Category: Southeast report

The Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration, through the state’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Centre, is empowering youths to harness and develop their talents and innovative skills in endeavours for self-reliance and economic emancipation.

The Enugu SME Centre, in partnership with AutoEase Ltd, is engaging 400 youths in Auto-revamp Innovation Training Programme (AITP), to learn life-long skills in the automobile industry.

These skills include how to repair damaged vehicles and build new cars from older models, among others.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on SMEs Development and Director General, Enugu SMEs Centre, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, said the first batch of the beneficiaries, who participated in the eight-month-long Auto-revamp Innovation Training Programme (AITP), have graduated and received their certificates.

He said the second and third batches of the beneficiaries are undergoing training, while application for participation in the fourth batch is ongoing via: www.enugusmeautojobs.com.

Governor Ugwuanyi yesterday inaugurated the newly reconstituted state Judicial Service Commission, after swearing in Mr. Ben Ezeugwu, Mr. Ifeanyi Jonathan-Ogbu and Mr. Emmanuel Ugwu, as members.

Inaugurating the commission at the EXCO Chamber, Government House, Enugu, the governor said that the exercise was pursuant to the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as the Enugu State Judicial Service Commission Law Cap. 60, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004 (as amended), “following the expiration of the tenure of the prevision Commission by effluxion of time”.

Ugwuanyi said the Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, is the chairman of the commission, while the Attorney-General, Chief Miletus Eze and the President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, Justice George Chibueze Nnamani, are members by virtue of their positions (ex-officio).

He said the rest members were nominated and subsequently confirmed by the House of Assembly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Bassey Anthony, Uyo

A ravine caused by erosion has submerged three buildings on Ikpa Road, in Itu Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

The incident has displaced residents, who appealed to the state government to help contain the life-threatening ravine.

The councillor representing Ward 14, Oku 3, Mr. Michael Okon, said the erosion had constituted a challenge to the community.

He said to prevent visitors from falling into the ravine, youths have mobilised themselves to keep vigil in the area and direct people to the other side of the road.

He added that they have taken video clips of the area and sent them to the government, to address the situation.

‘’We woke up a few days ago to see this disaster. We have made efforts to organise the youth to stand here and control the vehicles going to Uyo City Polytechnic, Barracks Road, Calabar-Itu and other places.

“Students cannot access schools in this area. So Keke stops here and then the youth will direct them on how to go to the other side so that they will not fall inside the ravine.

“I have spent four nights here because when it happened, some people did not know that something like was going on. So, by putting on light, we have been able to save people from speeding into the ravine.

“We have taken video clips and pictures of the ravine and sent them to the government. I believe Governor Udom Emmanuel has seen them.”

One of the Keke Napep operators, Mr. Joseph Umah, said: “Since the problem started, I hardly go home because there is no road. The government should do something about this road.”

A resident, who identified himself as Effiong, urged the government to intervene, to save lives.

Environment and Solid Minerals Commissioner Mr. Charles Udoh said there is nothing the government can do until the rains stop.

He appealed to the residents to endure the situation.

 

 

 

By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu

A bill to ban open grazing in Enugu State yesterday passed first reading at the House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill, which will regulate cattle ranching in the state, the House Leader, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, said it is for the security of lives and property.

The lawmaker, citing relevant sections of the House order, assured the citizens that the bill would pass through the procedures of lawmaking, including the public hearing stage.

Ezeugwu, who represents Udenu State Constituency, warned the media and the public against politicising the legislation, which was only presented and as such had not been deliberated on by the lawmakers.

He said politicising the bill would truncate the peace enjoyed by the residents.

Ezeugwu said: “Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I am going to move for the first reading of the bill, which is just mere mentioning of the bill. It has to do with security.

“So, while thanking members of the press, there is no speculation about bills, more especially when it has to do with security.”

Speaker Edward Ubosi urged his colleagues to go through the bill, to make contributions to the legislation that would boost security in the state.

 

 

 

 

By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu

The crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has worsened, as members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) yesterday announced the removal of the Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, for alleged anti-party activities.

They also accused him of gross insubordination to party statutory authorities, adding that he wanted to cause division and instigate crisis within the rank-and-file of the party.

The SEC has announced Nwoye’s deputy, Prince Chikwado Nnaji, as the acting state caretaker chairman.

Addressing a news conference in Enugu, Nnaji said 42 out of the 57 members of the SEC ratified Nwoye’s removal.

