The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Industrialist donates to varsity

    Industrialist donates to varsity

    The Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus has added another feather in its cap. The faculty benefitted from the philanthropic gestures of one Nigeria’s known industrialists, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, the Managing Director/CEO of Innoson Industries.

    Chief Chukwuma built and inaugurated the building named after his business outfit, Innoson.

    Although he did not reveal the amount of money he spent on the building which he equipped with state-of-the-art classroom gadgets.

    Speaking at an elaborate ceremony during which the building was handed over to the authorities of the university, Chukwuma said the day’s occasion was a fulfilment of a promise he made to the institution.

    He said he was impressed by the expertise of person who conceptualised the project, stating that he had donated many buildings to several universities.

    He urged them to make good use of the building so that with time, posterity would see that many more Innosons would be produced.

    “I would like to see that the building helped in producing industrialists who will                          add vigorously pursue the technological advancement of Nigeria,” he said, adding that “it is not the beauty of the building that matters but how the building will help in producing future industrialists for the development of the country.”

    While thanking Chukwuma for his gesture, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba assured that the building would make a difference in academic and intellectual stature of not only the University of Nigeria but also Nigeria as a whole.

    He praised the donor whom he said started from a humble beginning to being the first man to have a vehicle manufacturing company in Nigeria.

    “He has, so early in life, blazed the trail. Life had not been roses for him. He crossed so many rivers to make it in life. He is today a well known philanthropist. Givers never lack. They are always replenished in many folds. We expect that Chukwuma will start manufacturing jets, having started with motorcycles, to motor cars. He did not study engineering but he is doing better than those who studied engineering,” he said.

    The Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Prof. Justie Nnabuko said their hearts were filled with gratitude to “this illustrious son of our land who has magnanimously shown us love.”

    She said: “If he did not love us, his academic family, he will not bestow on us his hard-earned money to use. Our prayer for him is that God will continue to shower him favour in all areas of his business, riches untold so he will continue to give, divine health, grace and mercy all his life long. He shall conquer more grounds and obtain favour with God.”

  •  Abia Speaker empowers constituents

     Abia Speaker empowers constituents

    The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu has given empowerment items to some members of Ohafia North State Constituency and some individuals from the 17 local government areas of Abia State. He said the gesture was borne out of his desire to appreciate members of his constituents for the trust they reposed in him to represent them at the State House of Assembly.

    During the event, Hon. Chukwu distributed gift items worth millions of Naira to over 200 beneficiaries.

    Various political stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and party faithful thronged the play ground of Etitiama Primary School, Nkporo, venue of the event in their numbers in solidarity with the Speaker who donated vehicles and other items of empowerment worth over N50 million.

    The Speaker said the efforts of the state government had to be complemented through genuine contributions by individuals, even as he revealed that the gesture was his contribution in that regard.

    He said Governor Orji’s administration lays emphasis on entrenching good governance and delivery of democratic benefits for the common good of the people.

    “What is happening today is borne out of a sincere commitment to serve and leave an enduring legacy for posterity as well as complementing the efforts of the state governor to empower our people and make them self-reliant. It is gratifying to note that the administration of Governor Orji has aggressively tackled the issue of unemployment of Abia youths through empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes,” he said.

    Hon. Chukwu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, even as he appealed to those who were not accommodated in the programme to be patient as they will be taken care of in the next phase of the programme.

    The Speaker said there are some ongoing road projects in his constituency which he said the governor has graciously promised to come and inaugurate before the end of his tenure in May, 2015.

    He reeled off the projects to include Abiriba –Etitiama-Nkporo and Abiriba –Ndi Ebe Abam roads, adding that he had completed construction and renovation of classroom blocks and staff quarters in some secondary schools in the constituency.

    Some of the items distributed to the beneficiaries at the event included 53 vehicles; 32 Q-link motorcycles, four bicycles, three giant electricity generating sets, 10 computer sets, 30 sewing machines, 50 small electricity generating sets, 10 weaving machines, 20 hair dressing kits, four vulcanising machines, four deep freezers, 10 sets of garri processing machines, 20 barbing kits, four grinding machines and  a complete set of modern disc jockey equipment and 3,000 customised printed wrappers.

    To ensure that he met the health needs of his people, a medical test session for malaria, hypertension and diabetes screening, among other health conditions, were also conducted to complement Governor Orji’s giant strides in providing quality healthcare for the people.

    While inaugurating a modern skill acquisition centre built and equipped at Abiriba by Hon. Chukwu where people will be trained in various skills and trades, Governor Orji praised Hon Chukwu for his people-oriented programmes and urged other lawmakers to emulate him.

    Though the event chaired by the PDP National Vice-Chairman, Southeast, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd) was meant to appreciate the electorate for their support for Hon. Chukwu who is serving his third tenure as lawmaker and three years as Speaker of the 5th Abia Assembly, some party officials and leading politicians from the 17 local government areas soon turned it into a carnival-like event as they stormed the venue with their supporters.

