The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Stop spreading lies against Fubara, Rivers PDP warns APC

    Stop spreading lies against Fubara, Rivers PDP warns APC

    Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the Caretaker Committee Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief  Tony  Okocha, to stop spreading lies against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    PDP in a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Sydney Gbara, told Okocha that Rivers people were satisfied with the performance of Fubara because the governor was meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    Gbara said: “Fubara is a household name in the state due to the commitment he has shown in bringing development, good governance and happiness to the people.

    “In less than six months in office, Governor Fubara has embarked on a number of people-oriented projects cutting across the length and breadth of the state.

    “Among the projects ongoing in the state are the multimillion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, a major project that will cut through six local governments, thereby easing movement of commerce and improving economic activities in the state. The Elelenwo and Bori internal roads, the Ogoni- Andoni-Opobo/ Nkoro Unity road, among several others.”

    Gbara said Fubara’s administration, in partnership with a real estate developer, was embarking on the building of 20,000 housing units for low income earners.

    He said: “Such a government that is delivering services for the people of Rivers State cannot be referred to as lacking in governance. Chief Okocha is only trying in futility to downplay or whittle down the excellent performance of the Fubara administration.

    “The governor had proactively put measures in place to better the lives of Rivers people in the face of the current economic hardship and hunger experienced in the country,  which Rivers State Government is not responsible for.

    “To boost food production, Sir Fubara had paid an inspection visit to the abandoned Songai farm in Tai Local Government, Buguma fish farm in Asalga Council, Garri processing factory in Oyigbo Local Government, with a view to revamping and putting them to use to ensure food sufficiency.

    “Governor Fubara also revived Rivers State Micro Finance Agency, released N4billion to the agency as loans to Rivers people interested in pursuing micro, small and medium scale businesses.

    “What about the payment of N100,000  to each civil servant, promotion of civil servants who were not promoted for eight years by the previous administration and other largesse to Rivers people during the Christmas celebration? Implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to local government workers, plus the ongoing employment into the Rivers State Civil Service.”

    Gbara said the PDP was amazed that Okocha was angry at Rivers women for staging a protest to drum up support for the governor and express their displeasure about the needless antagonism towards Fubara’s administration by enemies of the state.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    He said: “Okocha should be reminded that women protesting half-clad happens all over the world and is a recurring decimal in politics. In 2019, Okrika and Kalabari women protested half-clad to protect the votes of the former governor from being hijacked by the Army.

    “What every responsible Rivers man and woman should be concerned about is the message the women came out to convey and how to address it. In the mist of these uncommon achievements by this administration within this period, only a politically blind and deaf person that has been bitten by the bug of ignorance and insensitivity will come out to criticise it.

    “We advise the NNDC representative once again to concentrate on his job or to always cross check facts before coming out to embarrass himself in the media.

    “PDP restates its confidence in Rivers people to stand firm with Governor Fubara, who has shown enough capacity and competence to give them purposeful leadership.”

  • Court dismisses police objection against Fubara’s CoS

    Court dismisses police objection against Fubara’s CoS

    Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed preliminary objection by the Nigeria Police, challenging its jurisdiction to hear the fundamental rights’ suit filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The court told the counsel for the police, Celestine Dickson, that his preliminary objection lacked merit.

    The presiding judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, in his ruling, assumed jurisdiction of the matter and held that the none joinder of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a matter that the Commissioner of Police was a party to, could not render the suit incompetent.

    The judge said the application by the police lacked merit and dismissed it with a cost of N100,000 in favour of Ehie.

    Aprioku also granted the prayers of Ehie’s lawyer, Damian Okoro, restraining the police from arresting, detaining, harassing or inviting Ehie based on the allegations contained in the suit filed by Martin Amaewhule, linking the Chief of Staff to the destruction of the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    The judge said: “The preliminary objection raised on the issue of jurisdiction lacks merit and is hereby dismissed.

