The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • APGA chair knocks Okorie over threat to Anambra governor

    APGA chair knocks Okorie over threat to Anambra governor

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa has cautioned the founding chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie, against accusing Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of plans to destroy APGA.

    Okorie’s fallout with the governor according to him is as a result of Soludo’s refusal to align with the party’s factional chairman Edozie Njoku.

    Briefing reporters in Abuja, Ezeokenwa explained that Okorie and his members had long ceased to be members of APGA since 2007.

    He said: “As far as we are concerned, we are aware of the antics of these individuals. They believe that because APGA is in power in Anambra, they can blackmail Governor Professor Charles Soludo into immediately parting with state funds. It is on record that Soludo is an economist, not someone who will succumb to unnecessary shenanigans or gimmicks.

    Read Also: Woman, kids arrested for ‘beating’ 75-year-old father in Anambra

    “He is not someone who will divert anything into private pockets. And that is their only issue. It is important that we begin to inform Nigerians about the real motives of these enemies of APGA. Their interest is simply to bury the party.

    “It is on record that Chekwas Okorie was expelled from APGA around 2004/2005 when he tried to frustrate the case of the then-governorship candidate of the party, Peter Obi, who later, by God’s grace, went on to become governor elected on the APGA platform. He tried to challenge his expulsion up to the Supreme Court, but the apex court affirmed it. So, at what point did he return to the party?

    “Furthermore, it is on record that, after that, he (Okorie) went on to form another political party, which he ultimately liquidated. Today, the same political party has been deregistered, and he feels that the only way to gain relevance is to start laying claim once again to the leadership of APGA.”

    Ezeokenwa also raised concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might have taken sides with the Njoku-led faction to undermine the party ahead of the state’s next election.

  • Lawyer accused of murdering 36-year-old man disrupts arraignment in Abakaliki

    Lawyer accused of murdering 36-year-old man disrupts arraignment in Abakaliki

    Alawyer, Sunday Ununu accused of murdering an orphan 36 years old man, Nnamdi Nwoke on Friday disrupted his arraignment proceedings at the Magistrate Court 1 in the State Judiciary Headquarters Abakaliki, calutak of Ebonyi State.

     Ununu who is the Principal of Bigbird chambers, a popular legal firm in Abakaliki.

    He was arrested two weeks ago and has been in police custody at the police headquarters Abakaliki after the bullets he fired from a pistol in his possession hit the late Nwite.

    The incident happened when a group, Izzi Unuphu Land Power of Attorney was celebrating their election for the new executives of the group.

    The Friday incident at the court was the third attempt to arraign Ununu this week in the Magistrate court 1 presided by Ojemba Isu Oko which all failed.

    In the Friday afternoon 6th September, 2024 incident, Ununu was docked and he walked out of the dock protesting that the charges against him were not properly entered.

    The drama which lasted for about two hours disrupted court proceedings in other magistrate courts within the Magistrate court 1 where he was arraigned.

    Read Also: FG rehabilitates more portions of failed Abakaliki/Enugu highway

    After the drama, Ununu was taken out of the court in a branded black police operational vehicle to the police headquarters by armed policemen who brought him to the court while the Magistrate court one couldn’t sit on the matter.

    Ununu also granted interview with some journalists after walking out of the duck but the policemen came to the two journalists; Wilson Okereke of Daily Sun and Enyinnaya Omoke of the New Nigeria, seized their phones and deleted the interview as recorded in the phones.

    Meanwhile, a right group, Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) has petitioned Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun seeking transfer of the case file to force headquarters, Abuja.

    The CLO in a statement signed by Kindness Jonah of the Enugu unit of the organisation alleged that some disgruntled members of the extended family of the deceased were demanding clandestine settlement.

    They also alleged that some officers of the state police command are in the know of the notorious plot to cover up the matter and are now actively trying to circumvent justice by liaising for a quantifiable settlement without due process.

    “Barrister Sunday Ununu should be made to face the full weight of the law for callously cutting short the enterprising life of Mr. Nnamdi Ugo Nwite, and for even trying ”settling” with distant relatives of the victim without any modicum of regard for the nuclear family with aged mother, certainly due to their excruciating poverty level,” the petition read in parts.

    The petition was copied to Governor Francis Nwifuru, the state Commissioner of Police, family of Nnamdi Nwite, National Human Rights Commission among others.

    Spokesperson of the Police in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu dismissed the insinuations that the command was planning to cover the matter.

