The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • APC’ll win Enugu in 2023, says Ayogu

    APC’ll win Enugu in 2023, says Ayogu

    By Chris Oji Enugu

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 election in Enugu State, Senator Ayogu Eze, has said the party would take over the Government House in 2023.

    Ayogu spoke at the weekend when he presented foodstuff and cash to party members for the New Year. According to him,  two more governors in the Southeast were on their way to join the APC.

    He said: “A new dawn is about to begin for APC. If we play our card well, we will be in a position to form a new government in Enugu State. We need to lay a good foundation, and if we do, in 2023, APC will form the next government. We are now realigning, we are talking to our brothers and friends in other parties.

    “We want to strengthen the party structure at the grassroots so that in 2023, APC will form the next government in Enugu State.

    “We are not relenting, we are talking to our friends across parties and other divides, because you can see that APC is becoming like a beautiful bride in the Southeast, Ebonyi has fallen, Imo has fallen, and I can predict to you that one or two more states will fall very soon.

    “However, we must show that we are serious and committed. I must identify with the reservations expressed by the party leadership; we have manpower, we have serious personalities but they don’t come close to the party, there is no way we can build a party when all our big guys are not coming together.”

    Eze added that a president of Igbo extraction was possible with the commitment of members from the region.

    “We need to work for it as it will not just drop from the roof. We have to work for it and it means building alliances, building friends, because it is not something that we here can do alone. So, let us not try to be cagy and shut our doors. I believe if we work conscientiously, there is something that I see in the horizon coming for this party, but the key is unity,” he added.

  • Community recognised as Shell host-com

    Community recognised as Shell host-com

    By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

    Bayelsa State has approved the Ayakiri community in Gbarain clan of Yenagoa Local Government Area as a host to the operations of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

    The community, according to the December 16, 2020 approval, was separated from Ogboloma community of the same Gbarain clan.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development Thomson Amule, and Permanent Secretary Adeh Ebiere, said ‘Ayakiri, which is formerly known as Igbenbiri compound, will now be a recognised host community of the SPDC with its abundant oil and gas resources for exploration after 50 years of non-recognition’.

    A former Chief Medical Director of the Bayelsa State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Benjamin Tabowei, who confirmed this during a community peace and thanksgiving forum, said the approval would bring more peace and development to the area.

    Chairman of the Organising Committee Bruce Buba said Ayakiri traditionally comprises Igbenbiri, Onunu, Waripamo, Makurai, Egbuke and Timizi families, as direct descendants of Ogboloma community in Gbarain kingdom, during the slave trade era.

    He, however, said there was historical controversy over status, which was further broken by a comment that Ogboloma only has four compounds, excluding Igbenbiri.

    According to him, the comment led them to approach the government for registration and recognition. They were duly recognised and the process to gazette the approval within the first quarter of the year is ongoing.

    Acting Paramount Ruler Chief Emmanuel Onunu called for unity among indigenes of the newly-approved community and its neighbours. He prayed God to help the four-month-old community achieve its desired goals and development.

  • New year tragedy: Eleven injured, several others escape in Anambra multiple auto crash

    New year tragedy: Eleven injured, several others escape in Anambra multiple auto crash

    By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    Eleven persons were on Friday seriously injured in a multiple motor accident in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The accident which occurred around 2pm opposite a Catholic Church in the area involved six vehicles with 52  persons on board.

    An eye witness said the crash was caused by excessive speeding resulting in loss of control.

    The Nation gathered that the victims were rescued by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and rushed to various hospitals in the area for treatment.

    Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, FRSC, Andrew Kumapayi,  wished the injured accelerated recovery.

    He admonished motorists to avoid speeding especially in built up areas, insisting recommended speed limit or common sense speed limit should be applied while driving.

    Read Also: Anambra CP to 21 promoted officers: up your games

    He said, “A multiple and serious crash happened at Ihiala opposite St Anthony Catholic Church at about 0210 hrs today 1st January, 2021.

    “The crash involved 6 vehicle’s which includes, unidentified driver of Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Agb 268 ZT; Unidentified driver of a Mark Trailer with registration number GWA 456 YR and Unidentified driver of Toyota Hiace bus with registration number NEN 106 XQ.

    Others were unidentified driver of Acura MDX Jeep with registration number NZM 764 LK; Unidentified driver of Macapolo Luxurious bus with registration number AKD 483 XF and Unidentified driver of Hyundai Jeep with registration number EG 172 SMK.

    “Fifty two (52) persons were involved in the crash, which include 38 male adults and 14 female adults.  Eleven (11) persons sustained injuries and were taken to Obijackson Foundation and lady of Lourdes hospital respectively all in Ihiala for treatment by the FRSC rescue team from Ihiala.

    “Meanwhile FRSC rescue team from Ihiala are on ground controlling traffic as the obstructions have been cleared.”