    “That a declaration be and is hereby granted restraining the respondents howsoever from arresting the applicant based on the trumped up charge in charge number FHR/A BJ/CR/25/2024 used as a tool to settle political scores and vendetta against the applicant at the behest and instigation of Martins Amaewhule, over the burning and destruction of the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly is illegal, unwarranted, unconstitutional and constitutes an infringement against applicant’s fundamental rights.

    “An order of injunction be and is hereby granted restraining the first and second respondents whether by themselves or through their subordinates, agents, privies, or any person howsoever described from inviting, demanding the applicant’s attendance at the first and second respondents’ offices or anywhere harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining the applicant in connection with the arson on the Rivers State House of Assembly in gross contravention to the applicant’s rights to personal liberty.”

  • Ijaw youths threaten protest against  cement price hike

    Ijaw youths threaten protest against  cement price hike

    • Urge Fed Govt to address cost of living crisis

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, has decried high cost of cement, saying the situation has further unleashed more sufferings on Nigerians.

    In a statement yesterday by spokesman Binebai Princewill, the group promised to head for a showdown with cement producers over hike in the price of cement across the country.

    Princewill said before now, some cement brands manufactured in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the Niger Delta, were doing well and far cheaper, but some producers with monopolistic tendencies used their connections with the government to drive them out of the Niger Delta market, thus making lives more difficult for the people.

    The spokesman claimed that the ‘political monopolisation’ of the cement industry in favour of some producers was a problem good spirited Nigerians must deal with.

    He said: “We cannot continue to bear the brunt of a system not interested in the development and progress of the Ijaw and Niger Delta people.

    “It is on this premise that IYC will be taking action against cement manufacturers in the coming days.“

    “We reiterate that this statement should be seen as a warning, as it is not going to be business as usual. We cannot continue to be peaceful when life is unbearable to our people and the government is appearing to be insensitive to the plight of the masses. There is going to be dire consequences if things continue like this.”

    The IYC spokesman urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to ameliorate the deteriorating conditions of living faced by the Ijaw and Nigerians in general.

    He said after consultations with stakeholders in the Niger Delta over the current cost of living crisis, Ijaw youths might be forced to embark on ‘mother of all protests’ against the government if the biting inflation and hunger were not well addressed.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    Princewill said: “We are using this medium to inform our few Ijaw sons in the Tinubu cabinet that they should not be surprised to see thousands of Ijaw people storming the streets in demand for a better living condition for our people since they are appearing to be insensitive to the plight of our people.

    “It should be noted that when the protest will start, there will be no sacred cows and they cannot claim not to be aware.

    “Government has really pushed the Ijaw to the wall from the surreptitious sale of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, to another oil company,  the political manipulation of the Ijaw people, the wiping out of  Ijaw sons and daughters from holding key offices in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), attempted sale of onshore assets of Shell without giving our people the right of first refusal, the non-clean-up of our environment before their purported divestment and the continued refusal of the Federal Government and IOCs to relocate their headquarters to their bases in the Niger Delta.

    “We are equally uncomfortable with the rising cost of living in Nigeria, the free fall of the Naira against the US Dollar, hike in pump price of fuel and abnormal prices of commodities at markets.”

  • Akwa Ibom settles 84-year-old land dispute

    Akwa Ibom settles 84-year-old land dispute

    Akwa Ibom State Government has settled an 84-year-old land tussle between Ikot Itie Idung/Ikot Edong in Nsit Atai Local Government and Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Council.

    A ceremonial tree planting exercise signalling the end of the dispute, which reportedly began in 1940, was held to demarcate the boundaries between the communities.

    Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state Boundary Committee, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, hailed stakeholders from the communities for their decision to embrace peace, noting that the Governor Umo Eno administration remained committed to ensuring peace.

    Describing Nsit Atai and Uruan as key local governments in the development of the state, the deputy governor said the peace deal would create room for economic development and youth employment in the two councils.