    “How can we cover the matter, is he not in our custody. On this issue of his arraignment, I don’t have the details. For now, I don’t know anything about that but I know he has been in our custody,” said.

  • Otti issues ultimatum to property owners to pave way for master plan

    Otti issues ultimatum to property owners to pave way for master plan

    The governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has issued a 90-day ultimatum to property owners in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state and its environs to regularise the registration of their properties.

    Otti said that the mandatory regularisation exercise was part of his administration’s resolve to develop a master plan for Aba and its environs.

    Otti, who spoke to journalists in Aba, listed Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Obingwa and Ugwunagbo local government areas of the state as areas that would be covered by the planned master plan project.

    He said that the designing of a master plan for Aba and among other nearby local government areas of the state has become long overdue, lamenting that many property owners erected their building without government’s approval.

    Otti, represented by Uche Ukaeje, the Director General of Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), said that the exercise would help the state to take stock of properties in the city and enable her to plan well.

    Read Also: Obi, Otti stakeholders will recreate LP-Tanko

    Ukeje revealed that the exercise is basically about collection of data and not for internally generated revenue drives.

    He said, “In the modern world it is difficult to plan without data. If you want to site schools, hospitals, markets and social centres the first question they will ask you is what is your market and who are the people you want to serve.

    “As it stands today we don’t have the answer because most of the things happened outside the system.

    “We don’t have information of the number of houses we have and number of people we are serving, so if want to build hospitals we cannot say that this part of Aba requires more than the other part of Aba, that information does not exist, so what we are doing basically is to provide the government with information we need to serve the people better.

    “Ordinarily when residents built houses without approval, there are penalties that should be paid when we want to regularise, but the governor in his wisdom and magnanimity has done Christmas early for the city of Aba.

    “He is offering a 90 days moratorium to the city of Aba for people to come and get approval for any kind of building they have done without approval.”

    Speaking of the fees to be charged for registration of a building, Ukaje explained that the local governments involved were divided into sections, adding the cost of registration will depend on the value of a property in a particular section of the town.

  • Akwa Ibom records five cases of Mpox

    Akwa Ibom records five cases of Mpox

    Akwa Ibom government says it has recorded five cases of Monkeypox across the state from a total of 30 samples collected for diagnosis.

    From the samples four cases were confirmed initially including three males and a female, ranging from  two, four, 12 and 41 years of age.

    Samuel Etuk, a disease surveillance and notification officer who is with the state ministry of health had earlier announced the confirmation of the four cases but has confirmed additional one case.

    Etuk, confirmed the first four cases during the Media Review Meeting organised by the Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) in collaboration with the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP), held in Uyo, the state capital.

    Read Also: Mpox: Nigeria records eight new confirmed cases

    On a WhatsApp group, he announced the confirmation of the additional new case. “Good morning everyone. We have another positive case of Mpox bringing the tally to five confirmed cases in the State,” he said.

    He had reported that contact tracing for any transmission was conducted while the affected persons had been placed in isolation.

    He said 10 community informants had been engaged per ward to work in catchment areas, reporting to the health facility focal person who in turn would forward the same to the local government disease surveillance and notification officers for an onward report to the Ministry of Health.

  • Abia’s First Lady pays N3m hospital bills of patients

    Abia’s First Lady pays N3m hospital bills of patients

    As part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Charity, Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti has paid the hospital bills of six indigent persons totalling over N3million at Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

    She has equally assisted above 50 traders at Orie-Ugba market in Umuahia with cash to improve their businesses.

    Speaking after handling over the proof of payment to the management of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia First Lady said the gesture is in line with the agenda of Governor Ale Otti led administration towards improving the welfare of the people.

    The Abia Governor’s wife appreciated the dedication of the management and staff of FMC and urged them to continue their service of saving lives.

    At Orie-Ugba market, where fifty traders benefitted from cash gifts, Mrs Priscilla Otti hinted that the market would be rebuilt to enable them trade in a conducive environment.

    Read Also: Group lauds presidency over tour of agencies, hails Gbajabiamila

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix, explained that the beneficiaries of the hospital bills had since been discharged but could not afford the bills until the intervention of the governor’s wife.

    In their responses, some beneficiaries of the largesse of the wife of the governor including Michael Udoh, Odiwonma Finest and Odiwonma and Caroline Akachukwu among others  thanked the wife of the governor for the kind gesture extended to them and prayed God to bless her.

