Category: Southeast report

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have clashed over the state’s health insurance scheme, which the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration said residents and organisations must mandatorily key into.

Edo APC, through its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Victor Osehobo, yesterday in Benin accused Obaseki’s government of insincerity in the health insurance scheme launched on October 31, 2019, sequel to the bill for a law, earlier passed by members of the House of Assembly and assented to by Obaseki.

APC in Edo declared that it had gone through a copy of the law and could not find any section that gave the state governor or Edo government power to make it compulsory for residents and organisations to key into the scheme.

It said: “Perhaps, Obaseki’s administration has forgotten about the law and has now resorted to self-help. Edo people are aware of the many failed promises of Obaseki’s government.”

PDP through its state Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, however, said opposition politics required intelligence, tact and not lies and deception

The party said: “APC’s attack on Edo State Government’s decision to make the possession of a health insurance card mandatory can best be described as infantile, shortsighted and anti-people.

“Health care is a critical service that undergirds the survival of any society, contributing significantly to the living standard of the people.”

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has sworn in Justice Theresa Chikeka as the acting Chief Judge (CJ).

He urged her to unify the Bench and the Bar for a stronger and virile judiciary.

Performing the ceremony at the New Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri, yesterday, Governor Uzodimma told Justice Chikeka and the audience that her “appointment is a call to duty aimed at inspiring and unifying the Bench and the Bar and making the entire judiciary more efficient and effective.”

He told the acting CJ that her office is not just a rallying point for judicial officers, but also one that synergises proceedings and justice delivery of the state.

Uzodimma admonished the acting chief judge to be a shining light for members of the Bench and the Bar and work assiduously not to disappoint those who had confidence in her.

He said it is part of his administration’s resolve to “fine tune and strategically position the judiciary as the third arm of the government.”

The governor said Chikeka’s appointment was on merit, devoid of bickering and rancour, noting that “the exercise that produced the acting chief judge went through due process.”

Justice Chikeka promised to uphold the oath of office she took by discharging her duties “without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

She thanked God Almighty for her appointment and the governor for the confidence reposed in her by finding her worthy of the appointment.

Chikeka assured the governor and her audience that her tenure would witness a stronger and virile judiciary.

The Organised Labour in Cross River State has again shunned a directive by the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem, asking civil servants to call off strike or be sanctioned under the civil service rules.

The HoS’ directive followed an order of the Industrial Court in Calabar, ordering the suspension of the strike embarked on by the Organised Labour.

Justice Sanusi Kardo of Calabar Industrial Court gave the order after the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tanko Ashang, sued the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for embarking on strike since last week and locking up government offices.

Justice Kardo, yesterday, restrained labour and another affiliate union from further holding rallies, pursuant to the strike and locking up of government premises and ordered that the strike be suspended with immediate effect.

The court held that the strike embarked on by the NLC did not comply with S.18 of the Trade Dispute Act.

It urged parties to negotiate on issues, if there are any, to arrive at an amicable resolution.

Labour in its Bulletin Number 9 advised workers never to be intimidated by the threats from the HoS or the move of the state Attorney General, until they hear from them.

“Continue to stay at home until you here from us.”

It said: “Instead of settling our demands, the government is rather shopping for a court order to truncate our strike.

“Comrades, disregard any directive from any person from the state government. Not even a court order can break our determination to get justice from the government. We cannot be slaves in our state.” However, the statement from the HoS has directed permanent secretaries and workers to resume work or be sanctioned under the civil service rules.

Akpet-Ekanem said: “Following the indefinite suspension of strike by the National Industrial Court, the state government has directed permanent secretaries and workers to resume work unfailingly.

“Workers are requested to note that attendance will be taken at the MDAs by the Directors/Heads of Administration and immediately submitted to the Office of the Head of Service for necessary action. Absenteeism will not be tolerated.”

Organised Labour has been on strike in the past one week and three days.

Workers stood by Labour, as they did not resume yesterday as ordered by the HoS.

Rivers State Government has said it is initiating criminal proceedings against Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd for breach of trust and abandonment of the state’s gas turbine generator unit and accessories in the Netherlands since 2012.

The government took the decision yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt at its 15th executive council meeting presided over by Governor Nyesom Wike.

The Commissioner for Power, Damiete Herbert-Millier, said the abandonment of the gas turbine generator unit and accessories by Saipem made Rivers State Government to incur huge loss in terms of demurrage charges and others.

He said:  “Consequently, the council unanimously directed the Attorney General of Rivers State to file criminal proceeding against Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited for its role in this ugly incident.”

The council also approved the reconstruction of two roads, Oyigbo-Okoloma and Chokocho-Igbodo with a distance of 46.5km.

The Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said the Oyigbo-Okoloma project scope is 19.4km and will cost of N11.483billion.

He said that the reconstruction of Chokocho-Igbodo Road of 27.1km was awarded at a cost of N13.523billion.