    Sen. Eyakenyi acknowledged the roles played by the transition chairmen, paramount rulers, village heads, youth leaders and other stakeholders from Uruan and Nsit Atai local governments in ending the age-long boundary dispute.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    She described the trees as potential revenue sources for the communities, saying the road, which showed the demarcation between both councils, would be properly tarred, while the land would be utilised for agricultural purposes by the government.

    The member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Prince Aniefiok Attah and his Uruan counterpart, Dr. Itoro Etim, thanked the chairman and members of the State Boundary Committee for being alive to their responsibilities.

    The Transition Chairman, Uruan Local Government, Iniobong Ekpenyong, a surveyor: and that of Nsit Atai, Emem Ibanga, were grateful to the state government for ending the land crisis, which they noted led to loss of lives and property.

  • Ex-agitators’ leaders hail reforms in PAP

    Ex-agitators’ leaders hail reforms in PAP

    Leaders of ex-agitators have hailed reforms in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), implemented by the Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (Rtd).

    Speaking in Calabar, Cross River State, during an interactive session facilitated by the PAP office for leaders of PAP Phase Two, the leaders bared their minds on the programme and called for sustained implementation of the scholarship initiative, as well as the recently initiated cooperative programme.

    Ibena Rufus, a beneficiary of PAP Phase Two and spokesman for ex-agitators’ leaders’ forum, noted that  PAP had made a lot of progress under the tenure of Ndiomu.

    He said the area that gave previous administrators of PAP challenge was reintegration, which the current interim administrator had addressed.

    Ibena recalled that PAP started with disarmament and demobilisation, which were successful, but ran into issues when it got to the reintegration aspect.

    “The previous administrator could not tackle issues of reintegration, but the current administrator has demonstrated capacity to tackle it.”

    He praised the interim administrators for restructuring the programme and taking it back to the people.

    Olutu Wanemi, the chairman of PAP Phase Two, said none of the PAP administrators thought of empowering the entire 30,000 beneficiaries of the programme before the coming of the present interim administrator.

    He said the cooperative initiative introduced by the interim administrator is a welcome development.

    Wanemi said: “None of the leaders had thought of empowering the entire 30,000 beneficiaries, but we were shocked when the interim administrator came on board and introduced cooperative scheme to accommodate everybody.

    “This is a welcome development for the beneficiaries and the right thing to be done. I appeal that the interim administrator should be reappointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    Corinne Hart, another delegate at the meeting, said with the reforms in place, things are getting better.  “Within the past year, over 80 per cent of the issues in the programme have been addressed. This is reflected in the relative peace in the region.

    “The amnesty programme was not really working for many leaders, but recently with our brother there, we are beginning to feel the impact of the programme.

    “Almost eighty per cent of the issues in the office have been handled by the current interim administrator and he has been harmonising the leaders, talking with them and doing necessary things that should be done,” he said.

    Major Marshall Akpor, the agency liaison 0fficer, who represented the interim administrator, said the essence of the programme was to interact and discuss with the delegates.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    He said PAP wants to hear from the delegates, in order to get their feedback and improve the programme.

    He disclosed that the Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Society Ltd is aimed at giving an alternative livelihood to the ex-agitators.

    “Also the platform created for scholarships is aimed at ensuring that only real delegates benefit from the scheme.”

    The Head of the Reintegration Programme of PAP, Mr. Wilfred Musa, said under the PAP scholarship scheme, over 10,000 people had benefited since its inception and there was a monitoring and follow-up initiative on beneficiaries.

    “So far a good number have graduated and have taken jobs in places.”

  • Sylva, APC close petition against Diri after calling 52 witnesses

    Sylva, APC close petition against Diri after calling 52 witnesses

    All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the November 2023 Governorship Election in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, have formally closed their petition challenging the declaration of Governor Douye Diri as winner of the election.

    Sylva, who was present at yesterday’s proceedings and the APC, closed their case after calling 52 witnesses to testify to substantiate their allegations against the conduct and the declaration of results in the November 11 governorship election.

