The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Group knocks Ohanaeze Ndigbo for endorsing Atiku

    A pro-eastern Nigeria action group, Awake and Defend Action Movement (ADAM) has faulted the endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    ADAM is an umbrella body of pressure groups within the old Eastern Region with the purpose of protecting life and property of every indigene of old Eastern Nigeria.

    Recall that Nnia Nwodo’s led Ohanaeze and other four socio-cultural groups including Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Northern Elder’s Forum (NEF), Afenifere and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in a meeting at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja adopted Atiku as their consensus candidate a fortnight ago.

    But ADAM in a communiqué signed by its acting chairman, Ndubuisi Igwekani-Agu Biafra and the Southsouth leader of the group Chief James Ekpo, which was issued to journalists at the end of a crucial meeting of the body in Aba, Abia State, stated that it was wrong for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to endorse Atiku or any other person as a consensus presidential candidate.

    The group, while noting that the action of Nwodo may cause bad blood among the Igbo political class, maintained that Ohanaeze is not a political group and therefore must limit its influence to issues that concern Igbo cultural, social and traditional advancement in order to avoid division and acrimony among Igbo sons and daughters who are members of various political party interests.

    Sharing contrary opinion on the sit-at-home directives by the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ahead of the 2019 general elections, ADAM called on all Easterners including youths to actively participate in the election by voting for people that not only have the interest of the people at heart, but have the capacity to attract development and democratic dividends to the people.

    ADAM who stated that they were miffed with the level of underdevelopment in the Southeast, stated that their support for the call for the restructuring of the country with states and regions managing and controlling their natural mineral resources, said that the era of reckless spending of public resources is over.

    “ADAM will ensure that our people demand transparency and accountability from every elected public officer in Eastern Nigeria. We will mobilise the entire youth in Eastern to deal with any elected officer who fails in his/her duties to account to the people.

    “Henceforth, we are monitoring some Igbo political contractors who rush to their pay master in the North and other parts of Nigeria to collect evil money to destabilize our people. Henceforth, we will monitor and expose them to bring sanity and peace to our land.”

    The group which expressed its worries over the level of insecurity in the country called on its citizens that have retired from active service in the military and other security agencies to come together to hold a security summit in order to address the security challenges that the Old Eastern region is facing.

    “Now, concerning the youths in Eastern Nigeria, we have noticed the exponential increase in kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, Yahoo Yahoo, gambling, prostitution, child-trafficking, and all manner of violent extremism just to get rich overnight. We hereby warn that it will not be business as usual. We have set up a security watch to coordinate with security agents to expose all manner of evil activities perpetuated by youths in whatever disguise.”

    The group, which believes in oneness of Nigeria against the breakaway campaign of the Nnmadi Kanu-led IPOB, said, “Concerning the State of Biafra, ADAM believes that Biafra is a state of the mind where every citizen of Biafra in any other self-interest. We are Igbos of the Indigenous People of Biafra living in Nigeria. We are Igbos of the Indigenous People of Biafra and ready to remain in Nigeria if the country is properly restructured to accommodate all nationalities in a peaceful co-existence with other nationalities.”

  • Okon takes over as Abia police chief

    The immediate past Commissioner of Police (CP) in Abia State Chris Ezike, now Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 4, has handed over to the new CP Etim Ene Okon with the charge to members of the command to be dedicated to their duty.

    Speaking while handing over to Okon, Ezike said that he had spent barely three months as the CP of the state and that he was preparing to go home when his new elevation came, which he described as a pleasant surprise.

    Ezike said that his experience in that state has been a good one as he has been able to reduce crime rate to the barest minimum with the strategies he put in place to combat various crimes in the state.

    The new AIG in charge of Zone 4 thanked officers and men of the command for their collaborative efforts in helping him to achieve the modest achievements he did within a short period of three months.

    He charged them to remain loyal, committed and dedicated to the force as well as cooperate with his successor.

    He said, “The man taking over from me is well known in the state having left here seven months ago as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).”

    Ezike used the opportunity to thank the state governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his collaborative efforts in seeing to the successes of the police in the state during his time, stressing that the governor was willing to assist at all times.

    He said, “I want to use this forum to thank governor Ikpeazu for his efforts to see that the police work is made easy, the assurances he made to the command have been kick started and in no distant time my successor will start seeing them.”

