The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

‘PDP should stop politics of exclusion’

Mr Ahamdi Nweke Emmanuel, former governorship aspirant and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, in this interview with journalists in Aba, bares his mind on why the Ukwa Ngwa zone should produce the state’s next governor. Sunny Nwankwo, was there. Excerpts:

2015 election is around the corner and Ukwa Ngwa is being touted to take the governorship slot in 2015. What is your take on it?

Of course, it is right to cede the governorship position to the Ukwa Ngwa area. That had been the position of the governor ever since; right from the declaration and pronouncement he made in April and openly at the Abia Poly pavilion during the reception by the Abia south politicians. He has been repeatedly on record said that he is an advocate of zoning based on the Abia charter of equity and I believe him when he says that.

Is it really the turn of Ukwa Ngwa to produce the next governor?

I do not see any contention or confusion whatsoever in the issue of Abia charter of equity or where power should be ceded to at this time.

The Abia charter of equity as it stands now for all intents and purposes rotates power between the political blocs which is the Old Umuahia; what we now know as Old Bende and Old Aba zone which now know to be Ukwa Ngwa.

There was of course the issue before Afipko, Ohaozara and the rest of them were ceded to the now Ebonyi state, that there could have been some argument. Isiukwuato on its own is only one local government and could not possibly have become a province.

So, those who are arguing that I think is part of plot by some people to rewrite what should be done in Abia state and I said that these are people who have no good intention for Abians. Power should be revolved between Old Bende and the Ukwa Ngwa. That is what all have to believed and that is what Abia charter of equity stands for. And of course that is why his Excellency in all his pronouncements previously has said that power should go to Ukwa Ngwa.

Recently, a prominent son of Ngwa within the Abia Central Senatorial zone made a statement which was published in one of the national dailies saying that the governorship position is going to Abia south and not Ukwa Ngwa. By implication Isiala north and south including Osisioma are “excluded” from contesting the guber race if the person’s statement was anything to go by. Do you subscribe to such individual’s position?

The pronouncement which you referred to was said to have been made by Elder Adaelu. He has said that he didn’t make those comments and I believe him because I do not believe that someone like him would come out to say [something that may lead to the] disenfranchise of three major local governments (Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma).

In fact, Elder Adaelu has been with us in the fight, indeed in the forefront of our fight for ceding power to the Ukwa Ngwa people. How and when did he suddenly come out to say that it has become Abia south? That would also be disenfranchising himself because his own local government would be one of those local governments that would be excluded.

If he did say that and I doubt that he did, what has been promised, why on earth did he say a thing like that? I don’t believe that Elder Adaelu would say anything like that because it would reduce him and his influence within the Ukwa Ngwa area if by any chance he has sold out the very people he is one of the recognized leaders.

We learnt that Isiala Ngwa is the head of Ngwa land and by virtue of that, if something is coming to Ngwa land for the first time they are supposed to be the people that would benefit first. But from what was reported to have been said by Elder Adaelu, it’s like trying to give that which belong to the first son to somebody else. How do you see that? Yes! We are talking of the governorship of Abia state. I have heard that argument been proffered because Isiala Ngwa north and south are the first born, they should take the plump position before others. That is a very parochial view. That is not the basis upon which I am saying that the rest of Ukwa Ngwa people should be included. We are opening up the contest within the entire Ukwa Ngwa land and let the best of our people win. Who are they afraid of? If their competent people from Ukwa East, Aba North and South, Obingwa, Ugwunagbor, Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North and South, who is to say that one of them would not emerge? Whose interest is being served by excluding these three local governments (Isiala north and south and Osisioma)? That is the question one should ask. Elder Adaelu has been one of the advocates of the Ukwa Ngwa governorship whom we fought against the previous administration when we all supported Enyinnaya Abaribe. We all fought including elder Adaelu on the basis of Ukwa Ngwa. When did he suddenly change? Some people are arguing that the governor said that he is a product of rotation and therefore Abia central has gone, as a matter of fact, the governor is not a product of rotation at all. If anything, the governor’s emergence as the governor messed up rotation based on Abia charter of equity. Abia charter of equity rotates power between the old Bende and Ukwa Ngwa. The current tenure of the governor has made it two times to old Bende when Ukwa Ngwa hasn’t had slot at all. When he (Governor Orji) contested, it wasn’t that we are giving it to the Abia central that was never the argument.