    Some of those who attended the event expressed their gratitude to the Speaker for his benevolence, describing him as “the people’s lawmaker.”

    According to them, Chukwu has been too generous in attending to the needs of the people of his constituency.

    One of the beneficiaries, Orji Francis who received a Volkswagen Passat car said: “Hon. Oko Chukwu has been a source of blessing to the people of Ohafia North State Constituency and Abia State. He has been attending to the needs of his constituents without making noise about it.

    “Before today, I have received a lot of assistance from him. He is a good man who takes pleasure in alleviating the suffering of his people. Only God can reward his love for the people.”

    Hon. David Iro, PDP Youth Leader in Ohafia Local Government Area, who is among the six beneficiaries of SUV vehicles, said he had worked with Hon. Chukwu over the years, describing him as a benevolent person.

    Hon. Iro, who was former Councillor and Leader of the Ohafia Legislative Council, said Chukwu’s philanthropy accounts for why the constituency has re-elected him thrice and has vowed to support him for a higher office in 2015.

    He said: “Mr. Speaker has been secretly empowering his constituents over the years. Before today’s empowerment programme, he had donated many cars, gave scholarship to indigent students, paid medical bills and provided housing for the less-privileged without blowing his trumpet.

    “A few years ago, he sponsored about six of us to the local government as elected councillors. He has assisted a lot of people to secure employment and admission into tertiary institutions across the federation. This is why he has been re-elected thrice. Oko Chukwu is the people’s lawmaker. The people are already calling on him to seek a higher office in 2015.”

    He added that the Speaker had set a precedent which will be difficult to surpass. He urged other lawmakers to emulate his example.

    While addressing reporters, at the event which he described as monumental, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Obasi Okibeh Onwukah had said the empowerment programme has become a regular event through which the Speaker appreciates his constituents and people of the state for their support, adding that the items were not distributed based on party affiliation but on the basis of reaching out to the people of his constituency and state no matter their party inclinations.

    In attendance at the were Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji; his deputy, Chief Emeka Ananaba; members of the state executive council; members of the state Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Asiforo Okere; State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Emma Nwaka; his deputy, Chief Allen Nwachukwu,  among others.

    Other top party personalities present were the former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former PDP National Chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon; former state chairman, Abia PDP and BoT member, Chief Tony Ukasanya,; Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Chief Cosmas Ndukwe; Special Adviser to the Governor, Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai; the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Arua Arunsi; member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency; Hon. Uzo Azubuike and Deputy Chief of Staff, Abia Government House, Chief Charles Ogbonna.

    Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor, Chief Eric Acho Nwakanma; Chief Marc Wabara; Ambassador Okey Emuchay; and former Speaker , Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) Parliament, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa,   Chief Bourdex David Onuoha, one of the leading aspirants for the Abia North Senatorial zone who was represented by one of his aides, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Eberechi Dick; Enachioken of Abiriba, Eze Kalu Ogbu and other monarchs from across the state; Leader of the Ukwa Ngwa Ethnic Nationality, Elder Emmanuel Adaelu and former boss of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Chief Chuku Wachuku.

  • Rights groups remember their dear member

    Rights groups remember their dear member

    Coalition of Human Rights groups across the 17 local government areas of Abia State and their counterparts from other parts of the country stormed the commercial city of Aba in remembrance of their departed colleague and former Executive Director, Civil Liberties Organisation, Comrade Chima Ubani who died nine years ago in a motor accident. As a result, vehicular and human movements were brought to a halt.

    During the rally which began at the Aba South Town Hall, the groups marched in solemn mood through major streets in Aba. They sensitised citizens on their rights and reminded government of its responsibilities to the citizens.

    The late Ubani, though from Obete-Umuoha in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, believed in the Nigerian Project as he never segregated; had friends across the major and minor ethnic nationalities in the country.

    He died in active service in a motor accident along Potiskum-Yobe Expressway on September 21, 2005 on his way to Maiduguri. He was on mobilisation tour against fuel price hike by the then Obasanjo’s administration.

    Sadly, some of the societal ills that he fought against are still unaddressed or attended to at both state and federal levels.

    National Convener, United Action for Democracy (UAD) and organiser of the rally, Baba Aye described the late Ubani as a tireless fighter and excellent thinker.

    Aye said Ubani’s death was symbolic to the working class, adding that “it was on September 21, 1973 that the trade unions decided to come together when one of them, Odunleye was buried.”

    According to him, Ubani’s spirit lives on, “because some of the issues bedeviling our nation currently were those views Ubani was upholding”.

    “We are living in a country where the poor are becoming poorer and the rich becoming richer,” he said.

    Contributing, the National President of Civil Liberties Organisation, Uche Wisdom Durueke said the only way Ubani would be continuously remembered is for social rights activists in the country to always identify with the downtrodden who were Ubani’s constituents.

