The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Oborevwori inaugurates police station, quarters

    Oborevwori inaugurates police station, quarters

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has inaugurated a police station and officers’ quarters built by the Chairman of Udu Local Government, Mr. Jite Brown.

    He said this is to ensure security of lives and property.

    Also inaugurated was a utility surveillance vehicle.

    Governor Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kanemala Penewou, lauded the chairman for his foresight in enhancing security architecture in the area.

    Describing the project as key, considering the insecurity facing the country, he stressed the importance of securing lives and property, saying it was one of the reasons his administration considered it strategic in its MORE agenda.

    “The building is more than just bricks and esthetics, but a symbol of authority, safety and protection of lives and property of the people.

    “Let us not forget that the heart and soul of this building are the men and women who will work there and stay as guidance of peace and order in this community.

    “As you are all aware, security is paramount, especially now that the level of insecurity is alarming across the country.”

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    “Police as you all know is our friend and this project is in tandem with the MORE agenda of His Excellency in peace and security.

    “At this point, I urge you all to make good use of this opportunity, as the police station serves as a symbol of unity, peace and security for the people in this area,” the governor said.

    Udu Council chairman noted that the decision to embark on the project was unanimously taken by the council executive after consultations with stakeholders in the community, especially the traditional council, elders, youths and women leaders in the area.

    He hoped that the project would receive support from successive council chairmen, in terms of building additional structures and maintenance, so that the police station would continue to serve the area better.

  • Group carpets Soludo on sack of vendors

    Group carpets Soludo on sack of vendors

    A group, Forum of Labour Party 2023 House of Assembly Candidates, has berated Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo over what it described as ‘dictatorial’ tendencies of his two-year-old administration.

    The group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Humphrey Iloh, advised the Soludo-led government to desist from further humiliating, in timidating and impoverishing people in state.

    It said the advice followed recent destruction of newspaper stands and beating of vendors in Awka as well as alleged brutal killing of Mr. Arinze Obuladike, a drug dealer at Ogbo-ogwu, Onitsha, by Special Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).

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    The body said it would compel the House of Assembly to begin impeachment process against the governor if the ugly trend continued.

    Spokesman for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Tony Olisa, dismissed the allegations as fallacious, targeted at discrediting the Soludo administration.

  • Security beefed up in Abia ahead Tinubu’s visit

    Security beefed up in Abia ahead Tinubu’s visit

    Security has been beefed up in parts of Aba, the commercial city of Abia State and its environs, including Umuahia, the capital, ahead of the planned visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

    The Nation reports that the President’s visit to the state was postponed from Saturday to today.

    Although there has not been any official statement from the state government on the visit of the President, our correspondent gathered that there have been crucial meetings between the agencies of the state government, management of Geometric Power Ltd and heads of security agencies, to ensure a successful visit of the President today.

    It was learnt that some identified black spots have been manned by security agencies, especially in Osisioma Local Government and Aba metropolis, to prevent insecurity.

    The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Geometric Power Ltd, Prof. Barth Nnaji, said Aba Integrated Power Project, which would be inaugurated on Monday (today) by President Tinubu, would provide power for electricity users in the nine local governments of the state under the Aba Ring Fenced Area.

    He noted that the power plant would not only help in solving the power challenge of Aba, but also other parts of the country, as the excess power would be sent to the national grid for distribution to other parts of the country.

    Nnaji, who spoke yesterday in an interview in Osisioma Local Government headquarters of the facility, said the management of the company had committed over $800million as part of their commitment towards ensuring that the power project was a reality.

    He added that the project was the largest investment of a private sector in the Southeast.

    Nnaji, former Minister of Power, said his company had licence to produce 188 megawatts of electricity, noting that the three turbines (from the General Electric (GE) United States), already installed and awaiting inauguration by President Tinubu, would produce 47 megawatts each.

    Nnaji, who disclosed that a feasibility study carried out by the company has it that it needs about 100 megawatts because of the heavy equipment used by industries in Aba and other local governments within the ring fenced areas, said the power plant would help the industries in Aba to reduce their cost of production, which he attributed to the high cost of goods manufactured in Aba.

