The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘How APC will win Edo governorship poll on Nov 12’

    ‘How APC will win Edo governorship poll on Nov 12’

    The Acting Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has said the party is determined to take back the governance of the state on November 12, 2024.

    He said APC would do all within the purview of the 1999 Constitution, as amended; the Electoral Act, 2022; and the spirit and letter of APC’s Constitution, for its governorship candidate to win the September 21 election.

    Tenebe assured the citizens of a level-playing field for the 12 screened and cleared governorship aspirants of APC, ahead of the February 17 primary election.

    He spoke yesterday at Edo secretariat of APC on Airport Road, Benin, while addressing reporters.

    He said: “Edo APC assures all the 12 governorship aspirants that a level-playing field shall be provided them, with a view to ensuring a rancour-free primary election, which shall lead to success in the September 21 election.

    “The party wishes to re-emphasise that it has not and will not endorse any of the aspirants that has not been cleared by the committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC), neither has it given any of its organs, persons or groups to do so, on its behalf.

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    “Edo APC congratulates the 12 aspirants on their successful screening and wishes to express that the party, basking in the euphoria, has pillowed on the democratic tenets of unhindered and unencumbered participation of the 12 aspirants in the primaries, as the party has not endorsed any preferred aspirant, going into the primaries, fixed for February 17, 2024.”

    The acting chairman of APC in Edo said between February 8 and 9 this year, the 12 governorship aspirants that purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms of the party were taken through the screening by the committee set up by the NWC of APC.

    He said: “As a prelude to the primaries fixed for February 17, 2024, and in line with the timetable released by the national secretariat of APC, the party did the membership revalidation between February 10 and 11 2024.

    “Today (yesterday), in continuation of APC’s desire to ensure actions that ultimately deepen internal democracy, deployed men and resources in the 18 local governments and conducted the ward delegates’ congress, as the delegates shall affirm the results of the direct primaries.”

    Tenebe enjoined APC faithful in Edo to remain committed to the ideals of a unified, noble and big political family, signposted by the party (APC).

  • Uwazuruike: Nigeria should be split into six regions to avoid more hardship

    Uwazuruike: Nigeria should be split into six regions to avoid more hardship

    • ’If I die no pastor should touch my body’

    Leader of the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Independence Movement (BIM),

    Ralph Uwazuruike, has said for Nigerians to avoid more hardship, the country should be divided into six regions to allow the zones manage their resources and develop at their own pace.

    He spoke yesterday during the group’s monthly meeting at Ojukwu Memorial Library Auditorium, New Owerri, Imo State capital.

    He said: “Nigeria will always be difficult to govern the way it is, except it is split into six republics or regions according to the existing six geopolitical zones of the country for easy management.”

    Uwazuruike added: “Each of the regions should be allowed to develop at its own pace.

    “Nigerians are experiencing hardship and there is nothing in place to remedy the situation, except if each region is allowed to manage and develop in the area of comparative advantage.”

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    He berated clerics, accusing them of hobnobbing with governors and politicians.

    Uwazuruike said: “There are no men of God in Nigeria and Southeast in particular. They are not genuine; they are businessmen and politicians who are errand boys to the governors and politicians just for a mere peanut.”

    Uwazuruike, who approved and recognised Bishop Gregory Ashiegbu as the Archbishop of Biafra, directed MASSOB and BIM members not to allow any bishop or pastor to touch his body when he dies, except the newly-ordained Archbishop of Biafra, Ashiegbu.

    He said: “Don’t take my body to any church because I don’t belong to any of them. Don’t also allow any pastor, reverend father, bishop or archbishop to touch my body because they are politicians and businessmen and their hands are dirty

    “If I die, it is only my ordained Archbishop of Biafra land, Bishop Gregory Ashiegbu, who will take care of my body.”

  • Niger Delta leaders decry allegations of financial wrongdoings against Boyloaf

    Niger Delta leaders decry allegations of financial wrongdoings against Boyloaf

    Stakeholders from the Niger Delta have condemned the allegation of involvement of a frontline former militant leader, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, popularly called ‘General’ Boyloaf, in the financial wrongdoings levelled against the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) by an online publication.