On what argument did you people allow the governor to run? There was a lot of acrimony within the PDP, Peoples Democratic Party when he came back on his second tenure and that was seen as the way of ensuring that everyone comes back together within the fold and have a sitting governor who wasn’t going to re-contest fresh election coming in to go for the second time. When he went for the first, he wasn’t a PDP governor. The zoning if it was then done was PPA, Progressive Peoples Alliance (his former party). So to argue that PDP was zoning power based on senatorial districts, nothing could be farther from the truth than that. His Excellency, Governor T.A Orji is not a product of PDP or any other party’s rotation of power on senatorial districts. As at the time he was contesting, I contested the very first tenure he went for in 2007 election. everyone one had agreed it was Ukwa Ngwa agitation, everyone had agreed it was going to the Ukwa area as at then but it didn’t stop our brothers including Isiukwuato of course from contesting the election as at that time.

At what point did you think that Ngwa people missed producing an Ngwa governor as at then?

I know that PDP then as a party actually supported an Ukwa Ngwa candidate even though an Ukwa Ngwa person didn’t emerge. That’s the whole thing about these suggestions that are being made. It is good to make them and follow them through but anything can happen. This is politics, it is an election. As at that time, the PDP supported candidate was Okezie Iheanacho Orji. You will remember that who emerged from the PDP even though that the party as a party had suggested Okezie Iheanacho Orji, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu emerged within the PDP. And that is what we are saying, now that everyone; all the stakeholders including the governor as the leader of the party, it is not for him only to decide where it will go. His view is a persuasive direction and it ends as only a persuasive direction. What will play out in the end will be more of the party; the party chairman and other PDP stakeholders will have a final say in that. He is only giving guidance and we believe him when he said that the guidance was going to go to the Ukwa Ngwa.

July 24, 2014
Ebonyi signs clean water pact with U.S.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ebonyi State government to establish a collaborative development partnership to modernise the state’s water utility. The agreement cements an ongoing working relationship to strengthen the institutional, legal and regulatory framework of the Ebonyi State water system so that households have increased access to potable water. Currently, activities underway include establishing a reliable customer database to improve billing and collection efficiency, strengthening the human resource management skills through targeted trainings and developing a tariff policy for cost recovery.

The MOU was signed by his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, and the USAID Mission Director, Michael T. Harvey.

Mr. Harvey acknowledged Ebonyi state’s significant investment to expand clean water production and connect its population to an affordable water supply. The state financed the construction of two new water treatment plants and a 52-kilometer trunk water main that connects one of the new water treatment plants to the state capital, Abakaliki. Mr. Harvey said that USAID will work with the Ebonyi State Water Corporation to help it achieve financial independence and, in the end, provide more, better quality water on a reliable basis. He said, “This partnership is critical because it is about sustainability. It’s about strong political will and a commitment to reform. USAID will enable government officials to move the state towards a brighter future.”

USAID’s urban water reform activity — Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa (SUWASA) — is a water policy reform activity at the state level that focuses on sustainable urban water supply.

July 24, 2014
Aspirant condemns Nyako’s impeachment

governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Mr. Nath Ikeocha has berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its alleged involvement in the impeachment of Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako.

Speaking to reporters in Aba, Ikeocha, a lawyer, criticized what he called the “heavy financial inducement” by the PDP hierarchy to lure and railroad members of the state assembly into taking an “unpatriotic decision and grossly abusing the democratic culture”.

He equally blamed members of the Adamawa State legislature for allowing themselves to be cheaply used for such undemocratic act.