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    Prof. Nnaji, allaying fears of high cost of electricity by electricity users, said they would bill their customers beyond the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved benchmark, under whose supervision the company would carry out their activities.

    “The inauguration of the turbines will be staggered, i.e. they will be inaugurated one by one. The first turbine will increase power supply to Aba Ring Fence Area by 47MW, which is almost double of the current 25MW supply from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). When the first turbine is inaugurated, it will be monitored. Once the performance is considered satisfactory, the second turbine will be inaugurated.

    “Aba and the environs may not absorb more than 100MW right now. Excess power from the three turbines will be sent to the national grid to assist other parts of Nigeria to receive more electricity.”

    Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, who was at the news briefing with the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, lamenting that the company and the state had suffered loss in the last 20 years that the process had lingered, said Governor Alex Otti was happy that the project had become a reality.

  • Stakeholders carpet Soludo for not conducting council poll

    Stakeholders carpet Soludo for not conducting council poll

    Stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organisations in Anambra State, have lamented non-conduct of local government elections by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, two years into his administration.

    They regretted that for the past 10 years, elections had not been conducted at that tier of government, noting that the 21 local governments had been run by Caretaker Committee chairmen, which they described as an aberration.

    The stakeholders spoke yesterday in Awka during a dialogue with political parties and civil society organisations on ‘Strengthening Transparency, Accountability in Governance and Electoral Process (STAGE) Project’.

    It was organised by the African Centre for Leadership and Development, in collaboration with International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre.

    Director, Strategies, at the African Centre for Leadership and Development, Itia Otabor, said the government was losing hugely over non-conduct of the election, including funding by development partners and lovers of democracy.

    He, however, hoped that the current Transition Caretaker Committee would be the last to be constituted to govern the local governments.

    He disclosed plans for advocacy visit by stakeholders to key institutions in the state, to further press home the importance of conducting the poll.

    He said: “Major opportunities are waiting to open up with the conduct of the election. The state is missing out hugely. Funds will definitely come from development partners and lovers of democracy.

    “Within the content of our very deepest aspirations, we believe the renewal of the tenure of caretaker committee chairmen done recently will be the last to be constituted to govern councils.

    “We’re also hoping that the governor, being a progressive and who publicly commits himself to conducting local government election, will see the transition committee as the last under his administration.

    “Most residents are desirous of seeing the local government elections conducted to stop the use of caretaker committees, which is unconstitutional.

    “This is why we’re disheartened that rather than moving in the trajectory of hearing plans of constituting Anambra State Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), we’re hearing of recourse to Caretaker Committee. It’s really a setback.”

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    The President, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre, Chris Azor, described the push for the immediate conduct of the local government election as a collective responsibility of stakeholders.

    He noted that the conduct of the poll would be to the governor’s advantage, saying the structure would further strengthen his base and popularity.

    “It’s our collective responsibility both as media and civil society organisations to hold government to account, especially on its promises, and part of that is this engagement with stakeholders.

    “We need to keep reminding the governor of his promises. Though brilliant, he’s human. There are signs he’s going to keep to his promise. We expect to have a policy brief after this conversation.

    “The world is waiting for Anambra State over the conduct of local government elections. Development partners are also waiting with a promise of supporting the government if the ANSIEC is constituted.

    “It’s unfortunate that ANSIEC workers, for the past 10 years, have been idling away, yet receiving salaries and other entitlements due to absence of local government elections. Is that good governance?

    “It’s only necessary to ensure the election is conducted so the office will come alive again with heavy traffic, which will also boast the state’s GDP. It will also be to the governor’s advantage, as he needs the structure to strengthen his base,” Azor said.

  • Rivers women walk for peace

    Rivers women walk for peace

    • Back Fubara

    Thousands of women drawn from the 23 local governments of Rivers State yesterday marched on the streets of Port Harcourt to support Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The stakeholders, under the auspices of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), wore white T-shirts, red and blue fez caps as they walked from CFC junction along Aba Road to Polo Club at GRA.