    “I believe that the new CP will continue from where I stopped and I also believe that the governor will provide us with the logistics to work with and the expected manpower will also be made available for the work load to be less.”

    The new AIG zone 4 said that police work this time around is a very critical one with the election around the corner, “We therefore need to be very vigilant at all times, alert, show loyalty, so that at the end there will be a crisis free and credible elections across the country.”

    Ezike said, “I am very happy to be handing over to my son and a worthy colleague, I was the one that handed over the police form to him while I was the PPRO in Calabar in 1987 and I believe that he will do well having served as DCP in the state”.

    Receiving the handover notes, the new CP Okon said that since he joined the force that he has been following the career progress of the new AIG, “Here is the man who gave me the form to join police which I reminded him last night.”

    Okon said that he is afraid to occupy the big shoe Ezike is leaving behind for him as they are too big for him, “However sir if I encounter any problems, please always oblige me your services whenever I call.”

    He said that he left the state seven months ago as DCP, “But am back now as the state CP, I want to assure everyone that I have not changed, will not change and will ever remain very meticulous in service.”

    The new Abia CP noted that he is assuming office at a very critical and challenging time with the elections just about four days away and urged all to focus on the election assignment, “After which we will look and think about the way forward for the command.”

  • Obiano’s wife showers gifts on multiple birth mums

    Over 12 parents who gave birth to multiple children in the state last year have been presented with gift items by the wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano.

    The event, termed “Bounty Programme” was organised by the Ministry of Children and Women Affairs, Awka.

    The parents drawn from across the state were offered gifts items including bags of rice, tubers of yam, beverages for both babies and adults.

    Other items included toiletries, baby diapers and other relief materials as well as envelopes containing undisclosed amount of money.

    Presenting the items at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Mrs Obiano urged the parents to raise their children with the fear of God, so as to be good ambassadors of the state.

    She noted that children were gifts from God and should be carefully protected and guided.

    She said, “We want to honour and felicitate with you. Children are blessings from God and they have to be respected.

    “Some parents are not careful with their children. They are too busy to offer them proper attention, to be part of their character-molding as well as effect necessary corrections.

    “I urge you to offer them quality education to enable them to contribute meaningfully to growth and development of society.”

    Mrs. Obiano prayed God to grant the parents the wisdom and understanding to lead the children on the right path.

    Commissioner for Children and Women Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue thanked the Governor’s wife for touching many lives through her gift and financial support to different class of people.

    She stressed that Mrs. Obiano had since the present administration, mapped out various measures to empower and support widows, youths and other women.

    She said, “the governor’s wife in the immediate past has built houses for widows, offered scholarships for the indigent and provided prosthetic limbs to many people physically-challenged.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr John Ndu, a journalist, whose wife gave birth to triplets, praised Mrs Obiano for her magnanimity which he described as unprecedented in the state.

    “Mrs Obiano has helped to restore hope to the hopeless and introduced a unique style of governance and remains accessible to the downtrodden.’

    “Apart from provision of prosthetic limbs and other empowerment support, Osodieme has helped re-unite some destitute with their families.”

    He urged other beneficiaries to extend their support to the present administration to further consolidate on their achievements.

  • Egwueke III: Army vows to rid Southeast of criminals

    The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, flagged off the third edition of the annual ‘Exercise Egwueke III’ in Ebonyi State. Sunny Nwankwo, who has been monitoring the progress of the operation, reports.

    On January 6, heads of various commands of the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Abubakar Maikobi stormed Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, to kick off the third edition of a military operation; Exercise Egwueke III by Governor  Dave Umahi.

    Gen. Maikobi assured Umahi and the people of the Southeast of the resolve of the Army under the leadership of Lieut.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai to remain neutral, professional, responsive and apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

    After the flag off in Ebonyi State, the 82 Division GOC visited some of the sectors under his command to pass down the message of the COAS to its personnel participating in the exercise that is expected to address insecurity and other criminalities within the country.

    In an interview with the 82 Division Army spokesman, Col. Musa Sagir, their personnel through intelligence have been able to make significant successes during the on-going military operation.

