The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • IYC urges security agencies to arrest council’s impostors

    IYC urges security agencies to arrest council’s impostors

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has written to the security agencies demanding arrest of some impostors that have allegedly infiltrated the leadership of the Council.

    The IYC, in a statement yesterday by its national spokesman, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, said its attention had been drawn to a video circulating on the social media credited to one Bedford Berefa, claiming to be speaking on behalf of the Council while expressing concerns about the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

    He said that the Council, worried by the development, convened a meeting of the 9th leadership of the IYC that met in Port Harcourt with zonal, chapter, parliament and critical stakeholders of the council to take a stance on the impostors.

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    According to the spokesman, the IYC has been peaceful and it is using this medium to call on security agencies to arrest the elements that are impersonating the 9th NEC of Council.

    The communiqué released after the meeting resolved thus: “For the records, there is only one leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide which is under the firm and purposeful leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr.

    “The IYC is aware that these group of Impostors tried to secure invitation to be part of the Niger Delta  Stakeholders summit proposed by  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the 9th leadership of the IYC Worldwide but the commission did the right thing by turning them down, letting them know that there is only one IYC under the leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr. “Obviously angered by such development, they took to the social media to get attention by trying to blackmail the NDDC under Ogbuku.

    “With the dismissal of the interlocutory injunction on July 2nd, 2024 by the Rivers State High Court in  Port Harcourt against Theophilus Alaye, Bedford Berefa,  Chief Frank Akiefa and  others in favour of the Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr led Exco, one would have expected these persons to give up with their retrogressive activities. But instead they have continued with their selfish arrangements of blackmailing our highly respected leader, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, who is passionate about the development of the Niger Delta region.

  • Otti receives two YPP lawmakers to LP

    Otti receives two YPP lawmakers to LP

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has officially received two members of the State House of Assembly elected under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the Labour Party (LP).

    The lawmakers are Fyne Ahuama of Osisioma Ngwa South and Iheanacho Nwogu of Osisioma Ngwa North State constituencies.

    Receiving the new members of the Labour Party at Ngwa High School, Aba, during a special reception, Otti said that the two members had been working with his government from the inception.

    He said that they did not join him for any pecuniary reasons but because of their belief in a functional government, adding that his government is one that does not share money but creates an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    “I want to put on record that the two gentlemen that just declared their membership of the Labour Party have actually been working with us. They are not working with us for any pecuniary reasons”.

    “Immediately after our inauguration, I convened a meeting with all the members of the assembly and I used that opportunity to introduce to them the kind of government we intended to run.

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    “Majority of them bought into that vision, both Hon. Fyne Ahuama and Hon. Iheanacho Nwogu were one of the first members of the House of the Assembly that bought into the vision.

    The governor, who said he is focused on working for the people added that he has the support of the people and announced that after observing that the contractor handling Ekeakpara Road was not fast in the delivery, he had directed the Commissioner for Works to summon him with a view to ensuring that the work meets up with the expected speed.

    He disclosed that more roads would be built in Osisioma Ngwa LGA and announced that in the next 24 months, a five-star hotel and an international conference center would be built in Aba to boost the economy.

    Also speaking, the Labour Party Vice Chairman for the South East, Mr. Ceekey Igara appreciated the works of  Otti which are attracting new members to the party.

    He urged the governor to sustain his giant strides and encouraged the new members to contribute to the growth of the party.

  • Abia gov moves to avert labour strike, meets Labour leadership

    Abia gov moves to avert labour strike, meets Labour leadership

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has met with the members of the organised labour in the state with a directive to the Accountant-General of the state to liaise with the labour within the next one week to reconcile the actual amount that the least paid worker in the state should receive as minimum wage.

    The directive is coming against the complaint by the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro that the State Government is currently paying N20,100 Naira while workers in the local governments receive N18,000 as minimum wage.

    The governor spoke during a meeting with the organised labour in the state comprising the NLC, TUC, and Joint Negotiating Council.

    According to the governor, the record available to him shows that the state is paying N30,000 minimum wage.

    “I saw the payroll and I didn’t see anyone that is paid less than N30,000 and that is the minimum wage.

    “Maybe something is wrong and I’d like the Accountant General to please go and look into thaat because what is available to me is that we are complying with the minimum wage of N30,000 and that the least paid worker is actually paid thirty thousand, one hundred.

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    “Luckily, the Accountant General is seated here, so, I will give a directive that between now and the next one week, I need to be sure that something happens.

    “What is available to me is that we are complying and that the least paid person is paid N30,100,” Dr. Otti stated.

    Otti said that, against the backdrop of misleading information, Abia State Government has not received any dime from the Federal Government to implement N35,000 wage award for workers in the state.

    “There have been misleading stories all over the place that the Federal Government gave money to the state governments for the implementation of the wage award.

    “Last time I checked, there were no such monies. This state has not received a dime from the Federal government to implement any wage award.”

