The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • 2023: Ikpeazu tasks PDP excos to ensure total victory

    2023: Ikpeazu tasks PDP excos to ensure total victory

    By Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has tasked the executive members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia North Senatorial District to brace up and ensure that they bring back the fortunes of PDP in the zone and State at large.

    Our correspondent reports that unlike in previous elections conducted in the state, PDP lost control of key political seats in Abia North including the National Assembly seats which Senator Mao Ohuabunwa lost to the incumbent Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu while Nnenna Ukeje lost her seat to Hon. Benjamin Kalu, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general election.

    But Ikpeazu who was represented by his deputy, Sir Oko Chukwu when he received a delegation of Abia North PDP at the Government House, Umuahia, the state capital, stressed the need for the party Executives in the zone to ensure that there is unity of purpose among members of the party in the zone.

    According to Oko Chukwu, the task of ensuring total victory in all elective positions in the area come 2023 to regain their pride is one that can be achieved if there is unity and peace amongst the party faithful.

    The Deputy Governor used the forum to congratulate them on their emergence as PDP Executives both at the zonal and state levels, describing their elevation as one that requires lots of expectations and responsibilities.

    Speaking earlier, the Abia North PDP Zonal Chairman, Dr. Amah Abraham who said their mission is to engage all stakeholders from Abia North to work constructively towards their quest to recover Abia North for PDP and assured that with hard work, commitment and sense of purpose, they are going to rewrite the story of the zone and State come 2023.

  • Ebeano family endorses Ugwuanyi as leader

    Ebeano family endorses Ugwuanyi as leader

    Thousands of jubilant members and supporters of the resilient Ebeano Political Family in Enugu State, on Saturday, unanimously endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as their leader in whom they are well pleased.

    The members of the political movement gave the endorsement, when the founder, who was a former Governor of State and the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, led them to pay a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu.

    Describing Gov. Ugwuanyi as one of them and an unassuming, peace-loving, visionary and worthy leader who has kept the vision and philosophy of the movement alive, the Ebeano family pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the governor in his choice of political successor.

    The Ebeano family maintained that Governor Ugwuanyi deserves the same political privileges enjoyed by his predecessors in the choice of their successors as well as other positions.

    Speaking at the colourful and well-attended event, the founder of the Ebeano Political Family, Nnamani, reassured the governor that they will fully mobilize and rally support on his political decisions in 2023, stressing that “where you are going is where shall go.”

    Nnamani, who disclosed that Ebeano signifies “balancing of interest, applying leverages to guarantee interest,” added that Ugwuanyi is “a man of destiny, with political savvy and sagacity, who is far above others.”

    While recalling how Ugwuanyi brought him back from political retirement, Nnamani pointed out that the Ebeano movement is not a political party but only playing a complementary role to the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to actualise its lofty agenda.

    Other speakers at the event, such as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu of the Federal House of Representatives; State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani; Chief Frank Nweke Jnr. and Dr. Dan Shere, who is the Coordinator of the group, eulogised Ugwuanyi’s uncommon leadership roles in unifying all political interests as well as reinvigorating the philosophy of the Ebeano political movement in the state.

  • C/River water board spends N150m monthly on diesel

    C/River water board spends N150m monthly on diesel

    By Nsa Gill, Calabar

    The management of Cross River State Water Board has raised an alarm over the huge cost of it operations with an alternative source of electricity to ensure public water supply.

    Operating without public electricity supply from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company PHEDC, the State Water Board spends an average of N5.million daily on diesel and on a few other things.

    In one month, the cost burden is N150million, the Managing Director of the State Water Board Limited, Chief Victor Ekpo said during an interaction with newsmen at the weekend in Calabar, the state capital.

    According to him, the situation is threatening public water supply across the state. He disclosed that the power supply from PHEDC has been an issue of serious concern. “We had an issue of a damaged transformer and wrote to PHEDC to replace but that has not been done and the Governor Ben Ayade provided us with two new transformers but they still refused to connect us. Some agencies of the state donated a number of transformers for our station in Akamkpa and they refused to connect us.”

    He made an appeal to the federal government and the Minister of State on Power to intervene and get the PHEDC to supply power in most of the state water board facilities.

    Ekpo further disclosed that some agencies of the state donated a number of transformers to Akamkpa and they refused to connect us. Want to appeal to the federal government to appeal to them to connect the Water Board for the sect of the people of Akamkpa, Ikom, and other places of the state so that we can supply water to the people. They are suffering and dying because of water challenges. This action is frustrating for the people of the State Water Board, and the State government.

    “We are running all our outlets with AGO (diesel). In Calabar metropolis instead of 24 hours, we are doing 10 hours of water supply daily. In Itigidi, Okpoma, Obubra, Obudu and Ogoja outstations for now we run with generators.”

    “We do not owe in these stations except in Calabar that we owe. We have a dedicated line with PHEDC so that if there is any power failure we can turn on our generator at water intake but to my greatest surprise we discovered that they disconnected the water board from the dedicated line.”

  • Ikpeazu suspends agency chief over collapsed building

    Ikpeazu suspends agency chief over collapsed building

    From Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has suspended the Executive Secretary of Aba Town Planning Authority, Mr. Okezie Ahutionye.

    The governor gave the order when he visited the site of a building which collapsed while under construction in Aba.

    He expressed his sadness over the incident, in which five people died.

    Ikpeazu expressed shock at the low quality of the materials used to build the three-storey building.

    The governor directed security agents to arrest the developer of the property and bring him to justice.

    He expressed his desire to meet with the family of the dead and directed the Ministry of Land, Planning and Survey to improve its supervision at construction sites.

    Ikpeazu condemned those who erect buildings without obtaining proper approvals, warning them to desist from such acts or face dire consequences.

    The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, Acting Transition Council Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Evangelist Fred Aja Ogwo, and some other top government officials.

    READ ALSO: Gbajabiamila seeks measures to deter stealing of recovered assets  

    Also, Governor Ikpeazu has appointed the Deputy General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Chief Roland Nwakanma, as the site coordinator of the search and recovery efforts of the government.

    Information Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu announced this while addressing reporters after the inauguration of the state’s Infectious Disease Hospital and COVID-19 treatment centre in Aba.

    He assured that the governor was directly supervising the recovery efforts and would ensure that anyone found culpable in the building collapse would be brought to justice.

  • Ikpeazu suspends aide over collapsed building

    Ikpeazu suspends aide over collapsed building

    Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia

    Abia Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has suspended Executive Secretary Aba Town Planning Authority, Okezie Ahutionye, over the collapse of a three-storey building in Aba, which claimed five lives.

    He stated this during a visit to the site where he expressed deep sadness over the incident.

    The visibly- angry Governor also expressed shock at the low-quality materials used to erect the building.

    He also directed security agents to arrest the developer of the property and bring him to justice swiftly.

    Ikpeazu, who expressed a desire to meet with the family of the victims, also directed the Ministry of Land, Planning, and Survey to improve supervision at construction sites.

    READ ALSO: Ikpeazu visits family of slain man, promises free education for dependents

    He and condemned those who embark on the construction of buildings without obtaining proper approvals, warning them to desist from such acts or face dire consequences.

    Ikpeazu was accompanied by his Deputy Ude Chukwu and Acting Transition Council Chairman of Aba South LGA, Evangelist Fred Aja Ogwo, among other top government officials.

    He also appointed Deputy General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Chief Roland Nwakanma, as the site coordinator of the ongoing search and recovery efforts of the government.

    Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, disclosed this while addressing newsmen after the commissioning of Abia state Infectious Disease Hospital and COVID-19 treatment center in Aba.

    He assured the Governor is directly supervising the recovery efforts and will ensure that anyone found culpable in the building collapse will be brought to justice.

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  • Activists demand conduct of council polls

    Activists demand conduct of council polls

    From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    Activist groups on Wednesday blocked Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka, Anambra State, to protest the non-conduct of local government elections.

    The protest was led by Osita Obi of Recover Nigeria Project (RNP), Godson Nnuriam, and Ifeanyi Obi, chairman and secretary of Association of Councillors of Anambra State.

    The protest caused a gridlock

    Members of Tipper Drivers’ Association blocked roads, including the popular Aroma junction leading to the state secretariat, with their vehicles.

    A September 16 letter by Obi demanded conduct of the polls to ease the suffering of those at the grassroots.

    According to him, non-conduct of local government election for close to eight years by the Obiano-led administration, was ‘denial of citizen’s political right’.

    They gave Obiano five months to begin preparations for the elections or face legal action and mass protests.

    Obi emphasised that a vibrant local government system was a faster means of reaching people at the grassroots.

    “If elections are held in the local government areas, it will create jobs, reduce insecurity and serve as breeding ground for good politicians,” he said.

    He urged Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigeria Union of Local Employees (NULGE) to jto partner their colleagues for a better Anambra.

    Chairman of Great Tippers Association Chief Ebuka Davies and his State Councillors Association counterpart Godson Nnuriam said not allowing the grassroots people elect their leaders in a democratic system was an infringement of their right.

    But the government said the protest was a politically-motivated action by a desperate politicians.

    A statement by Information and Public Enlightenment Commissioner C. Don Adinuba condemned the action.

    He said the protesters were being manipulated by a desperate politician, who could not wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to lift the ban on campaign.

    “The politician seems too ignorant and desperate to know that the issue of local government election is before the Supreme Court.

    “Being unable to accept the government’s victory at the Court of Appeal, a handful of opposition politicians escalated the litigation to the Supreme Court rather than accept the decision of the Court of Appeal in good faith and prepare for an election.”

  • Landslide sinks homes in Akwa Ibom

    Landslide sinks homes in Akwa Ibom

    From Bassey Anthony, Uyo

     

    A landslide on Sunday sank the kitchen of a home on Asutan Street at Uyo  in Akwa Ibom State.

    The street was cut into two.

    Three children, who just finished making dinner were injured when the kitchen sank.

    Asutan Street and adjoining areas have been affected by erosion for over 30 years.

    House owner  Francis Ikpe described the landslide as devastating.

    “It was a devastating experience. Three children were preparing food and about five minutes after leaving the kitchen, it collapsed.

    “The children were eating when suddenly there was a bang and the kitchen was buried.”

    According to him, the problem became serious when the government embarked on street repairs and construction of drainages. He said water from six adjoining streets was channelled to the place without a chamber to receive the volume of water.

    “I own House 16 on Asutan Street, the compound that is badly threatened by the erosion. We have lived with the erosion for more than 30 years, though it was not this disastrous.

    Read Also: Fed Govt asks states to prepare for emergency flood response

     

    “But when the government started massive streets repairs and drainages, water from six adjoining streets, including barracks road, was diverted here and no chamber was built to receive the water.

    “A lot of damage has been done. When it rains, the water increases and this has been posing threats to life and property.”

    Ikpe urged the state to intervene before the house is completely swallowed by the slide. The government has ordered residents of erosion-ravaged areas to vacate to safer places.

    Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources Charles Udoh issued the vacation order after inspecting critical erosion sites in Uyo.

    But residents said they could not relocate without government providing alternatives for them.

    Austin Iton appealed to the state to provide alternatives for them. Another resident insisted on a resettlement support from government.

    He vowed to drown than leave his ancestral home.

  • Obaseki opens Hajj Camp

    Obaseki opens Hajj Camp

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have opened the Hajj Camp in Benin.

    They urged Muslim faithful to turn out en masse on Saturday and vote the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure Obaseki’s re-election.

    Kwankwaso, who hailed the governor’s performance, said Obaseki’s landmark achievements in the first term would earn him re-election.

    He said: “I thank Edo people and Muslims for supporting what has been put on ground…This is the time for those who have our Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and are eligible to vote to cast our votes for PDP.

    Read Also: Pilgrims observe Coronavirus rules at Hajj in Saudi

     

    “I also appeal to … those from the northern part to vote for PDP on Saturday. Please vote for PDP, defend your votes and ensure Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, win … also pray for peace.”

    Obaseki thanked Muslims for cohabiting peacefully with other religions.

    “We should see our strength in diversity…we are for all Edo people. We have never had any difficulty in attending to people’s needs,” he said.

  • ‘Unity will produce Igbo 2023 president’

    ‘Unity will produce Igbo 2023 president’

    From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

     

    South leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southeast Odu Onyeka has said only unity can ensure an Igbo becomes president in 2023.

    He spoke yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, when he hosted the party leadership, led by Acting Chairman Basil Ejidike, and the 21 local government chairmen.

    Onyeka told them to work as one, saying if Anambra APC got it right, Southeast would unite.

    He said the parley was part of moves to unite members ahead of 2021 governorship election.

    But Onyeka insisted he was not interested in any elective position.

    Party Secretary Chuma Agufugo said Onyeka had the party’s interest at heart.

    Ejidike praised Onyeka for contributing to the party’s growth.  He said his tenure as zonal youth leader was rewarding, and prayed God to give him success.

    Read Also: 2023: Plot to install governor as Buhari’s successor will fail — Marafa

     

    All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chairmen in the 21 councils in Anambra State and others have endorsed former ex-Chief Judge Prof. Peter Umeadi for the party’s presidential ticket.

    A northern body, Peter Umeadi Support Group for President 2023, also gave its backing.

    Party leader Livinus Onyenwe, who visited Umeadi’s home in Nri yesterday, said the ex-CJ should be showcased.

    He said: “Prof Umeadi is a quality product that would be easily marketed by APGA to the country. His status and excellent record in public service will be the party’s selling point …”

    APGA Chairman in Idemili North Festus Onwurah said the party would present a quality candidate for in 2023.

    He promised support to ensure Umeadi secured the nomination.

    Onwurah’s counterpart from Anaocha, Ndubuisi Obiadi, said: “The party will achieve significant electoral gains …if it presents Umeadi as its presidential flagbearer.”

    Umeadi appealed to the chairmen to work for the party’s success by ensuring internal democracy, party supremacy and sanctity of the ballot.

  • Bayelsa West: ‘PDP promoting greed, marginalisation’

    Bayelsa West: ‘PDP promoting greed, marginalisation’

    From Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt and Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

     

    Leaders and elders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have accused Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of promoting greed and marginalisation ahead of Bayelsa West by-election.

    The leaders, who met at Sagbama, said the PDP apologists promoting zoning had a mission to send Ekeremor Local Government into political wilderness.

    A communiqué  insisted  there was no zoning in the district. The leaders said political exigencies determined who occupied the senatorial position.

    They argued that if zoning had existed, the PDP candidate, Seriake Dickson, would not have obtained a senatorial form in 2007 when Sagbama, his local government, had served two consecutive terms.

    It was signed by the forum’s Chairman and former Acting Governor Nestor Binabo, and Secretary Gad Ombah.

    Read Also: Take to Obasanjo’s advice, PDP tells Buhari, Fed Govt

     

    According to them, it was disheartening that persons preaching zoning sealed their lips when Dickson took the deputy governorship to Sagbama after serving eight years as governor.

    They said: “The unwholesome zoning being advocated by some PDP leaders is an offshoot of avarice, greed, voraciousness and deep-seated hatred against the people of Ekeremor. PDP deliberately zoned all elective offices meant for the two councils, such as offices of the governor, deputy governor and Senate, to Sagbama, Dickson’s council.

    “This was further exacerbated by the level of insensitivity displayed by some self-seeking politicians, who abused the golden principles of fairness, equity and justice as they failed to consider that the people of Sagbama had served in the Senate for 14 years against the eight years of Ekeremor.

    “As members of Bayelsa West APC Leadership Forum, we have consulted our people, and we want to assuage ill-feelings by providing an acceptable balance that encourages fairness to ensure peaceful coexistence among the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District.”