The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Enugu community rejects call for fresh Igweship election, withdrawal of suits

    Enugu community rejects call for fresh Igweship election, withdrawal of suits

    Some stakeholders of Akama Oghe community in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State have strongly rejected the call by the state government to conduct fresh election for the Igweship seat of the community, terming it unjustified.

    The state commissioner for local government, chieftaincy affairs and rural development, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, had during the meeting of stakeholders of the community to resolve the lingering chieftaincy tussle in the community, announced the cancellation of the elections or selections of the two contenders for the throne.

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    The commissioner also requested that all matters relating to the Igweship tussle be withdrawn from the various courts to enable the town union to organise an election that would be monitored by the government. overnment.

    But, reacting to the request by the commissioner at the meeting, the people of the community, especially, the faction loyal to one of the contestants, Ozo Christian Akpata, rejected the request, appealing to the commissioner to allow the court to determined

  • Nigeria needs more tertiary institutions, says Nwobodo

    Nigeria needs more tertiary institutions, says Nwobodo

    Former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has said the number of universities and tertiary institutions in Nigeria cannot be too many, considering the population of youths in the country.

    He made the remark in his home at Amechi, in Enugu South Local Government of Enugu State, where the national leadership of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, presented him with the Founders Award.

    The elder statesman, responding to questions from reporters on the quality of tertiary institutions springing up across the country, said the number of universities in the country was not yet commensurate with the population of the country and the demand gap.

    He said: “Universities can never be too many in the country, considering the population. So, we need more universities or tertiary institutions, considering the number of applicants and those admitted. The demand gap is too wide.

    “As you already know, each year, close to two million candidates apply for admission into Nigerian universities, but less than half of that number gain admission into tertiary institutions.

    “To me, this a far cry and something that worries parents and families of candidates and the candidates themselves.”

    Nwobodo, therefore, called on the authorities to ensure any institution given licence to operate must guarantee quality education because, to him, whether government or private school, the products remain Nigerians.

    On the Founders Award given to him, he expressed happiness that he was able to elevate the college to a diploma awarding institution after it was established by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vice-president, saying the institution later metamorphosed into the current Federal Polytechnic Oko, which had trained thousands of persons in disciplines.

    Nwobodo, who was a teacher at the prestigious King’s College, Lagos, before becoming governor, recalled that he also established five other tertiary institutions, including a multi-campus university, because of his belief that education was key to the development of Eastern Nigeria then.

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    “My joy is that that mustard seed planted by Alex Ekwueme, has grown to become a place where several courses are being taught,” he said.

    Presenting the award, the National President of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Nze Henry Chukwukadibia, said the award was given to Senator Nwobodo for his outstanding leadership, commitment to service and passion for education, which he exhibited as the governor of old Anambra State by establishing schools and institutions of higher learning, most especially College of Arts, Science and Technology, Oko, which has metamorphosed to Federal Polytechnic Oko.

    “We salute your education excellence built with the quality ofyour actions and the integrity of your intent, which has made our alma mater to become the Polytechnic of the Moment in Nigeria,” he said.

    He said besides Nwobodo, other founding fathers were Alex Ekwueme, the initiator, former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who made it a federal polytechnic and Mr. Ndu, the first principal of the institution, when it was College of Arts and Science.

  • Diri displaying ignorance of police roles in polls, alleges group

    Diri displaying ignorance of police roles in polls, alleges group

    • Govt: allegation false

    Bayelsa Professional Forum (BPF) has described as unfortunate, public display of ignorance of the roles of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during elections by Governor Douye Diri.

    The Secretary, BPF, Philip Erepa, in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, said he watched with dismay during a live youth programme where Diri in his remarks suggested that the police had no responsibility during elections.

    Erepa said Diri, who alluded to a matter before the court, which he said was supposed to be a subjudice, ignorantly claimed that the police had no responsibility to stand as a witness in an election matter, which they monitored and secured.

    He said Diri in his frustration also made some damaging remarks against a former Commissioner of Police, CP Alausa and other respected patrons of the state and the country.

    He said Diri and his co-travellers lacked understanding that the police were saddled with the responsibility of securing any election in the country.

    He said by his statement, Diri was simply trying to pre-empt the court in his bid to truncate a legal process challenging his declaration as governor.

    Erepa said: “We have watched with utter dismay Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, in a live youth programme making an ignorant remark suggesting that the police have no assigned responsibilities during elections.

    “Diri needs to be educated that as protectors of the elections, the police monitor and secure the entire process and can also be called upon to stand as witnesses in any court process involving such elections.