    He said that the State had been preparing itself for the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage, explaining that there are a whole lot of reasons to justify an increase in the national minimum wage, including the removal of petroleum subsidy, the reconvergence of foreign exchange rate, inflation among others.

    The governor disclosed that his government would create the Ministry of Labour and Productivity as his government is poised to make minimum changes to the structure of government.

    According to him, the new Ministry will have its Commissioner from the labour fold.

    On the issues of promotions and leave allowances, the governor, while explaining why the Command Promotions were reversed because the process was bastardized, assured that regular promotions are not affected and cannot be stopped. He directed the Accountant General to defray the leave allowances of the workers.

  • Canadian MP lauds Oborevwori for youth development

    Canadian MP lauds Oborevwori for youth development

    In a remarkable display of international recognition, Canadian Parliamentarian, David Smith, and City Councillor, Nick Mantas, have commended the Delta state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for his outstanding commitment to youth inclusion and development.

    The commendation was disclosed by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mentoring and Development, Amb. Elvis Akpobi, in a press statement issued in Toronto.

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    Akpobi, currently on an official visit to Canada, highlighted the significant impact of the Governor’s developmental programs on the youths of Delta State.

    “Governor Oborevwori’s initiatives are quite commendable, they’ve empowered countless young people in Delta State, and it is a testament to his leadership and dedication to the future of Nigeria.”

    The commendation was presented in a letter of welcome to Amb. Akpobi, who is also the Executive Director of the NotTooYoungToLead initiative.

    The letter, signed by David Smith, MPP for Scarborough Centre and Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, praised Akpobi for his tireless efforts in promoting youth empowerment and cultural exchange programmes.

  • Ex-Senate President Anyim defects to APC

    Ex-Senate President Anyim defects to APC

    Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

     He announced this at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township, Abakaliki, during the grand finale of the APC local government election campaign yesterday, in Ebonyi State.

     He led a host of other notable personalities across other political parties including former state and national assembly members, former governorship candidate of Labour Party, Edwin Nkwegu, Senator Obinna Ọgba, former national and state assembly candidates, and thousands of their supporters to join the party.

     On hand to receive them were the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Minister of Works, David Umahi, State Chairman of the party, Stanley Meghan and other top shots of the party.

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     Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended Anyim for all the support he gave to the APC during the 2023 elections adding that it was only right he formally joined the party.

     He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for all the support given to him when he faced legal battles after joining the party.

     He said: ” President Tinubu called me to come and see him and when I came, he carried me in his car personally to meet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who handled our case.”

     The minister noted that he faced serious attacks and conditions for deciding to join the APC, but he’s grateful that today, the party has become the beautiful bride of all in the state and Southeast.

     The minister noted that the President is very much interested in the development of the Southeast and needs the support of the people to succeed.

     He noted that the Lagos-Calabar coastal road will have a spot that will pass through Ebonyi adding that other work is ongoing in other major roads in the region.

     He urged the two governors and other party leaders in the region to work harder to bring on board every stakeholder in the region to the party so that the region will take its rightful place in national politics.

  • Anambra JUSUN begins strike as Soludo ignores 21-day ultimatum

    Anambra JUSUN begins strike as Soludo ignores 21-day ultimatum

    Anambra State Branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State, will begin indefinite industrial action in the state on Monday, July 15, 2024.

    The circular to that effect was made available to reporters Saturday in Awka, by the body, which was signed by the Assistant Secretary of the Union  Nwezi Ugochukwu.

    The strike, according to the union, became necessary because the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, ignored the 21-day ultimatum given by the Union, which expired Thursday.

    The strike notice was copied to all Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars in charge, and staff of the Anambra State Judiciary.

     The Anambra State Government had failed to comply with the agreements reached in 2011 and 2015 with  the state JUSUN

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    The agreements centered on the full implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS), a peculiar allowance for judiciary staff in the state.

     The Nation, gathered that Soludo had refused to see the leadership of JUSUN to discuss the issue, even before the ultimatum was issued which the government ignored.

    According to JUSUN, “The strike action is indefinite, and all staff of the Anambra State Judiciary have been directed to withdraw their services until further directives from the Union,” the statement read partly.

    It meant that from Monday, all the courts in Anambra would be shut down, if the government failed to address the issue immediately

    Speaking with The Nation, two members of the union said ” Soludo and his people are taking us for granted, but this time, they would know that “khaki no be leather.

    “The public is advised to take note of the strike action and make necessary arrangements, as all court sittings and judicial activities will be suspended until further notice.

    “JUSUN has vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met by the state government.

    “The indefinite strike action by the JUSUN  is a culmination of the failure of the Anambra State Government to honour the agreements reached with the union. The strike is expected to have significant implications for the judiciary and the public in Anambra State,”  the members said.