Ikeocha said: “I am shocked over the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa by the state lawmakers especially when it becomes obvious that such was orchestrated by the PDP. It is unfortunate that democracy which we fought restore is brazenly threatened by a few desperate power mongers for selfish reasons. Besides the fact Nyako’s impeachment represents a clear case of impunity and dictatorship, it also undermines our democratic advancement which no doubt makes mockery of Nigeria in the comity of nations”.

He also subscribed entirely to the position of the national leadership of the APC to challenge the impeachment in court, arguing that the exercise would definitely not stand owing to what he described as ‘obvious breach of constitutional provisions’.

While condemning corruption by public office holders including state governors, the governorship hopeful insisted that Nyako was removed on political grounds by the PDP to reclaim the state from the back door.

Ikeocha, however, commended the newly elected national executive of the party expressing optimism that APC under Chief John Oyegun would lead the party to victory in 2015 elections.

On the crisis rocking the party in Abia State, Ikeocha appealed to various factions to jettison rancour and bitterness and close ranks in order to build a formidable platform that will end the PDP government in the state.

“It is unfortunate that our party members are still disagreeing on quite a number of issues. It is also a known fact that the national leadership of our party has acknowledged that no congress took place in Abia State.

“While we expect our leaders to address the problem as quickly as possible, it is expressly binding on us to come together and build a formidable platform bearing in mind the huge task of defeating the ruling PDP. We should not also allow our personal interest to override that of our great party considering the fact that our ultimate goal is to take over governance for the greater benefit of our members and the good people of Abia state,” he said.

July 24, 2014
Call for Nigeria’s dissolution treasonable – Ohanaeze youths tell Northern counterparts

Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has condemned the call by Arewa Youth Development Foundation for dissolution of Nigeria, describing it as a joke taken too far.

It “is treasonable enough to warrant prosecution,” the OYC said.

The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo also described as “uncalled for and unconstitutional”, the call by the Arewa youths for Southerners in the North to leave within two weeks and for Northerners in the South to do the same.

Briefing reporters in Enugu, the National President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro of OYC said it was shocking that at this time Nigeria was passing through serious security breaches, some misguided youth under sponsorship by fifth columnists could be making divisive calls inimical to their fatherland.

Isiguzoro made it clear that Igbo youths were not under any illusion that the misguided Arewa youth were only smoke screen to the real architects of that treasonable call for secession, which the Nigerian state would resist with all its might.

“Our concern about the shameful outing in the palace of Emir of Kano is that the youths of the region, who have been notoriously misruled for long by the same people that sent them on the dirty mission should have rather questioned their sponsors on their ignoble roles in bringing the region and Nigeria to its present situation.

“The same people that foisted penury, deprivation and frustration on the innocent talakawas (commoners) of the North are now sending them mischievously on an errand that threatens Nigeria’s unity. Our message to the contemporary youths of the North is to resist the attempt of the fifth columnist and merchants of topsy-turvy politics to herd them into an ill-fated mission” he said.

He observed that when some people refer to the North, they try to pull wool over the eyes of some gullible people whereas the truth is that majority of Nigerians from the Middle Belt are strong architects of a united Nigeria and have demonstrated unequivocal support to the measures presently being taken to address the insecurity problems and other problems of the nation.

Isiguzoro noted that it was only few elements with rabid inordinate ambition that are hiding under the cloak of the North to cause confusion and chaos in the country, saying “we know these few elements that pretend to be the conscience of the North and we also know the true conscience of the North.”

OYC also made it clear to the Arewa Consultative Forum that there was no threat to any Northerner in the South-East or Igboland.

“Our attention has been drawn to a provocative warning against Ndigbo by the Arewa Consultative Forum, threatening to interfere with Igbo businesses in the North. This is also on the heels of the call by the Arewa Youth Development Foundation for Southerners to quit the North within two weeks.