    The stakeholders, comprising elders of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), members of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, monarchs, youth and women groups across the region, described the online tabloid’s report as a selective witch-hunt, sponsored personal attack and deliberate plan to cause disaffection and security breach in the region.

    The online publication had last Wednesday alleged that the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta was among the Federal Government’s ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) that had violated the Financial Transparency laws by authorising the payment of huge sums of public funds into private accounts.

    The report had claimed: “The Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta tops the list of MDAs making such controversial payments.”

    The stakeholders argued that their findings showed that the publication failed to state exactly how much was paid monthly to those leaders for onward payments to thousands of delegates in their camps.

    They also said that the tabloid’s report failed to account for the number of delegates in the camps across the region as well as to explain what other way or mechanism the Federal Government should utilise in paying thousands of ex-militants across the region if not through their private accounts.

    The stakeholders in a joint statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and signed by Chief Bubaraye Daniels, noted that the allegedly sponsored report was misleading and a personal attack on Boyloaf by disgruntled and failed politicians, who blamed him for their election losses.

    They said: “Do they think the security agencies are not aware of these payments?

    “Despite that the report of the online tabloid is incorrect, Boyloaf is known to his followers and millions of people across the region as a credible, upright, formidable ex-warlord and disciplinarian, who in recent years has risen to the role of a great statesman, a peace and conflict resolution strategist and advocate.

    “The online tabloid has turned into a gossip and blackmailing medium, and has done great disservice to its reputation as its mischief became obvious by their decision to single out Chief Victor-Ben without listing other prominent former militant leaders that received larger amounts, and paid in like manner by the PAP office for onward payments to thousands of delegates and beneficiaries in their various camps across the six states in the Niger Delta.

    “The amount quoted by the online tabloid is not only small, but also insulting and belittling, given the thousands of lives lost and the monumental contributions made by these former militant leaders in achieving sustainable peace across the region that enabled the Federal Government and multinational oil and gas companies to explore, extract and export crude oil and gas products from the region.

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    “Let it be known that Boyloaf is neither a civil servant nor a career politician. He is a statesman of high repute and loved by his people. Boyloaf was not only a co-founder, but he was also extremely instrumental to the successful establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and has continued to fulfil his obligations under the agreement reached with the Federal Government since 2009 to ensure sustained peace and stability in the region.

    “Hardly can you find anyone across the region that understands the workings of the PAP better than Boyloaf. He has not only maintained the peace accord reached with the Federal Government, but has also transformed himself and thousands of his followers in ways unimaginable, both educationally and politically, and contributes immensely to the political and socio-economic growth and development in the region and the country at large.

    “Since the inception of the PAP, never has anyone heard that delegates from Boyloaf’s camp were protesting against the non-payment of their monthly stipends.”

    The stakeholders called on the Federal Government to incorporate the structures and ideas of the ex-militant leaders in order to achieve peace and stability across the country.

    They noted: “The peace in the Niger Delta has allowed our nation to profit from the sale of crude oil and gas products and it is clear evidence that it has worked over the decades.

    “Boyloaf’s records and reputation speak for themselves, and as we are all aware, no one better understands these security challenges and strategies more than Boyloaf.

    “The Niger Delta peace is a collective action that must not be truncated by politically sponsored and incorrect publications.”

  • Traders, shop owners cry out over demolished cattle market

    Traders, shop owners cry out over demolished cattle market

    Traders and shop owners at Ugwuoba Cattle Market in Oji-River Local Government of Enugu State have cried out over the ongoing demolition of the market by the state government.

    The traders, who are majorly livestock sellers, said about 4,000 people in the market would have their means of livelihood destroyed if the government did not apply human face in the demolition.

    The state government had last Saturday begun demolition of the market following intelligence at its disposal that hoodlums, constituting security risk to the state, were operating from the market to launch their nefarious activities across the state.

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    Leaders of the market had pleaded with the government to give them time to enable them relocate their goods and cattle to another destination before the beginning of the demolition at the weekend.

    The patron, Ugwuoba Cattle Market Traders Association, Alhaji Buba Dankasa, told reporters in Enugu that the government would have partnered the leadership of the market and that of the host community to help fish out the bad eggs, rather than going on with the demolition of the market.

    The Vice Patron, House Owners and Traders Association of the market, Eze Paul, who could not control his tears, told reporters that he spent 40 years in the North only to return home a few years ago.

