The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Oborevwori suspends commissioner, perm sec, others over alleged financial misconduct

    Oborevwori suspends commissioner, perm sec, others over alleged financial misconduct

    Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the suspension of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Omoun Perekebena Perez, following alleged diversion of funds to a private account.

    It was learnt the funds were for an agricultural programme, ‘Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS).’

    The Nation gathered the suspension followed outcome of the review of implementation of the Greenhouse project by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    The suspension was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu.

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    According to the statement, a seven-man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, has been constituted to investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme by the ministry.

    The statement said: “Consequent upon the interim report of the committee and in order to have an unimpeded access to information during the investigations, Governor Oborevwori has approved the suspension of Omoun Perez, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    “While Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary; Oki Preowei Yintareke, Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering and Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko, Chief Accountant, are to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice, in line with civil service extant rules.”

    It added that the government’s action was in no way a presumption of guilt, but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted, which was to ensure that the investigation was conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias.

  • Controversy over billboard inscription in Delta council

    Controversy over billboard inscription in Delta council

    • Council boss, others declare Wado City ‘illegal’, demand arrest of promoters

    • Wado convener accuses council leadership of ‘misinformation’

    The erection of a billboard bearing ‘Agbarha Kingdom’ as address in Warri metropolis of Delta State, has been generating controversy in the past few weeks.

    The development, which has resulted in pockets of violence, The Nation learnt, had the Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Dr. Michael Tidi, calling for an emergency security meeting at the council secretariat.

    At the security meeting attended by aggrieved groups, including House of Assembly members representing Warri South Constituency 1 and 2, Austin Uroye and Benson Obire; Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro; Special Adviser to Delta Governor on Niger Delta Affairs, Griftson Omatsuli, as well as security agents, it was decided that “anyone fomenting trouble in Warri, over the illegitimate and non-existent Wado City” be arrested.    

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    They condemned the proponents of Wado City, a name they described as “illegal,” as it relates to Warri metropolis, saying only billboards authorised by government should be mounted by any individual or organisations.

    It was also noted at the security meeting that there was nowhere kingdoms are inscribed in addresses of roads and streets across the country.

    But reacting to development, the convener of the Wado City Advocacy, Ejiro Imuere, wondered why Wado City was a subject of such a security meeting when the controversial billboard had no bearing of Wado City.

    Maintaining that the billboard had no affiliation to the Wado City Advocacy, a post on his verified Facebook page, late Monday, accused the council leadership of a “clever attempt to misinform” the public.

    “The U.P.U. billboard is not Wado City billboard. The current crisis is whether or not there is a legal existence of Agbarha kingdom at number 18, Okere Road, Warri South Local Government. That is the subject matter of this crisis. We should not digress.

    “No one has mounted Wado City billboard in Warri South Local Government. No one has mounted Wado City billboard even in any part of Urhobo land. Wado City ideology is still at the advocacy stage.

    “Wado City is not connected at all with the events that happened at number 18, Okere Road, Agbarha kingdom. That is purely a U.P.U. affair. We in Wado City are still consulting with our people. We have not even come with an official statement to that effect. Wado City is simply an Urhobo affair please,” parts of the post read.

    In a follow up statement made available to reporters in Warri, the local government chairman directed security agents to take action on defaulters of the decision, following the reported sighting of another controversial billboard overnight, at Urhobo Cultural Centre, along Okere Road.   

    According to the statement, the billboard with part inscription, ‘No. 18, Okere Road, Otovwodo, Agbarha Kingdom’, was purportedly mounted afresh.

    Dr. Tidi urged the people of Warri South Local Government to go about their legitimate businesses, assuring them of peace and security in the council             

    In a related development, Imuere raised the alarm of an alleged invasion of Odion/Sido area in Warri South, by unidentified arm-wielding youths.

    He claimed: “The chairman of the community reported the incident at the (Police) Area Command, but he was referred to the chairman of Warri South Local Government. He met the chairman, but he (Tidi) was not speaking straight.”

    He, therefore, decried that “there is a calculated attempt to cause unrest in Warri South Local Government” and blamed it on the ever peaceful Wado City Advocacy.

    “It is obvious that key stakeholders of the local government from one of the tribes are involved in this plot.”

    Delta State Police Command could “not confirm” the said invasion.

  • Foundation prepares 100 graduates for employment

    Foundation prepares 100 graduates for employment

    The Kemak Foundation for Enhancing Sustainable Livelihood, a non-governmental organisation, has held training for over 100 graduates in Ebonyi State.

