Category: Southeast report

Our Reporter

The Federal Government’s N25b refund to Anambra State for its rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal roads has pitted Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) against Governor Willie Obiano.

Senator Ubah, at a news conference yesterday, gave Obiano 72 hours to address the people on why he discounted the promissory notes with about N8 billion  ahead of their maturity dates.

Ubah threatened to sue the government if Obiano fails to heed his request.

The promissory notes were issued to Anambra State by the Debt Management Office (DMO) in December 2018 and April 2019 to the tune of N10.097 billion and N15.146 billion. They had maturity dates of December 28, 2020 and April 1, 2022.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment C-Don Adinuba, in a statement, denied that the state raised money from ‘the DMO or the Federal Ministry of Finance under a bond, or any financial instrument from any institution or organisation’.

But Ubah, who had documents to support his claims, insisted that the N25 billion was expected to be paid in two instalments.

He lamented that of the amount, only N16.1 billion was realised by the government after Obiano discounted the promissory notes at 15 and 13 per cent, through a commercial bank.

According to him, the state lost N8.85 billion after the promissory notes were acquired at discounted rates.

He said: “The governor paid banks over N8 billion to cash out the promissory notes before their maturity dates, thereby ensuring that Anambra lost the amount from the transactions.”

According to the documents obtained from the DMO by Ubah, the amount and tenor of the first promissory note was N10,097,722,436.90 and issued on December 28, 2018, with a maturity date of December 28, 2020.

The second promissory note of N15,146, 583, 655.00 was issued by the DMO on April 1, 2019, with a maturity date of April 1, 2022.

The letter from the DMO to Ubah reads: “…these were the only promissory notes issued to the Anambra State government which fully settled the outstanding claims of the state as approved by the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.”

Ubah also alleged that ‘in order for Governor Obiano to cash out on the N25 billion that hadn’t matured, he terminated the deal by giving up 15 and 13 per cent of the total sums per annum.

He added: “The governor paid about N3 billion in bank charges for N10 billion on the first promissory note and N4.5 billion on the second promissory note of N15 billion.”

The lawmaker, however, vowed to petition the House of Assembly and sue the governor should he fail to explain to the people why he threw away N8 billion in his rush to cash out the money before the maturity dates.

He also told the governor to explain what he did with the N16 billion he collected after making the state lose N8 billion as discounts, and why he allegedly lied about the funds.

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Government has approved a contract for the construction of a sixth flyover to ease traffic congestion in Port Harcourt.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said new flyover to be located at the Kaduna Street Junction of Aba Road, was expected to change the aesthetic beauty of Port Harcourt and boost economic activities of the state.The statement quoted the Commissioner for Works, Eloka Tasie-Amadi, as saying that  the decision to approve contract for the sixth flyover was taken during the State Executive Council meeting in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

He said: “The Rivers State Executive Council presided over by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, has approved a contract for the construction of a flyover at the Kaduna Street junction of Aba Road in Port Harcourt and also approved the award of the contract to Messer Julius Berger.

“The construction will involve a bridge of 593 meters and service lanes of about 770 meters. The reason behind this is that you will observe that the bridge (at Kaduna Street Junction) is a two lane bridge. And we are going to make it a four lane bridge, dual carriage.”

Tasie-Amadi explained that at the completion of the Rumuogba, GRA junction and Rumuola flyovers all other bridges on Aba Road would be four lanes (dual carriage) with additional four lanes on the ground.

He said the development would create a bottleneck at the Kaduna Street junction bridge following the free-flow of traffic from the Rebisi Flyover.

He said: “We, also recognise that there are implications when you have broken down vehicle on that bridge and possible security challenge when you have a broken down vehicle at night.

“So, these are the reasons why the Executive Council took this decision. We have also chosen Julius Berger to do the construction because of their track record as evidence from the recently commissioned Rebisi Flyover and the projects they are handling at the moment.”

The Commissioner said Kaduna Street Junction flyover project would be completed under 12 months.

Alao speaking, the Commissioner forrr Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said the approval by the State Executive Coucil was a demonstration of a commitment to the urban renewal vision of Governor Wike’s administration.

He said: “This new flyover will also beautify the city; the aesthetics will change, economic activities will also get a boost. We have seen this kind of passionate commitment to restore Port Harcourt to its Garden City status.

“At a time when governance has shutdown in various states of the federation because of COVID-19, the visionary government led by His Excellency, Nyesom Wike is still rolling out projects.

“This kind of development we are seeing in the State is a pointer to the service delivery and the commitment of His Excellency to ensure that social contract he has with Rivers State people is not affected by the economic downturn in the country.”

Nsirim maintained that the governor had continued to change the narrative about governance, striving assiduously to make Rivers State a model.

He said the governor at the inception of his administration said he would ensure that Rivers  became a destination of choice for investors.

“What is happening within the state capital at this point in history is a confirmation that Rivers State, particularly, Port Harcourt,  will become investors choice in years to come.