“This is a similar approach to the event that culminated to the unfortunate crisis of the middle of late 60’s when undue sentiment, emotional outburst and propaganda was allowed to take the better part of reasoning of some people in the North. Later, millions of innocent Igbos and Easterners were to pay the supreme sacrifice.

“The truth is that there is no single threat to any Northerner in the South East or Igboland. They are here doing their normal businesses and unmolested by anybody. The Governors of the zone as the Chief security officers of their various states only took constitutional measures to safeguard their states against insecurity, especially in view of the recent discoveries and arrests of Boko Haram suspects in the zone. Do the Arewa people want the South-East Governors and people to keep quiet in the face of Boko Haram threat to the zone” OYC stated.

But in another development, another group, the World Igbo Youth Congress welcomed the call by Arewa Youth for the dissolution of Nigeria in 2015.

In a statement yesterday by its General Coordinator, Dick Izuora the congress while saluting the Arewa youth for their stand, suggested that the dissolution should even be done before 2015.

July 24, 2014
In Abia, a raid on kidnappers’ den

As the soldiers returned to their 144 Battalion base, a house believed to be a kidnappers’ hideout was still burning. Its occupants had fled before the soldiers arrived, but the raid has raised several questions not just on the activities of people who live by abducting people and demanding ransom.

The raided compound in Amuzu Ibeku community in Osisioma Local Government Area, Abia State may be isolated but residents of the community know it. Did they know that it was used by kidnappers? Did they know how long such a crime may have been perpetrated there, or were they just as scared to squeal as the kidnappers’ victims?

The soldiers saw not just a bungalow; they saw mud houses in the compound in one of which they found a pair of sandals, a lady’s underwear and clothing. Were the kidnappers abducting and raping women before their ransom came?

The compound was said to belong to a man named Ejike Uzodinma who lived with his wife Uchechi, two children, all of whom had fled before the military arrived. There were other people who reportedly worked with Uzodinma and may have left the scene with their man.

Uzodinma is accused of master-minding the abduction of innocent citizens in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state. Like many other kidnappers, he is said to favour the commando style in seizing his victims, swiftly swooping on them and giving them no room for escape.

The story of how Uzodinma and his gang kidnapped and subjected their recent victim to a dehumanising ordeal calls for urgent concern.

A victim and businessman in Aba who preferred to speak anonymously on his experience, said: “I was driving to my house at about 10pm on Saturday after sitting out with my friends when a Toyota Corolla, ash-coloured, double-crossed me and moved me at gunpoint into their vehicle. They blindfolded me inside their vehicle and later took me to a location at about 11am. They initially asked me to seat in a plastic chair from where I was taken to another location in a bush around 1am Sunday morning.

“Around 5am, they took from the bush into a house where I slept till the following morning. Initially, they demanded N20million ransom, but I told them that I can only guarantee N200, 000, a plea that didn’t go down well with them, but I kept begging them.

“After I managed to escape from their camp, I ran into a compound from where I called my brother who then invited the soldiers that later came to pick me up,” the kidnap victim narrated

He added that the group that same night had a female victim in their custody whose whereabouts as at the time of this report remained unknown.

The raid on the kidnappers’ camp lasted nearly three hours.

July 24, 2014
Abia prays for Chibok girls

The Abia State government has held a prayer session for the abducted schoolgirls of Chibok, Borno State. The state asked God to intervene and cause the Boko Haram abductors to release the girls forthwith and without any harm.

The prayer was organised by the state government in collaboration with the office of the wife of the state governor in collaboration with the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Many clerics attended the session.

As the prayer session started in Umuahia, the prayers focused on asking God to destroy the Boko Haram sect.

Abia state Chairman of CAN, Bishop Goddy Okafor, said that even with the efforts of the Nigerian military and the foreign assistance that has poured into the country seeking for ways to liberate the school girls, the nation must pray fervently because “if we fail to pray now the worst will happen”.

Bishop Okafor said, “From what is happening now if we fail to pray; if we fail to stand our ground and call on the name of God nothing will happen we will lose it and the country and its people will be worse off”.

