Category: Southeast report

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Ikechi Emenike has identified low budgeting as the major reason Abia has been experiencing stunted growth.

He expressed this view while addressing a non-partisan stakeholders forum at Ututu in Arochukwu Local Government Area in continuation of his consultations and mobilisation of like minds to join hands with him to change the sad narrative of Abia.

The development economist noted that, over the years, those at the helm of affairs have been running Abia on low budgets of less than N200 billion, which according to him, is insufficient to pull Abia out of underdevelopment.

“Any budget less than N200 billion cannot develop Abia,” he insisted, adding that he would find creative ways to enhance the state budget to be able to meet the demands of developing the state to enviable heights.

In the past three years, the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has been turning out less than N200 billion in its final policies with N137.419 billion for 2020, N131.815 billion in 2021 while N157.282 billion budgeted for the 2022 fiscal year. Though this year’s budget recorded a 10.81 per cent increase above the 2021 fiscal policy, it still fell short.

But Emenike, who is leading a mass movement “to rescue and develop Abia,” promised to set up “building blocks of development” that would place the state on the path of growth.

Apart from being insufficient, the APC governorship hopeful also noted that Abia budgets usually fail to reflect the needs of the people who are supposed to be the beneficiaries of the government’s fiscal policies.

Citing the sad fate of Abia workers and pensioners who are languishing due to mounting arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities, Emenike noted that the government would not have found itself in such a mess if budgets were truly people-oriented.

He assured the people that he would devise a means out of the quagmire of pension arrears by constituting a committee of pensioners on a rotational basis to manage the payment of pensions and clear the arrears.

He urged the stakeholders to come out of their comfort zones, if any, and join the revolution to free Abia from the hands of bad managers so that God’s own state could start experiencing good things from next year.

The Anambra State Government said a laboratory has been established to diagnose cases of monkeypox and other contagious diseases in the state.

Dr Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, told reporters yesterday in Awka.

He said the establishment of the laboratory would shorten the time for the investigation of disease outbreaks.

Obidike said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), are assisting the state to activate the laboratory.

He said that the laboratory was situated at the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu Teaching hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka.

According to him, when the lab is completed, it will have the capacity to diagnose diseases like monkeypox, Measles and Lassa fever, and shorten the time of getting results for the investigations.

The Commissioner said it was unfortunate that NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory in Abuja was the only facility in the country with the capacity to diagnose monkey pox cases.

“So far, we have recorded three suspected cases of Monkeypox detected by our disease surveillance units in the local government areas.

“We are able to detect the first case, and in conjunction with WHO, it was confirmed. For the second case, the result is not out, while we are yet to get the sample of the third case across to the lab in Abuja.

“We have a massive laboratory at COOUTH and we are discussing with WHO and NCDC to activate it. It is in the final stages in terms of needed reagents for testing.

“Once the lab is ready, we can be doing Lassa fever, Measles and Monkeypox investigations there to shorten the time we get results for these investigations, “he said.

Obidike said the ministry had started contact tracing in all the recorded cases to contain the spread of the disease.

He described Monkeypox as a viral infection and urged residents to be careful and report symptoms such as unusual body rashes, fever and headaches to the hospital.

“We have been training our health personnel on how to detect this disease and manage it,” he said.

“There is no definite treatment; we just manage the symptoms to prevent any other secondary bacterial infection, mortality or morbidity that could occur from there.

“All hospitals in the state have been directed to be vigilant and create an isolation room in case they suspect cases, and we will take it up from there by coming to collect samples,” Obidike said.

A former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Bayelsa State, Daniel Iworiso-Markson has resigned his membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Iworiso-Markson, in a letter dated July 7, 2022, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 11 in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, said he decided to quit the party because of unfair treatment.

Iworiso-Markson’s resignation came just as scores of stalwarts of the PDP in the state are said to have perfected plans to dump the party.

It was reliably learnt that the stalwarts would in the coming weeks leave the PDP in droves to pursue their aspirations in other parties.

Iworiso-Markson also said his decision was borne out of his desire to pursue his aspiration to offer quality representation to the people of Ogbia Federal Constituency.

According to him, several weeks after the primaries in which he took part in, there has not been any form of overtures by the leaders of the party, knowing full well how aggrieved some of the aspirants were due to the process and outcome of the exercise.

He lamented that the shabby treatment he got was accompanied by a series of blackmail to discredit him all in a bid to deny him the PDP ticket to contest next year’s general election.

He said the shameless propaganda that he had no electoral value was the height of the gross political humiliation he suffered in the run-up to the PDP primaries, adding that he had decided to go ahead to contest the main election and allow the people of Ogbia to decide his fate and electoral worth.

The letter read in part: “This signifies my decision to officially quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As it is customary, I am writing to inform you and also state the reasons behind my action which were well thought out.

“Recall that on May 23, 2022, I contested for the ticket of the PDP for Ogbia Federal Constituency. The process and outcome of the election even though not satisfactory, was swept under the carpet. Ordinarily, it was expected that the PDP leadership will reach out and make certain overtures to assuage the feelings of people like me but more than a month after, nothing has been done.

