Category: Southeast report

Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council has outlawed girl-child marriage and other forms of gender-based harmful practices.

This is contained in a communiqué at the end of a multi stakeholders’ strategic conference between the council and WomenAid Collective.

The conference was organised in partnership with the Ford Foundation, with support from Enugu State Ministries of Gender Affairs, Chieftaincy Matters and Justice and the 50/50 Action Women of the state.

The communiqué, signed by the Chairman of the council, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, said the council was committed to the abolition of the obnoxious practice of sacrificing the girl-child to shrines.

He said the council condemned all forms of violence against women and girl-child and was committed to their empowerment.

Agubuzu further said the council was committed to the abrogation of harmful traditional widowhood practices, including disinheritance of widows.

“We are committed to implementing the Supreme Court judgment that women have a right to inherit property from the family estate, whether married or not.

“We are also committed to actions to codify communal laws and regulations that will protect women and girls,” he said.

The monarch said the council supported the inclusion of women in the process of decision making on issues that affect them.

He said the council encouraged the inclusion of women in community leadership.

Agubuzu said the traditional institution would, henceforth, mediate in human and women’s rights’ cases, in line with state, national, regional and international human rights laws.

He said the council had begun to sensitise residents to do away with anti-human customs that still existed in Southern Nigeria.

“Subsequently, we will have an Enugu State that is free from all forms of violence against women and girl-child,” Agubuzu said.

By Jide Orintunsin, Abuja

Indigenes of Ebonyi State in the diaspora have rejected the zoning agreement being brokered by the political class for 2023 governorship election.

They insisted that competence, capability and credibility should be the standard for anyone to succeed Governor Dave Umahi.

The indigenes, under the aegis of Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in Diaspora (AESID), yesterday in a statement in Abuja by the President, Mr. Paschal Oluchukwu, said that the campaign in the media by some interests to respect ‘charter of equity’ did not exist.

The group said: “Ebonyi people truly deserve nothing but the best, most credible and competent hand they can get from any part of the state, who understands the prevailing challenges of anthropogenic poverty, lack of human empowerment, health and educational deficiencies arising from poor policy planning and execution, among other negative trends and the consequences on our people.”

It added: “As political parties gear up for congresses at the ward, local government, state and national levels, it has become indubitable that political activities have raved up as expected, with analysts and pundits fully up in their game.

“Whereas, the situation is not any different in Ebonyi, the calls in some quarters for the mediocre acts of zoning of political offices have once again been brought to bear in the debate over who succeeds Governor Umahi in 2023. Those who engineer this, base their position on what they term equity and fairness in their delusional fantasy to keep an ‘equity bond’ that neither exists nor has ever been manifested in Ebonyi politics.

“As a governance and accountability platform, AESID feels strongly that it is also part of our core mandates to bring unbiased analysis on political debates in our state, not only putting the records straight, but also picturing the future that Ebonyi truly deserves.

“Having remained the most outstanding accountability platform in the state with our membership drawn across the entire state, we will not watch a section of self-interests seekers, paid political ‘permutators’, jobbers and hatchet men mislead, misdirect or misinform Ebonyi people as they battle to choose a credible and competent leader who will take over the baton as Governor Umahi’s successor.

“It bothers placing properly on record that the so-called, non-existent ‘charter of equity’, which some rented script writers are bandying in the media, does not exist and people from the three senatorial zones of the state have equally vied for the coveted position of the governor of the state. “

“In our deep reflections, we recall that in 1999 when Dr. Sam Egwu from the Ohaukwu axis of Ebonyi North ran for governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the current Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu of Ebonyi South, also contested for the same position under the defunct All People’s Party (APP).

“Similarly, Amb. Frank Ogbuewu of Ikwo origin in the Central axis contested against Egwu in his quest for a second term in 2003 on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). This time under the ANPP, Dr. Onu also later came back to the ballot in 2007 to vie for the same position eight years after in the election to pick a successor to Egwu, which was eventually won by Chief Martin Elechi of the PDP, who hails from Ikwo in the Central Senatorial Zone.

“In 2011 when Elechi sought another term in office, Senator Julius Ucha of the same Central Zone under the ANPP also contested against him. The records of political events in the 2015 governorship election are still very fresh in our memories as Labour Party’s Edward Nkwegu, who hails from Izzi in the North District ran strongly against PDP’s incumbent Governor David Umahi from the South, who emerged as the winner of the election.

