The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Ex-APC members rejoin party

    Ex-APC members rejoin party

    From Chris Njoku, Owerri

    Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, who defected to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the build up to the 2019 elections, have returned to APC.

    APGA Chairman Henry Okafor, who led a visit to Governor Hope Uzodimma at the Government House in Owerri, said they returned to support him.

    Read Also: ‘Idimogu is Lagos APC Igbo leader’

    Okafor said although they left the party in 2019 to pursue their political interests, they ‘decided to return to where they belonged to support the prosperity government of APC’.

    Deputy Governor Placid Njoku, who received them on behalf of Uzodimma, hailed their decision to return.

    He enjoined them to feel free as ‘Imo belongs to all of us, especially those ‘genuine in their thoughts about the state’.

  • CAN distributes palliatives to Anambra disability community

    CAN distributes palliatives to Anambra disability community

    Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Anambra State chapter on Friday distributed palliatives to the disability community in continued efforts to cushion effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The community, which comprises Associations of the deaf, Persons with disabilities, blind, mental disabilities and God’s Care Special school, received 100 bags of 10kg rice and 10cartons of indomie.

    Speaking during the presentation, the CAN Chairman in the state, Rev. Ndubisi John, said the gesture was a demonstration of God’s goodness to the beneficiaries.

    He said the body had earlier extended same benevolence to other institutions, including the Red Cross Orphanage and the psychiatric hospital in Awka.

    READ ALSO: Buhari appoints Pam Christian Pilgrims Commission boss

    He said: “The Executive of CAN came to demonstrate God’s goodness and to keep to the biblical injunction of being our brother’s keepers.

    “We came to show our little gesture to our disabled brothers. It’s our desire that God provided more so we could do more than we’ve done.”

    Responding, Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Disability Matters, Barr. Chukwuka Ezewuzie, appreciatedthe gesture, promising the items would reach the targeted individuals.

    “We deeply appreciate this extension of hands of friendship to better the lots of the disability community, especially this COVID-19 period. We pray this continues,” he said.

  • Abia’s scorecards on National Diaspora Day

    Abia’s scorecards on National Diaspora Day

    By Dr Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu

    The Federal Government has set aside every ‪July 25 as National Diaspora Day in recognition of the contributions of Nigerians living outside the country towards the development of the homeland.

    In addition, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) was established under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa. The commission has been able to galvanise Diasporans from all over the world coordinated many projects including the provision of PPEs worth over N49 million donated recently by Diasporans.

    Abia Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu understands and appreciates the potential of Diasporans to make important and critical contributions to the development and growth of Abia state. He has provided unwavering and unparalleled support to Diasporans via Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters and Special Duties.

    Today, Diasporans can boast of a modernised office space with a conference room in the Government House courtesy of the Governor. It is worth noting that following the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa last year, Ikpeazu personally ensured that the returnees of Abia state origin were provided job and training opportunities, cash payments and relief materials to help with their resettlement. He has consistently made himself available to respond to questions, issues or concerns raised by Diasporans.

    Thus, it is not surprising that Abia Diasporans have responded in various significant ways to the needs of their communities and the state. Over the past few years, Diasporans have donated medical equipment and supplies worth over N180m distributed across the 17 LGAs of the state including primary and secondary healthcare facilities.

    They have conducted multiple medical outreach missions during which they have performed surgeries, provided medications and supplies in various local government areas. There have also been donations of thousands of pairs of shoes, school bags, sanitary materials, note books and other educational materials to school children.

    Diasporans have also provided scholarship to students at the tertiary level, engaged and supported students with online teaching and presentation. During the pandemic, they have complemented the efforts of the state government in providing educational services through social media and radio broadcasts as well as in donating cash, bags of rice, indomie and other relief items to their communities. They have also made several donations of PPEs to the state isolation centers directly and through NIDCOM.