    He called on the Presidency and authorities of the Armed Forces to revisit their judgment and revoke the death sentences passed on the 12 soldiers who were tried for mutiny, adding “the soldiers are Nigerians and should not lose their lives. Let us not be deceived by religion, race or anything whatsoever,” he said.

    In his speech, the Executive Director of the organisation, Ibuchukwu Ezike also urged the Abia State Government to fulfill the promise made by the administration of former governor of the state, chief Orji Uzor Kalu during Ubani’s burial at his hometown Obete Umuoha in Obingwa Local Government Area.

    Ezike said: “You will recall that during Chima’s burial in 2005 in Obete Umuoha in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State Government pledged to take care of Chima’s family and honour him as a great Nigerian of Abia State extraction. The pledge was announced on behalf of the Abia Government and people by the late Deputy Governor of the state, Chima Nwafor.

    “Unfortunately, nine years after, neither the previous nor the present government in the state has made any efforts to respect a pledge to the deceased son while Lagos State Government paid for the mortuary expenses, donated a befitting three bedroom flat and a giant electricity generating set to Chima’s family and awarded full scholarship from nursery to university level for two of Chima’s children.

    “Despite repeated appeals by the CLO to urge the government to respect its own pledge, no efforts, not even a reply to our letters, has been made. It is a show of shame that Ubani, who lived and died fighting the cause of the oppressed, the marginalised and the abused; can be treated like this by his own people and government. If it were elsewhere, not only Abia but the entire Southeast state governments ought to have picked the domestic responsibilities of the Ubanis,” he said.

  • Why I joined politics, by hotelier

    A prominent promoter of the hospitality industry in the country, Chief Bonaventure Mokwe has said he joined Anambra politics to join hands with Governor Willie Obiano to move the state forward.

    Chief Mokwe, owner of Upper Class Hotel located at No. 8, Old Market Road, Onitisha, Anambra State, which was demolished by former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi over allegations that human heads and AK47 rifles were found in one of the rooms, said governance is all about pursuit of the common good devoid of self-centredness.

    Mokwe, who said he spent over 80 days in the cell of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu, because of the false allegation declared for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on August 24.

    He said one of the reasons for joining the party is to prove to people that he is broad-minded, adding that ordinarily, he has no business with the party of the state’s helmsman who destroyed his property if he is such a man that is petty.

    He promised to expose the inadequacies of Obi, whose administration he described as a failed adventure, adding that Obi’s crime fighting initiative was meant to witch-hunt real and perceived political enemies.

    Narrating his ordeal, he alleged he was approached by one R.T Martins, proxy to Fidelity Bank Plc to purchase the property for the bank which Obi has an interest in, a demand he said he refused.

    He alleged that it was after the meeting and his subsequent refusal to sell the property to him that the property was demolished.

    The hotelier sued Obi for N3 billion as damages over the alleged demolition, stating that a proper investigation was not carried out before his hotel was pulled down, adding that the room 102 where the human skull was allegedly found was where a customer who used John Obi as pseudonym lodged the night prior to the demolition of the property. He also said the customer had not checked out of the hotel at the time the police arrived and recovered the items.

    He said: “My hotel was demolished less than two hours after my arrest. Even when the police knew the real identity of the lodger, they did nothing; rather the officer in charge called him and said he should forget what had happened.

    “You have three other hotels, forget about the one that was demolished. When they saw there was nothing they could hold against me, they framed me up for murder. “As at today, I have no pending case against me in any court. I am in possession of my property. The court has long declared the action of Obi’s government illegal.”

    On his joining politics, he said: “My entry into partisan politics was a decision I made after consulting prominent Aguata natives and my larger family. The youths of my town and my neighbouring towns; Uga, Amesi,Achina, Akpo and Ezinifite Aguata were all instrumental to my decision.

    “For the past 10 years, I have been the number one promoter of youth empowerment and poverty alleviation in my area through a cultural festival (Ntanake Festival) which I founded and funded.

    “The final persuasion came from the political czar of Anambra North Senatorial zone; Senator Alphosus Ubanese Igbeke. My recent experience in the hands of Mr. Peter Obi was also a factor in my decision to make a difference in governance. “Sound and logical reasoning in governance and promotion of rule of law are my priorities. Governance by trial and error, act now and think later approach, lack of any sense of damage control and governance by just one man while the rest knows nothing, all of which characterised Obi’s administration will be a thing of the past. “Governor Willie Obiano’s approach to governance is exactly the opposite of that of the past administration, hence my reason for supporting him till the end of his tenure.

    “Obiano’s crime fighting effort centres on intelligence, manpower deployment, rule of law, youth empowerment, all hands on deck approach, investigation and checks and balances.

    Continuing, he said: “I was received into the APGA political family on August 24 by the party’s bigwigs in Aguata Local Government Area. The ceremony took place at Umuchu Civic Centre Nkwo Umuchu after which the reception followed at my Upper Class Hotel, Nkwo Umuchu.