According to him, the two projects are expected to be completed within 12 months.

Finance Commissioner Isaac Kamalu said the council gave approval for the Rivers State medium term expenditure framework 2022-2024.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George-Kelly, said the council approved the award of contract for the construction of the Rivers State Magistrates’ Court complex at the cost of N8.1billion.

He said the scope of the project included the construction of 24 magistrates’ courts, which would be housed in four two-storey structure, three floors each.

Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has promised to grant amnesty to deserving inmates in Correctional Centers across the state on the recommendation of the Controller of Correctional Service.

Obiano made the promise yesterday at the 68th birthday of the Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Valerian Okeke.

The governor urged the intimates to vote for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in the November 6 governorship election.

He said Soludo would create more jobs that would engage inmates more meaningfully and discourage them from criminal activities.

Okeke, who celebrated his birthday with inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), urged them not to lose hope nor be frustrated by their current challenges.

“You must learn not to be frustrated in life because of the challenges that life throws at you. So, don’t wallow in self-pity. You must do something about your life to be meaningful,” he said.

The State Controller of Correctional Service, Patrick Chukwuemeka, described “correction” as the responsibility of everyone, stressing that the primary goal of NCS was to reform and redeem inmates back into the society.

Dignitaries at the birthday included former Governor Peter Obi; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Sullivian Akachukwu Nwankwo and APGA National Chairman, Ozonkpu Victor Oye.

Also, Ozigbo has attributed overpopulation of correctional facilities in the country to leadership failure.

He said jobs could have been created naturally and the economy energized, if leaders had taken their responsibilities seriously.

Ozigbo spoke at Most Reverend Okeke’s 68th birthday in Onitsha.

He said: “The overpopulation of the prison is evidence of failed leadership. When quality leaders are voted into office, the economy is energised, and jobs are created naturally.

“We are suffering from a lot of economic problems. They say an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. The current crop of leaders has failed to provide jobs for the youth.

“As we approach the November 6 election, we must emphasise character, competence, capacity. I am here to change Anambra’s story, give these people a fresh lease of life, and provide them with new opportunities.”

The PDP candidate eulogised Okeke for prioritising and impacting the lives of the less privileged in society.

“I am pleased to be in the midst of our friends at the correctional facility to celebrate our father in the Lord and wish him a happy birthday. It is gratifying that we are celebrating with people who are often forgotten.

“Archbishop Valerian Okeke’s gesture speaks volumes to what he represents and the life of impact he is known for. He inspires me all the time, and I am grateful to be here.”

Non-sensitive materials for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State have been delivered, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said.

The commission expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation for the poll.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, announced this yesterday in a statement in Abuja.

The statement said: “The INEC held its regular weekly meeting on October 21, 2021 and deliberated on the Anambra State governorship election holding on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

“So far, the commission has successfully implemented 12 out of 14 activities in the timetable and schedule of activities. The commission (today) has published the Notice of Poll at its state and all the local government offices in Anambra State.

“By Section 46 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the commission shall, not later than 14 days before the day of the election, cause to be published, a notice specifying the date and hours fixed for the poll; the persons entitled to vote; and the location of the polling units. In the same vein, today is the last day for the submission of names of polling agents by political parties.

“By Section 45 of the Electoral Act, each political party may, by notice in writing addressed to the Electoral Officer of the local government, appoint a polling agent for each polling unit and collation centre.

“The notice shall set out the name and address of the polling agent, accompanied by two passport photographs of each polling agent, and sample signature of the agent at least 14 days before the date fixed for the election.

“Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the law and the guidelines for the deployment of polling agents. Only duly accredited polling agents will be allowed to operate at the polling units and collation centres.

“The commission is satisfied with the current level of preparations. Virtually all non-sensitive materials have been delivered in readiness for the election. The training of ad hoc workers is also going on as scheduled.

“The commission is in touch with the National Peace Committee under the chairmanship of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR. Preparations are underway for the signing of the Peace Accord in Awka (the state capital) on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

“The commission has also noted, with appreciation, the role of religious, traditional and community leaders in Anambra State as well as civil society, socio-cultural associations and the media in appealing for peace during electioneering campaign and Election Day activities.

“With just a little over two weeks to the election, the commission once again appeals for support from all and sundry in Anambra State to ensure that the election will not only be peaceful but also free, fair and credible.”

The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured the residents of its readiness to provide tight security in and around the state before, during and after the November 6 governorship election.

NSCDC State Commandant Everestus Obiyo gave the assurance yesterday while hosting members of Anambra Elders and Stakeholders Forum for Good Leadership (ANELDERSHIP Forum), an umbrella body of elders, opinion leaders, critical thinkers and stakeholders across the state.

He also assured the residents of adequate deployment of operational, intelligence and tactical assets in every part of the state to neutralise any threat or act capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the poll.

