The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Incessant fire in Anambra worrisome

    Incessant fire in Anambra worrisome

    Anambra State Government has raised the alarm over incessant and preventable fire in parts of the state within a short time.

    Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, in a statement in Awka, said the state recorded 24 fire outbreaks between September 2023 and February 16, 2024, with highest incidents occurring last month.

    She said while nine fire incidents were recorded in January, eight others had been recorded this month.

    Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche urged residents to prioritise fire safety measures in residential and public buildings, markets and other business premises.

    She hailed the state Fire Service headed Martins Agbili for averting fire outbreaks and preventing loss of lives and property.

    Read Also: Anambra lawyer surrendered to police over alleged child abuse

    The commissioner underscored the need for residents to partner government to prevent recurrence.

    “People should ensure electrical appliances are switched off when not in use.

    “They should make sure repairs and engineering works on electrical connections are carried out by trained professionals.”

    “They must avoid indiscriminate bush burning, install fire extinguishers or hydrants in their homes, cars and other places where necessary.

    “They should invite fire service to conduct thorough fire audits in residential and public buildings under construction.

    “The government will increase the response time of the fire service to any fire emergency anywhere in the state, through the acquisition of more fire trucks, training of personnel and setting up of fire stations in the 21 local governments and major markets,” the statement said.

  • Ex-agitators drop threats to shut down gas plant

    Ex-agitators drop threats to shut down gas plant

    • From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

    The chairmen of Delta and Edo states Phase 2 Ex-militants in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), yesterday reversed their threat to shut down Utorogu Gas Plant, Otu-Keremi in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta State.

    The ex-agitators said the threat to shut down the plant followed information that some persons had hijacked N320million meant for Ex- militants Phase 2, hence the call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Interim Administrator, PAP, Maj-Gen Barry Ndiomu (retd) and security agents to go after those behind the alleged hijack.

    The former militants said their earlier threat to shut down the plant was because nobody owed up to the hijack of the N320million, until some persons countered a publication they published without their names not being mentioned, but reacted out of guilty conscience.

    Speaking to reporters in Warri, the Delta State Chairman, Gen. Solomon Adu; Edo State Chairman, Gen. London Gbuke and Gen. Julius Belemu from Bayelsa said the N320million alleged to have been hijacked by few ex-agitators was meant for Phase 2 Ex-militants in the Niger Delta, adding that they were not fighting for themselves, but for the region.

    Read Also: Fire averted at Awka gas plant, Nnewi timber market

    They said: “How would they say their attention was drawn to a publication by some self-appointed chairmen of the Phase 2 Ex-agitators from Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, accusing some persons of hijacking N320million, without mentioning their names, yet they rushed to counter our publication. Is that not laughable?

    “It is shocking to respond to a publication in which your name was not mentioned and allegations you know nothing about, your names not mentioned, we only petitioned President Tinubu and others over the hijack of N320million, and they started issuing statements, calling for arrest for fighting a just cause.

    “It is therefore laughable that some persons, who had hijacked N320million meant for the entire Niger Delta Phase 2 Ex-militants, are coming out to show their faces that they are behind the hijack of the money, even when none of their names were mentioned in the publication.

    “You are urging the security agents not to treat the threat of shutting down Utorogu Gas Plant by Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, Gen. Solomon Adu, Gen. London Gbuke and Gen. Julius Belemu with kid gloves, when your guilt has proved you all out as prime suspects by revealing yourselves through their response to a publication their names were not mentioned.

    “Like we have earlier stated, since we have seen the names of those behind our petition to the Federal Government over the hijack of the N320million, we are urging the security agents to swing into action by arresting those whose names were not in our publication, but revealed their name by themselves through publication as threat to shut down Utorogu Gas Plant was dropped.”

  • Ebonyi to recruit 2,600 forest guards

    Ebonyi to recruit 2,600 forest guards

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has approved the recruitment of 2,600 youths into the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS).

    The approval aims to enhance the capacity of security agencies in the state to fight banditry, kidnapping and others, especially those committed within the forests.

    Ebonyi State Commander of NHFSS, Igwe Larry, said this in a statement.

    He said the approval was a testimony of the confidence of the state government in the ability of the NHFSS to contribute effectively to the curbing of insecurity in the country by complementing the efforts of the Police, Army and other security agencies.

    Larry, on behalf of the Commander General of NHFSS, Dr. Wole Osatimehin and the Deputy Commander General on Technical Services, John Metchie, thanked Governor Nwifuru for the kind gesture.