“Owing more to the fact that by what could be justified as divine providence, the three senatorial zones, despite these contests, have all tasted power via the occupation of the governorship seats in the state, it is therefore wisdom for Ebonyians to anchor their search for Umahi’s successor on the tripod stand of competence, capacity and credibility, which will ultimately translate into such a leader’s ability to reverse the numerous growing negative statistics and economic woes that the current government of Umahi has brought upon our dear state.”

Urging the youth to get more involved in the political process by joining parties, the group also called on all Ebonyians of voting age, who are yet to register, to take advantage of the ongoing INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration and proceed to register and get their PVCs ready, “as this is their only power to change the narrative in 2023 and elect a credible candidate.”

 

 

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has pledged N5million monthly to the Federal Fire Service for the maintenance of firefighting trucks.

He made the promise yesterday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of one modern firefighting truck, Basic Life Support Ambulance (BLS) and one water tanker.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, had approved the deployment of newly- acquired firefighting trucks to Federal Fire Services (FFS) in states to complement the efforts of firemen.

The governor said the monthly donation was also to buy consumables to ensure the sustenance and smooth running of the newly-inaugurated trucks.

“We will give N5million monthly and it is not to be shared among yourselves.

“It is for use to make sure the vehicles are maintained.

“Our money is not to service other states, but to service the people of this state.

“Whatever we give for the service of the vehicles, use it here.

“Once there is a fire outbreak and we hear there are no consumables, we will stop the funding and return the vehicles to where it came from,” he said.

Wike expressed concerns about the safety of lives and property.

He pleaded for the trucks to be judiciously utilised for the interest of residents.

The governor said the government was ready to equip the state fire service with two utility vehicles, but he was unable to comment on the inclusion of the fire service in the state security council.

He, however, said that he was concerned about the maintenance of the vehicles by those in charge of ensuring it’s proper utilisation.

“The problem we have now is that will those who ought to manage this trucks and vehicles carry it out for the benefit of the people?

“There might be situations of outbreaks and the equipment might not be around because it might have been hired rather than used for the interest of the public,” he said.

He hailed Dr. Ibrahim Liman, the controller general, FFS, for the equal distribution of the modern trucks to states.

Wike said: “Thank you for not playing politics, but doing the right thing and not relying on belonging to the same party before carrying out what’s right.”

The FFS boss assured the state government of his commitment to monitor the federal and state fire services in the state and make sure the promised monthly funds were utilised.

“The consumables, which include chemicals, diesel and auxiliary equipment are very expensive, so we appreciate the gesture of the governor.

Liman said the minister of Interior has promised to deploy more fire trucks on or before the end of 2021.

He said the deployment was to improve firefighting and enhance service delivery in the state and country.

The controller general, on behalf of the state fire service, had requested the allocation of two utility vehicles, recruitment, sponsorship of personnel on training and inclusion of the service in the state security council.

By Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

Residents of Okwelle (Soku) waterfront community in Rivers State are counting their losses, following a fire that gutted houses on Tuesday morning.

There are conflicting reports about the cause of the inferno. But an eyewitness said over 40 makeshift houses were razed, with over 100 occupants, including children, rendered homeless.

While some persons suspected that the fire might have started from a candle light in one of the houses, others said it was from a kerosine stove that was lit and mistakenly locked in a room.

Nobody died, but properties worth millions of naira, mostly electrical appliances, were reportedly lost to the fire, which occurred about 7:30am.

Most of the occupants were said to have left for work places before the fire started.

One of the victims, 27-year-old Grace Udeh, a hairdresser, who rushed back home from her workshop after her room in the two plots expanse of land had been razed, told reporters that she had no belongings again, except the clothes she wore to work.

She appealed to the state government and individuals to assist them.

Efforts by neighbours and local security service of the Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHLGA) to put out the fire were unsuccessful. However, it was finally quenched by men of the state fire service.

 

By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and other personalities are expected to attend ex-Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s annual lecture.

The 10th edition with the theme: “Leadership and Good Governance in Nigeria”, will hold today at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka. Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke is the chairman.

Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano is sponsoring this year’s edition to promote excellence and the right social values, which Anyaoku personifies.

Other states like Lagos, Ogun, Delta and Edo hosted the lecture in the past.

As Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Anyaoku initiated measures that ensured the enthronement of democracy and peace in South Africa and many African countries.

His statesmanship and roles in Nigeria, Africa and the world have been quintessential and exemplary since his retirement.

Osinbajo will be the special guest of honour, while Obiano will be the chief host.

