The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Gas pipeline explodes in Port Harcourt  

    Gas pipeline explodes in Port Harcourt  

    By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

    A gas pipeline explosion in Oduoha, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, has created tension in the community.

    The pipeline, which passes through the community to a terminal in Bonny, was said to have exploded Tuesday morning.

    There was confusion whether the pipeline is owned by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) or the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

    As at 12 noon on Wednesday, gas was still leaking from the ruptured pipe.

    Paramount Ruler of Oduoha Chief Ferdinand Ogbuehi said the explosion caused panic and forced many residents to flee.

    He said: “From 4am till now, the people have been in fear. The vibration has sent many packing. We are not at rest. We have not seen this type of thing before. We want the government to come and see what is happening.

    “We have announced that nobody should go there. We don’t want fire to destroy our community. We want the government to come.”

    Community Development Committee Chairman Sir Napoleon Ewule said the community had contacted the two companies whose facilities were on the line. He said the firms promised to visit the scene to ascertain whose facilities caused the explosion.

    He said: “About 4:12am, we heard an explosion. We were thinking an aeroplane crashed in our community.

    “I called on the youths and we went there to see what happened. The effect is much. We came back and told our people to avoid the area. We called on NLNG to find out what is happening.

    “There are two pipelines there – one for Agip and another for NLNG. When they come for inspection we will know who owns the one that exploded. The effect is much; the smell and the pepperish heat. The government should come in and stop the leakage.”

  • Pay our lecturers, students beg Ayade

    Pay our lecturers, students beg Ayade

    By Nsa Gill, Calabar

    Students of the Cross River State College of Health Technology (CHT) have begged Governor Ben Ayade to pay their lecturers to ward off an imminent strike.

    A letter by President of the Students Union Government (SUG) Chima Kedemiti reads: “We join the teaching and non-teaching staff of the college in requesting that you please restore the industrial harmony in our college by interfacing with the various unions on campus to find lasting solution to issues relating to strike.

    “These demands have become pertinent to protect our citadel of intellectual justice. We believe the governor would not allow us embark on protest during this time of COVID-19 before our prayers are granted.”

    Findings show that the government has refused to pay workers of the staff of college their November and December 2020 salary over the disputed salary structure, known as Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).

    CONTEDISS, which was approved by the Federal Government for all tertiary institutions, was domesticated in the state in 2013. The College of Health Technology started benefiting from it in September 2018, until November 2019 when the government reversed the payment structure to the initial 70 per cent CONTISS-2 which became outdated on July 1, 2009.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters Comrade Effiong Umoh said his office was intervening in the case.

    The 45 magistrates whose salaries have not been paid for 24 months have continued their protest at the Governor’s Office. The protest is in its third day.

    One of them however collapsed on the second day but he was resuscitated.

  • How Umahi forced us to swear to an oath, by ex-coordinators

    How Umahi forced us to swear to an oath, by ex-coordinators

    By Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

     

    Former Ebonyi State community development coordinators yesterday accused Governor David Umahi of forcing them to swear to an oath of loyalty to him.

    Under the aegis of G64 Group, they told reporters at a press  conference in Abakaliki,  the state capital, that the first oath was in 2015 while the second one was in 2017.

    One of the coordinators, who pleaded not to be named, told The Nation they were given water from an unknown source to drink.

    Asked why they did not resist the alleged fetish routine, the coordinator said they feared for their safety, as they had no idea what awaited them outside should they refuse.

    Speaking through their Chairman, Mr Ukpai Okechukwu, and Vice-Chairman Okoeze Fredrick at the briefing, they said: “In September 2015, he forced us to take oath as a precondition for offering us a political appointment of the intent of which was to compel us to always follow his dictates, show unalloyed loyalty to him and that he would make us millionaires.

    “In September 2017 also, we were again compelled to take oath in furtherance of our pledge to give unequivocal and unwavering loyalty to him.”

    The former coordinators accused the governor of reneging on several promises he made to them before the 2019 general elections.

    They said he fired them after they worked for his re-election.

    “The governor promised to give us new Hyundai branded jeeps which we would take home as parting gifts.

    “We were regularly taken to the presidential lodge, old government house Abakaliki and shown the Hyundai jeeps and severally reminded that our getting the jeeps were solely and exclusively dependent on the 2019 election victory.

    “He also promised to give each of us a parcel of land at Ochudo Centenary City and the sum of N5million to fence it.