  • IPOB vows to avenge murder of unarmed coordinator

    IPOB vows to avenge murder of unarmed coordinator

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the killing of its unarmed coordinator, Mazi Emeka Akubuo, by the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) in Osumenyi, Nnewi South LGA.

    The IPOB Directorate of State on Friday in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful described the murder as “dastardly” and vowed to avenge the death.

    “The late Mazi Emeka Akubuo was murdered in cold blood by a soulless and notorious Anambra Ebube Agu group called AVG. What was his crime? His only crime is being a member of a non-violent freedom movement fighting for the freedom of Biafrans.”

    Read Also: IPOB denies attacking police, tackles Uzodimma, Mbah on insecurity

    The IPOB has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to fish out the perpetrators and prosecute them for murder, failing which the group will take action.

    The IPOB emphasised that its members are peaceful and unarmed civilians fighting for the freedom of Biafrans.

    “We cannot be working to set our people free while some people are killing their saviours to please our collective enemies. Biafrans must hold this Igbo saying dear at this critical time, Igwe bu ike,” Comrade Emma Powerful said.

  • Imo Govt launches Operation Zero Potholes in Owerri

    Imo Govt launches Operation Zero Potholes in Owerri

    Potholes have long plagued major roads in Imo State, including Ihiagwa-Nekede Road, Aba-Owerri Road, and World Bank Road, causing frustrating traffic jams and rough rides for commuters.

    But relief is finally in sight.

    The Imo State Government has launched “Operation Zero Potholes,” a comprehensive road rehabilitation project aimed at eradicating potholes and ensuring a seamless driving experience in Owerri, the state capital.

    The government said on Friday that the project, which is currently underway, aims to rehabilitate roads in the Owerri metropolis, ensuring a smooth and seamless driving experience for commuters.

    “We are committed to creating a better environment for our people, and the rehabilitation of roads is a critical step in achieving this goal,” said Prince Eze Ugochukwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment.

    Read Also: Obasanjo commissions Owerri Central Market Complex

    He said that the project has already shown significant progress in the New Owerri area, where many roads are now motorable and providing drivers with a smooth ride.

    Residents have expressed their gratitude for the initiative, praising the government’s efforts to address the issue of potholes in some areas of the city.

  • ENIFF2024 partners Nnaebue for ‘Magic of the People’ documentary competition

    ENIFF2024 partners Nnaebue for ‘Magic of the People’ documentary competition

    Mouthwatering monetary prizes await documentary filmmakers who dare to enter for the Re-imagine Heritage Magic of the people documentary film competition held at the 2024 edition of Eastern Nigeria International film festival, ENIFF.

    The  Magic of the people  documentary film competition at the 5th  edition of Eniff, which runs from Nov 27 to 30th  2024, is proudly sponsored by the celebrated Nigerian film maker Ike Nnaebue who is passionate about empowering young creatives and preserving African cultural heritage through story telling”

    These prizes range from N500,000, N300,000, and N200,000, respectively, and  will go to the best filmmakers who submit new film perspectives that redefine cultural narratives.

    Additionally, the top five filmmakers will benefit from a one-year mentorship with Nnaebue, providing an invaluable opportunity to refine their craft under his expert guidance.

    Read Also:TB Joshua: We are yet to respond to BBC’s documentary, SCOAN clarifies

    In a statement announcing this new partnership, the Co-founder and CEO of Eastern Nigeria Film and Arts Initiative organisers of ENIFF Ujuaku Akukwe “we are indeed excited to announce the launch of Re-imagine Heritage documentary film competition.”

    “This is in order to uncover and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the South Eastern people of Nigeria.

    “The competition encourages film makers from the region to capture the essence of their family history through the lens of a smartphone and democratise the film making process.”

  • South-south youths appeal for reinstatement of Rivers NSCDC Commandant

    South-south youths appeal for reinstatement of Rivers NSCDC Commandant

    The South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has called on the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Audi Ahmed, to reinstate Basil Igwebueze, who was recently redeployed from Rivers state.

    The group emphasised the importance of Igwebueze’s professional conduct and significant contributions to the state during his tenure.

    In a statement, the national president of the youth group, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, expressed concern over Igwebueze’s redeployment, stressing that his leadership had brought stability to Rivers State.

    Oscar highlighted that throughout Igwebueze’s service, he had maintained an unblemished record, a key reason why he should be retained in a state as vital as Rivers, given its economic significance to the nation.