    The women, who danced to musical tunes, especially Afrobeat, wafting from mobile speakers, also displayed placards with messages such as “Allow Governor Sim work in Peace”, “O God give us peace in Rivers”, “Peace is priceless, give peace a chance” and “Rivers mothers stand for peace”, among others.

    Among the female peace advocates were half-clad old women, who rolled on the ground with their placards crying for peace in the state.

    A popular stand-up comedian, Julius Agwu; a Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo, who is also the chairperson of Labour Party (LP) and some artistes joined the walk.

    Other women groups, who participated in the peace walk, were market women, National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Rivers chapter; National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), Ijaw Women Connect (IJWC), Non-Indigenes without Borders (NWB), Rivers Professionals, Arewa Women and Rivers Equity Club, among others.

    The women, who observed a minute of silence for the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son, said they embarked on the peace walk to register their voices in the current political situation in the state.

    They demanded genuine peace and called for respect for the office of the state governor as enshrined in the constitution.

    Reading a nine-point resolution, the Media Officer, RWUS, Glory Sunday, said the women remained committed to the love and pursuit of peace for the growth and development of Rivers.

    She said the women had resolved to support Fubara in his efforts to protect Rivers and realise the dreams and aspirations of the people.

    She said: “As mothers, we warn those who intend to push their political dreams and aspirations violently to desist from such thoughts henceforth. Those undermining the office of the governor, we, the Rivers women, unequivocally condemn this menace and advise those unscrupulous politicians to desist from such acts.”

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    Ms. Sunday lamented that every form of acrimony in the state endangered the dignity of Rivers people and the glory of the state, advising the people to keep joining efforts of building a credible state.

    The women called on everyone living in the state and true lovers of Rivers to lend their voices to condemn threats, lawlessness and subtle invitation to anarchy in the state.

    Sunday said: “We believe in peace and we salute our amiable, courageous and God-sent Governor Fubara for choosing peace over chaos, which is the ultimate act of strength. We also commend his peaceful disposition and people-oriented style of governance.

    “We will continue to sensitise and mobilise our people until genuine peace is restored. Our goal is to appeal to the heart and conscience of Rivers people to give peace a chance, for peace is not a destination, but a way of life.”

    Other women leaders like the Bonny Local Government Chairperson, Nancy Nwankwo, Beatrice Awala, Prof. Grace Akaloku, among others, in their solidarity speeches, said Fubara had come to stay for eight years and called for peace in the state.

  • Enugu withdraws ‘fraudulent approvals’ for illegal developments

    Enugu withdraws ‘fraudulent approvals’ for illegal developments

    Enugu State Government yesterday decried what it called worrisome activities of some developers parading fraudulent approvals.

    Executive Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Uche Anya, made this known while briefing reporters.

    He said such fraudulent approvals had been withdrawn, promising that the government would never succumb to blackmail.

    Anya said: “It is disheartening that in spite of all we have done, we are still facing challenges in our development control. We have some unscrupulous developers, who call themselves investors, sabotaging our master plan, corrupting the system.

    “We have instances where people secured approvals, using the Certificate of Occupancy(C of O) of a different area and passing it on for a property in another location.”

    He cited a particular outfit operating at Independence Layout, a night club, which he said had a land title of a property in GRA, but passed it on for another property at Independence Layout

    “On top of that, they went out of their way and built things not approved.

    “We have a similar instance opposite Fire Service; you will see a huge building that we don’t know what to make of it, whether to call it a hotel or complex or whatsoever, in variance to what was approved.

    “Then you go to the bank of Ekulu River, people who have jettisoned even the setback they signed up for and they are parading fake approvals, distorting our place, threatening our bridges. We cannot afford to have another collapsed bridge in Enugu. We must save Trans Ekulu Bridge at all costs.

    “So we want to tell the world that we are not afraid of doing the right thing.

    “We have withdrawn all the approvals that were fraudulently obtained and we intend to ensure Enugu State, as much as we will do everything to encourage investors, will not allow unscrupulous people to violate our laws and end up blackmailing government officials.