The cleric said that people should make themselves available to be used by the Almighty God to accomplish the task of liberating Nigeria from evil forces, by offering prayers without ceasing until the girls are released unconditionally.

The Abia CAN chairman described Boko Haram as a religious idolatry caused by people who read and misunderstood the Koran, and assured that the “evil cloud” precipitated by the insurgents would eventually clear through divine intervention.

Bishop Okafor urged Nigerians to rally around the families of the abducted school girls, saying no one should stand aloof, and urged them, “To put yourself in their situation and feel the same way these families feel in order to understand why everybody should get involved to end the Boko Haram menace”.

Intercessory prayers were said for God to touch the leader of Boko Haram sect to release the children they abducted and for peace, love and tolerance, accommodation and understanding amongst Nigerians as well as divine inspiration for citizens “to appreciate that security is collective responsibility”.

Wife of deputy governor, Lady Nene Ananaba, who represented wife of the governor, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji read the only Bible text taken from Acts 12 vs 1-11 in the event which also feature praise and worship.

July 24, 2014
Seven expectant mothers intercepted

A police patrol team has intercepted no fewer than seven expectant mothers on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. They were on a commercial bus apparently going to Aba, Abia State, from Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The police team was from the Aba Area Command, Abia State.

Also, a man said to be an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested in the state by policemen from the Delta State command in connection with child trafficking.

The women, said to be in their teens or 20s, were, according to sources, intercepted near Osisioma Local Government Area of the state.

Curious, the police team on a stop-and-search operation asked the bus driver to park by the roadside and after the girls could not give a clear identity of themselves, the patrol team took them into custody.

Police have stormed several baby factories and freed many expectant young mothers across the country, especially in the Southeast.

The Nation gathered that the girls nursing various advanced pregnancies were immediately transferred to Umuahia, the state capital, for proper medical attention and investigation.

Efforts to reach the Aba Area Commander proved abortive, but the state Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu, on the phone, confirmed the interception and the transfer of the girls to the state command.

Adamu said that cases of child trafficking in the command have drastically reduced since his assumption of office.

He warned illegal maternity owners and people who still indulge in child trafficking to desist from such acts or face the consequence, adding that his administration does not tolerate them.

In a related development, Ogbonna Eliazu an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Isiala Ngwa Command has been reportedly arrested by detectives from the Delta State police command over alleged child stealing and abduction.

It was gathered that Eliazu was arrested as a suspect in a case of alleged child abduction being investigated by the Delta State police command.

It was learnt that detectives from the Delta State police command visited Abia State last week to arrest the suspect.

It was said that when the police team arrived, they were said to have reported at the state headquarters of the NSCDC at Azikiwe Road in Umuahia and then at the state command of the para-military agency before proceeding to Isiala Ngwa to arrest the suspect.

When contacted, NSCDC Abia State command Public Relations Officer (PRO), Victor Ogbonna confirmed that the police detectives were at their state command, but however claimed that Eliazu was not an officer of the establishment in the state.

July 24, 2014
Sambo inaugurates estate in Enugu

Less than three months after Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime launched the Maryland Estate, another property has been inaugurated in the state. Vice President, Dr. Namadi Sambo declared the estate open. It was a day President Goodluck Jonathan praised Chime for his developmental efforts.

Jonathan represented by his deputy at the flag-off of the estate at Ibagwa Nike, hailed Chime’s commitment and achievements in providing shelter for the state residents.The President noted that the support given by the Enugu State Government to Federal

Agencies such as the Federal Mortgage Bank and to private developers in addition to its own initiatives in the sector, has helped to boost housing development in the state.

The President also lauded the Federal Ministry of Housing, the National Assembly and the Federal Mortgage Bank for the high level of commitment they have continued to show towards the actualization of government objectives in the sector adding that the achievements so far was the result of their concerted efforts.

He emphasized that the Federal Government will continue to accord priority to the housing needs of the people as a way of improving their socio-economic lives and creating employment opportunities.