  • Imo Ohanaeze Ndigbo sacks 13 members

    Imo Ohanaeze Ndigbo sacks 13 members

    By Chris Njoku, Owerri

    The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Imo State chapter, has suspended  13 members of the organization indefinitely for allegedly  violating some sections of its constitution.

    The organization which dismissed as false and misleading, recent media report of purported impeachment and vote of no confidence against its president, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said that a disciplinary committee would soon be set up to investigate the erring members.

    Ambassador Kenneth Nwachukwu-state secretary of the organization who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Owerri explained that only five, out of the 12 people who endorsed the purported “vote of no confidence petition” are authentic members of the executive committee of the body; stressing that the remaining 46 Exco members are solidly and firmly behind Chukwu’s leadership.

    Read Also: Ohaneze Ndigbo: Playing the exclusion politics?

    According to him, the innuendoes and insinuations of those disseminating the rumours of impeachment of Chukwu were merely opposed to the choice of a very renowned and highly respected son of the state- Professor George Obiozor, adding that Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state is holistically supportive of the candidacy of Ambassador Obiozor in conformity with the resolution of the elders and leaders of the state.

    “This is an Imo Ohanaeze solemn resolution and it has nothing to do with Dr. Ezechi Chukwu as a person and our support for Obiozor is based on merit and the added value his leadership portends compared with other equally qualified sons of ours who showed interest.”

    Quoting relevant portions of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution to back up his assertion, Nwachukwu also dismissed as spurious, allegations making the rounds that Ezechi Chukwu had concluded plans to engage non-registered members of the body as delegates to the forth coming election, contending that this is at variance with the provisions of the organization

  • Crossover Night: Boy, 20, crushed to death, as driver escapes in Delta

    Crossover Night: Boy, 20, crushed to death, as driver escapes in Delta

    By Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

    An unidentified young man believed to be in his 20s was crushed to death by suspected commercial driver a few hours to the crossover night in Warri South local government area, Delta state.

    It was learnt that the identity of the driver could not be ascertained, but an eye witness at the scene of the incident, said the deceased was among those throwing fireworks as part of the celebration when he was knocked down.

    The driver, according to the witness escaped with his car for the fear of being lynched by angry mob who went after the car but couldn’t get it but rather throwing stones at it.

    Speaking further, the witness said the throwing of fireworks on the streets of Warri and across the state was against the directives of the Delta state government to abstain from it.

  • First Lady presents gifts to New Year Day babies across Edo councils

    First Lady presents gifts to New Year Day babies across Edo councils

    By Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief

     

    The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has presented gifts to children born on New Year Day across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    Mrs. Obaseki, yesterday in an online statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Peter Okonkwo, made the presentations on January 1 this year to the managements of the hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 18 LGAs of the state, through the chairpersons of the LG councils.

    Edo First Lady, who opted for the mode of distribution due to the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, was determined to ensure that children born on New Year Day in the rural and urban areas of the state, did not miss out of the annual gesture.

    The first baby of the year in Edo State, Ibrahim, was born 10 minutes into the New Year, weighing 4.4kg, at the PHC in Akharuma, Auchi in Etsako West LGA, while the baby’s mother, Hassana Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to Edo First Lady for the surprise gifts and care.

    In the same Etsako West LGA, Muhammed was born at 12:45am at Agbede General Hospital, weighing 3.4kg, while Okhamhi was born exactly 2:30am at the PHC, Usokwili in Auchi, Etsako West LGA, weighing 3.6kg at birth. Whole their gifts were delivered by the wife of the Etsako West Local Government Council Chairman, Hajia Khadijat Imonofi.

    The second baby of the year in the entire Edo State, a boy, was born in Ikpoba/Okha LGA at 18 minutes past midnight at the PHC in Idogbo.

    Oredo LGA recorded its first baby of the year at 2:15 a.m. at Central Hospital, Benin, a boy, weighing 2.7kg, while Faith Mediplex took delivery of Osagie at 3:28 a.m., weighing 3.6kg, with St Philomena Hospital taking delivery of Itakpe Taiye weighing 3.25kg at 6:18 a.m., while their gifts were presented to the managements of the hospitals by the Chairperson of the LG council, Mrs. Ndali Jenkins-Osunde.

    In Esan Central LGA, the New Year babies’ gifts were presented by the Chairperson, Mrs. Mary Edokpa, to the managements of District Hospital Ewu, Divine Clinic and Maternity, Irrua and Model PHC, Irrua.

    The Chairperson of Esan West LG Council, Mrs. Blessing Obinyan, also presented the New Year babies- gifts to the management of General Hospital Ekpoma, the PHC, Ukpenu and Esohe Hospital, Ekpoma.

    Parents of the babies and the chairpersons of the LGAs hailed Mrs. Obaseki for the laudable initiative, which they said made it possible for children born in rural areas to be beneficiaries of the New Year babies’ gifts, as well as their counterparts in the urban areas.