    “How on earth did someone get approval for a night club at Independence Layout, using title documents of GRA?” Anya queried.

    “All the people that have approval for one property and end up building up everywhere, we are also withdrawing such approvals.

    “We need the world to understand that Enugu is a city of law and order and all our investment drives remain in front burner. All genuine investors have nothing to fear, but those who want to corrupt the system have everything to worry about,” he said.

    The ECTDA boss assured genuine investors that Enugu State is open for investments.

    He said: “We welcome people that want to make Enugu their preferred home. Enugu is home for all and this is what this administration is committed to.

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    “Our 30 billion dollars investment drive for Enugu State is not a joke, and you can see that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is not joking about it.

    “You can see the massive infrastructural investment going on in all the places, you can see that we have paid attention to ease of doing business, the taxation system has been harmonised, this administration has zero tolerance for double taxation.

    “You can see that e-government has taken firm root. For instance, we have eliminated corruption from our system of doing business.

    “In line with our ease of doing business, our land department is totally reformed; we can assure you that C of O in Enugu can be obtained within 72 hours if your documentations are in order.

    “We also make it easy for every development approval to be processed and issued within five working days.”

  • Police assure residents of surveillance in Anambra

    Police assure residents of surveillance in Anambra

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has said his command is ready to protect the lives and property of residents amid insecurity in some of the communities.

    He spoke when he was honoured by the 179 communities in Anambra State by the Association of Past Presidents General in the State (APPAS).

    Aderemi said the honour was not for him alone or the police, but for the entire security structure and sister security outfits in the state.

    He said it validated the little efforts the police, military, DSS and others had put in, in the state.

    The stakeholders said APPAS would name its proposed secretariat in Awka after a notable Anambra philanthropist, Sir Emeka Okwuosa, in recognition of his humanitarian services.

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    The association’s National President, Mazi Omife Omife, spoke with The Nation during its 2024 General Assembly held in Awka.

    The APPAS 2024 general assembly attracted members and friends of the association, including Okwuosa, vice-president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene and the lawmaker representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh, among others.

    They were equally recognised in capacities for their contributions in community development, nation building and humanitarian services.

  • More APC lawmakers take seats in Delta Assembly

    More APC lawmakers take seats in Delta Assembly

    The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Delta State House of Assembly has increased, with the swearing in of two more members, who won the February 3 by-elections in their constituencies.

    The swearing-in of Mr. Ebitomo Alapala of Burutu Constituency 1 and Mr. Blessing Achoja of Ethiope West Constituency, both of the APC, brings the number of opposition members in the legislature to seven.

    However, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 22 members.

    Other APC legislators are Matthew Omonade, Ughelli North 1; Spencer Awhofa, Ughelli North 2; Collins Egbetamah, Udu; Dafe Emakpor, Uvwie and Benson Obire, Warri South 2 Constituency.

    The two new members formally joined their colleagues after subscribing to the relevant oaths administered to them by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, who congratulated them on their victories.

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    He said the 8th Assembly under his leadership would continue to ensure robust legislation that would further enhance the well-being of ‘Deltans’.

    Reacting after plenary, Alapala and Achoja thanked God and their constituents for making their elections possible and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in them.

    They assured their constituents of effective representation and pledged their loyalty to the leadership of the House. They promised to support the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

  • Community dismisses allegations of oil bunkering against SWAT, Sylva

    Community dismisses allegations of oil bunkering against SWAT, Sylva

    The people of Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government of Bayelsa State have written to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, exonerating the Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT) and a former Minister of State Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, of involvement in illegal oil bunkering.

    The people in a statement signed by all sectors of the community, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Chiefs’ Council, Chief Okolo Dede; Chairman, Elders Council, Indoma Igbalbo; Chairman, Special Elders Council, Igbogi Amalagha; Chairman, CDC, Mr. Konbonimi Awori; Youth President, Mr. Toinpre Sambo and Chairman, Opu-Nembe Council of Chiefs, Chief Yousuo Iruo, alleged that a petition against SWAT and Sylva written by some faceless individuals to the NSA was baseless.

