The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Ngige: Obiano has taken Anambra 20 years backward

    Ngige: Obiano has taken Anambra 20 years backward

    By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

    Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige has accused Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano of taking the state 20 years backward.

    The minister said the stagnation, depreciation and retrogression are making the people wish the hand of the clock could be turned back.

    Ngige, in a statement from his media office, accused Obiano of wasting the opportunity given to him after inheriting a ‘virile and robust state resources’.

    He challenged Governor Obiano to state his achievements, beyond bequeathing a mounting regime of debts to generations unborn.

    Read Also; Cleric to Obiano: address traffic gridlock on Niger bridge

    Ngige described his 34 months renaissance as governor of Anambra as unrivalled, and dismissed a parody performance rating of him by Obiano as hogwash.

    The statement reads: “This governor has taken Anambra State 20 years backwards, making the people wish the hand of the clock could be turned back. The stagnation, depreciation and retrogression are mindboggling. What a wasted opportunity for a governor who inherited virile and robust state resources.

    “The eventful era of Ngige has remained a parameter for judging successive administrations in Anambra, going by his unprecedented achievements and quantum of projects executed by his administration in just three years.

    “It is important to remind James Eze, who authored the diatribe, that Ngige took over power at a critical stage in the history of Anambra, with years of salary and pension arrears, dilapidated infrastructure and mounting debts owed banks and international lenders, yet, Ngige did not sell off state assets to take off.

    “Ngige neither received a formal handover note, nor inherited N75 billion in local and foreign currencies from his predecessor. He inherited Anambra in a state of anomie. Yet, he not only liberated the state, but left it at an enviable height…”

  • ‘Obaseki can’t blame Oshiomhole for failure’

    ‘Obaseki can’t blame Oshiomhole for failure’

    By Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Prince John Mayaki, has said Governor Godwin Obaseki should not blame former APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for another four years of failure.

    He chided Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for ‘suffering delusionary obsession with Oshiomhole’ amid repeated calls for the governor to explain his alleged reckless borrowings.

    Mayaki was reacting to a statement by PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, accusing him of acting as Oshiomhole’s mouthpiece for his criticism of the governor’s plan to obtain another N18 billion loan.

    He dismissed the attribution of his criticisms to Oshiomhole as a feeble attempt to distract people from the substance of the matter, saying he had not seen Oshiomhole since the September 19, 2020, governorship election.

    Read Also: Edo PDP, APC in war of words over Obaseki’s secret N18b loan bid

    Mayaki said: “Obaseki and his party of tax-collectors must seek cure to their delusionary obsession with Comrade Oshiomhole. I have not seen Oshiomhole since last year’s election, and I cannot be said to be speaking his mind on any matter.

    “For four years, Obaseki sang the name ‘Oshiomhole’ like a broken record, and made it his default response to questions asked on his failure to pay salaries, build modern and durable infrastructure, and secure the lives and property of Edo people since his tragic emergence in 2016. He cannot do that again for another four years.

    “Rather than distract from the real issues with a needless focus on name-calling, it is important to re-establish the fact that Obaseki is mortgaging the future of Edo with reckless borrowings that lack mandatory legislative approval, as recommended by the constitution, and a transparent account of spending for independent checks and verification.

    “It is shocking that less than a month since the governor secretly obtained N25 billion loan, he has returned to the market to shop for another N18 billion, without providing an account of how he spent the N25 billion or a defence of the additional borrowing. This is a perversion of democracy and must be condemned.”

  • Obiano to aspirants: tell ndi Anambra your plans

    Obiano to aspirants: tell ndi Anambra your plans

    By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    Ahead of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano has called on aspirants from opposition parties to focus on their plans for the people instead of attacking him.

    Obiano said marketing their plans and strategies to the people will advance their aspirations instead.

    The governor has been under attacks, from aspiring successors, for alleged poor performance.

    Obiano, who spoke on Thursday in Awka through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C-Don Adinuba, advised the opposition parties to go about their campaigns with decorum.

    According to Adinuba, Governor Obiano has improved on governance and overall public good since becoming governor. He accused one of the partie of denying workers one year salary, the children education.

    Read Also; Ngige: Obiano has taken Anambra 20 years backward

    He said: “Anambra State will not wish to return to the era where a governor would be kidnapped and the party forged his letter of resignation. The party which burnt the House of Assembly Complex, Governor’s Lodge in Onitsha, Government House in Awka, the Judiciary, the Anambra Broadcasting Service complex, and some other public buildings, does not have the moral justification to rule the state again.

    “The party that falsified election results and engaged in the most unconscionable looting called the ‘Irrevocable Payment Standing Orders’ through which many contractors were allegedly paid regardless of the job they did or did not do, will not rule the state again.