    He said Obi’s administration was hiding under crime fighting to demolish a person’s property while the real intention was to personally acquire a prime property, adding that Obiano’s history of economic accomplishment is legitimate and very clean.

    “It was arithmetical progression in nature and not sudden wealth. I respect him greatly. His intellectual composition, all of which are earned and not acquired also drew me to him. I equally respect and admire Mr. Victor Umeh for his political shrewdness and resilience.

    “His spectacular ability to side-step political landmines over the years is very remarkable. I will be honoured to work with him. The partnership will be very interesting.

    “I am fully aware of all the man-made obstacles including my sad incident confronting Obiano. Governance of last minute sainthood by way of reckless gift jamboree made from the state’s collective wealth is the root of it all. The end result is a financially shackled incoming administration.

    “Wisdom that is common with intelligent men will see Governor Obiano through the hurdles. He is a breed apart from all the prior governors of Anambra State and he is working despite the shackles,” he said.

  • ‘Judicial autonomy deepens democracy’

    ‘Judicial autonomy deepens democracy’

    Abia State Chief Judge (CJ) Justice Nnenna Otti has called on states that are yet to ensure financial autonomy for the judiciary to do so without delay in order to stabilise the democracy in the country.

    Justice Otti said there are three arms of government namely the executive, judiciary and the legislature, saying each of them should be independent of each other as none should encroach on the jurisdiction of the other to avoid chaos.

    Speaking in Umuahia as part of the activities to mark the state’s legal year and her valedictory session, Justice Otti said when both the executive and the legislature try to relegate the judiciary to the background, things will not work out well for the system.

    Justice Otti said the state judiciary has a cordial working relationship with the executive to some extent, adding that there should be a mutual respect for each arm of government as specified by the Constitution of the country, “which is the grand num.”

    She noted that the executive arm of government in most states holds the finances from which other arms of government are funded from, while they make their budgets to the executive which, in most cases do not release enough funds to them.

    She said: “The executive arm holds in custody money for the other arms of government. While they make their budgets to the executive, it has the right to determine if there is enough money or not to disburse to the other arms of government for their projects.

    That is one of the reasons the judiciary is calling for financial autonomy and we are happy that it has been granted. But it is left for the executive arm of government to implement them like some of the rich states have done.”

    Justice Otti also said the issue of infrastructure is a problem in the judiciary, stressing that it could only be solved when the state judiciary is financially autonomous.

    “A situation whereby 80 Magistrates share one court room is absurd as it results in making them to sit on shift basis,” she said.

    She maintained that lack of funds and non-financial autonomy has forced the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji to come to their aid by building two multi-million Naira court houses in Aba and Umuahia and other court buildings across the state.

    She, however, appealed to the state governments to adhere to the constitutional provision by granting the judiciary financial autonomy as some states have done.

    Justice Otti appealed to the other arms of government to stop interfering in the affairs of the judiciary, saying that the judiciary is there to dispense justice.

    “The executive and legislature should not think they can do it alone as such assumption is wrong, because the judiciary has enormous powers from the Constitution,” she said.

  • Kingship tussle tears Anambra community apart

    Kingship tussle tears Anambra community apart

    Alor, the once-peaceful community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has, been engulfed in turmoil over the certificate of recognition issued to one of the contenders to the traditional throne by the state government. In this interview with NWANOSIKE ONU, Chief Benson Chinedu Igwe speaks on the state government’s role in the crisis among other issues. Excerpts

    What is the cause of the crisis that has lingered since 2012?

    Alor community comprises two traditional sections, namely: Ezi and Ifite. Ezi section is made up of three villages: Umuoshi, Etiti and Ebenesi-Okebunoye while Ifite is made up of three villages also namely Uruezeani, Ide and Umuokwu.

    The traditional stool of the community rotates between the Ezi and Ifite sections. The procedure for ascending the throne is contained in the Constitution of Alor Peoples’ Convention. But the constitution is not being followed in the current issue. Before the kingship position is occupied, a democratically elected town union government has to be in place and will comprise former members of Igwe-in-Council, (now: the Regency Council, which is 18 traditional Ichies from the 18 kindred units in Alor; one Idi Alo from each kindred unit, hononary chieftaincy title holders; three elected delegates (two men and one woman) from each kindred, one representative of each of the branches of Alor Development Union (ADU) throughout the federation, Chairman and Secretary of Nze na Ozo Council, among others.

    If you add up all these, you will have between 130 to 140 individuals from Alor community who would be saddled with the responsibility of selecting our traditional ruler in accordance with our town union constitution.

    Second, after the one year mourning period for our late traditional ruler, the President-General of Alor community would convene a general meeting of the town and announce the vacant kingship position.