    “Where do I go from here? I only returned to my hometown a few years ago to set up this business. How do I feed my family, from what source”? Paul asked.

  • Bayelsa agog for Diri’s second term inauguration

    Bayelsa agog for Diri’s second term inauguration

    Bayelsa State residents are upbeat as events marking the second tenure inauguration of Governor Douye Diri kicked off yesterday with a thanksgiving service.

    Thousands of beautifully-dressed citizens thronged the state’s Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene in appreciation to God for the governor’s victory in the November 11, 2023 election.

    Governor Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will be sworn in for another term on Wednesday.

    Speaking during the thanksgiving service, the governor expressed gratitude to God for his victory in the poll, saying without His intervention, it would not have been possible.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that God delivered Bayelsa from the hands of those who wrongly used power.

    Diri thanked the people for standing by him throughout his first tenure and during the election.

    He said he would not rest on his first term achievements, but would do more in the next four years, while appealing for their usual support.

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    Former Acting Governor and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Werinepere Seibarugu, ex-Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) and member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Fred Agbedi, who spoke on behalf of the House of Representatives Caucus, described the governor’s victory as divine and lauded his performance in his first tenure.

    Presiding Overseer of the House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, said Diri was chosen by God who chooses leaders.

    Dignitaries in attendance included wife of former president, Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the first civilian governor of the state, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, the lawmaker representing Kaduna South, Sunday Katung, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, as well as Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere and members of the state legislature.

    Other National Assembly members and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, were also present, as well as service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, among others.

  • NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has signed a performance bond with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, as part of its commitment to achieving the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Minister of the Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, was said to have supervised the signing ceremony during a two-day NDDC Board and Management Retreat at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

    A statement signed at the weekend by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the executive directors signed on behalf of the NDDC.

    Ogbuku had while speaking at the event advocated the removal of the commission from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as one of the ways of addressing the financial framework for effective service delivery.

    The minister mandated the NDDC to review and update the Niger Delta Regional Developmental Master Plan, saying it was a crucial framework for guiding and implementing development initiatives in the Niger Delta.

    Momoh challenged the NDDC Board and Management to change the narrative against the commission, noting that President Tinubu’s administration had established a template to measure performance of all agencies of the government.

    He said the performance bond signed by the NDDC Board and Management had deliverables that were associated with the eight presidential priorities of the Federal Government.

    The minister advised the Board to focus on completing ongoing projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta.

    He also urged the board to offset the commission’s debt to its contractors, especially the local contractors, whose bills were less than N30million.

    A communique issued at the end of the NDDC Board and Management Retreat underlined the need for strategic communication of the value added by the NDDC to its stakeholders, to change the negative perception about the commission.

    It said the retreat had set a strategic direction for the NDDC Governing Board and inspired the desire to consolidate Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda within the Niger Delta.

    Participants hailed the NDDC Board and Management for the full-scale engagement of key stakeholders that the retreat presented, saying it was the first time former chairmen and managing directors of the commission were invited to be part of the commission’s Board and Management retreat.

    The communique said: “The frequent changes in the Governing Board of the commission have largely accounted for the challenges in project execution and delivery in the development of the region. Thus, the Federal Government should ensure that the current Board completes its tenure and that there is continuity in succeeding boards to ensure sustainability of the commission’s projects.

    “From the presentations, group discussions at the conference, it was agreed that there should be ‘proper synergy, collaboration and coordinating framework between the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, State Governments in the regions, the NDDC and development partners.

     “Procurement is at the heart of governance and one of the government activities most vulnerable to corruption. Therefore, the Board and Management of the NDDC must effectively discharge their responsibility to manage the Procurement process involving all stakeholders, without sacrificing the core objectives as provided under the Procurement Act.”

    The participants stressed the need for the urgent release of all outstanding statutory contributions of the Federal Government to the NDDC fund, as the non-release of the funds has significantly hampered the ability of the commission to deliver on its mandate.

    Read Also: NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    They observed that the peculiar construction window of the Niger Delta region made it imperative for the NDDC to get some form of financial autonomy outside the TSA regime.

    “This is as part of the process of getting the commission take advantage of traditional credit sources in completing its projects and deliver real impact and sustainable development to the long suffering people of the region”.