    According to Col. Sagir, the men  of the command have been able to nip a lot of crime including communal clashes, kidnapping, land disputes, armed robbery, oil bunker, car theft etc in the bud in the southeast and the south-south within the period the operation has lasted.

    Col. Sagir, who said the military was not going to rest on its oars, warned those hoping to cause problem to have a rethink.

    In a breakdown of the activities of the military since the Egwueke III started in the Southeast and some states in Southsouth, Col. Sagir attributed some of the successes recorded to the collaboration between the military and sister agencies, adding that they had handed over some of the suspects to the police and appropriate security agencies to continue with investigation and prosecutions.

    Violent communal conflicts averted in Abia and Anambra states

    Following the attack of Nkwembi community by some misguided youths from Okagwe community of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on January 9,  which led to the death of one person, two persons reportedly missing, two houses and six vehicles were burnt. This caused Nkwembi youths to reorganise for a counter attack which troops of Sector 2 in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility (AOR) assisted Ohafia Divisional Police Headquarters to contain the situation. Normalcy has since been restored between the warring communities. Pictures of some damaged vehicles and burnt houses are forwarded herewith.

    Similarly, troops of Sector 5 in 302 Artillery General Support Regiment AOR prevented violent clash over possession/ownership of farm land between Nzam and Umenwelum communities in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State. The incident led to the destruction of farms across the communities, – the situation was salvaged by the deployment of joint patrol teams to the conflicting communities. No life has been lost, government officials and other stakeholders are in control of the situation at the moment.

    Recovery of arms and ammunition   Based on credible information, troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector 3 in 144 Battalion location along Osisioma, Aba general area of Abia State, monitored/pursued three suspected armed robbers. The robbers abandoned two locally made double barrel gun wrapped on a tricycle and dashed to the surrounding bushes on sighting a patrol van. The tricycle and the arms will be handed over to the Abia State police command for further action.

     Raid on suspected drug hideout

    Following a tip off, troops of Sector 2 in 14 Brigade AOR, in conjunction with some personnel of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a raid on confirmed hideout of Indian hemp dealers in Atani and Ibom localities in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Consequently, five suspects were arrested, 25 parcel of cannabis, 17 wraps of Indian hemp were recovered and are in custody of the NDLEA for further action.

    Apprehension over insecurity and political crisis checkmated 

    Based on credible intelligence of likely impending politically motivated violence in the build up to elections/electioneering campaigns by contending parties/actors, troops of Sector 4, in 24 Support Engineer Regiment AOR, – Ebonyi State, have jointly been conducting robust patrols in major identified flashpoints across the state.

    Consequently, there is an increased presence of security agencies on patrols and snap checkpoints in some areas such as Afikpo, Ekpoamaka, Alike Achara and Nwankpa communities in Afikpo and Ikwo LGAs of the state.

    Similarly, key areas like Ikwo junction, Enugu road, Presco roundabout and Vanco water works witnessed an increased presence of security personnel. These efforts are aimed to provide a conducive environment for socio-economic and political activities by proactively checkmating anticipated crisis before, during and after the 2019 general elections in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff.

     Civil- military relations/cooperation

    To ensure mutual understanding, synergy and collaboration with the leaders of the zone for the benefit of the people, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Abubakar Sadiq Maikobi has visited all the governors of the South East Zone. He formally, at different times, individually, effectively briefed them about the Exercise and solicited for their cooperation. This action, assisted in the successes achieved so far. Currently, there is no reported case of Civil-Military conflict in the whole of the Southeast. The level of cooperation and understanding as well as information of intelligence value being received from host communities in the zone is unprecedented.

    Water projects in Imo State

    As part of his continuous efforts to portray the Nigerian Army in a positive light and winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has on Friday the 11th of January, 2019 commissioned four Solar Powered water projects in different settlements in Aboh Mbaise, – Obetitu Autonomous Community in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The commissioning was done by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Maikobi, who represented the COAS.

    Maj-Gen.  Maikobi accompanied by Chief of Accounts and Budget Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen.  UC Ogulanna visited the paramount ruler of Obetitu Autonomous Community where he extended the regards and greetings of the COAS to the leaders, elders and entire good people of the community.

    The traditional rulers, clerics, youths and women leaders of the benefiting communities as well as elders of the neighbouring localities were euphoric, – glaringly happy and surged forward to receive and ushered in the representative of the COAS to formally commission the projects.