    Finally, I would like to commend our Executive Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for his willingness and readiness to support the Diasporans as they strive to play their part in the betterment of our communities, state and nation. Let us continue to support the state government, because together we can help Abia State grow.

    Happy Diaspora Day!

    Ogbonna-Erondu is Special Adviser to Governor Ikpeazu on Diaspora Matters and Special Duties

  • Anambra cancels election into football bodies

    Anambra cancels election into football bodies

    Our Reporter

    Anambra Government has cancelled elections into the Board of the State Football Association slated for Monday.

    In a statement on Saturday, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said the cancellation was based on the needs to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the state.

    Adinuba described the decision to schedule an election at a time the state was battling with escalating infection as “reckless and in flagrant violation of the directive by the Anambra State Government prohibiting elections in the state until further notice.”

    He said the exercise could wait because “elections into the Board of the Anambra State Football Association and Anambra State Local Football Councils are by no means an emergency. In fact, there is absolutely nothing urgent about them.”

    READ ALSO: Anambra students organise memorial essay contest

    He further stated Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area, which was slated to host the election had been the “epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the state, even though the LGA is not the most populous in the state and does not have the highest level of human activity in the state.”

    The Commissioner informed security agencies have been directed to stop the purported election, emphasising the “directives on COVID-19 must be obeyed to the letter by each individual and group throughout our state. There are no sacred cows.”

  • IPOB condemns attack on female members in Anambra community, threatens reprisal

    IPOB condemns attack on female members in Anambra community, threatens reprisal

    Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described as distasteful the recent attack against its defenseless women by hired thugs who claimed to be Oba youths in Oba Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The group alleged the attack was sponsored by inconsequential politicians working with the Federal Government.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB regretted that since the attack by Aborji village youths in Oba, elders of the community have kept sealed lips,
    vowed not to let the sponsors of the criminals go free unless they atone for their atrocities

    The statement partly read, “We the great family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide ably led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, find distasteful, the recent attack by hired thugs who claimed to be Oba youths in Oba Idemili South LGA of Anambra State against our defenseless women.

    “The attack was sponsored by inconsequential politicians working with the Federal Government. They rented some brainwashed Oba youths just to prove to their slave matters in Abuja and Lagos that they are still loyal to them. Those self centered and treacherous Igbo politicians who think IPOB is a weakling will be surprised in no distant future.

    “One thing is certain: any Oba youth who was involved in this act will regret being part of this evil act and must pay dearly. It’s imperative we assure those sponsoring these criminals that IPOB will not let them go free unless they atone for their atrocities.

    “You cannot commit crime against IPOB women and members who were peacefully celebrating and showcasing African dishes in Oba on Sunday 12th of July 2020 and go free. IPOB operates everywhere in Biafraland and the world at large.

    READ ALSO: Ohaneze, IPOB reconcile as Kanu retracts threat

    “It is unbelievable that since the attack on these unarmed women in Oba, nobody in Oba or Igbo land has ever come out to condemn this barbaric action of unscrupulous elements among Oba youths against IPOB. Therefore, nobody should blame IPOB when we reciprocate or pay them back in their own coin. The attackers and their sponsors should get ready to reap the fruits of their labour.

    “Aborji village youths in Oba that allowed themselves to be used by the enemies against our peaceful mothers and wives should know that they can’t escape justice. Before it gets too late, Oba community leaders should ask them to come now and pay for the their atrocities and the damages the inflicted on innocent and peaceful movement. The earlier they do this the better for them because the day of reckoning is fast approaching.

    “All those who participated in this atrocity should realise that we know their identities. There is no hiding place for them. We are calling on Oba elders, leaders and those acclaimed politicians including those who sponsored them to make sure that they release those arrested by Fulani terrorists police. They must also take responsibility for those vehicles and properties destroyed during the attack on IPOB members.

