The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Hearing in Fubara’s CoS’ motion against arrest warrant suffers setback

    Hearing in Fubara’s CoS’ motion against arrest warrant suffers setback

    Hearing of motions on notice filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, seeking an order vacating the arrest warrant against him and others, could not proceed yesterday.

    The matter, which was on number six on the day’s cause list before Justice Emeka Nwite, was subsequently adjourned till March 4.

    The development occurred shortly after counsel for the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Simon Lough, SAN, told the court that he had not been served with Ehie’s motion filed by Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, on Sunday, that Justice Nwite had fixed yesterday for the hearing of two applications filed by Aladedoye and Femi Falana, SAN, on behalf of Ehie and five others declared wanted by the police.

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

    The judge had, on January 31, issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Ehie and others over their alleged involvement in the burning of part of the Rivers House of Assembly on October 29, 2023.

    Those ordered to be arrested along with Ehie (1st defendant) are Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benneth, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri and Chibuike Peter also known as Rambo, as 2nd to 6th defendants.

    Justice Nwite gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought by Lough.

    The court granted the ex-parte application on the grounds that the six defendants had been at large to stand their trial in a seven-count charge preferred against five other suspected arsonists currently being prosecuted before a sister court.

    While Falana filed a motion seeking an order to set aside the January 31 order, Aladedoye filed an application for a stay of execution of the arrest order.

  • Tompolo clinches ‘Courage in Leadership’ award

    Tompolo clinches ‘Courage in Leadership’ award

    • ’Tantita targeting 2m bpd oil output’

    Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private firm contracted by the Federal Government to protect Nigeria’s crude oil pipelines, says it is targeting an output of two million barrels per  day in the fight against oil theft.

    Chairman of the company, Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo, made this known at The Sun Newspaper Awards 2024 ceremony, held in Lagos, where he clinched the ‘Courage of Leadership Award’.

    Receiving the award, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, media consultant to Tantita, said the firm was targeting two million barrel per day output for the country.

    Stating that Tantita, in collaboration with the nation’s security agencies, has discovered several points of illegal activities, it noted that three vessels have been impounded as of this year.

    He thanked the news medium for recognising their efforts, saying it would spur them to intensify their efforts.

    “Since the Federal Government asked Tantita Security Company, which High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo is the chairman, to protect our oil facilities, he has been making waves in the job he has been doing. So this award didn’t come to us as a surprise.

    “He has asked us to inform Nigerians that they should be rest assured that he would continue to do the job, and he is going to increase the barrels to two million per day.

    “Tantita is not alone in carrying out this job. They’re doing this job with the Nigerian military, and the military is also doing its best. It has been in synergy between Tantita and the military and the Civil Defence Corps as well. The synergy will continue by God’s grace. We will hit the mark that we have been clamouring for.

    “We’ve discovered a lot of points that illegal activities were being done in the creek. Vessels were seized, and just this year, we’ve impounded three of them. And we will continue to do the job. We are going to block all loopholes, and nobody will be able to involve in the illegal activities,” he said.

    The Managing Director of the Sun Newspaper, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, presenting the award, hailed Tompolo and his security firm for the reduction in crude oil theft and increased production.

    “In deciding who wins our award, it takes a lot of vigorous processes. We examine all the pros and cons so that when we come out, we can defend any decision we’ve taken.

    “Talking about Tompolo, he has done very well in curbing oil theft. Oil theft is a problem in Nigeria, and the government also knows this and says it. For the government to have confidence to say Tompolo, come and do this job, it’s something that is worth commending.

    “So far, he has done well and the result is that oil theft has reduced, Nigeria’s production has increased, and that means more money for Nigeria.

    “Yes, it’s for all Nigerians to support whatever that will curb oil theft. Because if it’s not curbed, the country will be bleeding, and when the country bleeds, we lose money, we lose resources and we will be looking for money to do what we’re doing.

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

    “So it’s for everyone to support whatever that will stop that theft in the oil sector,” he said.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who received the ‘Most Impactful Royal Father of the Year’, promised to continue praying for more achievements by the former Niger Delta freedom fighter from the throne of Oduduwa.

    “I want to use this medium to congratulate Government Tompolo for what he’s doing in terms of security, securing the pipelines from vandalism and also theft of crude oil.

    “It has increased to 1.6 million barrels now, from less than 700 to 800 thousand, but we’re imploring that they should do more and increase it to 2.6 to 3 million barrels so that the effect of dollar and the pressure of dollar will come down in Nigeria.”