    During the day’s proceedings, one of the witnesses, a former Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Akeem Alausa, testified in favour of the petitioners and tendered several exhibits to support his testimony.

    During cross-examination, the witness admitted that his role during the election was seen as controversial and that several protests were held for and against his further stay as police commissioner in the state.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    He also denied ever working for Sylva and he tendered a list of policemen that were stationed at polling units on election day.

    He also admitted that although 16 political parties participated in the governorship election, he did not make any witness statement on oath for 15 other parties except the APC and that his evidence was based on Nembe, Ogbia and Southern-Ijaw local governments where election results are being challenged.

    The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, subsequently adjourned the case to March 4 for the defendants to open their defence.

  • Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    The Economic Confidential has released a list of ministers it identified as the “top 12 performers” in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The publication, after reviewing the actions of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, highlighted their efforts and achievements since assumption of office in August 2023.

    At the swearing-in, President Tinubu announced that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be deployed to assess the impact of the ministers and their ministries.

    “Some Ministers have shown competence in their respective duties. Beyond pragmatic initiatives and impactful programmes, the performing ministers also deploy effective media relations and strategic stakeholder engagements,” the report noted.

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is in the list for establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee career progression, ordering contractors to complete ongoing road, rail and township projects, and prioritising security measures, revenue generation, as well as the original Abuja master plan.

    Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun is included for reforms to revamp the economy such as removing fuel subsidies worth over N400bn monthly, spearheading alternative ways for generate more revenues, and expanding the scope of direct cash transfer schemes to millions of more households across the country.

    Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate: For attracting development partners to support Nigeria’s healthcare, introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into national immunisation, launching the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve maternal health, and facilitating $1 billion MoU towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the list for clearing a backlog of over 200,000 international passports within a few weeks of his appointment, implementing automation of the passport application process, and facilitating the E-gates system at airports to reduce passengers’ physical contact with immigration officers.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi: Recognised for regular press briefings on governance, decorum during interactions and comments, engagements with stakeholders to address burning issues, and unification of the National Value Charter which provides guidelines on citizens’ rights and government’s expectations.

    The report acknowledged the plans by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola to generate $20 billion from the global blue economy worth $1.5 trillion annually, create two million jobs every year through marine activities, and support stakeholders within the maritime sector.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Ohanenye Uju Kennedy is in the list for championing the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through criminal justice system reform, inclusion of women in peace-building processes, and hosting of capacity-building activities under the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme.

    Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake: For decisive actions including license revocation, spearheading enhanced security measures, launching revised guidelines for community development agreements (CDA) to protect citizens near mining operations, and signing a MOU on technology capable of exploring mineral resources up to 10,000 metres below earth’s surface.

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    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite made the list for securing about $30 billion in foreign investment commitments in less than six months and facilitating bilateral agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom for artisan licensing skills to enhance the employability of youths.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi: For warning contractors to meet the required standard within stipulated periods, forming a team of retired security personnel to protect construction sites and workers, and approving the use of concrete in most carriageways as it offers superior durability and less maintenance compared to asphalt.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is credited with prioritising strict compliance with safety regulations for efficient air travel, upgrading of airports, runways, other aviation facilities and services, and improving capacity development to ensure professionals receive adequate training and support.

    Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani is in the list for launching the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), through NITDA, to develop 3 million techies by 2025, and attracting investors for projects such as the laying of approximately $2 billion fibre infrastructure across Nigeria.

  • Ex-Imo deputy governor loses mum

    Ex-Imo deputy governor loses mum

    The Royal Family of Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere, of Achi, Ezi-Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government of Imo State, has announced the passing on of their wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ugoeze Madumere. She was  83.

    Ugoeze, mother of the former deputy governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, died during a visit to hospital for her regular medical check-up.

    A palace statement signed yesterday by the Secretary, Chief Vincent Oparaji Agunechemba Ezi-Mbieri Ancient Kingdom, said: “Madam Madumere died a few days ago, on a visit to hospital for her regular medical check-up. She suffered a relapse and could not be revived.