    “We are in the know of the plans by the Fulani terrorists government in Nigeria to use some of our Igbo people to set Igbo land on fire but it is quite unfortunate and clear to us that Oba youths and their facilitators are ignorant of this grand plot by their pay masters. Oba youths were deceived and lured into this mess but they must make atonement for their sins or brace up for the consequences of their evil action.”

  • EU/UN urges media to expose gender-based violence

    EU/UN urges media to expose gender-based violence

    By Nsa Gill, Calabar

    The European Union/United Nations (EU-UN) Spotlight Initiative has raised the alarm over the increasing number of various forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Cross River and Ebonyi state in recent times, particularly during the nationwide lockdown.

    It called for sustained actions of publicity from media practitioners in exposing cases and drawing the attention of stakeholders in bringing to book those who engage in GBV.
    They also urged due actions from the Nigeria Police toward prosecution of those caught in cases of GBV.

    The call was made at a two-day media engagement dialogue on ending violence against women and girls organized for select journalists from Cross River State and Ebonyi State by the National Orientation Agency with support from EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.

    Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Enugu, Dr. Ibrahim Conteh, said Nigeria needs to brace up because of the way things were going in case of the increasing cases of GBV following the lockdown as a consequence of COVID-19.

    He said that ‘there is a lot ahead of us as we have the responsibility to continue to deliver on our programmes.

    “The message of COVID-19 resonates in big cities but in villages, people do not care and when you are complacent, it will be difficult to manage and what is happening now and the media has a big role to play on this for the message to get to the communities.

    “So let us continue to work together to send out these enlightenment messages on COVID-19 and violence against children, Women and Girls at the same time,” he said.

    Communication Officer UNICEF, Enugu, Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, said there seemed to be an increase in the incident of rape and other forms of violence against women during the lockdown as a lot of people including children’s movement was restricted as many of them were now out of school.
    Her words: “We cannot sit and wait for the lockdown to be over while there is an alarming rate of violence against women and children this period. The Media should increase and sustain the publicity to curb the wrongful act.

    “We must all act now and make our voices heard in a meaningful way to end gender-based violence by supporting all forms of platforms that will boost the effort in the campaign against GBV.”

    She urged media practitioners to make meaningful noise in a bid to ensure that the public is well sensitized so as to have a better understanding of the menace of GBV ravaging women and children in our communities and society at large.

    “The girl child is usually vulnerable due to our laws, culture, Constitution as well as religion. We must speak about the spikes because most times the perpetrators are insiders, family members, and neighbours.

    “Even with what we read in the media, we can still attest that GBV is not yet getting the needed reportage and coverage, sustained media attention can cause great change in the fight against gender-based violence.

    “The lockdown has its positive side but has also increased the number spate of rape and other forms of GBV in Nigeria and the searchlight must be beamed on the menace with the view of sensitizing the public and invariably putting an end to it,” she said.

    Child Protection Specialist with UNICEF, Mr. Victor Atuchukwu, said there were reasons why the EU-UN Spotlight initiative decided to choose the states for GBV intervention programmes in the selected states adding that they were basically on facts gathered in those states which were not too palatable and the narrative needed to be urgently dealt with.
    He also called on journalists to always consider the survivors by portraying the right narratives instead of painting them as victims or further victimizing them.

    Atuchukwu explained that gender which refers to the physical and biological differences between male and female has evolved in context over time due to culture and tradition.

    He said there was a need to consciously enlighten the traditional institution on the negative impact of all forms of GBV adding that ending blame game which he described as unacceptable must stop.

  • Oba of Benin denies insulting Buhari, Oshiomhole, Okunbo

    Oba of Benin denies insulting Buhari, Oshiomhole, Okunbo

    His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolopolo, Ewuare II, has debunked authorising anyone to insult the Federal government or other respected Nigerians on his behalf.

    The Oba was reacting to a trending video on social media by one Eranornigho Edegbe claiming to have the backing of the monarch when he vented insults on President Muhammadu Buhari and other respected members of the society.