    Niger Delta environmentalist, Sheriff Mulade, described Tompolo as a “patriotic” Nigerian who is determined to salvage the country’s economy from declining.

  • Edo APC primary: Osunbor demands cancellation of results

    Edo APC primary: Osunbor demands cancellation of results

    All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Edo State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, has urged the national leadership of the party to cancel the result of the primary. 

    He called on President Bola Tinubu to wade into the crisis, following what he described as flawed shadow poll conducted at the weekend. 

    Osunbor said the primary should be cancelled because it produced three candidates.

    He spoke with reporters in Iruekpen, his hometown. 

    Osunbor said: “On Saturday, 27th, February 2024 all registered members of APC across Edo state came out to vote for their preferred candidate for the 21 September governorship election. 

    “To their disappointment, the election did not take place anywhere that I know of across the 18 Local Government areas of Edo State. The party officials deployed from the Abuja office of the  Natiional Organising Secretary to conduct the elections at the various wards and Local Government areas of Edo State were kept in hotels in Benin. 

    “There is no record or video of any of them preforming their assigned roles in the election at their respective designated points.

    “Specifically, in my own Ward 6 of Esan LGA, where over 200 members assembled and were eagerly waiting, no electoral official of the party turned up.

    “Infact, there was no election anywhere in Esan West and other LGAs including Akoko-Edo  and Etsako West. I was aghast and in disbelief when I saw a video of the purported result of Esan West election being announced by a lady said to be a retuning officer.

    “What we saw on television was not result of election but allocation of votes by some persons in Benin to each of the aspirants.

    “In the end, two candidates have been announced as winners. Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Denis Idahosa in a primary election that was never held or was not conducted in accordance with the law and guidelines. This charade confirms the widespread suspicion that there is a deliberate plan by some people to create crises in Edo state APC, instigate bitterness among the members and set the public against the party in order to aid the victory of the presumed PDP candidate.

    “They are labouring to present a weak APC candidate that will be easily over-run and defeated by the presumed PDP candidate during the election. They are not working in the interest of APC but of PDP. We must avoid a repeat of the scenario which lead to the defeat of APC in 2020.

    “I hereby appeal to his excellency President Bola Tinubu to: Cause an investigation to be instituted into the allegation that this sham of a primary election and the crises it has generated have been induced by gratification given and received by the principal actors to damage APC and pave the way for the emergence of the PDP candidate in the election.

    Read Also: Kwara APC, PDP trade words as Tinubu upgrades health facility

    “Order the….election which has produced two or four candidates, if you add Prince Clem Agba and Hon Anamero Dekiri who have each claimed victory. The primary election cannot stand the test of legal scrutiny but rather will jeopardize the chances of APC. 

    “This is, in fact, their true intention and desire. There has been a brazen disregard of the Party Guidelines, Party Constitution and the Electoral Act, which may prove fatal in the event of litigation. 

    “Order another primary election to be conducted ahead of the 24th February deadline set by INEC. Different officers should be assigned to conduct the fresh primaries.”

  • ‘Why we extended palliatives to police’s wives in Anambra’

    ‘Why we extended palliatives to police’s wives in Anambra’

    Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) has donated 1,000 bags of rice and 200 wrappers to Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Anambra State Police Command.

    Speaking at the weekend during the presentation of the items at the Police Command Headquarters, Amawbia, Chief of Staff of Sir Emeka Offor, AIG (Rtd) Mr. Chris Ezike, said his principal’s quest of giving hope to the hopeless had spanned for over 30 years.

    He said: “SEOF stands on a tripod of health and human services, educational development as well as empowerment. If you empower people and take care of their physiological needs, you’re most likely to remain at the preventive side of medicine, instead of curative.

    “Our founder decided to elongate his 65th birthday after sharing 40,000 bags of rice and other logistics worth N1.8billion to widows in Anambra State; as well as 400 bags of 25kg rice; 1,000 cartons of noodles and 50 cartons of disinfectant.

    “Today is the turn of POWA because he appreciates the role of the Police Force in the security of lives and property. Several security officers have died in active service, leaving behind widows at the mercy of the society.

    “The foundation had donated educational materials to over 200 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and public libraries. Police academy and police secondary schools are also benefitting from his books’ distribution.”

    Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Sir Emeka Offor, said he was present at the event in view of the passion he had for the police and the importance he attached to their responsibilities.

    “I was born and brought up by a police officer. My father rose to the rank of ASP. Growing up as a policeman’s son, I had personal likeness for policemen.