    Ogbuku said: “At present, we operate under the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework.

    We recognise the importance of transparency and accountability, principles enshrined in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

    “The impact of TSA on NDDC operations, like other agencies, includes improved financial management, increased oversight, budgetary discipline, and enhanced cash management. Centralizing revenue through TSA enhances transparency, facilitates government monitoring, enforces budgetary discipline, and streamlines cash management.

    “However, a one-size-fits-all approach poses challenges to our diverse operational landscape. Although it is good for transparency, accountability and efficient pooling of public resources, the TSA policy has weighty limitations for an interventionist agency like the NDDC.

    “Many landmark projects were brought to life before the TSA, utilising Advance Payment Guarantees to expedite delivery and ensure timely execution.

    “While we embrace the TSA’s transparency goals, its centralised control has undoubtedly created hurdles, particularly in maintaining project pace. The limited construction window further compounds these challenges. To truly deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda, we need to remove funding impediments.

    “Such removal will enhance Regional Development Needs; as the NDDC is tasked with addressing specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region. Timely and flexible financial decision-making is crucial to respond effectively to dynamic regional challenges.”

  • Delta community raises the alarm over water pollution

    Delta community raises the alarm over water pollution

    There is apprehension of an outbreak of waterborne disease in the Ukwu-Nzu community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State following pollution of its two major rivers by the alleged activities of coal miners.

    The Nation gathered that its two major sources of water for domestic use (Odo and Ojokpa rivers) have turned muddy and brownish following the alleged discharge of effluents from a mining company in the Ugboba community, a neighbouring community.

    Both rivers have turned muddy and brownish while the once lush vegetation has turned brownish.

    A community leader, Mr. Kaikenechukwu Okolie blamed the pollution of its rivers on the activities of coal mining

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    His words: “We have been facing this challenge for over two months, nothing was done about it. We have been making frantic efforts to reach out to the government to help us.

    “We reached out to the Commissioner for Environment and the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

    “We also reached out to the coal mining company, Mosra Energy and they visited the rivers but till now, we have not heard from them over two months.

    “Nobody is against the coal mining in our neighboring community, we are only concerned about pollution in our rivers. As I speak to you now, our people cannot use the water to process cassava because of the pollution.

    “Our people are afraid of using the water because there may be an outbreak of epidemics. So, we are begging the government to come to our aid before people die”.

  • Delta police orders arrest of officers for shooting three vigilance group’s members

    Delta police orders arrest of officers for shooting three vigilance group’s members

    The Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi, has ordered the arrest of some policemen for shooting three members of the Idjerhe community vigilance group in the Ethiope West Local Government Area.

     The Nation gathered that the policemen allegedly stormed Idjerhe town on the 30th of January, 2024, and shot the vigilante commander, Mr. Freeborn Ofeshohwo alias Cornerstone and two other members identified as Mr. Friday Johnson and Enor Young.

     It was learnt the victims are receiving medical attention following the attack.

     However, the people of the area led by the Otota of Idjerhe Kingdom, Chief Onosia James Obriki, condemned the incident, describing it as an unprovoked attack on the people of the Kingdom.

     The police boss, in a statement issued by the spokesperson of Delta Police Command, Bright Edafe, assured the people that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

    Abaniwonda assured the injured victims that the command would ensure that justice was done in the incident.

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     The statement read in part: “The Command is aware of a publication making rounds in some sections of the media of an alleged shooting by policemen at Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West LGA. The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police State Criminal Investigation Department to commence a full-scale investigation into the incident, and the officers involved have been identified and detained, while an internal disciplinary action has been initiated.

     “The CP wishes to reiterate that it’s not in the character of the Command to trample on the rights of citizens, assault, or use their rifles without recourse to Force Order 237.

     “He assures members of the public that the officers concerned will be decisively dealt with by the extant laws as stipulated in the Police Act and regulations to serve as a deterrent to others, noting that under his watch, such conduct by officers of the command will not be tolerated”, the statement read.

     CP Olufemi warned officers and men of the command that he would not condone any form of unprofessionalism in the discharge of their duties as anyone found flouting the Force’s code of conduct would be dealt with.

     “He has therefore tasked officers and men to uphold the tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties concerning the rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while hoping that the actions taken on the erring officers will serve as a deterrent to others.