    “He promised to give each one of us one lock-up shop at the International Market which would belong to us in perpetuity and two lock-up shops for the development centres in which we served as a source of internally generated revenue.

    “In furtherance of this particular project, we were made to sign a memorandum of understanding that allowed the 13 local government areas in the state to pull funds for the prosecution of the project through the office of the secretary to the state government, Dr Kenneth ?gbala who is the Chairman of the shops allocation committee,” they said.

    The coordinators also alleged that they were told by the governor to go and borrow money to prosecute the 2019 elections and ensure they delivered their wards and development centres which would guarantee them re-appointment.

    The former appointees said the reward they got for delivering their wards was that the governor seized their salaries for March and April and sacked them on April 30, 2019.

    They further alleged that after their sack, the governor also refused to pay them their benefits.

    The governor, they added, later asked them to reapply for the positions and after their applications, they were subjected to an oral interview with the governor.

    “It was in the course of the interview that one of us, late Mr Sunday Igboke, the immediate past coordinator of Ngbo North Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area slumped and died in his presence, just as soon as the Governor told him that he would not be returned as coordinator, considering the level of indebtedness that the governor got all us into, including the deceased,” they said.

    They said it was heartbreaking that the governor till date has not deemed it necessary to visit and commiserate with the family of this fallen foot soldier.

    The coordinators accused the governor, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plotting to destroy the PDP.

    They vowed to resist attempts to destroy the PDP, a party they vowed not to abandon.

    But, the governor denied the allegations through his media aide, Francis Nwaze, who said it was the coordinators who tried to use voodoo powers on Umahi but failed.

    “Those former coordinators are simply devils incarnate who are masquerading as humans. The said accusation is a lie from the pit of hell and is being spread by oscillating local champions.

    “Governor David Umahi is a true Christian and a deacon in Christ Embassy Church and does not believe or have hand in fetish things.

    “I can assuredly tell you that they failed in their attempt to use voodoo powers on Governor Umahi because of his firm belief in God.

    “Discard the said information as it has no truth in it,” Nwaze said.

    Also reacting, Information Commissioner Uchenna Orji described the allegations as “cheap blackmail ochestrated by political detractors whose vaunting ambitions have reduced them into petty and rustic thinkers”.

    The commissioner said: “The governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Nweze Umahi, has no time for lies by frustrated politicians.

    “We have no time to react to attention-seekers who have been rejected by their people for their untoward mannerisms.

    “Let them know that He that is in our Governor is greater than he that is them and so we are not perturbed by their antics.

    “The people of Ebonyi State are with our dear Governor and they appreciate the great legacies and excellent hallmarks attained by him in the state.

    “Let them know that our Governor is by all standards a model of good governance whose fame in human capital and infrastructural development is being celebrated across the nation.

    “It is only gullible  former Coordinators of Development Centres (if any) that can allow themselves to be hoodwinked into speaking negatively about our dear governor, but such former coordinators (if any) must go the way of failed politicians who are now gnashing their teeth in the ailing PDP.”

  • Appeal Court reserves judgment in suit seeking Dickson’s disqualification

    Appeal Court reserves judgment in suit seeking Dickson’s disqualification

    By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

    The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has reserved its judgment in the appeal against the ruling of Justice Jane Inyang of the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    Justice Inyang, on November 11, 2020, struck out the originating summons brought by Owoupele Eneoriekumoh, a kinsman of former Governor Seriake Dickson, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Dickson, in a pre-election matter for want of jurisdiction.

    Owoupele had prayed the court to disqualify Dickson for submitting forged information contained in his INEC EC9 form.

    At the appeal hearing on January 5, Eneoriekumoh’s lawyer, Ebikebuna Aluzu, urged the court to allow the appeal by reversing the ruling of the trial court, and further discountenance with the second and third respondents’ briefs of arguments having been filed out of time.

    Lawyer for the second respondent Nicholas Obhise, and also holding the brief of F. N. Nwosu, lawyer for Dickson, urged the appellate court to uphold the decision of the trial court and dismiss the appeal.

    But the court reserved its judgment for a later date to be communicated to the parties.

  • Anambra commissioner resigns

    Anambra commissioner resigns

    Nwanosike Onu Awka 

     

    ANAMBRA State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce Christian Madubuko has resigned.

    Madubuko, in his resignation letter, alleged that Obiano had not shown enough leadership qualities

    He also alleged endemic corruption in the system, and since he had integrity, he could no longer endure it.