    Farmers-herders clash averted

    Troops of Sector 5 in 302 Artillery General Support Regiment, Onitsha in conjunction with other security agencies, based on intelligence, have averted a bloody clash between farmers and herdsmen in Aman area of Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State on 7 January, 2019. The incident led to the death of one herder before the arrival of security agencies. At the moment, the situation has been normalized with the combined efforts of the agencies and political leadership of the State.

    Arrest of notorious car snatcher in Abia State

    Following a tip off, troops of Sector 2, Sub – Sector 3 in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility, on a targeted  patrol on 8 January 2019, arrested a notorious car snatcher one Justice Origwe of Olokoro community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. He was nabbed at about 2 am in Umuahia town in possession of 20 assorted vehicles keys.

    Preliminary investigation and confession by the suspect revealed that Mr. Origwe has been in the act for some years. He has since been handed over to Headquarters Nigerian Police, Abia State Command for further action.

    Arrest of a truck loaded with illegally bunkered oil

    Similarly in Sector 3, Sub Sector 4 in 34 Brigade Area of Responsibility, troops of 342 Artillery Regiment on patrol along Shell pipeline at Obitti in Ohaji Egbema general area of Imo State, intercepted a truck loaded with substance suspected to be illegal product. On sighting the patrol team, the driver fled and abandoned the vehicle and the product. The truck with the content has been towed to Obinze Barracks for further necessary action.

    CIMIC’s activities

    The Civil-Military Relations and CIMIC Projects are parts of the COAS vision for the Nigerian Army. Consequently, as a deliberate plan imbued to facilitate the success of this exercise and winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians, many CIMIC projects have been undertaken across the various parts of the country. In the same vein, the Nigerian Army has renovated and on 8th of January, 2019 commissioned 2 blocks of Nursery Classrooms at Onu Ibina Community Primary School at Igbere Bende Local Government Area of Abia State in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility.

    Rescue of two kidnap victims

    Based on a distressed call that alerted troops of a kidnap incident at Ubakala junction along Owerrinta general area of Abia State, troops of Sector 2, Sub sector Charlie successfully cordoned and searched the area.

    Consequently, the kidnappers abandoned their lawyer-victims – Loveth Nonye Ofoegbu and Kaodi Onuaha and were later handed over to the police.

    Raid of armed robbers’ hideout

    Troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector Alfa on Thursday, January 24 raided a hideout of suspected armed robbers in Ahaba, Imenyi community of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. A suspect, Mr. Chidebere Orji, was arrested while others are at large.

    Preliminary investigation indicated that the gang members are behind the robbery of Mr and Mrs Kelechi Orji at their residence in Ahaba Imenyi community where they carted away Four Million Naira. Items recovered from their residence include a locally made pistol, two unexploded cartridges and 2cellphone handsets. Suspect and the items will be handed over to the Abia State Police Command for possible prosecution.

    Communal clash averted in Umunneochi LGA, Abia State

    Communal conflict between Azoruike autonomous community and Amanator autonomous community of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State was averted by troops of Sector 2, Sub sector Alfa in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Abia State command. The incident happened on the 27th of January 2019, and has led to the destruction of few houses, cars and motorcycles.

    Arrest of IPOB members

    Some members of proscribed IPOB  forced their way into St Mary Catholic Church Parish Abayi Ariaria in Aba  on Sunday, January 27; troops of Sub sector Bravo in conjunction with the personnel of Nigerian police, Abia State Command moved to the area and effectively salvaged the situation.

    At the scene, it was reported that IPOB members were shouting no elections in Biafra land and also attempted to beat Reverend Father Nathaniel Oyedike. A vehicle and some chairs were reportedly damaged in/within the church premises.

    Consequently, 5 persons were arrested and a check point has been established at Ariaria to monitor the situation. The area is calm and routine activities are smoothly being conducted.

  • More feathers in philanthropist’s cap

    A philanthropist in one of Anambra communities, High Chief Obiora Okonkwo received multiple traditional titles from some traditional rulers in Anambra State in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the development of the communities; especially in the area of promotion of culture and tradition. YOMI ODUNUGA who was in Ogidi, Anambra State reports that Okonkwo who holds the title of Dikeora Idemili, Anambra State, used the occasion to empower some widows and others less privileged individuals.