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    “What Diri and his co travellers fail to understand is that the police have statutory responsibility in the conduct of elections in Nigeria. They are the only security outfit with that responsibility. The role of the police is to secure the election. This is why you find a policeman at each of the polling units.

    Contacted on the allegation against Governor Diri, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in an apparent move not to respond to it, just wrote: “I’m ashamed of whoever wrote and signed this statement.”

    “We are also baffled that Diri out of his frustration made disparaging remarks against Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Alausa, for simply doing his job. Diri should be told that his utterance in a matter, which is subjudiced, is an affront to the judiciary and an attempt to pre-empt the court.

    “We find Diri’s recent comments as an attempt to harass not just a decorated member of the Nigeria Police Force, but also the entire Nigeria Police Force.”

  • Governor seeks siting of NJI Southsouth campus in Bayelsa

    Governor seeks siting of NJI Southsouth campus in Bayelsa

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said his administration will do its best to ensure Southsouth campus of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) is sited in the state.

    He gave the assurance yesterday when the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary led by Oluwole Oke visited him at the Government House, Yenagoa.

    He said siting the NJI in Bayelsa would complement the campus of the Nigeria Law School in Yenagoa.

    Diri promised members of the committee of his government’s support to achieve the reforms required of the justice system in the country, particularly as they carry out their oversight function in the state.

    He called on his former colleagues to bring their wealth of experience to bear on addressing the challenges bedevilling the judiciary and asked them to proffer solutions at the end of their tour.

    Diri said: “You talked about the NJI. We have the Law School here in Yenagoa, and this will complement a school like that. So, I assure you that the state government will support siting of the NJI in Yenagoa.

    “We believe you will put in your best to make the judiciary in our country better. I am sure you will bring your wealth of experience to bear.

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    “As you know, our problems are multifaceted that people always first point to the executive because it carries out the day-to-day administration of government. But it does not end there. The judiciary has its own challenges too.”

    Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Oluwole Oke, said they were in the state for on-the-spot assessment of the infrastructure in the judiciary, the courts, as well as to ascertain the welfare of the personnel working at the courts.

    On the issue of siting a campus of NJI in the Southsouth, he said it was borne out of the need to reduce cost of judicial workers travelling for courses to the NJI headquarters in Abuja in relation to the security and safety of participants.

    Oke noted that with the governor’s assurance to facilitate the establishment of the NJI campus, the committee would look at it and decide appropriately.

  • NNS Delta attributes reduced oil theft to personnel’s efforts

    NNS Delta attributes reduced oil theft to personnel’s efforts

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has attributed reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime within its areas of operation (AOO) to the collective efforts of its personnel.

    Speaking at a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Warri Naval Base, outgone Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, said despite the challenges during his tenure, achievements, which included destruction of illegal refining sites and arrest of sea robbers, were recorded.

    Yahaya assumed office on May 2, 2023, as the 13th Commander of the NNS Delta.

    He said NNS Delta also participated in clearance operations and exercises, in line with the base’s mandate of securing the maritime environment to enhance economic activities.

    “I am happy to inform you that our collective efforts and commitment have brought about commendable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime.

    “The base anti-crude oil theft operations have recorded success in the destruction of illegal refining sites in our areas of operations.

    “During the period under review, the base destroyed illegal refining sites and storage facilities containing stolen crude oil and illegally-refined Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO).

    “Furthermore, between May 2023 to date, the base patrolled for about 21,630 hours, resulting in the deactivation of illegal refining sites and handling of stolen crude oil,” he stated.

    Yahaya said the anti-crude oil theft unit of the base apprehended suspects with offences bordering on crude oil theft and improper documentations, adding that some vessels were also apprehended and consequently handed over to the anti-graft agency and other relevant authorities for prosecution.

    He said deployment of swamp buggies had discouraged the operations of illegal bunkering in its areas of operations.

    “The last swamp buggy operations we conducted between August 20 and September 23, 2023 recorded about 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally-refined AGO.

    “This is indeed a testament to the laudable performance of this base in the period under review.

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    “For this, I am grateful to the dedication and commitment of officers and ratings of the base. I urge you to extend same and even more to the incoming commander,” he said.

    The outgone commander expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government,  military and para-military agencies within the NNS Delta areas of operations for their support throughout his stay, noting that the inter-agency cooperation and synergy had sustained peace in the area.

    The incoming Commander, Commodore Muhsin Abba, urged NNS Delta personnel to discharge their duties in accordance with the mandate of the Navy.

    “They should be disciplined, obedient, loyal and should not collaborate with anybody that undermines the economic activities of the country.

    “As you know, oil is the mainstay of our economy and anything that will impede the production of oil within our areas of operations is going to be stopped. We will ensure the mandate is pursued to the best of our ability,” Abba said.

