The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • South East Asiwaju Renewed Mandate mourns Senator Eze

    South East Asiwaju Renewed Mandate mourns Senator Eze

    The Asiwaju Renewed Mandate (ARM) Southeast chapter, has described the death of Senator Ayogu Eze as a great loss to the circle of Nation builders determined to enthroning credible leadership in Nigeria.

    The group, which has Dr Josef Onoh as its Coordinator in the southeast and 

    Comrade A.C Ude as the Enugu Coordinator, said  Senator Eze was a quintessential leader and silent achiever.

    In its tribute, the ARM said it was a saddening loss for which appropriate words can be challenging to use to express shock and emotion.

    ARM however said:”For a second, you were flying,  like you always wanted to; now you will fly forever. 

    “In skies of Azure blue, we will see your smile in every ray of sunshine after rain and hear the echo of your laughter over all the pain.

    “The world’s a little quieter now.

    The colours have lost their hue.

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    The birds are singing softly, and our hearts are missing you. 

    “Unrivaled and inspirational, you were one of the best, and we are so fortunate to have had you in our lives. You will forever be remembered in the highest regard. You  imparted the world in so many beautiful ways that would be remembered with Love and Joy.

    “We, The Asiwaju Renewed Mandate family, South East Caucus, ably led by Dr. Josef Onoh and the state chapter, led by Com. A.C Ude, share in your grief and pray that God grant you all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

  • Ighodalo urges co-contestants on issue-based campaigns

    Ighodalo urges co-contestants on issue-based campaigns

    As campaigns for Edo State governorship election in September officially kick-offs today, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has appealed to other parties participating in the election and their candidates in particular, to focus on issues, be decorous and not dwell on inanities.

    Ighodalo made this known in a statement yesterday by the Asue Ighodalo Media Team in Benin City.

    The PDP governorship candidate was quoted as saying: “I sincerely believe we are ready for the campaigns, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally lifted the ban on campaigns for the election, beginning from April 24. On our part, we are ready to play by the rules. We will focus on issues. The people want to know and hear us talk about what we are bringing to the table to solve the problems of insecurity, poverty, infrastructure and many more. We will make decorum our watchword.

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    “Therefore, I want to appeal to other parties, and in particular, their candidates, to let us dwell on issues and not on inanities. We must do everything to avoid campaigns of calumny, character assassination, deliberately peddling falsehood against individuals and trying to tie and link them to what they know nothing about.

    “We will be very deliberate and intentional in our campaigns by selling our manifesto to the electorate and persuading them to vote for us. We expect others to do the same. Let’s refrain from attacking individuals, personalities and stop throwing dirt and mud on people because of their political persuasions.”

    “If we all play by these rules, the atmosphere will be convivial for all of us, thus reducing the possibility of electoral hostilities and violence. We must bear in mind that we are brothers and sisters and all we want is the progress and development of our dear state.”

    INEC in a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said campaigns would begin today.

    He said: “As provided by Section 92(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by political parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

    “Therefore, political parties are now permitted to start their campaigns in public from Wednesday, April 24 and end at midnight on Thursday, September 19, as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the timetable and schedule of activities for the election.”

  • Edo 2024: INEC clears 17 candidates seeking to open campaigns Wednesday

    Edo 2024: INEC clears 17 candidates seeking to open campaigns Wednesday

    • LP rejects ‘placeholder’ as running mate

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 17 candidates seeking to open campaigns tomorrow for the governorship election holding in Edo State on September 21, 2024. Labour Party (LP), Edo State chapter, has rejected the final list of 17 governorship candidates and their running mates for the poll, which was published yesterday in Abuja by INEC.

    In the published list, Edo LP’s deputy governorship candidate was listed as a former chairman of the party in Owan West Local Government, Edo North Senatorial District, Mrs. Oluyinka Faith Alufohai, who was replaced about two weeks ago by the “validly-nominated running mate,” Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, SAN.

    Edo LP Chairman Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, in a statement, assured the party’s teeming members and supporters that the technical error would soon be corrected by the electoral umpire.

    Ogbaloi said: “Our team followed all necessary procedures and submitted Kadiri’s name and credentials as the deputy governorship candidate, well within INEC’s stipulated window. Unfortunately, a technical glitch occurred at the national headquarters of our party, during the submission process, resulting in the incorrect name appearing on the final list.

    “We are engaged with INEC officials to rectify this issue immediately, and our team has provided requisite documentations, demonstrating Kadiri’s valid nomination. We have been following up with INEC diligently, to ensure it updates the candidates’ list with the accurate information.

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    “We recognise the anxiety this error may cause, but urge our teeming members and supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their commitment to our party’s vision. Your unwavering support and activism have been invaluable thus far, and we need you to continue spreading awareness of our platform and championing the positive change we represent.

    “The LP is determined to contest the forthcoming September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election fairly and transparently. We should not allow this minor administrative hurdle to dampen our confidence or impede our momentum. Together, we shall overcome any obstacle, minor or major, as we continue our march towards restoring Edo State to its pride of place nationally.”

    Of the 17 governorship candidates vying in Edo governorship poll, to elect the politician that will succeed Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Governor Godwin Obaseki on November 12 this year, the real contenders are All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) Senator Monday Okpebholo, PDP’s Dr. Asue Ighodalo and LP’s Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), with 14 others seen as pretenders.

  • Let’s work for APC victory, Aiyedatiwa waves olive branch at opponents

    Let’s work for APC victory, Aiyedatiwa waves olive branch at opponents

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has appealed to other aspirants, who lost out at the party’s primary, “to come together to work for the success of our great party, so as to remain in power.”

    Governor Aiyedatiwa was announced winner of the primary after he polled 48,569 votes.

    A total of 95,178 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State of 171,922 revalidated members participated in the primary, according to Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo.

    He gave the scores of other aspirants to include: Wale Akinterinwa, 1,952; Olusola Oke, 14,915;  Jimoh Ibrahim, 9,456; Isaac Kekemeke, 1,045; Gbenga Edema, 395; Olamide Ohunyeye, 424; Jimi Odimayo, 490; Olusoji Ehinlanwo, 492; Morayo Lebi, 290; Diran Iyantan, 348; Francis Faduyile, 353; Ifeoluwa Oyedele, 462; Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, 529 and Funke Omogoroye, 115.

    Ododo said: “Reports from the field revealed that the primary election went on peacefully, and the end of the exercise, votes were counted and recorded.

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    “By the power conferred on the committee, and in line with APC guidelines for the nomination of the candidate of the party in the general election, I, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State and the chairman of the committee and the returning officer of the Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election, held on April 20, hereby declare that Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest numbers of votes cast in the direct primary election, is hereby returned elected and declared winner.”

    The victory of Aiyedatiwa was rectified by a special congress yesterday morning in line with the Electoral Act.

    In his acceptance speech, Aiyedatiwa said the participation of other aspirants created so much awareness within and outside the APC.

    He said: “But this is not the time to hold grudges against anyone, but for all of us to come together to work for the success of our great party so as to remain in power.

    “We will all gain in this party, though at different times, if we keep faith. I salute your courage and keen interest to lead the state towards development. It is your right and you are qualified and worthy members of our party.

    “Now, more than ever before, the greatness of Ondo State is what matters the most. I therefore request that we all join hands in building the future we all yearn for in Ondo State.”

  • ‘Why UNIBEN ASUU members may not resume academic activities’

    ‘Why UNIBEN ASUU members may not resume academic activities’

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Benin (UNIBEN) chapter, has indicated that its members may not resume academic activities on April 28, if its demands are not met, over the April 12 violence at its Senior Staff Club, when Labour Party’s (LP’s) governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, was hosted.

    The union yesterday in a statement by its Chairman, Ray Chikogu and Secretary, Success Abusomwan, said the identified students of the university, including members of the executive committee of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), who participated in the event that led to the attempted murder of a lecturer of UNIBEN, should be taken through disciplinary process and sanctioned.

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    Other identified culpable individuals, whoever and wherever they are, according to UNIBEN ASUU, must be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    UNIBEN ASUU condemned “in very strong terms,” the rebellious and terrorising acts of brigandage carried out by the students of UNIBEN both as individuals and under the cover of student unionism, in their entirety.”

    UNIBEN’s spokesperson Dr. Benedicta Ehanire said the violent incident was unacceptable.

    Edo State Government through its Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, condemned the violence at UNIBEN.

  • Lawyers storm Supreme Court for Yahaya Bello, hit EFCC

    Lawyers storm Supreme Court for Yahaya Bello, hit EFCC

    No fewer than 500 legal practitioners on Monday stormed the Supreme Court to condemn what they described as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) “illegal” approach against former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello. 

    In a statement by its co-convener S.K Alewu, the group lamented the EFCC’s attempt to arrest the former governor despite being served a valid court order that restrains it from doing so. 

    Alewu said not only has Bello’s fundamental rights been breached, the judiciary has also become willing tools in the hands of enemies of our rule of law.

    The lawyers urged the Judicial Council of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu to call the EFCC to order to stop further abuse and disobedience of court orders. 

    He said: “It has become pertinent again that we address well-meaning Nigerians on the current attacks on the Judiciary by the very institutions created by law to enforce and guarantee the sanctity of our judicial processes. 

    “As young lawyers, we envisage a judiciary where justice is not only done but also seen to be manifestly done. It is in our patriotic quest to always pursue ventures that guarantee an independent judiciary that dispenses justice without fear nor Favour that we formed this civil society of lawyers. 

    “We are therefore perturbed that desperate politicians and corrupt elements in our polity are working very assiduously to bring the judiciary that sacrificed its all to guard its jurisdiction jealously under the military regime to public odium and opprobrium. 

    “It is more worrisome that even the very institutions that are created by law to enforce our laws have become willing tools in the hands of enemies of our rule of law and the judiciary to harangue our judges and bring the justice system to public ridicule. 

    “The current case between the EFCC and Gov. Yahaya is the most heinous of such instances. It is sickening that the commission will move to lay siege and even attempt to arrest the former governor of Kogi state despite being served a valid court order that restrains them from doing so and without vacating the said order. 

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    “The events of the past few days is capable of eroding the many gains and national acclaim the commission recorded and enjoys from majority of Nigerians who sees the establishment of the commission as the greatest intervention to the endemic corruption that has rocked our public service and government institutions since the return of Nigeria to democracy in 1999.

    “The only succour is that the current president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a leader who gave his all to sustain our democracy. The President, at a point, became a victim of political with-hunt.

    “We have submitted petitions to the Nigerian Judicial Council and Mr. President asking that they use their good offices to call the EFCC to order and stop any form abuse and disobedience of court orders.

    Yahaya Bello
  • Chinese construction firm completes dualisation of 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road

    Chinese construction firm completes dualisation of 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road

    China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Nigeria Limited has completed the expansion of the 5.4km Abuja-Keffi expressway and dualisation of the 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road projects.

    The construction company said the roads were now under a concessionary phase of maintenance that would last 25 years.

    Project Manager, Li Qiang Qiang, said this during a tour of the roads in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    The $42,144,047.29 project, co-funded by the Federal Government and the China Export and Import (EXIM) Bank Limited was divided into phases to ease implementation.

    Phase I involved the dualisation of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road, with Phase II including the dualisation of the Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-Enugu road.

    The construction company has already commenced work on Phase II, with contractors and equipment mobilised to site.

    He told journalists that the company went through a lot of challenges during the construction phase in order to ensure that the project was delivered within the contractual time frame.

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    Qiang said: “For a project of this magnitude, we are happy that we delivered within time frame, meeting our contractual obligation to the Federal Government of Nigeria irrespective of challenges. The project was signed in April 2019 and that was the year we had a global shutdown as a result of Covid-19. This was a major drawback to the smooth take-off of the project. There were land acquisition and right of way issues; we had to relocate power lines and water pipes. There were difficulties, but we are happy that we were able to overcome all of them and still deliver this road within four years, thereby meeting our contractual obligation.

     “You can see the quality of the road. Before now it took more than nine hours to drive from Abuja to Makurdi but now it takes just about four and half hours. That’s a remarkable improvement. 

    The project manager noted that CHEC has now entered a concessionary phase of maintenance of the road infrastructure.

    “Under this concessionary phase, China Habour is charged with the maintenance of the road for the next twenty five years. The road would be one of the best in the country, that I can assure you,” he said.

  • Edo 2024: Ighodalo meets Oyegun,Igbinedion, other Edo South political leaders

    Edo 2024: Ighodalo meets Oyegun,Igbinedion, other Edo South political leaders

    In continuation of his state-wide consultations and visitations ahead of the official commencement of campaigns for the governorship election in Edo State come September, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Asue Ighodalo, has met with top political leaders from Edo South Senatorial District of the state.

    The meeting, which was kept under close wraps, saw the PDP gubernatorial hopeful meeting with who is who in the political arena in the area during the week. 

    A source familiar with the meeting which was held behind closed door, confided in our reporter that two former governors of the state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, including Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Harrison Omangbon and Larry Ogieva were among the prominent leaders who met Ighodalo.

    The source, which confessed not to know the agenda of the meeting or resolutions or agreements reached, however, insisted that going by the countenance of the hosts and the guest after the meeting, he was sure something positive must have been wrapped up for the former boardroom guru.

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    “From the smiles on their faces, the banters and all, I don’t think anything negative or adverse happened. It must have been a good and successful outing for the governorship candidate.

    “I think I saw Chief Oyegun, Chief Igbinedion, Senator Uzamere, Chief Omangbon, Chief Ogieva and the Deputy Governorship candidate, Osarodion Ogie. You know he is very strong politically in Edo South Senatorial District. These are the leaders I know. There are so many others anyway, who also attended the meeting,” the source stated.

    Ighodalo has been relentless in his consultations and visits to critical stakeholders across the state in the last two months. Last weekend, he was at Uromi where he was endorsed by the Okpebholo family in Edo Central.

    He had earlier visited Edo North, where he interacted with a range of high profile personalities.