    When this is done, the section that qualifies to produce the next king will present its candidate to the general meeting of Alor Peoples’ Convention for screening. After the person is passed the screening, then he would be declared the Igwe-elect of Alor community by the Convention and not the 12-man caretaker committee. Thereafter, the town union government would kick-start arrangements for the coronation of the new king (Igwe).

    After the coronation, the President-General and the town union executive, the newly installed traditional ruler with his cabinet would then go for presentation of the new Igwe to the State Government and then the Governor, satisfied that due process was followed and the general acceptance of the Igwe by the community would issue the new Igwe with the certificate of recognition.

    Unfortunately, this is not the case in my community.

    Instead of adhering to the so-called term of reference, by putting in place a democratically elected town union government, the caretaker committee resorted to selection of the new traditional ruler, and that exposed their clandestine and malignant activities.

    Therefore, I have been denied of my right as a contestant to the throne.

    How can the screening committee declare a boy whose father is still alive Igwe? This is abomination and a taboo in Igbo land. Would he be addressed as Igwe and his father addressed as prince?

    As if this is not enough, the Caretaker Committee hurriedly forwarded Mr. Chinedu Okonkwo’s name to the state government as the Igwe-Elect and Governor Willie Obiano quickly issued certificate of recognition to him, even as he is yet to be presented to the people for acceptance or otherwise and subsequent coronation by the community.

    As far as the community is concern, we have no Igwe at the moment. It is not certificate that makes somebody Igwe of his community; it is the members of the community that crowns somebody their Igwe. Thereafter, certificate of recognition may follow, not the other way around as is the case in Alor community.

    How helpful has the Abuja-based man in Abuja been to the community?

    The Abuja-based member of the community has been of great help to the community in various ways, of which we appreciate. But our community no longer knows peace. They are playing politics with the fate of Alor people. They usually allege that those against the imposition of the caretaker committee and their misdeeds are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are supporters of Senator Chris Ngige.

    That’s what they told the Governor. But everybody knows me as a contented businessman. I have no affiliation with any political party or politician. I am neither a member of the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). I am equally not a fan of Ngige.

    I’m afraid God may be angry with our Abuja brother because it appears he uses his God-given position to mistreat vulnerable and the downtrodden in the community.

    It is wrong before God to pitch brothers and sisters against one another in the guise of helping them. If you want to help people, help them to the Glory of God.

    What should be done for peace to reign in the community once again?

    What will bring peace and normalcy to our community would be to follow due process in the selection the king of the community. The members of the caretaker committee should be impartial in the discharge of their duties.

    Whoever emerges the Igwe- elect, we shall support. Things must be done the right way, especially serious matter such as choosing a traditional ruler for a community, which must be done in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

    If I lose in the process, I will support the winner. But if this unconstitutional act is allowed to continue, it is capable of splitting the community into two with two separate traditional rulers.

    Just recently, about five Catholic Priests of Alor origin, led by Rev. Fr Marius Obiagwu initiated a peace move.

    Not satisfied with the actions of the caretaker committee, I have taken the matter to court. I took the action because I know there will not be peace without justice and truth.

  • Police in Imo launch new outfit to combat crimes

    Police in Imo launch new outfit to combat crimes

    In its determination to combat kidnapping, robbery, car theft, thuggery, cultism and other heinous crimes, the Imo State Police Command has launched a new crime fighting outfit code-named Special Response Squad (SRS).

    The Commissioner of Police, AbdulMajid Ali, said the creation of the outfit was one of the numerous initiatives of the command in ensuring a peaceful, crime-free and secured Imo, especially during the Yuletide.

    He assured that the personnel have been urged to shun corruption and be firm, fair and friendly in the discharge of their duties.

    Speaking during the passing out parade of the new outfit at the Mobile Police Base in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Ali revealed that the officers and men of the squad had undergone a one-month intensive training, stressing that “it is my pleasure to certify them fit and ready to carry out their assignment effectively and efficiently.”

    Warning politicians to refrain from acts of thuggery and other forms of political violence during the forthcoming general elections, the police chief announced the ban on the use of firearms by vigilance groups and other unconventional security outfits.

    He gave a two-week ultimatum to all the affected groups to surrender any firearms in their possession, warning that any person or group of persons found with firearm after the expiration of the ultimatum will be severely dealt with.

    He said: “All security networks, vigilance groups and every unconventional security outfit bearing firearms should surrender their arms to the police station nearest to them within two weeks. Similarly, I warn all persons engaged in any form of crime to leave the trade or leave the state entirely, else they will meet their waterloo.”

    He also disclosed that the command had made remarkable achievements between March and August in checkmating criminals and their activities.

    “Within the time under review, the command rescued 22 kidnap victims and arrested 39 suspected kidnappers, rescued 39 stolen babies and arrested 46 child traffickers. It also recovered 40 stolen vehicles and recovered stolen properties estimated at N29 million.”