    In a statement, the Secretary Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabo, stated that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, had always respected not just the traditional institutions in Edo State but also the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

    The Oba also described Captain Hosa Okunbo as an illustrious son of the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

    It reads: “The attention of the Palace of the Oba of Benin has been drawn to a recent video trending on social media anchored by one Eranornigho Edegbe stating that he has the authority of His Royal Majesty. Omo N’ Oba N ‘Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, to hurl invectives and insults at His Excellency, the Presidenl of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. and few other respected members of the society.

    “For the purposes of clarification, and to set the records straight, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benill, wishes to make it categorically and irrevocably clear that the said video and the contents therein was not commiissioned nor was it encouraged by His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

    “We condemn in the strongest terms the malicious attacks on the integrity of His Excellency. the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and all other persons vmorn the video seek to malign.

    “We wish to state unequivocally that our love for Mr. President is unparalleled as the relationship shared date back to the days of His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa (of blessed memory), the immediate past Oba of Benin.

    “This relationship was further strengthened when Mr. President headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTFJ. His Excellency was always very nice, warm. respectful and accommodating to our father his royal majesty Oba Ereduwa Mr. President has extended same to HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OMO N’OBA N’EDO, UKU AKPOLOKPOLO, EWUARE II, OBA OF BENIN.

    “In our avowed stance of non-partisanship, we are in constant prayers that His Excellency’s desires will fully manifest in Edo State for the benefit of the Benin Royal Family Edo people and, the nation as a whole. Thus, our prayers and support for Mr. President is enormous.

    “We also wish to state that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has always respected not just the traditional Institutions in Edo State, but also the Palace of the Oba of Benin. His affectlOll lor oor father who adopted the Comrade as a soo is well known.

    “This relationship was also reinforced during his tooure as Governor of Edo State. We were happy to oonvene a send forth for him upon the expiration of his lwo-terms, where HIS ROYAL MAJESTY used the Ada of the ancestors to pray for his protection, a thing quite rare in Benin custom; we are glad that the prayers said on him continue to be efficacious in an his endeavours.

    “Captain Hosa Okunbol is an illustrious son of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, who at all times has worked in support or the Palace as a son of the Oba or Benin, thus, there can be nothing but goodwill and positive prayers for this distinguished son of Benin Kingdom.

    “These utterances and behaviour or Eranornigho and his cohorts show that they are not happy and comfortable with the relationship between the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the Presidency.

    “Furthermore, shows that some disgruntled elements like Eranomigho have deep animosity against Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Captain Hosa Okunbo.

    “The video under reference, and all such made in similar vein should be seen for what they really are, as they seek to propagate ‘fake news’, misinformation, disaffection, and misrepresentation for their own selfish and mischievous intentions.

    READ ALSO: My position on Edo politics, by Oba of Benin

    “The recent fake news is akin to an audio one that claimed HIS ROYAL MAJESTY has directed all Bini people not to sweep their homes for three days in order to avoid the coronavirus pandemic which they knew very well was contrary to keeping everywhere disinfected as well as hand washing, using hand sanitizers and practicing social distancing protocols, all part or the NCDC PANDEMIC PREVENTION MEASURES. We also had to rebuild that immediately.

    “The antecedents of social media rats and their roguish antics and activities are a global malaise, and should not be taken seriously by rational, reasonable and responsible members of society as their action is driven by their quest to satisfy their hunger and their desperation to scrounge for a means of livelihood.

    “We wish to reassure His Excellency, the President or the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and aa mentioned in the Video that they enjoy the confidence and goodwill or His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

    “We use this medium to sound a note of caution to members of the public to totally disregard and discountenance the statements made in the said video and to further warn that this attempt and similar attempts to bring the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the revered institution of the Benin monarchy into disrepute shall be met stiffly within the parameters of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the traditional processes or the Benin Kingdom.