     “He appealed to members of the public, particularly indigenes of Idjerhe Kingdom, and the families of the injured vigilantes who are currently receiving treatment to remain calm and assure them of justice”.

  • Terror financing: Group accuses cleric, ex-security officer of smearing Northern Senators

    Terror financing: Group accuses cleric, ex-security officer of smearing Northern Senators

    The Citizens Initiative for Security Awareness (CISA) has accused an Abuja-based cleric and a retired officer of sponsoring falsehood on terrorism financing against a lawmaker.

    At a briefing in Abuja on Friday, CISA Assistant Coordinator (North), Kabeer Salami described the two men as “ethnic jingoists” on a mission to disunite Nigerians.

    The organisation said the duo was desperately working towards pitching Northern Senators in the 10th National Assembly against citizens by insisting that one of them is financing the activities of bandits and terrorists.

    Salami advised the Presidency, the Senate, security heads and the people to ignore groups that promote fake news, hate speech and sentiments to possibly influence mob attacks and extremism.

    “We urge the Nigerian leadership not to allow any organisation engaging in frivolities to distract them from attending to essential legislative and national matters,” he noted.

    CISA stated that it was horrified about the actions of some individuals who disseminate news stories which are apparently divisive without painstakingly verifying the credibility.

    “It is the most unfortunate that some unpatriotic Nigerians, buoyed by their diabolic intents, are not leaving any stone unturned in their quests to polarize the country and incite Nigerians against fellow citizens.

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    “It would be recalled that in the build to the general elections, the same led other groups in anti-Tinubu hateful campaign. Public records show how they insisted Tinubu posed a great security threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the cohesion of the APC.”

    CISA charged security services to arrest and prosecute any group attempting to defame other Nigerians through reckless comments and actions that could lead to ethno-religious conflict.

    “Citizens must shun ethnic champions and pseudo-religious leaders bent on polarizing us. We cannot allow them to pitch us against one another, just as they are trying to do now – setting the elite, including Northern Senators, against the general public,” Salami added.

  • Obi Cubana unveils Hammer Games for youths

    Obi Cubana unveils Hammer Games for youths

     In a significant move at the intersection of entertainment and technology, the chairman of the Cubana Group, Obinna Iyiegbu popularly known as Obi Cubana has launched a gaming platform ‘Hammer Games’.

    It is an immersive platform designed to inspire creativity and adventure among the youth.

     This initiative aims to amplify Nigerian and African culture, showcasing the talents and energy of the continent’s youth.

     “Hammer Games” offers a unique and authentic African gaming experience through a highly interactive mobile and web-based platform.

     Obi Cubana emphasized: “Apart from the interactive features, the ability for users to withdraw their rewards immediately after winning makes Hammer Games stand out.”

     The platform focuses on providing users with an immersive and rewarding experience, rooted in the adventurous spirit of Africa. Hammer Games, committed to security and regulatory compliance, ensures a safe gaming environment.

    With CAC registration, trademark, anti-money laundering compliance, and approval from the Nigerian Lottery Commission, the platform prioritizes user safety.

     To kickstart its presence in the gaming industry, Hammer Games launches with three sub-games: Odogwu Hunter, Hammer Spin, and Hammer Jackpot.

    Odogwu Hunter is an adventure game embodying the African spirit, requiring skill and strategy for victory.

    Hammer Spin offers a spin-and-win adventure, while Hammer Jackpot features daily and weekly draws with substantial prizes.

    Cubana’s foray into online gaming merges hospitality and technology, creating a unique fusion of entertainment and community-building.

    Cubana said: “Hospitality is all about creating memorable moments, and Hammer Games is a gateway to build on that.”

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     The platform aims to provide exciting gaming experiences and a sense of togetherness.

     Beyond gaming, Hammer Games distinguishes itself by committing to community development.

    The platform opens its APIs to developers, providing grants and funding opportunities to support African game developers. Players achieving milestones receive awards and physical gifts, contributing to community and human capital development.

     As part of pre-launch activities, the Odogwu Hunter Avatar has been unveiled on Hammer Games’ social media platforms.

     The launch of Hammer Games promises to be a novel era in gaming, seamlessly blending technology, culture, and entertainment, enriching the gaming community in Nigeria and beyond.