The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Former PDP lawmaker, others defect to APC

    Former PDP lawmaker, others defect to APC

    Our Reporter

     

    A former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Obinna Okenwa, on Sunday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Okenwa represented Enugu South Urban in the state assembly from 2015 to 2019 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He declared for the APC with over 500 of his supporters including his father, Chief Emma Okenwa, one-time deputy chairman of the PDP in the state.

    Read Also: Fresh rumble in S/West PDP over 2023

    The former legislator said that he decided to join the new party due to its progressive nature, adding that the PDP had lost touch with reality.

    He solicited the support of the APC to enable them contribute meaningfully to the success of the party in the state and beyond.

    “We are joining the APC with our supporters, family members and well- wishers with a promise to make a difference.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • APC still strong in Bayelsa, says Sylva

    APC still strong in Bayelsa, says Sylva

     Jide Orintunsin

     

    In spite of last year’s electoral misfortune, the Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, said on Sunday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was still strong in Bayelsa State.

    He spoke after revalidating his membership of the ruling party at the on-going nationwide membership registration, update and revalidation at New Camp Unit, Ward 4 (Agadama), Brass Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    Sylva urged APC members in the state and those yet to join the party to take advantage of the ongoing exercise in the ruling party to get registered.

    “APC is a strong party in Bayelsa. The love for our party is growing everyday. So opportunity has presented itself for those that are yet to join us to take advantage of this exercise and join the fold.

    “As we all know politics is about number, our great party, APC, is doing everything possible to encourage internal democracy where all members’ voices will be heard. We hail the party for giving Nigerians this opportunity.”

    Read Also: Sylva’s autogas push

    The minister was accompanied by party faithful to carry out the revalidation.

    The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Registration Committee, Aminu Abba Tukur, later presented the new membership card slip with number BY/BRS/01/00001 to the minister after filling necessary details.

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Daura, Katsina State, launched the party’s nationwide membership registration, update and revalidation.

  • ‘Anambra needs people like Anyaoku to lead elders council’

    ‘Anambra needs people like Anyaoku to lead elders council’

     Nwanosike Onu, Awka

     

    One of the frontline governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Mr. Maxwell Okoye, has said the state needs what he calls elders council to function well

    The council, according to him, will parade people like former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Simon Okeke, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Mbazuluike Amechi among others

    Speaking with The Nation on Sunday in Awka, Okoye said the role of the council would be to always meet with the President to tell him the problems in the state.

    According to him, “Anambra State is an oil producing state, yet, nobody recognises us. Our governor has not lived up to his responsibilities and our rights continue to elude us.

    “We need overhauling of the system. We need to take Anambra to the Federal Government. We should give the elders council such responsibility.”

    Read Also: Anambra Assembly shut over virus scare

    He said other parties would use the coming governorship election in Anambra to know that APC had arrived in the state.

    On how to tackle other parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okoye, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Southeast director, said PDP had died a natural death in Anambra State.

    “PDP doesn’t exist any more in Anambra State and nationally. The party is now like a club meeting.

    “Don’t be surprised that their chieftains will soon move to the APC. Peter Obi is not a force against APC; his strategy has always been the church.  We are mobilising and soon, you will see where the action is,” he said.

     

  • Uzodimma intensifies work on Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze Road

    Uzodimma intensifies work on Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze Road

     Damian Duruiheoma, Owerri

     

    Residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, have hailed Governor Hope Uzodimma for fulfilling his promise of delivering infrastructural projects to improve lives.

    They commended him for intensifying work on the much talked-about Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze Road.

    The road is a major bypass from Aba and Port Harcourt roads.

    The road is also a major connection to the city’s three federal institutions: Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Police Training College, Owerri as well as the Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri.

    Before now, it was commonly known to be impassable and an eyesore during the rainy season because of the flooded nature of the area.

     

     

     

  • Fed Govt disburses grants to 2,800 women in Enugu

    Fed Govt disburses grants to 2,800 women in Enugu

    Our Reporter

     

    The Federal Government on Sunday began the disbursement of grants to 2,800 rural women in Enugu State under the Grant for Rural Women  Project.

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajia Sadiya Farouk  said the project was part of Federal Government‘s National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).Farouk, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Bashir Alkali, said the programme was designed for the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in the country.

    She said the scheme was a demonstration of government’s efforts to address some development challenges faced by Nigerians.

    Read Also:  Fed Govt generates N1.9tr from petrol sales in one year

    According to her, the Federal Government has since 2015 paid more attention to addressing the plight of the poor and vulnerable in spite of daunting revenue challenges.”It is in view of this that President Muhammadu Buhari graciously approved the expansion of the programme to touch more lives and lift more Nigerians above the poverty breadline, “she said.