Speakers at the event include Prof. Kingsley Muoghalu, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),  Prof. Hope Eghagha,  a don, playwright and columnist; and Senator Ben Murray Bruce, a business magnate, politician and founder of Silverbird Group, among others.

 

 

 

By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

History was made yesterday as the United Nigeria Airlines began commercial flight operations at the Bayelsa International Airport, Yenagoa.

Governor Douye Diri led top government functionaries and the Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Mr. Obiora Okonkwo, to take the inaugural fight, as the airline adds Yenagoa to its new destination from Lagos and Abuja.

As at 9am, elated Bayelsans had thronged the airport to see the plane.

Musicians entertained guests.

But as at 3pm, the plane was yet to arrive.

The lateness was said to have been caused by bad weather.

Intermittent rains also did not help matters at the venue, as some guests, who were not in the open space, ran to their vehicles and other places they could find shelter.

The plane eventually touched the ground about 4pm and was received by a wild jubilation.

The aircraft, which took off from the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 (MMA2) in Lagos exactly at 3pm, had on board Governor Diri, the airline’s Chairman, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, Tokyo Olympics Silver medallist in wrestling, Bayelsa-born Blessing Oborududu, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Ambassador Boladei Igali, members of the Bayelsa National Assembly caucus as well as House of Assembly members and commissioners, among other dignitaries.

Addressing the crowd on arrival, Diri said full commercial flight would commence in two weeks based on bookings made.

He noted that the commencement of commercial flight signalled economic development of the state by bringing Bayelsa to the world and the world to Bayelsa.

He said: “This significant event is the culmination of the aspirations that was birthed by the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor of the state, which was eventually built by Senator Seriake Dickson, my predecessor. And it is under my administration that this project was crystallised. This is a demonstration that team work truly works.

“I am happy to report to you that the pilot of the United Nigeria Airline said our runway is one of the best in Nigeria. It is our determination to make Bayelsa truly the Glory of All Lands and we are making Bayelsa a construction site.”

Diri also expressed gratitude to his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and his team whom he said worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.

Speaking on behalf of the state’s National Assembly caucus, Senator Moses Cleopas, representing Central Senatorial District, congratulated Governor Diri and Bayelsans for achieving the feat and lauded him for his visionary leadership.

 

By Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has passed a vote of no confidence in Mr. Ben Nwoye and removed him as the chairman.

He is accused of bad leadership and gross insubordination to the party authorities and attempting to balkanise the party

In a communiqué by 42 members of the executive committee, Nwoye is accused of insubordination to authorities and wanting to balkanise the party at the state level.

According to the communiqué, the decision was taken on the grounds of gross misconduct, disregard for the party’s constitution and congress guidelines as spelt out by the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party.

Addressing reporters at a news conference, the acting Deputy State Chairman, Prince Gilbert Nnaji, accompanied by other executive members, notably the Secretary, Chief Robert Eze, Woman Leader, Mrs. Oby Nwofor, Youth Leader, Joshua Mamah and Financial Secretary, Dr. Amaka Adonu and others, said: “The exco members have come together to rescue the party from its looming dismemberment, should Nwoye remain as the chairman.

In the communiqué, the 42 members of the state executive committee pushing for Nwoye’s removal, detailed a number of his actions, including his decision to unilaterally swear in ward executives even when the results had not been ratified by the CECPC.

Nnaji said: “The congress held nationwide was done within set guidelines. We witnessed the coming of the ward congress committee and even held a stakeholders’ meeting, from which we went on to witness one of the best congresses held nationwide where our leaders came together and peacefully elected their ward executives. Surprisingly, we saw our Chairman, Nwoye, wake up and swear in people who never contested in the congresses. This was happening even when the results were yet to be ratified by the CECPC, even as the Appeals Committee was yet to commence its hearing. This, you will agree with me, is a flagrant disregard for the guidelines and his conduct is unbecoming of an officer of the party, which is capable of causing rancour within the party’s fold and reducing our chances of winning the 2023 governorship election and winning in the state in the presidential election.”

The exco members also accused Nwoye of attempting to cause disaffection within the party by encouraging members to take the party to court, using a number of pretexts to do so.

They unanimously moved for his removal and appointed in his stead, Prince Nnaji, the deputy state chairman, as the acting chairman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

Edo State Government has generated over N3billion in less than three years, through the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), on the back of reforms by the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration, to ease the process of land registration and improvement in land management.

