empowerment for not just the indigent people but for all those who are grappling with the challenges of sustainable means of livelihood.

    She said, “I established this centre for the purpose of skill acquisition and economic empowerment. My target is that in no distant time, the students would become self reliant, independent and great entrepreneurs who I believe will eventually become captains of industries and employers of labour. By so doing, they would hopefully become partners in progress with government, particularly in the area of economic development”.

    Speaking further, she said, “In the light of the present-day global economic recession, you will agree with me that it is no longer ideal to depend entirely on white collar jobs…

    “I hope to build more centres and expand the already existing ones in order to empower a great number of people. I therefore call on you, men and women of goodwill to support this noble initiative so that together we shall build up our society and help in promoting human development.”

    In his speech, Governor Rochas Okorocha, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, maintained that the ‘Rescue Mission Administration’ can boast of holistic policy and programmes that touch every facet of life.

    He stated that although the state government has made an indelible mark in the area of infrastructural development, it has also impacted on the life of the people.

    The Deputy Governor stressed that the free and qualitative education policy of his administration is one of such holistic policies that has an unparalleled impact ain every home in the state.

     

  • Lawmaker rehabilitates roads

    Lawmaker rehabilitates roads

    It was the turn of residents of Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State to benefit from the outreach of the lawmaker representing them, Hon. Ossy Prestige.

    The House of Representatives member has helped so many in the state, providing for people behind bars, paying the medical bills of indigent patients and even giving scholarship to students, among others.

    This time he and his team moved into some parts of the constituency with a brand new earth-moving machine to grade some of the streets and roads linking the area to the heart of Aba, the state’s commercial town.

    Some of the roads in Aba North and South Federal Constituency, including Imo Avenue off Faulks Road, Chief Ubani Street off 7up Ogbor Hill are among others, have been graded while many more, according to information gathered, would soon be graded.

    Some residents of the areas that have been completed who spoke to reporters, described the gesture of the lawmaker as first of its kind since 1999 where a federal lawmaker of Aba North and South constituency would show genuine concern about the people that voted them to power.

    “This is the first time that a federal lawaker that we elected into power will come back despite his busy schedule to fulfil his campaign promises to us, unlike what was the case in the past,” said a resident who simply identified himself as Uchenna.

    “He may not have brought a lasting solution to our problems in terms of passable roads, but with what he has done, Prestige has to a great extent alleviated our sufferings through this road that he has graded for us. I am sure like every other residents of Imo Avenue that we will have a little sigh of relief before the rain sets in. But let me quickly say that these roads are some of the roads local government chairmen are supposed to be grading frequently and let me use this medium to appeal to the our state Governor, Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu to organise local government election so that chairmen and councilors of various local governments and wards can source for funds to rehabilitate and in worst cases grade some of the internal roads in our councils.”

    Another resident of Chief Ubani, Mrs. Caroline who corroborated Uchenna’s position thanked Prestige for fulfilling the campaign  promises he made to the electorate, calling on other federal lawmakers in the state to emulate his gesture.

    Prestige said that he was touched by the plight of his constituents who find it difficult to drive or move freely from their homes to other parts of the commercial city because of the bad state of roads in their areas which are in bad condition.

    Prestige stated that the project he tagged “Road Emergency Rehabilitation Scheme” was a pet project that was conceive during his campaign tour of the local government areas of Aba North and South federal constituency and in fulfillment of his campaign promises that he was going to assist the people to reduce the stress they pass through in accessing the city center from their homes.

    The lawmaker thanked the people of Aba North and South Federal Constituency for voting him into power, promising that he would continue to attract democracy dividends to them.

    He also promised that more roads will be graded, urging residents of such places to be patient.