“Our appeal to citizens of the State is that the time has come to rally round this administration; shun distractors of government, shun those who are out to de-market the State.

“It is time to be united as a people and then come together to work with this visionary government to ensure that the purpose, the New Vision blueprint as enunciated since 2015 comes to fruition as has been articulated.”

By Elo Edremoda, Warri

The Nigerian Army has assured residents of Delta State, especially those residing in the coastal areas communities, of adequate security and safety ahead of the yuletide.

The Commander 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Jallo, gave the assurance during the flag-off of Operation Crocodile Smile Six at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), jetty in Warri, Saturday.

Present at the occasion were Chairmen of Warri South, Uvwie and Udu council areas, Dr Michael Tidi, Hon Ramson Onoyake and Chief Jite Brown.

The Warri Area Police Commander, ACP Ibrahim Argungu, was also in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, Brig-General Jallo explained that Operation Crocodile Smile has become an annual event in the calendar of the Nigeria Army.

He noted that the exercise was aimed at providing adequate security for residents of the state during the yuletide and to consolidate on the gains achieved so far, in the course of the year.

The Army General disclosed that the main event was earlier flagged off at Asaba, the state capital, under the chairmanship of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, adding that it was taking place simultaneously in Koko and Ughelli towns.

Jallo emphasized that the exercise was for the benefit of Deltans, stating that the Army would spare no efforts in ensuring peace and security across the state during the coming Yuletide.

He urged other security outfits to abide by the rules of engagement, while maintaining professionalism throughout the exercise.

On his part, the Commander, Sector 1, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Col. Sanni Ahmed, assured that his troops would carry out their assignment professionally, diligently and within the ambits of the law.

Ahmed attributed the success recorded in the past to the synergy the Army enjoyed with other security agencies and promised to sustain it.

On his part, Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Ibrahim Argungu, pledged the cooperation of his men towards the success of the exercise.

Earlier, the Commander, 63 Brigade had inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by men of the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Effurun.

Warri South Chairman, Dr. Tidi, who spoke on behalf of his Udu and Uvwie counterparts, commended the army for its commitment towards the security and safety of lives and properties in the state, positing that the exercise would boost the confidence of residents and investors in the state.

Our Reporter

The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar, Cross River state has ruled in a protracted land disputed involving two Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom in which no fewer than five persons were killed and properties destroyed since 2017.

Two communities – Ifa Ikot Akpan in Uyo Local Government Area and Ibiaku Ishiet in Uruan Local Government Area led by their traditional rulers, Etteidung Edem Aniedi Ebong and Chief William Effiong Etim, had been locked in the land tussle in the last three years, forcing the matter to be taken to the Uyo Division of the High Court.

The matter was however dismissed by Justice Charles Ikpe, “for lack of merit” and subsequently, the case was moved to Appeal, where Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, faulted the decision of the High Court in dismissing the case as filed by Etteidung Ebong and others of Ifa Ikot Akpan community.

Delivering the ruling on the case: CA\C\342\2019, the three man Appeal panel led by Justice Barka, noted that “the lowered court erred in rejecting the document tendered by the appellants, which was not objected and countered by the defendants in efforts to disprove it throughout the period of the trial”.

He, therefore, ruled that “all the parcel of land which presently makes up the keke motor park, in the area that the claimants earlier leased to Gitto Construzioni Generali Nig Limited, to serve as burrow pit together with its appurtenances lying and situate at Ifa Ikot Akpan village, Etoi, Uyo, Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state, belongs to the claimants, now appellants, having been in lawful possession of same ever since time immemorial”, part of the ruling reads.

For taking possession of the land for the couple of years, the defendants, Chief Etim and others of Ibiaku Ishiet community in Uruan Local Government Area, the Judge held, would refund the sum of 10 million to the appellants as general damages incurred during the period.

Commending the ruling, the monarch, Etteidung Ebong, said “my confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system has been restored”, recalling that he was under serious threat by the defendants, who assumed overwhelming powers to win the case based on connections he has with key politicians in the state.

“The judgment is a welcome development because total peace will now return to the affected communities and normal businesses restored”, he added.

By Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

The police in Delta State have arrested two suspected internet fraudsters (yahoo boys) for being in possession of a coffin in Ogwashi Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The unidentified suspects were nabbed by local vigilantes in Agidiehe quarters of the community at about 9.30 pm on Wednesday night when they were conveying the coffin from their house.

Police spokesman Onome Onowakpoyeya who confirmed the arrest said the boys were in possession of the coffin for alleged ritual purposes.

The Nation gathered that female pants and brassieres were among the items in the coffin when the suspects were forced to open it.

It was further gathered that the local vigilance group intercepted the alleged fraudsters before inviting policemen.

The police spokesperson however said the command has stepped up investigation into the matter.

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

THE Police in Rivers State have launched a manhunt for the gunmen, who kidnapped and murdered a former Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Ebenezer Kalabo Amah.