    The minister said that President Buhari had since the creation of the ministry in 2019 restructured the NSIP to respond to peculiarities of different parts of the country.She explained that the grant was introduced in 2020 to sustain the social inclusion agenda of the current administration in line with its vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.”

     

     

  • Wike others mourn as Okowa’s father dies at 88

    Wike others mourn as Okowa’s father dies at 88

    By Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

    Arthur Okowa, the father of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, is dead.

    It was gathered that he died on Thursday at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

    The Nation learnt that the governor’s father died on Thursday morning.

    He was born in August 1932 at Owa Alero in Ika North East Local Government.

    Although no official statement of his death has been made by his family, sources confirmed the development.

    One of the governor’s brothers, Solomon, wrote on his Facebook page to lament the death of their patriarch.

    He said: “Daddy is gone to rest. Wonderful and strong daddy. A comforter, adviser, disciplinarian, God’s lover, peaceful and joyful loving father to all. May he rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

    A retired teacher, Pa. Okowa, fondly called AOU, was the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero in Owa kingdom.

    His death occurred a few hours after the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Tim Owhefere, died after battling an undisclosed ailment for weeks.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday mourned Pa Okowa.

    Read Also: Okowa congratulates new CDS, Gen. Irabor

    Wike, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, in Port Harcourt, described the death of the patriarch as a great loss to the people of Delta State.

    Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and a former Senate President, David Mark, have condoled with Governor Okowa over the demise of his father.

    Omo-Agege and Mark in statements in Abuja yesterday said the late Pa Okowa led a worthy and exemplary life.

    The Deputy Senate President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, noted that Okowa’s father led a fulfilling life and endeared himself to his people, who continue to appreciate his worth.

    He said: “I was shocked to hear of his passing on in the early hours of January 28.

    “As a father to many other than his biological children, Sir Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa meant a lot to the people of Owa Alero in Ika North East Local Government where he was born in 1932.

    “Popularly called ‘AOU’ by all, Sir Okowa, the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero, remained close to his place of birth and inspired many towards achieving true greatness.

    “I commiserate with the family of our dear Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the good people of Owa-Alero over the transition of this great man to eternal realms.

    “May God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and grant all he left behind, fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

    Also, Mark in a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, commiserated with the government and people of the state over the death of the governor’s father.

    The former Senate helmsman noted that the death coming on the heels of a gas explosion that claimed lives and property in Agbor last week must have been devastating to the government and people of the state at this time.

    Mark, who described the incident as unfortunate and heart-breaking, urged the governor to be strong for his people to lean on.

    He described the late Sir Okowa as a pathfinder who trained his children to be patriotic and responsible citizens, contributing to the socio-political and economic development of the nation.

  • Akwa Ibom loses $5m daily for non-ship ownership

    Akwa Ibom loses $5m daily for non-ship ownership

     Bassey Anthony, Uyo

     

    THE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Norfin Offshore Shipyard, Mr. Iniekong Udonwa, has said Akwa Ibom State Government loses $5million revenue over inability of its indigenes to involve in ship ownership business.

    Udonwa, who briefed reporters at Norfin Offshore Shipyard in Oruk-Anam Local Government, urged the indigenes to develop interest in the maritime industry.

    He said the state produced 65 per cent of crude oil in Nigeria and there was need for Akwa Ibom people to get involved in the maritime sector.

    “This is a money spinning investment, and Akwa Ibom is losing $5million daily following the inability of our people to get involved in ship owning business and investment in the maritime sector. All we are concerned with is politics.”

     

     

  • Cross River House confirms Ikpeme as substantive CJ

    Cross River House confirms Ikpeme as substantive CJ

    Nsa Gill, Calabar

     

    CROSS River State House of Assembly has confirmed Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive chief judge after rejecting her twice.

    The confirmation followed a letter by the Secretary to the State Government, Tina Banku Agbor, upon the directive of Governor Ben Ayade to the legislature.

    The letter said: “I am directed to forward the name of Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme for confirmation by the Honourable House as Chief Judge of Cross River State in the state public service.

    “The purpose of this letter therefore is to request Mr. Speaker and honourable members to please grant the consequential confirmation of the nominee for formal appointment as chief judge of Cross River State in the state public service.”

    Speaker Eteng Jonah Williams, who presided over the confirmation session, told reporters that the House got additional information, which has caused the Assembly to change its mind and give the nod.

    Read Also: Cross River demolishes kidnap suspects’ houses

    He denied reports that the assembly regarded Justice Ikpeme as a security risk to the state at the time they first rejected her nomination in November 2019. Williams said: “At no time did we grant any interview as a legislature to say that she was a security risk to the state. We have additional information that has led to this confirmation today. She is qualified and we trust that she will dispense justice without fear or favour. She should be fair in the discharge of her duties.”