Similarly, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Buka Abba Ibrahim, urged other governors in the country to emulate Governor Chime’s commitment to housing, saying it was the only way that the country could achieve its targets in the sector.

He pledged the continued support of the Senate in attainment the government’s goals in the sector.

Chime said commissioning the project marked another major milestone in the collaboration between the state government with private estate developers and agencies of the Federal Government towards the provision of affordable houses for all Nigerians.

The governor disclosed that his administration has so far developed six major housing estates, with all of them already fully occupied and new ones on-going. He added that the State was, as a deliberate policy, always willing to assist and embrace private investors and persons

seeking to put up their own homes in Enugu, irrespective of their origins.

The Estate as planned has the following features, 75 3-bedroom detached bungalow, 89 2-bedrom semi detached block of flats, 32 2-bedroom terrace and 128 one bedroom terrace(12 flats/block).

There is also a perimeter fencing of the entire estate and police post for security, tarred access roads to all the houses, with side drains, dedicated 500 KVA transformer for electricity supply in the estate, water Reticulation connected to the public mains, neighbourhood Centre with indoor sporting facilities as well as a shopping centre.

The managing director of COPEN group, the developers of the estate, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime (not a relation of the governor) described the event as memorable in so many ways in the “lives of many of us, especially the stakeholders of ELIM Estate.”

He said: “Our divine commission in Copen Group is to among other things provide affordable housing for all has once more found its visible accomplishment/ expression in the completion of ELIM Estate., As an organization, Copen Group has been involved in various capacities in the conceptualization, planning, design, financial intermediation, supervision, construction and management of estate development for organizations and governments across the country. To date we have commissioned three FMBN-funded Estates with 405 housing units in Enugu State alone. ELIM Estate with 324 housing units is the fourth. As Project Consultants we facilitated the delivery of over 2,000 housing units across the country. Our involvement over the years at the highest levels in the activities of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and Primary Mortgage Banks(PMBs) has impacted very positively on us.”

Chime said they considered their success as part of the transformation agenda of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, “whose government’s interest in affordable housing provision as avenue for shelter, employment and growth is commendable”, adding that “the creation of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company(NMRC) and the plans for 10,000 housing units in 2014 amongst other policies gives hope that at last the housing sector is about to attain its place of importance in our economy.”

According to him: “The development of this estate was fraught with considerable challenges, any of which could have undermined or aborted it. However, God led us past it all successfully, for which we are eternally grateful. Having gone through the process of developing and commissioning Bethel Estate (2008), Goshen Estate(2011), Jubilee Estate(2011) and now ELIM Estate(2014), we can now fully understand the severe challenges and issues faced by developers, that can lead to and has led to the spate of abandoned and uncompleted estates projects allover the country. We were able to reach the stage of commissioning in each project because of GOD’s favour and manifest presence. For we acknowledge in tandem with John 3:27 that no man can receive anything except it be given to him from above. And what HE has given, no man can take away.

“The cries of our people for affordable housing is still resonating from all parts of the country. The desires are still the same, who can help us become a landlord? God, who put it in your heart to hear their cry and subsequently enshrine it in your Transformation Agenda, will enable you pursue it to a logical conclusion. The issues of subsidy for the low income earners and housing laws reform especially foreclosure laws etc require both a roadmap and the political will to see it through. It is not easy but I know that God Almighty who has upheld your hand in many past battles is willing to use you immensely. Only be strong and very courageous.”

July 24, 2014
Ukiwe’s title rallies Ndigbo

It was just as well that on the day retired Commodore Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe was honoured with one of the most significant titles in the Southeast, the region’s leaders were there to witness it.

Ukiwe, Chief Chief of General Staff (CGS) in the General Ibrahim Babangida regime, was conferred with the title “Akajiofo Ndigbo” meaning, Igbo symbol of authority.

Who bestowed the honour? Traditional rulers from the region led by the king of Nri, Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh.

Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, where the event took place, is the ancestral home of the Igbo ethnic group.