    “They put the state into peonage and brought it to ruin. They cannot expect to make a comeback to strangle the state completely.

    “INEC has released the timetable, there is need for aspirants to conduct themselves orderly just like in 2017, otherwise they would face the people’s wrath.”

  • ‘Southeast stakeholders meeting will strengthen Anambra APC’

    ‘Southeast stakeholders meeting will strengthen Anambra APC’

    By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Anambra State, Senator Andy Uba, has said the Southeast meeting of the party will strengthen it ahead of the November election.

    Uba, who spoke on Thursday, said the party was ready for the election, but members need to form a solid front to chase out the present administration.

    He said: “APC has what it takes to win the November election. If we come together as a united front, other political parties should go and rest.

    Read Also; INEC fixes Nov 6 for Anambra poll

    “I know after the Southeast meeting of our party in Awka this weekend, we will have cause to thank God because it will be the beginning of the journey to the Government House.

    “However, no one is writing off any political party. I know they are equally prepared like APC, but let’s see how far they will go.”

    The meeting earlier scheduled for today has been shifted till tomorrow, Caretaker Chairman Basil Ejidike said.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma would lead other party leaders to the meeting.

  • ‘Uzodimma not borrowing to fund road projects’

    ‘Uzodimma not borrowing to fund road projects’

    By Damian Duruiheoma, Owerri

    Imo State has said Governor Hope Uzodimma is not borrowing to fund ongoing road projects across the state.

    The government said it would soon complete 49 roads within the state capital and across the state, 29 of which were inherited from the previous administration.

    Commissioner for Works Ralph Nwosu, who addressed reporters at the weekend, said the governor was deploying best prudent manner to utilise funds saved in the last one year and ‘is not borrowing to fund ongoing road projects’.

    According to him, the governor is working to surpass the people’s expectations, especially on road construction, design and maintenance.

    “Despite the rising cost of materials, we’re assuring you of best jobs. We’re not compromising quality and won’t allow anyone to cut corners with our projects,” Nwosu said.

    The commissioner also assured the people that no contractor would abscond with money without completing the project.

    The Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze road, he said, is set to be re-awarded to a new contractor following the ‘headache’ the government was getting from the road.

    “That road and others became embarrassing to us because they became impassable. It’s a shame we’re still talking of road construction in Owerri. If the people, who had been here in the last eight years, had given the people quality roads, we won’t be talking about road construction in Owerri today.

    “But, the good thing is that the potholes have gone. This is courtesy of the heavy interventions we have made to save our people of the embarrassment of potholes after de-silting the drains,” he added.

    The governor has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for the initiative in engaging 774,000 youths as part of its Social Intervention Programme (SIP).

    Uzodimma said the 27,000 beneficiaries from Imo will assist in stimulating the economy and curb crimes.

    The governor, who spoke at the kick off of the Extended Special Public Works Programme, thanked the president for always thinking of how best to serve the interests of Nigerians.

    Uzodimma, who was represented by the Secretary to State Government, Cosmas Iwu, said: “For us in Imo State, we are appreciative of the federal government’s gesture because it means the youths who have been engaged in this programme will ameliorate the economic situation in their various homes and the state at large.”

  • Fed Govt awards N1.4b to fight erosion in Anambra communities

    Fed Govt awards N1.4b to fight erosion in Anambra communities

    By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    Federal Government has approved N1.4 billion to address erosion in Alor and Nnobi communities, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Some buildings in Alor are at the verge of being submerged by the gully, while the Nda-Nnobi road is close to being cut off.

    The contract is awarded to TELESIS Firm, and is to be completed within 16 months.

    The people of Alor on Monday sang praise songs to appreciate their son and Minister of Labour adn Employment, Chris Ngige, for rescuing them from the impending doom.

    The monarch, Ebelechukwu Chukwumesili, said the community would ensure the firm is not distracted.

    Representative of the Ecology Office from Abuja, Udochi Nwachukwu, told the communities that the project would help humanity. According to him, the Ecology office had no abandoned projects in the state.

    He said: “We’re here to introduce the contractor to the community. We don’t like frictions; any complain should be channelled to the contractor or the sponsor of the project

    “We plead for support. We have over 1,000 applications for such projects but have not got it, you should thank your son, Senator Chris Ngige, for bringing this project to you…”

  • Obaseki swears in eight high court judges

    Obaseki swears in eight high court judges

    Our Reporter

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has promised that his administration would keep supporting the judiciary.

    He spoke yesterday when he swore in eight new judges for the State High Court.

    Obaseki congratulated the judges, and urged them to carry out their duties without fear or favour as their appointment is from God.