    He pledged the commitment of the organisation to the security of lives and property of the residents of the state, especially in curbing forest- related crime.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    Larry announced vacancies for recruitment of young men and women from Ebonyi State into the NHFSS.

    The statement said: “The Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service, Ebonyi State Command, appreciates the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, for approving the recruitment of 2,600 Ebonyi youths into the services of Ebonyi State Command of NHFSS.”

    Larry said the approval is in tandem with the Ebonyi People’s Charter of Needs Administration in Ebonyi State.

    To qualify for recruitment, applicants must be 18 years and above and also have WASSCE, National Diploma, NCE, Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

  • Cholera outbreak: NDDC deploys medical intervention in Rivers

    Cholera outbreak: NDDC deploys medical intervention in Rivers

    • Nine feared dead

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has deployed drugs and medical personnel to mitigate cholera outbreak at Soku community in Akuku-Toru Local Government of Rivers State.

    No fewer than nine persons have reportedly died, following outbreak of the disease in the community.

    The intervention initiated by the state representative on the NDDC board, Tony Okocha, appears to be the first set of interventions the community has received so far since the outbreak of the disease.

    A team of medical professionals left Port Harcourt on Sunday afternoon for Soku.

    The cause of the outbreak may not be unconnected with drinking of unhygienic water.

    Okocha deployed alongside the medical team, drugs and cartons of potable water (bottled water) for residents.

    Read Also: Why we cannot sell cement below N7,000, by Dangote, Bua, Lafargea

    A statement by his media aide, Jacobs Happiness, said the gesture was in line with Okocha’s commitments to prioritise human capital development, among others, during his tenure.

    Okocha promised to ensure that no resident suffers from any ailment.

    NDDC, through Okocha, distributed relief materials worth hundreds millions of Naira to eight communities in Rivers State that were affected by flood last year.

  • IPOB urges EEDC to provide electricity or pull out of Southeast

    IPOB urges EEDC to provide electricity or pull out of Southeast

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has condemned Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for its failure to supply electricity and its unjustifiable billing in the Southeast.

    In a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, the group said if EEDC could not provide regular electricity or address its extortionate billing, it should leave the region.

    IPOB accused EEDC of increasing electricity bills without a corresponding improvement in service, thereby impoverishing Southeast people.

    The body urged Southeast governors to take advantage of the recent electricity reform and bring in more reliable electricity providers, to ensure the region receives quality, reliable and affordable electricity.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    “Southeast governors should be serious in providing good services and a conducive investment environment in our region, for our people to continue to invest and grow their businesses. Governors should take advantage of the recent electricity reform by the Federal Government and kick EEDC out of every state.”

    IPOB warned that if the governors fail to take action, they will mobilise the people to protest against the governors and EEDC.

    It stressed the need for the governors to prioritise the well-being of the people, particularly in the current challenging economic climate.

  • Oborevwori’s alleged plot to relocate varsity sparks protest

    Oborevwori’s alleged plot to relocate varsity sparks protest

    A pressure group, Ozoro Positive Voice (OPV), has warned against alleged plot to relocate Faculty of Social Sciences and Management from Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government to Oreropke, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s hometown.

    The group accused the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Mr. Godson Echegile, of plotting to move the Faculty of Social Sciences and Management to Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government.

    In a statement signed by the group, Dr. Enahoro Michael said relocating the Faculty of Social Sciences and Management was akin to rendering the specialised institution unviable.

    Enahoro, who traced the historical ties between Ozoro and Okpe people, claimed they were children of same parents, warning that a foreigner should not divide them.

    Read Also: Why we cannot sell cement below N7,000, by Dangote, Bua, Lafargea

    He said: “Historically, Ozoro and Orerokpe are brothers, as they are children of same parents. As such, an Ika man cannot come and divide us for his personal acrimony and benefits.”

    The group urged Governor Oborevwori to reject the move by the Echegile Godson-led governing council of the university.

    Efforts to reach Information Commissioner Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza proved abortive, as calls to his phone rang out. He also did not respond to text messages.

  • Ex-Abia Assembly deputy speaker defects  to APC

    Ex-Abia Assembly deputy speaker defects  to APC

    Former Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Uchendu, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Uchendu, from Isiama Ward, who served in the 7th Abia Assembly and represented Ohafia South State Constituency, was the chairman, Media and Publicity and spokesman for the House of Assembly.