  • Ndigbo and the waning traditional institution

    Ndigbo and the waning traditional institution

    Kingship in Igbo land is a sacred and highly revered institution. Its awe-inspiring mysteries, myths, glamour and royalty have been major preoccupation among historians and experts in mores of the land. It is essentially a unifying factor and custodian of the people’s norms, beliefs and cultural heritage. Being a highly respected institution, a king’s life, in principle and practice, is significantly free from any form of blame.

    Kingship is almost mystic in Igbo land. For instance, a king is seen a representative of the gods and is restricted by norms and traditions of the people from doing certain things, of which he must diligently observe.

    In the past, a king cannot be seen beyond his palace. This, however, had to be reviewed to allow the king the luxury of carrying out his wider responsibilities, which cannot satisfactorily be done within the confines of the palace.

    It is also a tradition in Igbo land that before a person aspires to become a king, his father must have been dead, for the simple reason that a king must not be subjected to the control of any person. He must be of impeccable character and free from all charges such as robbery, covetousness, indebtedness and drunkenness, among other crummy lifestyles.

    The king embodies all virtues and the people see him as a symbol of purity. This is outwardly confirmed by the fact that kings in Igbo land always wear white regalia.

    There are certain modes of behaviour which are characteristic of kings in Igbo land. For example, the king’s mouth cannot be seen while he is eating; neither does he eat in public places. He is regarded as a representative of the ancestors, who is above human errors and as such, is seen as an embodiment of truth and justice.

    Apart from being a secular ruler, the king is also imbued with spiritual powers and authority. He is the High Priest, and therefore at the head of all traditional religious functions in the community.

    The priestly duties of the king start in the early hours of the morning when the royal gong is sounded. He wakes and offers sacrifice to the gods on behalf of the people. After this, he retires to the palace to discharge his duties and receive homage from his subjects.

    In the yesteryear, the royal household is usually administrated by three servants known as Ngbaloto Eze meaning the naked servants .They are responsible for the king’s needs and must be naked while attending to him. They are usually very young boys who are considered virgins. Their heads are uniquely shaved in a traditional manner. One serves as the king’s interpreter while the other two are always in attendance during an audience; standing at both sides of the king bearing the royal sword.

    The wives and children of the king live apart from him. While he can see the children at all times, he can only see the wives only during the day. The king can marry as many wives as he desires, and cannot be asked to pay bride price for his would-be wife, though his in-laws are accorded great respect throughout the kingdom.

    They are also secluded from the public and are restricted to their royal quarters, but friends and relations can pay visits to them. Male visitors can only see them during the day with the permission of the king and guided by one of the palace guards.

    The process of being a king in Igbo land is extensive as it is expensive. In most communities, the kingship stool is rotational among royal families who take turns to produce the kings. But the age-long practice has often led to prolonged litigations that had torn most communities apart.

    In the past, potential contenders to any throne were brought before the Chief Priest who consults the gods to know the best person to be crowned king and the outcome is accepted by all without complaint for fear of the anger of the gods.

    In keeping with the tradition of secrecy that surrounds the affairs of the king, his illness and eventual death is kept secret from the public for a long time to allow the performance of all traditional rituals that precedes his burial to be performed.

    The news of the king’s death is broken to his subjects in a metaphor-laden linguistic expression such as igwe ejiri or igwe ejiele, meaning the steel or iron is broken.

    The Igwe’s second in command, the Onowu or traditional Prime Minister immediately assumes the office of the late king as a regent until a new king is appointed.

    But with the advent of civilisation, the concept of kingship in Igbo land has changed. In our day, it is no longer the revered institution it used to be. Gone are the solemnity, sacredness and royalty of the throne. The process of selecting a king now is manipulated by politicians who can also depose any king at will.

    There are also more reported cases of kingship tussle resulting from faulty selection processes than it used to be when the procedure was guided by established norms and traditions.

    Kings have also abandoned their hallowed palaces to hobnob with politicians thereby desecrating the traditional institution. With more political roles trusted to kings, the original role of providing leadership at the community level has been abandoned, resulting in increased impunity among the people.

    For instance, in Imo State, traditional rulers are no more restricted to their palaces from where they administer their kingdoms but are now given a new role that warrants them to participate in the day-to-day running of the government.

    Their new role, encapsulated under the newly created Traditional Parliament of Imo State has given the monarchs the opportunity to collaborate with the government and the people in the process of development and improving the well-being of their subjects.

    Commenting on the ‘dying’ traditional institution in Igbo land, Chief Ibeku Uzoaru, lamented that the once-revered institution has been hijacked and desecrated by politicians and money bags, stressing that except something urgent is done, Ndigbo will continue to grapple with kingship tussle.

    The octogenarian said: “What you hear in Igbo land today is that Igbo enweghi eze, meaning Igbo does not have a king. This belief results from the republican nature of Igbo land where every male adult that has attained the age of 18 has the right to contribute or air his view at a community gathering at the village square.