    The representatives insisted that those who allegedly wrote the petition were ghost names fabricated by the sacked youth President of the community, Moses Ayerite.

    They said what the SWAT team had done since its arrival in the community on August 12, 2023 was to restore peace to the troubled community thrown into chaos by the sacked youth council and the council of chiefs in line with a script written by some politicians with the state government.

    According to them, the sustained agitation and deliberate lies against the SWAT team is geared towards forcing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to remove the SWAT team from the community, which would pave the way for the sacked Youth Council and the Council of Chiefs to invade the community with militants.

    Noting that a similar unfounded petition was written against the Army, the representatives urged the NSA to probe the activities of the sacked Youth Council and their collaborators in the former council of chiefs in connection with illegal oil bunkering in the community.

    The statement said: “We are the representatives of the people of Opu- Nembe and we declare that the allegations against SWAT and Timipre Sylva are lies.

    “Sylva’s only crime is that he is from the community, and he contested the last governorship election against Governor Douye Diri. INEC has declared the results and he is at the tribunal to challenge the outcome.

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    “The SWAT team since they came into the community has helped to restore law and order. Their presence has kept criminals away from the community.

    “What those sponsoring the unsubstantiated petitions against SWAT want to achieve is for the SWAT to leave the community so that they can invade the community and plunge it back into chaos with their reign of terror.

    “The people of Opu-Nembe are happy with the SWAT team for restoring peace to the community.”

    Recall that Opu-Nembe community has been enmeshed in lingering communal crisis that has left some indigenes dead and multi-million naira property destroyed.

  • Remembering Oyibo Chukwu: A call for justice, non-violence in Nigeria’s democracy

    Remembering Oyibo Chukwu: A call for justice, non-violence in Nigeria’s democracy

    The tragic and untimely death of the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu East, Barr. Oyibo Chukwu on February 22, 2023, in Enugu, remains a somber reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral process. The manner of their death -shot and burnt in their vehicles points to the gruesomeness and heart-wrenching violence that tormented and keeps tormenting the fate of democracy in this part of the world.

    The events leading up to Oyibo Chukwu’s demise cast a shadow over the presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25, 2023. The brutal murder of Oyibo Chukwu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Enugu State, shook the foundations of political stability and underscored the need for greater security measures during electoral processes.

    Despite the tragedy, the resilience of democracy prevailed as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rescheduled the senatorial election in Enugu East to March 18, 2023. In this by-election, Senator Kelvin Chukwu emerged victorious, stepping into the political arena to carry on the legacy of his slain brother.

    The journey of Senator Kelvin Chukwu from a grieving brother to a victorious senator is a testament to the strength of character and determination in the face of adversity. His landslide victory, with a total of 69,136 votes, against formidable opponents, including a former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, signifies a triumph of hope over despair.

    Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s ascension to the Senate represents not only a personal victory but also a commitment to honor the memory of his brother, Oyibo Chukwu. As he takes on the mantle of leadership, Senator Chukwu pledges to serve his constituents with dedication and integrity, echoing the principles of public service upheld by his family for generations.

    In the wake of Oyibo Chukwu’s tragic death and the subsequent electoral victory of his brother, it is imperative to reflect on the importance of peaceful elections. Violence has no place in a democratic society, and the loss of lives due to political differences is a stain on the fabric of our nation.

    As Nigerians, we must collectively condemn acts of violence during elections and strive to create an environment where all citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. The bloodshed witnessed on February 22, 2023, should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and dialogue in the political process.

    In commemorating the life and legacy of Oyibo Chukwu, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory inspire us to work towards a future where political differences are resolved through dialogue and compromise, rather than violence and bloodshed.

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    Lastly, we commend Senator Kelvin Chukwu for his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone. In the face of adversity, he has emerged as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience, embodying the values of leadership and public service. As he embarks on his journey in the Senate, let us rally behind him and support his efforts to bring positive change and progress to our communities.

    Iwuoha, Publisher Nigerian Eye Newspaper, is also 

    Author of Dialogue facilitator and

    Convener African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue.