By Chris Oji Enugu

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has boasted that it will emerge victorious at the Isi-Uzo Constituency by-election on October 31.

It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow the electorate votes count.

The party appealed to the constituents to come out en masse and vote for its candidate, MacDonald Ejiofor Okwor.

Speaking yesterday at Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government, during the candidate’s official campaign launch, Enugu State Chairman of the party, Dr. Ben Nwoye, said APC was ready for the exercise, adding that the party would resist electoral misconduct and manoeuvring by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the poll.

He said: “God willing, and with the support of the electorate, our candidate, Okwor, is going to be the next minority leader in the Enugu State House of Assembly.”

Read Also: ‘PDP can’t beat APC in Lagos East senatorial by-election’

Nwoye said the party does not believe in imposition of candidates, “and that was why Okwor emerged via a democratic process during the primary election, and he is enjoying huge support from all stakeholders. You can see the mammoth crowd here today. This speaks volume of the kind of character our standard-bearer has.”

The rally, which attracted a huge crowd and was attended by APC chieftains from segments of the state, was packaged by the Adolphus Udeh-led Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the party in the state.

Irrespective of party affiliation, the APC during the exercise observed a minute silence in honour of Mr. Chijioke Ugwueze, the late lawmaker that represented the constituency before his sudden death.

By Nsa Gill, Calabar

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade will today swear in Justice Eyo Effiom Ita as the acting chief judge.

He will be the third judge within 11 months to be sworn in in acting capacity after the retirement of Justice Michael Edem last November.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Christian Ita, said: “In the exercise of his power under Section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade, will on Monday (today) swear in a new acting chief judge.

“This follows the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

“The event will take place at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Calabar at 8am. All are to be seated before the arrival of the governor.”

Read Also: Katsina approves re-opening of varsities

After the retirement of Justice Michael Edem, the most senior judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, was sworn in for three months and the request for her confirmation in substantive capacity from the NJC was rejected by the legislature. The governor immediately swore in Justice Muarice, the second in seniority, who acted for six months of two terms in acting capacity. His tenure expired last month and NJC has maintained the position of only the most senior judge that can be the substantive chief judge.

After one month without a chief judge, the governor is swearing in the third in seniority as another acting chief Judge.

By Chris Njoku Owerri

The leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Comrade Uchenna Madu, has frowned at the calculated misinformation and falsehood orchestrated by enemies of truth to deceive Ndigbo and the public on the inhuman and callous killings of members of MASSOB , whose bodies were dumped at Ezu River.

He said in statement yesterday in Owerri that the bereaved families had not recovered from the pains and agony they went through.

Madu recalled that on January 9, nine members of MASSOB, namely Basil Ogbu, Michael Ogwa, Sunday Omogo, Philip Nwankpa, Eze Ndubisi, Ebuka Eze, Obinna Ofor, Joseph Udoh and Uchechukwu Ejiofor, as well as other arrested suspects detained at the Anambra State headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu, were murdered in cold blood. Their bodies were dumped at Ezu River, which later became afloat.

“We remember the agony and pains which MASSOB, the families and relations of our slain members went through. Their families have not recovered from the psychological trauma SARS inflicted on them.

Read Also: Why IPOB, MASSOB stopped attack on Igbo leaders – Obi’s ex -aide

“MASSOB representatives led by our leader, who was the then national director of Information and other national officials represented MASSOB at Awka during the panel of inquiry conducted by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and National Security. MASSOB also attended another panel with the relations of our murdered members at the Senate chambers in Abuja.

“Both committees of Police Affairs and National Security of the Senate failed to uphold justice for our slain members.

“MASSOB insists with evidence that Awkuzu SARS murdered our members and other arrested suspects. The killing has nothing to do with Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, as alleged by the Government of Anambra State.

“In fact, the Government of Anambra State then was committed to unearthing the truth behind the dumped bodies, and supported the panel of inquiry through the office of Secretary to the State Government.”

He urged the administration of Governor Willie Obiano to set up another panel of inquiry on the matter.

“MASSOB is willing to testify and even expose other atrocious acts of SARS and the entire Nigeria Police Force against innocent citizens.”

 

From Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

 

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has directed the closure of primary and secondary schools across the state, following the devastation caused by flood.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the directive would take effect from today.

Diri said the decision was taken to avert further danger to lives.

He gave the directive after leading a team of his executive council (exco) members and other government officials on an on-the-spot visit to some of the flooded communities in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw local governments last Saturday.

He is expected to visit other affected councils.

The governor, who lamented the devastating effect of the flood on the people and communities, said his administration would not abandon them “at this time of need.”

He said as a concerned government, palliatives would be sent to the victims as a temporary measure.

Said he: “Due to the devastating effect of the flooding that I have seen, I hereby direct the Education commissioner to shut down primary and secondary schools pending when the flood will abate. We don’t want to lose lives and we don’t want reptiles to cause injuries to our children and wards.

“Painfully, we have to take this decision because the schools were just resuming from COVID-19 closure and here we have another natural challenge arising from flooding.

“I will continue with this visit to sympathise with our brothers and sisters. Let me assure them that as a state we are with them.”

Diri called on federal agencies, particularly the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to come to the aid of the government and people.

“We also appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to assist us, particularly with respect to the ecological fund and other funds available to ensure that our people are not neglected.”

The governor directed the vice chancellor of the Niger Delta University to explore and ensure that a department be created for erosion control in the institution.

He stressed the need for a solution to the annual flooding challenge, saying the people have suffered enough.

The governor stopped briefly at the palaces of the Amananaowei of Amassoma community and that of the Ebenibe of Epie kingdom.

In interviews with reporters, the Amananaowei of Amasoma community, Chief Graham Naingba, and the Ebenibe of Epie kingdom, King Malla Sasime, thanked the governor for his concern towards the plight of the people.

They urged the Federal Government to join efforts with the state government to address the challenges associated with the flood.

Areas visited by the governor included the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Agudama-Ekpetiama and Igbogene communities as well as some parts of the state capital.

From Chris Njoku Owerri

 

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has appealed to the citizens and residents to be patient over the bad road network.

Speaking in his home town when he attended the 3rd session of the 4th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Oru at St. Thomas Church, Omuma, Oru East Local Government, Governor Uzodimma urged the people to be patient and show understanding over the condition of the roads, saying a lot is being done to ease the pains residents and road users go through.

He said: “I’m aware that almost every road in Imo State is very bad. I’m also aware that people are crying because of the bad roads. If we begin work on them now, it will worsen the already deplorable situation and further drain our resources.

“I just want to appeal to you all to understand the situation we’ve found ourselves and continue to be patient till the rains are over.

Read Also: Uzodimma approves N300m counterpart fund for water project repair

 

“Imo people should look beyond what is happening today. Better things are coming ahead.

“One assurance I want to give you is that I was well prepared for this job before assuming office.

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal that nobody should fight for me. Allow those saying all manner of things about me to continue. Just don’t fight for me. Anyone who says evil about me will later thank God when we must have tackled the problems in Imo.”

The governor said work will begin on the roads once the rains stop.

He expressed joy at the opportunity to attend the Synod in his home town as the governor.

Uzodimma recalled the contributions he had made towards the growth of Anglican and Catholic churches in the town more than two decades ago, saying the story will change now that he is the governor.