    The ceremony featured the signing of handover note, lowering/hoisting of pennant, presentation of unit flag and inauguration of car park at the base.

  • Enugu orders fresh election in community

    Enugu orders fresh election in community

    Enugu State Government has ordered fresh election for the Igweship throne of Akama Oghe community in Ezeagu Local Government.

    The Igweship stool of Akama Oghe community is being contested by Ozo Christian Akpata and Onyeka Ofodile, who have been laying claims as the authentic Igwe-elect for the throne.

    The matter also generated litigations in court, thereby stalling any possibility of crowning any particular individual as the Igwe Dimeze IV of Akama Oghe.

    But, addressing the warring camps and stakeholders of the community to resolve the lingering chieftaincy tussle in the community, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, announced the cancellation of the elections or selections of the two contenders, noting that the state government did not witness whatever happened in the past in the name of Igweship election.

    The commissioner ordered that all matters relating to the Igweship tussle be withdrawn from the courts, to enable the town union organise an election that would be monitored by the government and acceptable to all parties.

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    He said Governor Peter Mbah was committed to ending the crisis rocking the community and many others, with similar crisis over vacant royal throne and town union leadership.

    “We decided to call the stakeholders of Akama Oghe to have understanding among ourselves. We believe this will end up uniting Akama Oghe.

    “Governor Mbah is interested in restoring peace to communities to help him solve our insecurity problems resulting from herdsmen attacks, because without a united community leadership, our communities will be porous security wise.

    “It’s important that the town union and Igweship elections are monitored by the government.

    “For this reason, I will beg you two things: first is that you will withdraw all litigations if you want peace and progress of Akama Oghe. Igweship throne should not be a do or die affair. Court judgments do not guarantee peace in the community. Even any judgment by a third party doesn’t guarantee peace. It’s only the spirit of give and take that will guarantee you peace and this is what is needed at Akama Oghe.

    “Second, the only option left for us is for fresh election to be organised for you to choose who becomes your next Igwe,” Ogbodo said.

  • Otti, Ikpeazu’s aides at war over Abia’s 5% equity share in Geometric Power Ltd

    Otti, Ikpeazu’s aides at war over Abia’s 5% equity share in Geometric Power Ltd

    Aides to Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti and his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, have taken to conventional and social media to attack one another over claims by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Geometric Power Ltd, Osisioma, Aba, Prof. Barth Nnaji, that he was to receive payment on the proposed five per cent equity of the state government in Geometric Power Ltd.

    Nnaji, a former minister of Power, had during a news briefing at the headquarters of the company last weekend claimed that the out-gone government of Dr. Ikpeazu was yet to remit to the company, their part of financial commitment to the project.

    Rising in defence of his boss, Mr. John Okiyi-Kalu, who served as both commissioner for Information and Trade and Investment in the last administration, said: “I was at the Abia State Executive Council meeting chaired by the then governor, Dr. Ikpeazu, wherein approval was given to Abia State Ministry of Finance to invest $5million in Geometric Power Company as payment for five per cent equity contribution on behalf of Ndi Abia.

    “As at the time the investment was authorised, Abia State Government insisted on paying the Naira equivalent, using the prevailing official exchange rate of N395/$ as agreed with the management of the company.

    “According to information available to me, the state government was expected to pay N1,975,000,000.00 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy Five Million Naira Only) to the company as the equivalent of $5million for five per cent equity in the project.“

    But in what appeared as an attempt to set the records straight, the Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, addressing reporters in Umuahia, at the end of the State’s Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the Government House Press Unit, said contrary to the claims by aides to the Ikpeazu-led government, the Otti-led administration did not receive any document during the transition process, indicating that the state committed any amount of cash to the Geometric Power project, which was inaugurated by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    As correctly reported in the attached budget performance report, I am aware that the state government under the leadership of Dr. Ikpeazu actually transferred N1.42billion to the bank account of Geometric (possibly Stanbic IBTC account) and it was acknowledged by no less a person than Prof Nnaji in his capacity as ‘Chairman/CEO’ of the company via an official letter dated 24th August 2022.

    “In that same acknowledgement letter that I was aware of at the time, Prof Nnaji requested the payment of the balance of N565million to complete the agreed total of N1.975billion, representing $5million investment.

    “Among other things, in that acknowledgement letter, which was addressed to Governor Ikpeazu by Prof Nnaji, he appreciated the efforts of the governor and the support rendered to Geometric Power in ensuring that the Aba IPP project is completed.

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    “Obviously, Nnaji was not only speaking to the equity investment, but also the focused and unflinching promotion of the company before international investors in Africa, including AfDB and AFREXIM Bank that later gave a facility to the company with which they completed the project as well as the amicable resolution of the long standing imbroglio with EEDC.