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    Oscar stated: “It should be on record that one of the criteria for appointing heads of security agencies is professionalism. We are very much happy that the current State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Basil Igwebueze, has displayed professionalism and diligence in his duties,”

    Oscar further lauded Igwebueze’s efforts in maintaining peace and securing critical government assets in Rivers State. Under his leadership, several illegal bunkering sites were dismantled, significantly boosting revenue for the federal government.

    “He has been very instrumental to the peace we enjoy in Rivers State and in securing critical government assets. We are happy to have someone of his calibre leading a security architecture in a state that houses many essential federal assets,” he added.

    The youth group expressed disappointment over Igwebueze’s redeployment at a time when the state still requires his services to build on the progress made.

    “As we speak, we are not happy that at the time we need him most to consolidate on the good works he has been doing, he is being redeployed,” Oscar said.

    He also noted the increasing confidence of Rivers residents in the NSCDC, attributing this to the professionalism demonstrated by the Corps under Igwebueze’s command.

    While commending the Commandant General for his reforms within the NSCDC, the youth group appealed for the reinstatement of Igwebueze to continue his excellent service to Rivers State.

    “In as much as we commend Dr. Audi Ahmed for his good work in deploying competent officers across various states, we are asking that he should consolidate this effort by reinstating Commandant Basil Igwebueze in Rivers State

    “Commandant Basil has done so much, and we haven’t recorded any wrongdoing against him. We are proud of his achievements and are passing a vote of confidence in him,”

    Oscar concluded by emphasising that Igwebueze’s dedication should be recognised and encouraged.

    He urged the Commandant General to heed their appeal and return Igwebueze to Rivers State.

    “This is one man you can call at any time of the night, and he will respond. Such a person should be encouraged to do more for the people of the state and the region. Again, we pass a vote of confidence on him and wish that the CG listens to our appeal and brings him back to Rivers State.”

  • Group lauds presidency over tour of agencies, hails Gbajabiamila

    Group lauds presidency over tour of agencies, hails Gbajabiamila

    The Initiative for Credible and Transparency in Governance (ICTG) has praised the Presidency for taking proactive steps to ensure optimal performance in agencies directly under its purview.

    In a statement signed by Dr. Ochonu Ochonu, the group said the recent visit and tour of critical agencies by the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila demonstrates a commitment to productivity and accountability.

    The agencies so far visited include the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

    Others are the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

    According to Ochonu, this initiative will boost performance, enhance service delivery, and promote a culture of accountability.

    Read Also: FG steps up health facility regulatory formation process

    “We salute the Presidency for taking proactive steps to ensure agencies under its purview perform optimally. The recent visit and tour of critical agencies by the President’s Chief of Staff demonstrates a commitment to productivity and accountability,” the statement said.

    “Routine assessment tours like this are crucial in identifying areas of improvement, addressing operational challenges, and ensuring effective management structures are in place. They also promote a culture of accountability and encourage agencies to strive for excellence.

    “By conducting on-site assessments, the Presidency can make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and provide necessary support to agencies. This approach will undoubtedly boost performance and enhance service delivery.

    “We commend Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for his leadership and initiative in undertaking these tours. His hands-on approach and engagement with agency officials demonstrate a genuine interest in their work and challenges.

    “Gbajabiamila’s efforts will undoubtedly yield positive results, including improved performance, enhanced transparency, and increased accountability. His commitment to good governance and effective leadership is a testament to the Presidency’s dedication to excellence.”

    The ICTG encouraged the Presidency to consider the findings from these tours in resource allocation, policy formulation, and decision-making processes.

    The group also called on other arms of government and stakeholders to emulate this initiative, promoting transparency and accountability across all sectors.

    With sustained efforts, the ICTG looks forward to seeing positive impacts on citizens’ lives and offers its support and expertise to the Presidency in ensuring effective implementation of recommendations.

    “We commend the agencies for their cooperation and openness during the tours, demonstrating their willingness to embrace transparency and accountability,” Ochonu added. 

    “We call on other arms of government and stakeholders to emulate this initiative, promoting a culture of accountability and productivity across all sectors. Sustained efforts like these will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s development, and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts on the lives of citizens.

    “The ICTG offers its support and expertise to the Presidency in ensuring the effective implementation of recommendations from these tours and promoting good governance in Nigeria.”