    The speaker added that he believed the confirmation of Justice Ikpeme would bring peace to the judiciary.

    Cross River State judiciary has been without a substantive chief judge since November 28, 2019 when the last substantive Chief Judge, Justice Michael Edem, retired.

    Justice Ikpeme as the next in rank of seniority was sworn in, in acting capacity of a three-month duration pending her confirmation by the National Judicial Council and the further recommendation of the governor to the assembly for the final constitutional confirmation.

    The governor recommended her to the assembly on the last day of her three months in acting capacity, but in what many believed was rather a political intrigue, the assembly refused to confirm Justice Ikpeme.

     

     

     

  • Delta Assembly majority leader dead

    Delta Assembly majority leader dead

     Elo Edremoda, Warri

     

    DELTA State House of Assembly Majority Leader Sir Tim Kome Owhefere is dead.

    Owhefere, a four-time lawmaker, died around 11pm on Wednesday at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, after being hospitalised for about two weeks.

    The deceased, who represented Isoko North Constituency, hailed from Akiowhe in Isoko Local Government.

    Although there was no official statement about his death at press time, sources confirmed the sad development yesterday morning.

    A post on the Facebook page of his media aide, Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, which has drawn condolence messages, however, confirms his death.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden demise of Owhefere.

    He commiserated with the bereaved family.

    The governor’s condolence was conveyed on Thursday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill two in Delta

    Okowa described Owhefere as a committed, hardworking, patriotic and thoroughbred lawmaker, who served the state and his constituents diligently.

    He said the deceased would be remembered for his humility, patriotism and commitment to the handling of the affairs of the Assembly as house leader from 2015.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on Thursday commiserated with the family of the majority leader.

    He said his death was a great loss to Delta State.

    Former Senate President David Mark on Thursday mourned Owhefere.

    He commiserated with the bereaved family and lamented that the majority leader died in his prime when his services were most needed.

  • Missing Anambra ex-commissioner’s wife implores Buhari, IGP, Obiano to intervene

    Missing Anambra ex-commissioner’s wife implores Buhari, IGP, Obiano to intervene

    By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    Mrs. Chioma Madubuko, wife of the missing ex-commissioner for Trade and Commerce in Anambra State, Dr. Christian Madubuko, has cried out from her base in Australia over the condition of her husband.

    She spoke with The Nation on Wednesday on the phone, lamenting that her children were in pains over their missing father.

    Mrs. Madubuko begged President Muhammadu Buhari, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu and Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano to rescue her husband.

    Dr. Madubuko was kidnapped on January 13, two weeks after he resigned from Obiano’s government. He had urged the governor to be in control of his administration.

    On Tuesday, his kinsmen at Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government protested, pleading with the government to help in securing the release of their son.

    Narrating her ordeal, Mrs. Madubuko said she had been going through trauma with her three children over the incident.

    Read Also; Presidency intervenes as Akeredolu’s ultimatum to herders expires

    She said: “It started on January 13 when my husband called me and we spoke at length as usual. He told me he was going to meet some government officials that he would call me later.

    “When he didn’t call, I called him and he didn’t pick. My thinking was that he would call later. When I waited for long, I decided to call again, but his two lines were switched off. I waited for him to call, to no avail.

    “I became worried and I had to call his people at home, who told me he travelled to Awka. On the night of January 15, I opened the social media and saw the news that Dr. Madubuko had been kidnapped.

    “I was shocked. I started calling people in government, but they told me there was no cause for alarm and I relaxed.

    “Since then, the situation has not been the same. Things are not working well. My children have been calling their father’s lines and I don’t know what to tell them again.

    “The worst part of it is that their dad was planning the party day of our daughter. I’ve lied to them about their father’s whereabouts.

    “I’m pleading with our President, the Inspector-General of Police, our Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to help us locate and release my husband. The pains are becoming too much for me and the children.”

    The President of Nigeria Association in Australia, Uche Okorie, a lawyer, described the situation as a national embarrassment.

    He said everybody should be involved in securing Madubuko’s freedom.

    Okorie described the former commissioner as the pride of Nigerians and Igbo in particular living in Australia, noting that security agencies and the government should make sure they returned Madubuko hale and hearty.

    He said their worry was not only that Madubuko was kidnapped, but that the person who served his people meritoriously was going “through this form of torture.”

    The leader of Ndigbo in Australia, Dr. Uche Menakaya, said it was the first time those living in the country got government appointment, which they celebrated and asked why?

    “We appeal to them to return him to us, his family in Anambra State, his wife and three children aged 13, 9 and 7,” he added.