    Read Also: Foundation distributes 400 bags of rice, other palliatives to inmates in Anambra

    “Unfortunately, efforts of these men who always remain awake while we’re sleeping are hardly appreciated. We’ll continue to support your efforts as much as we can. These donations will now be yearly,” he added.

    Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, thanked Offor and his foundation for their kind gesture.

    He assured citizens of the command’s continued preparedness to secure lives and property of the people.

    “Your donations to POWA, Anambra State chapter, especially for widows of our fallen heroes, are appreciated. I’ve also extended the message to President of POWA, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun and she was elated and appreciative.

    “We identify with your vision and testify to the impact you’ve made through your foundation. We pray God to grant you longer life and good health, as well as strengthen your foundation to affect more lives,” he said.

  • Otti assures citizens of more programmes

    Otti assures citizens of more programmes

    • Governor: it’s too early for celebration

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says it is still early day in his stewardship- oriented administration and needs no celebration yet.

    The governor said the ongoing infrastructural projects in the last eight months of his administration were dress rehearsals.

    He spoke at the weekend at a

    a grand civic reception organised in his honour by the people of IsialaNgwa South Local Government, held at the Group Primary School, Omoba, Isiala Ngwa.

    Otti said it was difficult for him to accept to be hosted and celebrated during these early days of his administration.

    He added that the reception by the Isiala Ngwa South people should represent that of the entire local governments.

    The governor said: “To tell you the truth, it was a very difficult decision for me to accept. I do not want to be celebrated as such.

    “The truth is that it is still early stage and somehow, I try to run away from events like this because if you don’t caution yourself, it is possible to derail. It is possible for you to begin to seek and clog the media,

    “We are all from this state and we know that crowds like these were not available in the previous administration when the state was decaying.

    “What you have seen in the last eight months is what the Englishman will call dress rehearsal.

    “In the last eight months, we were running from one Federal High Court in Kano, to the Court of Appeal in Kano, to the Supreme Court on the Kano matter, then the tribunal in Umuahia, Court of Appeal in Owerri sitting in Lagos and then Supreme Court again, the second time. “

    “We did not fear, we concentrated on the work. But now, our concentration will be more than doubled.”

    Read Also: Otti inaugurates panel on 11-month salary arrears

    He used the occasion to announce that the bid for the construction of the 19.1 kilometres Itungwa-Mgboko-Amairi- Amaise-Ahaba ubi-Ngwa elechi-Omoba road being done in conjunction with the World Bank would be advertised in national newspapers next week.

    Otti said the work would begin in April.

    The governor, who said the whole idea was to open up the state for economic development, noted that in line with his policy of fixing every major entrance to the state, work had started at Owerrinta -Umuekaa junction-Umuene road, which would be extended to Omoba.

    He said work is also continuing on Onuimo-Tower road.

    He said his administration had a robust plan for agriculture.

    The state chief executive, who welcomed some new members to the Labour Party, said the doors of the party were open to newcomers.

    House of Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa thanked the people for hosting the governor.

    He said he would lead the assembly to support the efforts of the governor through good legislation.

  • Ekid people seek negotiations over land used by BUA Petrochemical

    Ekid people seek negotiations over land used by BUA Petrochemical

    Ekid people in Eket and Esit local governments of Akwa Ibom State have frowned at the illegal occupation of their land known as Akoiyak (Stubb’s Creek Forest), by BUA Petrochemical Refinery Ltd.

    Ekid Peoples Union (EPU), the apex sociocultural organisation for Ekid people, at a news conference at the weekend, said the state government was wrong to have allocated the land to BUA without proper negotiations with them.

    EPU President-General Dr. Samuel Udonsak hinted that Ekid people could rise up against the government if it failed to recognise that Akoiyak, otherwise known as Stubb’s Creek Forest, was in Ekid land and not Ibeno.

    “We have valid evidence and court judgments to back up our claims; we are not just claiming it. What the Ibeno people have about the land is mere magazines,” Udonsak said.

    He called on BUA Petrochemical Refinery Ltd to meet with the stakeholders of the host communities to address nagging issues before commencement of operations.

    “The manner our land was taken was wrong and oppressive. We would have gotten the compensation if the acquisition was for overriding public interest and for the development of the community.

    “In the first place, the acquisition is not for overriding interest. Government and BUA have to do the needful, they need to sit with the owners of the land and do the needful. What happens to our flora and fauna?” He queried.

    The Secretary General of EPU, Dan Abia, a lawyer; admitted that the state government had earlier attempted to compensate them for their land, saying that was not what Ekid people wanted.