    He said: “History is made with the swearing in of eight new judges for the Edo State High Court, which is part of our commitment to strengthen the judiciary. For us to have a virile democracy, we must strengthen the rule of law, making sure the judiciary is one of the strongest arms of our democracy.

    “This morning, we are a step further in fulfilling our desire to make Edo one of the strongest judiciary hubs in Nigeria. Our dream of making Edo an economic hub will not be realised if our laws are not strong.

    “Without law and order, without security, we cannot attract the required level of investment to create the jobs and provide the socio- economic activities which we promised our people.

    “We will continue as executives to invest in the required infrastructure for the judges to work more effectively and smoothly. We will be handing over the newly built Court Complex this week. It has been connected to Ossiomo Power grid with 24/7 electricity supply. We have connected broadband to the building, making it ready for the deployment of technology.”

    Aziegbemhin Idemudia, who responded on behalf of the new judges, promised they will uphold justice and stand against corruption and impunity.

    He said: “We shall abide by the oath of office, uphold the principle of justice, ethics of the profession and dispense justice to all without fear or favour…”

  • Diri preaches unity, entrepreneurship to kinsmen

    Diri preaches unity, entrepreneurship to kinsmen

    From Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

     

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has urged the people of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area to eschew politics of bitterness and be united in love.

    Diri said the people should take advantage of his administration’s economic policy to be self-reliant in agriculture.

    The governor spoke at his Sampou community during the eight edition of the annual KOLGA Day/Thanksgiving Service convened by General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey.

    A statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said KOLGA people should recognise God’s hand in his becoming governor and use the opportunity to better their lot.

    The statement reads: “This is an event for the Kolokuma/Opokuma people to exude love, unity and peace. Let us not sacrifice our love on the altar of politics. Politics should not be an instrument to divide us.

    “You know I was one of the apostles of the move to produce a Kolokuma/Opokuma son as governor, and for over 10 years I was in that movement. I never knew God would say you are the person to lead one day.

    “I enjoin other councils to discuss the development of their area. It should not always be what you can get as a person from government. This is the time for us to build the roads, build the bridges and go into agriculture, trading and business.

    “What will bring food to the table is agriculture, doing business and having small scale industries. This government is determined to help us move away from relying on politicians and political appointees for assistance.

    “The Ijaw man has never been beggarly. The true Ijaw man respects himself and works hard. Likewise our women, who also work to improve their standard of living.”

    In his sermon titled ‘Yes, God Can,’ Apostle Zilly-Aggrey stressed that God had always proved Himself to turn around situations that seemed impossible to men.

    According to him, Diri becoming governor was a case of God turning things around when man had lost hope.

    The cleric admonished the people to make thanksgiving a lifestyle.

  • Chevron denies oil spill from Bayelsa facility

    Chevron denies oil spill from Bayelsa facility

    From Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

     

    Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and CNL (the NNPC/CNL JV), has debunked claims of oil spill in its facility in Bayelsa State.

    Some fishermen on Sunday alleged that oil spill happened at Funiwa oilfield operated by CNL Koluama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, disrupting their business.

    They also claimed they noticed crude on the waters near the facility as helicopters were seen overflying the area.

    But a statement yesterday by CNL’s General Manager (Policy, Government and Public Affairs) Esimaje Brikinn said there had been no oil leakage or spill at any of their facilities in Bayelsa. According to him, the crude oil seen in the environment was not from their operations.

    He said: “CNL remains committed to protecting people and the environment as well as conducting its operations reliably and efficiently.”

  • Ruling on Ebonyi PDP leadership tussle stalled

    Ruling on Ebonyi PDP leadership tussle stalled

    From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

     

     

    The High Court of Ebonyi State in Abakaliki yesterday failed to rule on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership tussle.

    It scheduled ruling in the suit by the Onyekachi Nwebonyi-led executive faction which challenged the dissolution of the Ward, Local Government and State executives by the national leadership.

    But Justice Vincent Nwanchor abruptly adjourned the case apparently to douse tension created by the parties involved the matter.

    A mild drama had played out during the sitting as PDP lawyer, Mudi Erhenede, who is also one of the respondents, argued that the court should stay further action on the matter.

    He told the court that the defendants were challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case in the Appellate Court.

    Erhenede contended that for the interest of justice and fairness, it was proper for the lower court to stay action on the matter pending determination of the appeal.

    But lawyer to the plaintiffs, Arthur Obi, said it was a settled law that a ruling of the court could not be arrested for whatsoever reason, except for abuse of court processes.

    He noted that the ground canvassed by the defendants to arrest the proposed ruling was not tenable in law.