    The ex-deputy speaker on May 24, 2017 joined the PDP from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he was elected to represent Ohafia South in the 6th Abia House of Assembly.

    Speaking at the PDP secretariat, Finbarr’s road in Umuahia after rejoining from APGA, he said: “I consulted with my God, my people and members of my constituency before I took the decision to join PDP,” citing the crisis at APGA national leadership as reasons for his decision to go back to the PDP.

    In an exclusive phone interview with our correspondent, the lawmaker, stating why he joined the APC, said: “I became a member of Abia State House of Assembly on the platform of APGA in 2015.

    “I was doing well for our people, which is the most important thing. But there was need to reconnect my people to the mainstream of Abia politics that led to my joining the PDP. I joined the PDP while I had the mandate of my people.”

    Reacting to criticisms that he was ungrateful to abandon a party that helped him rise through political ranks in state, he said: “Yes, I became the deputy speaker of Abia State House of Assembly due to my performance, experience and other factors.

    “If I didn’t do well in my position, it would have been a curse to the PDP. But I performed well.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    “At that time, my people only listened to what PDP had to say because I was there and distinguished myself at the same time.

    “So it can be said that it was a mutual benefit. I promoted the party through my performance and activities.”

    On why he chose APC against the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the state and what his presence would bring to the new party, Uchendu said: “APC is a national party, the ruling party in the country.

    “If you must know, I contested election to represent my people at the Federal House.

    “I was already yearning to push towards national politics after contributing my quota at the state level. It’s time to move to national politics.

    “It will also help others to have an opportunity to grow politically at the grassroots before getting to our level.”

  • PDP slates Feb. 22 for Edo  primaries

    PDP slates Feb. 22 for Edo  primaries

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slated February 22 for the conduct of its Edo governorship primaries.

    The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    He said the date was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, adding that the committee also approved the delegates’ list for the primaries.

    Read Also: Why we cannot sell cement below N7,000, by Dangote, Bua, Lafargea

    He said the primaries would be held at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

    He advised delegates, aspirants, leaders and party stakeholders to note the official date and venue and be guided accordingly.

  • Enugu to raise IGR to N30b

    Enugu to raise IGR to N30b

    • From Janefrances Chibuzor

    Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has pledged to key into the state’s strategic plan of growing the  Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N4.4billion to N30billion annually.

    Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, who made the pledge, said the ministry would soon begin identification of over one hundred  tourists’ sites to serve as a  vital  tool towards making Enugu State  the best  destination for tourists.

    She said such development would enable the ministry to tackle challenges confronting the sites, especially those across hinterland.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    Speaking with reporters at the state secretariat in Enugu, Madueke said introduction of a unified e-ticketing scheme within tourism facilities would lead to economic growth, adding that e-ticketing would maximally reduce corrupt practices around the environment.

  • Communities seek protection of ex-agitators against pirates

    Communities seek protection of ex-agitators against pirates

    Five coastal local governments in Akwa Ibom State are seeking protection of ex-agitators against pirates and other criminals.

    The councils are Oron, Udung Uko, Mbo, Okobo and Urue-Offong Oruko.

    President-General of Oro Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, at a news conference decried the menace of pirates in Oro Nation.

    He appealed to the state and federal governments to allow ex-militants support government security agencies in combating piracy in Oro Nation.

    Bassey said: “Just like the Federal Government engaged Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Tantita Firm, to police waterways of Niger Delta against pipeline vandals and oil thieves on high seas, the same should be done in Akwa Ibom State.

    “I recall that ex-militants from the state, particularly the ones from Oron Federal Constituency, approached me and suggested that they should be allowed to combat pirates on our waters.

    “I think the state government can use them to protect our maritime corridor from these criminals, who have made life unbearable for us.

    Read Also: Why we cannot sell cement below N7,000, by Dangote, Bua, Lafargea

    “If this is not done, the blue economy potential will remain a mirage. Therefore, we are appealing to the federal and state governments to think towards this.”

    He also condemned marginalisation of the Oro by successive administrations.

    “Successive administrations in the state have robbed Oro people of development over the years in terms of strategic infrastructure and key projects, especially the major Uyo- Nsit Atai road traversing Oro.”

    Such politics of exclusion, he noted, could be seen in failure of both the state and federal government to implement the Ibaka Deep Seaport project, whose original status and nomenclature had been altered to become Ibom Deep Seaport.