    “It was not so at the beginning but when people with questionable characters found their ways to the traditional throne using their wealth, the traditions of our people were destroyed.

    “Today once a man makes enough money, he returns home to buy the traditional throne of his people, even though he was an ex-convict, who has questionable means of livelihood. This has cost the confidence of the people on the traditional institution. It was a taboo to see kings indicted in serious crimes such as robbery and kidnapping. In the past, kings were men of impeccable characters.”

    Chief Uzoaru further criticised the polarisation of the institution. “It is now common in Igbo land to have a king in every village of few persons and this has weakened the once-powerful institution. The present-day kings are no less errand boys to politicians who assemble them to add colour to every little political gathering,” he said.

    For Nze Njoku Anthony, the collapse of the traditional institution in Igbo land is responsible for the high rate of criminal activities in several communities.

    “In the past, we never heard about crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, rape or any other heinous crime because they were regarded as sacrilege with serious consequences. But today, we are no longer guided by our traditions.

    “What you have as kings today are mere ceremonial heads who do not even know the traditions of the people. This is so because there are interferences in the manner the kings are selected.

    “For instance, if a community elects a king in line with their tradition, the government could have preference for another person who will be officially recognised as king and present Staff of Office to him,” he said.

  • ‘Ebonyi committed to resolving boundary disputes’

    When Ebonyi State was created; communities at its borders became enmeshed in crises with neighbouring communities in Cross River, Benue; Enugu and Abia states.

    The inter-state disputes over land were as a result of poor delineation of the boundaries at the time of its creation.

    Many lives have been lost and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed to the intermittent crises, especially at the Amagu–Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi/Adadama-Abi Local Government Area of Cross River axis and the Ngbo Ohaukwu Local Government Area/Agila Local Government Area axis.

    Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the National Boundary Commission, (NBC) and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation led by NBC boss, Dr. M.B. Ahmad in Abakaliki, Governor Martin Elechi expressed worry over the negative perception of the state as a result of the boundary disputes between it and the neighbouring states.

    He stated that the intractable boundary disputes between Ebonyi and other neighbouring states have given the outside world the impression that people of Ebonyi State are difficult to deal with even when the reverse was the case.

    He, however, noted that the world over, boundary disputes have remained intractable problems, maintaining that theirs would not be an exception, even as he urged the people not to regard it as a problem beyond solution.

    “I have been involved in settling boundary disputes in different levels and I know that it is intractable problem. But we have been able to manage some cases. Ebonyi State appears to be an unfortunate state in that from all fronts, it is being faced by the same phenomenon which gives the impression that we are difficult people, uniquely difficult. But that is not the case. As you can affirm on the cause of your interaction and investigation, we are not as bad or as hostile as the picture is being painted.”

    Determined to end the bloodshed once and for all, Governor Elechi reconstituted the state boundary committee headed by his Deputy, Mr. Dave Umahi.

    Governor Elechi also reached out to the governors of these states and convinced them to do same so as to engender an accelerated discussion and actions that will lead to the settlement of the disputes.

    To support his seriousness in amicably resolving the disputes, Elechi recently played host to a contingent from Cross River State led by Governor Liyel Imoke in Abakaliki where far-reaching decisions on how to solve problem were taken.

    The states, at the end, agreed to set up a 26-man joint committee to proffer lasting solution to the crises.

    The meeting, which, for the first time was attended by governors of the two states, mandated the committee to submit its report to the governors on November 30, this year. The committee is to be jointly headed by the Deputy Governors of both states.

    The Deputy Governors immediately swung into action and held another meeting in Calabar during which they constituted an 84-man “Joint Governors’ committee to resolve the protracted boundary dispute existing between both states.

    The committee’s terms of reference include determination of the immediate and remote causes of the boundary dispute.

    The committee held its maiden meeting in Calabar under the leadership of Deputy Governors of both states, Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and Mr. Efiok Cobham (Calabar) respectively.

    It is also to determine the factors responsible for the failure of previous peace initiatives in the affected states and propose a lasting solution to the disputes.

    Also, the committee is expected to set up conflict resolution mechanisms for the communities in each sector with a view to maintaining peaceful co-existence.

    The committee is to submit detailed report and recommendations to the Governors of both states on or before November 30, this year.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which was signed by the Deputy Governors and their Attorneys-General of both states, the committee appreciated the prevailing peace between the communities in recent times.

    The communiqué urged the borderline communities to continue to live in harmony as the creation of states was not intended to divide brothers and sisters.

    At the end of the meeting, Umahi told reporters that peace was paramount to both states and could not be compromised.

    “I implore the committee to fuse together as a common body in relationship and understanding in the discharge of its function.

    “The positive outcome of their deliberations would bring about peace and harmony not only to the bordering communities but also would enable the states to forge ahead in growth and development,” Umahi said.

    He further emphasised the need for members to bury their differences and work towards discharging their onerous assignment creditably.

    On his part, Cobham hinted that the demeanor exhibited at the meeting was a sign that both states were now fully disposed to peace.

    According to him, the boundary dispute had impeded on the cordial relationship between border communities of both states.

    “The time has come to resolve this issue so that our states and the border communities would live as brothers and sisters,” he said.

    Umahi and members of the state boundary commission also held another joint boundary meeting with his Abia State counterpart in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

    At the end of the meeting, they sued for maintenance of the existing peace among communities along the disputed 75km stretch of land.

    The meeting was organised in order to resuscitate necessary actions towards fast-tracking the delineation of the boundary between the two states.

    In attendance at the meeting were the Director-General of NBC, Dr. M.B. Ahmad, delegations of both states led by Deputy Governors of both states, Sir Emeka Ananaba (Abia) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and the Director Boundaries, M.O. Arowolo who stood in for Surveyor-General of the Federation.

    The two states, in a communiquĂ© at the end of the meeting signed by the Deputy Governors of the two states and Director- General of NBC, directed that “the major stakeholders should encourage good neighbourliness through proper information dissemination.

    “The existing peace along the boundary should be sustained through the joint utilisation of the border resources of both states by the border communities.

    “The two states shall search for the relevant delineation documents describing/defining the Abia/Ebonyi inter-state boundary; “Four copies of the relevant delineation documents should be submitted to the National Boundary Commission on or before September 30, this year and shall be screened on October 9 and 10 this year at the headquarters of the NBC in Abuja;

    “The composition of the screening and authentication committee and the Joint Field Team as constituted at the Abakaliki meeting of 20th October 20, this year  still stands;

    “The Joint Field Team shall be inaugurated on 17th November 17 this year at Nkwoagu in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and the fieldwork shall commence at Uru-Lokpanta and shall be completed on or before December 18, this year.

    “The existing co-operation between the two state governments and their various border communities be encouraged by the traditional rulers and the local government officials of both states;

    “The chairmen of border LGAs of the two states should adopt appropriate strategies to synergise their efforts in peace-building;

    “Adequate security shall be provided for the Joint Field Team during the field exercise by both states;

    “The Federal Government and the two states governments shall provide funds, four wheel drive vehicles and necessary logistics support to their representatives in the various field exercise;

    “The two state governments, chairmen of the affected LGAs and traditional rulers shall carry out joint enlightenment campaigns in the affected areas prior to and during the period of the field exercise and beyond; “And the status quo shall be maintained until the boundary is properly defined and demarcated.”

    Similar meetings and agreements have also been held with governments of Benue and Enugu states where far-reaching agreements have been reached on the way forward. If the word of the Deputy Governor is anything to go by, then the crisis on all fronts may soon be a thing of the past.

    He said: “The Governor’s title is Ochudo, meaning one who keeps the peace and he has made it clear that he wants to leave the state more peaceful than he met it.  That is why we are working round the clock to ensure that there is lasting peace in the border communities. I assure you that we shall succeed by the grace of God.”

    The Deputy Governor said unlike reconciliation efforts in the past which yielded no results, the states are currently determined to resolve the boundary disputes once and for all.

  • ‘Revoke Ohafia/Arochukwu Road contract’

    Former Deputy House Leader in the House of Representatives who represented Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa has called on the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, to revoke the Ohafia/Arochukwu road contract.

    Ohuabunwa said the call became necessary because of what he described as the contractor’s lackluster performance, stressing that there is no hope that the road will be reconstructed within the stipulated time.

    The former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament lamented that the contractor has failed to convince anyone that he has the capacity to deliver on the job, adding that the people from that area are suffering indescribable hardship because of his attitude.

    Ohuabunwa said since the contractor allegedly commenced work on the road, there has not been any significant impact on the road to justify the budgetary allocation for its execution two years after the contract was awarded.

    The present deplorable state of the road despite the fact that the contractor has been mobilised for the job, he maintained, has made the road a nightmare and death trap for motorists and other road users.

    Speaking in Arochukwu when members of executive of the Abia North Progressives visited him at his country home to persuade him to represent Abia North at the Senate in 2015, Ohuabunwa said the deplorable state of the road was a matter of serious concern to him and other well-meaning people of the state.

    Ohuabunwa maintained that the present condition of the road has adversely affected the socio-economic life of the people, stressing that if the contractor is allowed to continue, many lives will be lost on the road.

    He called on members of the National Assembly from the state to liaise with their counterparts in the state Assembly to ensure that all the federal roads in the state were given proper attention to complement the efforts of Governor Theodore Orji in road infrastructure.

    The former lawmaker noted that the federal roads linking the state with its neighbours including Imo, Rivers, Enugu, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom states require urgent rehabilitation.

    He assured that his political position will be made known to them at the appropriate time, even as he told them to remain steadfast and avoid anything that could bring a breach of peace in the zone and the entire state.