“Rather, the party has continued as if all is well even when it is glaring that it is not. I consider this as an act of disregard and disdain, especially against the likes of me that has contributed so much to the success of the party since 2012. My record of service and loyalty while in government to both the party and the state cannot be denied and even when things went bad I remained not minding the threats”.

The former commissioner stated that even after the primaries, he kept receiving calls and messages from people of his constituency urging him to pursue his ambition using another platform because of their conviction of what he has to offer.

Iworiso-Markson added that he decided to listen to the compelling voices by joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to push for the realisation of his ambition to represent the people of Ogbia at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.

He stated: “Although, I have moved on after the primaries despite how unfair the party treated me, yet I was inundated with calls and messages on the need to be on the ballot for the 2023 election.

“Those who have reached out to me gave very valid reasons that bother on quality representation which they believe I can offer. Their argument was robust, rich, and very compelling and I accepted it. I have, therefore, decided to pursue my ambition to go to the House of Representatives on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in order to actualise my dream of creating a new Ogbia through sound legislation.

“I am also convinced that at this moment the SDP will treat me with respect, accord me with all the regard that a loyal party man deserves and not look the other way when it matters most.”

Iworiso-Markson, who noted that his decision would come to many as a surprise, “, particularly to my leaders, including a former governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. I do sincerely apologize. I hope they see things from my perspective and that of Ogbia people who are yearning for real development.”

He further added that with the ongoing litigation concerning the ticket of the party for Ogbia Federal Constituency, there was every reason to believe that the PDP might run into trouble waters if the court decides to grant the prayers of the petitioner who is seeking a nullification of the entire process.

An agriculturist, Otunba Yomi Akingbade has described the joint ticket of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Kashim Shettima, All Progressives Congress’ presidential candidate and running mate, as one that is in the “best interest” of Nigeria.

Akingbade, a supporter of Tinubu, in a statement made available to reporters in Warri, expressed optimism in the capacity of the APC flagbearer to transform and reposition Nigeria towards greatness.

He stressed that with Nigeria being an oil-producing country, efforts should be geared towards reviving the four ailing refineries in the country, to enable the refining of products for domestic consumption and the creation of employment for the Nigerian youths.

Akingbade assured Nigerians that Tinubu, as President of Nigeria next year, will assemble a competent team to proffer workable solutions to the many problems confronting the country.

He further called for sustained peace, religious tolerance and harmonious co-existence among Nigerians, urging all to vote and give the former Lagos State Governor the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

Also, an APC national caucus member, Air vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (rtd.) has resigned from the ruling party.

He said this in a signed statement on Tuesday.

Ajobena, who was the first Military Administrator of Abia State and a national caucus member of the APC, hinged his resignation on the choice of Alhaji Kashim Shettima as the running mate of the APC flagbearer, Tinubu.

Describing the decision as insensitive to the Christian faith in Nigeria, he wondered: “In what capacity will I be serving on his campaign train, as a slave? A man must stand for something, or he will fall for anything. I quit the APC.”

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has stressed the need to allow the establishment of functional state-owned police across Nigeria.

Diri spoke during the gala night to wrap up the 2022 Ijaw Diaspora Convention in Newark, New Jersey State in the United States of America. He said the operations of state police would end the state of insecurity in the country.

In a statement yesterday by his Director, New Media, Dr. Kola Oredipe, the governor insisted on the restructuring of Nigeria and devolution of powers to the states.

He said the Federal Government should respect the true dictates of a federal system of government that is fashioned after the US democratic system where equity, fairness and justice remain the order of the day.

Diri said: “The security challenges are there in Nigeria and that is why some of us are asking for the restructuring of Nigeria. There has to be devolution of powers to the states.”

He noted that the current administration in Bayelsa State was investing massively in security to create enabling environment for investments to thrive.

The governor informed the Ijaw Diaspora about development in Bayelsa State, including the ongoing construction of the three senatorial roads, the news that was received with excitement.

He added: “Through the three senatorial roads, we are connecting many riverine communities by roads. We also want to ensure that all our local government headquarters hitherto not linked by road are connected.

He urged the Ijaws in the diaspora to ensure they work closely with the national executive of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and add their voices to trending national debates and promotion of the culture of the fourth largest ethnic group in the country.

The Chairman on the occasion and member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Fred Agbedi, stressed the need for the Ijaw people to continue to unite and urged those in the diaspora to always contribute to the development of their state back home.

The President of the Ijaw Diaspora Council, Prof. Mondy Gold, expressed the appreciation of the council to the governor and other top Ijaw leaders for their attendance and participation, saying that the forum had formed a strong network across the globe to stand firmly together for the progress of the Ijaw nation.

Also, the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), has appealed to the Niger Delta people in the Diaspora to come home and invest their money in the region.

Dikio reeled off various opportunities in the region, especially in maritime, agriculture and oil and gas, saying the sectors were begging for investments.

Speaking at the 2022 Ijaw Diaspora Convention, which was held in New Jersey, USA, on July 3, Dikio referred to the palm oil sub-sector as another opportunity with huge economic potential begging for attention.

He decried the emphasis on crude oil, explaining that palm oil had a broader market, greater economic value and better profit if serious investments could be made to harness it.