The commandant called for concerted efforts among relevant stakeholders to ensure free, credible and violence-free election.

Obiyo said: “We need you to enlighten the youth in the state on the need to embrace peace and work together for dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful settlement of their grievances through the appropriate authorities.

“NSCDC will collaborate with sister security agencies to ensure the safety of the electorate, INEC officials and their materials while setting all machineries  in place for the protection of all Government’s Critical Assets and Infrastructure against vandalism.”

Leader of the delegation, Bishop Justice Ikpeama, said the visit was meant to ascertain the state of preparedness of the NSCDC in the forthcoming election.

“Our core mandate is to bring joy and hope to the generality of the people of the state by insisting the ship of Anambra State be steered at all times by highly responsible people of proven integrity, who have the interest of the masses at heart.”

Expressing appreciation to the NSCDC leadership for not abdicating its responsibility of protecting lives and property, Ikpeama promised to support and collaborate with the corps to reduce crimes and criminality across the state to the barest minimum through volunteering of credible information.

Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State have expressed joy over the assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give them special attention on Election Day.

The State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ugochukwu Okeke, spoke yesterday at a validation exercise organised in collaboration with Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) and the European Union (EU) on the Drafted Abridged Version (Pidgin and Igbo) of Anambra Disability Rights Law (2018).

He said: “We’ve taken the advocacy to several institutions, including the INEC, on how important access to facilities is to us. We’re happy they’re complying. INEC has assured us that priority attention will be given to PWDs and the aged during elections. We also requested they carve out a queue for us to cast our votes as fast as possible.

“They also assured us that they have carried out accessibility audit on most of the polling units to ensure all are compliant. Those that are not, they promised to bring out the polling units to guarantee access to our members to cast their votes.

“We’re also planning to engage the Ministry of Education due to the number of schools being used for the exercise, such that when they are building schools, they’ll factor in PWDs.”

Okeke urged members of the group not to panic over prevailing security situation in the state.

“We’ve resolved among ourselves that our votes must surely count this time round. We’ve been encouraging our members to go out and vote. I don’t think we’re going to be discouraged by the prevailing situation.

“We know government is doing everything humanly possible to ensure provision of tight security on Election Day. We’re also sensitising our members on certain security measures so they can be guided.

Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) State Coordinator Josephine Onah said the organisation was not only involved in translating the abridged version of the Disability Rights Law into Pidgin and Igbo languages but was also training sign language interpreters on legal terminologies.

Residents of Anambra Central Senatorial District have promised to cast their votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Andy Uba, in the November 6 governorship election.

APC Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Arinze Igboeli, stated this while addressing reporters yesterday in Awka, the state capital.

Igboeli said the electorate in the senatorial district would vote massively for Senator Uba to win the election.

The party spokesperson, who said the APC candidate would win the election, added that Uba’s victory would prepare the ground for Anambra Central to produce the governor in 2029.

He also said Uba’s sterling performance as a senator and his experience in governance as well as a politics would earn him the victory.

Igboeli said: “Our people in Anambra Central Senatorial District are predominantly with the APC.

“It is important to note that the people within this zone are pleased with Senator Andy Uba. Thus, you can see opposition politicians from the zone leaving their parties in droves to align with Senator Uba’s aspiration.

“We are going to support him to continue with his development agenda initially planned for Anambra but for the Supreme Court judgment.

“I can assure you that because of what Senator Uba represents, the people of Anambra Central are going to vote massively for him. We have a solid product to sell and we are going to sell it,” he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, has promised that if elected, his administration will not discriminate against non-indigenes of the state.

Ozigbo said this when a coalition of non-Anambra indigenes living in the state adopted and endorsed his candidature in Awka, the state capital.

He promised to give equal opportunity to every resident, if elected governor in the November 6 poll.

The PDP candidate said he was a strong believer in the saying that “all men are equal before God” and promised to give the state an environment conducive for fair and positive competition.

Ozigbo said there was no difference between an indigene and non-indigene and that his administration would work for a peaceful, secure, and progressives state with best infrastructure that would benefit all.

He thanked the people for the endorsement and urged them to cast their votes for him so that the residents could have a better place to stay and work.

“Merit and proficiency will inform my appointments. No qualified person will be denied opportunity because only the best is good for Anambra.

“In my campaign organisation, I have people from others states and Southeast in the team. That is because we are interested in what you can do and not who you are,” he said.

Also, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said Ozigbo was the most qualified candidate for the state’s top job.

He said the PDP candidate would revive the dilapidated road and other public infrastructure, including the Health sector.

According to him, what Nigeria needs is a nation which works for everybody, irrespective of where they are from, a nation with good healthcare, education and security for all.

“What is happening anywhere should be of interest to others elsewhere. There is no separate good society for indigenes and non-indigenes,” Obi said.