The Managing Director of EdoGIS, Frank Evbuomwan, an architect, who disclosed this yesterday in a chat with reporters in Benin, said the amount was raised between September 2018 and July 2021.

He noted that since the inception of the agency in September 2018, fraudulent practices in the process of registering land had been eliminated through digitisation of obtaining Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), compared with the past.

The EdoGIS chief said the agency planned to open zonal offices in Auchi, Edo North Senatorial District, and Uromi, Edo Central Senatorial District, before the end of 2021, with a target to issue a minimum of 10, 000 C of Os yearly.

He said: “We have been in existence since September 2018. In the first 18 months, we generated about a billion naira, but between 2018 and July this year, we have generated over N3billion to the government coffers.”

Evbuomwan said that EdoGIS had simplified the process of registering land ownership and reduced the timeframe and burden in applying for land titles.

He pointed out that the ease and convenience in processing title documents for landed property had opened the state for economic growth and attracted investors.

Evbuomwan said: “Edo State is now the destination for prospective investors, due to the speedy access to documentation and titling of lands, as well as guaranteed land property.

“Before the EdoGIS came on board, it took one to three years to get a Certificate of Occupancy. The Edo State government has simplified the process of obtaining land title and strengthened the security of land and title by signing into law, the Edo State Private Property Protection Law 2021.”

 

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has uncovered a plot by Senator Magnus Abe and his external collaborators to undermine its stability.

APC spokesman Chief Ogbonna Nwuke said in a statement yesterday that there was a plot to assign some judges, who had been used in the past to destabilise the party, as vacation judges.

He said that another case similar to the one before Justice Ben Whyte, which was seeking to secure an injunction against the APC, had been filed.

He said: “As we speak, we have come upon credible information that allies of Governor Nyesom Wike and Senator Magnus Abe have lined up new cases that are being filed by different persons this time.

“We have also learnt that some members of a judicial ring that has been used repeatedly in the past to deliver objectionable decisions are to be used as vacation judges.

“The plan is to secure injunctions by any means possible; injunctions intended to halt the APC, which by the grace of God, and the leadership of Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, is transforming into the mainstream party of the Rivers people.

“We have decided to bring the evil plots that are being hatched to the notice of the public. We urge Rivers people to prevail on the governor to go slow on his agenda to destabilise democratic structures, including his own political platform, using Rivers money to achieve such Machiavellian objectives.

“We are watching and this time, we will not keep quiet. We will speak! We are already monitoring their every move. We know who the collaborators are”.

Nwuke said the party would disclose the identities of the characters behind the plot and employ legitimate means to ensure the stability, cohesion, progress, orderliness and unity of the party in line with the provisions of the law.

He said the party was determined to expose the collaboration of the Rivers State Government with certain persons in the judiciary and to promote good governance anchored on public accountability, transparency, decency and the prudent use of resources belonging to Rivers people.

Abe could not be reached for comments, as his phone was switched off.

 

 

By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Government has stressed the need for the Federal Government to do more in terms of infrastructural development in the state, in view of its contributions to the national coffers.

Deputy Governor Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo stated this yesterday while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Capt. Jumaid Abdulahi, at the Government House, Yenagoa.

In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor hailed the BCDA for its decision to site five developmental projects in Nembe and Ekeremor local governments.

He described the decision as well thought out and responsive to the yearnings of the Niger Delta people.

Ehwrudjakpo assured the BCDA and the contractors of security and other forms of support, to ensure a hitch-free execution of the projects in their areas of location.

He, however, urged the contractors to show understanding with their host communities, particularly the youth, by engaging them in line with the local content policy of the Federal Government.

According to the deputy governor, most of the youth described as restive are actually not as being profiled, but are only seeking opportunities to be engaged.

He said: “We are quite elated whenever the Federal Government agencies do the needful in our state. We are happy that the BCDA has actually come up with these projects targeted at these boundary communities.

“As a contractor, I want to assure you that there is no encumbrance at all. What you have to do is a little understanding with the boys because they are also looking for employment. Don’t bring everybody from outside. The ones you can engage in the community, engage them to execute your projects.

“Again, there is need for the central government to do more in terms of infrastructural development in the state in view of its contributions to the national coffers.”

Capt. Abdulahi thanked the deputy governor for the warm reception, noting that the visit was to officially inform the state government of the projects allocated to the state.

The executive secretary, represented by an official of the BCDA, Mr. Usman Christopher, listed Obrigbene in Ekeremor Local Government as well as Ogbolomabiri and Okoroma in Nembe as host communities to the project.