    For High Chief Obiora Okonkwo, a political stalwart and businessman per excellence, the 2018 Yuletide will remain fresh in his heart. It was a period when his people in the entire Anambra Central Senatorial District honoured him not just with a chieftaincy title but also the kind of communal love that binds a people together.

    Okonkwo, who holds the title of Dikeora Idemili, Anambra State, shone like a thousand stars before the people of the Senatorial zone, and also before the people of Umunya and Umuawulu kingdoms.

    On the special occasion, Okonkwo added more feathers in his cap as the title of Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’ukpa was jointly conferred on him by all the traditional rulers of Anambra Central Senatorial District.

    After the installation which took place on December 24, the Umunya Kingdom pulled him to the podium and conferred on him the title of EbekuoDike of Nya Kingdom, which makes him an honorary citizen of Umunya as well as a member of the cabinet of the Igwe Nya.

    As if that was not enough, the Umuawulu Kingdom also invited him over and adorned him with yet another title as the Ugobueze, rounding off the unforgettable experience for man who, though is not contesting for any office in the 2019 general elections, has attracted the admiration of the people of Anambra State for his efforts in promoting the culture and traditions of the people as well as seek better understanding of the role of culture in the moral rejuvenation of the society.

    December 24 began on a busy note for Okonkwo. As early as 7:00a.m., his palatial country home had been taken over by over 2,000 women, including the aged, the sick, widows, expectant mothers and more. As expected, all the women went home with items to celebrate the Yuletide, a gesture that Okonkwo was always eager to perform every year.

    After observing Mass at his private chapel which was anchored by his brother, Rev. Fr. Ugonna Okonkwo who is also Director of Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, the largest private specialist hospital in Onitsha, Okonkwo was set for the day as he walked into the enchanting chants by the crowd of women.

    Addressing the women, Okonkwo urged them to accept whatever little gifts he was able to make available to them. He also encouraged them to remain steadfast in prayers, even as he promised to do more to alleviate their situations.

    His announcement that the gift items included clothing materials (wrappers) sent the women in wild jubilation as they sang songs in praise of Okonkwo’s generosity. Shortly after, the surging crowd became uncontrollable as each woman struggled to be the first to lay hands on the gift items. Order was restored when the security team at the venue, alongside Ogidi youths, stepped in and enforced calmness.

    The handing out of the gifts, which included bags of rice, left the women dancing and thanking God for sending High Chief Okonkwo to them. As they sang and danced, the women prayed for more blessing and longevity for Okonkwo.

    Satisfied that the crowd left his house happy, Okonkwo set out for the palace of the Igwe of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uganda, Ezedike Ukwulu, who is also Chairman of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, for installation as Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa.

    He was accompanied on the journey by his home traditional ruler, Igwe Alex Onyido, Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom. Also on his entourage were traditional dance groups, the famous Ijele Inwelle, his wife, friends, associates and a horde of Ogidi people who saw in the honour on Okonkwo, a strategic recognition of the positive value he has added to life in Ogidi Kingdom. They all came colourfully dressed.

    Okonkwo walked into the warm embrace of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum who welcomed him traditionally with 21 gun salute. He took time to go round to exchange traditional greetings with all the traditional rulers present. His presence electrified the Igwe Ukwulu’s palace as elites called out his name on huge elephant tusks.

    After the traditional breaking of kolanuts and prayers for Okonkwo, and Anambra State in general, the Ezedike Ukwulu invited Igwe Ezechuamagha to lead his illustrious subject, Okonkwo to the podium for installation as Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa.

    Done with that, Igwe Ezechuamagha watched in admiration as the Chairman of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, Ezedike Ukwulu, crowned Okonkwo; announcing him as the Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa in Anambra State. He is the first to bear the title. As he was capped, Okonkwo also received other insignia of office before he was handed a certificate by the traditional rulers of Anambra Central.

    What followed was merry making. There was enough to eat and drink for the crowd that witnessed the event. There was also enough display of traditional dances with colourful performance by the Ijele Inwelle.

    His day was made. He would, however, return to Umunya Kingdom on December 29 where Igwe Umunya, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje adorned him with yet another title as EbekuoDike.  The colourful ceremony marked Igwe Onyekwuluje’s 21st anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.