That was fitting enough, for Ukiwe is regarded very highly by his people and also many across the ethnic divide.

Illustrious citizens of the region saw every minute of the event. Former governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi was there, as was Senator Chris Ngige representing Anambra Central.

Others were Senator Ben Ndi Obi, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh and former Minister of Women Affairs, Chief Mrs. Josephine Anenih, among others.

Ukiwe himself came with his wife from his Abiriba home in Abia State, complete with a befitting entourage including the traditional ruler of the town, the Enachioken, Eze Kalu Ogbu.

At Nri, the Abiriba war dance entertained the audience while another cultural troupe from Calabar simply called “Mmang” also thrilled. A cultural group from Nri made of women would not be outdone in what appeared like a cultural contest.

The podium was colourful, decked with cream and wine hue. In the general background, a stream of praises for the new title holder as well as the Nri monarch erupted intermittently.

Also, the prestigious “Otu-Odu” (Iyom) in the community led by Hon. Mrs Uche Ekwunife and Chief Josephine Anenih featured prominently.

Ukiwe is the latest prominent Igbo leader to hold the revered symbol of authority. Others who held the position before included the former Nigerian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Premier of Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, the late Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo and the Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, among others.

While performing the traditional breaking of kolanut, Eze Onyeso lavished praises on Ukiwe, saying that he embodied undying spirit of Ndigbo during his service to the fatherland.

The king maintained that choosing Ukiwe for the significant title was easy and natural because of his manifest contributions to Igbo unity.

He said as the custodian of Igbo culture and traditions, Ukiwe had stepped into the shoes of prominent Igbo sons and daughters who had in various areas touched the lives of the people.

Furthermore, he said he had in one way or the other contributed immensely to the sustenance of Igbo unity, culture tradition and held sacrosanct to the ethos of Ndigbo.

The monarch stated that the Ofo title which he gave to Ebitu Ukiwe was a solemn duty of Eze Nri as the custodian of Igbo culture and civilization.

Again, he added that the Ofo in Igbo mythology simply means the conscience of Ndigbo, saying “the holder of Ofo Ndigbo therefore must be a role model from whose hands, the spirits ensure equity and justice in all matters before him. He must be a good listener, make the affairs of Ndigbo his and must handle this great responsibility with wisdom.”

He stressed the need for the perpetuation of Igbo culture, tradition and language, insisting that despite the fact that westernisation and the mass media were fast eroding Igbo language, the people of Nri ancient kingdom shall stand tall and hold firm to the culture and tradition of Ndigbo as the custodian and leader of all Igbo.

In his response, Commodore Ukiwe thanked Eze Nri for finding him worthy of the prestigious Ofo Ndigbo.

Furthermore, he assured him that whatever was the good reason he was chosen he shall continue to do to bring Ndigbo together as one indivisible entity.

He said he would never disappoint Ndigbo, who found him worthy of stepping into the big shoes the likes of the great Zik of Africa, M. I. Okpara and Odumegwu Ojukwu wore in different times of the Igbo struggle.

Senator Ben Ndi Obi described Ukiwe as a man with great antecedents and a man of few words.

He recalled the contributions of Ukiwe towards enthroning democracy in the country even while still serving in the military.

Senator Chris Ngige said Ukiwe as a Military man was a humane gentleman whose Igboness was very conspicuous even during his years of service, and during Nigeria Civil war.

He said the outpouring of encomiums on him was a clear testimony that when he had the opportunity to serve, he performed creditably well.

Ngige further said his elevation to the height of the great Owelle of Onitsha, M.I. Okpara and Odumegwu Ojukwu was an honour well deserved.

He also used the occasion to call on all Igbo sons and daughters to be more united in the country and eschew playing politics of bitterness but work together as a people with common aim.

For Hon. Ekwunife, who is also a member of prestigious Otu-Odu (Iyom) in Nri ancient kingdom, said the Ukiwes have paid their dues towards Nigeria unity and were very well deserving the bestowment of the prestigious Ofo Ndigbo by His Majesty Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh.