    “Eranomigho and his cohorts are hereby reminded that there is an ancestral curse on anyone who attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Benin and the ancient Throne of Benin Kingdom. The Benin Traditional Council hereby demands an unreserved apology from Eranomigho in other to avert the consequences”.

  • Professionals flay threat to banish former commissioner

    Professionals flay threat to banish former commissioner

     

    More professionals, elders and groups have flayed Ebonyi State Government’s threat to banish former Commissioner of Information, Abia Onyike if he fails to apologise publicily to Governor Dave Umahi for criticising the State Government within 24 hours.

    The threat was announced in Ebonyi Broadcasting Service (EBBC) last Sunday.

    The government said Onyike had on June 9, during a panel discussion on Leadership and Democracy in the South East at Dream FM, Enugu criticised the governor and the state government.

    Sources close to Onyike said he has suffered greatly since that pronouncement.

    The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) expressed disgust over the threat against Onyike both in EBBC and in a full page advertorial signed by some government officials and a few other citizens from Edda (Afikpo South LGA),” and urged the state government to take it easy with Onyike.

    Read Also: I have nothing against Obaseki, says Wike

     

    The Foundation recalled that in February 2020, Umahi ordered the arrest and detention of the same Onyike by the Nigerian Police, adding that there was a prior threat to seal his residence because he had allegedly not paid his tenement rate.

    Onyike is also accused of accusing Governor Umahi of nepotism; of converting the Government of Ebonyi State to his private and family estate; destruction of the civil service; punitive taxation policies and misappropriation of local government funds.

  • Group faults Onyeike ‘apology’ to Ebonyi Govt

    Group faults Onyeike ‘apology’ to Ebonyi Govt

    Agency Reporter

    A group, Edda Professionals’ League (Pro-Edda),  has asked the public to disregard an announcement on the Ebonyi State radio in Abakaliki that Abia Onyeike has retracted his criticism of the state government and apologised for an offence he didn’t commit.

    “We had it on good authority and from reliable sources that some political interests in Edda (Afikpo South council) banded themselves together to come up with a statement that would purport to coerce, compel, cajole and stampede Onyeike to tender public apology to the government of Ebonyi State and denounce whatever he had at any time said to the media about the government as lie.

    “Eventually, after we had alerted the public through several publications, the statement was announced on the Ebonyi State radio asking Onyeike to recant his criticisms of the governor or face traditional sanction.

    ” We also make it clear that the persons that signed the statement have no powers in our tradition to traditionally sanction who committed no offence as criticism of government or any leadership is not an offence in our land.

    “Moreover, if any son of the land commits an offence, there is a procedure for meting out punishment and that process was never followed by the signatories because they know he didn’t do any wrong.

    “What they did is just cheap politics for their stomach and a way of cheapening the traditional institutions and political office.”

  • Aide hails Ugwuanyi for exemplary leadership

    Aide hails Ugwuanyi for exemplary leadership

    Our Reporter

    A Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Enugu Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has commended the governor for showing exemplary leadership on Democracy Day.

    Walter Ozioko, a lawyer, said he was thrilled his principal spent the entire holiday inspecting ongoing projects across the state, an act, he said, was aimed at ensuring true dividend of democracy for the people.

    Ozioko said he was thrilled the governor defined June 12 national holiday by celebrating the gains of democracy, adding that Ugwuanyi inspected projects till odd hours.

    He said: “What Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi demonstrated is exemplary and should be emulated by other leaders in Nigeria. The Governor is a super leader who has shown by his good works in Enugu state that governance is not about being in power but about the governed getting the dividends of leadership.

    READ ALSO: Ugwuanyi pardons 25 prisoners

    “For five years running, Enugu State has witnessed unparalleled infrastructural development like the provisions of good road networks and educational facilities.

    “While many states have forgotten other projects and concentrated on covid-19, Ugwuanyi who is fighting covid-19 with heavy might also feels that life must go on by providing other social amenities.“

    Ozioko said the government plans to build ultra modern hospitals in all local governments in the state.