    On that day, Igwe Onyekwuluje called out 21 illustrious sons and daughters of Igbo land, including the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Governor Willie Obiano and Senator Uche Ekwunife, among many others, for honour at an event chaired by Senator Ben Ndi Obi.

    Like the Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, Igwe Onyekwuluje also said that Okonkwo was being honoured for his untiring effort in the promotion of culture and tradition in Anambra State. He praised Okonkwo for working steadily towards creating a better understanding of the role of culture in the moral rejuvenation of the society.

    Prior to being honoured at Umunya, High Chief Okonkwo was guest of the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, who, on December 29 of every year, hosts a luncheon for his friends and friends of the Archdiocese.

    At the colourful ceremony which attracted prominent sons of the state, including former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Senator Mike Ajaegbo and  Chief Charles Odunukwe (Chadon), among other members of the National Assembly from the state, Archbishop Okeke announced that the annual event was his own way of specially celebrating the Yuletide,  and to specially thank all those who have added value to the life of the Archdiocese, irrespective of their faith or  denomination. He appreciated Okonkwo and others for adding colour to his day.

  • Rain: Aba residents lament damage

    The first rainfall this year in Abia State has left many residents of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state in pains following the havoc it wreaked on their properties.

    While many residents had gone out to their respective offices and businesses without any anticipation of rain, they were shocked that it rained in torrents.

    The city, which had most of its drainage blocked was flooded within few minutes of the rain, causing gridlock on major streets and roads as vehicle owners and commuters struggle for space.

    Some of the residents whose houses were submerged have appealed to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to help them to alleviate their suffering. 

    When our reporter visited areas affected by the flood, it was gathered that many residents lost most of their belongings to the flood.

    Residents living in some of the areas where road projects have been abandoned by respective contractors want government to order the contractors back to site, even as they expressed worry that if the works linger till the rainy season sets in, it could force them out of their homes.

    Ndiegoro, Uratta, the Over-Rail, Port Harcourt Road among other places, were mainly affected. Some residents who spoke to our reporter said the last two months of last year were more of a miracle to them as they did their businesses smoothly with the dry season helping to dry up their roads.

    Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Maxwell Mbagwu, a landlord at Obohia Road, off Nkwo-Ngwa Market in Ndiegoro axis of Aba South Local Government Area said he is afraid because he knows that he and his tenants are about to experience the painful part of this year faster than expected.

    He said: “I don’t hate rain. But I now fear rainy season because of where I found myself. The weather is too hot, yet people like me are afraid of seeing rain. Do you think that’s normal?

    “You can see why we are afraid. We are about to begin a new phase of our suffering for this year so early. I had thought that the rains will begin in February, but it took us all by surprise.

    “I pity my tenants. They’ll pay rents in pains and I will be collecting with remorse. Most of them who have cars do park along the good portions of the road or even as far as other adjoining streets.

    “For me I can’t drive again because it’s more cost-effective to enter keke than to destroy one’s car. The truth is that Abia State government has abandoned us. We plead that they remember that we are humans and still alive.”

    A resident of Igbere Road off Ohazu Road, within the same Ndiegoro axis who identified herself as Mrs. Celine pleaded with Governor Ikpeazu to instruct the contractors handling the Igbere Road to go back to site.

    “Our homes were like river. Those who went out couldn’t return while those of us at home had to endure the whole problem. We don’t know if they have stopped the construction, but the drainage stopped somewhere there.

    “We are suffering and we plead with the governor to save us before we perish. The storm water is malodorous.

    “Just few days to the New Year, we are back to it again. The contractors have all disappeared. We are now living like pigs in the midst of debris and mosquitoes. Aside the state of our finance, we cannot be in this kind of place,” she lamented.

    Residents of Osusu Road, Omuma Road and Cemetery Road all in Over-Rail lamented the bad state of their roads and called on the state government to fix them.

    The worst hit in the Over-Rail axis is the Osusu Road where Abia State government demolished buildings, created new waterways for the construction of drainage, but has not commenced work on it.

  • Foundation upgrades hospital in Anambra community

    Drugs and medical equipment worth over N1 billion have been donated for use at Umueri General Hospital by indigenes of the community living in the United States of America under the auspices of Umueri America Heritage Foundation (UAHF) (USA).