Speaking with reporters, former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi said the need for Igbo culture and tradition to be held tenaciously was apt especially in the face of challenges facing the Igbo language.

He described Ebitu Ukiwe as a refined man whose love for his people was total while his commitment to the unity of the country was unquestionable.

He however commended Eze Nri for finding him worthy to be honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Ofo Ndigbo.

Chief Joe Ifedobi said Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe was a gift to Igbo nation, adding that without the role he played in Igbo unity, Ndigbo would have been Balkanized.

They said he was a man of great vision and courage and a man who stood by the people who were oppressed.

He is a man that never supports injustice, he stands by the oppressed irrespective of ethnic differences. He resigned his position at the Supreme Military Council, not on the ground of corruption but on the ground that he was disenchanted with high level politics of divide and rule, injustice and other forms of vices”

Former Minister for Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih said the honour was deserving and called for celebration.

She said Ndigbo had evolved a certain consciousness to not only celebrate a great man at death but celebrating certain individuals while still alive.

A freedom fighter, Emma Okocha, told the Nation that Ukiwe stands for the oppressed and suppressed.

Okocha, who came all the way from Delta State to grace the event said since Ojukwu died that Ndigbo have been wallowing in the wilderness in search of a leader, adding that with Ukiwe, that has been resurrected.

Also, Prof. Obiajulu Okonkwo from the United States of America, described Ukiwe as the only Iroko that can bring Ndigbo together again.

Uche Okwukwu, the leader of Congress for liberation of Ikwere people told the Nation that Ukiwe who they refer to as (Ochiagha-warlord) is a gift to the black race.

He said it was because of Ukiwe that Ikwere in Rivers state was not balkanised, describing him as a man of great vision clothed with integrity.

July 24, 2014
‘Money shouldn’t becloud your reasoning’

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has urged the Ukwa Ngwa people in the only senatorial zone that has yet to produce a governor in the state not to throw away their opportunity.

The governor cautioned against allowing politicians from other zones of the state to lure them with cash gifts.

He told them that aspirants could come from other parts of the state, dangling cash before them. If they take their money and vote for such people, they will fail to have one of their own in the Government House next year.

The governorship seat has been zoned to the zone in the forthcoming general elections in 2015 by the governor, who has maintained that equity, fair play and justice demands that the people of that area should produce the governor of the state after his tenure.

Speaking in Umuahia during the one-million-man solidarity march organised by the Ukwa-Ngwa Progressive Forum, Orji told them that when they get what they want, money will follow, but if they put money first, they may ruin their chances of getting what they want.

Orji used the occasion to reiterate his earlier declaration that the office of the governor should rotate among the three zones of the state saying the people of Ukwa-Ngwa should be at the forefront of the battle.

The governor noted that as a product of rotation it would be unfair on his part not to promote it to the advantage of the south zone, adding that the northern part of the state had ruled the state followed by the central where he comes from, “So it is the turn of the south to rule the state this time around”.

Orji said that there is no reason why the Ukwa-Ngwa political bloc should not produce the next governor since they have individuals that have proved their competence in politics and other spheres of life.

The governor said, “I believe in equity, I believe in fairness, what I want from you is your support; I am not changing that decision since it is the right thing to be done for every side of the state to have a taste of governing the state since we all have equal share in the state.

“It is achievable and it is the right thing; and when you are on the right cause nothing will happen to you. I want it on record that Theodore Orji made power to shift to Ukwa-Ngwa and after that it will be a template for power rotation in the state”.

Orji, however, charged the people of Ukwa-Ngwa extraction to brace up to the challenge so that it would not be snatched from them, and advised them to go home and put their acts in order and avoid division among them.

He said, “It is up to you to allow the power to be taken away from you; and if you throw it away it will be too long before you get it again; I don’t say yes in the afternoon and say no in the night; this is a policy that will bring peace and harmony”.

July 17, 2014