It was learnt that Amah was whisked away by unknown gunmen, who laid ambush at his residence on Precious Chukwu Street in Woji, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area

They were said to have accosted him on Wednesday night when he was driving into his house on Wednesday night.

It was gathered that the assailants blocked his vehicle, dragged him out and took him to an unknown destination.

Police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident saying the deceased’s vehicle was recovered the same day.

But he said his lifeless body was seen at Peter Odili Road the next day (Thursday).

It was learnt that Amah, who retired from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was shot and killed minutes after he was kidnapped.

Omoni said: “Yes, I can confirm. He was kidnapped in Woji on the 17th. That same day, the police recovered his vehicle. While we were searching for him, we got information that his body was dumped somewhere at Peter Odili Road.

“So the following day on the 18th, we got there and confirmed that he was the same person that was kidnapped the previous day. His body was evacuated and taken to the hospital mortuary for preservation.”

By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has hailed the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their services which culminated in the successful inauguration of his administration on February 14, 2020.

Diri made the commendation while speaking at the formal flag-off of the sixth edition of Operation Crocodile Smile at the Army Super Camp, Ema-Okenema in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, particularly thanked the men and officers of the Nigerian Army for the role it played to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the state.

Diri maintained that, but for the gallantry and professionalism of the Army, Bayelsa would have been thrown into chaos following the Supreme Court ruling on February 13, this year.

He also expressed gratitude to security agencies for being alive to their responsibilities during the EndSARS protest to forestall carnage in the state.

He said: “Your singular show of professionalism was able to nip in the bud the rascality and criminal activities that tried to rear up their ugly heads as a result of the Supreme Court decision that restored our mandate on the 13th of February 2020.

“If not for your effort, we believe that the carnage that took take place in the state would have gone beyond what we saw. So, we want to thank the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the roles you all played in the events that led to our successful swearing-in on the 14th of February.

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

Tension has persisted in Oyigbo the Local Government Area in Rivers State, which came under attacks by suspected members of the disbanded Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

Traditional Chiefs in the council area at the weekend expressed fears that the fleeing IPOB members could regroup and return to the area.

They recalled how members of the proscribed group hijacked the EndSARS protest killing six soldiers, four policemen and destroying all police stations and a court among other public facilities in the area.

The community leaders urged the Defence Headquarters not to withdraw soldiers deployed to restore peace in Oyigbo to prevent IPOB members from regrouping.

The chiefs under the aegis of Ogbakor Oyigbo, also urged persons, who deserted Oyigbo to return as normalcy had been restored.

High Chief Louis Okorie (Eze Ukwu III) said they were not interested in the call by some persons to withdraw the troops.

He expressed concern that if soldiers were withdrawn from Oyigbo, IPOB anarchists would unleash violence in the area.

He said: “The Ogbakor Oyigbo General held a meeting here and said they will not allow the removal of soldiers from Oyigbo.

“On 12th of November, 2020 we met with the Local Government Chairman, Gerald Aforji,  informing him of our plight. We don’t want the  Army to be withdrawn for the benefit of Oyigbo people.

“We need to be careful of the remnants of IPOB terrorists. We thank Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for imposing the curfew which has calmed down the situation in Oyigbo.”

Also, High Chief Lisbery Onyegorom, stated that indigenes of Oyigbo were still in shock following the wanton destruction unleashed on their community by members of the outlawed IPOB.

He said: “We were surprised by the level of destruction by the IPOB. We are Rivers State and Niger Delta people. Our people are not members of IPOB. I am not aware of any Oyigbo indigene who is a member. We don’t allow that.

“Now, that the IPOB members have killed some soldiers, all of them have run away. The Army is investigating and fishing them out. Most of the IPOB members arrested have given vital information about the remnants.

“We are in support of the Governor’s ban on IPOB activities across Rivers State and hoisting of IPOB flag.”

Onyegorom frowned at the allegation of extrajudicial killings levelled against the Army by some persons playing petty politics with the Oyigbo issue.

“We are solidly behind our Governor’s effort to maintain peace in Oyigbo. The Governor did not say, go, and kill people. The Army came on a rescue mission. That’s what they came for.

“It is the deployment of the Army that gives us comfort to remain here. For now, we hear of the threat to protest again. The army is going nowhere. Let the Army stay until we are sure of peace in Oyigbo.”

“Those who ran away should come back. The Army is not chasing anybody. The army is not killing any person. Let the Army stay, until we are sure peace has returned.”

On his part, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Prince Gerald Oforji said most of the negative reports were unfounded.

“Today, I am very happy for the visit by the Ovation family to assess the wanton destruction carried out on 20 October by the IPOB. Today, they have come to assess and see things for themselves based on lopsided information they have been getting concerning Oyigbo.

“I believe with what they have seen today, the world can confirm that most of those negative information posted against Oyigbo, against Rivers State, are unfounded.”