    He said all they were asking for was for the state government to follow the prescriptions of the law for land acquisition and for them to sit on a dialogue table with the investing company to spell out their terms and conditions, especially on the preservations of their flora and fauna.

    Abia lamented over what he described as “lots of illegal acquisition in the Stubb Creeks of their forest reserves” noting that Ekid union will no longer allow such to continue under the guise that all land belong to the government.

    He observed that Akwa Ibom State government had in the first place flouted its ordinance by giving out a forest reserve to a company to build a permanent structure.

    Read Also: BUA Group, Axens seal 200,000bpd refinery, petrochemical deal

    He said: “That place is a forest reserve established by ordinance and you have no right to put up a permanent structure, only rights of fishing, tapping palm wine, even the government has violated the law it put in place.

    “We have a lot of illegal acquisition going on the stubb creeks of the forest reserves. Sometimes I hear people say government land, there is nothing like government land, rather land is vested in the governor and there is a process of acquisition. Government can only acquire land for one purpose according to section 44 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Land Use Act, which is for overriding public interest.

    “It is wrong for the government to acquire a public land, convert it to a private land and give it to a private individual. That’s not for overriding public interest. How can a private company (BUA) come into a community without sitting down with the owners of the land?

    “We sat down one day and received a memo from the state government that they will pay compensation to us, compensation for what? The prescription of the law is that you give us notice of your intention to acquire and state the purpose of the acquisition and that purpose has to be overriding, then upon acquisition you give us another notice of acquisition by gazetting, thirdly you pay adequate and prompt compensation, fourthly, you allow us access to the court if we disagree with the first three prescriptions.

    “These were not done, government just sat down issued Certificates of Occupancies to private company whose only purpose is to make money, there is no proof that government has any percentage share in BUA company. This is a clear case of modern day slavery and robbery. We are in court presently and cannot allow that to happen.”

  • Delta Poly shut over attacks by hoodlums

    Delta Poly shut over attacks by hoodlums

    Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, in Aniocha South Local Government, has been shut down for one week over frequent attacks on students’ hostels in parts of the community by hoodlums.

    Several hostels, which are privately-owned, are built on a stretch of poorly secured Azagba Road, especially from African House to the school and other parts of the community.

    The Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, who announced the closure at the weekend, said the measure was for the safety of students.He said academic activities would resume on February 26.

    Reacting, Delta Police Commissioner, Abaniwonda Olufemi, said the institution was closed due to reports of possible protest by students.

    He said security had been beefed up in the polytechnic town, adding that the police were on top of the situation.

    But the students’ union issued a statement, directing students in the hostels to comply with the management directive to proceed on semester break.

    Read Also: Delta poly to partner foreign, other bodies for academic excellence

    In the statement signed by its President, Victor Anthony, Secretary General, Onugege Graham and Public Relations Officer, Utomi Williams Blessings, the union said within the period, the school management, SUG, community and security agencies would monitor and take appropriate measures that would be needed to curb insecurity at the hostels.

    The Nation gathered that most of the hostels had been deserted for fear of attacks by hoodlums.

    It was learnt that victims of the serial attacks had lost phones and laptops to the criminals, who also forced them to transfer money in their accounts to them, while raping some female students and shooting anyone who resisted.

    The reports showed that attacks on student hostels started a few weeks ago from Azagba  Ogwashi  community where students lived  and later spread to Ogbe-Ofu axis of Ogwashi-Uku metropolis.

  • Ex-agitators urge Eno to compel IOCs to empower them

    Ex-agitators urge Eno to compel IOCs to empower them

    Ex-agitators in Akwa Ibom State have urged Governor Umo Eno to compel international oil companies (IOCs) to empower them with jobs and contracts.

    They made the demand at the weekend in a statement signed by the Secretary of Akwa Ibom Ex-Militants Forum, Comrade Sunny Afiah, in Uyo.

    The former militants lamented that they had suffered injustices and discriminations from IOCs, which had denied them of royalties, employment and pipeline contracts.

    According to them, such ill-treatment meted out to ex-agitators by IOCs was against the provisions of the Local Content Law and other social laws.

    The statement said: “It would be recalled that we have written several letters to these multinational oil companies operating within the shores of Akwa Ibom State to consider our qualified members for employment and contracts as contained in the Local Content Law, but they rather turn deaf ears.

    “It could be recalled that Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, which operates at Ikike Field, Amenam Field, Ofon 2 and Usan fields in Akwa Ibom State have refused to sign a working Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the host communities and the state since the last one expired in 2014.