    The summit, according to the foundation’s Executive Director, Makuachukwu Ojide, is to prepare and equip the graduates for the labour market.

    He said this is in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) eight, which emphasises full and productive employment and decent work for women and men.

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    The event was the foundation’s fifth Fresh Graduate Summit held at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki. It was attended by over 100 new graduates from STEM and non-STEM courses.

    The moderators, Mr. Daniel Ogbu and Mrs. Cynthia Ohalete, said the attendees were mostly fresh graduates from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike and Ebonyi State University.

    Zenith Bank team, led by Mrs. Ngozi Daniel Ajah, the relationship manager, and accompanied by Mrs. Joy-Mary Chinagozim Onyemepu, trained the participants in work ethics and work plan development-cum-management in corporate firms.

    Peace Ossie Ben-Odo, a lawyer and relationship coach, who spoke about the roles of communication in relationships and the workplace, stressed the importance of self-evaluation at all stages of life.

    Mr. Victor C. Ejims, a management consultant and research fellow with the Kemak Foundation, shared helpful tips for completing the one-year compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 

  • Mbah decries challenges in water supply

    Mbah decries challenges in water supply

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has decried increased vandalism of the state’s public utility assets, particularly water pipes and valves, within the water galleries in the Enugu metropolis.

    He urged security operatives, particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to apprehend those behind the continued vandalism of water pipes and public utility assets.

    The governor gave the advice when the new Controller of Immigration, Enugu State, Angelina Sambo, and the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Otoibhi Ehi, led top echelons of their state commands on familiarisation and working visits to the governor at the Government House, Enugu.

    Pledging continued collaboration with the agencies, he enjoined the state commandant of the NSCDC to end vandalism of water installations.

    “I want to put on record my deep appreciation for the support and commitment we have been receiving from your officers and men. Enugu today is among the most peaceful and secure states. This can be attributed to your men and other security agents.

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    “But our work is not done yet. There are a couple of challenges we are still noticing, especially in the security of our public utility assets. We promised our people that water would flow in their homes in Enugu city in 180 days. We needed to generate as much as 80 million litres of water in order to cover the consumption level of the city. But today we are producing 120,000,000 litres of water.

     “We would have really loved to sit back and rejoice because we are actually doing 150 per cent of our actual consumption level. Unfortunately, we will still have to deal with vandalism and stealing of government assets.

     “Just this morning, I received a call that some people destroyed a valve somewhere around Akwata and we have water gushing out from there. So, even with the locks we have provided to protect the valves, we still have to deal with these pockets of criminalities. The same is happening to the water galleries or stands.

    “So, we have no option but to sustain and build on the security status of Enugu State. We have zero tolerance for insecurity, and we have zero tolerance for bad behaviour, vandalism and stealing of government assets. This must stop,” he said.

    Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) pledged stronger partnership with the state government to consolidate the improved security and investment environment in the state.

    According to the NSCDC state Commandant, Otoibhi Ehi, who commended Mbah for the logistical support to the corps, the improved security in Enugu State was due to Governor Mbah’s audacity and cooperation with the security agencies in the state.

    “I pledge my commitment to the security and safety of this state under your able watch and also pledge to contribute my quota in the continued improvement of the security and protection of critical infrastructure within the state. I will also work in synergy with other security agencies to bring Enugu State back to its glorious days,” he said.

    Controller of Immigration Angelina Sambo, hailing Mbah for making Enugu State peaceful and secure within a very short period, said the reforms initiated by the Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, would consolidate the improved security in the state.

    “Enugu State Command of the Immigration Service will operate within the ambit of its extant laws to check, control, as well as monitor the presence of non-Nigerians and other activities in Enugu State, to ensure non-Nigerians in our midst are legal resident workers or visitors and that they operate within the context of the laws of Nigeria,” she added.

  • Enugu inaugurates committee on land reconciliation, compensation

    Enugu inaugurates committee on land reconciliation, compensation

    Enugu State Government has inaugurated an Inter-ministerial Committee for property/land reconciliation and compensation.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who inaugurated the committee yesterday in Enugu, urged its members to carry out their duties diligently.

    Members of the committee include the SSG, as the chairman, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, and Mr. Gerald Otiji, the commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.

    Others are Mr. Uchenna Nwatu, Mr. Justus Chime (the Acting Surveyor-General of the state) and Mr. Juliet Okonkwo, who will serve as the secretary of the committee.

    Onyia said the committee was expected to verify documents related to land and properties in any designated area assigned for construction and asked them to verify the constitutionally approved documents.

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    The SSG  urged the committee to reconcile issues of double allocation and do a thorough verification of all allocations and payments.