  • CSO to ICPC: address tax clearance fraud allegation against Shaibu

    CSO to ICPC: address tax clearance fraud allegation against Shaibu

    A coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to address allegations of tax clearance certificate forgery and other charges against former majority leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Philip Shaibu.

    The network of CSOs, led by national coordinator Comrade Victor Kalu and national secretary Alhaji Ali Abatcha, held a press conference in Abuja, calling on the ICPC to end its silence on the issue and ensure a thorough resolution.

    The group highlighted that in 2014, Shaibu was arraigned before the Edo State High Court under Justice Esther Edigion on a six-count charge for allegedly violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    It said that the charges included making false statements to ICPC officers in July 2010, as well as fraudulently obtaining a tax clearance certificate from the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue in November 2006.

    The group added that despite the seriousness of the allegations, the case has seen numerous adjournments without a definitive conclusion. 

    According to the group’s claim, the ICPC counsel, Godson Igbadume, had initially opposed bail for Shaibu, citing his evasion of service, adding that the case has since be stagnated, raising concerns among the civil society groups.

    It said: “We demand the ICPC explain to Nigerians how this matter was concluded or revisit it to ensure a lawful resolution.”

    The group emphasised that the Edo State High Court and the judiciary as a whole should remain focused and committed to upholding the rule of law and interpreting the laws adequately.

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    “As law abiding citizens, we shall not take laws in to our hands in this matter but we must make sure that our relevant enabling laws as a democratic nation are upheld, promoted and interpreted accordingly through legitimate means by compelling both the ICPC and the judiciary to do the needful in this matter of forgery involving a lawmaker that understands the implication of violating such laws.”

    Kalu said that public commentators have claimed that the reason the case stalled was because of the immunity Shaibu enjoyed as deputy governor. 

    He stated: “However, with his recent impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly, that shield has been lifted, paving the way for possible prosecution by the ICPC.”

    The CSO furthee expressed its readiness to take legitimate action if the ICPC and the judiciary fail to address the matter swiftly, underscoring the importance of ensuring that no one is above the law in a democratic society.

  • ‘Okpebholo will usher in change, accountability’

    ‘Okpebholo will usher in change, accountability’

    Esan Youths Movement in Edo State has described the chance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, winning the September 21 governorship election as a forgone conclusion.

    It said there is no alternative to Okpebholo in the poll.

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    The group said Okpebholo’s governorship was an idea whose time had come.

    Speaking on behalf of the body in Igueben at the weekend, the President General, Esan Youths Movement, Pastor Jonathan Omozokpia, said Okpebholo’s governorship ambition has been signed, sealed and delivered.

  • EFCC arrests three for impersonating cleric

    EFCC arrests three for impersonating cleric

    Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)have arrested three suspected fraudsters –  Odion Victor, Amos Godwin and Ayomide Michael- for impersonating Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach on social media platforms to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    According to a statement on Friday by the agency, the suspects  were arrested  following credible intelligence that uncovered how they allegedly cloned the social media accounts of Evangelist Ebuka Obi and deceived many of his church members to give money towards treatment of some purported sick people, sow seeds for spiritual breakthrough or for special prayers, with  the money paid into the bank accounts of the fraudsters.

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    The EFCC statement said the three suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

  • He’s right, netizens react to Dangote’s ‘no power, no prosperity’ statement

    He’s right, netizens react to Dangote’s ‘no power, no prosperity’ statement

    Nigerians on social media have taken turns to commend president of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, following his “no power (electricity), no growth, no prosperity” comment.

    Dangote, in an explosive speech at the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) Summit in Abuja on Tuesday titled: ‘Rethinking manufacturing in Nigeria,’ stated among other issues that “Import dependence is equivalent to importing poverty and exporting jobs; no power, no growth, no prosperity; similarly, no affordable financing, no growth, no prosperity and there is no industrialization without protection.”

    In reaction to what many Nigerians considered a bold statement from a giant investor and stakeholders, an X user with the username Udufirstson stated that “the foundation of development is built on electricity; no nation can progress without power. However, Nigerians prioritize tribalism over confronting evil.”

    Nwandu said: “Baba put your money where your mouth is. Lobby for favorable energy policies, and invest in power infrastructure.”

    Mustapha Salaha, like Nwandu, advised “that is the more reason why we need you within the power sector. we’re inviting you to please come and explore the opportunities within the power industry for growth and prosperity.”

    Adekanbi Riliwan inputted that “power is a major key to sustainable development and economic growth in any nation.”

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    Nura Tasiu described Mr Dangote’s statement in two words as “absolutely accurate.”

    Donald encouraged more investors to speak up, stating that “Aliko how I wish you have been speaking up this way for a very long time. But it’s okay keep it up.”

    Seyi Stevens declared that “If any govt in Nigeria can fix electricity to 100 per cent it has solved over 50 per cent of the economic problems, this is a clear fact. 

    “Nigerians are very hardworking people and ready to work in any system that has basic infrastructure.”