    “This is totally unacceptable and we condemn it in strongest terms. We therefore call on Total E&P Nigeria Ltd and all the multinational oil companies and oil servicing companies operating in Akwa Ibom State to do the needful or face severe resistance.

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    “All what we ask is an opportunity to work and make decent living. We have dedicated ourselves to working and we therefore request that the oil companies and the state government should stop discrimination against us and provide us with opportunities to work in our environment as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We demand immediate award of security/surveillance contracts to us for the security of oil & gas facilities within the state both onshore and offshore.”

    “This is as a result of the current trend of insecurity and oil theft recorded in the Niger Delta in recent times. We also call on NNPC Limited, NPDC and the Federal Government to do the needful by engaging us for the protection of the oil facilities within Akwa Ibom State.

    “This is because we are very familiar with the terrain and creeks within the State and Niger Delta.

    “We implore Akwa Ibom State Governor Umoh Eno to call oil companies to order as we will no longer condone injustice and marginalisation.”

  • NDDC inaugurates link road in Bayelsa

    NDDC inaugurates link road in Bayelsa

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated Oruma rigid pavement road, a major bypass for commuters from Bayelsa and Rivers states, in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa.

    Inaugurating the road and solar-powered streetlight project, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said more projects would be inaugurated across the Niger Delta in the coming weeks.

    Ogbuku, represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Sir. Victor Antai, said the commission was focusing on executing legacy projects to link communities, local governments and states across the Niger Delta.

    The NDDC boss, in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said Oruma road would complement a regional road in the area, the 23.5km Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego road and bridges connecting Bayelsa and Rivers communities, being built by the NDDC.

    According to Ogbuku, the inauguration of the road project was part of efforts by the NDDC management to complete ongoing projects in the Niger Delta, in line with the performance bond it signed with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

    The NDDC boss said the commission would execute projects that would enhance the living conditions of people in Niger Delta communities.

    He said:  “The road is very important, because it will help people in the adjoining communities, especially farmers, to evacuate their farm produce to the urban areas.”

    Ogbuku acknowledged the efforts of the contractor, whom, he said, delivered quality project, despite the challenging terrain.

    He also thanked members of the communities for appreciating the efforts of the commission and cooperating with the contractor.

    Read Also: Ogbuku: NDDC embracing accountability, transparency to develop Niger Delta

    The contractor, Christian Emeozor, an engineer; praised NDDC for initiating the project and commended Oruma community for their cooperation and support, which ensured that the road was completed on schedule.

    The monarch of Oruma community, King David Amakiri, said the completion of the road had increased economic and social activities for those living and doing business in his domain.

    He said: “The community is now more peaceful, as young and old people are now busy with one economic activity or the other.”

    The traditional ruler thanked the NDDC for executing the road project and acknowledged the commission’s contributions to the growth of the community.

    The NDDC MD, Executive Director, Projects and other directors of the commission visited King David Amakiri in his palace.

    The monarch lauded the NDDC for constructing Oruma Road and other internal roads in his community, saying his people had faced challenges in infrastructure before the commission’s intervention.

    He thanked NDDC for bringing light to the community through solar-powered street lights.

  • APC chieftain to IG: probe hackers of my social media accounts

    APC chieftain to IG: probe hackers of my social media accounts

    The Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Michael Johnny has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to investigate  what he called the suspicious hacking of his social media accounts ( WhatsApp and Facebook) respectively.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC)  chieftain in Delta State, in a statement  said the IGP’s intervention has become necessary to curtail whatever sinister motives to be perpetrated by the criminals.

    He called for the arrest of the culprits who are out to tarnish his image.

    He said: “Two weeks ago I noticed that unknown scammers hacked my WhatsApp account and they have been illegally using the hacked WhatsApp account to solicit for funds and also defrauding friends. To my knowledge, and what some of the victims have reported to me, about 28 persons have been defrauded who have so far paid  over N6 million to the scammers.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Gunmen assassinate Plateau APC spokesperson, Namang

    “ Shockingly, few days ago my Facebook account was hacked as well. And I am beginning to suspect that the criminals have ulterior motive for hacking my WhatsApp and Facebook accounts. I am worried that the scammers and criminals might intentionally or chose to go further to use the hacked accounts for untoward and implicative acts likely to malign my hard-earned reputation.”

    According to the APC chieftain the hackers  were  still using the hacked accounts to collect money from unsuspecting people.

    “I am raising the alarm to you and also urging you to carry out an investigation to unravel whoever that has  embarked on this condemnable act. Elections are over and winners have been affirmed by Courts, and I have moved on by returning  to focus on my private business for family survival,” he added.