    According to him, they are to resolve all issues of land acquisition, recommend the amount of compensation to be paid and ensure that the compensation is paid to the right owners.

    Responding on behalf of members, the commissioner for Justice thanked the state government for setting up the committee to deal with land and property matters.

    “This government has a human face in whatever it does. We know, we are about to embark on massive infrastructural development from the city to the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “And of course, we know that the infrastructural development will from time to time affect the status quo where people live and how people live.

    “And we know that when they are affected, there should be mechanism in place to cushion the adverse effect of this development,’’ Udeh said.

    He pledged that the committee would discharge its responsibilities creditably to ensure that no one was left behind and free the state from unnecessary litigations.

  • Ubah to Soludo: you’re scared of me

    Ubah to Soludo: you’re scared of me

    • APC governorship aspirant pledges one term

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and the senator representing Anambra South, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, says Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo is attacking him because he’s scared of him.

    He told reporters yesterday in Nnewi that Soludo had not rested since he declared his interest to contest 2025 governorship election.

    He vowed to spend one term of four years if elected as governor, advising Prof. Soludo to give the citizens good governance, which he promised them, instead of being afraid of his shadows.

    The reason for one term, Ubah explained, was to complete the turn of Anambra South Senatorial District in the spirit of the gentleman’s agreement guiding the zoning and rotation of the governorship position of the state since 2014.

    Soludo is also from Anambra South and he is spending second year of his first tenure in office.

    Ubah said he would not only do one term of four years, he would also conduct local government elections within four months if given the opportunity to serve ndi Anambra.

    He said four years were enough for any focused governor to do great things and change the lives of his people positively.

    Describing the development in the state as very slow, Ubah said 80 per cent of his blueprint or idea for the development of the state were innovative and beyond the capacity of his opponents.

    He said if voted as governor, Anambra State would be the commercial and health hub in the Southeast and Nigeria in general.

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    He expressed disappointment about the way Governor Soludo disrespected the traditional institution.

    He said the governor’s action was petty and unfortunate, adding that he would do much better in the classroom than in governance.

    “Everybody has his or her calling. Some are in classroom, others in business and vice versa. The governor is not good in what he is doing now. We have to tell ourselves the truth.

    “My plans for the development of Anambra State are huge. As a private person and politician, I have done great in the transformation of the lives of many people.

    “I have equally done it in sports, education, commerce, employment and in overall youth and women empowerment. I have the capacity to make the people of my state happy again and I am ready too,” Ubah said.

  • Delta to engage local contractors in projects

    Delta to engage local contractors in projects

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has assured local contractors of his administration’s commitment to engaging them in project execution across the state.

    He, however, said the quality of work done by local contractors would determine the level of patronage from the government.

    Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze, said yesterday after inspecting ongoing construction work on Orere bridge that the bridge, upon completion, would link up 30 communities in Ughelli South Local Government to other parts of the state.

    He hailed the contracting firm for the job done so far and said Governor Oborevwori’s administration would patronise contractors with proven competence and capacity to deliver good projects.

    He said: “I am very pleased with this project, the famous Orere bridge, because it’s something I advocated over the years.

    “Let me state unequivocally that I am impressed with what I am seeing on ground, considering that the contracting firm, Obakpor Engineering, before now had been one of those companies that had been accused of cutting corners, not having the professionalism to deliver on projects.

    “But here we are standing across the project that is being handled by Obakpor Engineering and you will think you are standing on Trans-Warri Ode-Itsekiri bridge that is being handled by a foreign firm.

    “What he has done so far is that he is bridging the gap between our indigenous contractors and their foreign counterparts.’’

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    “One of the cardinal legs upon which the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori stands is ‘Opportunities for all’ and it means everybody will have the opportunity to prove themselves.

    “The quality of your work will determine how much patronage you will receive from the government. I can say categorically that Obakpor Engineering has improved tremendously in terms of manpower and equipment.

    “The contractor has said he will be out of site completely within the next nine months and this goes to show that Obakpor Engineering has come of age and they will continue to improve as we move forward. It is a fantastic job, but like I will always say, there is room for improvement.”

    On the length of the bridge before the river, Izeze said the bridge was designed to ensure high flood waters did not impede usage of the bridge when there was flood around the corridor.

    “If you understand this terrain, the over 30 communities that make up the Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South are entirely an Island and they don’t need much rains before the flood starts.

    “To get the proper sloping, the bridge is designed such that there is enough distance before the river so that by the time flooding starts, it will not disturb the usage of this bridge,” Izeze said.