    “I am not aware of whether or not the balance of N565million was paid to the company, but I guess the Commissioner for Finance and/or the Accountant General of the state at that time would know. I am certain of the payment of N1.42billion out of the N1.975billion from the state account.

    “In the light of the above facts known to me, I am shocked to read that during a recent interview, Prof Nnaji was asked about the $5million investment by the past administration and he reportedly responded that ‘there is nothing like that’, further claiming that ‘nobody has given us any dollar.’

    “As a citizen of Abia State, I wish to call on Prof Nnaji to immediately clarify the statement credited to him to the effect that he did not receive in part or whole the agreed equity contribution made by Abia State Government in lieu of five per cent share for the people of the state in Geometric Power project in Aba.

    “If I see any written official denial of the above facts stated by me from our respected Prof Nnaji, I will proceed to publish documentary evidence available to me in order to safeguard the interest of our people, after confirming from my lawyers that I will not be breaching any law by doing so.”

  • ‘Ethnic tension brewing over Akwa Ibom’s remapping’

    ‘Ethnic tension brewing over Akwa Ibom’s remapping’

    Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has raised the alarm that the proposed remapping initiated by former administration in Akwa Ibom State is posing threats to the lives of the Ijaw in Ibeno Local Government.

    IYC National President, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, alleged that in the past few weeks, neighbouring communities of Eket and Esit Eket have directed physical and verbal threats towards Ibeno.

    He alleged that the threats included social media publications; unlawful trespassing into Ibeno land; demolition of Ibeno labour task force building last week by indigenes of Esit Eket and also tampering with electricity lines that supplied light to Ibeno communities.

    Alaye said: “The attention of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has been drawn to the ongoing unrest in Akwa Ibom State, which has put the lives of the Ijaw in Ibeno Local Government in danger.

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    “We wish to state categorically that this avoidable crisis, created by the proposed remapping, engineered by ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel, is producing that unfortunate result of destruction of property and loss of lives in Ijaw communities in the state.

    “It is worthy of note that the people of Eket allocated Ibeno land to themselves, while the land in question is before a court and there is an injunction restricting them from accessing the land.”

    “These provocative actions have been treated with kid gloves by the governor and we see it as a move to promote ethnic war between the Ijaw and their neighbours in the state.

    “The Ijaw nation will and cannot fold their arms when their sons’ and daughters’ lives and property are under attack by other ethnic groups.”

    He alleged that the council was also aware of top politicians, who were indigenes of Eket and Esit Eket, using their influence to manipulate the reconciliation of the conflicts.

    He alleged that some politicians had been working in the past few weeks in a build-up to a joint attack by Eket and Esit Eket.

  • Uwazuruike to Igboho: you can’t speak for Igbo

    Uwazuruike to Igboho: you can’t speak for Igbo

    The leader of Biafra Independence Movement (BIM), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has said nobody, including Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemi alias Igboho, can speak on behalf of Ndigbo over the current hardship in the country.

    Speaking yesterday in Owerri, Uwazuruike urged Igboho not to sympathise with Ndigbo on the current hardship in the country.

    He advised people from other regions, including Igboho, not to sympathise with Ndigbo over the current hardship.

    Read Also: Uwazuruike to Igboho: you can’t speak for Igbo on protests

    Uwazuruike, also the founder of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), said the Igbo had suffered for too long in Nigeria, adding that they did not need any sympathiser from the Southwest or North to survive.

    Uwazuruike in a statement by the Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, said the current suffering was caused by many years of bad leadership and wrong economic policies of Nigerian leaders, which did not begin with the current administration.

    He urged Ndigbo to learn to endure the hardship and learn from it.

  • IPOB denies existence of ESN camps in Southeast

    IPOB denies existence of ESN camps in Southeast

    • Accuses security agencies of infiltration

    Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday refuted claims by the military that they have destroyed an Eastern Security Network (ESN) camp near Eke Ututu market at Orsumoghu, in Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State.

    The pro-separatist group said it has no such camps in the communities where the military claimed they have destroyed.

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    Spokesman Emma Powerful said individuals identified as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers in the area were agents of the Nigerian government and were not affiliated to IPOB.

    “IPOB said it before now that we don’t have camps for ESN operatives at Orsuihiteukwa, Ihitenansa in Imo State and Ihiala, Nnewi South local governments, Okija, Isseke, Mbosi,  Orsumoghu and Azia communities in Anambra State.”

    He said Nigerian government and military “have been using these infiltrators to discredit IPOB and ESN, but their true intentions have been exposed due to their criminal activities.”