     

  • N/Delta students oppose IYC’s protest against NDDC boss

    N/Delta students oppose IYC’s protest against NDDC boss

    From Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

     

     

    Niger Delta students at the weekend faulted the protest staged on the East-West Road by the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide calling for the removal of the Sole Administrator, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Effiong Akwa.

    The Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) in a statement signed by its National President, Nepba Goodness said the protest was borne out of ethnic sentiment, saying the region was not only about the IYC.

    Goodness said the students from the region were in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to appoint a sole administrator for the NDDC to temporarily manage the affairs of the commission pending conclusion of the ongoing forensic audit.

    “Our position is based on critical evaluations of the circumstances surrounding the NDDC, ranging from series of litigations to the need to comprehensively conclude the ongoing forensic audit currently at the commission”, he said.

    He said the region lacked employment, educational empowerment and requisite infrastructures because the NDDC over the years squandered huge revenue allocated to it.

    “The appointment of the Acting Executive Administrator is therefore a product of necessity, and should not receive negative implications and unnecessary protest. Any attempt to undermine these facts, amount to insensitivity.

    “A region made up of the Ijaws, Ogonis, Ifik, Anang, Ibibio, Urhobo, Igbos and many other numerous nations cannot be held to ransom by few persons. The resources that we own are collectively produced from the soil of these groups, and they share same and equal stake in the activities of the region, therefore shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

     

  • Obiano lifts suspension of three traditional rulers 

    Obiano lifts suspension of three traditional rulers 

    Nwanosike Onu, Awka 

     

    THE Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has reinstated three of the 13 suspended traditional rulers in the State, who visited Abuja without permission few months ago

    He said on Friday that his decision was in the spirit of the New Year.

    The monarchs had traveled to Abuja to visit President Mohammaduu Buhari on the instance of the oil mogul Arthur Eze without Obiano’s authorisation

    Obiano had about three weeks ago dethroned three of the monarchs by withdrawing their certificates of recognition, while suspension on five were equally, lifted .

    Amongst the dethroned monarchs were Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G.B.C. Mbakwe of Abacha.

    Those whose suspension were lifted included Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo, Igwe A.N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Uche of Ezira

    Read Also: ‘Obiano can’t stop us from developing Anambra’

    However,  on Friday, the state government in a public service announcement by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Greg Obi, said in the spirit of the new year, the state governor, Willie Obiano, had pardoned the monarchs whose suspensions were still being  held

    According to the government, “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Anambra State,in a new year act of magnanimity, has decided to lift the suspension of three remaining traditional rulers effective  immediately in exercise of the powers bestowed on him under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law of 2007 as amended”.

    “The affected traditional rulers are : Igwe Kelly N Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, and Igwe Peter A Uyanwa of Ukwulu”

     

  • Nze Cornelius Agwunobi for burial on January 6

    Nze Cornelius Agwunobi for burial on January 6

    Kunle Akinrinade

     

    THE remains of Chief Cornelius Asuzu Agwunobi, will be interred on January 6, 2020 at his country home in Duruji –Amugbara, Isuobishi, Isu Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The renowned community leader and lawyer died at age 84.

    An obsequies released by the family signed by his son, Asiwaju Martins Agwunobi, said “a Christian wake will be held on January 5 at his country home in Duruji –Amugbara, Isuobishi.

    ‘’There will also be a requiem mass on January 6 by 10 am at St. Philomena Catholic Church at Isuobishi in Isu Local Government Area, while interment will be held  at his country home in Duruji –Amugbara, Isuobishi in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State.’’

    The deceased is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo election: Igbo groups woo OYC president for secretary general’s position

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo election: Igbo groups woo OYC president for secretary general’s position

    Innocent Duru

     

    IGBO youths, student unions, women association, key traditional rulers in Abia State, among others have called on the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC), Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, to vie for the Secretary General’s position in the forthcoming election of the apex body.

    The groups made the call on Thursday, when they stormed Isiguzoro’s residence  at Ntighauzo Amairi Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state to rejoice with him for successfully undergoing surgeries in India.

    According to Mr. Obinna Atuma who spoke on behalf of one of the bodies, “we are here to rejoice with our brother and leader, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who recently returned back to Nigeria from India after fatal accident. Isiguzoro has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the promotion of Igbo interests and the welfare of the youths. There is no doubt that he has piloted the affairs of the Ohanaeze Youth Council with all sense of humility, transparency and togetherness.

    Read Also: Igbos want presidency, not Biafra – Ohaneze

    “We thank God for sparing the life of Mazi Isiguzoro and pray that God should continue to bestow on him with more wisdoms to steer the affairs of Ndigbo and beyond.”

    They further unanimously resolved and begged Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro to join the race for the Secretary General seat of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, positing that the latter has the leadership acumen that would take Ndigbo to the next level of development and national integration.

    Isiguzoro thanked members of the Igbo groups for their solidarity, reassuring that he is unrelenting in his desire for Ndigbo to occupy their rightful place in the nation’s scheme of things.