He said the SEC removed Nwoye to save the party from further crisis.

Nnaji accused Nwoye of handing over the party to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The SEC, in a communiqué by 42 members, namely the Secretary, Chief Robert Eze;  Woman Leader, Mrs. Oby Nwofor; Youth Leader, Joshua Mamah;  Financial Secretary, Dr. Amaka Adonu, among others, said: “We came together to rescue the party from its looming dismemberment should Nwoye remain as the chairman.”

Contacted, Nwoye described the suspension as a ruse, noting that those involved in the announcement were impostors.

“I will not respond to them because they are impostors. I’ve just concluded a meeting with the real SEC members at the party office,” he said.

 

 

By Chris Njoku, Owerri
Former governor of Imo State Senator Rochas Okorocha has faulted Monday’s court ruling ordering the forfeiture of his acquired properties while in office.

Justice Fred Njemanze (SAN) had ruled that the ex-governor should forfeit the properties/assets contained in the White Paper by the Commission of Inquiry set up by the government, which indicted him.

However, reacting, Okorocha through his media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, faulted the ruling, alleging that the judge gave out the ruling as a parting gift to the state government, as he (Justice Njemanze) retired from service a day after the judgment.

Counsel for Imo State Government in the application for forfeiture of assets acquired by Okorocha, Louis Alozie, (SAN), has said that people were dispossessed of their properties during his (Okorocha’s) administration.

He said the citizens suffered deprivation and forceful acquisition of their properties during the eight years tenure of the Okorocha administration.

Said he: “For us , we thank God that Imo State people, who have been crying over the deprivation, over forceful acquisition of their properties by the former governor, have today, with the ruling and recommendation in the government White Paper,  recovered their properties.

“So, those private persons have now recovered their properties because the condition is that they should be returned to their original owners. Those original owners, including mechanics and artisans, who were dispossessed of their properties, have now gotten them without much ado.”

He frowned at the manner the former governor grabbed individuals’ and government’s properties, using his wife and family members as fronts to develop and sell them.

 

By Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has praised the judiciary for standing firm in defence of the country’s constitution and its statutes.

Reacting to the unanimous judgment delivered by the three justices of the Appeal Court, Kano Judicial Division, yesterday, the National Chairman of the party, Ozonkpu Victor Oye, through the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tex Okechukwu, described the judgment as a watershed in Nigeria’s political life.

He praised the justices that sat over the case for their courage, uprightness and commitment to the promotion of justice, equity and fairness.

Oye said the judgment had renewed the hope of the people in the judiciary and appealed to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association to ensure that any judge or lawyer found guilty of professional misconduct was brought to justice.

He took the opportunity to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do the needful without further delay by publishing the name of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the rightful candidate of APGA for the November 6 Anambra State governorship election.

Congratulating millions of APGA supporters across the country, especially those of them in Anambra State, Oye thanked them for their steadfastness and support.

The governorship candidate of APGA, Chukwuma Umeoji and the acting National Chairman of the party, Chief Jude Okeke, have rejected the judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Kano, which has set aside the judgment of the Jigawa High Court, which had declared them as chairman of the party and the governorship only candidate.

Okeke’s lawyers have been instructed to take necessary steps to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court, saying the judgment is just a mere temporary setback, which will be set aside by the Supreme Court as quickly and easily as possible.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said: “The Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji campaign will therefore continue unhindered pending the judgment of the Supreme Court where victory is assured.

“All supporters and party members are therefore urged to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while maintaining the confidence level, as there is nothing that can stop an idea whose time has come.”

By Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

The newly-appointed Coordinator of Edo State Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Benin, Dr. Georgina Eromosele, has urged residents to support the efforts of Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his wife, Betsy, in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and domestic violence.

She spoke to reporters yesterday in Benin while assuming duty at the centre named after the late teenager-victim of rape, Vivian Ugu.

Eromosele noted that Edo residents’ support should be by way of prompt reporting of incidence of sexual and gender-based violence, as soon as they happened, to law enforcement agencies, to get victims to avail themselves of medical and sundry services at the centre.

She assured residents of round-the-clock response at the centre, stressing that the government had equipped the centre to cater for the needs of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, with plan underway for 24/7 phone helpline for the public for prompt, secure and unhindered reporting of sexual assault and gender-based violence.

Eromosele said the help rendered to the victims was free of charge.

She said Obaseki and his wife were passionate about addressing the rising incidence of sexual violence.

She said the government would establish branches of the centre in the 18 local governments, to tackle rape.

Said she: “The Vivian Centre is one of a kind in the country. It is well positioned to serve as a safe environment where survivors are given the required care and support they need, including medical examination, screening and preventive treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually-transmitted infections.

“The collection of forensic evidence and the screening for drugs, where the use of stupefying substances is suspected, are also part of the centre’s tasks.”

Eromosele, who had served as the head of the District Hospital, Ekiadolor, near Benin, advised Edo residents to support the Obaseki administration.

 

 

 

By Okodili Ndidi, Abuja

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Uche Nwosu, has said it is not yet time to disclose his plans for 2023.

Although he affirmed that his ambition to govern Imo State is still intact, Nwosu said all options are open ahead of the 2023 general election.

He spoke at a dinner organised to mark his 46th birthday in Abuja.

Nwosu said as a politician, he was not ruling out anything, but would prefer to keep his 2023 plan close to his chest.

He thanked God for the love and support he had enjoyed from his political family and supporters.

“The year 2023 is still far. For me, I will keep it to my chest. When 2023 comes, 2023 will talk for itself. For me, I’m a politician and I’m a businessman. So, let’s wait till 2023,” he said.

Nwosu, who spoke on the occasion of his 46th birthday in Abuja, reflected on the events of 2019, expressing shock that things turned out the way they did.

He advised youths to aspire for leadership positions, adding that they should sustain their belief in the Nigerian project.

Nwosu solicited the support of leaders across party lines for the youth, who he insisted are leaders of tomorrow.

“Nigerian youths are one of the best not only in Africa, but also in the entire world. They have done well; the only thing they need is support, mentorship, bringing them from where they are to another level,” he said.

According to him, “Nigeria is our country, we don’t have any other country than Nigeria. The issue of saying Nigeria has gone gaga has not arisen because I’m wondering when you say Nigeria has gone gaga.

“That means your mother has gone gaga, because Nigeria is our mother. For me, they should keep faith. I call on our leaders to support Nigerian youths because these are the leaders of tomorrow. I believe that when you build a youth, you are building the nation and when you destroy youths, automatically you are destroying the nation.

“The young shall grow is not 20-30 years to come; the young shall grow starts with our Nigerian youths. The leaders should also allow us to exercise that thing inside us so that they will know that we also have leadership qualities in us.”

On his future expectations, especially as he marked his 46 years birthday, Nwosu noted that “my life is all about giving, so I will continue giving to humanity. Giving to humanity is my life and this is what I have chosen to do. There is no change, but all I ask is for God to give me more years so that I can also impact on many people.

“Yes, it has not been easy growing up, but at this stage, I can only say thank God for where he has kept me. As I said earlier, it’s all about giving back to the society.

“What I think I am going to do for the rest of the years that God is going to keep me in this world is to give back to humanity. There is no joy more than giving back to the society and making people happy and feeling happy. Once you do that, you are on top of it.”

The dinner was attended by APC chieftains, including Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Rochas Okorocha, diplomats, political associates of the celebrant, among other personalities..

 

By Nsa Gill, Calabar

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja will today hear applications filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the December 5, 2020 by-election for Cross River North Senatorial seat, Joe Agi, SAN, as well as from Senator Steven Odey of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Agi, SAN and Senator Odey both lost out in the judgment delivered by the Appeal Tribunal in Calabar on July 30, which declared Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, also of the PDP, as the lawful candidate of the party for the by-election, therefore, the senator-elect for the seat.

Agi and Odey are crying foul over the Appeal Tribunal judgment. While Agi is asking for a review, Odey wants the judgment, which ousted him from the Senate, to be set aside.

In the application due to be heard today in Abuja, Agi in the court documents said his motion is pursuant to Section 6(6), 246(3) of the 1999 Constitution –(as amended and Order 6 Rule 12: Order 19 Rule 4) of the Court of Appeal Rule s 2016 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

He asked the court “to amend, correct and or set aside the order made in her judgment of July 30, which directed that Jarigbe be issued the Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the application Agi is arguing that to return a person who did not participate in all stages of the election is in breach of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Also that Jarigbe did not file a cross petition and so cannot be entitled to any relief of the court warranting his being declared a winner of the election.

He insisted that the Court of Appeal judgment of July 30 was in error and should be reviewed and corrected to return him as the winner, having scored the highest lawful vote in the by-election in which the PDP had no lawful candidate.

Senator Odey insisted that the July 30 judgment was in error because  Jarigbe did not file a cross petition and so cannot be entitled to any relief of the court warranting his being declared a winner of the election.

He said he polled the highest votes in the election as declared by INEC and he was duly sponsored by his party, PDP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Bisi Olaniyi, Benin and Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

The crisis involving Benin people at Obazuwa community in Ovia Northeast Local Government of Edo State and Ijaw, over a disputed land, yesterday resulted in the death of an elderly Benin man, Pa William Amuawosa.

The oldest man at Obazuwa, Pa Agidi Roland, fondly called Odionwere, also a Benin man, who was injured in the attack, is receiving treatment in an undisclosed Edo hospital.

The disputed area at Obazuwa is referred to as Iko by the Benin, but called Ikoro by the Ijaw.

It was gathered yesterday in Benin City that many houses, vehicles and domestic animals were destroyed and burnt in the attack, allegedly by Ijaw youths.

One of the Benin leaders at Obazuwa, who spoke in confidence yesterday through the phone, said: “Ijaw people are claiming to be the owners of Obazuwa. We don’t know what we have done to them. They carried guns and came to Obazuwa through the waterside, shooting at Benin people. They destroyed and burnt our houses, vehicles and other valuables. They have been disturbing us for a long time.

“We want the state and federal governments to rescue us. They (Ijaw people) have pursued our (Benin people), including the elderly, out of their houses at Obazuwa.”

The President, Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), Curtis Ugbo, condemned the attack on Benin people at Obazuwa by the Ijaw.

He urged the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration and security agencies to intervene.

The Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Olodiama Clan, Samuel Ebiwana, however, denied the allegations levelled against the Ijaw. He claimed that they (the Ijaw) lost three persons to the attack by Benin youths, adding that many of his kinsmen were either injured or missing.

Police spokesman Bello Kontongs, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said at a news that he had not been briefed by the area’s Divisional Police Officer (DPO).

The President, ljaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has decried the crisis between the lkoro, an ljaw community and the Obazuwa, a Bini community, all in Edo State.

Okaba, in a statement yesterday, urged the communities to sheathe their swords and embrace peace and unity.

He condemned the avoidable conflict, which had involved the use of lethal weapons, resulting in the destruction of lives and property.

Okaba said the development was not acceptable to the ljaw and the Bini.

He said the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities are minorities who have suffered the same fate of oppression, neglect, deprivation, exploitation and marginalisation generally in the wider Nigeria clime.

Okaba, a professor of Sociology at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, said: “Rather than coalesce efforts, strategies, tactics and energy to combat our common enemies, it is regrettable that two neighbouring communities, who share similar existential challenges, can engage themselves in acts of self-destruction, especially at this auspicious moment of our nationhood that has made inter-ethnic unity, cooperation and solidarity more imperative.

“We, therefore, call on these warring communities to sheathe their swords and embrace peaceful dialogue and arbitration processes to address whatever reasons are behind this conflict that has led to the degree of provocation and aggression we have seen so far.

“The ljaw and the Bini and by extension,  other Niger Delta groups should eschew bitterness and explore non-violent mechanisms and options to resolve their grievances. There is and cannot be a better alternative to constructive dialogue and engagement in conflict resolution and management.

“As minorities in the Nigerian contraption, we are too endangered in a community of predatory wolves in sheep clothing to resort to internal wrangling and any act of self-extermination.”

The INC boss, therefore, appealed to Governor Obaseki, who is the chief security officer of the state, to act within the ambit of his power to restore peace and normalcy to the warring communities.

He said the INC is confident that Obaseki will extend his fatherly tentacles and treat the parties involved equally as citizens of Edo State without ethnic biases.

Okaba added: “We are willing and well equipped to partner the government and the good people of Edo State  and particularly the leadership of the Bini socio-cultural organisation in their search for peace to these intractable crises springing up between the ljaw and the Bini in Edo State.

“It may suffice to note that the ljaw are aborigines in the delta coastline, who were never conquered and therefore must be so treated with the dignity and respect they deserve in their ancestral homes, despite being minorities as occasioned and orchestrated by state antics of balkanisation.

“While we continue to leverage the strategic initiatives initiated by the INC and the leadership of the Conference of President Generals of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities to build stronger unity among our people, we wish to thank the security agencies for their intervention and call on both sides to remain calm.

“Let brotherly love reign and the spirit of unity prevail and guide our co-existence and relationships as we march on this common route to self-determination and fulfilment.”