    Madubuko was at different times Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce; Road, Rail and Water Transportation, and Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism.

    The resignation letter reads: “It is my pleasure to thank all of you for the time we spent together in the service of our state. Indeed, it was three years of action-packed lessons, both positive and negative.

    “In the cause of fighting corrupt individuals, all manner of frivolous petitions against me were written to the governor, accusing me of several misdeeds, particularly destabilising our party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and advising the governor to remove me before I do more harm to the party.

    “Agents of darkness also tried to bribe me with millions but I arrested them to the applause of the governor. Within these three years, I have been redeployed to three key ministries.

    “With these happenings, it became clear that when you fight corruption, it fights back in several forms. I now understand clearly why Nigeria (nay Africa) can never develop like Europe.

    “I came down from Australia to help in developing our state. I worked tirelessly to actualise that dream. In working to meet the target, we set up mobile courts and jailed revenue thieves and significantly raised the state revenue.

    “I fought parasitic interests and jailed many of them. I stepped on toes, risking my own life for the survival of the state. Those toes are now on the prowl for my life. I am no longer safe as I speak. Three different times, I received baptism of fire from unknown persons.

    “I was attacked several times at the Onitsha Main Market by agents of the revenue criminals.

    “I advise Governor Willie Obiano to rise up to the challenges of leadership and take charge of his government. This is because at the end of it all, the governor alone takes all the glory for things done right and blames for things done wrong.

    “I have balanced all and brought all to mind and decided to leave.”

    One of the commissioners, who pleaded for anonymity, said there was nothing wrong with resigning from a political post. “If you are not comfortable with the government you are serving, you can quit, there is no big deal about that,” he said.

    The Nation further gathered that two other commissioners will resign soon.

     

  • UNIBEN to resume 2019/2020, 2020/2021 sessions

    UNIBEN to resume 2019/2020, 2020/2021 sessions

    Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

     

    THE University of Benin (UNIBEN) will resume for the 2019/2020 academic session on January 30 and the 2020/2021 session in April, it has been learnt.

    Spokesperson Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, in a statement yesterday, said: “At the end of the University’s Senate meeting yesterday, it was resolved that old students should come into residence on January 30 for the continuation of first semester lectures. The semester is expected to run until the April 1, while second semester is billed to start on April 5.

    “For the 2020/2021 amended calendar, new students are to undergo online clearance from April 5 to April 30, and start orientation on May 3.

    Read Also: UNIBEN at 50: We have cause to celebrate – VC

    “All returning students (old and new) are required to fill an online questionnaire and submit the printout to the Dean of Students before resumption. Adhere strictly to the non-medical protocols of compulsory use of face masks, hand sanitisers and physical distancing. Possession of an android/smartphone or device is advised, as e-learning has become inevitable.

    “They are expected to comply with acceptable dress codes, as determined by the university, in line with societal norms and values. Returning students with any ailment are to ensure that they are properly treated before resumption.”

  • ‘No herdsman was chased out of Ebonyi’

    ‘No herdsman was chased out of Ebonyi’

     Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

     

    EBONYI State and Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association (MACBAN) have said no herdsman was attacked or chased out of the state.

    A video and audio recording on social media alleged that some herdsmen were attacked and chased out of the state.

    But the government yesterday said the video was false. It described it as the handwork of the enemies of state, and called on security agencies to arrest the perpetrators.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice Cletus Ofoke, who chairs the Committee on Herdsmen/Farmers Relationship, said neither the security agencies nor the committee received any report of such development.

    He said: “The video suggests that some herders and their families were attacked and chased out of Ebonyi. We didn’t witness or receive any report; neither did we get information from the association or security agencies.

    “The video and audio in circulation are not the true position of things. Each time there are issues, we interact with them. We have channels of communication from the local government level to state level.

    “Nothing like that exists between the herders and farmers.”

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Kenneth Ugbala described the message behind the viral video as misleading and an act of falsehood.

    He said: “The video is false. Through the governor, we have enjoyed peace with our herder-brothers. We can no longer remember the issue of clashes between herdsmen and farmers. The video is perpetrated by the enemies of state.”

    Read Also: COVID-19: Ebonyi reopens schools Jan. 18

    A statement by MACBAN Secretary Alhaji Sani described the video as false, fake, and misleading, and an orchestrated attempt by mischief makers and enemies of peace. According to him, members of the association are at peace with their hosts.