    State Director of Highways, Mrs. Juliet Aboloje, said Orere bridge is 500m cutting across 25 spans of 20metres each with access road of 4.3km and 1.36km arterial roads.

    The contractor, Mr. John Oguma, said the project was delayed by yearly flooding, causing a loss of four months of active work annually.

  • Land dispute: Uwazuruike vacates house for cleric 

    Land dispute: Uwazuruike vacates house for cleric 

    Leader of Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has said he has vacated his property in Imo State, which has been a subject of dispute between him and Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Bishop, Lucious Ugorji.

    Uwazuruike said he acquired the land in 2012, but was surprised that after many years, the archbishop surfaced to lay claim to the property.

    Archbishop Ugorji, however, claimed that the land belonged to the church before Uwazuruike built his house on it.

    Uwazuruike, in a statement yesterday by his media adviser, Chris Mocha, said he withdrew the case from the Court of Appeal and directed his security men to vacate the land for the sake of peace.

    Read Also: Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

    “From the bottom of my heart and for peace to prevail in the Southeast and Imo State in particular, take the land, you have won me,” Uwazuruike said.

    He, however, alleged that eight of his men arrested on the day officials of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) came to demolish his house were yet to be released and called for their immediate release.

    “The members are being detained at an undisclosed police station in Owerri,” Uwazuruike alleged.

  • Allegations against NNPCL boss dismissed

    Allegations against NNPCL boss dismissed

    A group under the aegis of Niger Delta Women for Change (NDWC) has dismissed allegations of oil pipeline surveillance contracts racketeering by the Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.

    Describing the accusations as “baseless,” NDWC President, Esiri Ikomoni, speaking at a news conference in Warri, Delta State, rejected calls for her removal over the development.

    Flanked by Oritsemisan Juliet and Sophia Tamaralayefa, the group’s secretary and public relations officer, she said the allegations against Mrs. Eyesan did not align with her track record of professionalism and ethical conduct, adding that “NNPCL remains committed to fostering an environment of transparency and accountability.

    “NNPCL adheres to a strict and transparent procurement process, ensuring that contracts are awarded based on merit, competitiveness and compliance with all relevant regulations.

    “Mrs. Eyesan has consistently demonstrated her commitment to ethical practices, promoting a level- playing field for all stakeholders involved in the procurement process.”

    Urging the public and the media to exercise caution in spreading unverified information and to await the outcome of official investigations into the allegations, she expressed confidence that truth would prevail.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves $700m roads to boost business activities at Lekki Port

    “In the face of baseless and malicious attacks, Mrs. Eyesan, the esteemed Executive Vice President (EVP) of Nigerian Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), stands resilient, determined to reframe the narrative surrounding her dedicated service and outstanding achievements.

    “As a key strategist of one of Africa’s biggest companies, she led teams that developed corporate strategy, influenced government policies, regulations, laws, while orchestrating commercial agreements (including infrastructure development for local and multinational projects),” Ikomoni said.

    She said the recent attempts to undermine EVP’s contributions have been identified as not only malicious, but also fuelled by tribalistic blackmail.

    “In response to these attacks, the EVP remains steadfast in her dedication to the principles of professionalism and inclusivity. Her commitment to advancing the energy industry, irrespective of tribal affiliations, stands as a testament to her vision for a unified and prosperous Nigeria,” the group’s president added.

  • ‘Fubara’s Supreme Court victory proof of divine mandate’

    ‘Fubara’s Supreme Court victory proof of divine mandate’

    Rivers State University Alumni Association has congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his birthday and electoral victory at the Supreme Court.

    The National Executive Council of the association led by its 11th President, Lady P. K. Berezi, described Fubara as a dependable leader in his chosen field.

    The alumni in a congratulatory message signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Amb. Daerego Idoniboye, described the elect oral victory of Governor Fubara at the Supreme Court as a proof that his mandate is divine.

    The statement, made available to reporters in Yenagoa yesterday, said: “We have no doubt that this victory will catalyse your efforts in taking Rivers State to its destined prime position in a very short while.

    “We also rejoice with you on your birthday and pray for your long life and good health. The good Lord will continue to grant you the wisdom to pilot the affairs of Rivers State. Once again, congratulations, Great Whale!”

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    The alumni also felicitated former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, an alumnus of the university, on his 58th birthday.

    They described Dickson, the lawmaker representing Bayelsa West, as a philanthropist, an icon, a legal luminary, an astute politician and a Great Whale.

    “As a Great Whale, we are proud of your landmark achievements while serving Bayelsa State as governor and now a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” they said.