    The drugs covered medications for different kinds of illnesses while the equipment were meant for surgery and other hospital materials.

    Presenting the items at the palace of the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Sir Benneth Emeka, the Coordinator, Dr. Peter Nnaemeka said the donation of the drugs and equipment for the hospital was aimed at meeting the health care of the people of the area and beyond.

    Nnaemeka, a native of Orgbu Umueri, said the intention of the organisation was to copy models around the world and to ensure that quality medical services were rendered at the hospital with credible results.

    He enjoined the residents to avail themselves of the opportunity and visit the hospital in order to benefit from the facilities.

    Also speaking, the President of Umueri America Heritage Foundation (USA), Chief Pius Uwalor said the body was challenged to have a functional general hospital in the area.

    Uwalor, who hails from Ikenga Umueri, said they wanted their people to enjoy standard drugs and maintain good health, as well as complement the efforts of the state government in the health sector.

    Receiving the items, the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka appreciated the donors for keying into the state government’s think home philosophy through their gesture.

    He said: “There is no doubt that you’ve been assisting in putting up developmental projects in Umueri. This giant step is another clear manifestation of it.”

    The monarch called on members of his community and other neighbouring communities to take advantage of the facilities, assuring of adequate monitoring of their use.

    In their separate remarks, the doctor in charge of the hospital, Dr. Vincent Anikpe and Rev. Clem Uzuegbu were full of appreciation to God and the donors for coming to their aid.

    They pledged good use of the facilities for the common good of the people.

  • Community considers female players for tournament

    Female players have been assured of being part of the annual youth football tournament in Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The sponsor of the competition and the Deputy National Vice-President of Eze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, Dr Peter Olikenyi, gave the assurance during the final match of the competition at the St Charles Catholic Church field, Lilu.

    He said the tournament is his own contribution in checking youth restiveness and anti-social behaviours besides other employment opportunities in his factories.

    He said: “The month-long competition which comes up annually also stimulates joy, happiness and relaxation for people on holidays in Lilu community at the end of the year.”

    Expressing satisfaction that some of the nation’s big time international professional football players were discovered from the competition, Olikenyi called for support from other public-spirited individuals.

    “I’ve been sponsoring this tournament since 1990. I provide the balls, jerseys, the cups and refreshments,” he added.

    The traditional ruler of Lilu, Igwe Godson Onyediri, who took the kick-off, commended Olikenyi for initiating and sustaining the competition.

    He said: “The community is now rising from the ashes of the past needs for steady electricity, health care, roads, security to stem the series of burglaries and vandalism of transformers.”

    He revealed that plans have been concluded to establish a water processing plant in the community as part of measures to create jobs for the citizens.

  • N1.4b development projects for 140 Ebonyi communities

    It was a rally meant to launch the electioneering campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi North and Central zones in Ikwo and Izzi Local Government Areas.

    However, Governor David Umahi turned it into a platform to inaugurate projects in over 140 communities.

    “I didn’t come for campaigns; I came to share more democracy dividends. The only campaign I am doing is projects, he said as there were chants of “Professor of projects” by the jubilant crowd.

    The governor promised that the Abakaliki Ring Road will commence by March.

    He said efforts to begin the construction of the road in the past years were allegedly delayed by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who deployed all means to thwart the efforts of government to take loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) with which to construct the road.

    The Abakaliki Ring Road is the longest in the state and cuts across eight out of the 13 local government areas.

    When constructed, it will open up the hinterlands for export of goods and lead to more commercial activities.

    Since it was constructed by the Jim Nwobodo administration when the area was part of Enugu State, the road has not been reconstructed.

    Former Governor Martin Elechi tried to reconstruct the road but didn’t succeed despite that he is from the zone. The few portions of the road he attempted to do, especially the part leading to his house, have since failed due to poor quality of work.

    But Governor Umahi, who is from Ebonyi South Senatorial District, has vowed to fix the road with concrete stone base. This is a new method of road construction which he is pioneering in the country and which has been adjudged the strongest with the capacity to last for between 50 and 100 years.