    The statement reads: “Herdsmen in Ebonyi State have co-habited peacefully with their host communities without any fear of molestation, threat or intimidation to them or their cows”.

    According to Sani, the herdsman in the video left Ebonyi on his own volition to his hometown in Taraba State.

    Commissioner of Police Philip Maku also debunked the authenticity of such video.

    “Herdsmen are not under attack or being chased out of Ebonyi State. Alhaji Adamu peacefully and willingly relocated to Taraba State,” he added.

     

  • How ex-Ebonyi coordinator died, by council chair

    How ex-Ebonyi coordinator died, by council chair

    By Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

    Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State Clement Odah has debunked reports that Governor David Umahi abandoned the family of late Sunday Igboke.

    Igboke, a former coordinator of Ngbo North Development Centre in Ohaukwu council, slumped to death during a screening for his reappointment.

    But some of his colleagues, who were not reappointed, accused Umahi of abandoning the bereaved family. They claimed the late Igboke slumped to death at the screening ground after the governor told him he would not be re-appointed.

    But Odah cautioned the former coordinators to desist from conniving with the enemies of state to drag Umahi’s image in the mud. He said the governor didn’t abandon the family, as he appointed the deceased’s wife as a Technical Assistant, a position she occupies till date.

    The council chairman said the late Igboke did not die at the interview venue, but hours later in the hospital.

    According to him, the governor had addressed the candidates before Igboke slumped, adding that Igboke slumped as voting was about to begin.

    He said: “The late Sunday Igboke was one of the best we had, he was a honest man, very committed and dedicated to his duty. His death is most unfortunate. We miss him, and we will continue to pray for God to grant his soul peaceful rest.

    “We were in the interview room at the ecumenical centre, and it was the turn of Ngbo north. The basis of this interview was to ensure we had the best person for the job. There was an improvement on the selection process and procedure.

    “The process was still on because, naturally, all the contestants will vote for themselves. Personally, I had recommended for him to be returned like most of his colleagues, so if the process was completed, I’m sure he would have been returned but we didn’t get there. We saw him get to the ground.

    “The governor suspended the interview and attended to Igboke. Umahi is not a doctor but he personally attended to him, I moved and picked him up. In the hospital, we brought in all the doctors. They were attending to him and prayers were on but he died at the end.

    “I am sure he would have been returned because nobody could have done the work better than him, especially on security issues.”

  • ‘Shun Edo’s pension scheme’

    ‘Shun Edo’s pension scheme’

    Our Reporter

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Edo State has directed its members to shun enrolment into the government’s contributory pension scheme.

    A statement on Sunday by the Assistant General Secretary, Moni Itua, said the decision was a follow-up to the resolution of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) at its December 29, 2020 meeting.

    The union, on December 29, 2020, gave the government 21 days to meet its 10-point demand bordering on poor conditions of service, among others.

    Itua said: “I have been directed to inform all school heads and primary school teachers not to fill any document having to do with contributory pension scheme, no matter the source of such document, until the union directs otherwise.

    “The directive became inevitable because the two fundamental issues raised by the union concerning the pension scheme have not received government’s positive response.”

    According to Itua, the fundamental issues yet to be resolved include the tier of government that will be responsible for the monthly remittance of 10 per cent to the pension accounts of individual teachers, particularly those at the primary school level.

    Also, the NUT wants the government to cater for the accrued gratuity entitlements of teachers, before the scheme becomes effective.

  • Imo workers not owed salary, says Uzodimma

    Imo workers not owed salary, says Uzodimma

    By Chris Njoku, Owerri

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has paid workers their December salary, it has been learnt.

    Uzodimma, who spoke through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, hinted of plans to publish names of 40,000 civil servants and 21,000 pensioners who have been paid fully. He vowed to silence his detractors ‘who have been constantly discrediting his administration’.

    He said: “I have paid workers their salaries up to date. Anyone who has not been paid may have unresolved documentation issues.

    “Those parading falsehood of unpaid salaries to shut up as they have no constructive criticisms to offer the public.”

    The governor, however, challenged his critics to publish the list of those who have not been paid with all the relevant automation data, showing that they are real civil servants.

    Uzodimma reminded the rumour mongers of the consequences of falsehood

    “They should publish what they have but should they publish falsehood, then they will have to face the music of the legal consequences of their unpatriotic actions,” he added.