Dikio in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media, Neotabase Egbe, described the opportunities in the region as new market frontiers waiting for investors to unlock them and reap bountiful economic benefits.

He allayed the security fears of those in the Diaspora saying the interventions of the amnesty office had calmed down frayed nerves and restored peace in the region.

He told them that he had redesigned the training programmes of ex-agitators with the introduction of the novel Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM) initiative.

The Nigerian Consul-General for the Littoral and West regions of Cameroon, HRH, (Queen) Efe Alexandra Clark-Omeru , has been handed the official “Exequateur” in Cameroon.

The document which recognizes the consular office,of the new Nigerian Consul-General Clark-Omeru, was handed , Thursday 23rd June, 2022 by the administrative head of the Littoral region, Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua

Scores of regional administrative and traditional authorities, such as the Senior Divisioner Officer, SDO of the Wouri, Benjamin Mboutou, the President of the Littoral regional Council, Banlog Polycarpe , The Paramount chief of the Bell Clan , Jean Yves Eboumbou Manga Bell, a delegation of the Nigerian Union leaders and their executives, consular representatives, amongst other dignitaries, turnout massively at the conference of the Governor’s office, to bear witness to the diplomatic ceremony

It should be noted that. Queen Clark-Omeru, the first female Consul-General, who recently assumed office, following the departure of the now Nigerian Ambassador to Sudan Hon. (Amb) Safiu Olaniyan Olukayode in June last year.

Before entrusting the Exequateur to her majesty the honourable Consul General, the Governor of the Littoral region in his speech, recalled the brotherly geographical , economic and diplomatic history which binds both Cameroon and Nigeria.

The message conveyed by the governor’s address, reawakened ideals of peace , cultural similarities which both nations share and called for the preservation of these binding factors

” Cameroon and Nigeria have been good diplomatic allies in the fight against insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, the Boko Haram insurgencies in the Northern regions, both nations have excellent partners in cross border trade , Cameroon has been a host to thousands of Nigerians , who have shown exemplary respect for the laws of the land.

” This diplomatic relationship should be preserved and the consular mission is here to undertake this task…and so Queen Efe Alexandra Clark-Omeru, I hand to you the Exequatur which recognises your office of Consulate in your assigned regions’ ‘ part of the Governor’s speech read.

The Governor then made a round, introducing the Consul General to various administrative and traditional authorities presents.

The Consul General on her part expresses gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari for having trusted her with such responsibility of representing Nigeria in Cameroon.

She equally appreciated the hospitality of the Cameroonian people and congratulated Nigerians in Douala for their exceptional economic prowess and patriotism, while calling on them to remain law-abiding.

Queen Clark-Omeru further commended the bilateral relationship between Cameroon and Nigeria, during the reception of the event, which also recognises the presence of Nigeria High Commission to the Republic of Cameroon, the Consul General of Buea, Lawal Bappah, the managing directors of United Bank for Africa, Dangote Cement Cameroon, among other top Nigeria investors to grace the colourful event in Cameroon. Also present was the Board Chairperson, Access Bank Cameroon.

However, Nigeria High Commissioner to the Republic of Cameroon, H.E. Ambassador Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin. commended the hospitality of Cameroon authorities and encouraged Nigerians in the country to keep respecting the law of the host country.

Queen Clark-Omeru thitherto, has served as Acting High Commissioner at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. She has also been head of the diplomatic mission in Argentina, amongst other posts of responsibility.

The Littoral and the West Regions host a vast majority of the over five million Nigerians living in Cameroon, andx contribute enormously to trade and relations between the two countries

A criminal court in Benin, the Edo State capital, yesterday remanded seven suspects in prison custody, over their involvement in the various cult clashes in Benin metropolis, which led to the death of no fewer than eight persons in the last four days.

The suspects: Esosa  regeorowo, Frank Obaze, Min ster Godwin, Jeremiah Timothy, Jimoh Lasisi, Osasu Idehen and Idehen Marvis, were remanded by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, who sat at the Criminal Court One.

The suspected cultists were arraigned for conspiracy to commit murder, murder and membership of an unlawful society.

Ruling on an application  otion brought by the prosecutor, the court ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Oko Correctional Centre on Airport Road, Benin, pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Edo state.

The National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed delight with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his untiring commitment to the welfare of the pensioners of the state in spite of the state’s lean resources and the nation’s economic challenges.

Speaking when Governor Ugwuanyi hosted him at the Government House, Enugu, following his emergence as the new National President of NUP, Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, who is an indigene of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State and the first Igbo man to head the national leadership of NUP, described Ugwuanyi as “a pensioner and labour-friendly governor.”

Speaking on their behalf, Comrade Dr. G.B Ugochukwu equally thanked the governor “for your labour/pensioner friendliness, regular payment of workers’ salaries, pension, security and infrastructural development in the state”, saying: “All these are possible because Enugu State is in the hands of God.”

In their separate goodwill messages, the State Chairmen of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo and Comrade Bennett Asogwa, respectively, paid glowing tributes to Ugwuanyi for his sterling commitment to the welfare of the state workforce and pensioners.