  • 2024: PDP chieftain drums support for LG chair’s re-election

    2024: PDP chieftain drums support for LG chair’s re-election

    Chief Jimmy Obiewho, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Isoko South, has made a passionate appeal to the PDP leadership and stakeholders to lend their support to Sir Victor Asasa’s bid for re-election in the upcoming Local Government election.

    In a statement, Chief Jimmy Obiewho emphasized that Asasa is deserving of the PDP’s backing, citing his exceptional performance and exemplary representation during his previous term in office.

    He praised Asasa for his unprecedented achievements, which have significantly benefited the Isoko South LGA community.

    Obiewho described Asasa as a dynamic, visionary leader who truly cares about the welfare of Isoko South residents. He highlighted Asasa’s positive impact on the LGA during his tenure as chairman, underscoring his dedication to serving the local community.

    He further stated that as a member of the party and a native of the land, he can attest to the people-oriented programs implemented by Asasa during his administration, which are evident to all residents in the Local Government Area (LGA).

    He listed some of the projects successfully carried out by the Asasa administration, including the provision of solar-powered inverter lights and systems to power the administrative block, as well as all departments and buildings within the local government secretariat. 

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    Additionally, the cost-effective projects overseen by the chairman involved the installation of solar-powered street lights in all the rural communities within the LGA. 

    Other achievements encompass the renovation of the previously deteriorated Oleh lock-up market stalls, the construction and refurbishment of healthcare centers along with the provision of medical supplies and equipment, periodic free medical treatments for the underprivileged in selected communities, donation of primary school study desks to pupils in numerous communities, and various other initiatives.

    He expressed the opinion that reelecting Asasa for a second term as the Isoko South LGA chairman would be a prudent decision, both for the people and for our esteemed Party, PDP, at the local government level. 

    He highlighted that his projects are practical, verifiable, and beneficial to the common man. “It is time to move away from mediocrity. We also commend his determination and dedication to his duties. 

    “The tangible benefits of democracy are becoming evident, and we are not easily misled. We take pride in his leadership and strongly support his reelection as the elected chairman of the local government council.”

    When asked if he agrees with the chairman’s return as a leader, he responded with a resounding yes. He promptly reminded the leaders and stakeholders not to backtrack on the previous agreement to support each elected chairman from every constituency for a second term. 

    This agreement should be upheld and respected regardless of any potential disagreements. “We must progress together as a community,” he concluded, sharing his sincere opinion.

  • Ministers, monarchs in attendance as Amaseikumor festival ends

    Ministers, monarchs in attendance as Amaseikumor festival ends

    The much-anticipated 2024 Amaseikumor festival came to an end, Wednesday at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Delta state and home to former Niger Delta freedom fighter, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo .

    The weeklong feast which saw a beehive of cultural activities at the riverine Ijaw community had top politicians, traditional rulers and captains of industries in attendance.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the senator representing Delta South, Joel Onowakpo, third-term member of the House of Representatives, representing Burutu federal constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi; the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor; and the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, were among government functionaries at the event.

    Traditional rulers drawn from the north, southwest and other parts of the Niger Delta, graced the ceremony, giving a royal flair to the event. The host monarch, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, led the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and several others to a civic reception.

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    Amaseikumor festival is a yearly cleansing ritual and one of the ancient traditional celebrations of the Gbaramatu people, gained more prominence with the leadership of Tompolo.

    The annual festival was heralded by several events including a football tournament, wrestling, boat regatta, tug-of-war, dance troupes, live music and other cultural entertainment.

    The grand entrance of the historic Amaseikumor Masquerade at the Pere Pavilion during the grand finale was the climax of the weeklong feast which began on April 12.

    Catching glimpses of Tompolo as he performed traditional rites was another delight to dignitaries and spectators who had come to witness the festival from far and near.

    Tompolo, a name now synonymous with the fight against crude oil theft in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is a notable traditionalist and the Chief Priest of the Egbesu deity, the god of war.

    Noting that Amaseikumor is a peace deity, the Pere of Gbaramatu explained that the significance of the festival is that at the end of the celebrations, his people begin to enjoy peace both within and outside the kingdom.

    Speaking on the sidelines, the Ooni of Ife identified festival celebrations as unifiers.

    According to him, “Clearly, festivals of diverse cultures and traditions like this are the only unifier of who we are, the unifier of our people; it is the essence of different diverse cultures and traditions across the entire country. It should be noted that from the commencement of the festival on April 12, the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation provided free medical checks and treatment to over a 1,000 residents of Gbaramatu kingdom in Oporoza town.”

    The Fiyewei (spokesperson) of Gbaramatu kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, while appreciating dignitaries and guests for gracing the event said “this year’s Amaseikumor festival is a restoration of the acceptable rich African cultural heritage.”