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    “We humbly request you to kindly remember the Madumere royal family in prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of our dear mother.

    “Ugoeze Marlinda Chikanele Ulunma was the matriarch and Ugoeze of HRH Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere JP, the Traditional Ruler of Ezi-Mbieri Ancient Kingdom.”

    He said details of her burial would be announced in due course.

  • Senator donates relief materials to IDPs

    Senator donates relief materials to IDPs

    Former Plateau South Senator, Nora Ladi Daduut, has donated relief materials to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Governments Area (LGA) of Plateau state.

    Food items, consisting of several bags of rice, cartoons of maggie, clothing and other valuables, were distributed to the displaced victims at their various camps in the three local government councils.

    Daduut also paid a condolence visit to the paramount ruler of Mangu, Da John  Putmang Hirse.

    She said: “I’m here to commiserate with the People of Mangu Local government council over the unfortunate attacks that happened in the Council recently. These series of attacks have inflicted a lot of pain on the People of Mangu Local government.

    “The victims really need a lot of relief materials to cushion the effects of these pains, and I have come today in my small way to present these items.”

    She lauded the First lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu for recently donating N500 million to victims of Plateau attacks.

    She appealed to government and security agencies to ensure improvement in the security surveillance so that normalcy would return in several communities of Plateau.

    Read Also: FG delivers second consignment of relief materials to Nigerian refugees in Cameroon

    Daduut also lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of a military barrack in Bokkos local government area of the state to curb the spate of killings in the council and the neighbouring Mangu, Riyom and Baraki-Ladi councils.

    A Jos-based clergy Ezikel Dachomo, who is the Director Prayer and Evangelism Unit of the Church of Christ in Nations, urged residents to continue supporting the leadership of President Tinubu’s administration as it remains committed to reducing the hardship Nigerians are currently going through, assuring of better days in no distant future.

    Dachomo said: “When our communities were attacked recently, the President Tinubu led administration immediately swung into action by ordering security chiefs to come to Plateau to come and access the situation

    “President Tinubu gave a marching order to the security operatives to ensure that lasting peace is restored in Plateau. The President also directed the military to address the security challenges facing parts of the state, which we did not witness in the previous administration.”

    He also hailed the first lady for recently donating the sum of N500 million to 500 families affected by violent conflicts in six local government areas of Plateau State.

  • Ighodalo calls for issue-based campaigns in Edo

    Ighodalo calls for issue-based campaigns in Edo

    • Congratulates APC, LP candidates
    • Okpebholo’s victory unlawful, protesting Edo APC members tell leaders

    The factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has called for issue-based campaigns from April 24.

    He congratulated the standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo and the candidate of Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata, on their emergence.

    Ighodalo, a Lagos-based lawyer, who hails from Ewohimi in Edo Central Senatorial District, restated his belief that Edo’s strength was the unity of its people; pleading with the 16 governorship candidates to refrain from campaigning with messages that promote division and disunity.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: PDP’s Ighodalo calls for issue-based campaigns

    He said: “February 2023 general election saw a level of hate and vitriol, masked as political sloganeering that took this nation to the brink; and the fires politicians lit back then continued to smoulder across the nation.

    “My team and I will continue to campaign to the people of Edo State in language and behaviour that seek to unite, rather than divide. We will stay focused on the issues that matter to our people; and there will be no descent into abuse, ethnic-baiting and name-calling. We must not destroy the unity of the state we seek to govern.”

    APC members in Edo State yesterday protested the results of last Thursday’s fresh governorship direct primary election that was won by the representative of Edo Central, Senator  Okpebholo.

    The protesters wanted the representative of Ovia Constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, to be declared the winner of the keenly-contested primary election.

    Leader of the protesters, Harrison Okpamen, said the shadow poll that produced Idahosa as the candidate of APC in Edo was authentic.