    Already the Ezzamgbo to Effium section of the road has been done by the governor using state funds. The section was one of the worst areas that have deteriorated. Umahi said he was committed to ameliorating the suffering of the people; hence he decided to use state funds to do the road rather than wait for the loan which is allegedly being stalled by some members of the opposition.

    “The same people who caused the delay are still coming to ask you to vote for them. We will commence the road by March and will do more projects for you,” the Governor told the people of Izzi Local Government Area.

    Umahi also inaugurated the N1.4 billion community development project for the 140 communities.

    According to him, each community will get N10million to carry out a project of their choice.

    He also said the money for the community projects has already been set aside, adding that leaders of all the 140 communities have submitted projects their communities would like to execute.

    Umahi noted that he will continue to develop the state, even as he called on the people to continue to support his administration.

    “We are beginning N10million projects in each of the 140 communities. The money is already available; we believe in action not in promises that would not be fulfilled. We said every community should give us project of their choice and they have done that. So, we will need to flag it off,” he said.

    The governor also inaugurated the Community Development Project where every community will get N10million to carry out one project of their choice.

    Chairmen of Town Unions from the local government areas were present to receive the cheques from the governor who also announced that work on the Oferekpe River Bridge to link the Ikwo and Cross River State will commence soon.

    In their separate speeches, the Director-General of Umahi’s Campaign Organisation, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo; the state Chairman of PDP, Barrister Onyekachi Nwebonyi and the National Vice-Chairman of PDP, Southeast zone, Chief Austin Umahi, urged the people to re-elect Umahi and other PDP candidates as reward for good work is more work.

  • Multiple awards for best Anambra NDA graduate

    2nd Lt. Ugochukwu Nwama from Anambra State has written his name in gold as a result of his sterling performance at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was adjudged the best graduating Cadet Adjutant of the 2018 Course.

    The young officer, who is the son of Igwe Obosi Eze, A.C. Iweka 111, was presented with four different awards as rewards for his achievement at the just-concluded Passing out Parade in Kaduna State.

    Nwama won the prestigious Golden Sword (the highest award to a cadet) ‘Sword of Honour’ (NDA’s highest accolade); the Indian Shield as well as the Best Graduating Student.

    Nwama, who is indigenous to Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, was ordered to be promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant after out-performing his fellow cadets.

    This rare feat came soon after a recent exceptional performance of five Anambra-born police constables at the Nigeria Police Training College, Nekede Imo State.

    According to records from the institution, Nwama not only emerged the best in the Army but was the overall best in the entire military–the Army, Air Force and the Navy in the final year of his training at the academy.

    Nwama majored in Electrical Electronics Engineering during the convocation, Presidential Commissioning and Passing out Parade of the 65 RC graduates.

    His statue was unveiled to perpetuate the memory of his sheer brilliance, focus, hard work and exceptional life of discipline.

    In a congratulatory message, the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba described Nwama as a special breed of soldier with an emerging character of an “officer and gentleman’’.

    He attributed the feat to the dogged and resilient spirit of an average Anambra citizen, made possible by the effort of the current administration.

    Adinuba noted that the state had become the most competitive state in Nigeria, recording great achievements in almost every sphere in public and private sectors.

    His words: “Indeed, Anambra State has consistently maintained enviable top position as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

    “The security architecture in Anambra firmly guarantees the safety and protection of lives, property and businesses of all who reside within its territories and even beyond.

    “Anambra has equally maintained excellent position in all external examinations, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, recording the least level of examination malpractices across the country.”

    According to Adinuba, the generous funding of schools and adequate motivation of teachers have delivered excellent results and brought accolades to the state and deserving individuals.

    “On March 19, last year, the world bore witness as Anambra Golden Girls outshone other students from not less than 100 countries to win the Technovation Challenge in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, USA.

    “Other Anambra students had also won meritoriously in different international debates.

    “Teachers from the state are also not left out as they have consistently led their colleagues in almost every Federal Government nation-wide assessment.

    “In the health sector, Anambra State remains the trail blazer, breaking frontiers and setting the pace for others to follow.

    “Perhaps, in recognition of resounding achievement in infant and maternal health care, the Federal Government, in June, last year, presented an award to Anambra State for winning the top prize in immunisation.

    “The Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme has also been adjudged the most people-oriented health schemes in the country,” he added.